bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P074: Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: a nationwide case-control study
Authors: Cao Yin , Zhao Stephanie , Bexelius Tomas S. , Söderling Jonas , Shi Mengyao , Roelstraete Bjorn , Warner Barbara B. , Stephansson Olof , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC diagnosed before age 50) has risen worldwide, with an increasing number of survivors of reproductive age. We aimed to investigate the risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset CRC survivors. Methods: We conducted a nationwide case-control study of 207 births in women with early-onset CRC and 1019 births in women without CRC from the general Swedish population (1992-2019), matched on age, calendar year of birth, parity, and county of residence. To control for genetic susceptibility and shared childhood exposures, we additionally identified 146 births in female siblings of the CRC survivors. Early-onset CRC cases were identified through the Swedish Cancer Register (1969-2019), and siblings were identified through the Swedish Multi-generation Register. Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes were retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and National Patient Register. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Compared to women without prior CRC, early-onset CRC survivors who gave birth had increased risk of pre-eclampsia (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.08), induced labor (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.46) and emergency Cesarean section (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.75), after adjustment for maternal education level, country of birth, body mass index and smoking in early pregnancy, and comorbidities. Sibling analyses showed similar trends, especially for higher risk of induced labor (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.49). Maternal history of early-onset CRC was also associated with offspring preterm birth (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.99) and low birth weight (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.21), and risks were particularly pronounced for medically indicated preterm birth (aOR 4.48, 95% CI 2.05 to 9.79). No significant associations were found for small for gestational age birth, low Apgar score, and congenital malformations. Conclusion: In this population-based study, history of early-onset CRC was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, induction of labor, and emergency Cesarean section. Offspring to mothers with early-onset CRC also had increased risk of medically indicated preterm birth and neonatal low birth weight.

Citation Format: Yin Cao, Stephanie Zhao, Tomas S. Bexelius, Jonas Söderling, Mengyao Shi, Bjorn Roelstraete, Barbara B. Warner, Olof Stephansson, Jonas F. Ludvigsson. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: a nationwide case-control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Precision Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception of Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-19; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2023;16(1 Suppl): Abstract nr P074.
Os Trabalhadores de Aplicativos Durante a Pandemia de Coronavírus em 2020: um estudo exploratório.
Authors: Juliano Cynthia Paola Batista , Perosa Graziela Serroni , Raphaeli Bruna Rossi Leão , Mello Silva Raul , Alves Gabrielli Silva
Published: January 2023

Dans cet article, nous présentons une étude sur l'expérience des conducteurs d'applis, menée au premier semestre 2020, pendant les mois de verrouillage dus à la pandémie de Covid19. Dans un premier temps, nous développons une brève revue de la littérature sur les transformations du monde du travail, puis une étude préliminaire sur la structure professionnelle brésilienne basée sur les statistiques disponibles de l'Institut brésilien de géographie et de statistique (IBGE). Au Brésil, le taux de chômage a augmenté ces dernières années, et avec lui, l'informalité a également augmenté, c'est-à-dire que le nombre de travailleurs sans contrat de travail signé a augmenté, et donc, sans la garantie des droits du travail. Nous pouvons observer au cours des trois dernières années une augmentation significative du nombre de conducteurs et de coursiers d'apps. Cette catégorie, pour ne pas avoir de droits du travail, est confrontée à la précarité, car elle travaille pour des entreprises multinationales qui profitent beaucoup, sans aucun lien d'emploi. Cette réalité est devenue encore plus évidente en période de crise, comme dans le cas de la pandémie de coronavirus, lorsque ces travailleurs ne pouvaient pas respecter les règles d'isolement, car s'ils ne travaillent pas, ils ne peuvent pas subvenir aux besoins de leur famille. La recherche vise à contribuer à la compréhension des changements dans les relations de travail causés par l'avancement des outils numériques qui facilitent l'échange de services. Pour ce faire, trois objectifs spécifiques ont été fixés : i) cartographier le débat dans la littérature spécialisée sur les relations de travail médiées par la popularisation des applications de prestation de services ; ii) explorer les statistiques disponibles auprès de l'Institut brésilien de géographie et de statistique (IBGE) sur le sujet et présenter une étude exploratoire sur le profil des moteurs d'application. Les statistiques publiques sur la population économiquement active seront examinées et des informations sur les trajectoires professionnelles des prestataires de services seront collectées. Une discussion plus approfondie est attendue sur la façon dont ces outils de prestation de services sont liés au travail et comment ils modifient ces relations à partir du moment historique, économique et politique. Ils permettront également de contribuer à la production d'informations socio-démographiques sur ces travailleurs, sur lesquels nous ne disposons pratiquement d'aucune statistique.
Evaporated: Explorations in Art, Science, and Salt
Authors: Bowen Brenda B. , Wischer Wendy
Published: January 2023

Evaporated: Explorations in Art, Science, and Salt was a collaborative art exhibition that included sculptures, photographs, video, sound, and drawing, integrated with scientific data displays that encouraged the viewer to ponder the complexity of the Bonneville Salt Flats and our relationships to the landscape. This experimental exhibition was one of the outcomes from a five-year collaboration between geoscientist Brenda Bowen and artist Wendy Wischer exploring the rapidly changing Bonneville Salt Flats in northwest Utah through the lenses of both art and science. Evaporated provided an opportunity for both scholars to experiment with different ways of sharing their research, scholarly and creative, in the hopes of promoting understanding of the connections and differences between visual art and geoscience in academic contexts.
LASER Nomad: Road Maps for Art and Science Research into Ancestral Knowledge
Authors: Forcucci Luca
Published: January 2023

LASER Nomad is a mobile research laboratory for fieldwork. It is based in Berlin and run by UBQTLAB.ORG, a platform for arts and science research that produces talks, podcasts, and collaborative concerts in specific geographic sites. The focus is on the sonic arts to investigate epistemology emerging from arts, science, and technology as rituals in the context of indigenous knowledge and cybernetic systems. LASER Nomad aims to emphasize contemporary research melding into perception with ancestral knowledge and with nonclassical science. LASER Nomad forms part of the LASER network talks developed by Leonardo/ISAST and initiated by Piero Scaruffi.
Civil Limitation Statutes and International Arbitration in Central Asia: not Business as Usual
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: January 2023

It is generally agreed that statutory limitations applicable to civil proceedings have no place in international arbitration proceedings, unless these have been specifically accepted by the parties; are imposed by mandatory laws, or; otherwise compelled by public policy. In equal measure, the process and recognition of enforcement awards should not be subjected to any statutory limitations, as such limitations are absent in the New York Convention and generally excluded by reference to transnational legal instruments, such as the uncitral Model Law. Investor and commercial actors operating in Central Asia should be cautious when embroiled in disputes with state entities because of the latter tend to protract and delay negotiations in order to impose statutory limitations to claims. It is imperative that upon commencement of negotiations foreign entities take appropriate measures to ensure that their claim is not undergoing a ticking time-ban. This may be achieved by serving the other party with an official notice as to the commencement of negotiations and a statement that this is not a substitute of a civil suit or arbitral proceedings. Equally, one of the parties may trigger arbitral proceedings but ask the arbitrators to suspend all hearings until after the termination of negotiations.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Spiranthes (Orchidaceae) in Taiwan
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , HSU TIAN-CHUAN
Published: January 2023

The taxonomy of Spiranthes is highly challenging due to its phenotypic plasticity, morphological convergence, and hybridization. This paper presents a re-evaluation of the genus Spiranthes (Orchidaceae) in Taiwan, with special reference to the taxonomic identity of S. suishaensis that has often been considered the earlier name of S. nivea or S. hongkongensis. Nonetheless, the floral dissection of the type specimen revealed that S. suishaensis has a well-developed rostellum that separates the stigma and pollinarium of each flower, in contrast to autogamous taxa such as S. nivea and S. hongkongensis. Given the morphological evidence and that only S. sinensis was collected in the S. suishaensis type locality, we concluded that S. suishaensis is neither an earlier name for S. nivea nor S. hongkongensis but a synonym of S. sinensis. During morphological comparisons of S. suishaensis with other taxa of S. sinensis complex, we also found that the taxon illegitimately described as “S. minutiflora” could be treated as a variant of S. nivea. Given that it is distinguishable from S. nivea var. nivea by its more densely pubescent rachis and ovaries (vs. sparsely pubescent rachis and ovaries), narrower sepals with white tinged with pink or purple at apex (vs. wider and entirely white sepals), and papillose labellum disc (vs. almost glabrous labellum disc), we described it as a new variety of S. nivea, which we propose to name S. nivea var. papillata T.C. Hsu & Suetsugu. Consequently, we concluded that three species (S. sinensis, S. hongkongensis, and S. nivea [including var. nivea and var. papillata]) and one hybrid, S. australis × S. sinensis, occur in Taiwan.
On the identities of Caecilia degenerata Dunn, 1942 and of C. corpulenta Taylor, 1968 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) with descriptions of three new species of Caecilia Linnaeus, 1758 from the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-ROLDÁN JUAN DAVID , LYNCH JOHN D. , MEDINA-RANGEL GUIDO FABIAN
Published: January 2023

The Central portion of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia is currently reported to harbor two species of Caecilia distributed at comparable elevations on opposite versants of these Mountains. These are C. corpulenta, known from Virolín, Santander, at 1700–2000 m on the western slopes of the Cordillera Oriental and C. degenerata, known from Garagoa, Boyacá, and Choachí and Fomequé, Cundinamarca, at 1800–2100 m on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental. Both species have dermal scales and lack secondary grooves, and have been subjected to misidentifications by herpetologists studying the Gymnophiona of the Eastern Andes of Colombia. Our results indicate that only the latter species is found in Colombia and the former is restricted to Peru, leaving those populations previously referred to C. corpulenta and those distinct from C. degenerata pending names. We here present an account for C. degenerata based on material from Choachí and Fómeque, Cundinamarca, as well as descriptions of three new species from the Cordillera Oriental and adjacent Venezuela: C. atelolepis sp. nov., C. epicrionopsoides sp. nov., and C. macrodonta sp. nov. We also provide additional morphological information for the recently described C. pulchraserrana.
Two new mite species of the genus Geckobia Mégnin (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) from Israel
Authors: FAJFER MONIKA
Published: January 2023

Two new species of pterygosomatid mites parasitizing Sinai fan-fingered gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus Heyden (Phyllodactylidae) from Israel are described: Geckobia bochkovi sp. nov. and Geckobia synthesys sp. nov. The former species is the most similar to Geckobia squameum Bertrand, Paperna, and Finkelman, 1999, but differs by the presence of a well-outlined, slightly concave propodonotal shield in its anterior and posterior margin, fine-pointed dorsal setae that slightly increase in length from the anterior to the posterior part of the idiosoma, leg setae l’FI and l’GI, shape of coxal setae 4a, 4b and 4c which are slender and smooth or with barely discernible serration. The latter species is most similar to Geckobia keegani Lawrence, 1953 but differs in the shape of the propodonotal shield, which is almost straight in its posterior margin, the presence of five pairs of setae on the shield, 19–28 pairs of idiosomal ventral setae, three genital setae and leg setae l’GI, l’GIV, vFI–II, vFIII–IV, lFIII–IV and vTrIV.
Compsoctena pulla sp. nov. a new species of Eriocottidae, Compsocteninae from Thailand (Lepidoptera)
Authors: SOBCZYK THOMAS , BREITHAUPT ROLAND
Published: January 2023

Compsoctena pulla sp. nov. is described. It is the first species of subfamily Compsocteninae (Lepidoptera: Eriocottidae) from Thailand. Male, female, venation and genitalia are depicted.
Mobilizing within and beyond the Labor Union: A Case of Precarious Workers’ Collective Actions in North Africa
Authors: Han Saerom
Published: January 2023

Drawing on a qualitative analysis of a group of mobilized precarious workers in Tunisia’s public sector, the author asks how workers’ collective actions are shaped by and, at the same time, can act upon labor unions’ responses to them. Findings suggest that unions can enable and simultaneously constrain precarious workers’ collective actions. More important, workers learn from their interactions with the union, and this learning process can contribute to innovations in workers’ mobilizing structure and repertoire of actions. The Tunisian case contributes to the debate on the relationship between precarious workers and institutionalized actors as well as to the study of mobilized precarious workers by elucidating the ways in which the workers’ embedded and innovative agency plays out within and beyond a well-established labor union.
Mental health symptoms and coping strategies among Ukrainians during the Russia-Ukraine war in March 2022
Authors: Xu Wen , Pavlova Iuliia , Chen Xi , Petrytsa Petro , Graf-Vlachy Lorenz , Zhang Stephen X.
Published: January 2023

Context:

The Russian attack on Ukraine has been ongoing since February 24, 2022. Nevertheless, no research has documented the mental health of Ukrainians during the biggest land war in Europe after the Second World War, or how Ukrainians cope with the impact of the war.

Objectives:

To provide the prevalence rates of symptoms of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and to link them with Ukrainians’ productive coping strategies during the war.

Design, setting, and participants:

Online survey conducted in Ukraine during the initial period of the Russian invasion (March 19–31, 2022), using a quota sampling method, of 1,400 Ukrainians aged 18 years or older, with a total of 801 valid responses for a response rate of 57.2%.

Main outcome measures:

Psychological distress assessed by the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K6); anxiety assessed by Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) scale; depression assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2); insomnia assessed by Insomnia Severity Index-4 (ISI-4); modes of coping assessed by Brief COPE.

Results:

Of 801 Ukrainian adults, 52.7% had symptoms of psychological distress (mean = 13.3 [ SD = 4.9]); 54.1% of them reported symptoms of anxiety (mean = 2.9 [ SD = 1.7]); 46.8% reported symptoms of depression (mean = 2.6 [ SD = 1.6]). Symptom criteria for insomnia were met by 97 respondents (12.1%) (mean = 10.4 [ SD = 4.2]). Demographic variables (including gender, living in an urban area, having children or elderly persons in the household, living in an area occupied by Russian forces) were associated with symptoms of distress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The productive coping strategies of using instrumental support, behavioral disengagement, self-distraction, and planning were significantly associated with mental health symptoms.

Conclusions:

Prevalence rates of symptoms of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were high. These findings underscore the need for healthcare and productive coping strategies for Ukrainians during the war.
Platform adaptation to regulation: The case of domestic cleaning in Europe
Authors: Koutsimpogiorgos Nikolaos , Frenken Koen , Herrmann Andrea M.
Published: January 2023

While online platforms were initially applauded for improving services in a range of sectors, they are currently being criticized for ignoring laws and regulations. We analyse the evolution of Helpling – the largest domestic cleaning platform company in Europe – by focusing on the ways that Helpling has adapted its platform to regulations in five national contexts (France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom). Using data on changing Terms and Conditions, we show that Helpling initially tried to introduce a single business model across Europe, but quickly started to adapt to national regulatory contexts. Informed by arguments on ‘varieties of capitalism’ in Europe, we base our case study on a comparison of the different national trajectories pursued by Helpling.
Mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and polylactic acid thermally bonded fabric for sustainable shopping bags: modeling and optimization of functional properties
Authors: Sengupta Surajit , Mustafa Izhar , Ghosh Papai
Published: January 2023

A thermally bonded biodegradable fabric has been developed using mesta and polylactic acid fibers. The central composite rotatable design has been adapted to understand the effects of the independent variables, that is polylactic acid content, roller temperature and roller pressure on useful functional properties such as bursting strength, bending load, tensile stress relaxation, tensile creep, rate of absorption, absorption capacity, porosity, abrasion resistance, and surface friction. Considering the linear, quadratic, and two-way interactive effects of independent variables, the second-order polynomial has been suggested for each property which proves good association except for absorption capacity and abrasion resistance. The effect of independent parameters has been studied and optimized from contour diagrams. The optimized process parameters for 140 g/m2 fabric are polylactic acid content 30%, mesta content 70%, roller temperature 170°C, and roller pressure 150 N/cm2, which can be used successfully as a shopping bag. The shopping bag was prepared from developed fabric. Its performance test shows no deformation for up to 14 days in the hanging test, resistance up to 10 wetting-drying cycles proves reusability, it sustains up to four drops, and has a slight strength loss in 30 days of atmospheric exposure.
Determination of the lignin content of flax fiber with the acetyl bromide-ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry method
Authors: Zhang Lin , Fu Jiajia , Meng Chaoran , Dai Li , Baek Na-won , Gao Weidong , Fan Xuerong
Published: January 2023

The conventional Klason lignin (KL) method has some shortcomings in the determination of lignin content, such as large sample consumption, long analysis time, and a large number of errors. Therefore, a rapid and accurate method for lignin content determination was studied. In this paper, flax fibers in three forms, namely, flax raw, flax noil and flax rove, were selected for the study, and the acetyl bromide-ultraviolet spectrophotometric lignin (ABUL) method was optimized for quantitative testing of the lignin content in flax fibers. The effect of acetyl bromide concentration, perchloric acid dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the absorbance value was tested systematically. The test results indicated that the maximum characteristic absorption peak of lignin in flax fiber was determined at 276 nm. The optimized reaction conditions were as follows: acetyl bromide concentration of 35%, perchloric acid dosage of 0.3 mL, reaction temperature of 70°C, and reaction time of 80 min. The standard curve of the ABUL method was y = 23.75714 x – 0.00636, R2 = 0.99913. By comparing the lignin content of flax fiber tested by the KL method and the ABUL method, it was found that the lignin content of flax raw, flax noil, and flax rove tested by the ABUL method was higher than that of the KL method. In addition, the ABUL method has the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, accuracy, and small sample consumption compared with the KL method.
From silica colloidal particles to photonic crystals: Progress in fabrication and application of structurally colored materials
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Gao Weihong , Yang Shu , Liu Jiakun , Hasan Md Said , Zhang Zhiyue , Chen Huanhuan
Published: January 2023

Photonic crystals have attracted extensive attention because of their wide application in optics and photonics. These structures can be made by “top-down” or “bottom-up” self-assembly methods. Self-assembly methods have received particular attention due to their low cost, simple manufacturing process, relatively easy scaling, and ease of creating complex structures with nanometer precision. Self-assembled colloidal crystals play an essential role in the formation of photonic crystals. In this article, the assembly of colloidal crystals-silica particles, the synthesis of silica particles, and the assembly of three-dimensional photonic crystals based on inorganic/inorganic and inorganic/organic composites are introduced in detail. The formation of silica based bionic structure material can produce different optical properties of conventional materials. It provides unprecedented opportunities for textiles, pigments, sensing, information encryption, stealth materials, anti-counterfeit marks, energy collection, environmental remediation, and a variety of other application fields.
Temporal resolution of photovoltaic electricity production with school energy consumption: a London primary school case study
Authors: Clochet Jean-Baptiste , Hong Sung-Min , Godoy-Shimizu Daniel
Published: January 2023

In line with the UK goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the combination of photovoltaic electricity and the electrification of heating systems is considered an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while 88% of schools in the UK are gas-heated. This paper analyses the electricity consumption at a 15 and 30 min resolution of different scenarios for the retrofitting of a primary school in London, UK, with an electrified heating system and the electricity production of different PV installations. High temporal resolution allows consideration of economic balances, in light of rising costs of energy in the UK in 2022, and the possibilities PV can have on decarbonizing heating systems in UK primary schools. Practical application - The high temporal resolution allows to provide a project economic balance with close to reality figures. It also allows schools to rely on energy produced on site with less price fluctuation and to have the educational benefit of the PV installation. The high temporal resolution also provides data on what types of activities are the most energy consuming and can inform behaviour/time schedules changes.
Malignant Melanotic Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Zhiyi , Niu Yuming
Published: January 2023

Malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor (MMNST) is a rare and aggressive peripheral nerve sheath tumor of Schwann cell origin that produces differentiated melanin and is clinically misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma. MMNST is most commonly observed in middle-aged adults and is often found in the midline of the spinal nerve or in the peripheral nerve area. It often manifests itself as a localized mass and/or nervous system involvement. To date, no standard guidelines are available for the treatment of MMNST. Herein, we reported a new case of MMNST that occurred in the parotid gland and reviewed the literature for pathological reports on its association with the oral cavity.
Bilateral Conjugating Carotid Body Tumor and Associated Jugular Vein Aneurysm
Authors: Taydas Onur , Guclu Derya , Unlu Elif Nisa , Ogul Hayri , Kantarci Mecit
Published: January 2023

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) originate from the paraganglionic tissue in the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a commonly used diagnostic method in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumors. In this study, we demonstrated an isthmus between the right and left carotid body tumors in a patient with bilateral CBT. The left CBT also was associated with a saccular aneurysm of left external jugular vein.
Labor Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Analysis of a Global Trafficking Survivor Database
Authors: Fabbri Camilla , Stöckl Heidi , Jones Katharine , Cook Harry , Galez-Davis Claire , Grant Naomi , Lo Yuki , Zimmerman Cathy
Published: January 2023

Over the past decade, third-party labor recruiters who facilitate employment for migrant workers across low- and middle-income countries have often been considered by the counter-trafficking community as one of the main entry points into human trafficking. In response, anti-trafficking prevention programs have increasingly focused on addressing exploitative recruitment in migrants’ origin countries. Such programs may advocate for increased regulation of migration, greater enforcement actions against unlicensed recruiters, stricter ethical codes of conduct for recruiters and employers, and more pre-departure information about recruitment for migrants. Yet, there remains limited research about the relationship between prospective migrants, recruiters, and human trafficking, and the relative importance of third-party recruitment in the trafficking process. This Research Note draws on the world's largest database of individual victims of trafficking cases, the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Global Victim of Trafficking Database (VoTD), to examine the role and characteristics of recruitment of trafficked victims. The VoTD contains information on nearly 50,000 trafficking victims who were registered for assistance from 2002 to June 2018. Our analysis shows that 94 percent of trafficked victims were recruited, in a broad sense (i.e., not only by third-party intermediaries). Additionally, the data presented here suggest that the relationship between recruitment and trafficking is complex and that forced labor is embedded within the wider structural issues around low-wage labor migration that lead to exploitative work conditions. Interventions to address human trafficking will benefit from strategies that target systemic issues constraining or harming low-wage labor. Further, these findings highlight the value of large-scale administrative datasets in migration research.
Advancing Public Entrepreneurship through State Government Capacity and Competitiveness: The Impact of Discretionary Fiscal Policy of American States on Worldwide Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Shin Geiguen
Published: January 2023

Many policymakers and administrators have directed efforts to increase foreign manufacturing investment (FMI) due to its potential to raise the employment rate, technological progress, and productivity in their regions. Despite foreign manufacturers’ significant influence on the economies of their host countries, institutional and policy uncertainty creates significant entry barriers for multinational manufacturers. Focusing solely on American state performance in economic development as measured by amounts of FMI, this study suggests that different institutional designs and regulations that affect state taxing and spending decision-making make a difference in FMI in American states. This research empirically assesses the relationship between fiscal federalism and FMI by focusing on the level of fiscal decentralization, federal grants, and fiscally constraining institutions. Testing two different FMI datasets that cover all 50 American states by source country between 1987–2006 and 2008–2016, this study finds that manufacturing firms increase their investment in the states that exercise higher discretion in managing fiscal policy, receive more federal grants, and implement more restrictive taxing and spending regulations. The observed positive impact of fiscal institutions and constraints is more prominent for foreign manufacturing firms in the tax-exemption group.
Exosomal miR-202 derived from leukorrhea as a potential biomarker for endometriosis
Authors: Zheng Li , Sun Dai Fei , Tong Yanyan
Published: January 2023

Objective

Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic gynecological disorder with an urgent need of a reliable non-invasive diagnostic strategy. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using the contents of exosomes, especially exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), as potential biomarkers for various types of diseases. In this study, we assessed the differentially expressed miRNAs in exosomes derived from primary normal and ectopic endometrial cells.

Methods

We used miRNA microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs. Among the selected exosomal miRNAs, we focused on hsa-miR-202-3p and hsa-miR-202-5p and validated their expression levels using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. We then further examined their expression in exosomes derived from vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) from patients with EMS and the negative control group.

Results

The data show that hsa-miR-202-3p and hsa-miR-202-5p were expressed significantly higher in leukorrhea-derived exosomes from EMS patients compared with the negative controls.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggest that leukorrhea-derived exosomal hsa-miR-202 could serve as a potential useful biomarker for diagnosing EMS.
Foreign or Domestic? The Desecuritisation of Indian Affairs and Normativity in Securitisation Theory
Authors: Szarejko Andrew A.
Published: January 2023

Is securitisation normatively undesirable? Many scholars who have studied this process by which issues come to be treated as pertaining to ‘security’ have argued that it is indeed preferable to keep as many issues as possible from being securitised. Rather, most issues ought to remain politicised such that they are seen as the legitimate subject of public debate. By contrast, I argue that we ought not to ascribe any inherent moral valence to securitisation or the reverse process of desecuritisation. Instead, each attempt to (de)securitise an issue ought to be debated on its own terms. To support my argument for the moral ambiguity of (de)securitisation, I examine the US Senate’s debate over whether to transfer the Bureau of Indian Affairs from the Department of War to a new Department of the Interior in 1849. I argue that this is an inflection point in a longer desecuritising process by which the United States – acting on a presumed hierarchy – coercively assimilated Native nations into its domestic political order. I conclude that scholars should not discard (de)securitisation as an analytical tool but can instead use work on (de)securitisation to inform public debate on the likely consequences of any particular (de)securitising move, thereby serving a chastening role in public discourse.

Étranger ou national ? La désécuritisation des affaires indiennes et la normativité dans la théorie de la sécuritisation
‘More Human than Human’: Colonial Logics and the Modern Subject in Science Fiction Films
Authors: Martins Simoneti Caio A.
Published: January 2023

Science fiction has often been associated with colonial imaginaries, given its engagement with themes such as invasions and encounters with other civilisations. This article addresses these relations by focusing on the invasion plot subgenre and the nexus between the modern subject and colonial frameworks. It argues that conceptions of subjectivity are a site of symbolic struggle, acting not only as the bases of the reproduction of colonial logics in these narratives, but also as a locus for their disruption. It first analyses Independence Day and War of the Worlds, highlighting how categories such as disembodiment, anthropocentrism and linear progress are crucial in reproducing the modern subject and colonial hierarchies in invasion stories. It then explores Arrival and Annihilation to argue that invasion plots can also present alternative forms of encounter as they disrupt modern subjectivity and colonial frameworks by contesting ideas of disembodiment, identity, progress and the human/nonhuman divide.
Fibular- Versus Tibiofibular-Based Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Boksh Khalis , Ghosh Arijit , Narayan Prithish , Divall Pip , Aujla Randeep
Published: January 2023

Background:

Fibular- and tibiofibular-based reconstructions are the gold standard treatment for posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries of the knee. Despite comparable outcomes in biomechanical studies, clinical results comparing these constructs remain elusive with no consensus reached regarding the best treatment option.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare fibular- and tibiofibular-based techniques for posterolateral corner reconstruction. We aimed to identify whether any differences existed between the 2 techniques in terms of clinical outcomes and rotational and varus stability.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PubMed, Medline, and Embase were used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria with the following search terms (“posterolateral corner” OR “fibular collateral ligament” OR “lateral collateral ligament” OR “popliteus tendon” OR “popliteofibular ligament”) AND (“reconstruction” OR “LaPrade” OR “Larson” OR “Arciero”). Data pertaining to all patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), postoperative complications, and valgus and rotational stability were extracted from each study. The pooled outcome data were analyzed by random- and fixed-effects models.

Results:

After abstract and full-text screening, 6 clinical studies were included. In total, there were 183 patients, of which 90 received fibular-based and 93 tibiofibular-based reconstruction. The majority of studies used similar surgical techniques regarding tunnel orientation, attachment sites, and graft fixation sequence. There were no differences between the groups in terms of PROMs and subjective knee scores at a mean of 20.3 months. The techniques were equally effective in restoring varus and rotational stability. Subgroup analysis revealed that the stability of a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction postoperatively was not affected by either construct.

Conclusion:

Both constructs had comparable clinical outcomes and were equally effective in restoring varus and rotational stability for PLC knee injuries. The fibular-based technique may offer advantages in view of being less technically demanding and invasive and requiring fewer grafts with a quicker operative time. However, higher quality studies are required to reinforce or refute such conclusions, as the majority of studies in this review were poor to fair quality.
Potential diagnostic role of circulating MiRNAs in colorectal cancer
Authors: Abo-elela Dina A , Salem Ahmed MH , Swellam Menha , Hegazy Marwa GA
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and fourth most deadly cancer worldwide despite its various screening method. Thus, the search for novel and better markers is continuous. This study aimed to assess the combined expression levels of miR-133a, miR-574-3p, and miR-27a in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in comparison to traditional tumor markers (CEA and CA19.9).

Methods

miR-133a, miR-574-3p, and miR-27a were assessed in sera of 120 participants categorized into healthy control group ( n = 20), benign group ( n = 30) and malignant group ( n = 70) using real-time PCR.

Results

miR-133a, miR-574-3p, and miR-27a expressions showed significant difference among different staging, grading and tumor size of CRC. The sensitivities of the three miRNAs whether combined or individually used were better than routinely used tumor markers (CEA and CA19.9) leading to more accurate and faster diagnosis of CRC.

Conclusion

Synergetic detection of miRNA-133a, miRNA-574-3p, and miRNA-27a may serve as better noninvasive biomarkers with higher combined sensitivity for early diagnosis of CRC than individual detection of miRNAs.
Teaching Expository Text Management and Proficiency Skills for Comprehension for Students With Language/Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hall-Mills Shannon S. , Marante Leesa M.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this registered report study was to determine the effects of explicit text structure instruction on the expository text comprehension of students with language and learning disabilities (LLD) using a multiple baseline design across conditions (e.g., compare–contrast and cause–effect) and participants. Participants included four children enrolled in the fifth grade with previous diagnoses of language impairment and reading comprehension deficits. Text structure instruction was provided during the intervention phases using a researcher-designed intervention program called TEXT-MAPS. The dependent variables included text structure and signal word identification and percentage of idea units recalled from expository text. All participants showed improved recall of idea units for compare–contrast and cause–effect texts with maintained performance 1-month post-intervention. The program also had notable effects on participants’ identification of signal words and text structures in compare–contrast and cause–effect texts. The magnitude of the Tau- U effect sizes was in the large, medium, and small range, and varied across participants. The results indicate that short-term, explicit text structure instruction can be effective for children with LLD with deficits in expository reading comprehension. Considerations for further research and practical implications are presented.
Exploring the Experiences of Transgender & Nonbinary Individuals Working on Cisgender-Led Research Projects
Authors: Holloway Brendon T. , Gottlieb Keanan Gabriel , Cason August R.
Published: January 2023

Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals experience significant marginalization, including in the workplace and higher education. Although the number of TNB scholars and educators is growing, little attention has been given to the supervision of TNB individuals in research contexts. This lack of attention is particularly pronounced for TNB people working on trans-related research projects. Using intersectionality and queer theory, the present study examines the lived experiences of TNB individuals working on cisgender-led research projects, with the goal of enhancing awareness among cisgender researchers on strategies to support the growth of emerging TNB scholars. The importance of these findings is relevant for cisgender educators, researchers, and practitioners who work with TNB individuals and/or lead trans-related projects.
A Thomistic Account of Virtue as Expertise
Authors: Dahm Brandon
Published: January 2023

A healthy Thomism is one engaged with the discoveries and challenges of other traditions and disciplines. In this article I argue for one way of integrating Thomistic ethics and recent work in psychology. I assert that Thomists should think of virtue as a kind of expertise, something that psychologists have studied for decades. First, I provide context and motivation for my integration project. Next, I offer a definition of expertise and contrast it with recent discussions of skill and Aristotle's account of techne. Third, I argue that virtue and expertise are deeply similar. Finally, I conclude by showing some benefits of considering virtue to be a kind of expertise for virtue formation.
Experimental study on improving the performance of vapor compression cycle by using loop-type heat pipe
Authors: Yılmaz Metin , Erdoğan Ahmet Kutsal , Özdemir Mustafa
Published: January 2023

In this study, an experimental study was carried out on a heat pipe, whose evaporator is located between the compressor outlet and the condenser inlet of an industrial cooler on a vapor compression cycle (VCC). It absorbs heat from the new generation refrigerant fluid of 515B and transfers it to the outdoor air. The heat pipe is a looped thermosiphon-type heat pipe. R134a refrigerant is used as a working fluid in the heat pipe. By changing the condenser air inlet temperatures, the contribution of the heat pipe to the cooling cycle has been determined experimentally. While the evaporation pressure of the refrigeration cycle with the heat pipe remains approximately constant, the condensation pressure decreases, and the sub-cool temperature increases. For condenser air inlet temperatures of 30, 40, and 50°C, the COP of the cooler with heat pipe increases by 1.8%, 2.6%, and 2.76%, respectively. As the air temperature at the condenser inlet increases, the ratio of heat pipe power to the cooling capacity of the cycle also increases. In addition, the compressor outlet temperature is reduced by 1.5%–2.8% using of the heat pipe.
Possible relationship between hydroxychloroquine and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases––a monocentric study
Authors: Pinheiro Filipe Oliveira , Martins Carvalho Miguel , Madureira Pedro , Seabra Rato Maria , Macedo Filipe , Costa Lúcia
Published: January 2023

Objective

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and is considered a safe drug. The role of HCQ in the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some deleterious cardiac effects of HCQ. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and development of cardiac-adverse events in HCQ-treated patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study where patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease currently exposed or not to hydroxychloroquine underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of changes in ECG and echocardiography.

Results

Eighty patients were included, 75 (93.8%) female, aged 52 ± 13 years. ECG changes were seen in higher proportion in patients with hypertension (40.6% vs 12.5%, p = .004) and higher median potassium levels—4.5 (4.1–4.8) versus 4.2 (4.0–4.4), p = .023. Echocardiography changes were seen in older patients (59 ± 11 vs 50 ± 13 years, p = .003) and in patients with higher cumulative dose—1752 (785–2190) versus 438 (328–1022) g, p = 0.008 – and time of exposure to HCQ – 12 (6–15) versus 4 (2–9) years, p = 0.028. HCQ cumulative dose (OR 1.001, CI95% 1.000–1.002, p = .033) and exposure time (OR 1.136, CI95% 1.000–1.289, p = .049) were predictors of echocardiography changes, but when adjusted for age, neither HCQ cumulative dose nor exposure time were predictors of echocardiography changes.

Conclusion

No association was found between changes in ECG and echocardiogram in patients under HCQ, which remains a safe drug in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
Dynamic mechanical properties and ageing studies of coir-sisal yarn reinforced polypropylene commingled composites
Authors: Anil Arya , E Tomlal Jose , George Gejo
Published: January 2023

This work investigates the dynamic mechanical properties (DMA) and ageing behavior of coir-sisal yarn reinforced polypropylene commingled composites. Moreover, the fibres were subjected to various chemical treatments and their effects on DMA and ageing studies were investigated. DMA reveals that the chemical treatment, especially MAPP treatment, enhances the storage and loss modulus values on the other hand it diminishes the mechanical damping coefficient (tan δ) of the composite. Diffusion studies indicates that treated composites shows a much lower apparent percentage weight gain compared to other treated ones. Solar ageing studies shows that accelerated solar ageing deteriorated tensile strength and modulus of PP/coir-sisal yarn composite.
Delayed Recurrence of Feed Intolerance after Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Priyadarshi Mayank , Pallapothu Bhrajishna , Chaurasia Suman , Singh Poonam , Basu Sriparna
Published: January 2023

Feed intolerance is a common problem in preterm and growth-restricted neonates, which can be caused by numerous etiologies. The exact etiology can be ascertained based on clinical presentation, timing of onset, course of illness, laboratory parameters and/or radiological investigations. We report a 29-week preterm neonate treated for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) stage 2A and culture-positive sepsis, who presented with feed intolerance in the 7th week of life. Feed intolerance was mainly in the form of gradual-onset abdominal distention after the attainment of full enteral feeds. There were no other features of feed intolerance or any systemic signs. Upon lower gastrointestinal contrast study, the neonate was diagnosed with post-NEC stricture of the descending colon. This report highlights an unusual cause of feed intolerance in a preterm neonate, which needs a high index of suspicion for diagnosis, in presence of the background of medically-treated NEC.
A thermodynamically consistent lumped-element model for magnetic shape memory components
Authors: Ehle Fabian , Stark Sebastian , Neumeister Peter , Neubert Holger
Published: January 2023

A novel lumped-element modeling approach for magnetic shape memory alloys is presented. Building on concepts borrowed from rate-independent plasticity, the model describes the magnetic and magneto-mechanical behavior of a magnetic shape memory component subjected to a particular load case in a thermodynamically consistent way. The approach remedies the common issues of existing models regarding the representation of inner hysteresis loops and small-signal behavior. The model is parametrized in terms of a small number of parameters, which can be determined from single variant magnetic curves and mechanical first order reversal curves at constant magnetic input. The results indicate that the model predicts the magnetic and magneto-mechanical behavior with sufficient accuracy, which makes it appropriate for system design.