bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing Is Caring: Living with Friends and Heterotopic Citizenship
Authors: Santos Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2022

Drawing on biographic interviews conducted with LGBTQ people based in Lisbon, this chapter unpacks the reasons why people cohabit with friends. The chapter starts with an introduction to the topic of friendship and how it has been historically constructed in Western societies. The second part draws attention to the empirical experience of living with friends. To understand why and how people manage cohabiting with friends, a focus will be placed on recent processes of gentrification and on the dynamics of care. Towards the end of the chapter, it will be suggested that houses designed to host nuclear families are heterotopic spaces where a variety of social practices occur.
Affective Trans Relationships: Towards a Deleuzian Approach to Friendship Theory
Authors: Davy Zowie
Published: November 2022

This chapter challenges mainstream friendship theory from philosophy and psychosocial studies that seems to suggest that at school friendship is based on hierarchized types of relationship. Drawing on data from parents of trans and gender-diverse children, this chapter demonstrates that friendship and friendship bonds cannot be universalized and that we must acknowledge the different desires, choices, and lived experiences through time and space, the roles, and the desires that are produced in an ongoing way within friendship relationships and that they are constantly moving. I argue that by looking at these friendship affects through a Deleuzian lens we are able to enunciate how friendships are, according to the parents, affective and becoming minoritarian and thus producing new ways to think about friends and friendship bonds.
Bisexual Citizenship in Portugal
Authors: Esteves Mafalda
Published: November 2022

Portugal has achieved significant legal changes in LGBTI+ rights. However, bisexuality is still regarded as suspicious, leading to invisibility and silence. This chapter analyses bisexual citizenship in Portugal, starting with the theoretical debate around this concept and subsequently taking intimate citizenship as a useful analytical concept in uncovering the institutionalization of compulsory heterosexuality and monosexuality. Through the lens of an empirical study based on ongoing PhD research, it analyses bisexual citizenship and explores how bisexual people construct and express their intimate citizenship. Focused on the challenges and constraints faced by bisexual activism in Portugal, analysed data will feed the theoretical debate on intimate citizenship in Portugal and contribute to (re)thinking about the status of bisexual people as sexual subjects.
Biocriminals, Racism, and the Law: Friendship as Public Disorder
Authors: Pérez Navarro Pablo
Published: November 2022

This essay offers a reading of the notion of public order from a biopolitical point of view. Departing from Giorgio Agamben’s reading of the state of exception, it will be argued that public order is the legal dispositive allowing for sovereign power to disseminate in a microphysical form throughout the judicial, administrative and securitarian institutions of the state. Moreover, in a similar vein that the state of exception constitutes, for Agamben, a threshold between the order of the law and the order of life, it will be shown that public order represents a fundamental core of Eurocentric regulations of the social life of kinship, gender, and reproduction. Finally, I will contrast the biopolitics of public order, understood as a preserving force for the status quo, with Foucault’s account of friendship, understood as an ever-emerging impulse for creative forms of radical cohabitation.
Embodied Queer Epistemologies: A New Approach to (a Monstrous) Citizenship
Authors: Santos Ana Cristina
Published: November 2022

In this chapter meanings attached to monstrosity will be explored in light of queer critiques of the concept of citizenship. The first part of the chapter explores the notion of the monster, with a particular interest in queer readings of monstrosity. In that section, monsters will be unpacked against the backdrop of the archetype of the hero. Subsequently, the chapter focuses on the idea of citizenship and aims at recuperating its potential in the light of both contemporary queer critiques and evidence-based needs to strengthen formal recognition in times of anti-LGBTQI+ backlash. Finally, the notion of monstrous citizenship will be advanced as part of what I am suggesting be interpreted as an embodied turn in (queer) epistemologies.
Building Safer Spaces: Daily Strategies and Networks of Care in Cisheteronormative Italy
Authors: Motterle Tatiana
Published: November 2022

The chapter outlines the undeniable importance of affects, friendships, collective and mutual care and support among LGBTQ people in Italy, reading them as forms of resistance to the general absence of a formal recognition of LGBTQ rights by the Italian state or to the limits of existing legislation. The author starts by introducing some relevant characteristics of the Italian socio-economic and political context and their consequences on the rights and the intimate lives of LGBTQ people. The text then explores the stories of participants, first describing the material and symbolic consequences of the lack of laws protecting LGBTQ rights and then identifying and unpacking some strategies through which participants cope in daily life, namely, working around the law and building networks of care.
Insurgent Parenting: Political Implications of Childrearing and Caring Practices in Spain
Authors: Moreira Luciana
Published: November 2022

Contemporary Western societies have accommodated relational rights of queer people, but the link between marriage and filiation rights remains strong. However, parallel to significant alternative family projects that emerged from Black and lesbian feminist studies, current possibilities of parenting enabled by intimate citizenship rights also present interesting practices of care outside the traditional family norm. Drawing on interviews with lesbian and bisexual mothers, and with trans people whose parents were part of their networks of care, this chapter analyses how parenting practices may be a tool to (1) ascribe social visibility to sexual and gender-diverse identities and families; (2) educate children beyond a gender binary system; (3) subvert the neoliberal supremacy of paid work over motherhood; and (4) raise children in a larger network of care, beyond the couple/children norm.
Switzerland and the Two Faces of Integration
Authors: Mexi Maria M.
Published: November 2022

In recent years, awareness of the socio-economic costs of immigrants’ marginalisation and exclusion has led Swiss policymakers to promote integration. However, the biographical interviews with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers (MRAs) who arrived in Switzerland between 2014 and 2019 tell a different story. MRAs consider themselves not well integrated, while the labour market outcomes of certain migrant groups are diverging. Particularly migrant women run the risk of being left behind. This chapter sheds light on these aspects. It also argues that policymaking can only be effective if it considers all structural and agential factors in their interdependence. The chapter illuminates a discrepancy between, on one hand, structural changes that do not always shape aspirations of Swiss policy actors for successful and promising policy implementation and, on the other, the realities of the migrants’ lives. Their experiences of deskilling and a consequent feeling of not being welcome lead to the development of negative epiphanic views on the inability to access gainful employment. The illuminated synergistic relationship between structural and agential factors are very instructive for policymaking: leaving agential considerations outside the scope of structural reforms can expose migrants to further risks and vulnerabilities, and exacerbate inequalities within host societies.
Italy: The Promised Land? Journeys of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers Towards Labour Market Integration
Authors: Collini Mattia
Published: November 2022

Migrants and asylum seekers have faced important hurdles in integrating in the Italian labour market. The segmented and ethnicised nature of this coupled with their often-uncertain residence status significantly contribute to such difficulties. Building on previous studies that looked at the role of policies and structural factors in migrants’ labour market integration, this chapter adopts a biographical perspective to investigate how pre-migration experiences as well as turning points after arriving in Italy have shaped migrants’ and asylum seekers’ labour market integration trajectories. Using biographical narratives, we look at specific events and actors (people or organisations) that marked turning points and provoked epiphanies – whether negative or positive – for the migrant. Our findings highlight the fragmentation of the Italian labour market and the many hurdles that migrants experience. They also highlight how pre-departure experiences and networks at destination contribute to building migrants’ resilience and help them turn their migration experience into a positive one.
A Long Journey of Integration
Authors: Isaakyan Irina , Triandafyllidou Anna , Baglioni Simone
Published: November 2022

This chapter summarizes the interaction between integration and agency by comparing migrants’ encounters with labour markets through which their agency challenges existing discourses. The chapter investigates the complex relationship between policy discourse, gender, and class in the production of migrant agency across different countries. The gendered experiences of low labour in Denmark centre around the crucial moments of retraining for migrant women, through which they reconsider their adjustment to the labour market as ‘devoid integration’. The EU discourses of integration are further disrupted by humanitarian migrants in Scotland and Switzerland, whose encounters with the non-recognition of qualifications and inadequate social welfare contradict the ‘migrant-welcoming’ national facades. The Canadian grand discourse of ‘smooth transition’ is opposed by the analysis of aspirations that clash with outcomes such as the labour market entrance. In this connection, we can see the Italian ‘borderline’ space of the informal market, within which many legal economic migrants navigate a complex web of existing laws and informal opportunities. The comparison is amplified by a visually ‘successful’ portrait of entrepreneurial integration, which is nevertheless perceived by skilled migrants in Finland as a less desirable option. The quality of migrants’ agency thus becomes contested if they seek to progress in the labour market. An essential element in this contestation is the transnational migrants’ disagreement with official discourses of ethnic solidarity and national citizenship in the Czech Republic. The comparative analysis of these lived experiences leads toward a new understanding of ‘agency’ and ‘resilience’ in labour market integration.
Exploring the strong-coupling region of SU(N) Seiberg-Witten theory
Authors: D’Hoker Eric , Dumitrescu Thomas T. , Nardoni Emily
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We consider the Seiberg-Witten solution of pure $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theory in four dimensions, with gauge group SU(N). A simple exact series expansion for the dependence of the 2(N − 1) Seiberg-Witten periods aI(u), aDI(u) on the N − 1 Coulomb-branch moduli un is obtained around the ℤ2N-symmetric point of the Coulomb branch, where all un vanish. This generalizes earlier results for N = 2 in terms of hypergeometric functions, and for N = 3 in terms of Appell functions. Using these and other analytical results, combined with numerical computations, we explore the global structure of the Kähler potential K = $$ \frac{1}{2}{\sum}_I $$

1
2

∑
I

Im($$ \overline{a} $$

a
¯

IaDI), which is single valued on the Coulomb branch. Evidence is presented that K is a convex function, with a unique minimum at the ℤ2N-symmetric point. Finally, we explore candidate walls of marginal stability in the vicinity of this point, and their relation to the surface of vanishing Kähler potential.
A randomized phase 2 trial of nintedanib and low-dose cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia ineligible for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Berdel Andrew F. , Koch Raphael , Gerss Joachim , Hentrich Marcus , Peceny Rudolf , Bartscht Tobias , Steffen Björn , Bischoff Marina , Spiekermann Karsten , Angenendt Linus , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Kewitz Tobias , Butterfass-Bahloul Trude , Serve Hubert , Lenz Georg , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Krug Utz , Schliemann Christoph
Published: November 2022

We investigated the safety and efficacy of nintedanib added to low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) in a phase 1/2 study in patients 60 years or older with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory (r/r) AML ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. The results of the dose-finding phase 1 part have been previously published. Patients were randomized 1:1 to LDAC plus nintedanib or LDAC plus placebo stratified by AML status (newly diagnosed vs r/r). LDAC was applied subcutaneously at 20 mg twice daily on days 1 to 10. Nintedanib/placebo was orally administered twice daily on days 1 to 28 in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Between 05/2017 and 09/2019, 31 patients were randomized and 30 were treated, before the study was terminated prematurely due to slow recruitment. Median (range) age of patients was 76 (60–84) years. Twenty-two patients (73%) had r/r AML. Median OS in patients treated with LDAC and nintedanib was 3.4 months, compared with 3.6 months in those treated in the placebo arm, with a HR adjusted for AML status of 1.19 (corresponding confirmatory adjusted 95% CI, 0.55–2.56; univariate log-rank P = 0.96). In the 22 patients with r/r AML, median OS was 3.0 months in the nintedanib and 3.6 months in the placebo arm (P = 0.36). One patient in the nintedanib and two patients in the placebo arm achieved a CR and entered maintenance treatment. Nintedanib showed no superior therapeutic activity over placebo when added to LDAC in elderly AML patients considered unfit for intensive chemotherapy. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT01488344.
Final 4-year results of the RAINBOW real-world study: intravitreal aflibercept dosing regimens in France in treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Cohen Salomon-Yves , Dominguez Marcel , Coscas Florence , Faure Céline , Baillif Stéphanie , Oubraham Hassiba , Kodjikian Laurent , Weber Michel ,   on behalf of the RAINBOW study investigators
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate real-world treatment outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) in routine clinical practice in France.

Methods

RAINBOW (NCT02279537) was an ambispective, observational, 4-year study assessing IVT-AFL effectiveness, treatment patterns, and safety in patients with nAMD in France. Treatment-naïve patients prescribed IVT-AFL and treated according to local practice (pro re nata or treat-and-extend) were eligible. Three treatment cohorts were retrospectively identified based on their treatment pattern within the first 12 months: regular (3 initial monthly IVT-AFL injections received within 45–90 days after the first injection in month 0 and followed by injections every 2 months), irregular with the initial monthly injections, and irregular without the initial monthly injections. The primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12. The 48-month results are described here.

Results

Overall, the study included 516 patients (each with one study eye), and 30.2% of patients completed 48 months of IVT-AFL treatment. Mean change in BCVA from baseline (56.5 letters) to month 48 for patients with an assessment at both time points was + 1.1 (regular cohort, n = 47), + 0.1 (irregular cohort with initial monthly injections, n = 115), and − 1.3 letters (irregular cohort without initial monthly injections, n = 26), representing a decrease from the gains achieved at month 12. Mean number of IVT-AFL injections received by month 48 in the treatment cohorts was 14.9, 13.7, and 11.9, respectively. The safety profile of IVT-AFL was consistent with previous studies.

Conclusion

In RAINBOW, the 48-month results demonstrate a lack of long-term effectiveness of IVT-AFL treatment of nAMD due to progressive undertreatment in routine clinical practice in France. These real-world findings highlight the importance of 3 initial monthly IVT-AFL injections followed by continuous proactive treatment beyond the first year to achieve optimal functional outcomes.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02279537.
Physiological effects of microcurrent and its application for maximising acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise
Authors: Kolimechkov Stefan , Seijo Marcos , Swaine Ian , Thirkell Jack , Colado Juan C. , Naclerio Fernando
Published: November 2022

Microcurrent is a non-invasive and safe electrotherapy applied through a series of sub-sensory electrical currents (less than 1 mA), which are of a similar magnitude to the currents generated endogenously by the human body. This review focuses on examining the physiological mechanisms mediating the effects of microcurrent when combined with different exercise modalities (e.g. endurance and strength) in healthy physically active individuals. The reviewed literature suggests the following candidate mechanisms could be involved in enhancing the effects of exercise when combined with microcurrent: (i) increased adenosine triphosphate resynthesis, (ii) maintenance of intercellular calcium homeostasis that in turn optimises exercise-induced structural and morphological adaptations, (iii) eliciting a hormone-like effect, which increases catecholamine secretion that in turn enhances exercise-induced lipolysis and (iv) enhanced muscle protein synthesis. In healthy individuals, despite a lack of standardisation on how microcurrent is combined with exercise (e.g. whether the microcurrent is pulsed or continuous), there is evidence concerning its effects in promoting body fat reduction, skeletal muscle remodelling and growth as well as attenuating delayed-onset muscle soreness. The greatest hindrance to understanding the combined effects of microcurrent and exercise is the variability of the implemented protocols, which adds further challenges to identifying the mechanisms, optimal patterns of current(s) and methodology of application. Future studies should standardise microcurrent protocols by accurately describing the used current [e.g. intensity (μA), frequency (Hz), application time (minutes) and treatment duration (e.g. weeks)] for specific exercise outcomes, e.g. strength and power, endurance, and gaining muscle mass or reducing body fat.
Outcome of self-expandable metal stents placement for obstructive colorectal cancer: 7 years’ experience from a Swedish tertiary center
Authors: Papachrysos Nikolaos , Shafazand Morteza , Alkelin Leif , Kilincalp Serta , de Lange Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background and study aims

Self expandable metal stents (SEMS) is an alternative to emergency surgery to treat malignant large bowel obstruction. It can be used either for palliation or as a bridge to curative surgery. Our study aims to review the outcomes of SEMS treatment in a tertiary center and to find predictors for the clinical outcome.

Patient and methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from SEMS insertion at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, a referral center in Western Sweden (1.7 million inhabitants), between 2014 and 2020. Data collected were age, the intent of intervention, tumor localization, complication rate, technical and clinical success, 30- and 90-days mortality as well as long-term survival for the indication bridge to surgery.

Results

We identified 265 SEMS insertions (mean age 72, female 49.4%). Most SEMS were used for palliation (90.2%). The malign obstruction was most often located in the left colon (71.7%). Technical success was achieved in 259 (97.7%) cases and clinical success in 244 (92.1%) cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 11 cases (4.2%). The 30-days mortality rate was 11.7% and the 90-day was 31.7%. In our analysis the tumor site was not associated with adverse outcomes and bridge to surgery indication was a positive prognostic factor for the 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

We found that SEMS is an effective and safe treatment for patients with acute obstructive colorectal cancer.
Incidental dural tears associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients operated for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Alhaug Ole Kristian , Dolatowski Filip , Austevoll Ivar , Mjønes Sverre , Lønne Greger
Published: November 2022

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

Incidental dural (ID) tear is a common complication of spine surgery with a prevalence of 4–10%. The association between ID and clinical outcome is uncertain. Former studies found only minor differences in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). We aimed to examine the association of ID with treatment failure after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

Between 2007 and 2017, 11,873 LSS patients reported to the national Norwegian spine registry (NORspine), and 8,919 (75.1%) completed the 12-month follow-up. We used multivariate logistic regression to study the association between ID and failure after surgery, defined as no effect or any degrees of worsening; we also compared mean ODI between those who suffered a perioperative ID and those who did not.

Results

The mean (95% CI) age was 66.6 (66.4–66.9) years, and 52% were females. The mean (95% CI) preoperative ODI score (95% CI) was 39.8 (39.4–40.1); all patients were operated on with decompression, and 1125 (12.6%) had an additional fusion procedure. The prevalence of ID was 4.9% (439/8919), and the prevalence of failure was 20.6% (1829/8919). Unadjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) for failure for ID was 1.51 (1.22–1.88); p < 0.001, adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.44 (1.11–1.86); p = 0.002. Mean postoperative ODI 12 months after surgery was 27.9 for ID vs. 23.6 for no ID.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a significant association between ID and increased odds for patient-reported failure 12 months after surgery. However, the magnitude of the detrimental effect of ID on the clinical outcome was small.
The effect of the combined application of solid- and gas-phase flame retardants in epoxy gelcoats on the thermal stability, fire performance and adhesion of coated carbon fibre–reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Pomázi Ákos , Krecz Martin , Toldy Andrea
Published: November 2022

We explored the combined effect of two flame retardants (FR) containing phosphorus—ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP)—on the fire performance of coated carbon fibre–reinforced composites. We prepared epoxy gelcoats with 10% total phosphorus content with different ratios of APP and RDP and characterised by DSC, TGA, rheometry, limiting oxygen index, UL-94 test and mass loss calorimetry (MLC). The increasing ratio of liquid RDP led to a significant reduction in viscosity: gelcoats over 3%P RDP content became sprayable without any diluents. The gelcoat with 7%P APP and 3%P RDP had the best fire performance (pHRR of 141 kW m−2), followed by the gelcoat with 6%P APP and 4%P RDP (pHRR of 171 kW m−2). We prepared flame-retarded and reference epoxy/carbon fibre–reinforced composites by hand lamination, wet compression and vacuum infusion. The flammability of the laminates decreased with increasing fibre content due to the reduction in resin content; therefore, the vacuum-infused sample performed the best. However, due to the more compact structure of the vacuum-infused sample, the reduction in total heat release was greater than expected from the fibre content alone. The MLC results of the coated composites indicated that it was not necessary to incorporate 3%P RDP in the composite matrix of the coated composites, as FRs in the coating alone are sufficient to protect the composite. The adhesion between the composite and the gelcoat was influenced by the presence of the FR additives in the resins, and adhesion was stronger when the composite matrix and the gelcoat contained the same FR.
The In Vitro Activity of Fluconazole, Amphotericin B and Echinocandins Against Cyberlindnera fabianii Planktonic Cells and Biofilms
Authors: Tóth Zoltán , Bozó Aliz , Kovács Renátó , Balogh Bettina , Balázs Bence , Forgács Lajos , Kelentey Barna , Majoros László
Published: November 2022

Until recently, little was known about the susceptibility pattern of Cyberlindnera fabianii (Cy. fabianii) planktonic cells and biofilms regarding the most frequently administered systemic antifungals, despite the high mortality rate and its potential role in catheter-related infections. In the current study, the activity of fluconazole, amphotericin B and echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin) was determined against planktonic and sessile cells of Cy. fabianii clinical isolates (n = 8). Planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 1 to 2, from 0.25 to 1, from 0.015 to 0.06, from 0.03 to 0.12 and from 0.25 to 0.5 mg/l for fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin, respectively. One-day-old biofilms were highly resistant to fluconazole (MIC ranged from 512 to > 512) compared to planktonic counterparts, but not to amphotericin B (MIC ranged from 0.25 to 2 mg/l) and echinocandins (MIC ranged from 0.06 to 2 mg/l). Based on the calculated planktonic killing rates, the highest activity was observed in the case of anidulafungin (k values ranged from 0.37 to 2.09), while micafungin, caspofungin, amphotericin B and fluconazole exerted 0.46–1.47, 0.14–0.86, −0.03 to 2.08 and −0.15 to 0.09 killing rate value ranges, respectively. The obtained in vitro planktonic and sessile susceptibility patterns suggest that echinocandins and amphotericin B may be the most reliable treatment option for the treatment of Cy. fabianii infections.
Multiscenario flood hazard assessment using probabilistic runoff hydrograph estimation and 2D hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: Tufano Rita , Guerriero Luigi , Annibali Corona Mariagiulia , Cianflone Giuseppe , Di Martire Diego , Ietto Fabio , Novellino Alessandro , Rispoli Concetta , Zito Claudia , Calcaterra Domenico
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we aim to define a procedure of flood hazard assessment applicable to large river basins in which flood events can be induced/sustained by the full basin area or by fractions of the total area as functions of the extent of the triggering precipitation event. The proposed procedure is based on a combined approach accounting for (1) the reconstruction of intensity–duration–frequency curves expressing the magnitude in terms of intensity for multiple return periods; (2) the application of the soil conservation service method for runoff estimation from a selected rainfall scenario considering some characteristics of the basin (i.e. soil type, land use/treatment, surface condition, and antecedent moisture conditions); (3) 2D hydrodynamic modelling conducted by the HEC-RAS model using runoff hydrographs as hydrological input data; (4) the reconstruction of flood hazard maps by overlaying multiple inundation maps depicting flood extent for different return periods. To account for the variability in the extent of the triggering precipitation event and the resulting input hydrograph, multiple contributing areas are considered. The procedure is tested at the archaeological site of Sybaris in southern Italy, which is periodically involved in flood events of variable magnitude. The obtained results highlight that the variable extent of the floodable area is strongly conditioned by the extent of the contributing area and return period, as expected. The archaeological site is always involved in the simulated flooding process, except for the smallest contributing area for which only a 300-year event involves this part of the site. Our findings may be useful for developing and supporting flood risk management plans in the area. The developed procedure might be easily exported and tested in other fluvial contexts in which evaluations of multiple flood hazard scenarios, due to the basin geometry and extent, are needed.
Multinationality and systematic risk: a literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Höge-Junge Christin , Eckert Stefan
Published: November 2022

In the literature, the impact of multinationality on the valuation of multinational companies is heavily debated. To understand this impact on valuation, we need to clarify whether and how multinationality affects systematic risk. For this purpose, we analyze the state of research concerning the impact of corporate multinationality on systematic risk, conducting a systematic literature review of 35 studies and a univariate meta-analysis based on 20 studies. We test the predictions of the upstream–downstream hypothesis and the increasing capital market integration hypothesis on the basis of a meta-regression analysis of 17 studies. Our results provide no empirical support for the upstream–downstream hypothesis. However, they corroborate the capital market integration hypothesis in a more radical manner than expected: whereas multinationality seemed to have a risk-reducing effect until the beginning of the 1990s, since then its impact appears to have shifted. We find a risk-increasing effect for multinationality from 1990 on. Our results have important implications for academic research and managerial practice.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on drug and poison–related deaths in Gold Coast, Australia
Authors: Thompson Isabella , Olumbe Alex , Tse Rexson , Thompson Melissa
Published: November 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 is postulated to impact drug- and poison-related deaths. America has reported an increased in drug-related deaths, whereas Australia has reported a decline. Regional studies are scant and may not mirror national data. Characterising drug and poison–related deaths during COVID-19 at a regional level would inform local interventions and policies on the current and future pandemics.

Methods

A 4-year retrospective study from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic) of all drug and poison–related deaths admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital under Coronial investigation.

Results

Drug and poison–related deaths increased in both the proportion and absolute numbers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no statistical difference in age, sex, location of death, manner of death and classification of drugs and poison implicated.

Conclusions

Although there is an increase in drug and poison–related deaths, the overall demographic and pattern have not changed. Further studies to account for the variation may enable implementation of targeted public health interventions to address the burden of related deaths in regional settings in the context of future pandemics.
Autobiographical memory functions in the recall of authentic moments
Authors: Sutton Anna
Published: November 2022

Authenticity, or being true to oneself, relies on integrating autobiographical memories into a coherent life-story. These autobiographical memories serve three adaptive functions: self-identity, social connection and directing behaviour in the future. But little is known about how memory and the subjective sense of authenticity interact. Using a between-subjects experimental design, we compared memories of authentic and inauthentic moments with controls. Memories of in/authentic events were more likely to use the self function and less likely to use the social function than controls. In addition, we noted a trend for memories of inauthentic events to be more likely than controls to use the directive function. These results highlight the importance of an ecological approach to memory as well as the potential adaptive value of recalling inauthentic experiences in developing a coherent sense of self.
HDCR-katalysierte Hydrogenierung von CO2 zum H2-Carrier Ameisensäure
Authors: Müller Volker , Burger Yvonne
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen is considered as a game changer in decarbonization and combating global warming crisis. However, transport and storage of the gas are still challenging tasks. We describe here a unique enzyme from acetogenic bacteria that binds H2 to CO2, thereby producing the liquid organic hydrogen carrier formic acid. A whole-cell-system enables high rates of formic acid production as well as hydrogen production from formic acid. Both processes can be timely separated in one operational unit to generate a biobattery to store and release hydrogen on demand.
Gliridae and Eomyidae (Rodentia) of the Miocene Tagay fauna (Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia)
Authors: Daxner-Höck Gudrun , Mörs Thomas , Filinov Ivan A. , Shchetnikov Alexander A. , Bayarmaa Baatarjav , Namzalova Oljuna , Erbajeva Margarita A.
Published: November 2022

The small mammals Myomiminae indet. (Gliridae), Leptodontomys cf. gansus Zheng and Li, 1982 (Eomyidae) and the new species Keramidomys sibiricus nov. spec. (Eomyidae) are described. They were collected from six layers of the middle to upper part of the Tagay-1 section on Olkhon Island. The glirid Myomiminae indet. is represented by only a few isolated teeth, the small eomyid Leptodontomys cf. gansus by a mandible with two teeth, and the second small eomyid Keramidomys sibiricus nov. spec. by several isolated teeth and a mandible. The ancestral tooth characteristics of Keramidomys sibiricus nov. spec. indicate an early evolutionary stage of Keramidomys in Asia. The suggested age of the assemblage is Early/Middle Miocene transition.
Multiscale simulation of colloids ingressing porous layers with evolving internal structure
Authors: Nikolopoulos Christos , Eden Michael , Muntean Adrian
Published: November 2022

We report on a reaction-diffusion model posed on multiple spatial scales that accounts for diffusion, aggregation, fragmentation, and deposition of populations of colloidal particles. The model is able to account for the heterogeneity of the internal porous structure of the layer. For simplicity, we represent the microstructures as discs with prescribed initial random distribution of radii. As microstructures grow due to the deposition of populations of colloidal particles, local clogging becomes possible, that is neighbouring disks may touch each other. We investigate how distributions of evolving microstructures influence the transport and storage properties of porous layers. As working tool, we propose a FD-FEM discretization of the multiscale model. We illustrate numerically local clogging effects on the dispersion tensor and quantify herewith the layer’s performance with respect to both the efficiency of the transport and the storage capacity. The presented model and numerical approach can be extended in a rather straightforward way to handle slightly more complex geometrical settings like thin porous structures with multi-layers in 2D, or single layers in 3D.
Values in climate modelling: testing the practical applicability of the Moral Imagination ideal
Authors: Pulkkinen Karoliina , Undorf Sabine , Bender Frida A.-M.
Published: November 2022

There is much debate on how social values should influence scientific research. However, the question of practical applicability of philosophers’ normative proposals has received less attention. Here, we test the attainability of Matthew J. Brown’s (2020) Moral Imagination ideal (MI ideal), which aims to help scientists to make warranted value-judgements through reflecting on goals, options, values, and stakeholders of research. Here, the tools of the MI ideal are applied to a climate modelling setting, where researchers are developing aerosol-cloud interaction (ACI) parametrizations in an Earth System Model with the broader goal of improving climate sensitivity estimation. After the identification of minor obstacles to applying the MI ideal, we propose two ways to increase its applicability. First, its tools should be accompanied with more concrete guidance for identifying how social values enter more technical decisions in scientific research. Second, since research projects can have multiple goals, examining the alignment between broader societal aims of research and more technical goals should be part of the tools of the MI ideal.
Prediction of transonic wing buffet pressure based on deep learning
Authors: Zahn R. , Breitsamter C.
Published: November 2022

In the present study, a deep learning approach based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is applied for the prediction of transonic wing buffet pressure. In particular, fluctuations in surface pressure over a certain time period as measured by a piezoresistive pressure sensor, are considered. As a test case, the generic XRF-1 aircraft configuration developed by Airbus is used. The XRF-1 configuration has been investigated at different transonic buffet conditions in the European Transonic Wind tunnel (ETW). During the ETW test campaign, sensor data has been obtained at different local span—and chordwise positions on the lower and upper surface of the wing and the horizontal tail plane. For the training of the neural network, a buffet flow condition with a fixed angle of attack $$\alpha$$
α
and a fixed sensor position on the upper wing surface is considered. Subsequent, the trained network is applied towards different angles of attack and sensor positions considering the flow condition applied for training the network. As a final step, the trained LSTM neural network is used for the prediction of pressure data at a flow condition different from the flow condition considered for training. By comparing the results of the wind tunnel experiment with the results obtained by the neural network, a good agreement is indicated.
Variability and symmetry of gait kinematics under dual-task performance of older patients with depression
Authors: Jungen Pia , Batista João P. , Kirchner Miriam , Habel Ute , Bollheimer L. Cornelius , Huppertz Charlotte
Published: November 2022

Background

Depression in old age is associated with an increased fall risk. Especially in cognitively challenging situations, fall-promoting gait deviations could appear due to depression- and age-related cognitive deficits.

Aim

This study investigates (i) whether there are differences in gait performance between depressed older patients and healthy controls and (ii) if gait patterns aggravate when performing a cognitive task whilst walking.

Methods

16 depressed older patients (mean age: 73.1 ± 5.8 years) and 19 healthy controls (mean age: 73.3 ± 6.1 years) were included in the study. Spatiotemporal gait parameters (speed, stride length, swing time) and minimum toe clearance were recorded using a three-dimensional motion-capture system under a single- and a dual-task condition (counting backwards).

Results

After Bonferroni correction, depressed older patients showed significantly slower walking speed, shorter strides and smaller minimum toe clearance, as well as greater variability in stride length than healthy controls. Under the dual-task, gait performance deteriorated compared with single-task, with slower gait speed, shorter strides, and longer swing time.

Discussion

Slower walking speed and shorter steps of depressed patients may be a strategy to counteract their fall risk. Increased variability suggests a less stable gait pattern in patients, which could be a reason for their increased fall risk.

Conclusions

Depression in old age has a strong effect on gait performance. Possible interventions that might prevent falls in this vulnerable group are discussed. The study was registered at Open Science Framework on May 18, 2021 (publicly accessible May 30, 2023).
Smart grid (SG) properties and challenges: an overview
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed A. , Hassan Tarek M.
Published: November 2022

The electric power system is undergoing considerable changes in operation, maintenance, and planning as a result of the integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RERs). The transition to a smart grid (SG), which employs advanced automation and control techniques, brings with it new difficulties and possibilities. This paper provides an overview of next-generation smart grids by presenting the most current and cutting-edge developments in the SG sector. This paper discusses the benefits, drawbacks, and prospects of smart grids. The difficulties of integrating RERs into the grid, as well as alternative energy storage solutions, are discussed. The unpredictable nature of resources has an impact on RER output. The energy storage system is critical in dealing with RERs’ unpredictable nature and ensuring a smooth and reliable supply to load demand. Smart energy systems provide a number of problems and possibilities in terms of developing, integrating, and implementing electrical grids that incorporate network and communication technologies, as well as important privacy and security concerns for various components within the grid. This paper also shows the influence of SGs on distributed energy generation, as well as a comparative analysis on electric cars (EVs), including classification, i.e., battery, and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as current difficulties and challenges in EV technology. A discussion of SG protection concerns and their resolution is also included.
A dynamic failure mode and effects analysis for train systems failures risk assessment using FCM and prospect theory
Authors: Wang Weizhong , Wang Yi , Han Xiao
Published: November 2022

Improving the reliability of railway train systems and preventing potential failures in the train operation process is one of the most significant tasks. The failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is the most effective and widely applied technique for identification, evaluation, and prevention risk of potential failures in diverse fields. Nevertheless, current risk prioritization approaches for FMEA overlook the transfer of decision makers’ risk preferences under different risk states of potential failures. In addition, little attrition has been paid to addressing the risk prioritization problems in FMEA under a dynamic environment. In order to bridge these research gaps, this paper proposes a dynamic prioritization approach for FMEA by integrating the Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) and the prospect theory. First, improved weighted arithmetic averaging (WAA) operator based on the similarity measure is constructed to aggregate each decision maker’s evaluation information. Then, the FCM is applied to obtain the risk matrix and interaction relationships among failures under different risk states. Next, the dynamic prospect theory is built to determine the risk priority of each failure by considering the risk preference of decision makers, in which the dynamic weight functions are derived based on the risk matrix under different risk states. Finally, the proposed dynamic risk prioritization approach for FMEA is tested by the failures risk analysis of the railway train bogie system in the railway train systems. The comparison study is conducted to demonstrate the reliability and rationality of the proposed risk prioritization approach.
Carpe Diem
Authors: Rohland Robert A.
Published: November 2022

Carpe diem – 'eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!' – is a prominent motif throughout ancient literature and beyond. This is the first book-length examination of its significance and demonstrates that close analysis can make a key contribution to a question that is central to literary studies in and beyond Classics: how can poetry give us the almost magical impression that something is happening here and now? In attempting an answer, Robert Rohland gives equal attention to Greek and Latin texts, as he offers new interpretations of well-known poems from Horace and tackles understudied epigrams. Pairing close readings of ancient texts along with interpretations of other forms of cultural production such as gems, cups, calendars, monuments, and Roman wine labels, this interdisciplinary study transforms our understanding of the motif of carpe diem.
Under the Gun
Authors: Siddiqui Niloufer A.
Published: November 2022

Political parties are integral to democracy and yet they frequently engage in anti-democratic, violent behaviour. Parties can employ violence directly, outsource violence to gangs and militias, or form electoral alliances with non-state armed actors. When do parties engage in, or facilitate, violence? What determines the strategies of violence that they employ? Drawing on data from Pakistan, Under the Gun argues that party violence is not a simple manifestation of weak state capacity but instead the intentional product of political incentives, further complicating the process of democratization. Using a rigorous multi-method approach based on over a hundred interviews and numerous surveys, the book demonstrates that a party's violence strategy depends on the incentives it faces in the subnational political landscape in which it operates, the cost it incurs from its voters for violent acts, and its organizational capacity for violence.
Making Bureaucracy Work
Authors: Mangla Akshay
Published: November 2022

What makes bureaucracy work for the least advantaged? Across the world, countries have adopted policies for universal primary education. Yet, policy implementation is uneven and not well understood. Making Bureaucracy Work investigates when and how public agencies deliver primary education across rural India. Through a multi-level comparative analysis and more than two years of ethnographic field research, Mangla opens the 'black box' of Indian bureaucracy to demonstrate how differences in bureaucratic norms - informal rules that guide public officials and their everyday relations with citizens - generate divergent implementation patterns and outcomes. While some public agencies operate in a legalistic manner and promote compliance with policy rules, others engage in deliberation and encourage flexible problem-solving with local communities, thereby enhancing the quality of education services. This book reveals the complex ways bureaucratic norms interact with socioeconomic inequalities on the ground, illuminating the possibilities and obstacles for bureaucracy to promote inclusive development.
The Unfinished Politics of Race
Authors: Back Les , Keith Michael , Shukra Kalbir , Solomos John
Published: November 2022

The Unfinished Politics of Race argues that the past few decades have seen important transformations in the politics of race. Contending that existing accounts have focused narrowly on the mainstream political sphere, this study argues that there is a need to explore the role of race more widely. By exploring the mainstream as well as transitional and alternative spheres of political mobilisation the authors stress the need to link the analysis of both local and national processes in order to make sense of the changing contours of racialised politics. The underlying concern of this study is to outline both a theoretical frame for an analysis of racial politics, and detailed empirical accounts of different arenas of political mobilisation. By exploring the unfinished politics of race, this study provides a timely reminder that the position of racial and ethnic minorities in political institutions remains deeply contested.