bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global value chains, financial constraints, and innovation
Authors: Elshaarawy Rawan , Ezzat Riham A.
Published: September 2022

This paper analyzes the effect of firms engaging in global value chains (GVCs) and suffering from financial constraints on innovation. To explore this relationship, this study relies on firm-level data from World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES) for 146 countries during the period between 2006 and 2020. The aim of this paper is to empirically link two literature strands, the one of GVC participation and that of financial constraints, and to examine their individual effects, in addition to the effect of their interaction on innovation. Extended probit model is used to account for the endogeneity problem that may arise when studying the effect of GVC participation and financial constraints on innovation, by using a set of instrumental variables. This paper controls for heterogeneity among firms (by country, region, and industry), firms’ characteristics, reverse causality, and sample selection. The results of this paper show that financial constraints impede firms’ probability of innovation even if the firm is participating in GVC. This means that the negative effects of financial constraints outweigh the positive effects of GVC participation on innovation.
Barriers to Equality and Cultural Responsiveness in Three Urban Norwegian Primary Schools: A Critical Lens for School Staff Perceptions
Authors: Corral-Granados Anabel , Rapp Anna Cecilia , Smeplass Eli
Published: September 2022

Literature regarding the gap between the conceptualization of inequality and school staffs’ perception of it in Norwegian schools is scarce. Therefore, we explore the challenges that Norwegian school staff have experienced as they work to ensure inclusive education at three schools. We address this challenge by examining three purposefully selected maximum variation schools that are located in a large Norwegian city. This is a qualitative study based on 25 in-depth interviews with school personnel regarding their understanding of anti-oppressive education of children. A relational approach and critical theory are used to organize and explain nested contextual systems. The narratives from school staff are used to identify their perception of their roles in combatting oppression, their patterns of interaction with others within the school community, and their constructions of “otherness.” The theoretical approach comprises a framework that is based on a social network analysis, trust and belonging, and the staff’s perception of their school’s context in relation to anti-oppressive values in critical race theory. We identify various challenges at each urban school that relate to social and organizational factors and discuss how investigating professionals’ meaning-making enables more nuanced images of the Nordic educational model.
Formulation and characterization of polyester-lignite composite coated slow-release fertilizers
Authors: Abhiram Gunaratnam , Bishop Peter , Jeyakumar Paramsothy , Grafton Miles , Davies Clive E. , McCurdy Murray
Published: September 2022

Two polyester-lignite composite coated urea slow-release fertilizers (SRFs; Poly3 and Poly5) were developed and their physicochemical properties were studied. Both these SRFs significantly (p < 0.05) extended the urea release compared to uncoated urea; Poly3 and Poly5 by 117 and 172 h, respectively. The urea release characteristics of Poly5 were further enhanced by linseed oil application (Poly5-linseed). The SEM images demonstrated the coatings were in contact with the urea and encase urea particles completely with the average coating thickness of 167.2 ± 15 µm. The new interactions between polyester and lignite in the composite coating were confirmed by the FTIR analysis. Polyester-calcium carbonate (Polyester-CaCO3) coated SRFs (Calc3 and Calc5) were developed using CaCO3 as a filler in place of lignite and the urea dissolution rate was compared with Poly3 and Poly5. The urea release times for the polyester-CaCO3 formulations, 48 and 72 h, were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the polyester-lignite formulation, showing that lignite imparted greater control over release time than CaCO3. Findings from this work showed that polyester-lignite composites can be used as a coating material for SRFs.

Graphical abstract
Toward More Accessible Fully Automated 3D Volumetric MRI Decision Trees for the Differential Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy, Related Disorders, and Age-Matched Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kim Jisoo , Young Geoffrey S. , Willett Andrew S. , Pitaro Ariana T. , Crotty Grace F. , Mesidor Merlyne , Jones Kristie A. , Bay Camden , Zhang Min , Feany Mel B. , Xu Xiaoyin , Qin Lei , Khurana Vikram
Published: September 2022

Differentiating multiple system atrophy (MSA) from related neurodegenerative movement disorders (NMD) is challenging. MRI is widely available and automated decision-tree analysis is simple, transparent, and resistant to overfitting. Using a retrospective cohort of heterogeneous clinical MRIs broadly sourced from a tertiary hospital system, we aimed to develop readily translatable and fully automated volumetric diagnostic decision-trees to facilitate early and accurate differential diagnosis of NMDs. 3DT1 MRI from 171 NMD patients (72 MSA, 49 PSP, 50 PD) and 171 matched healthy subjects were automatically segmented using Freesurfer6.0 with brainstem module. Decision trees employing substructure volumes and a novel volumetric pons-to-midbrain ratio (3D-PMR) were produced and tenfold cross-validation performed. The optimal tree separating NMD from healthy subjects selected cerebellar white matter, thalamus, putamen, striatum, and midbrain volumes as nodes. Its sensitivity was 84%, specificity 94%, accuracy 84%, and kappa 0.69 in cross-validation. The optimal tree restricted to NMD patients selected 3D-PMR, thalamus, superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), midbrain, pons, and putamen as nodes. It yielded sensitivities/specificities of 94/84% for MSA, 72/96% for PSP, and 73/92% PD, with 79% accuracy and 0.62 kappa. There was correct classification of 16/17 MSA, 5/8 PSP, 6/8 PD autopsy-confirmed patients, and 6/8 MRIs that preceded motor symptom onset. Fully automated decision trees utilizing volumetric MRI data distinguished NMD patients from healthy subjects and MSA from other NMDs with promising accuracy, including autopsy-confirmed and pre-symptomatic subsets. Our open-source methodology is well-suited for widespread clinical translation. Assessment in even more heterogeneous retrospective and prospective cohorts is indicated.
Self-healing and polymer welding of soft and stiff epoxy thermosets via silanolates
Authors: Putnam-Neeb Amelia A. , Kaiser Jordan M. , Hubbard Amber M. , Street Dayton P. , Dickerson Matthew B. , Nepal Dhriti , Baldwin Luke A.
Published: September 2022

Incorporating dynamic bonds into polymers enables static thermosets to be transformed into active materials, possessing the reprocessability of thermoplastics while maintaining the bulk properties of fully crosslinked networks. This new class of materials, termed covalent adaptable networks (CANs), has helped bridge the gap between traditional thermosets and thermoplastics. Here, epoxy-based adaptable networks were synthesized by combining a diepoxide monomer with an oligosiloxane prepolymer containing aminopropyl groups, which crosslink irreversibly, and silanolate end-groups, which participate in dynamic bonding. Two separate diepoxide crosslinkers were used to give a range of soft to stiff materials with a Young’s modulus varying from 12 MPa to 2.2 GPa. This study documents how the thermal and mechanical properties (e.g., glass transition temperature and modulus) are affected by compositional changes in these silanolate networks. Dynamic bonding also results in self-healing properties, offering the ability to repair structural polymers and composites. When combined with tunable mechanical properties, self-healing capabilities make these materials well-suited to be sustainable alternatives for many traditional thermosets. For example, we demonstrated the ability to weld a stiff epoxy thermoset to a dissimilar soft material, a feature traditional epoxies do not permit.

Graphical abstract
Impact of Vaccination and Control Measures on the Fatality of COVID-19: An Ecological Study
Authors: Tan Jinlin , Wu Zhilong , Gan Lin , Zhong Qianhong , Zhu Yajuan , Li Yufen , Zhang Dingmei
Published: September 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the case fatality rate (CFR) becomes an urgent goal.

Objective

This study explored the effect of vaccination and variants on COVID-19 fatality and provide a basis for the adjustment of control measures.

Methods

This study collected epidemiological information on COVID-19 from January to October 2021. By setting different lag times, we calculated the adjusted CFR. The Spearman correlation coefficient and beta regression were used to explore factors that may affect COVID-19 fatality.

Results

Every 1% increase in the percentage of full vaccinations may reduce the 3 weeks lagging CFR by 0.66%. Increasing the restrictions on internal movement from level 0 to 1, restrictions on international travel controls from level 2 to 3, and stay-at-home restrictions from level 0 to 2 were associated with an average reduction in 3 weeks lagging CFR of 0.20%, 0.39%, and 0.36%, respectively. Increasing strictness in canceling public events from level 0 to 1 and 2 may reduce the 3 weeks lagging CFR by 0.49% and 0.37, respectively. Increasing the severity of school and workplace closures from level 1 or level 0 to 3 may increase the 3 weeks lagging CFR of 0.39% and 0.83, respectively. Every 1-point increase in the Global Health Security (GHS) index score may increase the 3 weeks lagging CFR by 0.12%.

Conclusion

A higher percentage of full vaccinations, higher levels of internal movement restrictions, international travel control restrictions, cancelations of public events, and stay-at-home restrictions are factors that may reduce the adjusted CFR.
Surgical Menopause and Bilateral Oophorectomy: Effect of Estrogen-Progesterone and Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Psychological Well-Being and Sexual Functioning; A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Stuursma Annechien , Lanjouw Lieke , Idema Demy L. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Mourits Marian J.E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Besides experiencing vasomotor symptoms, after surgical menopause and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), women experience moderate to severe psychological and sexual symptoms.

Aims

To systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of systemic hormone replacement therapy (sHRT) on psychological well-being and sexual functioning in women after surgical menopause and BSO.

Methods

Medline/Pubmed, EMBASE and PsychInfo were systematically searched until November 2021. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of sHRT on psychological well-being and/or sexual functioning in surgically menopausal women and women after BSO were eligible for inclusion. Two independent authors performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes for psychological well-being were defined as overall psychological well-being, depression, and anxiety. Primary outcomes for sexual functioning were defined as overall sexual functioning, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction. All outcomes were assessed on short (≤12 weeks) or medium term (13–26 weeks).

Results

Twelve studies were included. Estradiol had a beneficial effect on depressed mood on short term 3–6 years after surgery or 2 years (median) after surgery with high heterogeneity (SMD: −1.37, 95%CI: −2.38 to −0.37, P = .007, I2 79%). Testosterone had a beneficial effect on overall sexual functioning on short to medium term 4.6 years (mean) after surgery (SMD 0.38, 95%CI 0.11–0.65, I2 0%) and on sexual desire on medium term at least 3–12 months after surgery (SMD 0.38, 95%CI 0.19–0.56, I2 54%). For most studies, risk of bias was uncertain.

Clinical implications

Estradiol may beneficially affect psychological symptoms after surgical menopause or BSO and testosterone might improve sexual desire and overall sexual functioning.

Strengths and limitations

This review only included patient-reported outcomes, thereby reflected perceived and not simply objective symptoms in surgically menopausal women and women after BSO. The small number of studies highly varied in nature and bias could not be excluded, therefore our results should be interpreted with great caution.

Conclusion

Independent randomized controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of estrogen-progesterone and testosterone on psychological and sexual symptoms after surgical menopause are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019136698.
Synchronous Surgical Management of Erectile Dysfunction and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reoperation Rates
Authors: Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Barham David W. , Hammad Muhammed , Sokolakis Ioannis , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Lentz Aaron C. , Simhan Jay , Yafi Faysal A. , Gross Martin S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The efficacy, safety, and postoperative outcomes of synchronous surgery for concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) remain unclear.

Objectives

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the available synchronous surgical approaches for concomitant ED and SUI and to assess the reoperation rates compared to asynchronous surgery and surgery only for ED or SUI.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until June 2022 for relevant studies. Based on data availability, we performed a meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) comparing reoperation rates after synchronous surgery in patients with concomitant ED and SUI versus asynchronous surgery, as well as surgery solely for ED or SUI (PROSPERO: CRD42022326941).

Results

We included 18 studies in the systematic review (16,517 patients) and 5 in the meta-analysis. Comparing synchronous implantation of penile prosthesis and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) versus asynchronous surgery, no statistically significant differences were observed in the reoperation rates [OR:0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–1.84, I2:0%). Comparing synchronous implantation of both penile prosthesis and AUS versus implantation of only a penile prosthesis or an AUS, combined surgery was associated with higher reoperation rates (OR:2.02, 95%CI: 1.29–3.16, I2:36% and OR:1.7, 95%CI: 1.25–2.32, I2:0%, respectively). Synchronous surgery led to high satisfaction rates and significant improvement in ED and SUI. Evidence for the combination of penile prosthesis with a male sling or the ProACT device is low, but data suggests it may be safe and effective. The synchronous placement of a Mini-Jupette sling and penile prosthesis represents a promising treatment modality for the correction of ED and mild SUI and/or climacturia.

Conclusions

Synchronous penile prosthesis and AUS implantation appears safe and effective in patients with severe ED and SUI. Further high-quality studies are mandatory to strengthen the current scarce evidence for synchronous surgery in patients with ED and SUI.
An SPSS Companion for The Fundamentals of Social Research
Authors: Kellstedt Paul M. , Whitten Guy D. , Tuch Steven A.
Published: September 2022

An SPSS Companion for The Fundamentals of Social Research offers students the opportunity to delve into the world of SPSS using real data sets and statistical analysis techniques directly from Paul M. Kellstedt, Guy D. Whitten, and Steven A. Tuch's new textbook. Workbook sections parallel chapters in the main text, giving students a chance to apply the lessons and techniques learned in each chapter in a statistical software setting. Detailed chapters teach students to reproduce results presented in the textbook, allowing them to become comfortable performing statistical analyses for evaluating causal claims through repeated practice. Step-by-step instructions for using SPSS are provided, along with command lines and screenshots to demonstrate proper use of the software. Instructions for producing the figures and tables in the main text are integrated throughout the workbook. End-of-chapter exercises encourage students to formulate and evaluate their own hypotheses.
How Does Trust Relate to Faith?
Authors: McKaughan Daniel J. , Howard-Snyder Daniel
Published: September 2022

How does trust relate to faith? We do not know of a theory-neutral way to answer our question. So, we begin with what we regard as a plausible theory of faith according to which, in slogan form, faith is resilient reliance. Next, we turn to contemporary theories of trust. They are not of one voice. Still, we can use them to indicate ways in which trust and faithmightboth differ from and resemble each other. This is what we do. Along the way, we evaluate substantive issues related to these possible differences and similarities.
Roles of CCR10/CCL27–CCL28 axis in tumour development: mechanisms, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and perspectives
Authors: Mergia Terefe Ermias , Catalan Opulencia Maria Jade , Rakhshani Amir , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Sergeevna Sergushina Elena , Awadh Sura A. , Polatova Djamila Sh. , Abdulkadhim Adnan Hashim , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Kzar Hamzah H. , Al-Gazally Moaed E. , Kadhim Mustafa M. , Taherian Gholamali
Published: September 2022

Cancer is now one of the major causes of death across the globe. The imbalance of cytokine and chemokine secretion has been reported to be involved in cancer development. Meanwhile, CC chemokines have received considerable interest in cancer research. CCR10, as the latest identified CC chemokine receptor (CCR), has been implicated in the recruitment and infiltration of immune cells, especially lymphocytes, into epithelia such as skin via ligation to two ligands, CCL27 and CCL28. Other than homoeostatic function, several mechanisms have been shown to dysregulate CCR10/CCL27–CCL28 expression in the tumour microenvironment. As such, these receptors and ligands mediate T-cell trafficking in the tumour microenvironment. Depending on the types of lymphocytes recruited, CCR10/CCL27–CCL28 interaction has been shown to play conflicting roles in cancer development. If they were T helper and cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, the role of this axis would be tumour-suppressive. In contrast, if CCR10/CCL27–CCL28 recruited regulatory T cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts or myeloid-derived suppressor cells, it would lead to tumour progression. In addition to the trafficking of lymphocytes and immune cells, CCR10 also leads to the migration of tumour cells or endothelial cells (called angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis) to promote tumour metastasis. Furthermore, CCR10 signalling triggers tumour-promoting signalling such as PI3K/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, resulting in tumour cell growth. Since CCR10/CCL27–CCL28 is dysregulated in the tumour tissues, it is suggested that analysis and measurement of them might predict tumour development. Finally, it is hoped using therapeutic approaches based on this axis might increase our knowledge to overcome tumour progression.
Flip signatures
Authors: RYU SIEYE
Published: September 2022

A
$D_{\infty }$
-topological Markov chain is a topological Markov chain provided with an action of the infinite dihedral group
$D_{\infty }$
. It is defined by two zero-one square matrices A and J satisfying
$AJ=JA^{\textsf {T}}$
and
$J^2=I$
. A flip signature is obtained from symmetric bilinear forms with respect to J on the eventual kernel of A. We modify Williams’ decomposition theorem to prove the flip signature is a
$D_{\infty }$
-conjugacy invariant. We introduce natural
$D_{\infty }$
-actions on Ashley’s eight-by-eight and the full two-shift. The flip signatures show that Ashley’s eight-by-eight and the full two-shift equipped with the natural
$D_{\infty }$
-actions are not
$D_{\infty }$
-conjugate. We also discuss the notion of
$D_{\infty }$
-shift equivalence and the Lind zeta function.
Exceptional jumps of Picard ranks of reductions of K3 surfaces over number fields
Authors: Shankar Ananth N. , Shankar Arul , Tang Yunqing , Tayou Salim
Published: September 2022

Given a K3 surfaceXover a number fieldKwith potentially good reduction everywhere, we prove that the set of primes ofKwhere the geometric Picard rank jumps is infinite. As a corollary, we prove that either$X_{\overline {K}}$has infinitely many rational curves orXhas infinitely many unirational specialisations.

Our result on Picard ranks is a special case of more general results on exceptional classes for K3 type motives associated to GSpin Shimura varieties. These general results have several other applications. For instance, we prove that an abelian surface over a number fieldKwith potentially good reduction everywhere is isogenous to a product of elliptic curves modulo infinitely many primes ofK.
The influence of shock speed variation on radiation and thermochemistry experiments in shock tubes
Authors: Collen Peter L. , Satchell Matthew , Di Mare Luca , McGilvray Matthew
Published: September 2022

Shock tubes are a crucial source of experimental data for the aerothermodynamic modelling of atmospheric entry vehicles. Notably, many chemical-kinetic and radiative models are validated directly against optical measurements from these facilities. Typically, the incident shock speed at the location of the experimental measurement is taken to be representative of the test slug; however, the shock velocity can vary substantially upstream of this location. These variations have been long posited as a source of disagreement with computational predictions, although a definitive link has proved elusive. This work describes a series of experiments which aim to isolate and confirm the importance of the shock deceleration effect. This is achieved by generating different shock trajectories and comparing the post-shock trends in atomic oxygen emission and electron density. These trends are shown to be directly linked to the upstream shock speed variations using a recently developed numerical tool (LASTA). The close agreement of the comparisons confirms the importance of shock speed variation for shock tube experiments; these findings have direct and potentially critical relevance for all such studies, both past and present.
Language Matters: Developing Inclusive, Strengths-Based Practice in a Cluster of Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour
Authors: Harkness Fiona Jane , Walker Joanne , Meyer Frauke
Published: September 2022

Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) work with teachers to identify learning and behaviour needs of students who experience barriers to educational success. The language RTLB use can have a significant impact on teachers’ response to the inclusion of students with special learning needs and is key to improving educational outcomes for all learners. We examined the extent to which RTLB in New Zealand used inclusive, strengths-based language in initial meetings with teachers and whether shifts could be made through professional learning and development (PLD). Data collected included audio recordings, transcripts of initial meetings pre- and post-PLD, RTLB reflections on both transcripts, and questionnaires. Results indicate limited use of inclusive, strengths-based language prior to PLD. However, PLD that provided targeted opportunities to reflect on evidence of language behaviour and to practise requisite skills markedly increased RTLB awareness, knowledge, and skills with respect to inclusive, strengths-based language. Findings indicate that change often requires disrupting long-held beliefs and practices and a need for evidence of these to be able to do so. The findings have implications for the type of in-depth PLD needed to facilitate change in the language RTLB use when working with teachers.
The Business Creation Process and Latin American Entrepreneurs
Authors: Nicolás Martínez Catalina , Rubio Bañón Alicia
Published: September 2022

Entrepreneurship is considered fundamental to economic development since entrepreneurs generate their own economic benefit and indirectly promote employment, boost innovation, and attract human and financial resources and investment in infrastructure to the territory, among other benefits. Latin America has very high rates of entrepreneurship, so to deepen our knowledge of the factors that influence entrepreneurship, it is necessary to investigate the region. This article tests various theories of factors (self-efficacy, fear of failure, perception of opportunity, and socialization) that determine the decision to become an entrepreneur, using a quantitative methodology with a representative sample of 27,341 Latin American individuals (including 4,416 entrepreneurs). The results partially support these factors and show that Latin American entrepreneurs differ from the profile indicated in previous literature. In addition, results seem to indicate that the level of development of a country determines the strength with which the factors studied influence entrepreneurship.
¿Qué hacer? Repertorios de acción frente a las injusticias percibidas en los lugares de trabajo en Santiago de Chile
Authors: Frei Raimundo , Moya Cristóbal , Castillo Alejandro , Gerber Mónica , Puga Ismael
Published: September 2022

¿Qué hacen los trabajadores asalariados para responder a situaciones de injusticia en sus lugares de trabajo? Este artículo examina distintos repertorios de acción desplegados por trabajadores en el contexto laboral chileno, caracterizado por altos niveles de desigualdad salarial y una débil estructura sindical. Se analizan ocho grupos focales en los cuales trabajadores conversaron acerca de cómo responder a injusticias percibidas en el mundo laboral. Se identifican cinco repertorios que cuentan con diversos grados de legitimidad según el nivel socioeconómico del grupo: neoliberal,managerial, sindical, fatalista y resiliente. Se argumenta que el repertorio neoliberal ofrece a los grupos profesionales una mayor capacidad de respuesta ante injusticias distributivas y procedimentales, mientras que el repertorio resiliente ofrecería a trabajadores no calificados un set de herramientas culturales para hacer frente a los agravios a la dignidad en los lugares de trabajo. Los grupos de supervisores adoptarían en mayor medida un repertoriomanagerial, impulsados por gestionar el clima laboral en contextos de baja legitimidad de los sindicatos y miedo al conflicto. Se concluye que en contextos laborales fuertemente desregulados, como el caso chileno, una apropiación diferenciada de repertorios podría contribuir a reforzar las desigualdades existentes en el trabajo.
Diversity and violence during conflict migration: The Troubles in Northern Ireland
Authors: Adida Claire L. , Brown Joseph M. , McCord Gordon C. , McLachlan Paul
Published: September 2022

Diversity's effect on violence is ambiguous. Some studies find that diverse areas experience more violence; others find the opposite. Yet conflict displaces and intimidates people, creating measurement challenges. We propose a novel indicator of diversity that circumvents these problems: the location of physical structures at disaggregated geographical levels. We introduce this solution in the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Our data reveal a curvilinear relationship between diversity and conflict-related deaths, with the steepest increase at low diversity, driven by an increase in violence when our proxy for the Catholic proportion of the population rises from 0 to 20 percent. These patterns are consistent with a theory of group threat through exposure.
RUDJER BOŠKOVIĆ INSTITUTE RADIOCARBON MEASUREMENTS XVIII
Authors: Obelić Bogomil , Krajcar Bronić Ines , Horvatinčić Nada , Barešić Jadranka
Published: September 2022

In this paper we present dating of archaeological samples from Croatia only performed since our last reports (Obelić et al. 2011; Horvatinčić et al. 2012). Liquid scintillation radiometric measurement technique with benzene synthesis (LSC-B) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technique were applied.
Access to ear and hearing care services in Cambodia: a qualitative enquiry into experiences of key informants
Authors: Waterworth C J , Marella M , Bhutta M F , Dowell R , Khim K , Annear P L
Published: September 2022

Objective

In Cambodia, little is known about the state of ear and hearing care, or the roles providers or key stakeholders play in delivering services.

Method

This was an exploratory study using semi-structured qualitative interviews and a questionnaire addressed to key stakeholders to explore their perceptions and experiences in providing services to people suffering from ear disease or hearing loss in Cambodia.

Results

Several challenges were described including a lack of hearing services to meet the demand, especially outside Phnom Penh in primary care and aural rehabilitation. Supply-side challenges include a shortage of trained professionals, facilities and resources, poor co-ordination between providers, unclear referral pathways, and long wait times.

Conclusion

Now is an opportune time to build on the positive trend in providing integrated care for non-communicable diseases in Cambodia, through the integration of effective ear and hearing care into primary care and strengthening the package of activities delivered at government facilities.
A longitudinal analysis of conspiracy beliefs and Covid-19 health responses
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Amodio David M. , Boot Arnout , Eerland Anita , Etienne Tom , Krouwel André P. M. , Onderco Michal , Verkoeijen Peter , Zwaan Rolf A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Little is known about how conspiracy beliefs and health responses are interrelated over time during the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This longitudinal study tested two contrasting, but not mutually exclusive, hypotheses through cross-lagged modeling. First, based on the consequential nature of conspiracy beliefs, we hypothesize that conspiracy beliefs predict an increase in detrimental health responses over time. Second, as people may rationalize their behavior through conspiracy beliefs, we hypothesize that detrimental health responses predict increased conspiracy beliefs over time.

Methods

We measured conspiracy beliefs and several health-related responses (i.e. physical distancing, support for lockdown policy, and the perception of the coronavirus as dangerous) at three phases of the pandemic in the Netherlands (N = 4913): During the first lockdown (Wave 1: April 2020), after the first lockdown (Wave 2: June 2020), and during the second lockdown (Wave 3: December 2020).

Results

For physical distancing and perceived danger, the overall cross-lagged effects supported both hypotheses, although the standardized effects were larger for the effects of conspiracy beliefs on these health responses than vice versa. The within-person change results only supported an effect of conspiracy beliefs on these health responses, depending on the phase of the pandemic. Furthermore, an overall cross-lagged effect of conspiracy beliefs on reduced support for lockdown policy emerged from Wave 2 to 3.

Conclusions

The results provide stronger support for the hypothesis that conspiracy beliefs predict health responses over time than for the hypothesis that health responses predict conspiracy beliefs over time.
Hadrian and Britain: The Civil Zone
Authors: Fulford Michael
Published: September 2022

The lack of written sources and the difficulties of establishing close chronologies from archaeological material mean that it is difficult to identify initiatives other than the commissioning of Hadrian's Wall that can confidently be attributed either to the emperor's visit to Britain in 122 or to his reign more generally. However, the early second century presents several archaeological proxies which point to a quickening of economic activity integrating the frontiers of Wales and the north of Britain with the civil zone of the south. Developments in the countryside hint at the growth of larger estates, including the emergence of larger, ‘complex’ farms, villages and better communications, together assuring the province's sustained ability to feed both military and civilian populations. At the same time there is evidence for public building across the towns of the south, especially of forum basilicas, which may be linked to administrative reforms including the establishment of new civitates.
Burden of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant ESKAPEE pathogens in a secondary hospital care setting in Greece
Authors: Kritsotakis Evangelos I. , Lagoutari Dimitra , Michailellis Efstratios , Georgakakis Ioannis , Gikas Achilleas
Published: September 2022

Bacterial antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to public health, with the sentinel ‘ESKAPEE’ pathogens, being of particular concern. A cohort study spanning 5.5 years (2016–2021) was conducted at a provincial general hospital in Crete, Greece, to describe the epidemiology of ESKAPEE-associated bacteraemia regarding levels of AMR and their impact on patient outcomes. In total, 239 bloodstream isolates were examined from 226 patients (0.7% of 32 996 admissions) with a median age of 75 years, 28% of whom had severe comorbidity and 46% with prior stay in ICU. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was lowest for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%) and Escherichia coli (33%), and highest among Acinetobacter baumannii (97%); the latter included 8 (22%) with extensive drug-resistance (XDR), half of which were resistant to all antibiotics tested. MDR bacteraemia was more likely to be healthcare-associated than community-onset (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.04–2.65). Inpatient mortality was 22%, 35% and 63% for non-MDR, MDR and XDR episodes, respectively (P = 0.004). Competing risks survival analysis revealed increasing mortality linked to longer hospitalisation with increasing AMR levels, as well as differential pathogen-specific effects. A. baumannii bacteraemia was the most fatal (14-day death hazard ratio 3.39, 95% CI 1.74–6.63). Differences in microbiology, AMR profile and associated mortality compared to national and international data emphasise the importance of similar investigations of local epidemiology.
Utility of empathy informant report in FTD differential diagnosis
Authors: Lane Carissa M. , Lee Mary , Lowe Jacob , Bolton Corey , Pyykkonen Benjamin A.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Loss of empathy is a hallmark feature of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Change in socioemotional functioning identified by others is often the primary initial presenting concern in this disorder, in contrast to more subtle early cognitive changes and limited patient insight. The present study examined the predictive utility of an empathy informant-report measure for discriminating clinician-diagnosed bvFTD from other dementia syndromes.

Method:

Data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) database were used to study individuals with bvFTD (n = 406) and other dementia syndromes (n = 385). Participants were administered neuropsychological measures and collateral informants completed an informant-report of empathy.

Results:

Informants reported that patients with bvFTD demonstrated significantly lower levels of empathic concern [F(1, 789) = 120.91, p < .001, η2 = 0.13] and perspective taking [F(1, 789) = 153.08, p < .001, η2 = 0.16] than patients with other dementia syndromes. These differences were not attributable to the level of global cognitive impairment. Empathy scores were not significantly associated with any neurocognitive measure when controlling for age. ROC curve analyses showed fair to good clinical utility of the informant-report empathy measure for distinguishing bvFTD from non-bvFTD, whereas a traditional measure of executive functioning failed to differentiate the groups.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that informant ratings of empathy offer a unique source of clinical information that may be useful in detecting neurobehavioral changes specific to bvFTD before a clear neurocognitive pattern emerges on testing.
Panjer class revisited: one formula for the distributions of the Panjer (a,b,n) class
Authors: Fackler Michael
Published: September 2022

The loss count distributions whose probabilities ultimately satisfy Panjer’s recursion were classified between 1981 and 2002; they split into six types, which look quite diverse. Yet, the distributions are closely related – we show that their probabilities emerge out of one formula: the binomial series. We propose a parameter change that leads to a unified, practical and intuitive, representation of the Panjer distributions and their parameter space. We determine the subsets of the parameter space where the probabilities are continuous functions of the parameters. Finally, we give an inventory of parameterisations used for Panjer distributions.
Reflections on the new International Baccalaureate Diploma Classical Languages Syllabus
Authors: Trafford Simon
Published: September 2022

At the end of January 2022 the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) published the new Diploma syllabus for Classical Languages (for first assessment in 2024). The new IB Diploma syllabus has at its heart a desire to move away from the teaching of language and literature as two distinct skills, while embracing a broader range of teaching and assessment methods which do greater justice to the richness, diversity and range of skills students can, and do, develop through the learning of classical languages. In what follows, I will discuss the new IB Classical Languages syllabus and whether it lives up to these worthy aims.
Simulated Hydrological Dynamics and Coupled Iron Redox Cycling Impact Methane Production in an Arctic Soil
Authors: Sulman Benjamin N. , Yuan Fengming , O’Meara Teri , Gu Baohua , Herndon Elizabeth M. , Zheng Jianqiu , Thornton Peter E. , Graham David E.
Published: September 2022

The fate of organic carbon (C) in permafrost soils is important to the climate system due to the large global stocks of permafrost C. Thawing permafrost can be subject to dynamic hydrology, making redox processes an important factor controlling soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates and greenhouse gas production. In iron (Fe)‐rich permafrost soils, Fe(III) can serve as a terminal electron acceptor, promoting anaerobic respiration of SOM and increasing pH. Current large‐scale models of Arctic C cycling do not include Fe cycling or pH interactions. Here, a geochemical reaction model was developed by coupling Fe redox reactions and C cycling to simulate SOM decomposition, Fe(III) reduction, pH dynamics, and greenhouse gas production in permafrost soils subject to dynamic hydrology. We parameterized the model using measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes as well as changes in pH, Fe(II), and dissolved organic C concentrations from oxic and anoxic incubations of permafrost soils from polygonal permafrost sites in northern Alaska, United States. In simulations of repeated oxic‐anoxic cycles, Fe(III) reduction during anoxic periods enhanced CO2 production, while the net effect of Fe(III) reduction on cumulative CH4 fluxes depended on substrate C availability. With lower substrate availability, Fe(III) reduction decreased total CH4 production by further limiting available substrate. With higher substrate availability, Fe(III) reduction enhanced CH4 production by increasing pH. Our results suggest that interactions among Fe‐redox reactions, pH and methanogenesis are important factors in predicting CH4 and CO2 production as well as SOM decomposition rates in Fe‐rich, frequently waterlogged Arctic soils.
Effect of Lateral Outflow on Three‐Dimensional Flow Structure in a River Delta
Authors: Chowdhury M. Kifayath , Konsoer Kory M. , Hiatt Matthew
Published: September 2022

Spatial and temporal patterns in three‐dimensional flow structure are linked to channel processes and morphology in many environments. However, there is not yet an understanding of how the flow structure is influenced by channelized and gradually distributed lateral outflows that are often prevalent in river deltas. This study presents an analysis of three‐dimensional flow structure data collected from Wax Lake Delta, a naturally developing river‐dominated delta in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Three hydrographic surveys were conducted using a boat‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler at two sites: a channelized outflow zone and a distributary channel experiencing unchannelized lateral outflow. The flow structure was analyzed to identify secondary circulation cells induced by both types of lateral outflow. For channelized outflow, coherent cells were observed. However, minimal presence of coherent structures was observed for unchannelized lateral outflow. The results suggest that the formation of detectable secondary circulation cells may depend upon a threshold value of the ratio of the lateral momentum flux along the length of the outflow zone and primary flow momentum flux. The threshold lies in between 0.211 and 0.375 km−1 for the conditions tested. This research contributes novel field measurements of flow structure in an actively prograding river delta and offers important implications for coastal restoration by linking three‐dimensional flow structure to lateral outflow.
The Structure and Dynamics of the Uppermost Mantle of Southwestern Canada From a Joint Analysis of Geophysical Observations
Authors: Yu Tai‐Chieh , Currie Claire A. , Unsworth Martyn J. , Chase Brandon F. W.
Published: September 2022

Geophysical imaging reveals significant changes in mantle properties from the Southern Canadian Cordillera to the Laurentian Craton in southwestern Canada. We examine mantle structure using shear wave velocity (VS) from seismic tomography and electrical resistivity from magnetotellurics. Independent analyses of VS and resistivity are poorly constrained because of the number of free parameters. To overcome these limitations, we conduct a joint analysis of VS and resistivity to quantify temperature and olivine water content at 75–150 km depth, corresponding to the cordillera asthenosphere and craton mantle lithosphere. For the cordillera, there is a trade‐off between temperature and water content; the observations are consistent with either warm, hydrated, and melt‐free mantle (∼1,240°C; ∼1,600 ppm H/Si in olivine) or hotter, less hydrated mantle (∼1,370°C; ∼600 ppm H/Si) with some melt at 75 km depth. In contrast, the craton mantle lithosphere is ∼350°C cooler and drier (<300 ppm H/Si). Temperatures depend strongly on the seismic attenuation model. If this is known, the temperature uncertainty is <100°C. There is significant uncertainty in olivine water content (>500 ppm H/Si), owing to observation uncertainties, the resistivity model, and mantle composition. Our results indicate that the cordillera asthenosphere has a low viscosity (1019–1021 Pa s) and is susceptible to small‐scale convection. Approximately below the Rocky Mountain Trench, there is a subvertical eastward increase in lithosphere thickness. The cratonic mantle lithosphere viscosity is 1022–1024 Pa s and the western edge of the craton may be unstable, suggesting that the present‐day geometry is a transient feature.
Crustal and Thermal Heterogeneities Across the Fram Strait and the Svalbard Margin
Authors: Dumais M.‐A. , Gernigon L. , Olesen O. , Lim A. , Johansen S. E. , Brönner M.
Published: September 2022

The lithospheric structure of the Fram Strait and the extent from the Knipovich Ridge to the Barents Sea shelf and Svalbard are poorly understood. Several multi‐geophysical investigations from various campaigns since the 90s along the Western Barents Sea margin and the Northeast Greenland margin resulted in insufficient and contradicting interpretations of the crustal and upper mantle settings in the oceanic and continental domains. New airborne magnetic data across the Knipovich Ridge and west of Svalbard provide new insights, reveal the complexity of the seafloor spreading history of the Arctic Atlantic Ocean, and indicate a European‐Eurasian continent‐ocean boundary located ∼150 km farther west than previously suggested. This new location of the continent‐ocean boundary prompted to revise the existing 2‐D seismic interpretations in terms of crustal domains and tectono‐stratigraphic setting. This is tested using joint 2‐D gravity and magnetic field modeling to derive an improved crust‐mantle model of the study. One recently acquired combined 2‐D controlled source electromagnetic/magneto‐telluric (CSEM/MT) profile across the Mohns Ridge was also modeled with potential field data and provided new insights into the tectonic settings of the crust and the mantle thermal anomalies. This study proposes to unify the various seismic and CSEM/MT interpretations using the new aeromagnetic compilation.
Trends in River Total Suspended Sediments Driven by Dams and Soil Erosion: A Comparison Between the Yangtze and Mekong Rivers
Authors: Guan Qi , Feng Lian , Tang Jing , Park Edward , Ali Tarig A. , Zheng Yi
Published: September 2022

Global river systems are experiencing rapid changes in sediment transport under growing anthropogenic and climatic stresses. However, the response of sediment discharge to the coupled influence of anthropogenic and natural factors and the associated impacts on the fluvial geomorphology in the Yangtze and Mekong rivers are not comprehensively assessed. Here, we recalibrated a seamless retrieval algorithm of the total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations using in situ data and concurrent satellite data sets to analyze spatiotemporal patterns of the TSS concentrations in the lower Yangtze and Mekong rivers. Combined with soil erosion rates estimated by the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation for the past 20 years, we examined the contributions of different factors to TSS trends. The results show that TSS concentrations in the Yangtze River decreased from 0.47 g L−1 in 2000 to 0.23 g L−1 in 2018 due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), especially in the Jingjiang reach, with a declining magnitude of 0.3 g L−1 (∼56%) since the TGD began operating. The Mekong River experienced increasing TSS concentration trends upstream and decreasing trends downstream from 2000 to 2018, possibly attributed to increased upstream soil erosion and decreased downstream water discharge. Declining TSS concentrations in both rivers have driven varying degrees of river channel erosion over the past two decades. This study investigated long‐term changes in the TSS concentrations and soil erosion in the Yangtze and Mekong rivers, and the results provide baseline information for the sustainable development of river sediment delivery.
Development and validation of a predictive model to guide the use of plerixafor in pediatric population
Authors: Sebastien Bernard , Cheverton Peter , Magnin Catherine , Aouni Jihane , Castan Remi
Published: September 2022

Plerixafor, a CXCR4 receptor antagonist, reduces the binding and chemotaxis of hematopoietic stem cells to the bone marrow stroma, resulting in predictable peak of cluster of differentiation 34+ (CD34+) cells in the peripheral blood (PB) approximately 10 h after its administration. We developed a model that could predict the CD34+ harvest volume on the first day of apheresis (AP-CD34+) based on PB-CD34+ counts immediately prior to commencing apheresis in pediatric population. In all, data from 45 pediatric patients from the MOZAIC study who received either granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone or G-CSF plus plerixafor were included. The modeling of the data exhibited a strong and highly predictive linear relationship between the counts of PB-CD34+ cells on the first day of apheresis and AP-CD34+ cells collected on the same day. It is predicted that there are approximately 13 new collected CD34+ cells for 100 new circulating CD34+ cells before apheresis. Our predictive algorithm can be used to quantify the minimal count of PB-CD34+ cells that enables to collect at least 2 × 106 or 5 × 106 AP-CD34+ cells/kg with sufficient assurance (probability = 0.90) and can guide the use of plerixafor in patients at higher perceived risk for mobilization failure. Trial registration of MOZAIC study: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01288573; EudraCT, 2010-019340-40.