bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ethics of data self-reporting: important issues and best practices
Authors: Tempini Niccolò
Published: May 2023

Background: This article examines the ethics of data self-reporting, in light of the extreme challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries the public was asked to self-report personal social and health data often through the use of mobile apps, as various datasets were mobilised for the purpose of fighting COVID-19.

Policy and implications: The article observes a number of dimensions that make the governance of self-reporting projects particularly thorny. The spectrum of self-reporting is extremely diverse. Projects can be scientific, commercial or other, can raise important privacy concerns, can be vulnerable to harm due to organised manipulation and poor governance. They change over time, with a tendency to function creep. The greatest scientific potential is through linkage between heterogeneous data sources; however, these practices are also the source of the highest risks for privacy and harms. Also, people take part for the most heterogeneous of purposes. Closely controlling their hopes, aims, and beliefs is usually beyond reach. This introduces various biases in the data. It can also introduce risks of self-harm because of the conclusions that people might draw. Lastly, participation in self-reporting is not equally distributed across society. When there are benefits associated in participation, it can exacerbate existing inequalities.

Recommendations: The article illustrates three areas of emerging best practice in data governance: bottom-up models such as data trusts and data cooperatives; solidarity as a touchstone principle; and proactive research ethics processes and committees beyond public research institutions. These promising innovations deserve experimentation.

Conclusions: Flexible and sustained ethical oversight is key. It is important to act proactively instead of reactively. Best practices must be adapted to the local setting and improved over time.
Teaching critical thinking about health information and choices in secondary schools: human-centred design of digital resources
Authors: Rosenbaum Sarah , Moberg Jenny , Chesire Faith , Mugisha Michael , Ssenyonga Ronald , Ochieng Marlyn A , Simbi Clarisse Marie Claudine , Nakyejwe Esther , Ngatia Benson , Rada Gabriel , Vásquez-Laval Juan , Garrido José Damián , Baguma Grace , Kuloba Sam , Sebukyu Edward , Kabanda Richard , Mwenyango Irene , Muzaale Tonny , Nandi Pamela , Njue Jane , Oyuga Cyril , Rutiyomba Florian , Rugengamanzi Felecien , Murungi Joan , Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Kaseje Margaret , Sewankambo Nelson , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Lewin Simon , Oxman Andrew D , Oxman Matt
Published: May 2023

Background

Learning to thinking critically about health information and choices can protect people from unnecessary suffering, harm, and resource waste. Earlier work revealed that children can learn these skills, but printing costs and curricula compatibility remain important barriers to school implementation. We aimed to develop a set of digital learning resources for students to think critically about health that were suitable for use in Kenyan, Rwandan, and Ugandan secondary schools.

Methods

We conducted work in two phases collaborating with teachers, students, schools, and national curriculum development offices using a human-centered design approach. First, we conducted context analyses and an overview of teaching strategies, prioritised content and collected examples. Next, we developed lessons and guidance iteratively, informed by data from user-testing, individual and group interviews, and school pilots.

Results

Final resources include online lesson plans, teachers’ guide, and extra resources, with lesson plans in two modes, for use in a classroom equipped with a blackboard/ﬂip-chart and a projector. The resources are accessible offline for use when electricity or Internet is lacking. Teachers preferred the projector mode, as it provided structure and a focal point for class attention. Feedback was largely positive, with teachers and students appreciating the learning and experiencing it as relevant. Four main challenges included time to teach lessons; incorrect comprehension; identifying suitable examples; and technical, logistical, and behavioural challenges with a student-computer mode that we piloted. We resolved challenges by simplifying and combining lessons; increasing opportunities for review and assessment; developing teacher training materials, creating a searchable set of examples; and deactivating the student-computer mode.

Conclusion

Using a human-centred design approach, we created digital resources for teaching secondary school students to think critically about health actions and for training teachers. Be smart about your health resources are open access and can be translated or adapted to other settings.
Modern methods of treating marijuana addiction (cannabis use disorders) and its influence on health
Authors: Kapłan Wojciech , Zalewa Karolina , Rachwał Dominika , Bartoszek Lidia , Olszak Joanna , Rogowska Monika , Świdziński Rafał , Lipiec Jakub , Skorupski Bartosz , Piątek Ewa
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Worldwide, cannabis is the most widely used illegal psychoactive substance and the third most common drug, after alcohol and tobacco. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects approximately 10% of the 193 million cannabis users worldwide. In recent years, cannabinoids have become more and more popular. The CUD is becoming a growing social and health problem. The search for effective forms of pharmacotherapy is still ongoing, and an effective combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy may be crucial for the future of CUD treatment.

 

Material and method: The article was based on a review and analysis of publications and discoveries in recent years, which were available in the PubMed and Google Scholar database.

 

Results: 82 study participants attempted abstinence from cannabis use. In the final primary endpoint analysis, both 400 mg of CBD and 800 mg of CBD were more effective than placebo in reducing cannabis use.  50 people who were addicted to cannabis treated with gabapentin showed a significant reduction in cannabis use and cannabis withdrawal compared to placebo. Moreover, 70 men addicted to cannabis were randomized and those, who used FAAH inhibitors reported fewer cannabis withdrawal symptoms, less cannabis use and lower THC urine levels than placebo users.

Conclusions: Gabapentin has been proven to show a reduction in CUD. The use of CBD, FAAH inhibitors and psychotherapy MET/CBT/CM also appear to be effective. In addition, the use of the principles of People-First Language, avoiding slang and idioms, using medical and curing vocabulary, respects the addicted person, and also positively influences the chances of abstinence.
The Power of Commitment in Group Search
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Zhu Yuting
Published: May 2023

When a group of people with different preferences conduct a search together, they can benefit from committing to the number of products to search ex ante.
Country Reputation and Corporate Activity
Authors: Canayaz Mehmet I. , Darendeli Alper
Published: May 2023

We study the link between a previously neglected form of intangible firm asset—country reputation—and corporate sales. By exploiting variation in nationalities of foreign victims in local terror attacks, we detect unanticipated distortions in reputations of local countries in foreign countries and we pin down reductions in sales of local country firms in foreign markets. The reductions in sales are economically and statistically significant, persistent, and more pronounced after attacks with high levels of foreign media coverage. Local country firms, whose names resemble names from their countries of origin, experience greater deteriorations in their sales. The distortions in country reputations are associated with depreciations in overall firm value, sales growth, and profitability.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.

Funding: M. I. Canayaz thanks Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation for financial support. This work was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education [Academic Research FundTier 1, RG170/18].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4753 .
Plant resistance to leaves and their effects on paddy rice production in Kutai Barat District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: Akhsan Ni'matuljannah , SOPIALENA SOPIALENA , FAHRIZAL FAHRIZAL
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Akhsan N, Sopialena, Fahrizal. 2019. Plant resistance to leaves and their effects on paddy rice production in Kutai Barat District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 3: 41-46. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of fertilizer application on the resistance of lowland commercial rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) against leaf spot diseases in Kutai Barat District, East Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia and to determine the factors influencing the resistance. A field experiment was conducted in rice fields within Long Iram and Linggang Bigung Sub-districts, West Kutai District and the disease identification was performed at the Laboratory of Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. The field experiment was designed in a split-plot design arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) using four replications. The main plot was fertilizer application (P) consisting of two fertilizer application treatments, i.e., 200 kg.ha-1 Urea (p1), and 200 kg.ha-1 Urea + 200 kg.ha-1 NPK (p2). The sub-plots were varieties (V) consisting of three varieties, i.e., Ciherang (v1), Mekongga (v2) and Inpari 6 (v3). The disease identification was performed by identification of leaf spot disease, isolated from the sample plants using morphological observation under a microscope. The number and density of stomata, intensity of leaf disease infection, and yield of the rice were observed. The humidity was also measured at the time of observation of leaf spot disease intensity. The results showed that different fertilizer treatments did not affect the leaf spot disease intensity, but the varieties affected the disease intensity at 7, 14, 21.35 and 49 days after planting. The number of stomata of Ciherang, Mekongga and Inpari 6 varieties was 230,182 and 236 stomata/mm2, respectively. Ciherang variety was more resistant against the leaf spot disease compared to other varieties. Stomatal density does not always affect the intensity of leaf spot disease in lowland rice. There was a correlation between air humidity and the intensity of leaf disease infection. The interaction between fertilization and varieties was significant for the rice yield and the highest yield was obtained by Ciherang variety fertilized with 200 kg.ha-1 Urea + 200 kg ha-1 NPK about 3.58 Mg.ha-1 (grain wet weight).In conclusion, Fertilizer application does not affect the leaf spot disease infection and Ciherang variety is the most resistant plant against leaf spot disease compared to Mekongga and Impari 6 varieties.
Genetic diversity of Solanum nigrum cultivated in Kenya
Authors: WAGIO RWIGI SUSAN , RUNO STEVEN , MUCHUGI ALICE
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Wagio RS, Runo S, Muchugi A. 2019. Genetic diversity of Solanum nigrum cultivated in Kenya. Asian J Agric 2: 63-71. Solanum nigrum L., sometimes known as black nightshade, is a worldwide weed found on arable land, in gardens, and garbage dumps. It has been utilized in the pharmaceutical industry to produce analgesics, ointments, and vasodilators. Using morphological and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of S. nigrum populations growing in specific regions of Kenya. One hundres-twenty (120) samples from four populations were evaluated in total. Morphological characterization utilized four aerial characters. leaf surface (smooth and hairy), leaf margin (whole and sinuous), leaf form (ovate, lanceolate, and diamond), fruit color (red, purple small, and purple large). Tukey's HSD test demonstrated substantial variation among the evaluated attributes (P?0.05). Four SSR primers produced 63 polymorphic bands, ranging from 14 to 17 per primer set. The range of Polymorphic Information Content was 0.1429 to 0.1855, with a mean value of 0.1704. Heterozygosity (using SSR markers) averaged out to be He=0.1370. Axis 1 and 2 of the PCoA explained 44.65% of the population distribution variance. The analysis of multi-level variance (AMOVA) showed that there was only 14% variation between populations and 86% variation inside the populations. Nei's genetic distance varied between 0.010 (Kipkaren and Matanya) and 0.020 (Makuyu and Mauche). Using DARwin 6.0.5 and Unweighted Neighbor Joining with 1000 bootstraps, a dissimilarity study was conducted. The absence of morphological and genetic distinctions in the dendrogram is indicative of the absence of genetic divergence between groups. Variance in the Agro-Ecological Zone is not indicative of variation in the S. nigrum cultivars. Comparing morphological and molecular data revealed leaf surface and fruit color grouping with genetic data. Using the same data, however, there was no grouping between leaf shape and leaf margin. The observed physical distinctions are primarily the effect of human selection. This study demonstrates that the S. nigrum complex displays limited genetic diversity but considerable morphological heterogeneity. Low genetic distance and the absence of clustering patterns indicate that S. nigrum is a closely related group of plants. The results of this study will have far-reaching implications for future breeding efforts of the Solanum complex, as they will be utilized to produce markers connected to crucial agronomic features. The findings will contribute further to resolving the taxonomic ambiguity surrounding S. nigrum.
Study of traditional batik decorative patterns in Bakaran Village, Pati District, Indonesia
Authors: SEPTIANA ULFA , SARWONO SARWONO
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Septiana U, Sarwono. 2018. Study of traditional batik decorative patterns in Bakaran Village, Pati District, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 1: 91-101. The aims of this study were (i) To find out how the decorative pattern of Bakaran batik was formed in Juwana Sub-district, Pati District, Central Java, Indonesia. (ii) To know the types of decorative patterns of Bakaran batik in the study. (iii) To collect more detailed data regarding the culture of the Bakaran Village community that influences the decorative pattern of the Bakaran batik tradition. The method used is qualitative research, a descriptive analysis with a study approach to the decorative pattern of the Bakaran batik tradition. The research location is in Bakaran Village, Juwana Sub-district, Pati District. The study results indicate several things: (i) The formation of the Bakaran tradition batik pattern comes from the legend of Nyai Ageng Danowati, who came from the Majapahit kingdom by brought batik crafts and decorative patterns of Bakaran batik to the Bakaran Village. (ii) Found 22 decorative patterns of Bakaran batik tradition. (iii) The culture of the Bakaran Village community who believed in the legend of Nyai Ageng Danowati, agricultural culture, and cultural influences from the Islamic Mataram kingdom finally influenced the decorative pattern of the Bakaran batik tradition.
Ethnobotanical study of the wild edible plants used by the indigenous people of Merak in Bhutan
Authors: JIGME JIGME , YANGCHEN KARMA
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Jigme, Yangchen K. 2023. Ethnobotanical study of the wild edible plants used by the indigenous people of Merak in Bhutan. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 1-6. Merak communities possess one of the oldest and most extensive cultural traditions of using plants for various ethnobotanical purposes, but this traditional knowledge still needs to be reported. As a result, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) in Merak Gewog, Tashigang Dzongkhag, Bhutan. The data was obtained through an ethnobotanical survey and semi-structured interviews with 40 informants. The study identified 16 plant species from 16 genera and 16 families of WEPs consumed in Merak Gewog. Herbs (14 species) were found to be the most important sources, followed by shrubs (1 species) and trees (1 species). The most commonly consumed plant part(s) are leaves (8 species), followed by flowers (4 species), shoots and whole plant (with 3 species each), rhizome, and root (1 species each). Wild edible plants supplement the family diet, and their usage and collecting frequency are constrained by seasonal availability. Summer is the best time to harvest wild edible plants, followed by spring, autumn, and winter. However, many of the wild edible plants found in the Merak are under increased strain due to human and socioeconomic causes such as livestock overgrazing, habitat degradation, unsustainable harvesting, and forest fire. This finding has resulted in the disappearance of WEP species and the underlying indigenous knowledge. As a result, the importance of wild vegetables must be stressed and included in conservation and food security strategies.
Ethnobotanical survey and utilization of medicinal and food plants of Panjgur Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: AYOUB MUHAMMAD , SAEED SHAZIA , AHMED ALIA , AHMED MARIA
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Ayoub M, Saeed S, Ahmed A, Ahmed M. 2023. Ethnobotanical survey and utilization of medicinal and food plants of Panjgur Balochistan, Pakistan. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 27-36. The present study observes the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological of indigenous rural communities' knowledge of the Panjgur District of Balochistan, Pakistan. The rural community of Panjgur utilizes different plants as medicine and food, and wild food plants play a secondary role in dietary supplementation. The study aimed to document medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicines used by rural people in the area. Plant specimens were collected, and plant uses were recorded by semi-structured interviews and group discussions of 120 informants, of which 90 were males and 30 were females under different age groups. A total of 63 species were used as medicine or food by local communities. Most species reported were herbs (56%), followed by shrubs (24%). The major preparation mode was fresh use (36%), and leaves were the main parts used. The total use citations for all the plant species used to cure various ailments were reported. The highest use citation for stomachic problems followed by a throat infection, anti-acne, skin allergy, and joint pain. The Use Value (UV) ranged from 0.03 to 3 by Cannabis sativa, followed by Aloe vera, Arundo donax, Chenopodium album, Citrullus colocynthis, Convolvulus arvensis, Prosopis juliflora, Phoenix dactylifera, Lactuca sativa, Ziziphora clinopodioides, and Cestrum nocturnum. This study is the first initiative for ethnobotanical investigation in the Panjgur District of Balochistan. The local community not only uses these medicinal and food plants as food and for herbal treatments but also considers them a source of income. The information generated from this study will also provide a baseline for future investigation to be carried out to evaluate the nutritional and bioactive properties of wild medicinal and food plants.
An ethnobotanical study on across different ethnic groups from high-altitude areas of the Northwestern Himalayas
Authors: KHOJA AADIL ABDULLAH , ANDRABI SYED AASIF HUSSAIN , MIR RAYEES AFZAL
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Khoja AA, Andrabi SAH, Mir RA. 2023. An ethnobotanical study on musculoskeletal disorders across different ethnic groups from high-altitude areas of the Northwestern Himalayas. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 48-59. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body's movements. In traditional medicine variety of plant species across the globe are used to treat these diseases. The present study examined to document the plant taxa used for the said diseases in the remote and frontier area (Kupwara) of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir-India. Extensive surveys were conducted using simple stratified sampling from April 2020 to July 2022. Three different quantitative ethnobotanical indices (Use value, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and family use values) were used to interpret the results. A total of N=46 plant species from N=32 families were identified. Asteraceae (N=4) was the dominant family recognized; among the total enlisted species (N=37) were herbs, accounting for most of the life form contributing to treating the maximum number of diseases (80%). Leaf accounted for the majority of all plant parts (N=11), followed by root (N=10); the most popular and effective preparation techniques listed were decoction and paste; maximum UV was calculated for Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet (0.73) and the lowest UV for Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (0.28). The highest FUV was conceived for Geraniaceae (0.68). Joint pain was treated by most species (N=26), and the highest value of ICF was recorded for inflammation (0.45), followed by Muscular pain (0.43). The cross-cultural analysis showed that all commonly used 13 species said selected ethnic groups (Gujjar, Bakarwal, and Kashmiri).
Are we overtreating patients with malignant colorectal polyps? A 5-year review of the ACPGBI position statement
Authors: Korambayil SM , Iyer S , Moran A , Beaton C
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In 2013, The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) issued a position statement regarding management of malignant polyps. We reviewed the management of endoscopically resected malignant colorectal polyps in a district general hospital to evaluate whether patients were being overtreated as per these guidelines.

Methods

All patients who underwent a complete, non-piecemeal endoscopic removal of a malignant polyp between October 2013 and September 2018 were studied. Polyps were risk stratified for residual disease and followed up as per the ACPGBI. Patients were divided into two groups based on management after polypectomy. Primary outcome measured was the presence of residual tumour or involved lymph nodes in the resection specimen. Secondary outcomes included complications and recurrence.

Results

Thirty-three patients were included: 21 in the non-operative group (NOG) and 12 in the operative group (OG). The ACPGBI risk score in the NOG varied between 1 and over 4 compared with the OG who all scored over 4. Two patients in the OG (16%) demonstrated residual disease. Five patients suffered a postoperative complication. No recurrences were noted in the OG and one in the NOG.

Conclusion

Our findings against a backdrop of the available literature suggest that the risk of residual disease after malignant polypectomy may not be as high as stated by the ACPGBI. As a result, there is a risk of overtreating patients and exposing them to the significant complications of surgery if careful consideration is not exercised.
A Postcolonial Ecocritical Reading of Mahmoud Darwish’s “The Red Indian’s Penultimate Speech to the White Man”
Authors: Qabaha Ahmad , Karim Daraghmeh Abdel
Published: May 2023

Inspired by the tenets of postcolonial ecocriticism, theories of settler colonialism, and indigenous ecologies, this study examines the connection Mahmoud Darwish establishes between the colonized people and natural elements in his poem “The Red Indian’s Penultimate Speech to the White Man” while making reference to Native American oral traditions and Chief Seattle’s speech. This article argues that Darwish’s poem expresses an inclusive perspective that requires appreciation of the interconnection between the national and ecological struggle of the colonized. The analysis in this article is premised on Darwish’s dictum in this poem that the resistance of the colonized against loss of homeland is also a resistance against loss of nature; that is, Darwish seems to argue that the ecological ethos is inherent in the resistance of colonized people against settler colonialism. In “The Red Indian’s Penultimate Speech to the White Man,” Darwish expresses consciousness of a history of colonial domination that aggressively exploitated natural resources and destroyed natural habitations that natives had nurtured and depended on for their subsistence over the years. In other words, the poet represents the central ecocritical argument that environmental issues are integral to the existence of colonized peoples.
‘Sorry, we’re closed’: a fuzzy-set ideal-type analysis of pandemic childcare-policy responses in 28 European countries
Authors: Dobrotić Ivana , Blum Sonja
Published: May 2023

Based on an original data set of early childhood education and care/school closures and reopenings, this article presents a fuzzy-set ideal-type analysis of pandemic childcare-policy responses in 28 European countries and explores the complex empirical variety of these policies across Europe. The analysis shows that European countries cluster into five models, comprising not only the opposite poles of strict closures (public-health approach) or absence of closures (high-risk approach) but also more ‘mixed’ approaches prioritising early childhood education and care/schools’ educational (educational approach) or work–care functions (lenient work–care approach or strict work–care approach). A few countries’ poor fit within these approaches indicates struggles in balancing different, often contradictory, policy goals during COVID-19. The findings reflect how (continued) provision of early childhood education and care/schools became a highly contested issue, especially as the pandemic evolved and public-health concerns were increasingly weighted against the implications for work–care balance and educational outcomes.
Optimization of phase contrast imaging with a nano-focus x-ray tube
Authors: Dierks Hanna , Dreier Till , Krüger Robin , Bech Martin , Wallentin Jesper
Published: May 2023

Propagation-based phase contrast imaging with a laboratory x-ray source is a valuable
tool for studying samples that show only low absorption contrast,
either because of low density, elemental composition, or small feature
size. If a propagation distance between sample and detector is
introduced and the illumination is sufficiently coherent, the phase
shift in the sample will cause additional contrast around interfaces,
known as edge enhancement fringes. The strength of this effect depends
not only on sample parameters and energy but also on the experimental
geometry, which can be optimized accordingly. Recently, x-ray lab
sources using transmission targets have become available, which
provide very small source sizes in the few hundred nanometer range.
This allows the use of a high-magnification geometry with a very short
source–sample distance, while still achieving sufficient spatial
coherence at the sample position. Moreover, the high geometrical
magnification makes it possible to use detectors with a larger pixel
size without reducing the image resolution. Here, we explore the
influence of magnification on the edge enhancement fringes in such a
geometry. We find experimentally and theoretically that the fringes
become maximal at a magnification that is independent of the total
source–detector distance. This optimal magnification only depends on
the source size, the steepness of the sample feature, and the detector
resolution. A stronger influence of the sample feature on the optimal
magnification compared to low-magnification geometries is
observed.
Actively tunable graphene ribbon based multi-band THz polarizer with a high extinction ratio
Authors: Anjali  , Varshney R. K. , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2023

An electrically tunable surface plasmon resonance based graphene ribbon (GR) terahertz (THz) polarizer with an adjustable operating frequency, high extinction ratio, and low insertion loss is reported here, and is simple and fabrication feasible. The proposed metasurface structure comprises a periodic array of graphene ribbons deposited on a quartz–silicon substrate. The operating frequency of the GR-polarizer can be tuned by varying the gap between GRs, GR pitch, GR width, and Fermi level in graphene. Beyond the available graphene-based polarizers, the proposed device exhibits a high extinction ratio (ER) of up to 75 dB with simultaneous insertion loss of ∼1.5dB at the optimized frequency of 1.69 THz. In addition, an average ER of ∼30dB with insertion loss of ∼2dB in the broad frequency range of 0.8–2.5 THz is demonstrated. Such metastructure polarizing devices, enriched with the nontrivial functionalities of graphene, would open up a fertile platform for designing a range of integrated photonic components for useful applications in THz optoelectronics, biomedical engineering, and microfluidics.
Self-hybridized exciton–polaritons in thin films of transition metal dichalcogenides for narrowband perfect absorption
Authors: Zong Xueyang , Li Lixia , Li Longfei , Yu Kun , Liu Yufang
Published: May 2023

Monolayer direct-band gap transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have been extensively investigated in the context of light–matter interactions. To reach strong coupling, these studies make use of external optical cavities supporting well-defined resonant modes. However, use of an external cavity might limit the scope of possible applications of such systems. Here, we demonstrate that thin films of TMDCs can themselves serve as high-quality-factor cavities due to the guided optical modes they sustain in the visible and near-infrared ranges. Making use of the prism coupling, we achieve the strong coupling between excitons and guided-mode resonances lying below the light line, and show that the thickness of TMDC membranes can be used to tune and promote photon–exciton interactions within the strong–coupling regime. Additionally, we demonstrate narrowband perfect absorption in thin TMDC films through critical coupling with guided-mode resonances. Our work not only provides a simple and intuitive picture to tame interaction of light and matter in thin TMDC films, but also suggests that these simple systems are a promising platform for realizing polaritonic and optoelectronic devices.
Wideband circular polarizer for a photoconductive antenna
Authors: Bundel Pooja , Wu Geng-Bo , Chen Bao-Jie , Chan Chi Hou
Published: May 2023

We report a thin-film circular polarizer consisting of three metal-grid layers to be used with a photoconductive antenna (PCA) to generate terahertz (THz) circularly polarized (CP) radiation. The polarizer has a high transmission with a measured 3 dB axial-ratio bandwidth of 54.7% from 0.57 to 1 THz. We further developed a generalized scattering matrix approach to provide insight into the underlying physical mechanism of the polarizer. We revealed that the Fabry–Pérot-like multi-reflection among gratings enables the high-efficiency polarization conversion. The successful realization of the CP PCA can find widespread application, such as THz circular dichroism spectroscopy, THz Mueller imaging, and ultrahigh-speed THz wireless communications.
Varieties of just transition: Public support in South Africa’s Mpumalanga coal community for different policy options
Authors: Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Lokhat Muhammed , Dolšak Nives , Prakash Aseem
Published: May 2023

Decarbonization creates a global public good but imposes costs on specific communities such as those employed in the fossil fuel supply chain. “Just Transition” (JT) policies that compensate cost-bearing communities are expected to build political support for decarbonization. In developing countries, JT policies are often financed by foreign aid and managed by governmental actors. To assess public support for JT, we identify four policy types, depending on whether they target individuals or the local government or community, and how quickly individuals receive benefits. These are: individual compensation (individual, quick), financial support to local governments (community, quick), individual reskilling (individual, delayed), and upgrading local infrastructure (community, delayed). To assess public preferences about JT policies, we focus on South Africa which has a large coal mining sector. Our in-depth interviews with 51 coal miners, Eskom power plant workers, and community members in Mpumalanga province reveal that most interviewees favor monetary compensation which provides direct support to individuals in a short period of time. Moreover, given the low trust in the government, interviewees do not want government or the labor unions to administer the JT funds. Instead, they favor independent actors, such as NGOs and the judiciary, to oversee JT disbursal.
The global COVID-19 mortality cost report card: 2020, 2021, and 2022
Authors: Viscusi W. Kip
Published: May 2023

The United States is the country with the greatest number of COVID-19 deaths in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Both the U.S. and the world exhibited an increase in the number of COVID-related deaths in 2021 and a decrease in 2022. The U.S. share of COVID-related deaths declined in 2021 but rose in 2022, leading to a cumulative total U.S. mortality share of 17%. The extent to which the U.S. is an outlier is even greater based on the monetized mortality costs. Using the value of a statistical life to monetize the mortality impact increases the performance gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world because of the high mortality risk valuation in the U.S. The worldwide COVID-19 mortality cost was $29.4 trillion as of January 1, 2023, with a U.S. share of $12.7 trillion, or 43% of the global total. Throughout the COVID pandemic, the U.S. mortality cost share has been in the narrow range of 43% to 45%. Given the high U.S. value of a statistical life, these monetized mortality cost values are more than double the U.S. share of COVID-related deaths. The U.S. mortality cost share is greater if the value of a statistical life declines more than proportionally with income for low-income countries.
Actual evapotranspiration by machine learning and remote sensing without the thermal spectrum
Authors: Costa Taiara Souza , Filgueiras Roberto , dos Santos Robson Argolo , Cunha Fernando França da
Published: May 2023

The objectives of this study were to use machine learning algorithms to establish a model for estimating the evapotranspiration fraction (ETf) using two data input scenarios from the spectral information of the Sentinel-2 constellation, and to analyze the temporal and spatial applicability of the models to estimate the actual evapotranspiration (ETr) in agricultural crops irrigated by center pivots. The spectral bands of Sentinel 2A and 2B satellite and vegetation indices formed the first scenario. The second scenario was formed by performing the normalized ratio procedure between bands (NRPB) and joining the variables applied in the first scenario. The models were generated to predict the ETf using six regression algorithms and then compared with ETf calculated by the Simple Algorithm For Evapotranspiration Retrieving (SAFER) algorithm, was considered as the standard. The results possible to select the best model, which in both scenarios was Cubist. Subsequently, ETf was estimated only for the center pivots present in the study area and the classification of land use and cover was accessed through the MapBiomas product. Land use was necessary to enable the calculation of ETr in each scenario, in the center pivots with sugarcane and soybean crops. ETr was estimated using two ETo approaches (EToBrazil and Hargreaves-Samani). It was found that the Hargreaves-Samani equation overestimated ETr with higher errors mainly for center pivots with sugarcane, where systematic error (MBE) ranged from 0.89 to 2.02 mm d-1. The EToBrazil product, on the other hand, presented statistical errors with MBE values ranging from 0.00 to 1.26 mm d-1 for both agricultural crops. Based on the results obtained, it is observed that the ETr can be monitored spatially and temporally without the use of the thermal band, which causes the estimation of this parameter to be performed with greater temporal frequency.
A study of the influence of sports venues on the intra-city population layout based on multi-source data—Taking Xi’an city and Zhengzhou city as examples
Authors: Zhang Shulin , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Yang
Published: May 2023

Revealing the influence of sports sports venues on the population in the built-up areas of cities contributes to the high-quality development of cities and the well-being of people. This study applies kernel density estimation to characterize the distribution of sports venues using reclassified POI (Point of Information) data, visualizes the distribution of intra-city population using population raster data from the WorldPop database, and analyses the distribution of sports venues and the urban population in Xi’an and Zhengzhou cities in 2020 from both the general and local perspectives based on various regression methods, such as MGWR, GWR, and linear fitting. The results show that the distribution of sports venues in Xi’an and Zhengzhou cities in 2020 was a good indicator of the population. The spatial distribution of sports venues and the population within the cities have a centre-periphery structure. From the global perspective, the distribution of sports venues is positively correlated with the intra-city population, and the promoting effect is significant. From the local perspective, the effect is spatially heterogeneous. Finally, this study explores the rationality of the complex impact and indicates that the research methodology can provide a reliable reference for other cities.
Cumulative postoperative change in serum albumin levels and organ failure after living-donor liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Cho Yoonjee , Lee Ja Eun , Jeong Heejoon , Kwon Ji-Hye , Bang Yu Jeong , Kim Gaabsoo
Published: May 2023

Many studies have reported that hypoalbuminemia could be associated with organ failure after liver transplantation. However, most of them focused on serum albumin levels measured at specific time points and not on the trend of serum albumin change. We investigated whether a cumulative postoperative change in serum albumin level up to postoperative day (POD) 5 is related to organ failure in patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Data of adult recipients who underwent LDLT between January 2016 and December 2020 at a single tertiary hospital were reviewed (n = 399). After screening, three patients were excluded because of insufficient data. A cumulative change in serum albumin level was demonstrated using the area under the threshold (AUT, threshold = 3.0 g/dL) of the serum albumin curve up to POD 5. Based on the AUT, the patients were divided into a high-decrease group (n = 156) and a low-decrease group (n = 240). All analyses were conducted using 1:1 propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on POD 5. The secondary endpoints were postoperative hospital stay and postoperative 90-day mortality. A total of 162 patients were included. The SOFA score on POD 5 was significantly higher in the High-decrease group compared with the Low-decrease group (5.2 ± 2.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.3; mean difference: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.3 to 1.8; P = 0.005). However, the length of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.661) and 90-day mortality (P = 0.497) did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, a cumulative postoperative change in serum albumin level up to POD 5 could help predict postoperative organ failure on POD 5 in patients who underwent LDLT.
The global profile of antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from goats and sheep: A systematic review
Authors: Herawati Okti , Bejo Siti Khairani , Zakaria Zunita , Ramanoon Siti Zubaidah
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: Antibiotic resistance has become an issue of global importance due to increasing levels of bacterial infections worldwide. Farm management and usage of antibiotics in livestock are known risk factors associated with the increase in global levels of antibiotic resistance. Goats and sheep are examples of livestock with large populations. Although antibiotic resistance in bacteria from livestock negatively affects both human health and the economy, the global data regarding this issue in goats and sheep are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to provide information on the antibiotic-resistance profile of bacteria isolated from goats and sheep worldwide (Asia, Europe, and Africa).

Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review of articles published on this topic without any restriction on the year of publication. We searched the Directory of Open Access Journals, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using Boolean logic through various keywords. The search generated a total of 1325 articles, and after screening for duplicates and implementing inclusion and exclusion criteria, qualitative synthesis (i.e., qualitative systematic review) was performed on 37 articles.

Results: The synthesized information indicated that 18 Gram-positive and 13 Gram-negative bacterial species from goats and sheep were resistant to ten antibiotics, namely penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline, cephalothin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin (CIP), and sulfamethoxazole. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance ranged from 0.4% to 100%. However, up to 100% of some bacteria, namely, Salmonella Dublin, Aeromonas caviae, and Aeromonas sobria, were susceptible to CIP. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were highly resistant to all antibiotics tested. Moreover, eight of the ten antibiotics tested were critically important antibiotics for humans.

Conclusion: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in goats and sheep are a potential risk to animal and human health. Collaboration between all stakeholders and further research is needed to prevent the negative impacts of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: antibiotic, bacteria, goat, resistance, sheep.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations of CLOVES Syndrome
Authors: St-Pierre Joëlle , Mirakhur Anirudh , Forbes Nauzer
Published: May 2023

Congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and scoliosis/skeletal/spinal anomalies (CLOVES) is a recently recognized syndrome. It is caused by somatic mutations in the PIK3CA gene that regulates cell growth and division. Although gastrointestinal manifestations of other PIK3CA-associated disorders have been described, they have not been well-characterized in CLOVES syndrome. We present a case report of a 34-year-old man with an established diagnosis of CLOVES syndrome who underwent a diagnostic colonoscopy for hematochezia and colonic wall thickening on imaging. Colonoscopy revealed widespread variceal-like submucosal lesions. Computed tomography/angiography showed the absence of the inferior mesenteric vein, impairing venous drainage.
Return and liquidity risk with indices based on free float in the Chilean stock exchange
Authors: Vasquez Tejos Francisco Javier , Pape Larre Hernan Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Introduction/objective: This paper explored the relationship between liquidity risk and stock returns in the Chilean stock market, using three measures of liquidity risk widely used in other research and three measures to which the free float variable is added. Methodology: The analysis is performed using panel data regression for the period 2010-2019, the sample considers 46 Chilean companies with a total of 5,509 monthly observations. Results: These show a relationship between profitability and liquidity risk, but only for two of the measures used. Liquidity risk measures based on free float do not show results in this line. Conclusions: This work is another indication that financial risks are difficult to classify in a specific model and liquidity risk is no exception. All the previous evidence, as well as this research, indicates that liquidity risk can be measured and captured by different indices and models.
Factores socioculturales y emprendimiento femenino en Saltillo (Coahuila) y Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca), México 2019-2020
Authors: Paredes Hernández Silvia Patricia , Castillo Leal Maricela , Saavedra García María Luisa , Martínez Castro César Julio
Published: May 2023

Introduction/Objective: Female entrepreneurship is of utmost importance as it contributes to the generation of jobs and to the economic development of countries. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate what are the factors that motivate women to start businesses. The objective of this study was to describe the sociocultural factors and their importance as drivers of female entrepreneurship, as well as the existence of possible differences in these factors among women entrepreneurs in the cities of Saltillo, Coahuila, and Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico, during the global pandemic period by Covid-19. Methodology: Eight sociocultural drivers of female entrepreneurship were analyzed. A questionnaire was administered to 74 female entrepreneurs in Saltillo and 72 in Oaxaca de Juárez. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the most important factors as drivers of entrepreneurship. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U analyses were used to determine possible differences in entrepreneurship factors between the two cities. Results: Family support was the major determinant of entrepreneurship among women in both cities. There is evidence of differences (p < 0.05) between the sociocultural factors that motivated business entrepreneurship of women entrepreneurs in both cities in terms of family background, gender equality, economic dependents, societal recognition, and external support. Conclusions: Women may have similar motives that drive them to start a business, but there may also be some that influence them differently according to the economic, sociocultural context to which they belong.
Numerical study of the FRP-concrete bond behavior under thermal variations
Authors: Dimitri Rossana , Rinaldi Martina , Tornabene Francesco , Micelli Francesco
Published: May 2023

In a context where daily and seasonal temperature changes or potential fire exposure can affect the mechanical response of structures strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites during their life cycle, the present work studies the bond behavior of FRP laminates glued to concrete substrates under a thermal variation. The problem is tackled computationally by means of a contact algorithm capable of handling both the normal and tangential cohesive responses, accounting for the effect of thermal variations on the interfacial strength and softening parameters, which defines the failure surface and post cracking response of the selected specimen. A parametric investigation is performed systematically to check for the effect of thermo-mechanical adhesive and geometrical properties on the debonding load of the FRP-to-concrete structural system. The computational results are successfully validated against some theoretical predictions from literature, which could serve as potential benchmarks for developing further thermo-mechanical adhesive models, even in a coupled sense, for other reinforcement-to-substrate systems, useful for design purposes in many engineering applications.