bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Stable Lithiophilic Ag Modification Layer on Copper Current Collector for High Coulombic-Efficiency Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Xia He-yi , Wang Dong-lei , Wang Yu-ke , Fu Zheng-wen
Published: May 2023

High energy-density lithium metal batteries will be crucial in improving the driving range and promoting electric vehicles. The lithophilic modification layer is usually introduced to improve CE and cycle stability. However, the stability of the lithophilic modified layer in long-term cycling and lithophilic modification strategies for anode current collectors in all-solid-state anode-free lithium batteries are rarely investigated. Here, we prove the failure process of the silver lithophilic modified layer towards lithium metal anode through electrochemical cycling in liquid electrolytes. Combined with EIS, SEM, and XPS analysis, the failure is due to the formation of SEI on the Ag surface and the silver particles’ peeling off from the current collector during cycling, which forms “dead silver.” And we construct carbon-incorporated lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiCPON) -based all-solid-state Li/Cu half-cells to evaluate the stability of the lithophilic Ag layer. The introduction of Ag between solid electrolyte (LiCPON) and current collector enables the long-term cycle (367th) of all-solid-state Li/Cu half cells with high CE. Our work clarifies the issue of Ag deactivation and provides a method for evaluating modified layers’ use and building stable electrolyte/anode interfaces in all-solid-state anode-free lithium batteries.
Early Prediction of Shiraz Wine Quality Based on Small Volatile Compounds in Grapes
Authors: Luo Jiaqiang , Selby-Pham Jamie , Wise Kimber , Wu Yinhao , Sun Jiacan , Qu Yameng , Cao Tian , Zhang Pangzhen , Marriott Philip J. , Howell Kate
Published: May 2023

Wine producers perform early wine quality prediction based on berry morphology, the taste of the berry and the measurement of basic chemical parameters. Incorporating analysis on grape and wine volatiles could potentially achieve a more accurate prediction of wine quality, but forming these models requires careful selection of grapes, controlled fermentations, and standardised quality assessment. Here, we present 3 models for the prediction of quality in Shiraz wine. Modelling was performed by general regression analysis with 4-fold cross-validation: Model 1 (R2 = 99.97% and 4-foldR2 = 97.61%) for prediction of wine quality from wine volatiles, Model 2 (R2 = 99.89% and 4-foldR2 = 98.42%) for early prediction of wine quality from free-bound and glycosidically bound grape volatiles, and Model 3 (R2 = 91.62% and 4-foldR2 = 80.21%) for the prediction of wine quality from free grape volatiles only. The accuracy of these models presents an advancement in the early prediction of wine quality and provides a valuable tool to assist grape growers and winemakers to support the understanding of quality in the vineyard to better direct scarce resources.
Multiple Intraosseous Cysts of the Carpal Bones Presenting as Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Dahdouh Raymonde , Aouad Dany , Kiwan Elyssa , Sakhat Georges , Daher Mohammad , Kortbawi Rabih , Wehbe Joseph
Published: May 2023

Intraosseous ganglion cysts (IGC) of the carpal bones are frequently reported in the literature, involving at most two carpal bones of the same wrist. Only one case recently described the presence of multiple intraosseous ganglion lesions in the capitate, lunate, and triquetrum, resulting in chronic wrist pain. The following study reports the first case of multiple IGCs causing a unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), in a 56-year-old woman, with no previous history of trauma. Failure of conservative management prompted carpal tunnel release and the surgical excision of the ICGs, followed by autologous bone grafting to fill in the defects. Consequently, IGCs must be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral CTS due to the expansile nature of the bone lesions.
LEOPARD Syndrome with a Sporadic PTPN11 Mutation in a Saudi Patient
Authors: Alshamrani Hussein M. , Assaedi Luai M. , Bahattab Jumanah A. , Mohammad Abdulrahman M. , Abdulghani Magdy R.
Published: May 2023

LEOPARD syndrome (LS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited or sporadic genetic disorder caused commonly by missense mutations in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase-nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11) gene. Due to its rarity and a high chance of misdiagnosis, the epidemiological profile of LS is poorly established. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report with a documented PTPN11 gene mutation in Saudi Arabia.
Molecular Characterization of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor (pIgR) and Expression Response to Vibrio harveyi Challenge in Leopard Coral Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus)
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Yang , Zhang Ziwei , Li Kaimin , Zhou Qian , Zhang Tianshi , Liang You , Zhu Chunhua , Chen Songlin
Published: May 2023

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the primary antibody in fish, which is transported from epithelial cells into the external secretion system by polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). In this study, the full length of IgM and pIgR complementary DNA sequences from leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) was characterized, and their expression levels under Vibrio harveyi infection were studied. cDNA sequence analysis showed that the pl-IgM heavy chain cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1797 bp encoding a polypeptide of 597 amino acids consisting of a signal peptide, a variable region, and 4 constant regions. pl-pIgR (1041 bp) encodes 346 amino acids with 2 Ig-like domains (ILDs). The expression levels of pl-IgM and pl-pIgR in healthy fish were mainly in the intestine and spleen of fish, which indicates the relationship between the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue and system lymphoid tissue. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of pl-IgM and pl-pIgR were significantly increased in the intestine, head kidney, spleen, and liver after V. harveyi infection. The cDNA sequences of two ILDs were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant pl-pIgR protein had antibacterial function against V. harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus at 200 ng/μl. Our results indicate that pl-IgM and pl-pIgR are involved in the mucosal-associated immune and systemic immune response in the antibacterial immunity of leopard coral grouper.
Supplementary Table S1 from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table S1 shows characteristics of studies included in the meta-analysis.
Supplementary Table 11 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 11 includes the proportion of time covered measures for the entire cohort, by surveillance type and by payer.
Data from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Sex hormones may influence the development of gastrointestinal cancer, but evidence is inconsistent.
Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase databases to identify prospective studies examining associations between prediagnostic circulating levels of sex hormones and risk of five gastrointestinal cancers: esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random-effects models.
Results: Among 16,879 identified studies, 29 were included (11 cohort, 15 nested case-control, and 3 case-cohort studies). Comparing the highest versus lowest tertiles, levels of most sex hormones were not associated with the studied tumors. Higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were associated with increased risk of gastric cancer (OR=1.35; 95%CI, 1.06-1.72), but such associations were restricted in men only (OR=1.43; 95%CI, 1.10-1.85) when stratified by sex. Higher SHBG levels were associated with increased risk of liver cancer (OR=2.07; 95%CI, 1.40-3.06). Higher testosterone levels were associated with increased risk of liver cancer overall (OR=2.10; 95%CI, 1.48-2.96), particularly in men (OR=2.63; 95%CI, 1.65-4.18), Asian populations (OR=3.27; 95%CI, 1.57-6.83) and in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive individuals (OR=3.90; 95%CI, 1.43-10.64). Higher levels of SHBG and testosterone were associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer in men (OR=0.89; 95%CI, 0.80-0.98 and OR=0.88; 95%CI, 0.80-0.97, respectively) but not in women.
Conclusions: Circulating levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone may influence the risk of gastric, liver, and colorectal cancer.
Impact: Further clarifying the role of sex hormones in the development of gastrointestinal cancer may unravel future novel targets for prevention and treatment.
Data from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010-2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Jonsson Funk Michele , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A Sidney. , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance is underutilized, with <25% of individuals with cirrhosis receiving surveillance exams as recommended. The epidemiology of cirrhosis and HCC in the US has also shifted in recent years, but little is known about recent trends in surveillance utilization. We characterized patterns of HCC surveillance by payer, cirrhosis etiology, and calendar year in insured individuals with cirrhosis.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals with cirrhosis using claims data from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans in North Carolina. We included individuals ≥18 years with a first occurrence of an ICD-9/10 code for cirrhosis between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2018. The outcome was HCC surveillance by abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. We estimated 1- and 2-year cumulative incidences for HCC surveillance and assessed longitudinal adherence to surveillance by computing the proportion of time covered (PTC).

Results. Among 46,052 individuals, 71% were enrolled through Medicare, 15% through Medicaid, and 14% through private insurance. The overall 1-year cumulative incidence of HCC surveillance was 49% and the 2-year cumulative incidence was 55%. For those with an initial screen in the first six months of their cirrhosis diagnosis, the median 2-year PTC was 67% (Q1, 38%; Q3, 100%).
Conclusion. HCC surveillance initiation after cirrhosis diagnosis remains low, though it has improved slightly over time, particularly among individuals with Medicaid.

Impact. This study provides insight into recent trends in HCC surveillance and highlights areas to target for future interventions, particularly among patients with non-viral etiologies.
Data from Incidence trends and survival in early-onset esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: A Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Radkiewicz Cecilia , Asplund Johannes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Early-onset adenocarcinomas of different sites are increasing in high-income countries, data on esophagogastric adenocarcinoma are sparse.
Methods: We performed a Swedish population-based cohort study over 1993-2019 to delineate differences in incidence and survival in early-onset (age 20-54 years) compared to later-onset (55-99 years) esophageal, cardia, and non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. Temporal incidence trends were quantified as annual percentage changes (APC) and survival differences as excess mortality rate ratios (EMRR) using Poisson regression and including 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Among 27,854 esophagogastric adenocarcinoma patients, 2576 were early-onset whereof 470 were esophageal, 645 were cardia, and 1461 were non-cardia gastric. Except non-cardia gastric, the male predominance was larger in early- compared to later-onset disease. Advanced stage and signet ring cell morphology were more common among early-onset patients. Early- and later-onset APC estimates were comparable and esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence increased, cardia remained stable, and non-cardia gastric decreased. Early-onset patients had better survival than later-onset, which was amplified when adjusting for prognostic factors including stage (adjusted EMRR 0.73 [95% CI 0.63-0.85] in esophageal, 0.75 [95% CI 0.65-0.86] in cardia, and 0.67 [95% CI 0.61-0.74] in non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma). The early-onset survival advantage was more pronounced in localized stages 0-II (all sites) and women (esophageal and non-cardia gastric).
Conclusions: We found no major differences in incidence trends comparing early- and later-onset esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Despite unfavorable prognostic features, early-onset esophagogastric adenocarcinoma survival was better than later-onset, particularly in localized stages and women.
Impact: Our findings suggest delayed diagnosis in younger individuals and especially men.
Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Profiling Defines Three Immune Subtypes of NSCLC with Distinct Signaling Pathways and Genetic Alterations
Authors: Aoki Kazunori , Nishito Yukari , Motoi Noriko , Arai Yasuhito , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Sonobe Yukiko , Kayukawa Yoko , Hashimoto Eri , Takahashi Mina , Fujii Etsuko , Nishizawa Takashi , Fukuda Hironori , Ohashi Kana , Arai Kosuke , Mizoguchi Yukihiro , Yoshida Yukihiro , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Sakamoto Hiromi , Nagata Yuki , Mitsumori Risa , Ozaki Kouichi , Niida Shumpei , Kanai Yae , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Maruyama Toru , Tsukada Keisuke , Yabuki Nami , Shimada Mei , Kitazawa Takehisa , Natori Osamu , Sawada Noriaki , Kato Atsuhiko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Yasuda Kazuki , Mizuno Hideaki , Tsunoda Hiroyuki , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade remains challenging in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) quantity, composition, and activation status profoundly influence responsiveness to cancer immunotherapy. This study examined the immune landscape in the NSCLC tumor microenvironment by analyzing TIL profiles of 281 fresh resected NSCLC tissues. Unsupervised clustering based on numbers and percentages of 30 TIL types classified adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSQ) into the cold, myeloid cell–dominant, and CD8+ T cell–dominant subtypes. These were significantly correlated with patient prognosis; the myeloid cell subtype had worse outcomes than the others. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses, including RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, T-cell receptor repertoire, and metabolomics of tumor tissue, revealed that immune reaction–related signaling pathways were inactivated, while the glycolysis and K-ras signaling pathways activated in LUAD and LUSQ myeloid cell subtypes. Cases with ALK and ROS1 fusion genes were enriched in the LUAD myeloid subtype, and the frequency of TERT copy-number variations was higher in LUSQ myeloid subtype than in the others. These classifications of NSCLC based on TIL status may be useful for developing personalized immune therapies for NSCLC.

Significance:

The precise TIL profiling classified NSCLC into novel three immune subtypes that correlates with patient outcome, identifying subtype-specific molecular pathways and genomic alterations that should play important roles in constructing subtype-specific immune tumor microenvironments. These classifications of NSCLC based on TIL status are useful for developing personalized immune therapies for NSCLC.
Entrevista com Helmut Kopetzky: o feature radiofônico
Authors: Schacht Rakelly Calliari , Schacht Eduardo Calliari , Ferraz Nivaldo
Published: May 2023

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A Macaronic Hebrew-Greek-Turkish Poem from the First Printed Karaite Prayerbook, Venice 1528
Authors: Shapira Dan , Vinogradov Andrey
Published: May 2023

In this short article we publish, with translations, a macaronic Hebrew cum Middle Greek religious poem, accompanied by a refrain in Ottoman Turkish, all written in Hebrew characters and fully vocalized. The text comes from a Karaite prayerbook printed in Venice in 1528 on behalf of the Constantinople Karaite community. This poem and its origins played a role in different manipulations of Karaite identities and history during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Narrating Economic History and the History of Economic Thought in Urdu
Authors: Siddiqui Osama
Published: May 2023

Muḥammad Ilyās Barnī’s (1890–1959) ʿIlm ul-Maʿīshat (The Principles of Economics) is an economics textbook that was published in Aligarh in 1917 and claimed to be the first book of economics in Urdu. In the chapter selected for translation here, Barnī narrates the history of India’s trade relationship with Europe, showing how European colonialism exploited Indian industry and gradually placed it in a position of economic subordination. The accompanying introduction to the translation provides a brief overview of Barnī’s life and works, placing the book in the context of his writings on Islam, ethics, and economics. It also situates the book in the larger context of Indian economic thought in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly within debates on poverty, protectionism, and Indian trade. Ultimately, the introduction argues that the study of economic thought and economic history in Urdu reveals a key facet of early twentieth-century language politics in India by highlighting the project of making Urdu a language of social scientific modernity, while also pointing to the development of a vernacular economic critique of empire that became increasingly influential in colonial politics at the turn of the century.
Democratic Peace beyond Westphalia: Kang and Kant
Authors: Hutton Ferris Daniel
Published: May 2023

This piece brings into dialogue two philosophically profound and hugely influential texts on the nature and requisites of international peace: Immanuel Kant’s “Towards Perpetual Peace” (zum Ewigen Frieden) and Kang Youwei’s 康有为 Book of Great Unity 大同书. Both texts articulate bold visions of a world without international war and embed concrete institutional plans for establishing peace within strongly progressivist philosophies of history. But Kang and Kant disagree in some crucial respects. Most significantly: whilst Kant imagines a liberal peace between sovereign states, Kang argues that enduring pacification would have to be enforced by a communitarian and deliberative democratic polity spanning the earth. Reading the Book of Great Unity alongside “Perpetual Peace” raises timely and challenging questions for contemporary Kantians and, more generally, for liberal internationalist political theorists and scholars of international relations.
Geometridae (Lepidoptera) of the Baikal region: identification keys and annotated catalogue with notes to DNA barcoding. Part 2. Archiearinae, Geometrinae, Sterrhinae
Authors: MAKHOV ILYA
Published: May 2023

Dichotomous keys to 19 genera and 67 species of Archiearinae (2 genera, 3 species), Geometrinae (9 genera, 14 species) and Sterrhinae (8 genera, 50 species) of the Baikal region (Irkutskaya Oblast and Buryatia, Siberia) are given. The annotated catalogue including synonyms, the details of examined specimens, data on distribution and foodplants with references is provided. Distribution of Comibaena amoenaria (Oberthür, 1883) and Idaea falckii (Hedemann, 1879) in China is established. Lectotypes are designated for Hemistola zimmermanni and Hemistola intermedia Djakonov, 1926. Hemistola intermedia is synonymized with H. zimmermanni (syn. n.). Some taxonomic aspects of Hemistola zimmermanni (Hedemann, 1879), Idaea dohlmanni (Hedemann, 1881), Rhodostrophia jacularia (Hübner, [1813]) and Timandra griseata W. Petersen, 1902 are discussed. Results of DNA barcoding of ten species (Comibaena amoenaria (Oberthür, 1880), Hemistola zimmermanni, Thalera chlorosaria (Graeser, 1890), Chlorissa obliterata (Walker, 1863), Cleta jacutica Viidalepp, 1976, Idaea dohlmanni (Hedemann, 1881), Scopula agutsaensis Vasilenko, 1997, S. impersonata Walker, 1861, S. immutata (Linnaeus, 1758) and Scopula ornata (Scopoli, 1763)) are considered. Three cases of misidentifications and an erroneous association of species and its genitalia illustration in the public sources are recognized and corrected.
Tropical Indian Ocean Mixed Layer Bias in CMIP6 CGCMs Primarily Attributed to the AGCM Surface Wind Bias
Authors: Feng Jie , Lian Tao , Chen Dake
Published: May 2023

The relatively weak sea surface temperature bias in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) simulated in the coupled general circulation model (CGCM) from the recently released CMIP6 has been found to be important in model simulations of regional and global climate. However, the cause of the bias is debated because the bias is strongly model dependent and shows marked seasonality. In this study, we separate the bias in CGCMs into bias arising from oceanic GCMs (OGCMs) and bias that is independent of OGCMs using a set of CMIP6 and OMIP6 models. We found that OGCMs contribute little to mixed layer bias in the CGCMs. The OGCM-independent bias exhibits a large-scale cold mixed layer bias in the TIO throughout the year, with an unexpectedly high degree of model consistency. By conducting a set of OGCM experiments, we show that the OGCM-independent mixed layer bias is caused mainly by surface wind bias in the utilized CGCMs. About 89% of surface wind bias in the CGCMs is due to the inability of atmospheric GCMs (AGCMs), whereas atmosphere–ocean coupling in the CGCMs has only a minor influence on surface wind bias. The bias in surface wind is also found to be the cause of subsurface temperature bias besides the ocean dynamics such as vertical mixing and vertical shear in currents. Our results indicate that correcting TIO mixed layer bias in CGCMs requires improvement in the capability of AGCM in simulating the climatological surface winds.

Significance Statement

We aimed to discover the cause of temperature bias in the Indian Ocean in CMIP6 models. The bias was separated into oceanic model and ocean-model-independent bias to correspond exactly to bias caused by the oceanic model and by the atmospheric model and coupling, respectively. Oceanic bias contributes little to bias in CMIP6, but ocean-model-independent bias explains the CMIP6 bias throughout the year. We ran oceanic model experiments to show that surface wind bias causes ocean-model-independent temperature bias in the entire TIO and subsurface temperature bias in some areas of the Indian Ocean. We further found that 89% of surface wind bias originates from the atmospheric model. The results improve our understanding of the cause of the bias in the Indian Ocean and show that our method of bias separation is effective for attributing the source of bias to different proposed mechanisms.
Field Measures Are All You Need: Predicting Need for Surgery in Elderly Ground-Level Fall Patients via Machine Learning
Authors: Shooshani Tara , Pooladzandi Omead , Nguyen Andrew , Shipley Jonathan H. , Harris Mark H. , Hovis Gabrielle E. A. , Barrios Cristobal
Published: May 2023

Background

As ground-level falls (GLFs) are a significant cause of mortality in elderly patients, field triage plays an essential role in patient outcomes. This research investigates how machine learning algorithms can supplement traditional t-tests to recognize statistically significant patterns in medical data and to aid clinical guidelines.

Methods

This is a retrospective study using data from 715 GLF patients over 75 years old. We first calculated P-values for each recorded factor to determine the factor’s significance in contributing to a need for surgery ( P < .05 is significant). We then utilized the XGBoost machine learning method to rank contributing factors. We applied SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values to interpret the feature importance and provide clinical guidance via decision trees.

Results

The three most significant P-values when comparing patients with and without surgery are as follows: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ( P < .001), no comorbidities ( P < .001), and transfer-in ( P = .019). The XGBoost algorithm determined that GCS and systolic blood pressure contribute most strongly. The prediction accuracy of these XGBoost results based on the test/train split was 90.3%.

Discussion

When compared to P-values, XGBoost provides more robust, detailed results regarding the factors that suggest a need for surgery. This demonstrates the clinical applicability of machine learning algorithms. Paramedics can use resulting decision trees to inform medical decision-making in real time. XGBoost’s generalizability power increases with more data and can be tuned to prospectively assist individual hospitals.
Income and Terrorism: Insights From Subnational Data
Authors: Jetter Michael , Mahmood Rafat , Stadelmann David
Published: May 2023

This paper first introduces a theoretical formalization connecting a polity’s income level to terrorism. Our framework can accommodate different underlying assumptions about individual- and society-level grievances, yielding competing hypotheses. We then construct a panel database to study terrorism for 1527 subnational regions in 75 countries between 1970 and 2014. Results consistently imply an inverted U-shape that remains robust to incorporating a comprehensive set of region-level covariates, region- and time-fixed effects, as well as estimating an array of alternative specifications. The threat of terrorism systematically rises as low-income polities become richer, peaking at GDP/capita levels of ≈ US$12,800 (in constant 2005 PPP US$), but then falls consistently above that level. This pattern emerges for domestic and transnational terrorism alike. While peaks differ by perpetrator ideology, the inverted U shape also prevails across ideology-specific subsamples. In sum, alleviating poverty may first exacerbate terrorism, contrary to much of the proposed recipes advocated since 9/11.
Neuropsychological Function in Traumatic Brain Injury and the Influence of Chronic Pain
Authors: Cherup Nicholas P. , Robayo Linda E. , Vastano Roberta , Fleming Loriann , Levin Bonnie E. , Widerström-Noga Eva
Published: May 2023

Cognitive dysfunction, pain, and psychological morbidity all present unique challenges to those living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study we examined (a) the impact of pain across domains of attention, memory, and executive function, and (b) the relationships between pain and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in persons with chronic TBI. Our sample included 86 participants with a TBI and chronic pain ( n = 26), patients with TBI and no chronic pain ( n = 23), and a pain-free control group without TBI ( n = 37). Participants visited the laboratory and completed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests as part of a structured interview. Multivariate analysis of covariance using education as a covariate, failed to detect a significant group difference for neuropsychological composite scores of attention, memory, and executive function ( p = .165). A follow-up analysis using multiple one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for individual measures of executive function. Post-hoc testing indicated that those in both TBI groups preformed significantly worse on measures of semantic fluency when compared to controls ( p < 0.001, ηρ2 = .16). Additionally, multiple ANOVAs indicated that those with TBI and pain scored significantly worse across all psychological assessments ( p < .001). We also found significant associations between measures of pain and most psychological symptoms. A follow-up stepwise linear regression among those in the TBI pain group indicated that post concussive complaints, pain severity, and neuropathic pain symptoms differentially contributed to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These findings suggest deficits in verbal fluency among those living with chronic TBI, with results also reinforcing the multidimensional nature of pain and its psychological significance in this population.
A question of credibility: A focus group study examining the experiences of workers attending counter-terrorism training in UK crowded places
Authors: Aplin Dylan , Rogers M. Brooke
Published: May 2023

The UK authorities have exponentially increased the number of counter-terrorism (CT) training activities being delivered by the Police Service to workers in crowded places. Counter-terrorism training events are designed to help prevent attacks by raising awareness to hostile reconnaissance, assist workers to cope at the time of an incident, and aid recovery after an attack. This focus group study provided a reality check of what is happening on the ground in sessions. Eight focus groups were conducted in significant crowded places ( N = 55) and targeted workers who had already been in receipt of CT training. It found a paucity of evidence to indicate the effectiveness of CT training activities in improving the resilience of the public realm. Respondents supported the benefits of realistic and experiential training events closely related to their places of work. At the same time, they recounted how events were often poorly organised and delivered, with some CT practitioners lacking credibility. Sessions were often not based on learning need and were seldom evaluated. A series of recommendations are made to improve the credibility of CT products and their delivery, coupled with strategies to potentially aide evaluation and embedded organisational learning from events.
Making power visible: Business improvement districts and creative placemaking in Washington, DC
Authors: Schaller Susanna F. , Howe Aaron , McKinney Coy , Shoenfeld Sarah
Published: May 2023

Business improvement districts represent a privatising urban governance instrument that visibly transforms urban landscapes. In the United States, the racialised impacts of business improvement districts require examination. Through a discussion of Washington, DC, a city profoundly injured by racist planning histories, we illustrate how business improvement districts, as part of a broader entrepreneurial regime, have driven gentrification citywide since the late 1990s. Focusing on the intersection of redevelopment and ‘creative placemaking’, we make visible the contradictions embedded in this business improvement district urbanism, which has harnessed the work of a network of actors to revalorise urban space while erasing working class places and in DC, its Black cultural, political and economic space.
Virtually Hidden: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding and Conceptualising Online Drug Use Pornography
Authors: Scheibein Florian , Van Hout Marie Claire , Henriques Susana , Wells John
Published: May 2023

Online drug use pornography has been freely available through websites on the open internet for at least 7 years. Surprisingly there is almost no exploration of its nature, character or impacts on both performers and those engaging with this type of content within the research literature. Nor is it an issue that has engaged health care providers and other statutory and non-statutory agencies even though it may have implications within their respective domains. A preliminary scoping of the online environment is used to propose a theoretical framework that combines Goffman's performance theory with that of Turner and Schechner's positioning of ritual theory within performance theory, Butler's concept of performativity online and Luppichi's concept of the ‘technoself’. Utilising the proposed theoretical framework, it is postulated that the presence, performance and engagement of online drug use pornography is a social boundary testing and possibly breaking performance centred on iterative relationships between performer and consumers of this content.
Synchronization of time-varying fractional-order chaotic systems in the presence of unknown disturbance using a fast disturbance identification
Authors: Saber Gharamaleki Mona , Badamchizadeh Mohammad Ali , Ghaemi Sehraneh , Behinfaraz Reza
Published: May 2023

This paper studies the synchronization of fractional-order chaotic systems in the presence of unknown external disturbances. A new disturbance identification method using fractional-order algebraic identification is proposed to handle unknown disturbances. In order to guarantee system stability, the nonlinear state-feedback controller is designed based on the Lyapunov theory. All system parameters and orders, as well as the external disturbances, are considered time-varying in this paper. The simulation results show that the estimation of unknown disturbance is executed more quickly and accurately using the proposed method, which also leads to fast and precise synchronization of the chaotic systems. A circuit implementation is also performed to identify the unknown disturbances in a fractional-order electronic chaotic oscillator system to evaluate the practicability of the proposed approach.
Facilitate or Inhibit: Corporate Environmental Performance and Financing Costs
Authors: Wang Zongrun , Yang Lili , Ren Xiaohang , Pham Duong Phuong Thao
Published: May 2023

The proposed carbon peak and carbon neutralization goals have ushered China into an era of emissions reduction and a climate-oriented economy. With the proposed double carbon goal, China has formulated many environmental protection and green credit policies. This paper aims to assess the impact of corporate environmental performance (CEP) on financing costs, using a panel dataset of companies in China’s heavily polluting industries from 2010 to 2019. We employed fixed-effect models, moderating-effect models, and panel quantile regression (PQR) to analyze the impact, underlying mechanisms, and asymmetric features of CEP on financing costs. Our results indicate that CEP has an inhibitory effect on financing costs, with political connections strengthening this effect and GEA weakening it. Moreover, the impact exhibits asymmetry at different levels of financing costs, wherein lower financing costs see a greater weakening effect from CEP. Improved CEP helps to optimize the financing performance of companies and reduce financing costs. Therefore, policy makers and regulatory authorities should work to unblock financing channels for companies, encourage environmental investment, and remain flexible in implementing environmental policies.
Financial Inclusion and Financial Condition: The Mediating Effect of Financial Self-efficacy and Financial Literacy
Authors: Bojuwon Mustapha , Olaleye Banji Rildwan , Ojebode Aderemi Abayomi
Published: May 2023

Background:

The belief of individuals and access to useful, affordable financial resources by small and medium businesses, especially to manage their finances to improve their financial condition, is limited.

Objectives:

This study investigates the impact of financial inclusion on the financial condition of small and medium enterprises in south-west Nigeria through financial self-efficacy and financial literacy.

Methods/Approach:

This study employs the purposive sampling technique to employ a quantitative method on the active population of registered small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Two statistical software were used; statistical package for social sciences and structural equation modelling to test the mediating effect of financial self-efficacy and financial literacy on relationship between financial inclusion and financial capability of SMEs.

Results:

The component effectively measures all its constructs with the confirmatory factor analysis measure. Based on the structural model, financial inclusion directly and indirectly through financial self-efficacy and financial literacy positively influences financial capability.

Conclusion:

This shows that financial inclusion amplifies the financial condition of SMEs in south-west part of Nigeria. It was recommended that managers of the firms should encourage and implement suitable and appropriate financial inclusion strategies to enhance financial conditions. Likewise, management of the SMEs when making decision on the product and service offered should strategically create thoughtful ideals that will increase their ability to manage their financial condition through financial self-efficacy and literacy. However, it was suggested that similar studies be conducted in other sectors of the economy.
Endometriosis and Depression: A Double Agony for Women
Authors: Chandel Payal Kanwar , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Hussain Sajad , Vashistha Divya , Sharma Shreya
Published: May 2023

Background

Endometriosis is defined as a condition in which a formation of abnormal endometrial tissue outside the uterus takes place. Irrespective of any ethnic and socioeconomic class, the prevalence of the diseases has been seen among women of reproductive age. Endometriosis has been seen adversely affect the physical, psychological, social, and career of women.

This paper aims to identify and describe the experiences and outcomes of endometriosis healthcare by reviewing the existing literature on social and psychological effects of endometriosis. The study serves the purpose of providing insights on women’s dual suffering (mental and social health) and critical comments on the present state of knowledge in order to make future recommendations for psycho-social research. The review included systematic search of the articles from various disciplines like, biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc. A structured process of screening with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to select the articles. The analysis of the articles resulted that woman diagnosed with endometriosis reported poor quality of life and the following symptoms such as anxiety, stress, Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP), anxiety, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea. However, depression appears prominent among women diagnosed with endometriosis. There are few strategies mentioned that can be used to deal with endometriosis.

Key Message

The most promising causes of endometriosis include abnormality in immune functioning, atypical endometriotic growth, genetics, epigenetic, embryogenetic theory, and endocrine disruptors. The ill effects have been noted in the following domains of women’s life such as work, close relationships, social well-being, and education, deteriorating their quality-of-life manifold. Psychological intervention is required to deal with the disorder as only medical treatment with pain may not be sufficient. Though, the condition can be improved by providing awareness regarding the severity of the disorder at the school and community levels.
Hycons Renewable Private Limited: Viable Biogas Production from Paddy Straws: A Capital Budgeting Decision
Authors: Shankar Nisha , Ramdas Rajani
Published: May 2023

The case revolves around the decision to be taken by Mr Sashikant Hegde, Managing Director, Hycons Renewable Private Ltd, on the project viability of a business proposal. The proposal was to start a manufacturing plant in Punjab to produce compressed biogas using paddy straws. Hegde firmly believed that the company would do well considering the growth of the CNG market in India, as the oil and natural gas sector in India is among the top 10 core industries in the country and plays an important role in the existence of other important sectors as well. The proposal would benefit Hycons to establish its presence in northern India, but the project viability and funding of the investment remained an unanswered question.
Outcome of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Administration in Delivery Room for Neonates with ≧35 Weeks of Gestational Age with Respiratory Distress: A Randomized Control Trial in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Marathe Tanmay , Bhandankar Manisha
Published: May 2023

The sixth edition of Neonatal Resuscitation program (NRP 2011) recommends the use of delivery room Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (DR CPAP) for neonates with respiratory distress in the delivery room irrespective of gestational age. However, there is no convincing evidence of benefit of DR CPAP amongst late preterm and term neonates.

Methodology

This single center, open label, randomized control trial was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Neonates delivered with GA ≧ 35 weeks developing labored breathing in the delivery room or requiring free flow oxygen to maintain SPO2 in target range were randomized to receive DR CPAP or free flow oxygen (DR FFO). The early neonatal outcome in the DR, and for those requiring NICU admission, was recorded.

Results

131 neonates were enrolled in the study, 62 (47.32 %) neonates were randomized to DR CPAP while 69 (52.67 %) to DR FFO group. There was no statistically significant difference observed among neonates from both groups who improved in the DR ( P value:.55) or those shifted to NICU in view of respiratory distress ( P value:.54). There was no significant difference in the modified Downes score amongst 2 groups at the time of NICU admission ( P value:.39).

Conclusion

This randomized control trial showed no significant difference in the delivery room or early neonatal outcome after the administration of DR CPAP or FFO amongst neonates with gestational age ≧ 35 weeks presenting with respiratory distress. Robust evidence needs to be generated to support the current recommendation of administering DR CPAP irrespective of gestation age.
A Prospective Cohort Study on Spectrum of Community Acquired Late Onset Neonatal Pneumonia: An Eye Opener for Neonatal Care
Authors: Munian Dinesh , Roy Oishik , Poddar Sumon , Hazra Avijit , Ray Somosri
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants in low- and middle-income countries. We emphasize the differences in presentation and outcome between viral and bacterial origin community acquired ALRTI in late neonatal period.

Methods

All consecutively admitted neonates, aged 7 days or older, with features of ALRTI were included in the study, other than babies referred with prior hospital stay, congenital airway malformations and heart disease. Relevant investigations including nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood culture were done for etiological diagnosis. The predisposing factors, presenting features and short-term outcomes were compared between viral and bacterial etiology cohorts.

Results

Half of the 89 babies had primary viral infections, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being predominant (n = 21, 23.6%); 27 (30.3%) had bacterial infections, while no organisms were identified in 18% cases. Ten babies (11.2%) had COVID-19 and 4 (4.5%) had pertussis. Small for date (n = 15, 55.5%, p < .001) and history of past sick neonatal care unit admission were significantly higher (n = 20, 74.1%, p = .009) in babies with bacterial isolates. Median age of presentation was day 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-12). Bacterial ALRTI was more severe with significantly high respiratory score ( p < .001), need for invasive ventilation ( p < .001), systemic complications, and mortality ( p = .012), while viral ALRTI group required longer respiratory support and hospital stay ( p < .001).

Conclusions

PCR based methods are important in etiological diagnosis of community acquired late onset neonatal pneumonia. Such ALRTI is mostly of viral origin, and this is less likely to be fatal but require longer hospital stay than bacterial pneumonia.
Round Table. Implementing the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages in southern Europe: the odd case of Italy
Authors: Orlandini Giovanni , Meardi Guglielmo
Published: May 2023

Southern European countries, with their apparently high degree of collective bargaining centralisation and state regulations, may seem to be little affected by the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages. This article looks at the case of Italy, the EU country generally reported to have the highest collective bargaining coverage in Europe, to show how the situation on the ground is more problematic than conventional indicators suggest. Not only does Italy lack a national minimum wage and a legal framework for collective bargaining extension, but its apparent high level of collective bargaining coverage is vulnerable to wage dumping practices. The article identifies the weaknesses of the Italian system and proposes some possible lines of reform.
Effect of ultrasound processing on rheological properties and color of green food products
Authors: Oner Manolya Eser
Published: May 2023

Changes in rheological behavior and physical properties of avocado dressing and green juice samples processed by ultrasound (US) technology (120 µm, 24 kHz, up to 2 min, 20 °C) were investigated. The avocado dressing followed pseudoplastic flow behavior, which had good fit to the power law model, with R2 values >0.9664. The lowest K values 3.5110, 2.4426, and 2.3228 were determined for avocado dressing samples with no treatment at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C, respectively. At the shear rate of 0.1/s, viscosity of 2 min US-treated avocado dressing increased significantly from 19.1 to 55.5 Pa.s at 5 °C, 13.08 to 36.78 Pa.s at 15 °C, and 14.55 to 26.75 Pa.s at 25 °C. Flow instability occurred in green juice after reaching shear rate of 300/s due to narrow gap in concentric cylinder; however, constant viscosity between 10 and 300/s indicated that the sample was Newtonian. Increasing temperature from 5 °C to 25 °C decreased viscosity of US-treated green juice from 2.55 to 1.50 mPa.s at the shear rate of 100/s. Color of both samples did not change after US processing, but lightness increased in green juice which denoted lighter color compared to the sample without treatment. There was no difference in pH and total soluble solids of samples. Results represent that US technology may be a good alternative in producing green liquid foods with acceptable rheological properties and color.
Partisanship and Property Tax Redistribution: Evidence From Repealing Colorado's Gallagher Amendment
Authors: Propheter Geoffrey
Published: May 2023

In November 2020, Colorado voters were asked to repeal the state's Gallagher Amendment, a constitutional redistributive policy in effect since 1983 that shifted the local property tax burden away from residential property on to nonresidential property. This study explores how partisanship predicts support for repealing Gallagher. Republican and Democrat platforms both entail sociotropic messages to support repeal, but following through on these political ideals carries a salient and nontrivial pocketbook cost to residential property owners. If voters aligned with one party or another are more likely to support repeal, it follows that these voters are more willing to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak. Using election precinct voting data, I find that Democrat-leaning voters were more likely to support repeal than otherwise similar Republican-leaning voters.