bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eastward Motion of Peter the Great's Empire
Authors: Anisimov Evgenii V.
Published: September 2022

The time of Peter the Great is notable not only for the reforms that transformed the country, but also for the emergence of new ideas of the place of Russia as a great power in the world. Peter the Great's imperial dreams went far beyond the establishment of Russia’s domination in the Baltic. He was mindful of the problem of the West-East relationship. It is important to take into account the tsar’s economic considerations. He was fascinated by the ideas of mercantilism and dreamed of turning Russia into a transit space between the West and the East. It would allow enriching the country. He wanted to create a unified transport system (mainly waterway) that would connect the Baltic and the East. In addition, the myths about the fabulous wealth of the East heated Peter the Great's imperial imagination. It manifested itself in sending expeditions to Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. Their purpose was not only to explore, but also to annex new territories. Peter the Great's imperial dreams were expressed most vividly during the Persian campaign, the aim of which was not only to conquer the northern part of Persia, but also to create a base there for an expansionist campaign to India. Peter the Great's plans were extensive. He intended to create a new city-port in the mouth of the Kura similar to St. Petersburg and a center of eastern trade. Thus, he planned to transfer the traditional trade routes between the East and the West to the territory of Russia. However, the tsar’s death prevented him from realizing these and other grandiose plans of conquest.
Legal and Social Aspects of the Belarusian Economic Emigration to Canada in the 1920s-30s
Authors: Koval Olga V.
Published: September 2022

The author examines the main features for the formation of the Belarusian economic emigration to Canada. The intensity of the emigration from 1921 to 1939 was analyzed, when the territory of Western Belarus was a part of Poland. The historical base of the research was the unpublished documents of the Belarusian, Ukrainian and Polish archives. The article presents the structure of state emigration bodies that were involved in organizing and controlling the recruitment of emigrants, their employment and the process of re-emigration. It describes the features of the Canadian legislation for the scale of the Belarusian emigration and the legal adaptation of emigrants. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Canadian railway companies “Canadian National Railways” and “Canadian Pacific Railways” in the selection of emigrants and their employment in agriculture and industry. The author argue that the Polish authorities stimulated the emigration of the Belarusian population for the polonization of Western Belarus. The problematic socio-psychological adaptation of the Belarusian emigrants, because Belarusians in Canada weakly expressed the national identity, is described. The author concludes that the international cooperation had an important role in forming the diaspora’s and national identity, especially the international contacts with the representatives of other peoples and the participation in common political organizations and projects.
Acerca de “fenômenos políticos curiosos”
Authors: Barbalho Alexandre
Published: September 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a tese de que, a partir de 2003, com o início do governo Lula, do Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), e da gestão de Gilberto Gil à frente do Ministério da Cultura (MinC), ocorreu um processo singular de politização do campo cultural brasileiro. Para tanto, aborda a cultura política que sustenta o “modo petista de governar” e seus efeitos para a política cultural da era petista. Na sequência, analisa o esforço do MinC em institucionalizar a cultura como objeto de políticas públicas de Estado. Por fim, analisa dois momentos paradigmáticos de expressão da politização do campo cultural: a oposição à gestão da ministra da Cultura Ana de Hollanda no primeiro governo Dilma e a reação à tentativa de extinção do MinC no governo Temer.
Cidade da Memória
Authors: Bandeira Ana Cristina da Silva , Silva Dagmar de Mello e , Alves Walcéa Barreto
Published: September 2022

Este artigo propõe um flanar por entre as ruas da Velha Montreal, no Canadá, e traz reflexões acerca da maior exposição de arte imersiva ao ar livre do mundo: o Cité Mémoire, ou Cidade da Memória, que desde 2016 vem encantando moradores e visitantes do local. Essa experiência estética e midiatizada proporciona, de maneira fantástica e lúdica, a chance de entender as transformações daquela comunidade de forma participativa e humana e faz, por meio de uma visão rica e texturizada do passado, uma declaração de amor também para o tempo presente. Cité Mémoire propõe a cidade como uma obra de arte, que se dispõe aos devires das mídias digitais, resgatando emoções por meio de experiências estéticas e reinvenções de mundos. As imagens, projetadas em muros, prédios, arvoredos, oferecem novas formas de viver a cidade, ressignificando espaços, reacendendo movimentos reflexivos perpassados por perspectivas históricas e culturais que interpelam o pensar, o ser e o fazer. As mídias utilizadas para dar vida à obra promovem uma imersão na arte e nas raízes daquele povo. Como um flaneur contemporâneo, observar esse cenário urbano e ser interpelado por essas imagens pode nos conduzir a novas percepções da cidade.
Audiovisual na fronteira Brasil-Paraguai
Authors: Pereira Kira Santos , Dias Rynnard Milton Alves
Published: September 2022

No presente artigo buscaremos primeiramente problematizar uma das representações hegemônicas sobre a região da fronteira Brasil-Paraguai em Foz do Iguaçu e Ciudad del Este, presente nos noticiários televisivos locais. As complexas relações sociais entre brasileiros e paraguaios na região serão abordadas a partir de autores como Albuquerque, Rabossi, Gomes e Oliveira. Características da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-americana (UNILA), bem como de seu  curso de Cinema e Audiovisual - em especial sua missão de integração e seu multiculturalismo - serão valorizadas como elementos que possibilitam uma produção audiovisual diversa. Algumas das obras produzidas neste contexto serão analisadas, do ponto de vista temático e formal, observando como é possível promover uma percepção crítica da realidade local, capaz de disputar narrativas. Dentre estas, serão apresentadas algumas produções audiovisuais de Pereira e Dias, autores deste artigo, a partir da perspectiva de sua criação.
Cidades criativas brasileiras da gastronomia
Authors: Machado Ana Flávia , Guimarães Alice Demattos , Auarek Lorena Ferrari , Melo Gabriel Vaz de
Published: September 2022

Este artigo busca situar a cena gastronômica das quatro cidades brasileiras que levam o título na UNESCO (Florianópolis, Belém, Paraty e Belo Horizonte)  e, sobretudo, descrever as ações utilizadas para mitigar os efeitos da pandemia sobre a atividade. Por meio de entrevistas com gestores e empreendedores da área, buscou-se entender como se configura a governança estratégica da chancela e sua representação para a cidade, especialmente enquanto ponto de articulação para certos setores. Os principais resultados evidenciam que há uma percepção de gestores e empreendedores entrevistados bem favorável a efeitos da titulação. Entretanto, a falta de indicadores para acompanhar tais benefícios é um dos pontos faltantes na organização estratégica do selo.
Internationalisme i lokale klæder
Authors: Niels Bonde Jensen
Published: September 2022

SDU var vært for årets LIBER-konference, der havde deltagelse af omkring 400 deltagere fra hele Europa, som diskuterede og delte tanker om åbenhed, verdensmål, internationalt samarbejde – og meget mere.
Hvordan gik det så med fremtidens forskningsbibliotek?
Authors: Rasmus Hage Dalland
Published: September 2022

På DFFU’s initiativ skrev en arbejdsgruppe i 2012 en rapport, der gennem ni scenarier spår forskningsbibliotekernes fremtid 10 år frem. Medlemmer af arbejdsgruppen gennemgår her, hvilke scenarier der ramte plet eller skød forbi – og pejler sig ind på bibliotekernes bæredygtige fremtid.
Construção subjetiva do sistema da dívida pública colonial brasileira manifestada no contexto da pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Santos Chrystopher Williams , Vieira Cleane Amorim , Marchioni Alessandra
Published: September 2022

O presente artigo apresentará a formação histórica da dívida pública brasileira e a sua concepção enquanto mecanismo de dominação e reprodução da estrutura colonial. Para isso, será analisada a atuação dos seus mecanismos formais de produção e reprodução, realizando um recorte temporal acerca desse contexto pandêmico que é utilizado pelo Estado brasileiro como pretexto para perpetuar e intensificar o endividamento. Assim, a dívida pública será abordada como uma ferramenta de alinhamento do país ao Sistema-Mundo e, em vista disso, essa concepção será relacionada aos estudos decoloniais, abordando criticamente o endividamento público como uma moderna sujeição dos países periféricos perante as “nações centrais”. Destarte, buscar-se-á elucidar essas questões através da análise dos aparelhos estatais de controle social e ideológico que constroem a figura do “homem endividado”. Para tal, o presente artigo utilizará a metodologia descritiva e a revisão bibliográfica.
A armadilha da cultura cívica revisitada
Authors: Castro Henrique Carlos de Oliveira de , Santos Débora de Oliveira , Beal Luana Isabelle
Published: September 2022

Este artigo objetiva discutir e sintetizar a persistência de armadilhas teórico-epistemológicas na abordagem de cultura política para a América Latina e indicar alternativas teóricas. Desde a constituição do campo de cultura política, pouco se avançou na incorporação de aportes e evidências não centrados no Norte Global. Estudos sobre a América Latina indicam que as principais teorias da cultura política ainda carecem de capacidade de generalização para explicar sociedades em que a democracia liberal não é consolidada e a maioria da população não possui adequadas condições de vida. Assim, este artigo aborda três lacunas teórico-epistemológicas com foco na América Latina: a armadilha na teoria da cultura cívica; os limites na teoria revisitada de modernização; e a inadequação da explicação do backlash cultural no contexto latino-americano. Debatemos limitações e alternativas relevantes para explicar a cultura política na América Latina e para aperfeiçoar o campo da cultura política.
Evaluasi Kerusakan Jalan Menggunakan Metode Pavement Condition Index (PCI) dan Surface Distress Iindex (SDI) Studi Kasus Jalan Pue Bongo – Kota Palu
Authors: Labaso E.R. , Ishak M.S. , Kasan M.
Published: September 2022

Pue Bongo street is one of the urban roads where the pavement is damaged. Based on the observations made, there are many types of damage found, disturbance to road users and have a major impact on safety and comfort.The purpose of this research is to knowing the condition of the damage that occurred and the appropriate form of handling the problem of damage to the Pue Bongo street. Data collection was carried out along the Sta.0+000 to Sta.1+525 roads, namely visually. The data required are secondary data and primary data. Secondary data were obtained through the Department of Highways and Spatial Planning of Central Sulawesi Province. Primary data was obtained through a visual road condition survey using the PCI and SDI methods. The results of the analysis of the condition of the Pue Bongo pavement with an average PCI value of 37.90 indicate poor conditions, while the SDI average value is 76.56 with moderate conditions. The recomended treatment based on PCI method is reconstruction/recycling, for the SDI method the recomended treatment is maintenance. As for the handling of damage basd eon the MDP 2017, namely peeling and replacing the material in certain areas.
Analisis Debit Banjir Rancangan dengan Data Curah Hujan di DAS Waru Kabupaten Banggai
Authors: Andiese V.W. , Oktavia S.R. , Rustiati N.B. , Amaliyah T. , Djupanda N.
Published: September 2022

The meteorological data is important to design and planning the water resources system and irrigation. The complete and long of data is needed to make sure the accuracy of the water avaibility. Unfortunately, the avaibility of the rainfall data is not always complete. So it’s needed the methods to fill the lacking rainfall data. The location of the research is Waru watershed at the Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi. The cause of repeated flooding in 2019 and 2020 was the disability of the watershed to accommodate higher rainfall intensity. The goals of the research was to compare the design flood discharge values obtained, using the lacking of rainfall data and rainfall data that had been filled in. In filling in the missing rainfall data, 2 methods are used, that are the Algebraic Average method and the Inverse Square Distance method. Then the calculation continues with the design flood discharge, using the Rational method. The final result is the design flood discharge values from the two rainfall data with different conditions will be compared to see the difference between the both of the methods. The value of the difference in design flood discharge obtained from this comparison is 0.0552 m³/s for a 2 year return period, 37.0313 m³/s for a 5 year return period, 79.3389 m³/s for a 10 year return period, 163.1544 m³/s for a 25 year return period, 255.1732 m³/s for the 50-year return period and 380.8701 m³/s for the 100-year return period.
Perancangan Struktur Rangka Pemikul Momen Khusus (SRPMK) Ruko 4 Lantai Berdasarkan SNI 2847-2019 dan SNI 1726-2019
Authors: Basyir M. , Amir F. , Maricar S. , Oka I.G.M.
Published: September 2022

Palu City is located in an earthquake-prone area. To Construct a building in earthquake-prone areas, many people like to construct buildings far away from the epicenter, we should be able to construct buildings in earthquake-prone areas without any worries about the resilience of the building related to seismic load. In this final project, a 4 (four) storey shophouse will be designed as the Special Moment Resisting Frame method using the SNI-2847-2019 and SNI- 1726-2019 standard. The seismic load was simulated using the response spectrum and the structural element was analyzed by 3D Structural Analysis Programme. The design results meet the dimensions of each structural elements. There were slab thickness 125 mm, column dimensions 600 mm x 600 mm, dimensions of beam 400 mm x 600 mm, the dimensions of the joist 200 mm x 400 mm and tie beam dimension 400 mm x 600 mm with the reinforcement obtained from each structural element meet the requirements of SNI-2487- 2019, Standard of structural concrete for buildings.
Estimating Project Completion Time with Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Fadjar A. , Nirmalawati N. , Hidayat N.
Published: September 2022

Risk and uncertainty are factors that construction project managers have been increasingly had to deal with. Project completion time is one of the areas where the expected time is often underestimated or shorter than the actual completion time. Monte Carlo simulation is a widely used simulation technique in modeling a process that is difficult to predict due to its random variables. This study provides a practical way to use Monte Carlo simulation to simulate a project using functions available in a spreadsheet application. A project with five activities was simulated 2000 times using minimum, maximum, and expected duration. The mean, mode, and median simulation results were then plugged into their respective precedence diagram networks to compare them. The precedence diagram computations found that mean, mode, and median project completion times were longer than the initially expected completion time. The mean, mode, and median were 50, 53, and 48 days, respectively, which were 8, 11, and 6 days longer, respectively, than the 42 days initially expected. The study showed that the Monte Carlo simulation could assist the project manager in planning a project schedule that deals with risk and uncertainty more realistically.
Pengaruh Tinggi Muka Air Terhadap Deformasi Tanah Terlikuefaksi
Authors: Beddu A. , Rahainun R. , Fadliah I. , Rahayu A. , Setiawan H.
Published: September 2022

Liquefaction occurs in saturated loose sandy soils that experience an increase in pore water pressure due to the propagation of earthquake waves to the ground surface. This phenomenon raises various questions such as how the groundwater level can affect the occurrence of liquefaction events at different earthquake strengths. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of groundwater level on liquefaction-prone soils at different seismic peak acceleration values and the effect of relative density (Dr) values on liquefaction-prone soils with variations in groundwater level and earthquake acceleration. In this study, a sample of Jono Oge sand soil was used from the occurrence of liquefaction that met the gradation criteria. The soil was separated through the #8 sieve and retained #100. The modeling technique is carried out with several variables such as the ratio of groundwater level (Hw/Hs) of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%, relative density (Dr) 30%-40% and 40%-50%, and at different peak accelerations of 0.3g and 0.4g. The modeling test uses a sieve shaker for earthquake vibrations.. The results of the study show that the difference in groundwater level affects the subsidence of liquefied soil where the settlement will be accure greater in the ratio of the groundwater level (Hw/Hs) and the peak acceleration is greater and vice versa, the difference in relative density (Dr) also affects the magnitude of the the settlement where the lower the Dr value for Hw/Hs and the greater the peak acceleration, the greater the settlement will be occure.
Creating shared value: A bibliometric review of organizational learning and corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Nusantoro Hardjanto , Maulina Erna , Muftiadi Anang , Purnomo Margo
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to review and synthesize corporate entrepreneurship (CE) related studies using the referencing of their historical principles, and the construction of a new knowledge scheme to represent the current focus of research. This is to provide an integration guideline, which contributes to the comprehension of the current situation of CE and organizational learning (OL). This study was based on Escobar-Sierra, Valencia-DeLara, and Vera-Acevedo (2018) who contribute mapping of the research on CE studies, and Brandi and Thomassen (2020) who conceptualize the integration of CE and OL. The search result found 52 articles between 1996 to 2021 that focused on CE and OL. In the context of this study, the concurrency of the terms found in the topic of various scientific articles indexed by Scopus was analyzed using the VOSviewer software. Radically innovations through exploration and exploration are considered fulfilled through the creation of new companies to achieve ambidexterity. New companies by implementing digital platforms that provide process improvement that can open up conversion opportunities for motivation in the absorption of CE in product innovation.
A nonuniform mesh method in the Floquet parameter domain for wave scattered by periodic surfaces
Authors: Zhang Ruming , Arens Tilo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a new nonuniform mesh method to simulate
acoustic scattering problems in two dimensional periodic structures with
non-periodic incident fields numerically. As existing methods are
difficult to extend to higher dimensions, we have designed the new
method with such extensions in mind. With the help of the Floquet-Bloch
transform, the solution to the original scattering problem is written as
an integral of a family of quasi-periodic problems. These are defined in
bounded domains for each value of the Floquet parameter which varies in
a bounded interval. The key step in our method is the numerical
approximation of the integral by a quadrature rule adapted to the
regularity of the family of quasi-periodic solutions. We design a
nonuniform mesh with a Gaussian quadrature rule applied on each
subinterval. We prove that the numerical method converges exponentially
with respect to both the number of subintervals and the number of
Gaussian quadrature points. Some numerical experiments are provided to
illustrate the results.
Fine-structure constant from the madelung constant
Authors: Pellis Stergios
Published: September 2022

In this short work we will study the simple and absolutely
accurate expression for the fine-structure constant with the madelung
constant b2(2). This simple expression for the fine-structure constant
in terms of the Archimedes constant π is. Also we will present the
continued fraction for the fine-structure constant.
Illicit Networks for Criminals Detecting
Authors: Shehzadi Tabinda , Gul Shahzil
Published: September 2022

Illicit networks online is discussed here by focusing on ”Search-Redirection Attacks”. Investigation is done on results of web-servers as unauthorized users are manipulating them. The unauthorized users are selling the drugs prescription online. In search-redirection attack, the culprit generates traffic of the different pharmacies sites on search engine keywords used by consumer, making it high ranking websites.
Vertical structural complexity of plant communities represents the combined effects of resource acquisition and environmental stress on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Cheng Changjin , Li MingXu , Liu Congcong , Xu Li , He Nianpeng
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of vertical structural complexity (VSC) is important, because
the resulting spatial partitioning is closely linked to resource
utilization and environmental adaptation. How VSC responds to
environmental changes on large scales and its mechanisms are poorly
understood. We investigated 2,013 plant communities on the Tibetan
Plateau (TP). VSC was quantified as the maximum height (Height-max),
height variation (Height-var), and height evenness (Height-even).
Precipitation dominated the VSC variation in forests and shrublands,
supporting the classic physiological tolerance and hydraulic limitation
hypotheses. In contrast, for alpine grasslands in extreme environments,
non-resource limiting factors dominate VSC variation. Generally, with
the shifting of climate from optimal to extreme, the effect of resource
availability gradually decreases, but the effect of non-resource
limiting factors increases. Using machine learning models, maps of VSC
at 1-km resolution were firstly produced for the TP. These findings
provide new insights into macroecological studies, especially for
adaptation mechanisms and model optimization.
Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) from southern Ontario
Authors: Robinson Sarah J. , Kotwa Jonathon D. , Jeeves Simon , Himsworth Chelsey , Pearl David , Weese J. Scott , Lindsay Robbin , Dibernardo Antonia , Toledo Nikki P.L. , Pickering Bradley , Goolia Melissa , Chee Hsien-Yao , Blais-Savoie Juliette , Chien Emily , Yim Winfield , Yip Lily , Mubareka Samira , Jardine Claire
Published: September 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) from wildlife origins has raised concerns about spillover
from humans to animals, the establishment of novel wildlife reservoirs,
and the potential for future outbreaks caused by variants of wildlife
origin. Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) are abundant in urban
areas and live in close proximity to humans, providing the opportunity
for spillover of SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is no evidence of natural
SARS-CoV-2 infection in rats and experimental studies suggest rats are
likely not susceptible to ancestral SARS-CoV-2. However, as variants
emerge, new species have been identified as competent hosts, as
demonstrated by the susceptibility of rats to the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha
variant of concern (VOC). We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection and
exposure in Norway rats from southern Ontario, Canada. From October 2019
to June 2021, 224 rats were submitted by collaborating pest control
companies. The majority of samples were collected in Windsor (79.9%;
n=179), Hamilton (13.8%; n=31), and the Greater Toronto Area (5.8%;
n=13). Overall, 50.0% (n=112) were female and most rats were sexually
mature (55.8%; n=125). Notably, 202 samples, including the two
seropositive samples, were collected prior to the emergence of VOCs, and
22 were collected while the Alpha variant was the predominant
circulating VOC in humans. Nasal turbinate (n=164) and small intestinal
(n=213) tissue samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR.
Thoracic cavity fluid samples (n=213) were tested for neutralizing
antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) (GenScript
cPass); confirmatory plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) testing
was conducted on presumptive positive samples. We did not detect
SARS-CoV-2 RNA in any samples tested. Two out of eleven samples positive
by sVNT had neutralizing antibodies by PRNT (1:40 and 1:320 PRNT70). It
is imperative that efforts to control and monitor SARS-CoV-2 include
surveillance of rats and other relevant wildlife species as novel
variants continue to emerge.
Oncologic and reproductive outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery for borderline ovarian tumors: First presentation of 10-year experience from a Serbian referral center
Authors: Likic-Ladjevic Ivana , Nesic Dejan , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Kadija Sasa , Vilendecic Zoran , Pilic Igor , Dotlic Jelena , Radojevic Milos , Milosevic Branislav , Stefanovic Katarina
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to assess the oncologic and reproductive outcome of fertility-sparing treatment of stage I borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs). A retrospective study of patients aged 18-40 years with stage I BOTs surgically treated during a 10-year period was conducted. In total, 52 patients (average age 32.7+/-5.9) were followed for 16 to 137 months after BOT diagnosis (mean 73.4 months). The overall survival rate was 100%. Recurrence was registered in 4 patients (7.7%). All patients underwent a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and all histologic findings corresponded with primary BOTs (3 serous; 1 endometrioid). Higher parity increased while the histological type and stage did not impact recurrence. Average recurrence-free survival was 36.2+/-23.6 months regardless of histological type and stage. Recurrence occurred during the first 3 postoperative years in 75% of cases. Out of 45 women treated with fertility-sparing surgery, 64.4% attempted pregnancy and the pregnancy success rate was 44.8%. Only one pregnancy was conceived by assisted reproduction, while all others were spontaneous. The fertility-sparing treatment in stage I borderline ovarian tumors can be a safe and successful option both in terms of oncologic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of patient and treatment characteristics. Pregnancies after BOT surgery can be achieved with satisfactory rates and adequate outcomes.
Effects of adding different quantities of yeast and chokeberry juice on fermentation of mead
Authors: Milijas Maja , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Savic Aleksandar , Velemir Ana , Topalic-Trivunovic Ljiljana , Papuga Sasa
Published: September 2022

Honey is a product of high nutritional value, used as a raw material for obtaining mead. However, adding fruit juices, including chokeberry juice, can improve mead quality. This paper aims to assess the effects that adding different quantities of chokeberry juice, with the variation of 3 amounts of inoculated yeast, has on the fermentation and physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of mead. The parameters analyzed are the dry matter content, pH value, and content of volatile acids, ethanol and methanol, total phenols and flavonoids, FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS tests, and antimicrobial properties. The results obtained in this paper show that adding chokeberry juice improves the antioxidant properties of the final product and positively affects the course of mead fermentation, i.e., it has led to an increase in the maximum concentration of ethanol. Regarding the chemical composition of mead, there is no significant difference, except in the obtained ethanol content, which is the highest in samples with 10% of added chokeberry juice. Furthermore, the control sample showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the sample with 5% added chokeberry juice showed the weakest effect. Finally, the strongest effect was seen in the sample with 20% of added chokeberry juice.
Inflation and financial development in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bandura Witness , Leshoro Temitope
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the relationship between inflation and financial
development in sub-Saharan Africa. This issue is important because the level
beyond which the inflation rate affects financial development in sub-Saharan
Africa is not known, despite the underdeveloped financial system in the
region. This paper presents a model in which inflation is endogenously
determined, and uses a dynamic panel threshold approach which takes this
factor into consideration to ensure improved results. The pure cross-section
method and non-dynamic panel threshold approaches were also utilised. Strong
evidence of a negative impact of inflation on financial development is
obtained, which increases with a rise in inflation. An average inflation
threshold of about 5% is established, below which a positive impact on
financial development is found. There is, however, a negative relationship
beyond the observed threshold. The paper provides policy recommendations as
to how authorities should contain inflation to facilitate financial sector
development in the region.
Faktorer som påvirker kreftpasientens muligheter for å dø hjemme – en systematisk oversiktsartikkel
Authors: Nordsveen Marie , Larsen Marie Hamilton
Published: September 2022

Bakgrunn: Det er skrevet mye om palliativ omsorg og hjemmedød. Allikevel er det mindre litteratur om hjemmedød relatert til pasienter med kreft, spesielt relatert til behov for tverrfaglig kompetanse og avansert behandling i hjemmet.

Hensikt: Å frambringe oppsummerende kunnskap om faktorer som er av betydning for mulighet for å dø hjemme for palliative pasienter med kreft.

Metode: Det ble gjennomført et systematisk litteratursøk i følgende databaser AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE og SweMed+. Søket var begrenset til studier med kvantitativt design publisert fra januar 2010 til desember 2020. To forfattere screenet uavhengig av hverandre artiklenes titler og sammendrag. Fulltekst til inkluderte referanser ble innhentet, før endelig inklusjon eller eksklusjon ble vurdert, og relevant informasjon fra inkluderte studier innhentet. Metodisk kvalitet og evaluering av risiko for systematiske skjevheter ble uavhengig vurdert av to forfattere, før uenighet ble løst i felleskap. Det ble gjort en tematisk innholdsanalyse ved hjelp av det elektroniske verktøyet NVivo, og funnene presenteres i en narrativ syntese.

Resultat: 19 artikler ble inkludert. Det var generelt stor heterogenitet i fokus, metodevalg og utfallsmål som ble benyttet i studiene. Grunnet denne heterogeniteten ble metaanalyse eller andre metoder for å summere resultater statistisk vurdert som uegnet. Kontinuerlig palliativ omsorg hjemme fra helsepersonell med kompetanse om palliasjon og avansert behandling i hjemmet, tillit til omsorgspersoner, samt tverrfaglige palliative team er fremmende faktorer for hjemmedød. En annen fremmende forutsetning er pasientens og pårørendes ønske om å gjennomføre dette. Pårørende og deres omsorgsstøtte virker også å være en viktig fremmende faktor, mens det å bo alene er en sentral hemmende faktor.

Konklusjon: Funnene i denne studien synliggjør viktigheten av kompetanse og tverrfaglige palliative team for å kunne tilby pasienter hjemmedød.
Associations of Congenital Heart Disease with Deprivation Index by Rural-Urban Maternal Residence: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Ontario, Canada.
Authors: Miao Qun , Dunn Sandra , Wen Shi-Wu , Lougheed Jane , Sharif Fayza , Walker Mark
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been found to vary by maternal socioeconomic status (SES) and rural-urban residence. In this study, we examined associations of CHD with two maternal SES indicators and maternal rural-urban residence.
ApproachThis was a population-based retrospective cohort study, including singleton stillbirths and live hospital births from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2018 in Ontario, Canada. We linked the BORN data and Canadian Institute for Health Information databases. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations of CHD with material deprivation index (MDI), social deprivation index (SDI), and maternal residence while adjusting for maternal age at birth, parity, assisted reproductive technology, obesity, previous caesarean section, pre-existing health conditions, substance use during pregnancy, and infant’s sex. MDI and SDI were estimated at a dissemination area level and categorized into quintiles (Q1-Q5).
ResultsThis cohort included 798,173 singletons. In maternal urban residence, the p trend (Cochran–Armitage test) was < 0.0001 for both MDI and SDI; while for rural residence, it was 0.002 and 0.98, respectively. Infants living in the most materially deprived neighbourhoods (Q5) was associated with higher odd of CHD (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.12-1.29) compared to Q1. Similarly, infants living in the most socially deprived neighbourhoods (SDI Q5) had 18% increase in the odds of CHD (aOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.1-1.26) compared to Q1. Rural infants had 13% increase in the odds of CHD compared to their urban counterparts. After stratifying by maternal rural-urban residence, we still detected higher odds of CHD with two indices in urban residence but only MDI in rural residence.
ConclusionHigher material and social deprivation and rural residence were associated with higher odds of CHD. Health interventions and policies should reinforce the need for optimal care for all families, particularly underprivileged families in both rural and urban regions.
Understanding the disparity of educational attainment: the role of socio-demographic and school-level factors on GCSE attainment in Northern Ireland.
Authors: Early Erin , Miller Sarah , Dunne Laura , Moriarty John
Published: September 2022

Educational attainment disparities across social groups remain at the forefront of contemporary UK society. Despite this, Northern Ireland reflects a somewhat different context to the rest of the UK due to its transition to a post-conflict society and its dually selective education system (academically and religiously). In Northern Ireland, post-primary (GCSE) attainment differences are often reported according to gender, religious affiliation and socio-economic background. However, due to the lack of available education data that encompasses a wide range of pupil- and school-level factors, discourse informed by the statistical testing of such factors has been limited. This study aims to overcome this current gap by examining the effects of socio-demographics, namely gender, religious affiliation and socio-economic background (through eight measures), and school-level factors on GCSE attainment, using the first linked administrative dataset for education in Northern Ireland. The data combined the household Census (2011) with the School Census (2010-2014) and School Leavers Survey (2010-2014) for the first time in Northern Ireland. To this end, this paper discusses data analytics of the study including data linkage, cohort size, constructed GCSE attainment measures, socio-demographic measures and school-level factors. The multilevel modelling (including interaction models) construction, execution and results will also be discussed. The paper concludes with a reflection upon whether the results of this analysis support existing literature in the Northern Ireland context and wider UK GCSE attainment trends.
Enabling Fast and Accurate Record Linkage of Large-Scale Health-Related Administrative Databases Through a DNA-Encoded Approach.
Authors: Araújo José , Silva Juan , Costa-Martins André , Sampaio Vanderson , Castro Daniel , Souza Robson , Giddaluru Jeevan , Ramos Pablo , Pita Robespierre , Barreto Maurício , Netto Manoel , Nakaya Helder
Published: September 2022

ObjectivePublic health research frequently requires the integration of information from different data sources. However, errors in the records and the high computational costs involved make linking large administrative databases using record linkage (RL) methodologies a major challenge. We present Tucuxi-BLAST, a versatile tool for probabilistic RL that utilizes a DNA-encoded approach to encrypt, analyze and link massive administrative databases.
Materials and MethodsTucuxi-BLAST encodes the identification records into DNA. BLASTn algorithm is then used to align the sequences between databases. We tested and benchmarked on a simulated database containing records for 300 million individuals and also on four large administrative databases containing real data on Brazilian patients.
ResultsOur method was able to overcome misspellings and typographical errors in administrative databases. In processing the RL of the largest simulated dataset (200k records), the state-of-the art method took 5 days and 7 hours to perform the RL, while Tucuxi-BLAST only took 23 hours. When compared with five existing RL tools applied to a gold-standard dataset from real health-related databases, Tucuxi-BLAST had the highest accuracy and speed.
DiscussionBy repurposing genomic tools, researchers are able to perform subject tracing across multiple large epidemiological databases using a regular laptop.
ConclusionTucuxi-BLAST can improve data-driven medical research and provide a fast and accurate way to link individual information across several administrative databases.
Evaluation of non-enrolment of children in all English state schools: linked, administrative data cohort study of children receiving social care and their peers.
Authors: Jay Matthew , Mc Grath-Lone Louise , De Stavola Bianca , Gilbert Ruth
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesAll children have a right to education, but research indicates that those receiving children’s social care (CSC) services are at increased risk of non-enrolment in school, including through off-rolling (illegal exclusion). We aimed to use administrative data to estimate the association between CSC history and non-enrolment in secondary school.
ApproachUsing the National Pupil Database (data on all English state school enrolments), we identified a cohort of 1,059,781 pupils aged 11 in 2011 and 2012. Children were categorised as having a history of being children in need (CiN), on child protection plans (CPPs) or looked after (CLA) using linked data from CSC services. We estimated the proportion of children not enrolled across ages 12 to 16 by CSC history. We then assessed with regression modelling the association between CSC history and non-enrolment in years 10/11. We also examined variation in overall non-enrolment rates between local authorities and regions.
ResultsOf children without CSC history, 3.8% had 1 or more non-enrolments across ages 12 to 16. This proportion was higher among children with a history of being CiN (8.1%), on a CPP (9.4%) or being CLA (10.4%). The odds of non-enrolment in years 10/11 were higher among those with CLA history vs non-exposed peers (OR 4.76, 95% CI 4.49-5.05) as well as in those with CPP (3.60, 3.39-3.81) and CiN history (2.53, 2.49-2.58). History of special educational needs and disability (SEND) further increased non-enrolment odds. These associations and interactions persisted after adjusting for confounders. Non-enrolment rates were highest in the London region and varied significantly between local authorities.
ConclusionOur findings show that children with CSC history (especially those with SEND) are more likely to be non-enrolled in secondary school than other children. Work is needed to understand the non-enrolment mechanisms, which may include illegal off-rolling and other exclusionary practices, to improve the education of children with CSC history.
Marginal structural models using calibrated weights with SuperLearner: application to longitudinal diabetes cohort.
Authors: Kalia Sumeet , Greiver Michelle , Sullivan Frank , Sejdic Ervin , Escobar Michael , Gronsbell Jessica , O'Neill Braden , Meaney Christopher , Pow Conrad , Saarela Olli , Moineddin Rahim , Chen Tao , Aliarzadeh Babak
Published: September 2022

Although machine learning has permeated many disciplines, the convergence of causal methods and machine learning remains sparse in the existing literature. Our aim was to formulate a marginal structural model in which we envisioned hypothetical (i.e. counterfactual) dynamic treatment regimes using a combination of drug therapies to manage diabetes: metformin, sulfonylurea and SGLT-2. We were interested in estimating “diabetes care provision” in next calendar year using a composite measure of chronic disease prevention and screening elements. We demonstrated the application of dynamic treatment regimes using the National Diabetes Action Canada Repository in which we applied a collection of mainstream statistical learning algorithms. We generated an ensemble of statistical learning algorithms using the SuperLearner based on the following base learners: (i) least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, (ii) ridge regression, (iii) elastic net, (iv) random forest, (v) gradient boosting machines, (vi) neural network. Each statistical learning algorithm was fitted using the pseudo-population with respect to the marginalization of the time-dependent confounding process. The covariate balance was assessed using the longitudinal (i.e. cumulative-time product) stabilized weights with calibrated restrictions. Our results indicated that the treatment drop-in cohorts (with respect to metformin, sulfonylurea and SGLT-2) may improve diabetes care provision in relation to treatment naïve cohort. As a clinical utility, we hope that this article will facilitate discussions around the prevention of adverse chronic outcomes associated with diabetes through the improvement of diabetes care provisions in primary care.
The Impact of Shielding Policy in Wales.
Authors: Whiffen Tony
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesShielding was introduced as part of the UK government’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to protect Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people from infection and serious illness. Various research questions emerged in relation to non-clinical vulnerabilities of those shielding which could be addressed by utilising available health and administrative data.
ApproachThe Shielded Patient List (SPL) was linked with various datasets on the UK Secure Electronic Research Platform (UKSERP) including the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC), National Survey and Ordnance Survey data for Wales. Some of these were anonymised datasets contained in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. Algorithms were applied to determine household composition and whether private outdoor space was available for the shielding group. Results were then extracted for Wales broken down by local authority.
ResultsResults from the various strands of research related to shielding will be presented covering provision of outdoor space, household characteristics and composition.
ConclusionThese analyses demonstrate how population-level data resources can be leveraged quickly to answer newly-emerging policy questions as part of the response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Māori and Linked Administrative Data: A Critical Review of the Literature and Suggestions to Realise Māori Data Aspirations.
Authors: Greaves Lara , Lindsay Cinnamon , Li Eileen , Muriwai Emerald , Sporle Andrew
Published: September 2022

Linked data presents different social and ethical issues for different contexts and communities. The Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is a collection of de-identified whole-population administrative datasets that researchers are increasingly using to answer pressing social and policy research questions. Our work seeks to provide an overview of the IDI, associated issues for Māori (the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand), and steps to realise Māori data aspirations. In this paper, we first introduce the IDI including what it is and how it developed. We then move to an overview of Māori Data Sovereignty. Our paper then turns to examples of organisations, agreements, and frameworks which seek to make the IDI and data better for Māori communities. We then discuss the main issues with the IDI for Māori including technical issues, deficit-framed work, involvement from communities, consent, social license, further data linkage, and barriers to access for Māori. We finish with a set of recommendations around how to improve the IDI for Māori, making sure that Māori can get the most out of administrative data for our communities. These include the need to build data researcher capacity and capability for Māori, Māori data co-governance and accountability, reducing practical and skill barriers for access by Māori and Māori organisations, providing robust, consistent and transparent practice exemplars for best practice, and potentially even abolishing the IDI and starting again. These issues are being worked through via Indigenous engagement and co-governance processes that could provide useful exemplars for Indigenous and community engagement with linked data resources.
Splink: Free software for probabilistic record linkage at scale.
Authors: Linacre Robin , Lindsay Sam , Manassis Theodore , Slade Zoe , Hepworth Tom
Published: September 2022

Funded by ADR UK, a new data linking team at the Ministry of Justice set out to link administrative datasets across the justice space, for internal use and sharing with external researchers. To achieve this aim we sought a linkage implementation that was probabilistic, flexible, scalable and ideally open source.
Taking into account the tools available at the MoJ, existing open-source software (and paid alternatives) failed to meet our desired criteria. It was decided to develop a software package that builds on FastLink’s implementation in R of an Expectation-Maximisation algorithm to estimate a Fellegi-Sunter linkage model, adding a range of technical improvements, increased functionality and customisation options. Distributed computing offered by Spark could facilitate comparable linkage jobs that run on much larger datasets and much faster. Working with government data, accountability and transparency are vital, so the data and models are made accessible by a range of intuitive visualizations.
The Splink python package has been downloaded 2 million times. This initially used Spark to deliver its superior performance, but Splink v3 caters for various SQL backends and more potential users. Splink and supplementary python libraries are publicly visible on GitHub and provide assistance in all aspects of data linkage:
- splink_data_standardisation - functions to perform general data standardisation
- splink_cluster_studio - creates an interactive HTML dashboard to analyse record clusters (building on splink_graph - a library for generating graph metrics)
- splink_synthetic_data - generating realistic synthetic data for testing linkage algorithms
- splink_demos - interactive demo/tutorial notebooks for a range of features of the Splink libraries
These tools are in continuous development and have already been used to deliver deduplicated and linked data products for the entire criminal justice system.
Through technical innovation and user-focused development, Splink has improved access to cutting-edge data linkage, and created groundbreaking research opportunities at MoJ and beyond. The team is grateful to ONS and other collaborators for testing and adopting these tools, and will continue to explore ways to improve performance and user experience.