bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging State Practice on Maritime Limits: A Grotian Moment Unveiling a Hidden Truth?
Authors: Árnadóttir Snjólaug
Published: June 2023

The legal order of the oceans has seen rapid developments and paradigm shifts. At least one of them has been described as a textbook example of a Grotian Moment: the emergence of the customary international law on the continental shelf, stemming from increased demand for oil and gas, coupled with technological advances and the Truman Proclamation of 1945. Now, eighty years later, the law of the sea is again faced with fundamental changes as the basis for maritime limits is eroded by sea level rise. State practice, going back at least a century, has demonstrated that maritime limits normally fluctuate with physical changes to the coast. This understanding has not caused significant changes to the extent or location of maritime entitlements in a historical context. However, sea level rise stands to have catastrophic impacts as the submergence of individual coastal features can cause the loss of maritime areas spanning hundreds of thousands of square kilometres.

This realisation has ignited a movement to change the law on maritime limits. Around 2010, the first States began to declare that their maritime limits would be stable, notwithstanding subsequent sea level rise. Several States and a coalition of States have since made similar declarations and the study of the ila Committee on International Law and Sea Level Rise indicates that the practice is in a phase of crystallisation. That suggests that new customary international law may be developing and the events leading to these developments might justify the use of the term Grotian Moment, leading to accelerated formation of customary international law or revised interpretation of the current law. The traditional requirements of State practice and opinio juris are not satisfied at present. However, the impacts of sea level rise on maritime limits may represent a moment of discovery that unveils a hidden truth about the law, overriding the traditional interpretation that renders maritime limits ambulatory.
Amphibious Diplomacy
Authors: Wang Earl
Published: June 2023

The European Union (EU) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) are both non-conventional polities in international relations and the study of diplomacy. On the one hand, the EU is a ‘unique economic and political union between 27 European countries’. On the other hand, Taiwan is able to concurrently carry out two distinct forms of foreign relations. First, diplomacy as a sovereign country with states that it maintains formal diplomatic relations. Second, in the relations with states and other polities without diplomatic ties, and under their divergent ‘One China’ policies, Taiwan operates as a paradiplomatic actor or one that is within the intervals of diplomacy and paradiplomacy. Observing such a phenomenon, this article proposes the notion of ‘amphibious diplomacy’ and empirically studies the notion through how, in practice, the EU and Taiwan have been carrying out their negotiation of the Bilateral Investment Agreement (bia) given the constraints of an absence of diplomatic relations and the EU’s ‘One China’ policy. The article incorporates first-hand material from semi-structured interviews with interlocutors whose work allows them to obtain practical knowledge about the EU-Taiwan bia.
Access and Emergence: A Case Study of a Working-Class Journey into Studying Medicine
Authors: Wilson Alastair , Hunter Katie
Published: June 2023

Analysis of data on school leavers in Scotland points towards considerable inequality in access to higher education. This is highlighted in terms of participation in higher education by young people from lower-income households or identifying as first in their families to consider going to university. The situation is more acute in terms of access to the most competitive courses leading to careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and law. This paper draws on data from an ongoing research and development project in the area of mentoring to present a case study of a young woman progressing an application to study medicine. Drawing on the concept of Academic Capital Formation it illuminates the ways in which institutional practices advance or impede access to higher education and particularly, to those courses which facilitate entry into high status professional occupations. The findings in this research problematise current thinking about how to widen participation in higher education and the most competitive professions.
Transnational Chinese students’ online information literacies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gao Huan , Kohnen Angela
Published: June 2023

Using a transnational lens, this narrative study examines the online information literacies of six Chinese international graduate students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data of the study were collected from phenomenological interviewing, weekly information-seeking dairies, and focus group discussions. This study illuminates Chinese international students’ transnational information literacies in navigating the pandemic online information environment. These students stayed attuned with the pandemic conditions and relevant regulations in order to inform their important decision-making concerning health, safety, visa issues, and international travel. The study also highlights participants' cultural ways of information seeking and pragmatic approaches to information credibility assessment. Results from the study show the importance of understanding and empowering the information literacy of international students, especially during a global health emergency.
Personalised learning paths for information literacy using Canvas MasteryPaths
Authors: Dixon Neil , Packwood Andrea
Published: June 2023

This project report describes using MasteryPaths in the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment as a method of helping improve the information literacy (IL) competence for undergraduate science students studying in their first year at university. The MasteryPaths incorporated a series of formative quiz assessments on referencing and finding and evaluating information, which depending on the students’ initial score directed them to further enrichment or support materials. Four degree courses (Biology, Forensics, Biomedicine and Sport) each included the MasteryPaths in a first-year module in 2020/21, which were available in Canvas following face-to-face IL sessions. Focus groups were conducted with students, and interviews were carried out with two module leaders to explore perceptions of the MasteryPaths design and effectiveness for IL skills. The article provides insight into how online, self-paced, IL formative quiz assessments can be developed in a way to motivate and engage students in their learning.
Dialectical roots and routes from Hegel to Bloch
Authors: Schneider Marco , Bezerra Arthur Coelho
Published: June 2023

The "critical" element present in many critical information literacy (CIL) studies shows a commitment to the practical challenge of the power structures that shape current information regimes. In this article, we argue that it is necessary to analyse how such power structures, organised under a capitalist social order with neoliberal contours, benefit from disinformation, scientific denialism and class, race and gender oppression. In addition to discussing how philosophical notions of language and postmodern relativism appear in the present time, our main theoretical objective is to highlight some thoughts of Hegel, Marx and Bloch on the notions of dialectics, praxis and concrete utopia, aiming to contribute to strengthen the critical element that names and distinguishes CIL as a field of inquiry in library and information studies.
Pleurothallis pugio (Orchidaceae), a new Pleurothallidinae from Costa Rica
Authors: KARREMANS ADAM P. , JIMÉNEZ JOSÉ ESTEBAN
Published: June 2023

A new species of Pleurothallis is described from Ciudad Quesada in Costa Rica. The novelty belongs to Pleurothallis series Acroniae Luer, having a close floral affinity with P. dentipetala and P. rowleei, from which it can be easily distinguished by the two-flowered inflorescence branches, bearing tiny yellow flowers with ovate-lanceolate, undulate dorsal sepal, decurved, oblong-lanceolate, dagger-like petals, and an ovate lip. Pleurothallis pugio is reminiscent of P. imitor, a species which also has two-flowered branches bearing yellow flowers. However, the latter is only known to occur in Monteverde Reserve at higher elevations, and differs in the petals that are only slightly decurved, with an entire margin, the sepals that are elliptic, and the lip that is triangular-sagittate.
A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam and further information on Leptolalax tuberosus
Authors: ROWLEY JODI J. L. , HUY HOANG DUC , DUONG LE THI THUY , VINH DAU QUANG , TRUNG CAO TIEN
Published: June 2023

We describe a new species of megophryid frog from central Vietnam. Leptolalax croceus sp. nov. is most similar to L. tuberosus, but distinguished from this and all other Leptolalax species by its bright orange belly in life and by its unique, complex advertisement call consisting of 4–6 variably pulsed notes with a dominant frequency of 2635–3000 Hz. In contrast, L. tuberosus has an advertisement call consisting of a single, weakly pulsed note lasting 54–78 ms with a dominant frequency of 2584–2756.2 Hz. Leptolalax croceus sp. nov. can be further distinguished from its congeners by a combination of an indistinct tympanum, highly tuberculate dorsum, medium body size (22.2–27.3 mm in 16 adult males), head slightly wider than long, rudimentary webbing between toes I–III, no webbing between toes III–V, no lateral fringing on toes, and no ventrolateral glands. The new species is only known from a single locality in evergreen forest at 1316 m elevation. Males were found calling from leaf litter and low vegetation adjacent to a shallow, rocky stream. We suggest the species should be considered Data Deficient following IUCN’s Red List categories.
Operative Management of Aerodigestive Injuries: Improved Survival Over two Decades
Authors: Walker Patrick F. , Galvagno Samuel M. , Sachdeva Ashutosh , Feliciano David V. , Scalea Thomas M. , O’Connor James V.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Non-iatrogenic aerodigestive injuries are infrequent but potentially fatal. We hypothesize that advances in management and adoption of innovative therapies resulted in improved survival.

Methods

Trauma registry review at a university Level 1 center from 2000 to 2020 that identified adults with aerodigestive injuries requiring operative or endoluminal intervention. Demographics, injuries, operations, and outcomes were abstracted. Univariate analysis was performed, P < .05 was statistically significant.

Results

95 patients had 105 injuries: 68 tracheal and 37 esophageal (including 10 combined). Mean age 30.9 (± 14), 87.4% male, 82.1% penetrating, and 28.4% with vascular injuries. Median ISS, chest AIS, admission BP, Shock Index, and lactate were 26 (16-34), 4 (3-4), 132 (113-149) mmHg, .8 (.7-1.1), and 3.1 (2.4-5.6) mmol/L, respectively . There were 46 cervical and 22 thoracic airway injuries; 5 patients in extremis required preoperative ECMO. 66 airway injuries were surgically repaired and 2 definitively managed with endobronchial stents. There were 24 cervical, 11 thoracic, 2 abdominal esophageal injuries—all repaired surgically. Combined tracheoesophageal injuries were individually managed and buttressed. 4 airway complications were successfully managed, and 11 esophageal complications managed conservatively, stented, or resected. Mortality was 9.6%, half from intraoperative hemorrhage. Specific mortality: tracheobronchial 8.8%, esophageal 10.8%, and combined 20%. Mortality was significantly associated with higher ISS (P = .01), vascular injury (P = .007), blunt mechanism (P = .01), bronchial injury (P = .01), and years 2000-2010 (P = .03), but not combined tracheobronchial injury.

Conclusion

Mortality is associated with several variables, including vascular trauma and years 2000-2010. The use of ECMO and endoluminal stents in highly selected patients and institutional experience may account for 97.8% survival over the past decade.
Combined Interventional Radiology and Surgical Cut-Down Approaches for Retained Gallstones
Authors: Mushtaq Bakhtawar , Myers Robert , Perrotti Gabrielle , Nussbaum Michael , Shadis Ryan , O’Moore Paul , Kirton Orlando
Published: June 2023

Symptomatic retained gallstones are a rare but potentially morbid condition. Post-cholecystectomy patients presenting with vague complaints or perihepatic abscesses should be considered for retained gallstones. Traditional treatment was incision and drainage or exploratory laparotomy with washout. The current standard is minimally invasive procedures. In this case report, two different and unpublished combination methods between surgery and interventional radiology were used to extract retained stones. The first patient underwent needle-wire localization pre-operatively to identify the retained stone. The surgeon cut down along the wires and excised the stone. The second patient had a 10 French drain placed to drain the abscess surrounding the stone. The surgeon cut down along the drain, as the drain’s pigtail and retained stone were located in the abscess cavity. Based on this case report, we propose using the successful method of combined interventional radiology and general surgery procedures to excise larger and deeper retained dropped gallstones.
Cricothyrotomy Online: Quality Assessment of Educational Videos on YouTube
Authors: Day Margot E. , Zwemer Catherine H. , Pierce Ayal Z. , Wanersdorfer Karen , Kartiko Susan , LaPorta Matthew , Sarani Babak , Jackson Hope T. , Estroff Jordan M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Medical learners may use YouTube® videos to prepare for procedures. Videos are convenient and readily available, but without any uploading standards, their accuracy and quality for education are uncertain. We assessed the quality of emergency cricothyrotomy videos on YouTube through an expert panel of surgeons with objective quality metrics.

Methods

A YouTube® search for “emergency cricothyrotomy” was performed and results were filtered to remove animations and lectures. The 4 most-viewed videos were sent to a panel of trauma surgeons for evaluation. An educational quality (EQ) score was generated for each video based on its ability to explain the procedure indications, orient the viewer to the patient, provide accurate narration, provide clear views of procedure, identify relevant instrumentation and anatomy, and explain critical maneuvers. Reviewers were also asked if safety concerns were present and encouraged to give feedback in a free-response field.

Results

Four surgical attendings completed the survey. The median EQ score was 6 on a 7-point scale (95% CI [6, 6]). All but one of the individual parameters had a median EQ score of 6 (95% CI: indications [3, 7], orientation [5, 7], narration [6, 7], clarity [6, 7], instruments [6, 7], anatomy [6, 6], critical maneuvers [5, 6]). Safety received a lower EQ score (5.5, 95% CI [2, 6]).

Conclusions

The most-viewed cricothyrotomy videos were rated positively by surgical attendings. Still, it is necessary to know if medical learners can distinguish high from low quality videos. If not, this suggests a need for surgical societies to create high-quality videos that can be reliably and efficiently accessed on YouTube®.
Shadow of Personal Fear? The Role of Personal and Altruistic Fear of Cyberharassment
Authors: Maher Cooper A. , Hayes Brittany E.
Published: June 2023

Fear of crime is a social problem that outpaces crime itself, particularly when fear is expressed altruistically for others. Despite this, few studies consider whether the correlates of fear are expressed differently across personal and altruistic contexts, and whether the correlates of these fears for cyberharassment differ across genders—a potentially gendered crime. Using data from two samples collected via randomized vignette design on Amazon’s MTurk (439; 419), logistic regression findings indicate that determinants of personal and altruistic fear of cyberharassment differ, and that altruistic fear is rooted in women’s personal fears. Findings indicate that altruistic fears of cyberharassment may stem from a “shadow of personal fear,” and indicate the need for further research examining this association across contexts.
A Slow-Rolling Disaster: Assessing the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Militant Violence
Authors: Pape Robert A. , Price Christopher
Published: June 2023

Despite alarming predications about the Covid 19 pandemic that appear to fit the literature on the impact of natural disasters on civil wars, there are reasons to be suspicious that a rise in militant violence would likely occur quickly or uniformly. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is most definitely a disaster that caught the world by surprise, this “slow-rolling” shock differs in important ways from the more commonly studied acute onset natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis that often increase violent competition among groups for scarce resources. Instead, the effects of slow-rolling disasters unfold in phases that, at least in the short run, are likely to encourage a period of relative decline in violence, as actors try and assess the effects of COVID-19 on their organization and their opponents. Both statistical and qualitative evidence from the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic supports the initial phases of our theory.
Goalsetting is Mindsetting: Guided Reflection on Life Goals Taps Into the Plasticity of Motivational Mindsets
Authors: Hudig Job , Scheepers Ad W. A. , Schippers Michaéla C. , Smeets Guus
Published: June 2023

The working mechanism of an effective online lifegoal-setting intervention was recently proposed by means of the motivational mindset model (MMM). The MMM contains four types of mindset profiles (high-impact, low-impact, social-impact, and self-impact) based on multiple, co-occurring motives that students hold for studying. The present paper aims to qualitatively investigate the mechanism and explores whether the goal-setting intervention fosters a favorable change in mindset. To this end, a deductive content analysis was used to examine the life goal motives in the written goal-setting essays of 48 first-year university students (33% female; 8.3% ethnic minority; Mage = 19.5, age range 17–30 years). Life goal motives were coded according to four dimensions along two distinctions (self-oriented versus self-transcendent, and intrinsic versus extrinsic) and analyses were focused on comparisons between changed and stable mindsets. Results show that students who changed from a low-impact mindset to a social-impact mindset expressed intrinsic self-oriented and intrinsic self-transcendent motives to a similar extent as stable social-impact mindset students. This pattern indicates that the positive change in mindset already occurred during the reflection assignment and substantiates the proposed mechanism of the goal-setting intervention. The implications of the findings are discussed as well as directions for future research.
Development of the Family Function Scale: Indonesia Version
Authors: Lubis Rahmi , Hinduan Zahrotur Rusyda , Jatnika Ratna , Baydhowi  , Agustiani Hendriati
Published: June 2023

The unproperly functioning family can provoke adolescent mental health and behavior problems. The measurement of family function in Indonesia still uses instruments from the West, so it is necessary to develop a more suitable community tool. This study aims to validate the Indonesian version of Chinese Family Assessment Inventory. We selected 396 participants randomly from four high schools in Medan. Data analysis showed that all scale items had high validity (CVI = .86). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis concluded that the ICFAI has an identical factor structure to the original version. The data fit with the model (Chi-square 8892.122; p < .000; RMSEA = .575; CFI = .945; TLI = .939). 32 of 33 items have a good quality ( t-value <1.96) and high reliability (Alpha = .921). ICFAI is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring family function in Indonesia.
Welfare Benefit Generosity and Refugee Integration
Authors: Arendt Jacob Nielsen
Published: June 2023

This study examines how welfare benefit generosity impacts refugees’ integration into their new country. The effects of welfare benefit generosity are identified from a policy reform that reduced welfare benefits, first for newly arrived refugees, and second for those who had been in the country for at least 10 months. The results suggest that refugees respond quickly to the benefit reduction, but men and women react on different margins. Male refugees enter employment faster when they experience a benefit reduction, whereas no effect on the labor market is found for female refugees. Even though some men succeed in finding a job, both men and women experience a drop in disposable income of 20 percent. This seems to adversely affect women as they seek more health care, are more often hospitalized, and are more often charged with property crimes. No such unintended effects are found for men.
A systematic review of variations in circadian rhythm genes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stevens Harry , Verdone Giulia , Lang Leonie , Graham Catherine , Pilic Leta , Mavrommatis Yiannis
Published: June 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that has severe individual and societal consequences, which is forecast to worsen in the future. A new field of investigation is variations in circadian rhythm genes, in conjunction with diet and sleep variables, associations with, and effects on, type 2 diabetes development.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to analyse all current literature regarding circadian rhythm gene variations and type 2 diabetes, and explore their interplay with diet and sleep variables on type 2 diabetes outcomes. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021259682).

Methodology

Embase and Pubmed were searched on 6/8/2021/11/8/2021 for studies of all designs, including participants from both sexes, all ethnicities, ages, and geographic locations. Participants with risk alleles/genotypes were compared with the wildtype regarding type 2 diabetes outcomes. Studies risk of bias were scored according to the risk of bias in non-randomised studies – interventions/exposures criteria.

Results

In total, 31 studies were found (association n  =  29/intervention n  =  2) including >600,000 participants from various ethnicities, sexes, and ages. Variations in the melatonin receptor 1B, brain and muscle arnt-like 1 and period circadian regulator (PER) genes were consistently associated with type 2 diabetes outcomes.

Conclusions

Individuals with variations in melatonin receptor 1B, brain and muscle arnt-like 1 and PER may be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed regarding other circadian rhythm genes. More longitudinal studies and randomised trials are required before clinical recommendations can be made.
Analysis of the use of empiric antimicrobial prophylaxis for temporary cardiac devices at a large academic medical center
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Mason Jessica , Toyoda Alexander Y , Ji Christine S , Gandhi Ronak G , Solomon Edmond J
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Varying rates of access site infections with temporary percutaneous cardiac devices have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of a change in institutional practice in utilizing antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent access site infections in patients with these devices.

Methods

This observational, pre-post implementation analysis evaluated the benefit of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy in adult patients with temporary percutaneous cardiac devices admitted to cardiac intensive care units. Patients in the pre-cohort received prophylactic antibiotics for the duration of device insertion. Patients in the post-cohort received a single dose of intravenous antibiotics for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or Impella® 5.5 device placement, and no antimicrobial prophylaxis for all other devices placed. The primary endpoint was the incidence of definitive access site infection. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection and initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Results

Fifty patients in the pre-cohort and 45 patients in the post-cohort were evaluated. Devices included intra-aortic balloon pumps, VA-ECMO, Impella® CP and Impella® 5.5. The median duration of device insertion was four days. No significant difference in the primary outcome was seen between the two groups. A significant reduction in prophylactic antimicrobial utilization and total days of antimicrobial exposure was observed in the post-implementation cohort.

Conclusion

Based on the results of our study, the implemented guideline reduces the utilization of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with temporary percutaneous cardiac devices and does not result in an increased rate of infections.
Control-oriented meta-learning
Authors: Richards Spencer M. , Azizan Navid , Slotine Jean-Jacques , Pavone Marco
Published: June 2023

Real-time adaptation is imperative to the control of robots operating in complex, dynamic environments. Adaptive control laws can endow even nonlinear systems with good trajectory tracking performance, provided that any uncertain dynamics terms are linearly parameterizable with known nonlinear features. However, it is often difficult to specify such features a priori, such as for aerodynamic disturbances on rotorcraft or interaction forces between a manipulator arm and various objects. In this paper, we turn to data-driven modeling with neural networks to learn, offline from past data, an adaptive controller with an internal parametric model of these nonlinear features. Our key insight is that we can better prepare the controller for deployment with control-oriented meta-learning of features in closed-loop simulation, rather than regression-oriented meta-learning of features to fit input-output data. Specifically, we meta-learn the adaptive controller with closed-loop tracking simulation as the base-learner and the average tracking error as the meta-objective. With both fully actuated and underactuated nonlinear planar rotorcraft subject to wind, we demonstrate that our adaptive controller outperforms other controllers trained with regression-oriented meta-learning when deployed in closed-loop for trajectory tracking control.
Delayed gadolinium contrast-enhanced 3D-T1 SPACE STIR sequence can better visualize abnormal cranial nerves: a case report
Authors: Zhang Lu , Kang Zhilei , Hu Mingyue , Han Jingzhe
Published: June 2023

With the advancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, general radiographic methods are no longer sufficient for accurately displaying the structure and pathway of cranial nerves. Various sequences, including 3-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrast using different flip angle evolution (SPACE), have been developed through MRI technology to effectively display the location and severity of damaged cranial nerves. This current case report describes a 36-year-old male patient with multiple cranial nerve injuries resulting from an invasive Mucor infection. While performing MRI scanning on this patient, a 1-h delayed enhanced MRI 3D-T1 SPACE short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence proved more effective in eliminating background interference and assessing neurological damage with greater clarity than conventional enhancement methods. This approach may prove beneficial in accurately evaluating the extent of cranial neuropathy, thus facilitating clinical applications.
Spanish consensus of occupational therapists on upper limb assessment tools in stroke
Authors: Madroñero-Miguel Beatriz , Cuesta-García César
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

There is a lack of explicit tool recommendations for upper limb (UL) assessment in stroke, occupational therapists are frequently underrepresented in consensus studies, and the frequency of use of tools is highly variable between countries. The objective was to generate national occupational therapy consensus recommendations on UL assessment tools in stroke, and to classify the tools that achieve consensus according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) components.

Methods:

Three-round e-Delphi study of national scope. Occupational therapists working in Spain with training and experience in neurorehabilitation were recruited. Rounds were based on the completion of questionnaires on UL stroke assessment tools. Consensus was reached when ⩾75% of experts gave a ⩾7 rating on a nine-point Likert scale.

Results:

A total of 29 occupational therapists comprised the expert panel. Twenty-three (17.8%) assessment tools achieved consensus and were classified according to the ICF components of body functions and structures (7), activities (11), participation (3) and other (2).

Conclusion:

The expert panel recommended 23 outcome measures for UL recovery in stroke, representing all ICF components. The consensus recommendations are intended to assist occupational therapists in their clinical decision-making process, and to reduce the heterogeneity of research tools.
Reflections on recent developments in the governance of schools in Ireland and the role of the church
Authors: Connolly Michael , James Chris , Murtagh Luke
Published: June 2023

This article analyses recent developments in school governance in Ireland. The context for school governance in Ireland is changing. Features of this new context include increased population diversity partly because of immigration; an increasingly negative attitude to religion; a decline in religious observance; economic growth; the school performance compared with other countries; increasing population size; the nature of the electoral system, which brings local issues to the fore; and the unionization of the teaching profession, which affects system change. This changing context is set against the embedded and strong influence of organised religion. Disquiet at the church's influence on educational policy and practice is increasing. The government's intention to address this influence is slow to impact but evidence indicates that the role of religious institutions in school governing in Ireland is declining. Because the present situation is unsustainable, a crisis in school patronage is looming.
Use of Letermovir for Primary and Secondary Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Abdominal Organ Transplantation: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Ibrahim Dima , Byrns Jennifer , Maziarz Eileen , Alexander Barbara D. , Saullo Jennifer L.
Published: June 2023

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after abdominal organ transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The use of valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis is limited by drug-induced myelosuppression and potential emergence of resistance. Letermovir is approved for primary CMV prophylaxis in CMV seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. However, it is increasingly used off-label for prophylaxis in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Methods: Based on pharmacy records, we examined retrospectively the use of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in abdominal transplant recipients initiated on therapy at our center from January 1, 2018 through October 15, 2020. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Twelve episodes of letermovir prophylaxis occurred in ten patients. Four patients received primary and 6 patients received secondary prophylaxis during the study period, with 1 patient receiving letermovir secondary prophylaxis on 3 separate occasions. All patients receiving letermovir for primary prophylaxis had successful outcomes. However, letermovir secondary prophylaxis was unsuccessful in 5 of the 8 episodes (62.5%) due to breakthrough CMV DNAemia and/or disease. Only 1 patient discontinued therapy due to adverse effects. Conclusion: Although letermovir was generally well tolerated, the high rate of failure when used as secondary prophylaxis was noteworthy. Additional controlled clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of letermovir prophylaxis in SOT recipients are warranted.
Sexualized drug use and STD and HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Blomaard Carien M , Jongen Vita W , Achterbergh Roel CH , van der Loeff Maarten F Schim , de Vries Henry JC
Published: June 2023

Background

We assessed the association between sexualized drug use (SDU), and incident sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

We used data from the MS2 cohort study, conducted at the STI Outpatient Clinic of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 2014–2019. Eligible participants were adult HIV-negative MSM with ≥2 STDs in the preceding year and MSM living with HIV and ≥1 STD. Participation encompassed 3-monthly visits including STD screening and questionnaires on drug use. Primary outcomes were incident HIV, anal chlamydia/gonorrhoea, and syphilis. We studied the association between SDU of individual drugs and incident HIV and STDs, using Poisson regression. Analyses were adjusted for age and HIV-status.

Results

131 HIV-negative MSM and 173 MSM living with HIV were included for analysis. SDU with GHB/GBL (aIRR = 7.2, 95% CI = 1.4–35.5) in the 3 months before testing was associated with incident HIV. SDU with GHB/GBL (aIRR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0–1.4), ketamine (aIRR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.6) or methamphetamine (aIRR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.6) was associated with incident anal chlamydia/gonorrhoea. We found no association between SDU with specific drug types and syphilis incidence.

Conclusions

SDU with GHB/GBL, ketamine and methamphetamine among MSM was associated with incident HIV and anal chlamydia/gonorrhoea. HIV-negative MSM engaging in SDU should be advised to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and all MSM engaging in SDU should be advised to have STD screening regularly. We suggest counselling on STDs among MSM engaging in SDU.
Workplace learning and information literacy in the Kente-weaving landscape
Authors: Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi , Du Preez Madely , Wessels Nicoline
Published: June 2023

This study investigates how workplace learning is enacted to make a novice Kente (a hand-woven fabric in Ghana) weaver information literate in the Kente-weaving landscape. Ethnography was used as the research design. Interview and participant observation were used as the data collection methods. For the interview, semi-structured interview techniques were used to solicit information from all three levels of weavers (Master, junior and novice weavers) in Bonwire Kente Centre in Ghana. Out of the 62 weavers at the Bonwire Kente Centre, 24 weavers representing 8 each from each level of weavers were purposively chosen. The findings of this study show learning is enacted to make a novice Kente weaver information literate of the Kente-weaving craft by the affordance of guidance provision, conversations, observation and learning by doing. This study contributes to the information literacy literature and workplace learning that learning and becoming information literate do not relate solely to the cognitive activities of the mind, but also to the body through the affordance of the workplace.
Burden of Illness and Treatment Patterns Among Patients With von Willebrand Disease in US Clinical Practice
Authors: Swallow Elyse , Marden Jessica R. , Billmyer Emma , Yim Erica , Sun Shawn X.
Published: June 2023

In this retrospective cohort study, data from an integrated US healthcare system containing both electronic medical record data and linked claims data (from 01/2004 to 12/2020) were used to evaluate the clinical burden, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource use (HRU) in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Two patient cohorts were analyzed: the overall VWD population (n  =  396) and a subset of these patients (n  =  75) who were considered potentially eligible for prophylaxis treatment with von Willebrand factor (VWF) based on a history of severe and frequent bleeding. HRU (hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and emergency department visits) were measured in patients with linked claims data (n  =  110, overall VWD patients; n  =  23 potentially VWF-prophylaxis-eligible VWD patients). In general, patients with VWD experienced a substantial burden of bleeding events, comorbidities, and HRU. Patients with VWD who were considered potentially eligible for prophylaxis owing to severe and frequent bleeds suffered from a higher clinical burden and HRU than the overall VWD population, and thus may benefit from VWF prophylactic treatment. The findings from this study could help improve clinical outcomes and manage HRU for patients with VWD.
Active observer-based T-S fuzzy control scheme for maximum power point tracking in PV systems
Authors: Zare Iman , Setoodeh Peyman , Asemani Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the problem of maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the presence of model uncertainty as well as varying load and atmospheric conditions using techniques based on a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. The proposed approach relies on the linear matrix inequality tool, Lambert W function, and the Newton–Raphson method. First, adopting a quadratic Lyapunov function, an active observer-based fuzzy non-parallel distributed compensation (non-PDC) controller is designed for asymptotic tracking of the desired reference input. Next, to subdue the impact of uncertainty on the PV system, the closed-loop nominal system is regarded as a reference model, and then the main control law is developed using an online lumped uncertainty estimator and keeping the nominal control law within the staple controller. This control law does not require that the bounds on uncertainties be known. The reference voltage is determined by a novel maximum power point-seeking algorithm that is organized based on the one-diode model of PV panel, Lambert W function, and Newton–Raphson method. Finally, simulations are performed for three scenarios to point out the merits and effectiveness of the proposed methodology in the presence of system uncertainties, environmental changes, and load variations.
The Emergence of Environmental Justice in General Plans: Lessons From California's Senate Bill 1000
Authors: Zuñiga Michelle E. , Méndez Michael
Published: June 2023

At the center of demands for cleaner air, water, and soil in communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards, are often cities and counties. Local jurisdictions are uniquely positioned to shape policies and engage with residents in processes that can transform land-use patterns that have negatively impacted low-income, people of color communities. This study assesses the approaches to environmental justice (EJ) that California local jurisdictions with high levels of cumulative environmental health impact are developing in their general plans, under Senate Bill 1000. Results indicate positive outcomes such as the establishment of EJ advisory committees. However, findings also underscore challenges such as a lack of political support from elected officials and minimal resources to implement measures. We find that most general plans include EJ considerations, however, there are concerns regarding how their implementation will unfold. We provide practice-based recommendations to assist planners across the nation working to develop effective EJ considerations.
The Role of Awe on Booking Intention in Short-Term Rentals
Authors: Sun Zhaoyang , Yuan Mengchan , Zhang Jinyi , Kou Sining , Hou Yubo
Published: June 2023

Short-term rentals (STRs) are of great significance to the hospitality industry, but suffered heavy losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, how to increase individuals’ intention to book STRs has appeared as a major issue. This research responded to the issue from an emotional perspective by examining the fueling role of awe. Our hypotheses were tested through four experimental studies using various awe manipulations, divergent assessments of booking intention, involving samples from different sources, and testing participants both in laboratory and field settings. The results showed that participants exhibited a heightened booking intention in STRs after being primed with awe (vs. neutral emotion or happiness). Moreover, such occurrences of the phenomenon were revealed to be driven by social connectedness, and two alternative accounts were ruled out. Beyond theoretical contributions to the existing literature, our findings offered managers some insights into how to leverage individuals’ emotions in short-term rental marketing.
Associations of Combustible Cigarette, Electronic Cigarette, and Dual Use With COVID Infection and Severity in the U.S.: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the 2021 National Health Information Survey
Authors: Moyers Susette A , Hartwell Micah , Chiaf Ashleigh , Greiner Benjamin , Oliver Jason A , Croff Julie M
Published: June 2023

Given the potential respiratory health risks, the association of COVID infection and the use of combustible cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and concurrent dual use is a priority for public health. Many published reports have not accounted for known covarying factors. This study sought to calculate adjusted odds ratios for self-reported COVID infection and disease severity as a function of smoking and ENDS use, while accounting for factors known to influence COVID infection and disease severity (i.e., age, sex, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status and educational attainment, rural or urban environment, self-reported diabetes, COPD, coronary heart disease, and obesity status). Data from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey, a cross-sectional questionnaire design, were used to calculate both unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for self-reported COVID infection and severity of symptoms. Results indicate that combustible cigarette use is associated with a lower likelihood of self-reported COVID infection relative to non-use of tobacco products (AOR = .64; 95% CI [.55, .74]), whereas ENDS use is associated with a higher likelihood of self-reported COVID infection (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.04, 1.63]). There was no significant difference in COVID infection among dual users (ENDS and combustible use) when compared with non-users. Adjusting for covarying factors did not substantially change the results. There were no significant differences in COVID disease severity between those of varying smoking status. Future research should examine the relationship between smoking status and COVID infection and disease severity utilizing longitudinal study designs and non-self-report measures of smoking status (e.g., the biomarker cotinine), COVID infection (e.g., positive tests), and disease severity (e.g., hospitalizations, ventilator assistance, mortality, and ongoing symptoms of long COVID).
On the effect of temperature in friction force measurements for a simplified piston cylinder set-up: Squeeze film combined with minimum oil film thickness measurements and viscosity index effect
Authors: Dellis Polychronis
Published: June 2023

The lubricated interface at the piston-ring and liner and its interaction with different lubricants and testing conditions is examined in terms of experimental measurements that show the minimum oil film thickness developed at the lubricated or depending on conditions partly lubricated conjunction and the surface interaction intensity, as measured from the friction sensor. An analysis is carried out with the use of different parameters for the experiments as well as different lubricants in a simplified piston-ring simulation test rig. This analysis is further enhanced with the squeeze film effect investigations close to the stroke reversals and together with cavitation initiation and load-carrying effect results from previous experimental data, light is shed on the interacting surface’s behaviour at the different lubrication regimes. Another parameter, the viscosity index of the lubricant is used as an indication of the effects of squeeze film shift and friction force measurements and how the load and temperature effect are influencing the squeeze film.
Setting up institutions in multilevel states: Assemblies, parties, and the selection of candidates
Authors: Calca Patrícia , Ruel Teresa
Published: June 2023

Institutional configurations in multilevel states create tensions in political decision-making processes resulting from constitutional decisions. Often, these decisions affect party competition, e.g., a member of the parliament (MP) may be legally bound to represent the constituency or the entire territory yet be elected regionally. In these settings parties place their members in additional positions thereby gaining advantage. Does former experience as a regional MP increase the probability of becoming a national MP? We expect that MP candidates from regional constituencies are more likely to have legislative experience in the regional assembly. We test our expectations with novel data from Portugal and demonstrate that candidates who were regional MPs are more likely to be in eligible positions and to take office. Conversely, former regional government members (elected officials) have a negative likelihood of becoming a national MP.
Partners or workers? Mexican app deliverers on YouTube and TikTok
Authors: Sued Gabriela Elisa , Rodríguez Rodríguez Arturo
Published: June 2023

This article seeks to understand how app delivery workers construct their collective identity through the digital platforms of YouTube and TikTok. Said identity construction occurs in the context of the social controversy surrounding their status as workers without labor rights or as independent partners of digital platforms. To this end, we collected 977 videos and their metadata and analyzed them via cross-platform digital methods. The findings reveal that app delivery workers construct their collective identity through the interplay of two factors. The first is the identity narratives created by delivery workers as video bloggers. The second is the recognition narratives created by different associated actors, such as accountants, media, universities and research centers, and content creators. Through these interactions, the narrative of delivery workers as independent partners acquires more algorithmic strength and visibility than those that discuss their status as employees and their lack of labor rights. Audiovisual technology also works as an instrument to reach individual agency and face the precariousness of daily life.