bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Transparency Fails: Financial Incentives for Local Banking Agents in Indonesia
Authors: Deserranno Erika , León-Ciliotta Gianmarco , Witoelar Firman
Published: July 2023

We study the effect of raising the level and transparency of financial incentives offered to local agents for acquiring clients of a new banking product on take-up. We find that paying agents higher incentives increases take-up and usage, but only when the incentives are unknown to prospective clients. When disclosed, higher incentives have no effect on take-up and usage, despite greater agent effort. This is due to the financial incentives sending a negative signal to potential clients about the reliability and trustworthiness of the product. Hence, when designing incentives, organizations should consider both their level and transparency.
Description of three new species of Hyalella Smith, 1874 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Southeast Mexico
Authors: MARRÓN-BECERRA AURORA , HERMOSO-SALAZAR MARGARITA
Published: July 2023

Lacandona tropical rainforest is an area with an important hydrological and biological role in Mexico, nevertheless there are few studies about freshwater macrofauna. In this study, we described three new species collected in three different water bodies in the Lacandona tropical rainforest: H. parva from lake Nahá with a minute body size without mucronations on pleonites 1–2, H. montebellensis from lake La Esmeralda with two dorsoposterior carinae on pleonites 1 and 2 (mucronations) and one seta almost at mid-ventral margin of gnathopod 1, and H. lacandonis from lake Península with minute dorsal mucronations on pleonites 1–2 and 2–3 setae on the hind margin of basis of gnathopod 1. Hyalella montebellensis n. sp. and H. lacandonis n. sp. have almost the same number of articles in flagellum of antennae 1–2, both species present four pappose setae on the inner plate of maxilla 1 and telson subquadrate, longer than wide.
Two new species of the bathyal holothurian genus Pannychia (Elasipodida, Laetmogonidae) from Japanese waters
Authors: OGAWA AKITO , KOBAYASHI ITARU , KOHTSUKA HISANORI , FUJITA TOSHIHIKO
Published: July 2023

Sea cucumbers are one of the most common large animals in the deep-sea benthic communities, and those of the genus Pannychia are particularly abundant in the bathyal North Pacific Ocean. In Japanese waters, three species of Pannychia have been reported, mainly from the northern and eastern parts of the country. Here, we describe two new species from the western part of Japan. These two new species were placed in Pannychia by the presence of dorsal papillae on the ventrolateral radii and the presence of large wheel ossicles with rim teeth. They are distinguished from all other nominal species of Pannychia on the basis of the morphological characteristics of their body wheel ossicles. Pannychia nagasakimaruae sp. nov. has a unique ossicle composition in its dorsal and ventral body walls: four forms of wheel ossicles. Pannychia rinkaimaruae sp. nov. differs from other congeners in its small wheel ossicles in the dorsal and ventral body walls, which have conical rim teeth. We barcoded partial COI gene sequences from holotypes and paratypes of two new Japanese species. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that these two new morphologically recognized Japanese species form distinct clades separated from other Pacific Pannychia species, so that the two new Japanese species were also supported by genetic results. In addition, we describe and visualize the poorly calcified calcareous rings of the two new species using X-ray μCT system, a useful method for observing such structures, which are important structures in holothurian anatomy.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy is Associated With Decreased Survival in Early-Stage Gastric Cancer
Authors: Siegel Julie B. , Mukherjee Rupak , DeChamplain Bryce , Sutton Jeffrey M. , Mahvi David M. , Lancaster William P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Although randomized controlled trials on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer have included some T1-staged tumors, overall survival (OS) has not been analyzed for this subset. Due to the low negative predictive value of clinical staging and the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced disease, identifying patient groups with early-stage gastric cancer that may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy is of merit.

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OS and sequence of surgical therapy for clinical T1 gastric cancer.

Methods

The 2017 National Cancer Database was used to compare patients who had surgery-first and those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for T1-stage gastric cancer. OS was analyzed using a parametric regression survival-time model adjusted for covariates. The effects of these covariates on OS based on surgical sequence were examined.

Results

11,219 patients were included, of which 10,191 underwent surgery as their first or only treatment. When adjusted for covariates, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by curative-intent surgery was significantly associated with increased risk of death (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.31, P = .030). In multivariate analysis, clinical N0 stage, non-minorities, and patients with high socioeconomic status had improved OS if they did not have neoadjuvant chemotherapy and instead had upfront surgery.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with decreased OS for early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma, even for patients with clinically positive nodal disease. In addition, the lack of survival improvement with a surgery-first approach in patients with disparities deserves further study.
A Randomized Trial Comparing NeoLight Skylife and Blanket Phototherapy in Newborn Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Abrams Matthew , Gosselin Kevin , Roth Cheryl K. , Hoffman Nyssa
Published: July 2023

This investigation aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of NeoLight’s Skylife phototherapy device for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. A prospective, two-arm, randomized, unblinded controlled investigation compared total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels at baseline and discharge for a new phototherapy device (Skylife) with an existing phototherapy treatment in newborn infants. The repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) indicated a significant main effect for the treatment condition, F(1, 54) = 4.041, P = .049. Post hoc findings showed that the Skylife group had significantly lower TSB levels following treatment (n = 28, Mean = 11.36, SD = 1.69) compared with the standard of care group (n = 28, Mean = 12.37, SD = 2.08), t(54) = 2.01, P = .049). The Skylife phototherapy device was as effective as the currently used therapy, with a shift toward a more rapid decline in bilirubin levels. Using this device may potentially decrease the length of therapy and hospitalization.Clinical Trial Registration Comparison of Phototherapy Using Neolight Skylife Versus Standardized Phototherapy for Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03599258
The heterogeneous impacts of widespread upzoning: Lessons from Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Monkkonen Paavo , Yiu Chung Yim
Published: July 2023

Zoning reform is increasingly recognised as an important strategy to increase housing affordability and environmental sustainability. Few cities have undertaken significant upzoning of low-density neighbourhoods, making the 2016 Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) probably the most ambitious zoning reform in the world. Parcels zoned for single houses previously dominated Auckland, but three-quarters of them now allow multiple units. Existing studies have documented the building boom that followed this zoning reform, yet the relatively rare case offers additional insights. In this article, we use appraisal, census and zoning data on over 200,000 parcels in Auckland to answer three research questions about the heterogeneous impacts of the AUP. First, to what extent did upzoning increase the appraised value of properties’ redevelopment options? Second, did upzoning increase appraised property values to a greater degree in higher-income and more centrally located neighbourhoods? Finally, was zoning reform in Auckland significantly influenced by similar political pressures as in other countries? That is, was upzoning less likely (and downzoning more likely) in higher-income neighbourhoods? The answers to these three questions are substantially, it’s complicated, and yes.
Animals in International Relations: a research agenda
Authors: Pereira Joana Castro , Renner Judith
Published: July 2023

Animals are integral to world politics, yet largely neglected in International Relations (IR). This Special Issue (SI) aims to address this gap and offers a collection of original research articles that investigate issues pertaining to sovereignty, power, diplomacy, the ethics of war, justice and emancipation, environmental governance, activism and international law. The articles make animals visible within those realms, raise novel questions and develop approaches through which the specific role(s) of animals and human-animal relations in international politics may be theoretically understood and empirically explored. They open a conversation between IR and Critical Animal Studies (CAS). The SI contributes to a broader understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of human-animal relations, and therefore to the reorientation of IR towards a post-anthropocentric perspective of world politics that renders the field better equipped to understand and address our current Anthropocene predicament. To introduce the SI, this article starts by addressing the invisibility of animals in IR and why this is problematic. It then provides an overview of the articles included in the SI and concludes by outlining a research agenda for the study of animals in IR.
A Growth Mindset Frame Increases Opting In to Reading Information About Bias
Authors: Kern Mary C. , Rattan Aneeta , Chugh Dolly
Published: July 2023

We explore the conditions under which people will opt in to reading information about bias and stereotypes, a key precursor to the types of self-directed learning that diversity and anti-bias advocates increasingly endorse. Across one meta-analysis (total N = 1,122; 7 studies, 5 pre-registered) and 2 pre-registered experiments (total N = 1,717), we identify a condition under which people opt in to reading more about implicit bias and stereotypes. People randomly assigned to read a growth, rather than fixed, mindset frame about bias opted in to read more information about stereotypes and implicit bias (Study 1 and Study 3). The mechanism that drove these effects was individuals’ construal of the task as a challenge (Studies 2 and 3). Our findings offer insight into how to promote engagement with information about stereotypes and biases. We discuss how this work advances the study of mindsets and diversity science.
Mitofusin-2 gene polymorphisms and metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease: a case-control study in a Chinese population
Authors: Yuan Xiwei , Hou Mengmeng , Wang Yiqi , Zhang Siyu , Li Lu , Mi Yingjun , Du Huijuan , Yu Songhao , Nan Yuemin
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Mitofusion-2 (Mfn2) may have a role in mitochondrial oxidative stress and insulin resistance that can promote the development of metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This retrospective and case control study aimed to explore the relationships between common Mfn2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and MAFLD in a northern Han Chinese population.

Methods

Six Mfn2 SNPs (rs2336384, rs873458, rs873457, rs4846085, rs2878677, and rs2236057) were genotyped using the ligase detection reaction in 466 MAFLD patients and 423 healthy controls. Genotype and allele frequencies were calculated, along with haplotype analysis and pairwise linkage disequilibrium.

Results

The genotype distribution of rs2336384, rs2878677, and rs2236057 among the MAFLD patients showed a significantly different pattern from that of healthy controls. The data showed that an increased risk of MAFLD was significantly correlated with patients carrying the GG genotype of rs2336384, CC genotype of rs873457, TT genotype of rs4846085, TT genotype of rs2878677, and the AA genotype of rs2236057. Moreover, The GGCTTA haplotype was found to be adversely linked with MAFLD by haplotype analysis.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest a strong link between certain Mfn2 gene polymorphisms and MAFLD.
Detecting School Zones on Florida’s Public Roadways Using Aerial Images and Artificial Intelligence (AI2)
Authors: Antwi Richard Boadu , Takyi Samuel , Karaer Alican , Ozguven Eren Erman , Moses Ren , Dulebenets Maxim A. , Sando Thobias
Published: July 2023

Collecting up-to-date roadway geometry data is essential for transportation agencies so they can undertake planning, maintenance, design, and rehabilitation of roadways. Collection methods can be categorized into two distinct groups: land-based methods (e.g., field inventories, mobile mapping, and image logging); and aerial-based methods (e.g., satellite imagery, drones, and laser scanning). Because using land-based methods for thousands of miles of highways is tedious, costly, and risky for crew members, there is a need to develop better methodologies to collect these data faster, and more safely and cheaply. The increasing availability of high-resolution images and recent advances in computer vision and object detection techniques have enabled the automated extraction of roadway geometry features. This novel study proposes a computer vision-based methodology to detect school zone pavement markings from high-resolution aerial images and determine school zones on Florida’s public roadways. This is critical information for transportation agencies, and they use it for a variety of different purposes: identifying those markings that are old and invisible; comparing the school zone locations with other geometric features such as crosswalks; and analyzing crashes that occur around the zones. Compared with the ground truth data obtained for Leon County, Florida, 94% accuracy was observed at the 90% confidence level. The model was then used to detect school zones in Orange County, Florida, and approximately 500 school zone markings were identified automatically. The road geometry data extracted can be integrated with crash and traffic data to advise policymakers and roadway users.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation of chloroform using Vicia faba roots
Authors: Li Xue , Li Ang , Zhang Ming , Gao Tianpeng
Published: July 2023

Chloroform is a widely used industrial chemical that can also pollute the environment. The aims of this study were to examine the potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chloroform on plant cells, using the Vicia faba bioassay. Chloroform was evaluated at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg·L−1. The following parameters were analyzed: the mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) frequency, chromosomal aberration (CA) frequency, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The results showed that exposure to increasing concentrations of chloroform caused a decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN in Vicia faba root tip cells, relative to their controls. Moreover, various types of CA, including C-mitosis, fragments, bridges, laggard chromosomes, and multipolar mitosis, were observed in the treated cells. The frequency of MN was positively correlated with the frequency of CA in exposure to 0.1–1 mg·L−1 chloroform. Furthermore, chloroform exposure induced membrane lipid peroxidation damage in the Vicia faba radicle, and a linear correlation was observed between the MDA content and the frequency of MN or CA. These findings indicated that chloroform exposure can result in oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in plant cells.
Antibacterial Activity of Economically Important Medicinal Plants in Pakistan Against Different Bacterial Strains
Authors: Ali Adil , Ali Muhammad , Nisar Zonaira , Shah Syed Muhammad Ali , Mustafa Imtiaz , Nisar Jaweria , Asif Rizwan
Published: July 2023

The emergence of medication resistance and unfavorable side effects from existing antibiotics has prompted the quest for novel antimicrobial agents over the last 2 decades. Plant extracts have been shown to have antibacterial effects in numerous studies. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the antibacterial effect of economically important medicinal plants found in Pakistan. Onosma bracteatum (flowers and leaves), Viola odorata (flowers and leaves), Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant), Swertia chirata (whole plant), and Fagonia arabica (whole plant) were used against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Water and ethanol extracts were obtained from different parts of the plants. To evaluate the antibacterial effect of these plants, qualitative assay agar well diffusion method was performed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth micro dilution method. Results revealed that the highest inhibition zone (18 mm) was shown by ethanol extract of V odorata flower against P aeruginosa. Ethanol extract of C reflexa plants is best for all 3 tested microbes ( P aeruginosa, B subtilis, and E coli). The results concluded that all these plants have abilities to fight against these tested bacteria. Ethanol extract of V odorata flower has the highest activity against P aeruginosa.
Genetic Structure and TALome Analysis Highlight a High Level of Diversity in Burkinabe Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. oryzae Populations
Authors: Diallo A. , Wonni I. , Sicard A. , Blondin L. , Gagnevin L. , Vernière C. , Szurek B. , Hutin M.
Published: July 2023

Bacterial Leaf Blight of rice (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major threat for food security in many rice growing countries including Burkina Faso, where the disease was first reported in the 1980’s. In line with the intensification of rice cultivation in West-Africa, BLB incidence has been rising for the last 15 years. West-African strains of Xoo differ from their Asian counterparts as they (i) are genetically distant, (ii) belong to new races and, (iii) contain reduced repertoires of Transcription Activator Like (TAL) effector genes. In order to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, 177 strains were collected from 2003 to 2018 in three regions where BLB is occurring. Multilocus VNTR Analysis (MLVA-14) targeting 10 polymorphic loci discriminated 24 haplotypes and showed that Xoo populations were structured according to their geographical localization and year of collection. Considering their major role in Xoo pathogenicity, we assessed the TAL effector repertoires of the 177 strains upon RFLP-based profiling. Surprisingly, an important diversity was revealed with up to eight different RFLP patterns. Finally, comparing neutral vs. tal effector gene diversity allowed to suggest scenarios underlying the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, which is key to rationally guide the deployment of durably resistant rice varieties against BLB in the country.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the neuroprotective effect of Dlg4 against fastigial nucleus stimulation-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Gao Jinggui , Pang Xiaomin , Zhang Lei , Li Shenghua , Qin Zhenxiu , Xie Xiaoyun , Liu Jingli
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FNS) can considerably decrease infarction volume and improve neurofunction restoration following cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of FNS is still vague.

Methods

In this study, we developed a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion that included 1 h FNS followed by reperfusion for 3, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h. The expression profile of molecular alterations in brain tissues was obtained by transcriptome sequencing at five different time points. The function and pathway of miRNA expression pattern and core genes were annotated by Allen Brain Atlas, STRING database and Cytoscape software, so as to explore the mechanism of FNS-mediated neuroprotection.

Results

The results indicated that FNS is associated with the neurotransmitter cycle pathway. FNS may regulate the release of monoamine neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles by targeting the corresponding miRNAs through core Dlg4 gene, stimulate the Alternative polyadenylation (APA) incident’s anti -apoptosis effect on the brain, and stimulate the interaction activation of neurons in cerebellum, cortex/thalamus and other brain regions, regulate neurovascular coupling, and reduce cerebral damage.

Conclusion

FNS may activate neuronal and neurovascular coupling by regulating the release of neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles through the methylation of core Dlg4 gene and the corresponding transcription factors and protein kinases, inducing the anti-apoptotic mechanism of APA events. The findings from our investigation offer a new perspective on the way brain tissue responds to FNS-driven neuroprotection.
Designing a wholly online, multidisciplinary Master of Cancer Sciences degree
Authors: Lai-Kwon Julia , Dushyanthen Sathana , Seignior David , Barrett Michelle , Buisman-Pijlman Femke , Buntine Andrew , Woodward-Kron Robyn , McArthur Grant , Kok David L
Published: July 2023

Background

Improving oncology-specific knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals is critical for improving the outcomes of people with cancer. Many current postgraduate education offerings may be inaccessible to busy professionals, contain minimal consumer input or do not focus on the multidisciplinary nature of cancer care. In response to these needs, a Master of Cancer Sciences degree was developed. Our aim is to describe the development of the Master of Cancer Sciences.

Methods

We describe the development of the Master of Cancer Sciences, including its theoretical and its pedagogical underpinnings.

Results

Our approach to curriculum design was guided by Kern’s Six-Step Approach to Medical Curriculum and underpinned by the Seven Principles of Online Learning. These approaches were further underpinned by the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning which informed our approach to audio and visual information design. The pedagogy is interactive, experiential, interprofessional and importantly, includes consumers as educators. In practice, learning activities include peer feedback, multidisciplinary team meeting simulations, group work and clinical role plays. The online environment was visually shaped through infographics, high-quality educational videos and gamification.

Conclusion

We have designed a Master of Cancer Sciences that is one of the first wholly online, cancer-specific Masters’ programs. Its industry-led curriculum using evidence-based pedagogical choices utilises a range of novel digital formats and integrates the consumer perspective to provide a holistic overview of the field. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of learning outcomes is ongoing.
The mechanism by which Naru 3 pill protects against intervertebral disc cartilage endplate degeneration based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Authors: Guo Jialin , Xue Jianmin , He Zhiwei , Jia Haiyu , Yang Xuejun
Published: July 2023

Context

Naru 3 pill is a traditional Mongolian medicine for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the mechanism is not yet clear.

Objective

This study investigated the mechanism of Naru 3 pill in the treatment of IDD.

Materials and methods

Active ingredients and related targets of Naru 3 pill, as well as IDD-related genes, were collected from public databases. The analysis was performed by protein‒protein interaction network analysis, gene ontology and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, the network pharmacology results were validated by in vitro experiments.

Results

Network analysis showed that sesamin, piperine and ellagic acid were potential key components and CASP3, BAX and BCL2 were key targets. KEGG analysis indicated the apoptotic pathway as a potential pathway. Molecular docking showed that sesamin interacted better with the targets than the other components. The results of molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the three systems BAX-sesamin, BCL2-sesamin and CASP3-sesamin were stable and reasonable during the simulation. In vitro experiments showed that sesamin had the least effect on cell growth and the most pronounced proliferation-promoting effect, and so sesamin was considered the key component. The experiments confirmed that sesamin had antiapoptotic effects and reversed the expression of CASP3, BAX and BCL2 in degeneration models, which was consistent with the network pharmacology results. Furthermore, sesamin alleviated extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration and promoted cell proliferation in the IDD model.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that Naru 3 pill might exert its therapeutic and antiapoptotic effects on IDD by delaying ECM degradation and promoting cell proliferation, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of IDD.
Genetic impacts on DNA methylation help elucidate regulatory genomic processes
Authors: Villicaña Sergio , Castillo-Fernandez Juan , Hannon Eilis , Christiansen Colette , Tsai Pei-Chien , Maddock Jane , Kuh Diana , Suderman Matthew , Power Christine , Relton Caroline , Ploubidis George , Wong Andrew , Hardy Rebecca , Goodman Alissa , Ong Ken K. , Bell Jordana T.
Published: July 2023

Background

Pinpointing genetic impacts on DNA methylation can improve our understanding of pathways that underlie gene regulation and disease risk.

Results

We report heritability and methylation quantitative trait locus (meQTL) analysis at 724,499 CpGs profiled with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array in 2358 blood samples from three UK cohorts. Methylation levels at 34.2% of CpGs are affected by SNPs, and 98% of effects arecis-acting or within 1 Mbp of the tested CpG. Our results are consistent with meQTL analyses based on the former Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 array. Both SNPs and CpGs with meQTLs are overrepresented in enhancers, which have improved coverage on this platform compared to previous approaches. Co-localisation analyses across genetic effects on DNA methylation and 56 human traits identify 1520 co-localisations across 1325 unique CpGs and 34 phenotypes, including in disease-relevant genes, such asUSP1andDOCK7(total cholesterol levels), andICOSLG(inflammatory bowel disease). Enrichment analysis of meQTLs and integration with expression QTLs give insights into mechanisms underlyingcis-meQTLs (e.g. through disruption of transcription factor binding sites for CTCF and SMC3) andtrans-meQTLs (e.g. through regulating the expression ofACDandSENP7which can modulate DNA methylation at distal sites).

Conclusions

Our findings improve the characterisation of the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation variability and are informative for prioritisation of GWAS variants for functional follow-ups. The MeQTL EPIC Database and viewer are available online athttps://epicmeqtl.kcl.ac.uk.
Writing in the Interstices of the Revolt and the Plebiscite
Authors:   The Nación, Otredad, Deseo (Nation, Otherness, Desire) Collective, Ossandón Rosario Fernández , Aguilera Isabel , Vera Antonieta
Published: July 2023

The revolt and constituent process remain an open question, phenomena that permeate everyday life and refuse to show a final truth about themselves. In an attempt to interrupt reflections that fracture thinking, rather than seeking answers, the authors raise some questions inspired by writings in three moments: the revolt, the constituent process, and the “exit plebiscite.” Three types and foundations of writing—the street, the Peace Accord, and the proposal of a New Constitution (the little blue book)—are their material objects for asking about recording and writing, and thinking about, how a people record and write. These writings circulate in archives of words in and with affects such as attachment and rejection, desire and terror, clamor and the rejection of something that seems to be writing itself.
Expertise as a Response to Limited Multilateralism: The Case of South Korea's Vaccine Procurement Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccines amid Unequal Access via the COVAX Facility
Authors: Park June
Published: July 2023

This study investigates South Korea's trials and errors in procuring COVID-19 vaccines from abroad, amid the limitations of a multilateral scheme for global provision through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) program via the World Health Organization (WHO) and the discussions on COVID-19 vaccine patent waivers at the World Trade Organization. Using the framework of “self-help” in the international system and country categorization to explicate country behaviors by state-business relations and expertise to explain South Korea's COVID-19 vaccine procurement process, this study argues that in the absence of a global mechanism that guarantees adequate and timely vaccine provision, countries are left to the sole option of depending on their own capabilities: expertise, budget, and policy planning by consolidating public and private capacities to acquire vaccines for the public. To support the argument, an in-depth case investigation of South Korea's Vaccine Procurement Task Force is presented. The case study focuses on the policy assessment of critical elements in South Korea's vaccine procurement and rollout on facing obstacles to sufficient procurement through COVAX: decision-making impacting the timing and dosage of procurement, diplomatic and business channels to sign bilateral contracts, setup of a smart-factory vaccination hub, and indigenous vaccine development for WHO approval.
Market Failure, State Failure: The Political Economy of Supply Chain Strengthening to Ensure Equitable Access to Vaccines and Medicines in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Fox Ashley
Published: July 2023

Context: Much of the existing work on the political economy of vaccine access has focused on how intellectual property rights agreements contribute to inequitable COVID-19 vaccine access between high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The two solutions that emerged to scale up access in LMICs involved either voluntary arrangements under COVAX or a waiver of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) to allow immediate access to intellectual property. However, an additional constraint on access is weak and ineffective supply chains within LMICs that have eroded over several decades of health-sector reform.

Methods: This article reviews the literature on the political economy of supply chain strengthening in LMICs and identifies key challenges to equitable access to emergent vaccines and other medicines emanating from market and state failures in internal supply chains.

Findings: Over the past century, supply chain policies in LMICs have alternated among an emphasis on addressing market failures contributing to unaffordability of vaccines/medicines, an emphasis on state failures contributing to unavailability of vaccines/medicines, and a more recent move toward public-private hybrid arrangements to strengthen supply chains.

Conclusions: In addition to reshoring production capacity through a TRIPs waiver, the international community must address chronic weakness in internal supply chains in LMICs to ensure access to novel vaccines/medicines.
Common Practice: Spillovers from Medicare on Private Health Care
Authors: Barnett Michael L. , Olenski Andrew , Sacarny Adam
Published: July 2023

Efforts to raise US health-care productivity have proceeded slowly, potentially due to the fragmentation of payment across insurers. Each insurer’s efforts to improve care could influence how doctors practice for other insurers, leading to unvalued externalities. We study a randomized letter intervention by Medicare to curtail overuse of antipsychotics. The letters did not mention private insurance but reduced prescribing to these patients by 12 percent, much like the 17 percent effect in Medicare. We cannot reject onefor-one spillovers, suggesting that physicians use similar medical practice styles across insurers. Our findings establish that insurers can affect health care well outside their direct purview. (JEL D24, G22, I11, I13, I18)
Spending Responses to High-Frequency Shifts in Payment Timing: Evidence from the Earned Income Tax Credit
Authors: Aladangady Aditya , Aron-Dine Shifrah , Cashin David , Dunn Wendy , Feiveson Laura , Lengermann Paul , Richard Katherine , Sahm Claudia
Published: July 2023

This study explores the spending response to tax refunds for Earned Income Tax Credit recipients using a novel dataset combining transaction-based measures of retail spending with administrative IRS data on tax refunds. Our dataset allows us to exploit variation in the timing of EITC refunds, including changes related to the 2017 PATH Act, along with cross-state differences in refund magnitudes to identify spending responses. Results show EITC recipients spend about $0.30 per refund dollar ($1,150 for the average refund) within just two weeks of issuance, suggesting stimulus targeted at this population may provide a quick boost to aggregate demand. (JEL D12, E32, G51, H24, I38, K34)
The self-reflexivity in transnational literature: Re-writing the migration in female migrant writers
Authors: Di Martino Maria Luisa
Published: July 2023

The main aim of this paper is to discuss the socio-political meaning of the transnational literary production made by female migrant writers. Thus, it analyses their role in the framework of the ‘hybrid’ literary production of the 21st century in Europe, such as Spain and Italy. Moving away from the idea of national literatures, this paper investigates literature as a geographical and emotional inquiry point and friction between languages, ideas, practices, literary institutions, female authors, and female voices in today’s markets. Hybrid literature written by first and second-generation migrants and displaced people is part of a huger concept of transnational literature, which breaks down with the idea of national identity and transiting towards a new conceptualization of hybridity in the literary production, also based on the translation of writings to other languages. The research question is about the relation between the transnational literary works, written by migrant women, and the social change. Based on the conceptualization of the Bhabha’s ‘third space’, I will analyse the relation between the positioning of female migrant writers of 21st century and the role of hybridity. The preliminary findings show, firstly, the idea of reconceptualising it appears in light of the complexity of migrant people's realities and sex-gender differences. By adopting an intersectional lens, focused on the dialectic between gender and race/ethnicity and class, this paper analyses the tensions embedded in the re-positioning of four female migrant writers and their transnational experience (self)reflected in their writings. The present research contributes to the scientific knowledge in the field of cross-cultural literary studies, crossed with the migration study, through questioning the changing gender role and relations in transnational migrant literature. In addition, the findings show that today's reflection on ‘third space’ theory in the diasporic literature seems an idea to be refined when migrant women are involved.
Criteria and Indicators of Readiness of Future Teachers to Use New Social Media in the Education Process of the School
Authors: Vinogradova K.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of professional training of modern teachers to work in the new conditions of the information society, which determine the development of new forms and methods of organizing pedagogical interaction. The criteria and indicators of the readiness of future teachers to use new social media in the educational process of the school are disclosed. The results of an empirical study aimed at identifying the level of formation of such readiness among modern students of pedagogical universities are presented. The necessity of organizing special conditions at the university to optimize the process of media education for future teachers has been established.
Empathy as a Predictor of Doctor's Professional Success
Authors: Kirpichev D. , Yulina Galina
Published: July 2023

The professional competence of the dentist requires the presence and development of appropriate communication skills and the ability to create a warm psycho-emotional contact with the patient. Research by renowned academic psychologists, scientific work in the field of medicine, and finally life experience prove that a trusting doctor-patient relationship has a positive impact both on the treatment process and on the immediate results of the treatment. Patients who experience a state of psychological comfort with their doctor are much more comfortable with dental procedures for which they are already a priori nervous. Subconscious tension and fear of procedures makes the patient consciously or unconsciously resist the actions of the doctor, which creates discomfort for both the patient and the doctor, which in turn can have a negative impact on the quality of treatment.

The purpose and objectives of the presented article were to study the concept of "empathy" on the basis of developed scientific research, to analyze domestic and foreign literature on the topic under study, to conduct an experiment on the method of identifying the level of empathy by V. V. Boyko among dentists working in the state dental clinics and private clinics of the city of Moscow. Materials and methods: To determine the effectiveness of using empathy in communication between dentists and patients, testing, questionnaires, interviews, observation and an experiment were conducted among 10 dental clinics. The test was based on the analysis of the level of empathy according to the methodology of V. V. Boyko.

The results obtained showed that the indicative level of empathy in the studied group of dentists corresponds to the average, which can be explained by the complexity of doctors' work. Medical workers receive various psychological traumas in the course of their activity, and involuntarily witness negative situations. In order to distance themselves as much as possible from this and avoid emotional exhaustion, they need to pay attention to their own feelings and emotions and avoid becoming overly involved in the problem. Therefore, when interviewed, many dentists emphasized moderate empathy, considering it to be the most appropriate due to the intensity of the field of work. Moreover, it was revealed that the manifestation of empathy in medical workers has its own peculiarities, and the level of emergence of empathy channels according to the method of V.V. Boyko's method varies, which is connected with professional differentiation.
Traditional and Liberal in the System of Values of Russian Youth
Authors: Voloskov Igor
Published: July 2023

The article deals with theoretical and methodological approaches to the classification of values, analyzes the theory of the functioning of values by P.A. Sorokin, regularities and stages of development of the system of values of post-Soviet youth are determined from the position of fluctuation. Based on empirical research data, the author shows how the system of values of post-Soviet youth fluctuates in the range of traditional-liberal values.
Disinterested intellectual curiosity
Authors: Shishov Sergey
Published: July 2023

Mikhail Viktorovich Ryzhakov turns 75 on July 1, 2023. Mikhail Viktorovich is an academician of the Russian Academy of Education, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, at one time director of the Institute of Content and Teaching Methods of RAO.
The Problem of Deviant Behavior Among Modern University Students
Authors: Kondrat'ev G.
Published: July 2023

The article deals with the problems of deviant behavior of modern university students. The historical, socio-economic, medical and biological prerequisites for the occurrence of deviations are analyzed. The frequency of manifestation of various forms of deviant behavior is compared. The problem of students missing classes without valid reasons is considered, including the impact of the pandemic caused by the "New coronavirus infection Covid-19" on non-attendance at the university. Special emphasis is placed on the digitalization of modern society as a factor predisposing to skipping classes. Conclusions are drawn about the possibilities of improving the educational process and ways to solve problems related to the deviant behavior of modern students.
Motivational resource of the personality of cadets of educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Borozinec Natal'ya , Sal'nikova Olesya , Kryzhevskaya Natal'ya
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Relevance. Global changes in the framework of the geopolitical situation caused by the conduct of a special military operation (SMO), where our country has an active position, have actualized the guidelines and priorities of domestic state policy towards special attention to the training of police officers capable of ensuring law and order (including in non-standard conditions, in the territories newly annexed to the Russian Federation). In this connection, the education of cadets of universities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs today involves both the development of professional competencies in a knowledge-applied way, and, equally, the formation of professionally and personally significant qualities. One of the key positions in this direction is the development of motivation for the profession, for learning within the framework of one's field of training.

The relevance of the problem allowed us to identify the subject (features of the motivational resource of personality among cadets of the Ministry of Internal Affairs universities) and the purpose of the study (to identify the features of the motivational resource of personality of cadets of the Ministry of Internal Affairs universities as conditions for the formation of their professional competence).

The methodological basis of the research is formed on the basis of fundamental and innovative concepts in the field of studying the formation and development of personal motivation (A.N. Leontiev, A.G. Maklakov, V.M. Myasishchev, S.L. Rubinstein); motivation to study (A.K. Markova, N.F. Talyzina), motivation to serve in law enforcement agencies and bodies law enforcement (Y.N. Guryanov, I.V. Dmitriev, E.P. Ilyin, L.G. Laptev, A.A. Teterin, etc.).

Research methods: review-analytical, experimental, quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The number of respondents is 147 male cadets of 1-5 courses.

The results of the experimental study: the majority of respondents demonstrated an average level of development of the motivational resource of the individual – 42.2%, a high level was detected in 32.6% of the subjects, a low level – in 25.5%. The research materials can be useful in organizing and implementing the educational process in the universities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Conclusions: during the professional training of cadets of universities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, attention should be focused on the formation of a motivational resource of the individual (a progressive motivational profile of the individual, the desire to achieve success and affiliation, motivation to study).
Technical Note—On Adaptivity in Nonstationary Stochastic Optimization with Bandit Feedback
Authors: Wang Yining
Published: July 2023

Optimal Nonstationary Optimization Without Knowing Function Changes

Nonstationary stochastic optimization plays a vital role in a number of computer science and operations research applications. It is known how to design and analyze algorithms that optimize a sequence of strongly convex/concave and smooth functions with access to only one-point noisy function values with the underlying function sequence subject to maximum magnitude of function changes. In recent work from Wang titled “Technical Note: On Adaptivity in Nonstationary Stochastic Optimization with Bandit Feedback,” an optimization algorithm is designed and analyzed without assuming the magnitude of function changes is known in advance. Optimality of the designed algorithm is demonstrated.
The cleaner the better
Authors: Varney Nicky
Published: July 2023

Nicky Varney outlines why clean, safe water is essential in the dental practice.
Keep calm and carry on
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: July 2023

Rebecca Waters details how to respond when things go wrong in the practice.
Olympic oral health!
Authors: Garlo Nina
Published: July 2023

Nina Garlo explores the links between athletes' oral health and their performance.
EV Project Runs Out of Road
Authors: Wade Andrew
Published: July 2023

James Dyson pulls the plug on £2bn electric vehicle project
Q&A: Simulation Innovations
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: July 2023

Experts from some of the world’s leading software suppliers offer their perspectives on the trends and solutions that are shaping their field
Danone Plans Biomass Boiler
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: July 2023

Food manufacturer invests in new plant to slash carbon emissions
Going Green with Manual Gearbox
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: July 2023

Volkswagen to cut carbon with new transmission
Robots Need to Get a Grip
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: July 2023

Study argues robotic systems will have to change
UVeye Out for Inspections
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: July 2023

Systems to be deployed in the automotive industry
Repairs on High
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: July 2023

How are aircraft returned to active service as soon as possible? The answer lies with the MRO industry.