bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Diversity and Relationship between Plant Communities and Environmental Variables in Combretum‐Terminalia Woodland, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshitila Kifle , Demissew Sebsebe , Wondimu Tigist , Bekele Tamrat
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study was to determine plant community types and species distribution patterns and their relationships with environmental variables in Dabena woodland in western Ethiopia. A systematic sampling design was used. Representative and relatively homogeneous vegetation units of sampling sites were selected on the basis of physiognomy. Vegetation and environmental data were collected from a total of 92 plots (each 20 m × 20 m) which were placed at intervals of 200 m along the established transect lines. All vascular plant species in the plots were recorded. Floristic richness, diversity, evenness indices, and similarity of the plant communities were analyzed using R Package 3.2. Classification and ordination methods were used to describe community types and to examine the relationship between community type and environmental variables. Five plant communities were identified in the vegetation of Dabena woodland, namely, Clerodendrum myricoides-Vernonia hymenolepis, Erythrina brucei-Entada abyssinica, Combretum molle-Gardenia ternifolia, Galiniera saxifraga-Flacourtia indica, and Dracaena afromontana-Landolphia buchananii. All community types showed a high diversity index. The highest similarity coefficient was 0.49 between community types two and three, reflecting 0.51 dissimilarity in their species richness. Disturbance, altitude, CEC, phosphorous, OC, clay, and TN are the environmental factors that most influenced the distribution of the plant communities. The CCA diagram revealed that disturbance and silt strongly influenced the distribution of species in Clerodendrum myricoides‐Vernonia hymenolepis community, Combretum molle-Gardenia ternifolia community, and Erythrina brucei-Entada abyssinica community. Altitude, clay, and total nitrogen axes strongly influenced the distribution of species in Galiniera saxifraga-Flacourtia indica and Dracaena afromontana-Landolphia buchananii community. Therefore, it can be concluded that some other environmental variables may influence the distribution of the plant communities, which needs to be further investigated.
Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Deep Brain Stimulation Infections Based on 26-Year Single-Center Experience
Authors: Kähkölä Johannes , Puhto Teija , Katisko Jani , Lahtinen Maija
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Infections related to deep brain stimulation (DBS) can lead to discontinuation of the treatment and increased morbidity. Various measures of reducing infection rates have been proposed in the literature, but scientific consensus is lacking. The aim of this study was to report a 26-year single center experience of DBS infections and provide recommendations for the prevention and management of them. Methods: The retrospective analysis consisted of 978 DBS surgeries performed at Oulu University Hospital (OUH) from 1997 to 2022. This included 342 primary or reimplantations of DBS electrodes and 559 primary or reimplantations of implantable pulse generator (IPG). Infections within approximately 1 year after the surgery without secondary cause were considered surgical-site infections (SSIs). χ2 test was used to compare infection rates before and after 2013, when the systematic implementation of infection prevention measures was started. Results: A total of 35 DBS implants were found to be infected. The number of SSIs was 30, of which 29 were originally operated in OUH leading to a center-specific infection rate of 3.1%. Of the SSIs, 17.2% occurred after IPG replacement. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 75.0% of cultures and 32.1% were mixed infections. The treatment of SSIs included aggressive surgical revision combined with cefuroxime and vancomycin antibiotics, as most patients in the initial conservative treatment group eventually required surgical revision. A statistically significant difference in infection rates before and after the implementation of preventative measures was not observed (risk ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 0.94–5.75, p = 0.051), despite over two-fold difference in the incidence of SSIs. Conclusion: Our findings show that the rates of surgical infections are low in modern DBS, but due to their serious consequences, preventative measures should be implemented. We highlight that mixed infections should be accounted for in the antibiotic selection. Furthermore, our treatment recommendation includes aggressive surgical revision combined with antibiotic treatment.
Sex Difference in Characteristics and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Meng Shirui , Zeng Zechun , Zuo Huijuan , Wang Jinwen
Published: June 2024

Introduction: With a surge in the prevalence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Beijing starting in October 2022, hospitalisation rates increased markedly. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Using data from hospitalised patients, sex-based differences in clinical characteristics, in-hospital management, and in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated. Predictive factors associated with mortality in 1,091 patients admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital (Beijing, China) for COVID-19 between October 2022 and January 2023 were also evaluated. Results: Data from 1,091 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were included in the analysis. In-hospital mortality rates for male and female patients were 14.9% and 10.4%, respectively. Multifactorial logistic analysis indicated that lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (odds ratio [OR] 0.863, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.805–0.925; p < 0.001), uric acid (OR 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002–1.006; p = 0.001), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR 1.094, 95% CI: 1.012–1.183; p = 0.024) levels were independently associated with COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality. Among female patients, multifactorial analysis revealed that LYM% (OR 0.856, 95% CI: 0.796–0.920; p < 0.001), older age (OR 1.061, 95% CI: 1.020–1.103; p = 0.003), obesity (OR 2.590, 95% CI: 1.131–5.931; p = 0.024), and a high high-sensitivity troponin I level (OR 2.602, 95% CI: 1.157–5.853; p = 0.021) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, including area under the ROC curve, showed that the efficacy of LYM% in predicting in-hospital death was 0.800 (sensitivity, 63.2%; specificity, 83.2%) in male patients and 0.815 (sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity, 64.4%) in female patients. Conclusion: LYM% is a consistent predictor of in-hospital mortality for both sexes. Older age and markers of systemic inflammation, myocardial injury, and metabolic dysregulation are also associated with a high mortality risk. These findings may help identify patients who require closer monitoring and tailored interventions to improve outcomes.
Avaliação dos principais parâmetros que influenciam na conectividade de sedimentos com base em modelos aplicados
Authors: Oliveira Warlen Librelon de , Nero Marcelo Antônio , Macedo Diego Rodrigues
Published: June 2024

El índice de conectividad hidrosedimentológica determina el grado de posibilidad de que los sedimentos de un área determinada lleguen a un punto de control. Comprender la dinámica que se presenta con los sedimentos requiere el uso de variables que representen la morfología y las condiciones ambientales involucradas en el espacio y el tiempo. Esta investigación propuso el análisis de modelos, identificando las principales variables que explican la conectividad de los sedimentos y observando las influencias y frecuencias de su uso. Con base en 34 artículos específicos que tratan sobre modelos de conectividad de sedimentos, se encontró una importante representatividad del uso de modelos digitales de elevación en el 85% de los trabajos, con énfasis en las variables de pendiente, área de drenaje, además del uso del suelo. La rugosidad, a pesar de ser sumamente importante, se utilizó solo con datos tabulados, siendo así un elemento a detallar en nuevos modelos.
A arquitetura de terra enquanto patrimônio cultural: o impacto do rompimento da barragem de fundão
Authors: Lage Gabriela Tavares de Lanna , Bessa Sofia Araújo Lima , Rocha Giana Flores da , Nogueira Júlia Weber , Saraiva Saulo Henrique Marques
Published: June 2024

Earthen architecture appeared frequently in Brazil’s colonial period. Several earthen constructions have survived in Minas Gerais, representing the Brazilian construction tradition from the 16th to the 19th centuries. However, these buildings face constant threats of disappearance due to a lack of appreciation and protection, and mining is an example of how extractive activities can affect buildings and landscapes. Because of the rupture of the Fundão Dam in 2015, several environmental and human impacts occurred along the Doce River basin, emphasizing the Mariana and Barra Longa municipalities. The article, therefore, intends to discuss how the rupture of the Fundão Dam accelerated a process, already underway, of the loss of a constructive tradition on land in this region and to question the reason for the existence of a gap concerning this fact when it comes to deals with the material losses caused by the disaster. The region’s constructive memory was already compromised before the Fundão dam rupture and that the documental gap, also evident, can have several causes and directly affects the smaller villages.
Health Coaching Improves Outcomes of Informal Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Riegel Barbara , Quinn Ryan , Hirschman Karen B. , Thomas Gladys , Ashare Rebecca , Stawnychy Michael A. , Bowles Kathryn H. , Aryal Subhash , Wald Joyce W.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Caring for someone with heart failure takes an emotional and physical toll. Engaging in self-care may decrease stress and improve the health of informal caregivers. We conducted a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a virtual health coaching intervention, compared with health information alone, on the self-care, stress, coping, and health status of heart failure caregivers.

METHODS:

We enrolled 250 caregivers providing care at least 8 hours/week, reporting poor self-care, and able to use technology. All received a tablet device programmed with websites providing vetted information on heart failure and caregiving. Half were randomized to also receive 10 synchronous support sessions virtually with a health coach over 6 months. Data on self-care, stress, coping, and health status were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the interaction between time and treatment group.

RESULTS:

The sample was majority female (85.2%), White (62.2%), spouses (59.8%), and aged 55±13.6 years. Many were employed full time (41.8%). They had been caring for the patient 8 hours/day for a median of 3.25 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, caregivers who received the health coach intervention had statistically and clinically greater improvement across 6 months compared with the control group in the primary outcome of self-care maintenance (5.05±1.99;
P
=0.01) and stress (−4.50±1.00;
P
<0.0001). Self-care neglect declined significantly (−0.65±0.32;
P
=0.04), but the difference between the treatment arms disappeared when the results were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Mental health status improved statistically but not clinically (3.35±1.61;
P
=0.04). Active coping improved in both groups but not significantly more in the intervention group (
P
=0.10). Physical health status was unchanged (
P
=0.27).

CONCLUSIONS:

This virtual health coaching intervention was effective in improving self-care and stress in heart failure caregivers.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact on Prognosis of Aortic Stenosis in Patients With Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Annabi Mohamed‐Salah , Carter‐Storch Rasmus , Zaroui Amira , Galat Arnault , Oghina Silvia , Kharoubi Mounira , Bezard Mélanie , Derumeaux Geneviève , Fanen Pascale , Lemonnier François , Poullot Elsa , Itti Emmanuel , Gallet Romain , Teiger Emmanuel , Pibarot Philippe , Damy Thibaud , Clavel Marie‐Annick
Published: June 2024

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is frequently found in older patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, the prevalence of AS among patients with CA is unknown. The objective was to study the prevalence and prognostic impact of AS among patients with CA.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry comprising 976 patients with native aortic valves who were confirmed with wild type transthyretin amyloid (ATTRwt), hereditary variant transthyretin amyloid (ATTRv), or immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) CA. CA patients' echocardiograms were re‐analyzed focusing on the aortic valve. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the mortality risk associated with moderate or greater AS in ATTRwt CA. The crude prevalence of AS among patients with CA was 26% in ATTRwt, 8% in ATTRv, and 5% in AL. Compared with population‐based controls, all types of CA had higher age‐ and sex‐standardized rate ratios (SRRs) of having any degree of AS (AL: SRR, 2.62; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.09–3.64]; ATTRv: SRR, 3.41; 95%CI [1.64–4.60]; ATTRwt: SRR, 10.8; 95%CI [5.25–14.53]). Compared with hospital controls, only ATTRwt had a higher SRR of having any degree of AS (AL: SRR, 0.97, 95%CI [0.56–1.14]; ATTRv: SRR, 1.27; 95%CI [0.85–1.44]; ATTRwt: SRR, 4.01; 95%CI [2.71–4.54]). Among patients with ATTRwt, moderate or greater AS was not associated with increased all‐cause death after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95%CI [0.42–1.19];
P
=0.19).

Conclusions

Among patients with CA, ATTRwt but not ATTRv or AL is associated with a higher prevalence of patients with AS compared with hospital controls without CA, even after adjusting for age and sex. In our population, having moderate or greater AS was not associated with a worse outcome in patients with ATTRwt.
Validating a Curvature‐Based Marker of Cervical Carotid Tortuosity for Risk Assessment in Heritable Aortopathies
Authors: Lee Jin Vivian , Huguenard Anna L. , Dacey Ralph G. , Braverman Alan C. , Osbun Joshua W.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cervical arterial tortuosity is associated with adverse outcomes in Loeys‐Dietz syndrome and other heritable aortopathies.

Methods and Results

A method to assess tortuosity based on curvature of the vessel centerline in 3‐dimensional space was developed. We measured cervical carotid tortuosity in 65 patients with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome from baseline computed tomography angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram and all serial images during follow‐up. Relations between baseline carotid tortuosity, age, aortic root diameter, and its change over time were compared. Patients with unoperated aortic roots were assessed for clinical end point (type A aortic dissection or aortic root surgery during 4 years of follow‐up). Logistic regression was performed to assess the likelihood of clinical end point according to baseline carotid tortuosity. Total absolute curvature at baseline was 11.13±5.76 and was relatively unchanged at 8 to 10 years (fold change: 0.026±0.298,
P
=1.00), whereas tortuosity index at baseline was 0.262±0.131, with greater variability at 8 to 10 years (fold change: 0.302±0.656,
P
=0.818). Baseline total absolute curvature correlated with aortic root diameter (
r
=0.456,
P
=0.004) and was independently associated with aortic events during the 4‐year follow‐up (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.64 [95% CI, 1.02–6.85]). Baseline tortuosity index correlated with age (
r
=0.532,
P
<0.001) and was not associated with events (adjusted OR, 1.88 [95% CI, 0.79–4.51]). Finally, baseline total absolute curvature had good discrimination of 4‐year outcomes (area under the curve=0.724,
P
=0.014), which may be prognostic or predictive.

Conclusions

Here we introduce cervical carotid tortuosity as a promising quantitative biomarker with validated, standardized characteristics. Specifically, we recommend the adoption of a curvature‐based measure, total absolute curvature, for early detection or monitoring of disease progression in Loeys‐Dietz syndrome.
The Autobahn Crises of 1963: The U.S. Military and the Last Major Cold War Showdowns over Berlin
Authors: Goldman David I.
Published: June 2024

By mid-1963, the immediate threat to European security from the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 had receded, but East-West tensions over the city remained high. Although some scholars such as Marc Trachtenberg have claimed that the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 was followed by a lasting East-West détente in Europe, this article shows that the status of Berlin remained a Cold War flashpoint until well into 1963. The article highlights three of the military showdowns (the so-called Autobahn crises) that occurred in October and November 1963 over the transportation rules for U.S., British, and French access to West Berlin. The crises caused a good deal of friction, but their resolution ushered in a more peaceful time for Berlin and Europe as a whole.
III. Nuns, Family and Community
Authors: Lähnemann Henrike , Schlotheuber Eva
Published: June 2024

The chapter explores the interconnectedness of convent and world, starting from the example of the different ways in which Braunschweig families interacted with the Heilig Kreuz Kloster, discussing the stages of a nun’s life from their placements as girls, to their profession, to the network which included their relatives and friends once they had become fully part of the community. Examples presented here for the role of representation and status are the monumental 14th-century Tristan tapestry from Kloster Wienhausen and the statuette of the black patron saint Maurice from Kloster Medingen.
V. Music and Reform
Authors: Lähnemann Henrike , Schlotheuber Eva
Published: June 2024

The monastic reform of the fifteenth century led to a blossoming of society and spiritual institutions and to a profounder religiosity, discussed in conjunction with musical practice and its role for the community. The opening example shows how permission to sing secular songs while breaking flax was revoked in the Heilig Kreuz Kloster; then convent reform is discussed in terms of renewed liturgy and music instruction in Kloster Ebstorf; an illuminated manuscript of the nuns playing the organ and instructing the girls provides a detailed visualisation.
VI. Reformation
Authors: Lähnemann Henrike , Schlotheuber Eva
Published: June 2024

The Lutheran Reformation of the 16th century in many ways follows on from previous monastic reform movements. A pertinent example is the discussion of indulgences which features also in the late 15th-century convent diary. The nun describes at length the events surrounding the visit by a papal legate in Braunschweig. The main part of the chapter details the ways in which the nuns during the Lutheran Reformation dealt with pressure to conform to the new regime and the ways in which the convents survived as Protestant institutions. This is visualized by the 17th-century panel painting (used also for the title image) which shows the vision of the nuns in Kloster Lüne of the crucified Christ advising them to become Protestant.
VII. Illness and Dying
Authors: Lähnemann Henrike , Schlotheuber Eva
Published: June 2024

Caring for the poor and accompanying the sick and dying were an integral part of monastic life. The nuns’ networks enabled an exchange about methods of treatment as well as participation in the commemoration of the dead through prayer fraternities. While scholarly medicine was practised by doctors, healing methods and health advice was handed down within the convents. The chapter discusses a couple of cases of illness in the Heilig Kreuz Kloster, ending with the plague in which the diarist died, then details medicinal knowledge from sources in Kloster Wienhausen from which also the final illustrations of blood-letting and of the heavenly Jerusalem are taken.
VIII. Appendix
Authors: Lähnemann Henrike , Schlotheuber Eva
Published: June 2024

The appendix gives short histories of the main convents discussed in the book, and provides further information about female monastic life through a survey of the structure of their day with a glossary of terms.
3. ‘Pop’ Antisemitism and Deviant Communities
Authors: Chapelan Alexis
Published: June 2024

Social media platforms and the interactive web have had a significant impact on political socialisation, creating new pathways of community-building that shifted the focus from real-life, localised networks (such as unions or neighbourhood associations) to vast, diffuse and globalised communities (Finin et al. 2008, Rainie and Wellman 2012, Olson 2014, Miller 2017). Celebrities or influencers are often focal nodes for the spread of information and opinions across these new types of networks in the digital space (see Hutchins and Tindall 2021). Unfortunately, this means that celebrities’ endorsement of extremist discourse or narratives can potently drive the dissemination and normalisation of hate ideologies.

This paper sets out to analyse the reaction of French social media audiences to antisemitism controversies involving pop culture celebrities. I will focus on two such episodes, one with a ‘national’ celebrity at its centre and the other a ‘global’ celebrity: the social media ban of the French-Cameroonian comedian Dieudonné M’bala M’bala in June–July 2020 and the controversy following US rapper Kanye West’s spate of antisemitic statements in October–November 2022. The empirical corpus comprises over 4,000 user comments on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (now X). My methodological approach is two-pronged: a preliminary mapping of the text through content analysis is followed by a qualitative Critical Discourse Analysis that examines linguistic strategies and discursive constructions employed by social media users to legitimise antisemitic worldviews. We lay particular emphasis on the manner in which memes, dog-whistling or coded language (such as allusions or inside jokes popular within certain communities or fandoms) are used not only to convey antisemitic meaning covertly but also to build a specific form of counter-cultural solidarity. This solidarity expresses itself in the form of “ deviant communities” (see Proust et al. 2020) based on the performative and deliberate transgression of societal taboos and norms.
4. “More Like Genocide”
Authors: Bolton Matthew
Published: June 2024

Accusations that Israel has committed, or is in the process of committing, genocide against the Palestinian population of the Middle East are a familiar presence within anti- Israel and anti Zionist discourse. In the wake of the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military invasion of Gaza, claims of an Israeli genocide reached new heights, culminating in Israel being accused of genocide by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Such claims can be made directly or indirectly, via attempts to draw an equivalence between Auschwitz or the Warsaw Ghetto and the current situation in the Palestinian territories. This chapter examines the use of the concept of genocide in social media discussions responding to UK news reports about Israel in the years prior to the 2023 Israel- Hamas war, thereby setting out the pre-existing conditions for its rise to prominence in the response to that war. It provides a historical account of the development of the concept of genocide, showing its interrelation with antisemitism, the Holocaust and the State of Israel. It then shows how accusations of genocide started being made against Israel in the decades following the Holocaust, and argues that such use is often accompanied by analogies between Israel and Nazi Germany and forms of Holocaust distortion. The chapter then qualitatively analyses comments referencing a supposed Israeli genocide posted on the Facebook pages of major British newspapers regarding three Israel-related stories: the May 2021 escalation phase of the Arab- Israeli conflict; the July 2021 announcement that the US ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s would be boycotting Jewish settlements in the West Bank; and the rapid roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine in Israel from December 2020 to January 2021.
7. Discussion Trees on Social Media
Authors: Vincent Chloé
Published: June 2024

Antisemitism often takes implicit forms on social media, therefore making it difficult to detect. In many cases, context is essential to recognise and understand the antisemitic meaning of an utterance (Becker et al. 2021, Becker and Troschke 2023, Jikeli et al. 2022a). Previous quantitative work on antisemitism online has focused on independent comments obtained through keyword search (e.g. Jikeli et al. 2019, Jikeli et al. 2022b), ignoring the discussions in which they occurred. Moreover, on social media, discussions are rarely linear. Web users have the possibility to comment on the original post and start a conversation or to reply to earlier web user comments. This chapter proposes to consider the structure of the comment trees constructed in the online discussion, instead of single comments individually, in an attempt to include context in the study of antisemitism online. This analysis is based on a corpus of 25,412 trees, consisting of 76,075 Facebook comments. The corpus is built from web comments reacting to posts published by mainstream news outlets in three countries: France, Germany, and the UK. The posts are organised into 16 discourse events, which have a high potential for triggering antisemitic comments. The analysis of the data help verify whether (1) antisemitic comments come together (are grouped under the same trees), (2) the structure of trees (lengths, number of branches) is significant in the emergence of antisemitism, (3) variations can be found as a function of the countries and the discourse events. This study presents an original way to look at social media data, which has potential for helping identify and moderate antisemitism online. It specifically can advance research in machine learning by allowing to look at larger segments of text, which is essential for reliable results in artificial intelligence methodology. Finally, it enriches our understanding of social interactions online in general, and hate speech online in particular.
Wage Demands and Fair Working Conditions of Seafarers on Cargo Ships Under a Flag of Convenience: Establishment of a Place of Jurisdiction in Switzerland
Authors: Galli Nicole , Rossell Ainhoa
Published: June 2024

This article addresses the question of whether seafarers, regardless of the ordinary international jurisdictions in the country of ship registration or at the domicile of their employer, have a jurisdiction in Switzerland at their disposal to be able to enforce their rights effectively. The significance of maritime trade routes cannot be overstated, and demand continues to be strong. At the same time, many seafarers suffer from precarious working conditions, being often unable to enforce their wage demands and other claims. A key problem is the registration of vessels in flag of convenience (FOC) states which generally lack an effective judicial system or where access to justice may be constrained. Many shipping companies that profit greatly from maritime transport are domiciled in Switzerland, allowing the conclusion that jurisdiction in Switzerland can be established by piercing the corporate veil or, subsidiarily, asserting jurisdiction by necessity. Reasons that justify the registration in an FOC state are hardly apparent and the liability of a benefiting Swiss group company and thus a place of jurisdiction in Switzerland can well be justified. In any case, Switzerland has enshrined the jurisdiction by necessity in positive law and a too restrictive handling by Swiss courts could violate the human right of free access to justice.
Multidecadal Changes of the Seasonal Potential Predictability of Winter PNA and Associated Circulation Anomalies
Authors: Yan Xiaoqin , Yao Wangjie , Tang Youmin
Published: June 2024

Utilizing ensemble hindcast data from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) spanning the years 1900–2014, the multidecadal changes in the seasonal potential predictability of the winter Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern and associated circulation anomalies have been investigated by using an information-based metric of relative entropy and the method of the most predictable component analysis. Results show that the seasonal potential predictability of winter PNA has significant multidecadal changes, with values much higher at the two ends of the twentieth century and much lower in between particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. The changes in the seasonal potential predictability of winter PNA are mostly reflected by the temporal evolutions of PNA rather than the location changes of active centers. Further, the changes are mostly contributed by the external forcing of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related sea surface temperature anomalies in tropical central and eastern Pacific. In particular, the combined effects of lower amplitudes, reduced persistence, and a more eastward shift in warming centers lead to the reduced seasonal potential predictability of PNA and associated circulation changes in the 1930s and 1940s.

Significance Statement

Seasonal prediction of the winter Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern and associated circulation anomalies is very important due to its profound climate impacts. Understanding the multidecadal fluctuations and its driving sources of the potential predictability of winter PNA and associated circulation anomalies are meaningful for skillful seasonal prediction of winter PNA and circulation anomalies as well as related climate variations. This study for the first time shows that the multidecadal fluctuations of the potential predictability of winter PNA are quite significant and the changes are mostly reflected by its temporal evolutions rather than spatial shifts of active centers. Furthermore, this study shows that the strength, persistence, and warming center locations of ENSO-related sea surface temperatures in tropical Pacific play a crucial role on the multidecadal changes of the potential predictability of winter PNA and associated circulation anomalies.
Corporate Accountability for Human Rights: Evidence From Conflict Mineral Ratings
Authors: Al-Shaer Habiba , Albitar Khaldoon , Hussainey Khaled
Published: June 2024

This article examines the impact of sustainability-oriented governance factors on companies reporting on due diligence requirements of conflict minerals (DDRCM). We use the rating scores that are assigned by the Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN) on a sample of multinational companies between 2015 and 2019. We consider whether the existence and type of an independent external audit, the existence of sustainability reports to communicate a firm’s message, the inclusion of sustainability-related targets in executive compensation contracts, and the existence of board-level sustainability committees are associated with DDRCM reporting. We find that the combined effect of sustainability-oriented governance factors is associated with higher DDRCM reporting suggesting that sustainability governance plays an effective role in shaping the corporate response to conflict mineral risks. We also find that effective boards moderate the association between sustainability governance and DDRCM reporting suggesting that effective boards can substitute for the resources that are required for sustainability governance.
When Violence Is Not an Option: Perceived Choice Sets and Differential Deterrability Among Adolescents in Germany
Authors: Kroneberg Clemens , Nägel Christof
Published: June 2024

The idea that individuals differ in their perceived choice sets or repertoires has a long tradition in criminology and is a common ingredient of modern choice theories. We test this assumption in a large-scale school survey of seventh graders in Germany. Eliciting perceived action alternatives in a provocation scenario, we examine the frequency of purely non-violent, purely violent, and mixed repertoires. Our results confirm that a large share of adolescents does not perceive of violence as an option. In contrast, relatively few adolescents could only imagine to react with physical or verbal violence to a physical provocation. We also examine whether self-control and the perceived certainty and severity of sanctions are differentially associated with violent offending across types of repertoires.
Vibration analysis of anisogrid composite lattice sandwich truncated conical shells: Theoretical and experimental approaches
Authors: Rahnama Malihe , Hamzeloo S Reza , Morad Sheikhi Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Drawing upon both theoretical and experimental methodologies, this study investigates the vibrational characteristics of lattice sandwich truncated conical shells featuring composite ribs made of carbon and E-glass fibers. Toward this aim, the equations of motion along with the corresponding boundary conditions of such sandwich shells are derived using classical Donnell’s shell theory and the smeared stiffness technique. Subsequently, the governing equations are solved to obtain a closed-form expression for natural frequencies employing the Galerkin method. In addition, ABAQUS simulations are presented to study the vibration behavior of single-skin and three-skin conical shells. To validate the theoretical methods, the specimens of three-layer sandwich conical shells were fabricated from two Kevlar fabric laminates and a composite lattice core with hexagonal cells using a manual filament winding process. The composite ribs consist of carbon and E-glass fibers with a ratio of 3:1. Finally, experimental modal tests were conducted to extract natural frequencies and mode shapes by measuring frequency responses at 40 points over a duration of 60 s using a laser vibrometer. A strong correspondence is observed between the theoretical outcomes (utilizing the Galerkin and FE methods) and the experimental findings (with a maximum discrepancy of approximately 16% for the initial four mode shapes). Findings indicate that the excellent performance of the composite lattice core in vibration behavior, which can increase approximately 19% and 16% the natural frequencies corresponding to the first and second mode shapes, respectively.
Nonlinear identification algorithm for online and offline study of pulmonary mechanical ventilation
Authors: Riva Diego A , Evangelista Carolina A , Puleston Paul F , Corsiglia Luis , Dargains Nahuel
Published: June 2024

This work presents an algorithm for determining the parameters of a nonlinear dynamic model of the respiratory system in patients undergoing assisted ventilation. Using the pressure and flow signals measured at the mouth, the model’s quadratic pressure–volume (P–V) characteristic is fit to these data in each respiratory cycle by appropriate estimates of the model parameters. Parameter changes during ventilation can thus also be detected. The algorithm is first refined and assessed using data derived from simulated patients represented through a sigmoidal P–V characteristic with hysteresis. As satisfactory results are achieved with the simulated data, the algorithm is evaluated with real data obtained from actual patients undergoing assisted ventilation. The proposed nonlinear dynamic model and associated parameter estimation algorithm yield closer fits than the static linear models computed by respiratory machines, with only a minor increase in computation. They also provide more information to the physician, such as the pressure–volume (P–V) curvature and the condition of the lung (whether normal, under-inflated, or over-inflated). This information can be used to provide safer ventilation for patients, for instance by ventilating them in the linear region of the respiratory system.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements and burnout of anesthesiologists: National cross-sectional study from China
Authors: Zhang Fu , Tang Tianying , Liu Jian , Wang Wei , Wang Yifan , Yan Yangtian , Liu Jiaming , Liu Huamin
Published: June 2024

Objective

Job burnout among anesthesiologists has been consistently high. This study evaluated the association of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with burnout among Chinese anesthesiologists.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during April and May 2023. Burnout was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which assesses emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Data on calcium and vitamin D supplementations were self-reported. Sociodemographic information and medical history were also assessed. Binary and ordinal logistic regression were used to evaluate the risk of burnout and burnout levels, respectively. The relative excess risk due to interaction and the attributable proportion due to interaction were examined to determine the synergistic effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementations on burnout risk.

Results

Among the 4222 invited anesthesiologists, 3766 submitted eligible questionnaires. Approximately 49.8% met the criteria for general burnout. Among anesthesiologists with burnout, 58.4% experienced emotional exhaustion, 35.8% depersonalization, and 61.2% low personal accomplishment. Anesthesiologists receiving calcium supplementation had a decreased risk of emotional exhaustion (OR = .83, 95% CI = .70-.99). Supplementation of vitamin D with or without calcium was not associated with overall burnout and any of its dimensions. No additive interaction of calcium and vitamin D on burnout was observed.

Conclusions

Job burnout among anesthesiologists is of concern in China. Burnout is negatively associated with calcium supplementation but not with vitamin D. Further research is warranted to confirm the mechanism and causal relationship.
Black Lives Matter and the Changing Sociological Canon: An Analysis of Syllabi from 2012 to 2023
Authors: Melcher Cody R.
Published: June 2024

This article analyzes 764 syllabi spanning 2012 to 2023 to illustrate how, why, and when the sociological canon evolves. It is shown that in terms of frequency of assignment, W. E. B. Du Bois has clearly entered the sociological canon, overtaking both Weber and Durkheim. The timing of these changes also suggests that Du Bois’s addition to the canon, and the increased assignment of scholars of color in general, is largely a reaction to the various iterations of the Black Lives Matter movement. Potential pedagogical implications of this change are discussed.
Disturbance-decoupled control synthesis for conformable fractional-order linear systems: A geometric approach
Authors: Abbasi Nozari Hasan , Sadati Rostami Seyed Jalil , Castaldi Paolo
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the theoretical requirements for conformable fractional-order linear systems to satisfy the fundamental principles of invariant subspaces, which are the foundation of geometric control theory, for the first time. The problem of exact disturbance decoupling in conformable fractional linear systems is tackled using newly developed geometric tools. Moreover, a set of necessary and sufficient conditions has been established to address this problem, which, at the same time, stabilizes the compensated system for any initial condition in the presence of unknown disturbances. We also show that employing the conformable fractional model as a synthesis model for geometric geometric decoupling control provides a better understanding of the structural system-theoretic characteristics of fractional systems, while upholding the fundamental properties of integer systems. To illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the theoretical findings, two numerical simulations, including an application to an active suspension system, were carried out and compared with those of the Caputo derivative.
Sibling transmission of relationship breakup: Does partnership type matter?
Authors: Her Yu-Chin , Vergauwen Jorik , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: June 2024

Previous research has highlighted the impact of social network partners on individuals’ attitudes and behaviors and the significant role that siblings often play in providing lifelong support, especially in times of important life events. However, a few studies have examined the intragenerational transmission of divorce risks. Given the increasing prevalence of unmarried cohabitation, however, no study has yet unraveled the link between siblings’ relationship breakups in general, and neither has the impact of siblings’ partnership type and demographic characteristics been investigated. This study aims to understand cross-sibling influence on relationship breakup, including both divorce and separation, and whether sibling similarity in partnership type and demographic traits explain the social influence processes. We used longitudinal data from the Belgian population register and family fixed-effects event history analysis. Partnered individuals ( N = 67,113) and their siblings were followed between 1998 and 2018. The results revealed that an individual’s likelihood of experiencing a union dissolution was lower following that of a sibling. This was particularly pronounced among siblings belonging to the same partnership type (both married or both cohabiting) and close-in-age siblings. For instance, after a sibling’s separation from a cohabitation, cohabiters were at lower odds of dissolving their union than the married, especially when they had a small age gap. The findings indicate that accounting for the time-constant factors originating from the family context, a sibling’s breakup might have a protective impact on one’s own relationship status and duration. The study contributes to the growing knowledge on intragenerational transmission of partnership dissolution.
Social ties and social identification: Influences on well-being in young adults
Authors: Mehrpour Anahita , Hoffman Adar , Widmer Eric D. , Staerklé Christian
Published: June 2024

Research highlights the positive impact of social connectedness on subjective well-being. In this paper, we test a model in which an identity-based mechanism links a structural form of connectedness (significant social ties) with two psychological well-being outcomes, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Using data from the LIVES Longitudinal Lausanne Youth Study (LIVES-LOLYS, N = 422), a longitudinal mediation path model tests direct and indirect effects, via the strength of social identification, of the number of significant social ties in two life domains (friends and family) on life satisfaction and self-esteem. Results showed positive associations between the number of significant ties and social identification in the concordant domain, empirically linking the structural and subjective forms of social connectedness. Moreover, our model displays significant indirect effects in the friend domain, but not in the family domain. Having more friends as significant social ties predicted higher social identification with friends, and this was longitudinally associated with higher life satisfaction and self-esteem. Findings show a new mechanism linking structural and subjective forms of social connectedness, unpacking their concerted impact in protecting well-being. The differences between the friend and family domains are discussed in the framework of both life-course and social identity perspectives.
Effects of stress-related neuromodulators on amygdala and hippocampus resting state functional connectivity
Authors: Rosada Catarina , Lipka Renée , Metz Sophie , Otte Christian , Heekeren Hauke , Wingenfeld Katja
Published: June 2024

Background:

The human stress response is characterized by increases in neuromodulators, including norepinephrine (NE) and cortisol. Both neuromodulators can enter the brain and affect neurofunctional responses. Two brain areas associated with stress are the amygdala and the hippocampus. The precise influence of NE and cortisol on the amygdala and hippocampal resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) is poorly understood.

Aims:

To investigate the influence of NE and cortisol on the amygdala and hippocampal RSFC.

Methods:

We recruited 165 participants who received 10 mg yohimbine and/or 10 mg hydrocortisone in a randomized, placebo-controlled design. With seed-based analyses, we compared RSFC of the hippocampus and amygdala separately between the three groups that received medication versus placebo.

Results:

We found no differences between yohimbine and placebo condition or between hydrocortisone and placebo condition regarding amygdala or hippocampal FC. Compared with placebo, the yohimbine/hydrocortisone condition showed increased amygdala and hippocampal RSFC with the cerebellum. Also, they had increased hippocampal RSFC with the amygdala and cerebral white matter.

Discussion:

The group with elevated NE and cortisol showed significantly increased RSFC between the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum compared to placebo. These three brain areas are involved in associative learning and emotional memory, suggesting a critical role for this network in the human stress response. Our results show that NE and cortisol together may influence the strength of this association. Compared to placebo, we found no differences in the groups receiving only one medication, suggesting that increasing one neuromodulator alone may not induce differences in neurofunctional responses. The study procedure has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04359147).
Duration of spreading depression is the electrophysiological correlate of infarct growth in malignant hemispheric stroke
Authors: Kowoll Christina M , Schumm Leonie , Gieffers Alexandra , Lemale Coline L , Major Sebastian , Dohmen Christian , Fink Gereon R , Brinker Gerrit , von Pidoll Tilmann , Dömer Patrick , Dreier Jens P , Hecht Nils , Woitzik Johannes
Published: June 2024

Spreading depolarizations (SD) contribute to lesion progression after experimental focal cerebral ischemia while such correlation has never been shown in stroke patients. In this prospective, diagnostic study, we investigate the association of SDs and secondary infarct progression after malignant hemispheric stroke. SDs were continuously monitored for 3–9 days with electrocorticography after decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant hemispheric stroke. To ensure valid detection and analysis of SDs, a threshold based on the electrocorticographic baseline activity was calculated to identify valid electrocorticographic recordings. Subsequently SD characteristics were analyzed in association to infarct progression based on serial MRI. Overall, 62 patients with a mean stroke volume of 289.6 ± 68 cm3 were included. Valid electrocorticographic recordings were found in 44/62 patients with a mean recording duration of 139.6 ± 26.5 hours and 52.5 ± 39.5 SDs per patient. Infarct progression of more than 5% was found in 21/44 patients. While the number of SDs was similar between patients with and without infarct progression, the SD-induced depression duration per day was significantly longer in patients with infarct progression (593.8 vs. 314.1 minutes; *p = 0.046). Therefore, infarct progression is associated with a prolonged SD-induced depression duration. Real-time analysis of electrocorticographic recordings may identify secondary stroke progression and help implementing targeted management strategies.