bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal Discovery Using Weight-Based Conditional Independence Test
Authors: Ling Zhaolong , Li Bo , Zhang Yiwen , Zhou Peng , Wu Xingyu , Huang Yuee , Yu Kui , Wu Xindong
Published: August 2024

Conditional Independence (CI)
tests play an essential role in causal discovery from observational data, enabling the measurement of independence between two nodes. However, traditional CI tests ignore the imbalanced occurrence probabilities of node values, which may affect the accuracy of determining independence between nodes. To address this problem, we first introduce a new concept of the Node-imbalance phenomenon to describe the imbalance of node values in the Bayesian network data and analyze the influence of the Node-imbalance phenomenon on the traditional CI tests, then we propose a
Weight-Based Conditional Independence (WCI)
test to improve the accuracy of CI tests in the presence of Node-imbalance. In the experiments, we verify that WCI effectively measures the dependency between nodes in the Node-imbalance phenomenon compared with the traditional independence tests, and the state-of-the-art causal discovery algorithms reduce the number of false causal orientations through WCI.
From Recognition to Prediction: Leveraging Sequence Reasoning for Action Anticipation
Authors: Liu Xin , Hao Chao , Yu Zitong , Yue Huanjing , Yang Jingyu
Published: August 2024

The action anticipation task refers to predicting what action will happen based on observed videos, which requires the model to have a strong ability to summarize the present and then reason about the future. Experience and common sense suggest that there is a significant correlation between different actions, which provides valuable prior knowledge for the action anticipation task. However, previous methods have not effectively modeled this underlying statistical relationship. To address this issue, we propose a novel end-to-end video modeling architecture that utilizes attention mechanisms, named Anticipation via Recognition and Reasoning (ARR). ARR decomposes the action anticipation task into action recognition and sequence reasoning tasks and effectively learns the statistical relationship between actions by next action prediction (NAP). In comparison to existing temporal aggregation strategies, ARR is able to extract more effective features from observable videos to make more reasonable predictions. In addition, to address the challenge of relationship modeling that requires extensive training data, we propose an innovative approach for the unsupervised pre-training of the decoder, which leverages the inherent temporal dynamics of video to enhance the reasoning capabilities of the network. Extensive experiments on the Epic-kitchen-100, EGTEA Gaze+, and 50salads datasets demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methods. The code is available at
https://github.com/linuxsino/ARR
.
Enhancing Graph Neural Networks via Memorized Global Information
Authors: Zeng Ruihong , Fang Jinyuan , Liu Siwei , Meng Zaiqiao , Liang Shangsong
Published: August 2024

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have gained significant attention for their impressive results on different graph-based tasks. The essential mechanism of GNNs is the message-passing framework, whereby node representations are aggregated from local neighborhoods. Recently, Transformer-based GNNs have been introduced to learn the long-range dependencies, enhancing performance. However, their quadratic computational complexity, due to the attention computation, has constrained their applicability on large-scale graphs. To address this issue, we propose MGIGNN (
M
emorized
G
lobal
I
nformation
G
raph
N
eural
N
etwork), an innovative approach that leverages memorized global information to enhance existing GNNs in both transductive and inductive scenarios. Specifically, MGIGNN captures long-range dependencies by identifying and incorporating global similar nodes, which are defined as nodes exhibiting similar features, structural patterns and label information within a graph. To alleviate the computational overhead associated with computing embeddings for all nodes, we introduce an external memory module to facilitate the retrieval of embeddings and optimize performance on large graphs. To enhance the memory-efficiency, MGIGNN selectively retrieves global similar nodes from a small set of candidate nodes. These candidate nodes are selected from the training nodes based on a sparse node selection distribution with a Dirichlet prior. This selecting approach not only reduces the memory size required but also ensures efficient utilization of computational resources. Through comprehensive experiments conducted on ten widely-used and real-world datasets, including seven homogeneous datasets and three heterogeneous datasets, we demonstrate that our MGIGNN can generally improve the performance of existing GNNs on node classification tasks under both inductive and transductive settings.
A 2-D Reaction-Transport Model for Investigating Pit Morphology Under the Influence of a Salt Film
Authors: Nguyen Van Anh , Newman Roger C. , Laycock Nicholas J.
Published: August 2024

A 2-D reaction transport model with the phase field method was employed here to simulate the propagation stage of corrosion pitting in stainless steels in a chloride environment. The influence of the salt film on pitting dissolution kinetics was incorporated into the model to study its effect on the pit morphology under various settings. In potentiostatic conditions, the pit morphology tends toward a dish-like shape due to the presence of the salt film inside a corrosion pit. This leads to diffusion-controlled dissolution at the pit bottom and active dissolution near the pit mouth. On the contrary, in galvanostatic conditions and at a high applied current, although the salt film was initially present, its effect diminished as the chemistry inside the pit became diluted and the pit growth transitioned into active dissolution near the repassivation current. This effect is attributed to the limited resources to support the enlargement of a corrosion pit under constant applied current. As a result, the pit morphology in galvanostatic conditions is likely to be hemispherical and can transition into complex morphology, as discussed in a previous paper.
Usefulness of the Reborn Soup for the Reduction of Salt Intake
Authors: Ohta Yuko , Sakata Satoko , Ohta Kazuhiro , Kusano Masahiko , Fujisawa Ritsuko , Komorita Yuji , Kuwahara Yukie , Fukamatsu Yuki , Tsuruta Hiroshi , Nakamura Hidetoshi , Tsuchihashi Takuya
Published: August 2024

Aims. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of reborn soup on the perceptions of saltiness and palatability. Methods. Subjects comprised 103 staff working at Kokura Daiichi Hospital (22 males, 81 females, and mean age: 35 ± 12 years old). They tested soups (commercially available soup with 0.9% NaCl solutions (A), commercially available soup with 0.6% NaCl solutions (B), and reborn soup diluted to 0.6% NaCl solutions (C)). Evaluations of saltiness and palatability for each solution were conducted using a visual analog scale in a double‐blinded randomized manner. We estimated 24‐hour salt excretion using spot urine samples to estimate salt intake and also assessed blood pressure, the awareness of salt intake using a self‐description questionnaire score, and other confounding factors including lifestyle factors. Results. In all subjects, the average estimated salt intake was 9.0 ± 2.0 g/day, and the rates at which subjects met the established salt intake targets were 15.1% in 73 females without hypertension (<6.5 g/day), 23.5% in 17 males without hypertension (<7.5 g/day), and 0.0% in 13 subjects with hypertension (<6.0 g/day). In both saltiness and palatability, B scored significantly lower than A, but C scored significantly higher than B. Salt intake levels were categorized into tertiles (Q1, lowest; Q3, highest). C scored significantly higher for palatability in the Q1 group than in the Q3 group. Conclusions. Most participants exceeded the established targets of salt intake. The high‐salt‐intake group might be able to feel less palatable. Our results indicate that reborn soup may be effective in reducing salt intake without loss of palatability.
The Effect of Different Degrees of Ankle Dorsiflexion Restriction on the Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity in Stop‐Jumping
Authors: Zhang Zanni , Xu Datao , Gao Xiangli , Liang Minjun , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: August 2024

Purpose. The functional status of the ankle joint is critical during dynamic movements in high‐intensity sports like basketball and volleyball, particularly when performing actions such as stopping jumps. Limited ankle dorsiflexion is associated with increased injury risk and biomechanical changes during stop‐jump tasks. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how restricting ankle dorsiflexion affects lower extremity biomechanics during the stop‐jump phase, with a focus on the adaptive changes that occur in response to this restriction. Initially, 18 participants during stop‐jumping with no wedge plate (NW), 10° wedge plate (10 W), and 20° wedge plate (20 W) using dominant leg data were collected to explore the relationship between limiting ankle mobility and lower extremity biomechanics. Following this, a musculoskeletal model was developed to simulate and calculate biomechanical data. Finally, one‐dimensional parametric statistical mapping (SPM1D) was utilized to evaluate between‐group variation in outcome variables using a one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. As the ankle restriction angle increased, knee external rotation angles, knee extension angular velocities, hip extension angle, and angular velocity increased and were significantly different at different ankle restriction angles (p  < 0.001 and p = 0.001), coactivation of the peripatellar muscles (BF/RF and BF/VM) increased progressively, and patellofemoral joint contact force (PTF) increased progressively during the 3%–8% phase (p = 0.015). These results highlight the influence of ankle joint restriction on lower limb kinematics and patellofemoral joint loading during the stop‐jump maneuver. Conclusion. As the angle of ankle restriction increased, there was an increase in coactivation of the peripatellar muscles and an increase in PTF, possibly because a person is unable to adequately adjust their body for balance when the ankle valgus angle is restricted. The increased coactivation of the peripatellar muscles and increased patellofemoral contact force may be a compensatory response to the body’s adaptation to balance adjustments.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures
Authors: Kaufman Maria E. , Vayani Omar R. , Moore Kelley , Chlenski Alexandre , Wu Tong , Lee Sang Mee , Desai Ami V. , He Chuan , Cohn Susan L. , Applebaum Mark A.
Published: August 2024

Hockey stick plots representing H3K27ac signal strength and enhancer rank to identify super-enhancers in each of the neuroblastoma cell lines.
Figure 4 from Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures
Authors: Kaufman Maria E. , Vayani Omar R. , Moore Kelley , Chlenski Alexandre , Wu Tong , Lee Sang Mee , Desai Ami V. , He Chuan , Cohn Susan L. , Applebaum Mark A.
Published: August 2024

MESadj and TCI scores are inversely correlated with features of high-risk neuroblastoma. MESadj and TCI are correlated in both the (A) Discovery and (B) Validation cohorts and inversely correlated with MYCN amplification, stage, and age in the Discovery cohort. Colored circle representing the correlation coefficient shown only for those correlations with P < 0.05. In the Discovery cohort, TCI and MESadj decrease with increasing stage (C and D), although 4S tumors have lower TCI and higher MESadj.
Physiological-Based Cord Clamping: When the Baby Is Ready for Clamping
Authors: te Pas Arjan B. , Knol Ronny , Lopriore Enrico , van den Akker Thomas H. , Hooper Stuart B.
Published: August 2024

Background: The timing of cord clamping has become a focal point for neonatal caregivers due to the promising outcomes associated with delayed cord clamping, which is a simple and cost-effective method to enhance the survival and well-being of preterm infants. While initially the rationale behind delaying clamping was to facilitate increased placental transfusion, research has unveiled additional hemodynamic benefits. Summary: Experimental studies have demonstrated improved circulatory transition when clamping is postponed until the lungs are adequately aerated. This suggests that infants requiring assistance during the transition phase may benefit from stabilization while still attached to the cord. The Aeration, Breathing, and then Clamping (ABC) project aimed to translate these experimental findings into clinical practice. Key Message: In this review, we will discuss the insights gained and lessons learned from the project’s implementation.
Singular e como todo mundo: visibilidade e as pessoas com deficiência
Authors: Sanz Claudia Linhares , Palatucci Giovanna
Published: August 2024

The article analyzes the concept of visibility aiming to create theoretical bases to think about the invisibility of the person with disabilities today. In an essayistic perspective, it articulates theoretical review and  testimonials of these people on social networks, in three movements: it thinks ofvisibility as social recognition; it discusses the visible through the notion of visibility regime; itanalyzes its current configurations, when its meaning is being reduced to mere display. It deals, finally, with an alterity in contemporary relations between image, visibility and  recognition, requiring that people with  disabilities, in addition to conquer places in the space of the visible, create different semantics from those hegemonically imposed, even by images.
Metacoalizão e os novos papéis de broker: o caso Observatório do Clima
Authors: Salmi Frederico , Dowbor Monika , Fleury Lorena Cândido
Published: August 2024

This article presents an analysis of the Observatório do Clima network in the light of the categories advocacy coalition, specifically broker. A conceptual-methodological  framework was mobilized based on the theoretical frameworks of the sociology of critical utopia on the climate issue and studies of socio-state interactions. Critical interpretive analysis was used as a methodological strategy. The result is the proposal of a new category, metacoalition, and two  complementary roles, producer (of knowledge) and monitor (of public policies), to Gurza  Lavalle and von Bülow’s (2014, 2015) conceptual framework. In addition, a new  agent is introduced to the analytical scenario as a structuring configuration element of the new two roles: the artificial climate agent.
Psychosocial Health and the Association Between Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Markers With Dementia: The ARIC Study
Authors: Eswaran Surabhee , Knopman David S. , Koton Silvia , Kucharska-Newton Anna M. , Liu Albert C. , Liu Chelsea , Lutsey Pamela L. , Mosley Thomas H. , Palta Priya , Sharrett A. Richey , Sullivan Kevin J. , Walker Keenan A. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Groechel Renee C.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Associations between magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and dementia risk in older adults have been established, but it remains unclear how lifestyle factors, including psychosocial health, may modify this association.

METHODS:

Social support and social isolation were assessed among participants of the community-based ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study, via self-reported questionnaires (1990–1992). Following categorization of both factors, participants were classified as having strong or poor mid-life social relationships. At visit 5 (2011–2013), participants underwent 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging quantifying CSVD measures: white matter hyperintensity volume, microbleeds (subcortical), infarcts (lacunar), and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging). Incident dementia cases were identified from the time of imaging through December 31, 2020 with ongoing surveillance. Associations between CSVD magnetic resonance imaging markers and incident dementia were evaluated using Cox proportional-hazard regressions adjusted for demographic and additional risk factors (from visit 2). Effect modification by mid-life social relationships was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Of the 1977 participants with magnetic resonance imaging, 1617 participants (60.7% women; 26.5% Black participants; mean age at visit 2, 55.4 years) were examined. In this sample, mid-life social relationships significantly modified the association between white matter hyperintensity volume and dementia risk (
P
interaction=0.001). Greater white matter hyperintensity volume was significantly associated with risk of dementia in all participants, yet, more substantially in those with poor (hazard ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.49–2.27]) versus strong (hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.08–1.47]) mid-life social relationships. Although not statistically significant, subcortical microbleeds in participants with poor mid-life social relationships were associated with a greater risk of dementia, relative to those with strong social relationships, in whom subcortical microbleeds were no longer associated with elevated dementia risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

The elevated risk of dementia associated with CSVD may be reduced in participants with strong mid-life social relationships. Future studies evaluating psychosocial health through the life course and the mechanisms by which they modify the relationship between CSVD and dementia are needed.
Developing an index of national research capacity
Authors: Wagner Caroline S. , Whetsell Travis A.
Published: August 2024

We test the feasibility of incorporating broad social, political, and governance indicators with standard metrics as a way to enrich assessment of national research capacity. We factor analyze two sets of variables for 174 countries from 2012 to 2021, one being tradtional measures associated with national science and technology capacity, such as spending, and a second being broader social, political, and governance measures, such as academic freedom. As expected, two factors emerge, one for raw or “core” research capacity and the other indicating the wider governance context. Further analysis shows convergent validity within the two factors and divergent validity between them. The analysis also quantifies the contribution of each indicator to each factor. Nations rank differently for each factor and also when combined. Ranks vary as a function of the chosen aggregation method. As a test of the predictive validity of the capacity index, we find both factors to be associated with country-level field-weighted citation indices. Policymakers and analysts may find useful feedback from this approach to quantifying national research strength.
Characterisation, antibacterial activity, and prebiotic potential of dried Hermetia illucens L. larvae and of their fractions
Authors: Bonomini M.G. , Verstringe S. , Bruggeman G. , Vandercruyssen R. , Carmans H. , Caligiani A.
Published: August 2024

In this study, black soldier fly (BSF) dried larvae were fractionated into their defatted, lipid, protein, and chitin-rich fractions. The samples were then characterised in terms of proximate composition, analysis of amino acids, analysis of the molecular weight distribution of proteins via gel electrophoresis, and fatty acids analysis of the lipid fraction. The antibacterial activity of all fractions was determined against Escherichia coli F4 and Streptococcus suis, two common swine pathogens. Finally, the prebiotic activity of the whole larvae and of their protein isolate and chitin-rich pellet was determined for Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a naturally occurring species in the gastro-intestinal tract of the pig. The results on amino acid profile showed that the protein extraction method used was not fully effective in cleaving chitin-bound proteins, as expected, as the true protein content of the chitin-rich sample was 48.5%. This was in accordance with the SDS-PAGE analysis, where the molecular weight distribution of proteins in the protein isolate sample did not show band at higher molecular weight, which were instead present in the chitin-rich sample. The analysis of fatty acid (FA) profile showed that lauric acid was the most abundant FA, in accordance with the literature. The results on microbiological analyses highlighted how all nitrogen-containing samples showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, the highest being the defatted fraction at 1% with a decrease of −0.77 log CFU/mL, while only the lipid fraction against S. suis (−0.48 log CFU/mL at 1%). All tested samples showed prebiotic activity for L. reuteri, but it was noticed that the increase in chitin concentration resulted in the decrease of the prebiotic effect. By combining the results of both antibacterial and prebiotic tests, it could be inferred that chitin might be considered as an antibacterial compound.
Impatiens jangjeonense (Balsaminaceae), a new species from South Korea
Authors: OH AMI , OH BYOUNG-UN , OH HYUN KYUNG
Published: August 2024

Impatiens jangjeonense (Balsaminaceae), a new species is reported from the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do province in South Korea. The plant shows morphological affinities with I. hambaeksanensis by means of elliptic or rhomboid-elliptic leaf blade, racemose inflorescence with erect rachises, and white or pinkish-white flower with yellowish and purplish spots, but differs from the latter by bigger flower 1.6–3.9 × 1.1–2 cm vs. 2–2.6 × 1.1–1.6 cm, and spur tip mainly 1- or 2-coiled and deeply biparted vs. mainly non-coiled and slightly biparted. Detailed description of the species along with its colored photographs are provided.
Description of six new species from Mesalina watsonana complex in the Iranian plateau and neighboring regions
Authors: BOROUMAND HAMID , BAFTI SOHEILA SHAFIEI , SABERI-PIROOZ REIHANEH , BÖHME WOLFGANG , AHMADZADEH FARAHAM
Published: August 2024

Mesalina watsonana is a species complex with a wide distribution range in Iran, some parts of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Recent molecular and morphological investigations detected remarkable hidden diversity among the geographical populations of the complex, more likely referring to the persistence of undescribed species. In this study, we conducted a very detailed sampling of localities and carried out a morphological study to investigate populations within the complex. Investigation of morphological features within the M. watsonana species complex indicated that it consists of seven distinct populations. They include the West-Southeast-South, East-Northeast, East Dasht-e Kavir, West Dasht-e Kavir, and two central groups (Halil and Kerman groups). Considering our findings, each of the seven populations corresponding to distinct geographic regions should be recognized as species. The six new species include Mesalina khuzestanensis sp. nov., Mesalina halilica sp. nov., Mesalina kermanensis sp. nov., Mesalina ardestanica sp. nov., Mesalina bardaskanensis sp. nov., Mesalina esfarayensis sp. nov. which are distinctive from each other due to their unique morphological characteristics.
Integrative description of Thaeides ramoni sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a sympatric sibling species of Thaeides theia (Hewitson, 1870) found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: PRIETO CARLOS , PINILLA CLAUDIA , LORENC-BRUDECKA JADWIGA , BALKE MICHAEL
Published: August 2024

We present evidence from DNA barcodes, wing pattern and distribution to support the hypothesis that an entity flying in sympatry with Thaeides theia in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is an undescribed biological species named herein as Thaides ramoni Prieto, sp. nov. Adult specimens and genital structures are illustrated for both species along with molecular and morphological diagnostic characters. In addition, we present some considerations about the taxonomy of the species in the Thaeides muela group.
Spatial Aligned Mean: A Method to Improve Consensus Forecasts of Precipitation from Convection-Allowing Model Ensembles
Authors: Lee ChangJae , Brewster Keith A. , Snook Nathan , Spencer Phillip , Park Jun
Published: August 2024

Ensembles of convection-allowing model (CAM) forecasts are increasingly being used in operational numerical weather forecasting. Several approaches have been devised to find consensus among ensemble forecast fields, including the arithmetic ensemble mean and, more recently, the patchwise localized probability-matched (LPM) mean. However, differences in spatial distribution and intensity of precipitation features among ensemble members make it difficult to construct an ensemble mean product that characterizes the consensus while preserving precipitation structures forecasted by the individual ensemble members. To overcome this problem, this study aims to develop and test a method for improving ensemble consensus precipitation forecasts by directly considering the spatial offsets among ensemble members. This study uses a multiscale spatial alignment technique to align the precipitation features of each ensemble member to a common location, and the spatial aligned mean (SAM) is obtained by averaging the realigned members. It is shown that implementing SAM and subsequently applying the LPM technique to the average of all aligned members (SAM–LPM) can significantly improve the warm season precipitation forecast scores using common metrics such as equitable threat score (ETS). Also, improvement in the structure of features of heavy rainfall is shown from summer 2023 flash-flooding cases. Thus, SAM and SAM–LPM can be excellent candidate methods for calculating an ensemble consensus and providing ensemble consensus guidance to forecasters.

Significance Statement

High-impact rainfall events, such as flash floods, result in many billion-dollar loss events in the United States each year. This study seeks to improve the prediction of such events when using guidance from convection-allowing model (CAM) ensemble forecasts, such as the U.S. operational High-Resolution Ensemble Forecast (HREF) and the nascent Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS). The proposed method, the spatial aligned mean (SAM), directly addresses the common issue of disparity in the predicted location of convective systems among ensemble members that confounds traditional ensemble consensus methods. In this study, it is found that SAM improves ensemble consensus guidance for high-impact rainfall events in both the HREF and the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS) Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere (FV3)-limited area model (LAM) CAM ensemble forecast system, a proxy for the future RRFS.
Development and Validation of NOAA’s 20-Year Global Wave Ensemble Reforecast
Authors: Campos Ricardo M. , Abdolali Ali , Alves Jose-Henrique , Masarik Matthew , Meixner Jessica , Mehra Avichal , Figurskey Darin , Banihashemi Saeideh , Sienkiewicz Joseph , Lumpkin Rick
Published: August 2024

A new 20-yr wave reforecast was generated based on the NOAA Global Ensemble Forecast System, version 12 (GEFSv12). It was produced using the same wave model setup as the NCEP’s operational GEFSv12 wave component, which employs the numerical wave model WAVEWATCH III and utilizes three grids with spatial resolutions of 0.2° and 0.25°. The reforecast comprises five members with 1 cycle per day and a forecast range of 16 days. Once a week, it expands to 35 days and 11 members. This paper describes the development of the wave ensemble reforecast, focusing primarily on validation against buoys and altimeters. The statistical analyses demonstrated very good performance in the short range for significant wave height, with correlation coefficients of 0.95–0.96 on day 1 and between 0.86 and 0.88 within week 1, along with bias close to zero. After day 10, correlation coefficients fall below 0.70. We found that the degradation of predictability and the increase in scatter errors predominantly occur in the forecast lead time between days 4 and 10, in terms of the ensemble mean and individual members, including the control. For week 2 and beyond, a probabilistic spatiotemporal analysis of the ensemble space provides useful forecast guidance. Our results provide a framework for expanding the usefulness of wave ensemble data in operational forecasting applications.
Baleinières’ Riverine Environment and the Materiality of Transport Regulation on Congo's Inland Waterways
Authors: Lambertz Peter
Published: August 2024

Encouraged by a crippling road infrastructure and the proliferation of Chinese low-tech engines, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)'s baleinières have reappropriated and significantly increased the potential of DR Congo's inland waterways by democratising and tacitly decolonising the national river transportation. Given their role in the country's food security, and in the face of frequent accidents, effective regulation is requested by some as a salvatory necessity. Baleinières’ origins in the local rural economy and their clever recourse to artisanal rather than hard infrastructure make regulation difficult, however. Based on ethnographic fieldwork on and around the DR Congo's waterways, this article explores attempts and challenges to regulate medium-scale river transportation between the rural and the urban. Looked at from within the same analytical frame enabled by ethnography, governmental, and economic actors jointly emerge and condition each other's work and ethics. This challenges the conceptual binary of a putatively formalising state vs. a putatively evasive informal economy.
24-hour Telemetry Monitoring May Not be Necessary for Patients With an Isolated Sternal Fracture and Minor ECG Abnormalities or Troponin Elevation: A Southern California Multicenter Study
Authors: Al-Khouja Fares , Grigorian Areg , Emigh Brent , Schellenberg Morgan , Diaz Graal , Duncan Thomas K. , Tuli Rahul , Coimbra Raul , Gilbert-Gard Kacy , Johnson Arianne , Marty Makenna , Jebbia Mallory , Obaid-Schmid Amal K. , Fierro Nicole , Ley Eric , Bayat Dunya , Biffl Walter , Ebrahimian Shayan , Tillou M Areti , Tay-Lasso Erica , Alvarez Claudia , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: August 2024

Background

Current guidelines recommend 24-hour telemetry monitoring for isolated sternal fractures (ISFs) with electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities or troponin elevation. However, a single-center study suggested ISF patients with minor ECG abnormalities (sinus tachycardia/bradycardia, nonspecific arrhythmia/ST-changes, and bundle branch block) may not require 24-hour telemetry monitoring. This study sought to corroborate this, hypothesizing ISF patients would not develop blunt cardiac injury (BCI).

Materials & Methods

A retrospective study was performed at 8 trauma centers (1/2018-8/2020). Patients with ISF (abbreviated injury scale <2 for the head/neck/face/abdomen/extremities) and minor ECG abnormalities or troponin elevations were included. Patients with multiple rib fractures or hemothorax/pneumothorax were excluded. The primary outcome was an echocardiogram confirmed BCI. The secondary outcome was significant BCI defined as cardiogenic shock, dysrhythmia requiring treatment, post-traumatic cardiac structural defects, unexplained hypotension, or cardiac-related procedures. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Of 124 ISF patients with minor ECG abnormalities or troponin elevation, 90% were admitted with a mean stay of 35 hours. Echocardiogram was performed for 31.5% of patients, 10 (25.6%) of which had abnormalities. However, no patient had BCI diagnosed on echocardiography. In total, 2 patients (1.6%) had a significant BCI (atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia at 10 and 82 hours after injury). No patient died.

Conclusions

Following ISF with minor ECG changes or troponin elevation, <2% suffered significant BCI, and none had an echocardiogram diagnosed BCI, despite >30% receiving echocardiogram. These findings challenge the dogma of mandatory observation periods following ISF with associated ECG abnormalities and support the lack of utility for routine echocardiography in these patients.
Psychosocial Determinants of Lyme Disease Preventive Behavior Among Outdoor Recreationists
Authors: Urcuqui-Bustamante Andrés M. , Perry Katherine C. , Leahy Jessica E. , Gardner Allison M. , Sponarski Carly
Published: August 2024

The incidence of Lyme disease (LD) has grown over time despite extensive awareness campaigns of disease risk. While previous research has explored public knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward tick-borne diseases, there is minimal research in understanding preventive behavior among individuals frequently engaging in outdoor recreation. This study addresses this gap by investigating the perceptions of LD preventive behavior, focusing on psychosocial factors influencing behavior. Utilizing an integrative framework incorporating the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory, we examined outdoor recreationist performance of three key preventive behaviors: tick checks, tick repellent use, and protective clothing. Data were collected through intercept surveys at Bradbury Mountain State Park (Maine, US). Findings indicate that tick-related knowledge and experience have a limited impact on preventive behavior, while efficacy beliefs and perceived benefits significantly influence behavior. In this paper we discuss the implications of these factors to both theory and practice in LD prevention studies.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: An Ambitious Government Step Towards Ensuring Its Wide Reach
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Anusha
Published: August 2024

This article is divided into three major segments. The initial section offers a concise overview of the requisite data protection laws in India, aiming to regulate and oversee the collection, processing and utilisation of personal data. The second section delves into an in-depth examination of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (the Act), accompanied by illustrative examples and its scope of applicability. The concluding part presents an analysis of the Act, focusing on its efforts and challenges in safeguarding wide reach as well as its implications for rural populations.
Is bureaucracy ironclad after all? Prevalence and variances of performance- and strategy-oriented management in German local governments
Authors: Weiss Jens
Published: August 2024

This study analyzes practices of performance management (PM) and strategic management (SM) and their prevalence in Neo-Weberian rule-of-law administrations. Based on data from Germany's local government sector, it is shown that after 30 years of New Public Management (NPM) reforms, no more than 20% of German municipalities have implemented the basic aspects of PM or SM. Actual practices combine ideas of PM and SM in quite different ways and can best be understood as variances of a performance- and strategy-oriented management. It is argued that even though patterns of normative as well as coercive isomorphism have existed in the organizational field, the influence of NPM ideas has led to a diversification of management practices within Germany's local government sector. But results also show that there is no tendency toward a broadly NPM-oriented administration and that typical models of Neo-Weberian administration do not truly align with actual practices.

Points for practitioners

The use of performance information and strategic goals are important management instruments for public organizations. This study shows that in public administrations adhering to more bureaucratic rule-of-law traditions, actual management practices combine aspects of PM and SM in various ways, often not aligning with the recommendations from the advisory literature. The presented insights may help practitioners to better understand the efforts and benefits of these management practices, as well as the trade-offs between them.
The references of the nations: Introducing a corpus of United Nations General Assembly resolutions since 1946 and their citation network
Authors: Mesquita Rafael , Pires Antonio
Published: August 2024

This article introduces a novel corpus containing all resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from 1946 to 2019, the network of citations between them, and an online tool for exploring them. Resolutions adopted by the organization provide a valuable record of the evolution of multilateralism and political ideas on the global stage. Given that resolutions typically cite past ones, the resulting network of references offers a wealth of information on the UNGA’s most relevant themes over time. This article applies network analysis to the corpus of approximately 18,000 resolutions and 77,000 citations, aiming to answer questions such as: What are the most cited resolutions of all? Are there thematic clusters? And can we delineate historic patterns based on themes prioritized? Our findings show that leading resolutions, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stemmed from the early years of the UNGA and created cores around which thematic clusters emerged. We conclude by listing highly cited resolutions and prominent clusters, while also conducting a descriptive exploration of how some of the largest clusters formed. The dominant clusters addressed human rights, development, decolonization and peace and security, and by monitoring their evolution we offer a new, data-intensive account of the interaction between these topics since 1946.
The Optimal Head Position Following Intratympanic Injection: A Research Based on HRCT Reconstruction
Authors: Yin Dongming , Gao Ziwen , Chen Bing , Dai Peidong , Smereka Katerina Alysa , Chen Keguang , Huang Xinsheng , Fang Yanqing
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the optimal head position (OHP) following intratympanic injection, a critical intervention in treating inner ear disorders. Identifying OHP is essential to maximize drug retention in the middle ear, thereby significantly enhancing the therapeutic efficacy by mitigating the significant issue of injectate leakage through the eustachian tube (ET). Exploratory various positions of ET orifice and round window (RW) were investigated and associated with head movements. Methods: Twenty-two (10 males and 12 females) anonymized high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) datasets of patients without structural ear disease were selected from January 2022 to December 2022 in the study. The subjects were categorized into two groups: children (≤18 years) and adult group (>18 years). The reconstruction of the ET orifice and RW from HRCT were analyzed using Mimics software and the distances from the center point of ET orifice or the center point of RW to the reference plane were defined as distance of ET orifice ( DET) and distance of RW ( DRW). Results: In the supine position, the OHP for intratympanic injection was 23°of pronation and 24° of posterior extension, and the maximum distance between the ET orifice and RW ( DET-RW) was 9.29 ± 2.13 mm. As the head position extended posteriorly beyond 43°, DET was relatively high compared with DRW, resulting in the OHP a fully posteriorly extended 90° of the head being the optimal position with DET-RW of 2.13 ± 1.60 mm in the supine position, however, it is not realized in human beings. Moreover, the OHP had no obvious relevance corresponding to age following intratympanic injections. Conclusion: Our study suggested that OHP after intratympanic injections treatment consists of supine position, along with a slight pronation and posterior extension.
Book review: Saumya Saxena, Divorce and Democracy: A History of Personal Law in Post-Independence India
Authors: Shafiq Mustaf Zul
Published: August 2024

Saumya Saxena, Divorce and Democracy: A History of Personal Law in Post-Independence India (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022), xv + 366 pp.
Recent advances in the 3D skin bioprinting for regenerative medicine: Cells, biomaterials, and methods
Authors: Carvalho Loyna Nobile , Peres Lucas Correia , Alonso-Goulart Vivian , Santos Beatriz Jardim dos , Braga Mário Fernando Alves , Campos Felipe dos Anjos Rodrigues , Palis Gabriela de Aquino Pinto , Quirino Ludmilla Sousa , Guimarães Laura Duarte , Lafetá Sofia Alencar , Simbara Márcia Mayumi Omi , Castro-Filice Letícia de Souza
Published: August 2024

The skin is a tissue constantly exposed to the risk of damage, such as cuts, burns, and genetic disorders. The standard treatment is autograft, but it can cause pain to the patient being extremely complex in patients suffering from burns on large body surfaces. Considering that there is a need to develop technologies for the repair of skin tissue like 3D bioprinting. Skin is a tissue that is approximately 1/16 of the total body weight and has three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Therefore, there are several studies using cells, biomaterials, and bioprinting for skin regeneration. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and showed in the recent research in skin regeneration, the main cells used, biomaterials studied that provide initial support for these cells, allowing the growth and formation of the neotissue and general characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each methodology and the landmarks in recent research in the 3D skin bioprinting.
How Does Internet Use Affect Citizen Political Participation? The Mediating Role of Social Networks
Authors: Zhang Yunfan , Qin Yalin , Liu Jiaojiao , Li Weidong
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the complex relationship between internet use and citizen political participation, emphasizing the mediating role of social networks. Using cross-sectional data from the 2021 Chinese Social Survey (CSS), we classify political participation into government-led and citizen-led activities and internet use into informational, entertainment-oriented, and service-oriented types. Overall, our findings reveal a positive correlation between internet use and both citizen-led participation and government-led participation (excluding voting), with a stronger association observed in the former. From a categorical perspective, informational and service-oriented internet use significantly influences all types of political participation, while entertainment-oriented use shows no significant correlation. Additionally, social networks mediate the relationship between internet use and political participation. Service-oriented internet use is more dependent on social networks to connect with political participation compared to information-oriented internet use. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on the impact of digital media on civic engagement by providing nuanced insights into how specific internet activities and social networks shape political participation in China.
Explanation, formal models, and rational choice
Authors: Ashworth Scott
Published: August 2024

Formal theorists use a unified collection of models to generate intentional and causal explanations of political behavior. I explicate this claim and argue that disagreements about the role of unification and intentionality are at the root of persistent friction between theorists and empiricists. A debate around pathologies of rational choice theory is used to illustrate the argument.
Aromatic (Co)polycarbonates bearing pendant norbornenyl groups: Synthesis, characterization and post-polymerization modification
Authors: Talanikar Aniket A , Nagane Samadhan S , Wadgaonkar Prakash P , Rashinkar Gajanan S
Published: August 2024

A homo- and three co-polycarbonates (PC-NBs) bearing pendant norbornenyl groups were synthesized via solution polycondensation of triphosgene with 4, 4'-(bicyclo (2.2.1) hept-5-en-2 yl methylene) bis (2-methoxyphenol) (BPA-NB) or various mol % compositions of BPA-NB and bisphenol-A, respectively. 1H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure and composition of PC-NBs. Inherent viscosity and number-average molecular weight (Mn) values of PC-NBs were in the range 0.44 – 0.64 dL g−1 and 21,800 – 34,100 g mol−1, respectively, indicating the formation of polymers of medium to reasonably high molecular weights. Tough, transparent, and flexible films of PC-NBs could be cast from chloroform solution. X-Ray diffraction studies indicated the amorphous nature of PC-NBs. Glass transition temperature (Tg) values, determined by DSC analysis, of PC-NBs were in the range 154 – 175°C and Tg values increased with the increase in mol % of BPA-NB. The post-polymerization modification of a representative PC-NB was demonstrated using 3,6-diphenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine via tetrazine-ene reaction.
The tale of two Badakhshans: Determinants of access and utilization of HIV preventive services along the Afghan-Tajik border
Authors: Sidhu Harsimren , Gebreweldi Frezghi , Davis Alissa , Jonbekov Jonbek , Bahramov Mahbat , Dasgupta Anindita , McCrimmon Tara , Marotta Phillip , Dehghani Kianoush
Published: August 2024

Background

Injection of opioids has contributed to growing HIV epidemics in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This qualitative study explored determinants of access to primary prevention and screening for HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) residing in border communities of Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan and Badakhshan, Afghanistan.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID, community leaders, and healthcare workers. The social-ecological model was used to inform a thematic analysis of determinants of access.

Results

There were no preventive or screening services for HIV in the border districts of Afghanistan. Barriers to accessing HIV-related services in Tajikistan, and to accessing general health services in Afghanistan, included: lack of knowledge about HIV, inaccessible communities with poor infrastructure, discrimination and violence against women, and stigmatization of PWID and people living with HIV. Access to HIV-related and other health services by PWID was facilitated by community leader support, family support, outreach services, and linkage of harm reduction services with HIV testing and care.

Conclusion

Urgent interventions are needed to stem the escalating HIV epidemic in Afghanistan and enhance existing services in Tajik border communities. This qualitative study offers insights into barriers and facilitators for accessing HIV prevention and screening services among PWID, suggesting potential interventions.
Rebuttal letter to the article entitled as “Exergy analysis and nanoparticle assessment of cooking oil biodiesel and standard diesel fueled internal combustion engine” by I. Yildiz, H. Caliskan, K. Mori, Energy and Environment 31(8) (2020) 1303–1317
Authors: Uysal Cuneyt
Published: August 2024

This rebuttal letter reports some physical facts, which are contradictory with known physical facts, in the article entitled “Exergy analysis and nanoparticle assessment of cooking oil biodiesel and standard diesel fueled internal combustion engine” by I. Yildiz, H. Caliskan, K. Mori, Energy and Environment 31(8) (2020) 1303–1317.