bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normative Population–Derived Data for MRI Manifestations of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Kilinc Duygu , Vernooij Meike W. , Bron Esther E. , Biessels Geert Jan , Vinke Eline J.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is manifested on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, microbleeds, and atrophy. While these manifestations can be part of normal aging, a high burden has been associated with cognitive impairment and vascular events. Distinguishing between normal versus abnormal SVD lesion burden in clinical practice remains complex. Our objective is to establish age- and sex-specific normative data for MRI manifestations of SVD, to support clinical assessment in individual patients.

METHODS:

We used 11 465 MRI scans from 5402 participants of the Rotterdam Study, the Netherlands, an ongoing prospective population-based cohort since 1990, to develop percentile curves for white matter hyperintensities and brain parenchymal fraction and probability curves for the prevalence and count of lacunes and microbleeds, across ages 45 to 100 years, stratified by sex.

RESULTS:

Participants were primarily White (≈97%), with a mean age at first scan of 64.7 (range, 45.7–97.9) years, and 55.7% being female participants. For all SVD MRI manifestations, the curves demonstrated nonlinear trends, with accelerating burden with advancing age (eg, doubling of white matter hyperintensity fraction every 10 years). Regarding brain parenchymal fraction, a decline was seen earlier in male participants (≈45 years) than female participants (≈60 years) and was more pronounced in male participants over time. Female participants had slightly higher white matter hyperintensity fractions compared with male participants across all ages. Lacunes and microbleeds were more frequently found in male participants than in female participants, and microbleeds were more prevalent than lacunes.

CONCLUSIONS:

We provide comprehensive normative data for different MRI manifestations of SVD, presented as percentile and probability curves by age, stratified by sex. This can aid clinicians to actually quantify the SVD burden on an individual patient’s MRI scans and detect patterns of abnormality.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Cilostazol Addition for In-Stent Restenosis After Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Yamagami Hiroshi , Ozaki Tomohiko , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Nagata Izumi , Matsumaru Yuji , Yoshimura Shinichi , Sasaki Makoto , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Minematsu Kazuo , Nagai Yoji , Sakai Chiaki , Matsumoto Yasushi , Ezura Masayuki , Ishihara Hideyuki , Sakai Nobuyuki ,   for the CAS-CARE Investigators
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Restenosis after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is associated with the risk of developing ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of cilostazol addition on in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients treated with CAS.

METHODS:

In a randomized, open-label, blind-end point trial, patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and scheduled for CAS were randomly assigned to adding cilostazol (50 or 100 mg, twice per day) on other antiplatelets from 3 days before CAS or not adding cilostazol. Concomitant use of other antiplatelets was unrestricted. ISR was diagnosed by a peak systolic velocity of at least 1.75 m/s on duplex ultrasonography. The primary outcome was incidence of ISR within 2 years after CAS. Secondary outcomes included occurrences of cardiovascular events or any death and hemorrhagic events.

RESULTS:

Participants were recruited from December 2010 to September 2015. Although the sample size was initially set to be 900 (450 in each group), 631 patients (mean age 69.9 years, 558 men, 325 in the cilostazol, and 306 in the noncilostazol group) were included in the primary analysis. Within 2 years’ follow-up, ISR occurred in 31 of 325 patients (cumulative incidence 10.8%) in the cilostazol group and 46 of 306 patients (19.6%) in the noncilostazol group (hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.41–1.0];
P
=0.056). In the exploratory analysis, incidence of ISR beyond 30 days after CAS was lower in the cilostazol group than in the noncilostazol group (10.3% versus 19.3%;
P
=0.040). Incidences of cardiovascular events or any death and hemorrhagic events were similar between the groups (6.2% versus 6.7% and 2.3% versus 1.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of cilostazol to other antiplatelet agents could contribute to the reduction of ISR in the chronic stage of patients who underwent CAS, the authenticity of which depends on further studies with sufficient statistical power.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01261234.
State-Level Common Application Policies and College Enrollment
Authors: Delaney Jennifer A. , Odle Taylor K.
Published: November 2024

Prospective college students—particularly students of color and those from low-income families—face a myriad of challenges applying to and enrolling in college, including constraints on information, financial aid, and academic preparation. Within the college search process alone, the number, diversity, and complexity of applications that students must complete represent substantial barriers to application and matriculation. A state-level common application seeks to reduce administrative barriers by allowing students to complete a single application to apply to multiple institutions. Using a difference-in-difference design that is robust to variation in treatment timing, we provide the first evidence on state-level enrollment impacts of these common applications. Despite the ongoing development and adoption of state common applications, we find no positive or negative effects on full-time equivalent enrollment in public higher education and show that the format of the common application (paper/online) does not matter. Rather, like strategies considered in other works, common applications may be most useful as a complement to more robust access and enrollment strategies. These findings should inform policy makers and serve as a foundation for future work examining the impacts of common applications on state and student outcomes.
Morphological and molecular identification of two new wood-inhabiting macrofungi (Basidiomycota) from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China
Authors: ZHOU HONG-MIN , YANG XIN , WANG YU-YUN , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: November 2024

Two new species of wood-inhabiting fungi viz. Luteoporia flavula and Xylodon subpunctus are described from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in southwestern China. Luteoporia flavula is characterized by annual basidiomata with an odontioid and lemon-chrome hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal structure with clamped generative hyphae, subuliform cystidia, and oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores (4–5.2 × 2.3–3.2 μm). The phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences indicated that Luteoporia flavula formed a single lineage and was nested within the genus Luteoporia. Xylodon subpunctus is characterized by annual basidiomata with a coriaceous and buff hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal structure with clamped generative hyphae, capitate and fusiform cystidia, ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores measuring 5.5–7.2 × 2.5–3.6 μm. Xylodon subpunctus is clustered into the genus Xylodon, in the family Schizoporaceae, with Hyphodontia, Lyomyces, and Schizopora. Descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results of two new species are provided.
Novel Hosts, Geographical Records, and A Global Checklist of molecularly confirmed Periconia species
Authors: MADAGAMMANA ASHANI D. , PHUKHAMSAKDA CHAYANARD , BHUNJUN CHITRABHANU S. , RATHNAYAKA ACHALA R. , BHAT D. JAYARAMA , ALOTIBI FATIMAH , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: November 2024

The genus Periconia belongs to Periconiaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes), and is typified with P. lichenoides. Periconia species have been reported as endophytes, plant pathogens, and saprobes from terrestrial and aquatic habitats worldwide. Periconia is characterized by macronematous, mononematous, and branched or unbranched conidiophores, holoblastic conidiogenous cells, and spherical to ellipsoidal or oblong, smooth or verrucose conidia generally forming a spherical head. In this study, we provide the first reports of Periconia alishanica in Thailand, while P. byssoides and P. alishanica are introduced as new host records on Tephrosia cinerea (Fabaceae) and Calophyllum species (Calophyllaceae), respectively. Morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses of combined SSU, ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 datasets were used to confirm the taxonomic placements of the taxa within Periconia. We also provide a global checklist of 349 Periconia records based on molecular data with details of their life modes (pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes) and substrates. Furthermore, a proportional symbol map of Periconia species is shown. We found that Periconia species with sequence data have been reported in 47 countries. Most of the species that have sequence data were recorded after 2000. Furthermore, based on the results of this study, Periconia species can be considered a generalist genus with reports from a wide variety of plant substrates, soil, human and animal. This study updates our knowledge on host occurrence, biogeography, and sequence variability in Periconia species while expanding data on the diversity of fungi in Northern Thailand.
Cytotaxonomical remarks on Allium serbicum (Amaryllidaceae), a misappreciated species of the Balkan flora
Authors: BOGDANOVIĆ SANDRO , ANAČKOV GORAN , SALMERI CRISTINA , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL , BRULLO SALVATORE
Published: November 2024

Allium serbicum is a critical and unappreciated species described from Serbia (Balkan Peninsula), and usually treated as a synonym of A. pallens or A. tenuiflorum. Based on living and herbarium material it was possible to clarify its morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, pollen grain and seed testa microsculpturing, ecology and chorology of this very peculiar and rare endemic species. It is diploid with 2n = 16 chromosomes, and seems taxonomically quite isolated, since it is morphologically well differentiated from the other species of A. sect. Codonoprasum, with very specialized ecological requirements, being a glareicolous plant localized exclusively on calcareous screes. In addition, a second-step lectotypification, a detailed description, a new iconography, distribution map and conservation status are also provided.
Discovery of a new moss-associated diatom species, Humidophila caribaea (Bacillariophyceae: Diadesmidaceae), from terrestrial habitats of the Monts Caraïbes, Guadeloupe
Authors: RYBAK MATEUSZ , CHRISTENHUSZ MAARTEN J. M. , BYNG JAMES
Published: November 2024

During the investigation of diatom diversity of terrestrial moss samples collected on Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, French West Indies, a new species of the genus Humidophila (Lange-Bertalot & Werum) Lowe et al. was observed. The species occurred in only one sample collected from tropical, mesophytic forests in the Monts Caraïbes and could not be identified based on the literature data. Based on the set of morphological features the species is described herein as Humidophila caribaea sp. nov. The species is characterized by the small valve size, typical for the Humidophila genus, but it has a unique morphology of the areolae with small silica warts in their lumen. Additionally, a comparison with most similar taxa known worldwide, as well as ecological notes are provided.
Taxonomic notes on Acidosasa gracilis and Sinobambusa sulcata (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)
Authors: HUANG YULING , NIU ZHENGYANG , CAI ZHUOYU , ZHENG XIRONG , TONG YI-HUA , XIA NIANHE
Published: November 2024

Acidosasa gracilis was treated as a synonym of Acidosasa breviclavata in the account of Acidosasa in Flora of China. However, after field study and examination of herbarium specimens, it is concluded that A. gracilis and A. breviclavata are two distinct species. Thus, the name Acidosasa gracilis is reinstated in this study. Besides, this research confirmed that Sinobambusa sulcata is a synonym of A. gracilis, rather than Oligostachyum scabriflorum. A colour plate of A. gracilis and notes on comparison between this species and the morphologically similar species are also provided.
Gambling outlets as agents of local area disorganization: Crime and local institutions, the case of the UK
Authors: Demireva Neli , Iacono Sergio Lo
Published: November 2024

Amid growing public and policy concerns there is a great need for a systematic analysis of the relationship between commodity industries and social disorganization. Using data from the ONS, the UK Census, the UK Police Street-level Crime Dataset, and the POI Ordnance Survey, we analyse the association between gambling outlets as an example of a commodity industry and crime events across England and Wales and explore the possibility of a heterogeneous effect dependent upon the level of deprivation and residential stability of an area. Our findings show that gambling outlets are significantly and positively associated with different types of crime even when controlling for other businesses, the areas’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Small businesses provide distinctive shielding effects – in areas of high density of small business owners, there is no significant correlation between crime types and gambling density. Our results have significant policy implications.
Policing Undocumented Immigrants in New York: Balancing Enforcement and Integration
Authors: Haughton Suzette A. , Lewis Cush Sewell
Published: November 2024

Immigration policies vary significantly among U.S. states, leading to diverse law enforcement practices that uniquely affect immigrant (documented and undocumented) communities. This article explores New York’s immigration strategies within the framework of federal immigration law, pointing out the city’s misalignment with federal policing practices of immigrant populations. It emphasizes the urgent need for federal immigration reform. Additionally, the article advocates for a more integrationist, balanced and humane approach to policing undocumented immigrants. The article substantiates its claims using secondary source data, official reports, scholarly works, and Integration Theory in four key ways. First, it analyses New York’s immigration strategies within the context of federal immigration law. Second, it examines the city’s local government and non-governmental organizations’ collaborative efforts with federal immigration agencies to manage undocumented immigrants. Third, it discusses Integration Theory and delves into the policing experiences of immigrants in New York. Lastly, the article advocates for a more balanced approach to policing undocumented immigrants, highlighting the necessity of law enforcement and the importance of nurturing safe and cohesive communities.
Model Fitting and Analysis of Dielectric Properties in Alcohol-Fuel Blends Using Terahertz and Gigahertz Spectroscopies
Authors: Cova-Bonillo Alexis , Patiño-Camino Rayda , Brinklow George , Lapuerta Magín , Rodríguez-Fernández José , Melillo Jorge H. , Cerveny Silvina
Published: November 2024

Alcohols from biological waste sources or renewable electricity (electrofuels) are gaining attention in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transport. Adding alcohol to conventional fuels has positive environmental effects on automotive applications, requiring minimal engine adjustments. Employing a combination of terahertz (THz) and gigahertz (GHz) spectroscopies, a comprehensive analysis of model fitting is presented for diesel-like fuels, pure alcohols (ethanol and n-butanol), and alcohol-fuel blends. Through the integration of data from both spectroscopic techniques, new Debye parameters are introduced to improve the accuracy of fitting for various fuels. This research demonstrates that THz spectroscopy alone is valuable for reasonable fits, particularly for alcohols. However, integrating THz and GHz spectroscopies leads to improved fitting, and to better potential to understand the behavior of fuel properties. In addition, the effect of alcohol concentration on the dielectric constant spectra in blends was investigated, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions. The results reveal a linear relationship between fitted parameters and alcohol content in the blends. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including challenges in achieving satisfactory fits at low alcohol concentrations and the necessity for assumptions in the modeling process. These findings provide a basis for future research and advances in fuel property modeling.
Assessing the Correlates of Online Fraud Offending Among Juveniles
Authors: Holt Thomas J. , Cross Cassandra , Brewer Russell , Cale Jesse , Logos Katie , Goldsmith Andrew
Published: November 2024

Research exploring online fraud has largely focused on victim characteristics, limiting our knowledge of the factors influencing individuals’ risk of engaging in fraud offenses. It is essential that researchers understand the early-onset risk factors for fraud offending to develop better strategies to prevent behavior and reduce victimization. To address this gap in the literature, this study explored the relationship between self-control, opportunity, and two forms of online fraud in a sample of youth. The results illustrated that self-control and deviant peer associations increase the risk of acquiring personal information and funds from victims, though different online behaviors were associated with each offense. The implications of this study for our understanding of both criminological theory and policy are discussed in detail.
Examining Wrongful Convictions in Chile: An Analysis of Supreme Court Exonerations in 2007 to 2023
Authors: Duce Mauricio , Beltran Victor
Published: November 2024

Drawing on data from the Supreme Court case registry between 2007 and 2023, this study examines 63 cases of wrongful convictions in Chile. It aims to contribute to the global understanding of the factors leading to wrongful convictions while underscoring the importance of contextual differences. Our analysis reveals traditional factors such as mistaken eyewitness identification and official misconduct, alongside Chile-specific issues. Notably, identity theft, exacerbated by weak procedural safeguards, emerges as a predominant factor. We argue that Chile’s restrictive post-conviction review process needs reform, as it currently only identifies cases involving gross errors, thereby overlooking many wrongful convictions that might be recognized in other jurisdictions
When Good Intentions Go Awry: A Critical Policy Analysis of Equity-Focused Policies Intended to Reduce Racial Disparities in Special Education
Authors: Ko Dosun , Mawene Dian , Lee Yehyang , Lim Sumin , Yoo Jahyun
Published: November 2024

In the U.S. education system, students of color experience multiple forms of marginalization at the intersection of markers of difference. These injustices manifest in multiple forms, such as higher rates of inappropriate referrals to special education, misidentification, conferring stigmatizing labels, and subsequently placing students of color in more segregated spaces. To combat this persistent racial injustice within special education practices and programs, policymakers have formulated regulations under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) aimed at ensuring equal educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color. In particular, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs introduced 20 State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) indicators in 2004 to monitor states' implementation of IDEA. Building upon an interdisciplinary and intersectional lens informed by the cultural historical approach to disability, critical policy analysis in education, and disability critical race theory, this systematic literature review synthesizes 19 studies investigating local policy actors’ enactment of IDEA policies related to SPP/APR indicators, which were designed to address racial inequities in special education. The findings reveal that local policy actors’ interpretations, negotiations, and implementations of equity-intended special education policies are intricately tied to the situated cultural and political dynamics, making the process multifaceted and deeply contextual.
Trading Places: Mobility Responses of Native- and Foreign-Born Adults to the China Trade Shock
Authors: Autor David , Dorn David , Hanson Gordon
Published: November 2024

Previous research finds that the greater geographic mobility of foreign-born workers compared to native-born workers facilitates labor market adjustment to shifting regional economic conditions. The authors examine immigration’s role in enabling US commuting zones to respond to manufacturing job loss caused by import competition from China. Although foreign-born population headcounts fell by a larger proportion than those of the native-born in trade-exposed regions, the contribution of immigration to labor market adjustment in the study period was small. Because most US immigrants arrived in the country after manufacturing regions were already mature, few took jobs in industries that later saw import surges. The foreign-born population share in regions with high trade exposure was only three-fifths that of regions with low trade exposure. Immigration may do more to aid adjustment to cyclical shocks, in which job loss follows recent hiring booms, than to aid adjustment to secular decline, in which hiring booms occurred longer ago.
Gendered Job Search: An Analysis of Gender Differences in Reservation Wages and Job Applications
Authors: Basbug Gokce , Fernandez Roberto M.
Published: November 2024

Using a weekly survey of unemployed workers, this study examines gender differences in reservation wages and applied-for occupational categories. The analysis shows that a large portion of the gender difference in reservation wages is attributable to the fact that women and men search for different occupations. Findings further demonstrate that women are more likely to apply to occupations with higher percentages of female incumbents, and they target these occupations from the earlier stages of their job search, rather than adjusting their preferences over the course of unemployment. Further analysis shows that women are more likely to apply for occupational categories that offer greater flexibility in working hours, more opportunities for interpersonal interactions, less critical decision-making, and a less competitive environment. Finally, the analysis reveals that household responsibilities, particularly the number of children, and willingness to take risks are important factors influencing women’s decisions to pursue occupations with less demanding work hours.
Disturbance rejection for multivariable processes with time delays based on partial inverted decoupling control
Authors: Du Xinghan , Gan Liangzhi , Cai Wu , Geng Na , Jin Qibing
Published: November 2024

Motivated by the thought of using couplings to reject disturbances, the authors propose a novel partial inverted decoupling control for improving the disturbance rejection of multivariable processes with time delays. With the relative disturbance gain (RDG) for n ×  n processes, whether the couplings among loops are favorable is evaluated. The inverted decoupling usually used in full decoupling control is then extended to partial decoupling control to retain the favorable couplings and remove the unfavorable ones. The elements of the partial inverted decoupler are derived and the implementation structure is provided. Based on the partially decoupled processes, the decentralized controllers for both the decoupled and non-decoupled loops are designed. An analytical design method for the decentralized controllers is proposed to improve disturbance rejection. Controller parameters are determined in terms of both performance and robustness. Two simulation examples show that the presented partial inverted control strategy can provide superior disturbance rejection to several other classical multivariable control strategies.
Correlates of adverse childhood experiences among admitted patients with schizophrenia in a referral psychiatric hospital in Botswana
Authors: Bojosi Kagiso , Olashore Anthony A. , Roy Hlanganiso , Molebatsi Keneilwe
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Schizophrenia is becoming more prevalent globally, particularly in lower and middle-income countries. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are significant risk factors for developing and worsening the disorder. This study aimed to determine the pattern and correlates of ACE among inpatients with Schizophrenia at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Botswana.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional cohort study, 128 adult patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia were sampled over a 6-month period. The Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to study ACEs and assess schizophrenia severity. A regression model was used to determine factors that predicted the severity and frequency of admissions, with a significance level set at p ⩽ .05.

Results:

Participants were mostly males (78.9%), with a mean age of 36.7 ( SD = 11.01). About 93.8% reported at least 1 ACE, and 56.3% had ⩾4 ACEs. There was a positive correlation between the number of ACEs and positive symptoms ( rs = .24, p < .01) and the general psychopathology score ( rs = .18, p < .05). Having an incarcerated household member (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI [1.02, 5.81]) was associated with PANSS >75. Participants who had experienced physical abuse were more likely to have multiple admissions (AOR = 5.88; 95% 95% CI [1.87, 18.51]).

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight the high prevalence of multiple ACEs among patients with Schizophrenia. More interventions are therefore needed to mitigate the risk of ACEs.
Treatment experiences of women diagnosed with substance use disorder in eastern Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Aktas Mehmet Cihad , Ayhan Cemile Hurrem
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the addiction treatment experiences of women with substance use disorders in eastern Turkey with qualitative approach.

Methods:

The study was conducted using the phenomenological method, one of the qualitative study methods. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample for the study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with the selected sample group. Data saturation was reached with 12 participants and data collection was finalized. The data was collected using a personal information form and an open-ended structured interview form in which participants were asked about their views and experiences of the climate crisis. Voice recordings were transcribed, and categories, sub-themes and themes were formed.

Results:

Based on the statements of women with substance use disorders, several major themes in experiences of treatment: the path to healing, barriers and advantages. Barriers to treatment included individual barriers, institutional barriers and social barriers. Individuals’ barriers divided into several categories such as custody issue, internalized stigma, lack of knowledge, economic difficulties, lack of social security and barriers to accessing treatment.

Conclusion:

While treatment can lead to improved functionality and recovery for women with substance use disorders, various competing factors can complicate these outcomes. The impact of intimate partner violence, social support, stigma, and cultural relevance all play critical roles in shaping treatment experiences. Addressing these complexities through integrated, women-centered approaches is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes and supporting the recovery journeys of women with substance use disorders.
Additively manufacturing bioimitated multi-layered medical composite trauma plates
Authors: Chen Jiye , Dyadyura Kostiantyn , Hunter-Haas Doran , Dixon Melanie , Smorodin Anderey
Published: November 2024

An updated Additive Manufacture (AM) technology to produce Bioimitated Medical Composite Trauma Plates (BMCTP) is introduced in this paper. It aims to produce bioimitated multi-layered and continuous fibre reinforced medical composites with enhanced damage resilience and biomechanics compatibility for promptly recovering fractured bones. The BMCTP samples are produced by a 3D composite printer and validated using mechanical bending test and modelling analysis. The overall mechanical and fracture properties of the BMCTP samples are conducted based on the bending test outcomes. Research results have shown that the investigated BMCTP sample reaches the loading capacity of 1 kN under three-point bending. This is approximately 2 times higher than the required load that occurs when using this medical trauma plate in surgery. The biomechanics compatibility of the trauma construct has been reflected in the design and AM process. It allows the fractured bone to undertake healing required compressive strains (1%–10%) for mechanically stimulating the healing of the fractured bone. Compared to the BMCTP sample without surface treatment, the damage resistance of the surface-treated one increases by 19%. This technology provides a highly cost-effective approach to produce future medical composite trauma plates for possible applications in treatment and prosthetics in orthopedics and traumatology.
Is standard employment contract good for all? The gendered institutional logic of employment in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Francis K.
Published: November 2024

In coordinated market economies, nonstandard forms of employment are more common among women than among men. However, the existing scholarly literature devoted little attention to the examination of gendered employment patterns by skill level in newly emerged coordinated economies. This article employs a gender-based approach within the Varieties of Capitalism framework to analyse the effects of gender segmentation across diverse occupational skill levels in South Korea. The findings, derived from workers’ surveys and workplace interviews, indicate that the features of gender segmentation in employment outcomes vary according to skill level. Although the feminist critique on dualisation scenarios is supported, it is evident that the strict employment protection afforded by standard employment contracts does not benefit women uniformly. This discrepancy arises from employers' gendered logic, which is embedded in the country-specific gendered institutional structure of the production regime. The South Korean experience problematises the skill-based approach to dualisation scenarios, underscoring notable divergences from the evidence observed in mature coordinated market economies.
Words to unite nations: The complete United Nations General Debate Corpus, 1946–present
Authors: Jankin Slava , Baturo Alexander , Dasandi Niheer
Published: November 2024

Every year since 1946, the General Debate has taken place at the beginning of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly session. Representatives from all UN member states deliver an address, discussing the issues that they consider most important in global politics, revealing their governments’ positions, and seeking to persuade other states of their perspectives. The annual UN General Debate statements provide invaluable information for scholars of international relations – comparable globally and over time. However, these texts are stored as poor quality images without relevant metadata, preventing researchers from applying data science methods. This paper introduces the complete UN General Debate Corpus (UNGDC). Building on a previous incomplete release of UNGDC, we have extended the corpus to cover the entire 1946–present period, included additional data on all speakers and provided advanced search and data visualization tools on a new website. The complete corpus contains over 10,000 speeches from 202 countries, including historical countries – making it the most comprehensive, unique and accessible collection of global political speeches. We discuss the complete UNGDC, provide relevant information for data users and present illustrative examples of how the corpus can be employed to address key questions in world politics.
Inflation Targeting in India: A Further Assessment
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Gupta Poonam
Published: November 2024

We assess India’s inflation-targeting regime at the eight-year mark. The Reserve Bank of India continues to be a flexible inflation targeter: it responds to both the output gap and inflation when setting policy rates. It has become neither more hawkish nor more reactive with the transition to inflation-targeting. Evidence points to improved outcomes: inflation is lower and less volatile, inflation expectations are better anchored and the transmission of monetary policy is more effective. Given this record, radical changes such as broadening the RBI’s monetary mandate, abandoning the target in favour of a more discretionary regime, targeting core instead of headline inflation or altering the target and tolerance band would be risky and counterproductive. One obvious area for improvement entails updating the weight of food prices in the CPI basket. We estimate the correct weight of food at today’s per capita income to be closer to 40 per cent instead of the current 45.8 per cent. This would likely fall further to around 30 per cent in a decade from now due to the projected increase in per capita incomes. This correction should ameliorate concerns about the design and practice of the current inflation targeting regime.

JEL Codes: E5, E52
Self-medication Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic in a Latin American Country: A Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Salvador-Carrillo José , Campos-Loza Luz , Guillen-Carbajal David , Real-Pantoja Jakelyn , Pachas Allison , Crisol-Deza Diego , Saravia Luis , Rey-Vidal Oliver , Usquiano-Cardenas Luis , Flores Claudio , Izaguirre Víctor , Zevallos Alejandra , Fajardo Williams
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to turn to self-medication as an accessible and convenient method of managing their health. Thus, this study sought to describe the self-medication practices (SMP) and their risk factors among the Peruvian population during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2021, in 3 cities of Peru (Lima, Ica, and Chincha). An e-survey was distributed virtually to these populations. The association among the SMP and other variables was explored using the Chi-square test and then analyzed by the Poisson regression model (step-wise). The degree of association was represented by a prevalence ratio (PR) with its respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A total of 2207 participants (38.86 ± 15.1 yo) were included. 70.1% (n = 1547) were women and 70.0% (n = 1544) were from Lima. The frequency of SMP among all participants was 35.93%. In the self-medicated population, the most used drugs without a prescription were ivermectin (drops, 72.01%, n = 571), paracetamol (41.24%, n = 327), and azithromycin (25.81%, n = 284). The main factors associated with SMP were living in Chincha ( P < .001; PR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.26-1.65), being divorced or widowed ( P = .002; PR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.27-1.93), being an informal employee ( P < .001; PR:1.45; 95% CI: 1.23-1.71), and having symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection with no confirmed diagnosis ( P < .001; PR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.88-2.50). Our results showed that more than a third of all our participants self-medicated themselves. The SMP was associated mainly with residing in Chincha, not having any marital status, being informally employed, and having the presence of symptoms related to COVID-19 without diagnosis.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing During Pregnancy and the Perinatal Period: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Pankaew Kanamon , Carpenter Diane , Kerdprasong Nalinee , Nawamawat Juntina , Krutchan Nisa , Brown Samantha , Shawe Jill , March-McDonald Jane
Published: November 2024

Review Question: What is the impact of Covid-19 upon the mental health and well-being of women during pregnancy and during the perinatal period? Inclusion criteria: empirical primary research; maternal mental health and wellbeing; perinatal period; Covid-19; English or Thai language; studies from December 2019-September 2021, updated March 2024. Exclusion criteria: secondary research, commentary, grey literature. Databases searched: CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, Medline, PsycINFO, Clinical Key and Web of Science. Studies were assessed for bias using tools aligned with study design. A convergent integrated approach was taken whereby quantitative data was combined with qualitative data, synthesised simultaneously using Braun and Clarke Six Steps to Thematical Analysis and presented as narrative. Forty-two studies were included. Overall level of methodological quality of studies was 14 rated good, 28 fair. Overarching themes: “Impact” and “Emotional Impact.” Themes: demographic impact; mental health and socio-economic factors; obstetric factors; pre-morbidity; maternity service delivery; relationships; fear and worry, grief and loss. Commonality suggested some evidence for increased risk and prevalence for perinatal mental illness to pre-pandemic levels. Risk factors: lack/perceived lack of social support; high-risk pregnancy, complex obstetric history; prior mental illness; maternity service delivery, quality and safety; fear and worry. Results confer perinatal mental illness prominent during the pandemic though many did not suggest prevalence higher than pre-pandemic levels, or directly associated. Several factors compound risk. A small number of protective factors are identified. The dynamic processes of risk and protection need to be understood within the specific context in which they operate. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The study was not registered.
“A Person Taking Care of the Sick is also a Sick Person”: Challenges and Consequences of Hospital-Based Informal Caregiving
Authors: Adebayo Kudus Oluwatoyin , Somefun Oluwaseyi Dolapo , Omobowale Mofeyisara , Casale Marisa , Usman Rukayat , Olujimi Atinuke , Omodara Funmilayo
Published: November 2024

Informal caregivers support relatives in healthcare facilities globally. However, their involvement in hospitalization care while residing in and around the hospital is more prevalent in under-resourced settings. This article examined the challenges and multifaceted consequences of hospital-based informal caregiving in a Nigerian tertiary health facility. The study adopted a non-experimental exploratory research design and ethnographic and qualitative techniques were used to collect data from 75 participants, comprising 21 informal caregivers, 15 inpatients, 36 hospital staff, and 3 ad-hoc/paid caregivers. The challenges identified include: physical health effects and infection risks; livelihood and economic impact; mental health effects; inadequate access to basic services; exposure to safety risks and violence; conflict and barriers within the health system; and social impact. These challenges have negative consequences on informal caregivers, including heightening their vulnerability to poor health and burdening them economically and socially. Informal caregivers play a crucial role in under-resourced settings. Policymakers should create a supportive healthcare environment that meets their needs, ultimately improving the overall quality of care provided in tertiary health facilities.
Affective Aspects of Religiousness and 6-Year Course of Depressive Symptoms in Aged Dutch Citizens
Authors: Braam Arjan W. , van Nieuw Amerongen-Meeuse Joke C. , Holwerda Tjalling J. , Schaap-Jonker Hanneke , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Huisman Martijn
Published: November 2024

In prospective studies on religiousness and depressive symptoms, it remains unclear whether religiousness is a predictor or parallels the fluctuating course of depressive symptoms. The current study focuses on several affective aspects of religiousness in their associations over time with late life depressive symptoms. As part of the population-based Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a subsample of 222 respondents (mean age 76.3 years) completed up to three postal questionnaires with 3-year intervals. The questionnaires included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and subscales of the Questionnaire God Representations and the Brief Religious Coping scale. Analyses were performed using mixed model analysis and logistic regression. Positive feelings toward God were associated with fewer depressive symptoms over time. Anxiety toward God, discontent about God, and negative religious coping predicted more depressive symptoms over time (between-subject effects) but also tended to run parallel to the course of depressive symptoms (within-subject effects).
Humidity or air-speed? A climate chamber investigation into adaptive thermal comfort potential
Authors: Sadagopan Harini , Kitchley Jinu Louishidha , Natarajan Sukumar
Published: November 2024

High indoor humidity is known to impair sweat-induced evaporative cooling in the tropics. However, its role in the established adaptive thermal comfort standards was ignored until the recent development of the field-data derived relative humidity (RH) inclusive adaptive thermal comfort model (ATCRH). The ATCRH model demonstrated the existence of an RH signal in adaptive thermal comfort for the first time by showing low RH is associated with higher comfort temperatures and vice versa. But it is unclear whether these comfort temperatures are due to simultaneous association with high or low air-speed in the field data. The aim of the present study is hence to investigate the potential relationship between ATCRH and air-speed. We utilise a unique well-controlled climate chamber - VSIMULATORS, that can virtually mimic real environments, thus providing a better match to field conditions than historic climate chamber research which was criticised for the artificiality of the study environment. Using a carefully created factorial experimental design protocol to account for order effects and counterbalancing, a series of experiments involving hypothesised pairs of warm-climate ‘adapted’ and ‘un-adapted’ subjects were undertaken. The subjects were exposed to two levels of air-speed (independent variable), 0.2 m/s and 0.8 m/s under low and high humidity associated comfort temperature bounds given in ATCRH. A total of 8832 subjective responses were obtained on standardised scales. Our warm-climate adaptation hypothesis is confirmed through observed discrepancies in the subjective responses in the factorial experiment. Results show that the ATCRH model is found to be comfortable regardless of air-speed at lower humidity levels but is comfortable only with a higher air-speed of ∼0.8 m/s at higher humidity levels. This clearly points to the need for the provision of elevated air-speed, through natural or mechanical ventilation, when using the ATCRH model in highly humid locales.

Practical application

The applicability of recently developed “Relative Humidity-inclusive Adaptive Thermal Comfort model ATCRH is tested using ‘long-term thermal memory’ of the occupants as a criterion, within a unique climate chamber – VSIMULATORS. Under extreme ATCRH model conditions of 34°C, 70% relative humidity, an elevated air-speed of 0.8 m/s maintains the thermal comfort of occupants at ‘neutral to slightly uncomfortable’, that is 0 to −1 on the ASHRAE’S 7-Point Scale. ATCRH model is found to be practically applicable for energy savings in the tropics. This study also found that prolonged exposure to ATCRH model conditions reduces the thermal comfort of the occupants by 0.54 units on the ASHRAE’s seven-point scale for each progressive hour, which has potential scope for further investigations into adaptive thermal comfort mechanisms.
Diversity Deflation: The Effect of Hierarchical Representation on Perceived Diversity, Conflict, and Attraction to Work Teams
Authors: Brown N. Derek , Mishra Sonya , Jarvis Shoshana N. , Anderson Cameron
Published: November 2024

Prior research finds that hierarchical representation–the vertical distribution of minorities across a hierarchy–can influence team attractiveness. Extending these findings, we offer a novel account for why these perceptions arise: teams with minorities clustered in low-ranking positions are perceived as less diverse and more conflict-prone than equally diverse teams with hierarchical representation. Across five studies (N = 2946), participants perceived teams with low hierarchical representation as less attractive than teams with hierarchical representation, regardless of participant race. Teams with low hierarchical representation were considered just as unattractive as teams with lower numerical diversity (Study 2). Individuals also underestimated the percentage of Black employees present in teams with low hierarchical representation, signaling a “diversity deflation” effect (Study 3). Conversely, teams with hierarchical representation were considered as attractive as diverse teams with flatter hierarchies (Study 4). The effect of hierarchical representation on attractiveness weakens for teams portrayed as conflict-laden (Study 5).
What Fuels the Volatility of Electricity Prices?
Authors: Saretto Alessio , Shcherbakova Anastasia , Lin Jeremy
Published: November 2024

We use emergency outages of coal generators as an exogenous source of variation in the power generation stack to study how changes in marginal fuel affect real-time price volatility. Contrary to anecdotal evidence, we find that wholesale prices are less volatile when natural gas is on the margin more often.

JEL Classification: Q4
Transdisciplinarity and complex thinking: training experiences in Cuba / Transdisciplinariedad y pensamiento complejo: experiencias formativas en Cuba
Authors: Corral Roberto
Published: November 2024

Based on a critical reflection on transdisciplinarity and its relationship with complex thinking, initiatives in higher education in Cuba that have attempted to assume this position and the obstacles they have encountered are described. The conclusion is that a concerted effort aimed at transformation is a necessary condition for conceiving and designing truly innovative education, and that changing deeply rooted traditions in psychology requires creativity and audacity.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of vitamin A supplementation programs in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Ezezika Obidimma , Quibrantar Selina , Okolie Asua , Ariyo Oluwaseun , Marson Alanna
Published: November 2024

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) impacts over 50% of children aged 6–59 months in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe health issues. Despite the importance of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs, barriers limit their effectiveness, making it essential to understand these factors for better outcomes. Aim: This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to VAS programs in Africa, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to conceptualize the findings. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across OVID Embase, OVID Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, CINAHL and CAB Direct. Studies were excluded if they did not report VAS administration via capsules or droplets in large-scale programs or omitted discussions on implementation barriers and facilitators. Results: The search yielded 4377 citations, with 10 studies meeting eligibility criteria, published from 2002 to 2021 across 12 countries. The most frequently represented were Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. A total of nine barriers and seven facilitators to VAS programs were identified. The most frequently cited barriers were capsule stock-outs, limited resources and lack of incentive for staff, while the most frequently cited facilitators were Child Health Days and involvement of community-based health workers. The key CFIR constructs associated with these findings were Tailoring Strategies, Incentive Systems and Available Resources. Conclusion: The barriers and facilitators identified in this review offer valuable insights for improving VAS coverage and implementation in Africa. Tailoring implementation strategies based on these findings can enhance the effectiveness and coverage of VAS programs.