bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade Flower and IPR Protection: A Dynamic Analysis Of the Experience of ASEAN-6 Countries
Authors: Heo Yoon , Doanh Nguyen Khanh
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the impacts of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in foreign markets on ASEAN countries' exports for the period 2005 - 2010 using a dyanamic panel data model, which allows us to account for persistence effect. In order to solve the inconsistency of OLS in a dynamic modelling, we opt for the system GMM estimator because it helps researchers overcome the problems of serial correlation,heteroskedasticity, and enogeneity for some explanator variables. Our reselts are robust and summarized as follows. first, reinfoced IPR protection in foreign countries has a positive effect on ASEAN'S exports, indicating the dominance of market expansion effect. Second, regardless of the level of economic development in importing countries, stronger IPR protection induces ASEAN's exports to foreign countries. Third, the trade impacts of IPR protection are strongest in high-income trading partners, followed by medium-income,and finally, low-income partner countries. Fourth,at the sectoral level, the effect of IPR protection is found to be the strongest for capital-intensive exports to highly developed countries.
Internationalization, Legalization and Deterrence: The United States and Japan in the South China Sea
Authors: Ordaniel Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

Lately, China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea has unsettled Southeast Asia. Beijing’s aggressive efforts to press its claim over 80% of the South China Sea have worried ASEAN. However, non-claimants have expressed interests in a peaceful resolution. Why is the United States so passionately involved? And why is Tokyo too worried? First, this paper traces the origins of the interests and threat perception of the U.S. and Japan towards the South China Sea. Second, this paper asserts that emerging strategies revolve around three concepts: internationalization, legalization and deterrence, which can be categorized as either soft or hard balancing. Finally, this paper argues that the U.S. and Japan employ both types of balancing against threats to their interests as complements.
New Perspectives on Transnational Public-Private Partnerships: A Critical Analysis of the United Nations-Business Partnership
Authors: Park Min Joung , Jun Hannah
Published: November 2020

This paper critically assesses the United Nations-business partnership since the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. This study provides a critical overview of relevant theoretical approaches, buttressed by evidence from public-private partnership cases. Applying international relations (IR) theories permits qualitative research on, and future evaluation of, the partnership’s emergence. This study finds that while we see core elements of the rational choice perspective in the formation and implementation of the UN-business partnership, we see its legitimization via constructivist rhetoric–even for cases where the neo-Gramscian view is compelling. While traditional PPPs are often transnational, the mood articulated by the UN may have shifted goals for “private” parties, with firms’ motivations moving from a purely for-profit stance to one that embraces more social responsibility; goals also shifted for “public” parties, from state to interstate objectives, and from micro (infrastructure) to macro (shared development goals) objectives.
East Asian Authoritarian Modernism: From Meiji Japan’s “Prussian Path” to China’s “Singapore Model”
Authors: Thompson Mark R
Published: November 2020

The significance of Meiji Japan’s “Prussian path” to authoritarian modernity has largely been ignored in the social sciences because it contradicts prevailing modernization theory. Meiji Japanese reformers, after carefully examining several Western country’s political systems, chose the German model because of its illiberal but modern politics. This argument regarding the authoritarian modernity of Imperial Germany and Meiji Japan contradicts modernization theory which claims that advanced industrialization leads to liberal democracy. Similarly, Meiji Japan’s influence on the “developmental states” of East Asia (East and Southeast Asia) has not been given much weight by modernization theories. More recently, Singapore’s successful combination of non-democratic rule with advanced capitalism has been dismissed as a (literally) small exception to the general democratizing rule, with even autocratic China expected by modernization theorists to democratize soon given its rapid economic growth over the past generation. This article explores the impact of the Imperial German model of authoritarian modernism on Meiji Japan and, in turn, Japanese influence on political development in East Asia as well as the influence of the “Singapore model” on China. It explores three forms of linkages: social structural, state formational, and ideological.
The Rebounding of the People’s Action Party of Singapore in 2015: An Electoral Analysis of Three Hotly Contested Constituencies
Authors: Izzuddin Mustafa
Published: November 2020

The 2015 Singapore General Elections (GE) produced a puzzling outcome. Although it was predicted by analysts that the People’s Action Party (PAP) would rebound, the depth of victory by way of popular vote of 69.9 percent was confoundding. Given also that the Workers’ Party of Singapore (WP) was expected to retain Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) as well as the Single Member Constituency (SMC) of Hougang and Punggol East, it further flummoxed analysts when the WP lost Punggol East to the PAP, and WP had its margin of victory reduced in both Aljunied and Hougang. Epitomising PAP’s rebound was also the increased margin of victory in the PotongPasir SMC. Although the opposition, namely, the WP was expected to further pluralise the parliamentary system in Singapore by winning more seats in GE2015, the reverse took place in that the PAP not only rebounded from the 60.1 percent it received in GE2011, but also further entrenched its one-party dominance in governing Singapore. Based on an electoral analysis of three constituencies, Punggol East, PotongPasir and Aljunied, this article argues that these constituencies illustrate how the PAP rebounded while the WP retrogressed in GE2015. Pursuant to the electoral outcome, this article makes the case that there needs to be a re-evaluation when applying the concept of authoritarianism to Singapore’s context.
The Gangnam Style Phenomenon as a Global Manifestation of Hybridity
Authors: Yoon Hesu , Schattle Hans
Published: November 2020

This article explores the parody videos generated around the world in response to the hit song Gangnam Style as a way of viewing the progression of cultural globalization and hybridity in this era of boundless digital communication. First we outline a framework of hybridity in relation to cultural globalization, with the Gangnam Style phenomenon as an exemplar of hybridization, filled with incongruous words and images that cut across supposedly binary categories and cultural norms. Then, drawing upon a content analysis of the original video and numerous parody videos, we illustrate how the interactive and multidirectional responses to Gangnam Style reveal ways in which bottom-up, user-generated cultural globalization can unfold in practice. The transnational public response to Gangnam Style is noteworthy, as it clearly revealed the potential of interactive platforms, such as YouTube, for creating and sharing online content in an extended virtual conversation across national borders.
Institutional Quality Matters: Evidence from Trade Flows of ASEAN-6 Countries
Authors: Huyen Nguyen T. T. , Kien Tran N. , Heo Yoon
Published: November 2020

This study examines the impacts of institutional quality on export patterns of ASEAN-6 countries using panel data from 115 economies over the period 2000–2012. The results of the fixed and random effects estimation methods show that better institutional quality in ASEAN’s trading partners plays a crucial role in the bloc’s export performance. By decomposing institutional quality using different components, we also find that the importers’ legal structure and protection of property rights as well as freedom to trade internationally are important determinants in attracting more exports from ASEAN countries. For exporting countries, the sizes of the government and freedom to trade internationally also play a critical role in boosting trade from the bloc.
Global partnerships for development and risk tendencies of partners: A theoretical approach with the Gavi case
Authors: Han Peter Seok Jin , Kim Taekyoon
Published: November 2020

Despite the continuous endorsement of global partnership by international community, development partnership faces double road blocks in the field of both theory and practice. Current literature on global partnerships contributes explaining why agents form global partnerships, but fails to elaborate on when and in what actual condition global partnerships occur in a good shape. Discussions on incentives for partnerships and how to fund them also have many rooms for addition. The primary concern of this study is to tackle those problems by incorporating von Neumann and Morgenstern’s Expected Utility Theorem and the economic concept of risk tendency into the field of development partnership. It aims to provide a new theoretical framework for evaluating in what condition global partnerships occur, and then attempts to testify this framework via a case analysis with the Gavi.
Peacebuilding and the Responsibility to Rebuild
Authors: Thakur Ramesh
Published: November 2020

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle, encompassing the three symbiotically linked responsibilities to prevent, respond and rebuild, was unanimously adopted at the United Nations World Summit in 2005. The responsibility to rebuild needs to be re-elevated to prominence as an integral component of R2P: conceptually, normatively and operationally; and its institutional homes in the UN system and the Secretary-General’s role clarified. The 2009 three pillar formulation of R2P works well in most contexts, but is problematic in that it buries and loses sight of the critical importance of the original ICISS third ‘responsibility to rebuild’ and reconstruct war-raved societies to the point of being viable and self-sustaining once again. Because R2P was adopted at a world summit, I begin by highlighting the distinctive attributes of summit diplomacy. Next, I derive some key lessons from the major international interventions of the twenty-first century and recall the context in which R2P was originally formulated in order to highlight the distinctive features of its contribution to international policy. I then describe three dimensions of the responsibility to rebuild – recovery, reconstruction and reconciliation – and the strategies and steps needed for the rebuilding agenda. Recalling that Security Council authorization of R2P coercive operations is a non-negotiable prerequisite, I suggest that the responsibility to rebuild can be reintroduced and implemented through the administrative and political leadership roles of the Secretary-General.
Description vs deforestation: Couepia brevistaminea (Chrysobalanaceae), a new species on the frontier of agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savanna

Authors: BARBOSA-SILVA RAFAEL GOMES , ANTAR GUILHERME MEDEIROS
Published: November 2020

The Brazilian savanna (Cerrado domain), although without significant richness of Chrysobalanaceae, has widely distributed species of this family, and some endemic to this domain. Couepia, a Neotropical genus, includes 62 species distributed mainly in lowland tropical forests with three species recognized for the Brazilian savanna. Here we report a new species of Couepia endemic to Brazilian savanna in the region with the greatest agricultural advance in Brazil, from the states of Tocantins and Goiás. We provide a description, a distribution map, photographs, a preliminary conservation status assessment and comparisons with other species of the genus that occur in this domain. With this addition we help to contribute to the knowledge of plant biodiversity, which is an urgent and fundamental step towards planning and carrying out conservation actions.
First record of the genus Pentzia (Asteraceae) in Oman

Authors: THULIN MATS , PATZELT ANNETTE
Published: November 2020

Pentzia arabica, previously known only from a few collections from Yemen, is reported also from Jabal Samhan in Oman. This is the first record of a Pentzia in Oman, and the locality is the northernmost and easternmost known for the genus. A map of the distribution of P. arabica and its presumed sister species, P. somalensis in Somalia, is presented. Apart from these two species in the Horn of Africa region, the disjunct Pentzia comprises 26 species in southern Africa and two species in North Africa.
Notes on the genus Pellis Sheng & Sun, 2014 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Banchinae), with a new record from Japan
Authors: WATANABE KYOHEI
Published: November 2020

The genus Pellis Sheng & Sun, 2014 is newly recorded from Japan based on a Chinese species, P. acarinata Sheng & Sun, 2014, collected from Honshu. Both the genus and species are redescribed based on the data of original description and Japanese materials.A key to Asian genera of Atrophini is also proposed.
Two new species of the genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand
Authors: PINKAEW NANTASAK , MUADSUB SOPITA
Published: November 2020

Two new species, Apsidophora bala sp. nov. and Apsidophora chandrapatyae sp. nov., are described. Illustrations of adult and genitalia are provided. We also present a photograph of living specimen of A. chandrapatyae sp. nov. in natural resting posture. The two new taxa increase the number of described Apsidophora species to 3.
Cisplatin Nano-Liposomes Promoting Apoptosis of Retinoblastoma Cells Both In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Wang Fei , Fan Wei
Published: November 2020

This study was established to investigate the effects of cisplatin nano-liposomes on the apoptosis of the human retinoblastoma (RB) cell line Y79 in vitro and in vivo. Y79 cells were cultured and then exposed to Annexin V/PI to test their apoptosis, tested with the Caspase-3
activity detection kit to examine the change in activity of Caspase-3, and subjected to western blotting to test Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression. Y79-cell-transplanted tumor model in nude mice was also established and divided into three groups, with five nude mice in each. Cisplatin nano-liposomes
were applied to the experimental group, cisplatin was injected into the control group, while saline was administered to the blank group, after which the nude mice were killed and the tumor was removed. Tumor volumes and weights in the three groups were compared. Nucleic acid extraction from
magnetic beads was adopted to extract DNA, RT-PCR was employed to test Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA levels in tumor tissues, and in situ cell death assay kit was applied to test apoptotic cells. In comparison to the cisplatin solution and DMSO groups, the cisplatin liposome group showed higher
Y79 apoptotic rate, Caspase-3 activity, and Bax protein expression, and lower Bcl-2 protein expression (all P < 0 05). In comparison with the control and blank groups, the experimental group showed lower tumor volume, weight, and Bcl-2 mRNA level of nude mice. In addition, in comparison
with the control group, the experimental group showed higher cellular apoptotic rate and Bax mRNA level. In terms of the clinical effects of cisplatin nano-liposomes on a tumor transplant in nude mice with cervical cancer, they were shown to promote tumor apoptosis.
Study on the Pathogenesis of Dengue Hepatitis
Authors: Li Wenli , Wang Qian , Wei Fangfang , Lu Eying , Ling Yunzhi , Wu Maosheng
Published: November 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. As a global health problem, early diagnosis and timely treatment of DENV are imperative. Therefore, it is important to explore the association between dengue fever and
hepatitis and its pathogenesis and development mechanism of action. This may lead to the identification of biological markers for the prevention and treatment of dengue fever-induced hepatitis. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with interferon signaling
to further understand the relationship between dengue fever and hepatitis. It has been speculated that during dengue-induced hepatitis, DEXD/H-box helicase 58 (DDX58) and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) are primarily responsible for pathogen identification.
The joint action of HECT and RLD domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 5 (HERC5) and ubiquitinspecific peptidase 18 (USP18) regulate the biological effects of interferon and participate in the occurrence and development of this disease.
Applications of Field Effect Transistor Biosensors Integrated in Microfluidic Chips
Authors: Chao Lemeng , Shi Huanhuan , Nie Kaixuan , Dong Bo , Ding Jiafeng , Long Mengqiu , Liu Zhengchun
Published: November 2020

With the progress of micro-nano technology, the integration of microfluidic technology with a field effect transistor (FET) sensor has made portable biosensing devices of miniaturized structure available. As compared to traditional biosensors that requires large equipment and anti-interfering
detection, FET biosensors integrated in microfluidic chips are fully-closed devices with the advantages of high sensitivity and accurate target capturing. Meanwhile FET biosensors integrated in microfluidic chips can be prepared by a simple, batch-produced manufacturing process to achieve
label-free electrical detection. Herein, the progress of the FET biosensors integrated in microfluidic chips is reviewed in terms of sensing principle, configuration, and performance. Especially, the applications of these integrated biosensors in the areas of cell detection, gene detection,
biomacromolecule detection, ion detection and pH detection are highlighted. This review provides a certain guiding role in the design and development of FET-based biosensors.
Boosting Electrochemical Performances of High-Voltage NCA/LTO Cells by Cathode Electrolyte Interface Nano Film Formation in Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Gao Hongquan , Peng Jiaxin , Cheng Wudan , Guo Hao , Xu Guijiang , Zhou Haitao , Wu Jianchun , Hong Shu , Yang Jianhong
Published: November 2020

LiTFSI/EMITFSI ionic liquid was applied in this study as an electrolyte to enhance electrochemical performances of LiNi0.8 Co0.15 Al0.05 O2 /Li4 Ti5 O12 (NCA/LTO) batteries at a high charging cutoff voltage
of 3.2 V. Li-EMITFSI electrolyte generated extremely stable and uniform cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) nano film on the cathode surface. This CEI film not only inhibited the continuous decomposition of electrolyte, but also stabilized the high operating voltage of NCA/LTO batteries, resulting
in enhanced discharge gravimetric specific capacity (Cg) and cyclic stability of NCA/LTO batteries. With Li-EMITFSI electrolyte, the NCA/LTO batteries achieved higher C g of 172 mAhg –1 at 0.1 C and good capacity retention of 75% over 50 cycles at
1.4 ~ 3.2 V, compared to traditional commercial electrolytes.
Feature Detection of Nanofibers Based on Nonlinear Mapping Pattern Recognition
Authors: Sun Min , Duan Jiang
Published: November 2020

To enhance the feature extraction capacity of nanofibers, a method of feature detection based on nonlinear mapping pattern recognition is proposed. The characteristic distribution model of nanofibers is constructed, and the spectral characteristic decomposition method is used to recognize
the nonlinear mapping pattern of nanofibers at current density. The spatial spectrum beam forming processing of nanofiber features is carried out by using cluster–cluster hybrid molecular reconstruction method, and the association rule feature decomposition of nanofibers is carried out
by recursive graph analysis method, and the nonlinear mapping pattern recognition of nanofiber features is realized. The classification and recognition of nanofiber features are carried out by combining the correlation attribute clustering method, and the characteristics detection optimization
of nanofibers is realized. The proposed method has higher acurracy than other methods. The pattern recognition performance of nonlinear mapping is good, and the ability of accurate recognition of the crystal structure characteristics of nanofibers is better.
Fracture Mechanism on Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Blasting in Low-Permeability Coal Under Various Crustal Stresses
Authors: Xin Liwei
Published: November 2020

The low permeability of coalbed inhabits exploring coalbed methane (CBM) in China. In order to enhance CBM production, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) blasting is used as an efficient and promising method. In the paper, the experiments of SC-CO2 blasting
were performed for coal and concrete specimens in the large size (1 m × 1 m × 0.5 m) under different crustal stresses, and then the fracture mechanism was analyzed. The results show that Crushing zone, rupture zone, and vibration zone were formed in sequence around the blasting
hole, which provide the experimental and theoretical foundation for the field blasting.
A Novel Radiological Predictor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Stapled Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Bag Yusuf Murat , Topel Cagdas , Ozdemir Egemen , Saglam Kutay , Sumer Fatih , Kayaalp Cuneyt
Published: November 2020

Background

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is the main surgical treatment of benign and malignant lesions located in pancreatic body and tail. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following DP is still a considerable cause of morbidity. Identification of risk factors for POPF after DP might provide some preventive applications. We aimed to evaluate the factors affecting POPF after DP and to present a new and easy radiological predictive factor.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-four patients underwent DP with stapler closure were included. Several risk factors for clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) were analyzed. Additionally, computed tomography findings of pancreatic thickness (PT), main pancreatic duct diameter (MPDD), and PT/MPDD ratio were evaluated for POPF.

Results

CR-POPF was observed in 10 patients (29.4%). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that previous abdominal surgery and PT/MPDD ratio were predictive factors for CR-POPF after DP ( P = 0.040, P = 0.034, respectively). The cutoff value for the PT/MPDD ratio was 8.

Conclusion

A PT/MPDD ratio greater than 8 (a wide pancreas with a narrow duct) is a significant predictive factor for CR-POPF following DP.
Community Hospital Experience With Bovine Tissue in Infected Vascular Fields
Authors: Sowa Patrick , Soult Michael , Blecha Matthew
Published: November 2020

Background

Vascular prosthetic graft infections are rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment involves removal of the infected graft requiring arteriotomy closure. Previously this was performed with autologous graft, but bovine tissue has increasingly been used. The objective of this paper is to review the community hospital experience with bovine tissue repair in an infected vascular field.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of all cases performed by a single surgeon in a community hospital for infected prosthetic grafts was completed. Sixteen cases were included where bovine tissue was used for repair. Presentation, location of graft, and causative organism were reviewed, and outcomes including reoperation and mortality were recorded.

Results

Of the 16 patients, 15 (94%) had positive cultures of the graft. Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus was the most commonly isolated organism (50%). There were 3 unplanned reoperations including a revision from below to above knee amputation, drainage of a hematoma, and a wound debridement within the first year. Over the 1 year follow up period, 3 patients died for a mortality of 19%. There were no reinfections during follow-up.

Discussion

Prosthetic graft infection is a rare but serious vascular surgery complication. The causative organism has shifted in the last few years to become increasingly drug resistant. Treatment requires excision, and bovine tissue has been demonstrated to provide a safe and durable method of repair.
Constructivist Grounded Theory to Establish the Relationship Between Technical Error and Adverse Patient Outcome: Modeling Technical Error and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Kanjilal Debolina , Mahmud Fizza , Sutkin Gary
Published: November 2020

Background

Preventable intraoperative errors have the potential to lead to adverse events. Our objective was to build a conceptual model of the relationship between minute technical errors performed by the surgeon and adverse patient outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We used constructivist grounded theory methodology to build a model for the avoidance of technical errors. We used the Observational Clinical Human Reliability Assessment system, which categorizes granular, technical intraoperative errors, as our conceptual framework. We iteratively interviewed surgeons from multiple adult and pediatric surgical specialties, refined our semi-structured interview, and developed a conceptual model. Our model remained stable after interviewing 11 surgeons, and we reviewed it with earlier interviewed surgeons.

Results

Our conceptual model helps us understand how technical errors can be associated with adverse outcomes and is applicable to a broad range of surgical steps. Each technical error is defined by a unique improper technical motion that without a compensatory response, it may lead to 1 or more discreet adverse outcomes. Our model includes 5 primary defenses against an adverse outcome, including perfect technique, recognizing imperfect technique, adequately correcting imperfect technique, recognizing an adverse event, and adequately compensating for an adverse event. It includes multiple examples of compensating for a technical error, resulting in a near miss.

Discussion

Our conceptual model suggests that adverse patient outcomes can be related to minute technical deviations in surgical technique and provides a basis to study these preventable errors. Our model can also be used to develop intraoperative strategies to prevent these technical surgical errors.
Rewarding On Time Start Times in Operating Rooms Improves Efficiency
Authors: Jreije Karim , Sachdeva Shireen , Cull Marites , Diaz Graal , Romero Javier , Schweitzer Jeremy
Published: November 2020

Background

The average cost of running an operating room (OR) is approximately $37.00 a minute. Therefore, every effort should be made to start in a timely manner. There are several factors at play that can cause OR delays. Attaining consistent start times is a multidisciplinary task, which requires good communication and rewards for efficiency.

Methods

At our institution, a “star system” was implemented to improve compliance with timely start times. All OR staff (scrub tech, OR nurse, anesthesiologist, and physician) get 1 star for every on time start. Once a person attains 10 stars, they are awarded a $20 gift card to a local bakery/coffee shop.

Results

There was a significant difference in the 3 months pre- and post-implementation of the star system in regard to starting on time (54% vs. 71%, P-value .047), and there were significantly less late starts within 6-10 minutes (14% vs. 4%, P-value = <.01). There was no statistically significant difference in late starts >11 minutes or when comparing days of the week. The most common reasons for delay are as follows: surgeon running late (23%), anesthesiologist tardiness (11%), patient is late (9%), preoperative orders, or test not completed (7%).

Conclusion

The significant increase in the number of cases that start on time after implementation of the star system leads us to believe that late start times are multifactorial, and that incentives are a positive way to encourage the OR team to start on time.
Social–Emotional Characteristics and Adjustment of Accelerated University Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schuur Jolande , van Weerdenburg Marjolijn , Hoogeveen Lianne , Kroesbergen Evelyn H.
Published: November 2020

Gifted students who experienced grade-based acceleration in primary or secondary education have to meet the challenges of adjusting to university at a younger age than students who did not accelerate. This systematic review critically evaluates the research on social–emotional characteristics and adjustment of these gifted accelerated university students. Based on a review of 22 studies, we may conclude that accelerated students did not differ very much in domains of social–emotional characteristics from their nonaccelerated gifted and nongifted peers. Factors that facilitated adjustment and well-being were cheerfulness, resilience, self-efficacy, a positive self-concept, high prior academic achievement, and supportive family environment. Furthermore, it was found that studies were incomplete in reporting the previous acceleration experiences of the students and that research on students who individually accelerated by 1 or 2 years was scarce. Future research should include individually accelerated students, previous acceleration experiences, gender differences, and comparison groups.
Forced displacement and climate change: Time for global governance
Authors: McCarney Rosemary , Kent Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Climate change and its relatively slow-onset effects like sea level rise, desertification, and water salinization and associated sudden onset effects like floods, hurricanes and droughts, is perhaps the major emerging risk to rich and poor nations and the most vulnerable people within them. But the current system of global governance is entirely insufficient to cope with, let alone effectively respond to, the looming crisis of climate displacement. This policy brief discusses the current state of the global governance of climate displacement and identifies a number of substantive and organizational legal and policy elements in need of rapid implementation and development. The intent of this brief is to inform public debate and policy discourse on the challenges and opportunities toward improving the global governance of climate displacement.
Insights into Community Attitudes and Perceptions at Borakalalo National Park, South Africa
Authors: Gordon-Cumming Ian , Mearns Kevin
Published: November 2020

Meaningful community participation is core to the long-term success of protected areas. Hence, it is important to understand what drives neighbouring community attitudes and perceptions. This study sought to determine local community attitudes towards conservation and protected areas, as well as their perceptions of benefits and participation at Borakalalo National Park. Semi-structured interviews were held with experienced park officials, while a structured household survey and focus group discussions were conducted across five surrounding villages. The results highlighted a number of interesting findings, including widespread support for biodiversity conservation and protected areas offset by considerable negativity towards Borakalalo itself. It was also determined, despite stated co-management policies, community residents perceived there was little meaningful participation and benefits were poorly communicated and unfairly distributed. Pragmatic suggestions were made for jointly developing more effective participation with the communities, despite limited available resources.
A Model for Syphilis Screening in the Emergency Department
Authors: Yax Justin A. , Niforatos Joshua D. , Summers Daniel L. , Bigach Margaret H. , Schmotzer Christine , Gripshover Barbara M. , Avery Ann
Published: November 2020

The incidence of syphilis infections is on the rise, particularly among African American men and men who have sex with men, and it is reaching epidemic levels in these communities throughout the United States. Although syphilis is relatively inexpensive to treat and cure and is a predictor for HIV incidence among men and transgender women who have sex with men, rates of co-screening for syphilis are low in the emergency department setting, with a dearth of literature on this topic since the 1990s and early 2000s. In this case study, we describe an operational model for routine syphilis screening implemented in June 2017 at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. We describe the advantages of screening using a reverse testing algorithm rather than the traditional method and the necessity of partnering with the Cleveland Department of Public Health for both diagnostic and follow-up logistics.
Prothrombotic Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiu Yue , Li Xiaodan , Zhang Xin , Wang Wei , Chen Jun , Liu Yali , Fang Xiaolian , Ni Xin , Zhang Jie , Wang Shengcai , Tai Jun
Published: November 2020

Background:

Previous studies revealed that the prothrombotic factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain controversial.

Aim/Objective:

The aim of the systematic review is to elucidate the relationship between prothrombotic factors and OSA.

Materials and Methods:

This systematic review was performed under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The literature we investigated was extracted from 4 main medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases) as of February 2020. We used significant weighted mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs from random-effects model.

Results:

A total of 15 studies comprising 2190 patients were available for the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that the levels of fibrinogen (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.26 to 1.65, P = .000), vascular endothelial growth factor (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = −0.90 to 1.63, P = .000), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.92, P = .040) increased in patients with OSA. There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of d-dimer ( P = .108) and platelet counts ( P = .233). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that specimen types and age could account for the heterogeneity.

Conclusions and Significance:

This meta-analysis indicated the relationship between prothrombotic factors in OSA hypopnea. Obstructive sleep apnea–related effects may underline the importance of considering the dysfunction of the hemostatic system. The prothrombotic factors in OSA can influence making a choice of appropriate therapy.
Rectal Cancer With Synchronous Tonsillar Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Yen-Jung , Chen Chih-Tien , Hsieh Yao-Wen , Wu Shang-Heng
Published: November 2020

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally and nearly one fourth of distant metastases are found at the time of the primary diagnosis. Synchronous metastasis of colorectal cancer to the palatine tonsil is rare. To date, only 5 cases have been published in the English literature. In such cases, the prognosis is worse than in other common metastatic sites. Herein, we report a case of rectal adenocarcinoma who presented with a tonsillar mass initially.
Multisite Analysis of Lesions in the Respiratory Tract of the Rat and Nonhuman Primate (Cynomolgus Monkey) Exposed to Air, Vehicle, and Inhaled Small Molecule Compounds
Authors: Gregori Michela , Naylor Stuart W. , Freke Mark C. , Chamanza Ronnie , Piaia Alessandro , Hall A. Peter
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a review of the nature, range, and incidences of background pathology findings in the respiratory tract of cynomolgus monkeys and rats. Data were collected from 81 inhalation studies and 133 non-inhalation studies evaluated at 3 geographically distinct contract research organization facilities. The inhalation studies were comprised of 44 different small molecule pharmaceuticals or chemicals which were also analyzed in order to understand the patterns of induced changes within the respiratory tract. The lung was the most frequently affected organ in both species, with increased alveolar macrophages being the most common background and test article–related finding. In the upper respiratory tract (URT), inflammatory cell infiltrates were the most common background findings in the nasal cavity in monkeys. Induced URT findings were more frequent in rats than monkeys, with squamous metaplasia in the larynx, and goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal cavity being the most common. Overall, the data revealed a limited pattern of response to inhaled molecules in the respiratory tract, with background and test article–related findings often occurring in the same regions. It is hoped that these data will assist in the interpretation of findings in the respiratory tract induced by novel inhaled small molecule entities.
Semiquantitative Methods for GFP Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization to Evaluate AAV Transduction of Mouse Retinal Cells Following Subretinal Injection
Authors: Bondarenko Gennadiy , Sorden Steven D. , Christian Brian J. , Webster Sharron , Sharma Alok K.
Published: November 2020

The goal of this study was to develop methods for the evaluation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GFP transcript biodistribution in paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (PFPE) eye sections to assess the effectiveness of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery in an experimental ocular toxicity study. Female C57BL/6NTac mice were administered AAV2-enhancedGFP vector once via subretinal injection. One group also received anti-inflammatory therapy (meloxicam). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for GFP were performed on PFPE serial eye sections and evaluated using semiquantitative methods. On day 43, GFP labeling in both IHC and ISH sections was greatest in the retinal pigment epithelium, compared with other retinal layers in which expression was negative to moderate. Despite the presence of IHC GFP labeling in the photoreceptor layer (PRL) in some animals, only low numbers of transduced cells were detected by ISH in the PRL. Simultaneous analysis of IHC and ISH may be needed for comprehensive assessment of gene transduction and protein biodistribution. This study demonstrates approaches for semiquantitative evaluation of IHC and ISH that allow interpretation and reporting of GFP expression in toxicity studies.
Gender Representation in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Recognition Awards
Authors: Zambare Wini V. , Sobin Lindsay , Messner Anna , Levi Jessica R. , Tracy Jeremiah C. , Tracy Lauren F.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The proportion of women in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) has steadily increased in recent years. This study examines gender representation in recognition awards given by OHNS societies between 2009 and 2019.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of recognition awards given by 10 OHNS societies between 2009 and 2019.

Setting

Retrospective review of web‐based, public records.

Methods

Data from 19 awards were analyzed for recipient gender ratio, society, subspecialty, award type (research, achievement, or humanitarian), and change over time.

Results

Of 184 awards given by societies in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, 59 (28%) were given to women. Women received 49 (28%) research awards, 9 (31%) humanitarian awards, and 1 (2.8%) achievement award. Women represented 31% of award winners in rhinology/skull base, 30% of award winners in head and neck surgery, 8% in neurotology, and 6% in facial plastic surgery. The American Head and Neck Society Prevention and Early Detection award had the highest representation of women at 43%. Some awards had no female awardees over the past decade. No temporal trends were observed.

Conclusion

From 2009 to 2019, women received recognition awards at a higher percentage than overall gender representation in OHNS. Comparison of research, humanitarian, and achievement awards revealed the disparity of women receiving fewer achievement awards relative to men. Gender representation of award recipients varied by subspecialty, which may be partially determined by gender distribution within the fields.
Sinonasal Outcome Scores and Imaging: A Concurrent Assessment of Factors Influencing Their Association
Authors: Zhou Allen S. , Prince Anthony A. , Maxfield Alice Z. , Corrales C. Eduardo , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The overall discriminatory ability of validated instrument scores for computed tomography (CT) findings of chronic rhinosinusitis has limitations and may be modified by multiple factors. To support optimal methods for assessment, we studied which factors could influence this relationship, including the concurrent impact of multiple discrete CT scoring mechanisms, colocalized imaging findings, and nasal comorbid conditions.

Study Design

Observational outcomes study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

Patients with sinonasal complaints who completed the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and underwent CT were included. Multivariate ordinal regression was utilized to assess associations. CT data were quantified with the Lund‐Mackay system, Zinreich system, and a direct measure of maximal mucosal thickness. The impact of incidental findings (mucous retention cysts, periapical dental disease) and nasal comorbid conditions was also assessed.

Results

A total of 233 patients were included. SNOT‐22 nasal scores were significantly associated with CT results when those with incidental findings were excluded, regardless of the radiologic scoring mechanism utilized: Lund‐Mackay regression coefficient, 0.321 (P =. 046); Zinreich, 0.340 (P =. 033); and maximum mucosal thickness, 0.316 (P =. 040). This relationship subsided when incidental findings were present. SNOT‐22 overall scores, sleep scores, and psychological domain scores had no significant association with imaging results, regardless of radiologic scoring system utilized. Nasal comorbid conditions had inconsistent associations.

Conclusions

SNOT‐22 nasal domain scores were associated with all 3 radiologic scoring systems when incidental findings were absent but not when they were present. Delineating the presence or absence of these colocalized findings affected the relationship between SNOT‐22 scores and radiological results, beyond other concurrent factors.
Outcomes of patients with acute prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis
Authors: Malvindi Pietro Giorgio , Olevano Carlo , Luthra Suvitesh , Tsang Geoffrey , Barlow Clifford , Ohri Sunil
Published: November 2020

Background

Prosthetic valve endocarditis is burdened by high mortality and morbidity. We reviewed our experience in the management of patients with acute prosthetic aortic valve infection and studied the implications and outcomes associated with surgical treatment and medical therapy.

Methods

Data of 118 consecutive patients admitted during the period 2008–2018 with definite acute prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis, and presenting a surgical indication, were retrieved from the hospital database. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken to study the association of preoperative characteristics with hospital mortality and the probability of undergoing a reoperation. Survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

In the overall population, prosthesis dehiscence was independently associated with the possibility of undergoing surgical reoperation, while presentation with embolic stroke was associated with medical treatment. Hospital mortality was 24%, medical treatment was found to be independently associated with early death. One hundred (85%) patients underwent redo procedures; aortic valve replacement was performed in 53 and full root replacement in 47. Postoperative hospital mortality was 17%. Survival at 1-, 5-, and 8-years was 78%, 74%, and 66%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation and recurrent endocarditis was 95% at 8-year follow-up. Hospital mortality in patients who did not receive a redo operation was 61% with a survival rate of 17% at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Surgical mortality after reoperation for prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis is still high but mid-term outcomes are satisfactory. Failure to undertake surgery when indicated is an independent risk factor for early death.
A combination of insecure attachment patterns in a relationship and its quality: The role of relationship length
Authors: Kuncewicz Dariusz , Kuncewicz Dorota , Mroziński Błażej , Stawska Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

Most studies confirm that a combination of insecure attachment patterns in a couple has a negative effect on a romantic relationship. However, some research findings suggest otherwise. It is because they do not take account of relationship length as a moderating variable. The aim of this study was to examine the role of relationship length in predicting the effects of a combination of insecure attachment patterns on different aspects of its quality. The study involved 200 heterosexual couples. We used the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire to measure insecure attachment patterns (anxiety and avoidance) and the Couple Satisfaction Index-32 to determine relationship satisfaction. The other aspects of relationship quality (tenderness, communication, conflict behavior) were examined by means of the Partnership Questionnaire. The key results showed that with time the selected indicators of relationship quality deteriorate in a combination of anxious and avoidant patterns, while they improve in a combination of both anxious patterns.
The stories couples live by
Authors: Dunlop William L. , Bühler Janina Larissa , Maghsoodi Amir , Harake Nicole , Wilkinson Dulce , McAdams Dan P.
Published: November 2020

Within social and personality psychology, researchers interested in narrative and storytelling have most often considered participants’ life stories, or narrative identities. This focus has led to the construction of the “narrative identity approach,” a conceptual and empirical paradigm tailored to assessing participants’ storied sense of self. Narrative processing is a common route by which individuals understand not only themselves, their lives, and variety of social phenomena, including their romantic relationships. As such, we argue on behalf of the application of the narrative identity approach to the study of romantic relationships. In this paper, an overview of the theoretical and methodological components of this approach is presented. This is followed by a summary of a preliminary study piloting a method for assessing the story-based identity couple members have constructed about their current romantic relationships. Twenty female-male couples completed an interview assessing the story of their romantic relationships. These interviews were administered individually, such that each couple member provided his or her stories separately and privately. Associations between the affective features of these stories, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction are explored. Those who disclosed affectively positive stories tended to report lower levels of avoidant attachment and higher levels of relationship satisfaction. The narrative identity approach represents a noteworthy resource for relationship researchers that will be useful for future research on romantic relationships.