bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Children With Adenoid Hypertrophy: The Role of Adenoidectomy for Improving Ear Ventilation
Authors: Manno Alessandra , Iannella Giannicola , Savastano Vincenzo , Vittori Tommaso , Bertin Serena , Pasquariello Benedetta , Pace Annalisa , Rossetti Valeria , Magliulo Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

To our knowledge, few papers have addressed preoperative evaluation of the impact of adenoid hypertrophy (AH) on the pathogenesis of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Aim:

The aim of this study was 2-fold: first, to evaluate ETD using tubomanometry and Eustachian Tube Score 7 (ETS-7), in a group of children having AH; second, to assess the clinical impact of adenoidectomy on the ETD of these patients.

Methods:

Fifty patients, aged 4 to 15 years, underwent adenoidectomy based on various parameters: size of the adenoids causing canal obstruction (grades 1-4), the presence of OME, and recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis. The function of the eustachian tube was evaluated using ETS-7 before and after surgical treatment. The patients were followed up for 6 months.

Results:

Forty children presented ETD. Of these, 36 had a grade 4 AH. The preoperative mean value for ETS-7 was 6.62. The mean postoperative ETS-7 score showed a value of 9.60 with a statistical difference compared to the preoperative value ( P = .0015).

Conclusions:

Adenoid hypertrophy has a high impact on the frequency of ETD. In the patients observed in the present study, the ETS-7 score appeared to be a valid tool for assessing ETD both preoperatively and postoperatively. Adenoidectomy seemed to be effective in improving ETD as well as middle ear ventilation.
Implications for Regional Science of the “Rebuilding Macroeconomic Theory Project”
Authors: Donaghy Kieran P.
Published: January 2021

The inability of macroeconomists to anticipate the Global Financial Crisis or reproduce it in their models has led to an important stock-taking of deficiencies in, and necessary modifications to, theories and models used pervasively by researchers and taught to graduate students. This stock-taking—the so-called “Rebuilding Macroeconomic Theory Project,” organized by David Vines and Samuel Wills—has provided an opportunity for economy-wide modelers (who include regional scientists) to consider whether the theories and models they employ are adequate and appropriate to the tasks to which they put them. In this paper I provide a brief report on the project, retrace the development of macroeconomics, and summarize responses by prominent macroeconomists to a set of questions posed by organizers of the project, while drawing implications of these questions and responses for regional science. I then offer original suggestions from a regional scientist’s perspective on what is missing from the “benchmark” macro-model, how financial frictions can be introduced, how behavioral foundations might be modified, how heterogeneity of agents might be captured, and what new stylized facts need to be explained. I proceed to illustrate how several of the suggested changes can be integrated in economy-wide models by drawing on a study of the impacts of monetary policy on consumption by different income groups in Indonesia. I close the paper by posing a number of “big-picture questions” on the implications of the RMTP for economy-wide modelers and regional scientists to ponder and by offering a brief reflection and aspiration.
Risk factors for poor hemostasis of prophylactic uterine artery embolization before curettage in cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Tian Hongan , Li Shunzhen , Jia Wanwan , Yu Kaihu , Wu Guangyao
Published: January 2021

Objective

To observe the hemostatic effect of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to examine the risk factors for poor hemostasis.

Methods

Clinical data of 841 patients with CSP who underwent prophylactic UAE and curettage were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the hemorrhage volume during curettage. A hemorrhage volume ≥200 mL was termed as poor hemostasis. The risk factors of poor hemostasis were analyzed and complications within 60 days postoperation were recorded.

Results

Among the 841 patients, 6.30% (53/841) had poor postoperative hemostasis. The independent risk factors of poor hemostasis were gestational sac size, parity, embolic agent diameter (>1000 μm), multivessel blood supply, and incomplete embolization. The main postoperative complications within 60 days after UAE were abdominal pain, low fever, nausea and vomiting, and buttock pain, with incidence rates of 71.22% (599/841), 47.44% (399/841), 39.12% (329/841), and 36.39% (306/841), respectively.

Conclusions

Prophylactic UAE before curettage in patients with CSP is safe and effective in reducing intraoperative hemorrhage. Gestational sac size, parity, embolic agent diameter, multivessel blood supply, and incomplete embolization of all arteries supplying blood to the uterus are risk factors of poor hemostasis.
Whither queer suburbanisms? Beyond heterosuburbia and queer metronormativities
Authors: Podmore Julie A , Bain Alison L
Published: January 2021

Despite renewed interest in suburban studies and a decentring of geographies of sexualities, the queer suburban remains a neglected arena of inquiry. This article argues for greater attention to ‘queer’ suburbanisms to deconstruct suburbia as implicitly heterosexualized. It critiques the persistent heteronormativity of key concepts – suburbanization, suburban diversification and suburbanisms – in Anglo-American-Australian suburban studies. It then remaps the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) urban by highlighting inconsistencies in queer metronormativities critiques and evaluating census studies and gay ethnographies to decentre the queer metropolis. The article concludes by complicating how queer metronormativities conceive of their margins and destabilizing the sexual contours of heterosuburbia.
Weather geographies: Talking about the weather, considering diverse sovereignties
Authors: Wright Sarah , Tofa Matalena
Published: January 2021

In this era of climate crisis, weather, once deemed the ultimate ‘natural’ force within dominant Western accounts, is being deeply (re)considered. Yet these (re)considerations often approach theories of weather, and weather itself, as aer nullius, dismissing or downplaying prior relationships, belongings and becomings with/as weather and the power relations that mediate what weather means and does. In this article, we aim to speak back to aer nullius and consider weathers' many diverse sovereignties. We engage with weather in ways led by Indigenous scholars and their allies and trace our own positionalities and responsibilities through what it means to weather on unceded Indigenous land. Our focus is brought to power and weather, to the enrolment of weathers' beings and becomings to differentially discipline and empower. Entwining its way through these accounts, but in ways not generally acknowledged, are the sovereignties of weather knowledges and the sovereignties of weather itself. The beings and becomings of weather have their own Law/s, their own knowledges, their own survivances, their own sovereignties. We end the article with a consideration of academic positionalities and responsibilities as we weather and are weathered in entangled, more-than-human ways.
Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor use in patients with left ventricular assist devices: A single-center experience
Authors: Alishetti Shudhanshu , Braghieri Lorenzo , Jennings Douglas L , Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo C , Yuzefpolskaya Melana
Published: January 2021

Though left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an increasingly common therapy for ACC/AHA Stage D heart failure, the optimal medical therapy for patients with LVADs is not known. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) therapy in our single center LVAD patient experience. We evaluated patients implanted with LVADs at Columbia University Irving Medical Center between August 2010 and May 2019, and who were treated with an ARNi for at least 3 months. Thirty patients met this criteria. Eighteen (60%) patients transitioned to an ARNi from an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), while all were on a beta blocker (BB) at the time of ARNi initiation. The primary outcome, NT-proBNP levels at time of initiation and 3 and 6 month follow up, significantly decreased from a median of 1265 pg/mL at initiation to 750 pg/mL at 3 months and 764 pg/mL at 6 months ( p = 0.01). No significant change was seen in serum creatinine, BUN, or potassium levels.
Informal Caregiving for People With Life-Limiting Illness: Exploring the Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Lung Elaine Y. L. , Wan Andrew , Ankita Ankita , Baxter Sharon , Benedet Lisa , Li Zoey , Mirhosseini Mehrnoush , Mirza Raza M. , Thorpe Karla , Vadeboncoeur Christina , Klinger Christopher A.
Published: January 2021

Background: People with life-limiting illness are increasingly having more care provided to them by informal caregivers (ICs) such as family members and friends. Although there is a substantial amount of literature surrounding informal caregiving, there is a paucity of research from a hospice palliative care angle. To address this knowledge gap, this scoping review explored the effects of/challenges to informal caregiving at the end of life in Canada. Methods: Scoping review of the literature following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Key healthcare and social sciences databases alongside the gray literature were searched. Relevant scholarly and gray literature sources from 2005 to 2019 were screened for inclusion criteria, and a thematic content analysis employed to summarize findings. Results: Of 2,717 initial search results, 257 distinct full text articles were obtained. Following deduplication and screening, 33 met inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified: (1) Physical health challenges, (2) Psycho-socio-spiritual health challenges, (3) Financial issues, and (4) Health system issues. Gender of ICs was also found to be an important contributor to the differing effects of providing support. Conclusions: This review raises awareness toward ICs regarding the numerous physical, psycho-socio-spiritual, financial, and health system challenges faced during care for people with life-limiting illness. The knowledge gained will inform and advance future practice, policy, and research. Application to interventions (such as caregiver benefits) will assist to improve informal caregiving experiences and outcomes alongside quality of life. Further research is required to understand these unique experiences and the challenges of minority IC populations.
Hate Crime and Place: The Spatial and Temporal Concentration of Bias-Motivated Crime in Washington, D.C.
Authors: Wenger Marin R. , Lantz Brendan
Published: January 2021

Prior research suggests that many crime types are spatially concentrated and stable over time. Hate crime, however, is a unique crime type that is etiologically distinct from others. As such, examination of hate crime from a spatial and temporal perspective offers an opportunity to understand hate crime and the spatial concentration of crime more generally. The current study examines the spatial stability of hate crimes reported to the police in Washington, D.C., from 2012 through 2018 using street segments, intersections, and block groups as units of analysis. Findings reveal that hate crime is spatially concentrated, with less than 4% of street segments and intersections experiencing hate crime over the study period. Results reveal a high degree of spatial stability, both year-to-year and over the long term even when restricting the analysis to units that experienced at least one hate crime.
Impact of blends of aqueous amines on absorber intercooling for post combustion CO2 capture system
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Ali Usman , Hasnain Ali
Published: January 2021

Climate change is the biggest challenge of this century due to the global consequences of human activities on the ecosystem resulting in global warming. The emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2 from the combustion of fossil fuels in the power plant is the main cause of global warming and to mitigate these emissions is the foremost challenge. Nowadays, the most preferred method is post combustion chemical absorption using amine-based solvents. However, high energy requirements for this method restrict its deployment. An efficient approach used for the reduction of the high energy requirement of post combustion CO2 capture process was absorber intercooling. Therefore, this research evaluates the effect of two configurations of intercooled absorber such as “simple” and “advanced” intercoolers for CO2 capture integrated with natural gas combined cycle power plant using aqueous alkanolamines, such as 30 wt.% monoethanolamine and 50 wt.% methyl-diethanolamine and their blends. For pure methyl-diethanolamine case, at lean loading 0.01 intercooling configurations; simple and advanced shows the highest reduction of 21.01% and 22.82% in the specific reboiler duty, respectively in comparison to other blends at the expense of highest liquid solvent flow rate. Simple and advanced intercooling configurations shows optimum results for the case with 40% monoethanolamine and 60% methyl-diethanolamine in a blend with decrease of 9.19% and 17.28% in solvent flow rate and a decrease of 9.42% and 16.83% in specific reboiler duty required for 90% CO2 capture rate, respectively. For pure monoethanolamine case at lean loading 0.2 absorber intercooling does not offer significant results.
Science communication and mediatised environmental conflict: A cautionary tale
Authors: Konkes Claire , Foxwell-Norton Kerrie
Published: January 2021

When Australian physicist, Peter Ridd, lost his tenured position with James Cook University, he was called a ‘whistleblower’, ‘contrarian academic’ and ‘hero of climate science denial’. In this article, we examine the events surrounding his dismissal to better understand the role of science communication in organised climate change scepticism. We discuss the sophistry of his complaint to locate where and through what processes science communication becomes political communication. We argue that the prominence of scientists and scientific knowledge in debates about climate change locates science, as a social sphere or fifth pillar in Hutchins and Lester’s theory of mediatised environmental conflict. In doing so, we provide a model to better understand how science communication can be deployed during politicised debates.
Data Mining-based Financial Statement Fraud Detection: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis to Estimate Data Sample Mapping of Fraudulent Companies Against Non-fraudulent Companies
Authors: Gupta Sonika , Mehta Sushil Kumar
Published: January 2021

Data mining techniques have proven quite effective not only in detecting financial statement frauds but also in discovering other financial crimes, such as credit card frauds, loan and security frauds, corporate frauds, bank and insurance frauds, etc. Classification of data mining techniques, in recent years, has been accepted as one of the most credible methodologies for the detection of symptoms of financial statement frauds through scanning the published financial statements of companies. The retrieved literature that has used data mining classification techniques can be broadly categorized on the basis of the type of technique applied, as statistical techniques and machine learning techniques. The biggest challenge in executing the classification process using data mining techniques lies in collecting the data sample of fraudulent companies and mapping the sample of fraudulent companies against non-fraudulent companies. In this article, a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies from the area of financial statement fraud detection has been conducted. The review has considered research articles published between 1995 and 2020. Further, a meta-analysis has been performed to establish the effect of data sample mapping of fraudulent companies against non-fraudulent companies on the classification methods through comparing the overall classification accuracy reported in the literature. The retrieved literature indicates that a fraudulent sample can either be equally paired with non-fraudulent sample (1:1 data mapping) or be unequally mapped using 1:many ratio to increase the sample size proportionally. Based on the meta-analysis of the research articles, it can be concluded that machine learning approaches, in comparison to statistical approaches, can achieve better classification accuracy, particularly when the availability of sample data is low. High classification accuracy can be obtained with even a 1:1 mapping data set using machine learning classification approaches.
Star Footwear: Production Capacity Analysis
Authors: Rafique Raza , Shah Zahid , Amjad Asim
Published: January 2021

Basit Ali glanced at his watch. It was 3 p.m. on 17 March 2014, and only two hours were left before he would meet with CEO Amjad Raheem about production capacity analysis. Due to the excellent product quality of Star Footwear, the CEO was anticipating a significant increase in demand for one of its most famous articles, SF-119, in the next quarter. Historically, the demand for SF-119 fluctuated between 300 and 400 pairs per day. Although the existing production capacity was sufficient to fulfil the current demand of SF-119, the CEO was concerned about the future increase in demand that could be justified using current resources.
Seasonal Influence on the Numbers of Gender-Related Orofacial Cleft Conceptions in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Lek Lisanne M. , Pool Shariselle M.W. , de Jong Kim , Vermeij-Keers Christl , Mouës-Vink Chantal M.
Published: January 2021

Background:

In the multifactorial etiology of orofacial clefts (OFCs), environmental factors play an important role. To trace the influence of these factors, the timing of the cell biological mechanisms that occur during embryological development of the primary and secondary palates must be taken into account. That is, the fusion process of the facial and palatal processes, respectively, followed by their differentiation into bone and musculature, which take place during the first trimester of pregnancy. During this period, harmful seasonal influences such as viral infections and vitamin deficiencies could induce OFC in the embryo.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to find out whether a seasonal conception period with an increased risk of OFC development exists, particularly gender related.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on children with OFC born in the Netherlands from 2006 to 2016. Total conception rates of live births in the Netherlands were used as a control group. χ2 tests were performed to analyze monthly and seasonal differences. Males and females, positive and negative family history and subphenotype groups based on fusion and/or differentiation (F- and/or D-) defects, and their timing in embryogenesis were analyzed separately.

Results:

In total, 1653 children with OFC, 1041 males and 612 females, were analyzed. Only males with FD-defects showed a significant seasonal variation with an increase in conceptions during spring, most often in May.

Conclusions:

Males with FD-defects showed a significant seasonal variation with an increase in conceptions during spring. No other seasonal trends could be demonstrated.
Calcifying Pseudoneoplasm of the Neuraxis Involving the Posterior Skull Base: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yan Lei , Dileep Menon Preethi , Heim-Hall Josefine , Hackman Sarah
Published: January 2021

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis is an uncommon, nonneoplastic fibro-osseous lesion of the central nervous system. At the time of this report, at least 150 cases have been reported in the literature. Because of the rarity of this lesion, it is often diagnostically challenging for radiologists and pathologists alike. In this article, we present a case of a 44-year-old woman with a 5.8-cm intracranial/skull base calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis that was concerning for osteosarcoma on initial frozen section. Permanent sections revealed bone and fibrous stroma, calcifications, and nests of histiocytes with granuloma formation. Scattered, focally dense inflammatory foci and spindled cells outlining abundant large nodules of chondromyxoid matrix were also present. In this case report, we also reviewed recent literature for clinical presentations, radiologic findings, and histologic differential diagnoses. Familiarity with this lesion is important to avoid misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment.
Depression and Rehospitalization in Patients With Heart Failure After Discharge From Hospital to Home: An Integrative Review
Authors: Suksatan Wanich , Tankumpuan Thitipong
Published: January 2021

Patients with heart failure are known to be particularly vulnerable to depression resulting in adverse health outcomes. However, there has been no literature review on current evidence regarding the relationship between depression and rehospitalization. This review aims to explore the relationship between depression and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure. A systematic review employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines included articles published between 2001 and 2019 taken from Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. We identified 12 relevant studies with participants ranging from 115 to 160,169 patients. Heart failure patients with depression were more likely to be rehospitalized than those without. To explain this, few reasons have been proposed. First, depression could disrupt the regulation of autonomic nervous system, neurohormonal activation, and body’s natural rhythm. Second, depressed patients tend to have poor adherence to medication. Healthcare providers should not only focus on drug and dietary management but also on implementing effective interventions to manage depression, in order to reduce the risk of rehospitalization. Moreover, palliative care should start at the stage of heart failure diagnosis to improve quality of life, better outcomes, and lower cost of care for the patients.
Preterm Infant Skin Structure Is Qualitatively and Quantitatively Different From That of Term Newborns
Authors: Reed Robyn C , Johnson Deanna E , Nie Ann Marie
Published: January 2021

Background

The immature skin of preterm infants is uniquely vulnerable to pressure and chemical injury. We sought to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the histopathologic patterns of skin development in preterm infants.

Methods

Autopsy skin samples were examined for 48 liveborn preterm infants born at 18+ to 36 weeks, and control groups of term neonates and older infants/children. Quantitative variables included thickness of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis. Qualitative features included stratum corneum, rete ridges, and hair follicles.

Results

Patterns of maturation were reproducible. Compact keratin appeared beginning at 21–22 weeks. Basketweave keratin appeared first around hair follicles, and then became more generalized from ∼28 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA) onward. Rete ridges began to appear at ∼30 weeks. Epidemal and dermal thickness increased with age. Infants who survived ≤7 days had thicker dermis than those who survived longer, even adjusted for CGA.

Conclusions

Skin development in preterm infants has reproducible milestones. Significant structural changes occurring around 28–30 weeks may improve barrier function, with implications for use of topical compounds such as chlorhexidine. The findings also highlight challenges in evaluating pressure injuries in preterm infants, and postnatal changes in skin parameters.
Ultrasound guided peripheral IV placement: An observational study of the learning curve in pediatric patients
Authors: Anderson Andrea P , Taroc Ann-Marie , Wang Xing , Beardsley Elaine , Solari Patrick , Klein Eileen J
Published: January 2021

Background:

Ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheter placement (USGPIV) has demonstrated benefits in children including higher success rates and fewer attempts compared to the traditional technique. Little is known about the experience needed to establish competence with USGPIV in children. In adult patients, nurses with four USGPIV attempts had a subsequent 70% probability of success after training. The objective of this study is to measure the competency of nurses with USGPIV in children after training.

Methods:

Pediatric nurses completed 2 h of training on USGPIV, after which they used ultrasound at their discretion for children with difficult access. Data was collected prospectively via study forms and retrospectively from medical records. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the probability of successful USGPIV placement.

Results:

Thirty-five nurses underwent training from the pediatric emergency department and intravenous access team. The overall USGPIV success rate was 70%. Participants with less nursing experience made more USGPIV attempts than those with more experience, but had similar success rates. Forty percent of participants performed ten or more attempts during the study period. Mixed effects logistic regression estimated that it took nine USGPIV attempts after training for learners to achieve a 70% probability of success for the subsequent attempt.

Conclusion:

After training, 40% of participants adopted USGPIV into their practice. When developing training programs for USGPIV for children with difficult access, trainers can anticipate the experience needed to acquire this skill and the fact that not everyone trained will use this skill in their daily practice.
Accountability and alternation: How wholesale and partial alternation condition retrospective voting
Authors: Otjes Simon , Stiers Dieter
Published: January 2021

Holding the government accountable is a crucial function of elections. The extent to which voters can actually do so depends on the political system. One element that may influence the likelihood that voters hold the government accountable is the difference between wholesale and partial alternation. Prominent political scientists like Mair, Bergman and Strøm and Pellegata and Quaranta propose that in countries with wholesale alternation voters are better able to hold governments accountable because in essence voters have the choice to keep their current government or ‘throw the rascals out’. However, this relationship has not been tested. We examine the relationship between partial and wholesale alternation and retrospective voting in a large-N cross-country study. We show that the association between government satisfaction and vote choice is stronger in countries with wholesale alternation than in systems with partial alternation.
Feasibility of asynchronous video-based telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of paediatric blepharoptosis
Authors: Souverein Erik A , Kim Jonathan W , Loudin Natasha N , Johnston Julia , Stewart Carly , Reid Mark W , Lee Thomas C , Nallasamy Sudha
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of using video glasses as part of an asynchronous telemedicine screening protocol for paediatric blepharoptosis.

Methods

A physician assistant wearing Pivothead SMART Series glasses recorded videos of paediatric patients referred for blepharoptosis in primary, down and upgaze while holding a ruler next to the eyes. An oculoplastic surgeon viewed the stored videos and recorded margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function. Using these measurements, the surgeon determined whether surgical intervention was recommended and, if so, which procedure was recommended. The surgeon recorded the same parameters for each patient based on an in-person examination performed later that day. Videos were reviewed eight months later and the same parameters were recorded.

Results

Twenty-nine children ( n = 58 eyes) were enrolled. Margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function measurements based on same-day video review agreed with in-person examination 94.8% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82) and 98.3% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) of the time, respectively. Margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function measurements based on later video review agreed with in-person examination 93.1% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) and 94.8% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93) of the time, respectively. Agreement in identifying surgical candidates was almost perfect (= = 0.93) for same-day video review and substantial (= = 0.73) for later video review. Sensitivity of identifying surgical patients was 100% for both same-day video review and later video review; though specificity was lower at 94.1% for same-day video review and 76.5% for later video review.

Discussion

Asynchronous telemedicine encounters employing video glasses are a useful screening modality for identifying surgical paediatric blepharoptosis patients.
Coordinating UK trade and climate policy ambitions: A legislative and policy analysis
Authors: Lydgate Emily , Anthony Chloe
Published: January 2021

The UK Government has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 but also champion open multilateral trade and pursue new trade relationships with geographically distant partners. The dynamism of policymaking in both areas, as the UK leaves the EU, provides a useful case study for the larger question of how to reconcile liberal trade policy with a net-zero target. After setting out the relevance of trade policy to the climate target, we examine areas at their intersection: current and proposed UK green subsidies, regulatory trade barriers, potential carbon border adjustment, fossil fuel subsidies and free trade agreements. We apply two analytical tests: compliance with relevant World Trade Organisation obligations and coherence with the net-zero climate target. The analysis is hindered by uncertainty, primarily regarding the extent of future global climate ambition, but there are clear areas in which the UK could strengthen its approach to climate change mitigation without undermining its commitment to open trade. Barring a major increase in global ambition, achieving the net-zero target will, however, likely require new trade restrictions. The implication is that, rather than being situated at the margins, the climate target must comprise a central objective of trade strategy.
Consciously transnational: Urgenda and the shape of climate change litigation: The State of the Netherlands (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) v Urgenda Foundation
Authors: Barritt Emily
Published: January 2021

Moving the focus of climate change litigation from a largely US arena to a global one, Urgenda has helped to foster a burgeoning transnational climate justice jurisprudence. In the first place, it demonstrates how domestic courts are increasingly being used as sites to solidify international commitments. Secondly, it shows that these domestic endeavours are helping to shape the jurisprudence of other states whose courts are increasingly asked to adjudicate on climate change commitments. What is more, courts are conscious of this effect, thus this emerging jurisprudence is not simply an unintended consequence of the localisation of global commitments but is becoming an explicit practice on the part of domestic courts. This case note unpacks and examines the transnational dimensions of the global climate change case law as they are played out in the final decision of the Urgenda litigation.
Future jamming: Rhetoric of new knowledge in Finnish educational policy texts
Authors: Säntti Janne , Hansen Petteri , Saari Antti
Published: January 2021

The future is rarely problematised in education even though it is self-evident in everyday schoolwork and present also in the management of education. However, we should understand how different future visions influence our understanding of education. In this paper, we apply rhetorical analysis and study how the future of education is rhetorically constructed in Finnish policy texts. Also, we analyze the special characteristic of Finnish future visions, which are based on the idea of Finnish education being top-notch. We focus explicitly on the idea of knowledge and its future relations in school education. In our data, the current school is rhetorically contrasted with the future one. This hastens the need to modernize Finnish school system. This view is reinforced by the needs of the economy and working life. Pathos is frequently used as a rhetorical strategy. Finns are warned about remaining in the past and obliged to change their education immediately. Future visions of Finnish education seem to be limited only to positive aspects.
Procedures for Reliable Cultural Model Analysis Using Semi-structured Interviews
Authors: Price Heather E. , Smith Christian
Published: January 2021

To identify the dominant cultural models among parents transmitting faith to their children, we find few methodological guidelines to guide coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews. We thus developed a three-phase procedure for our research team. Phase-one follows Campbell et al. by unitizing on meanings rather than words/pages, including creating decision rules documents, keyword lists, and summary memos. We provide empirical support for the reliability of those procedures and contribute by adding final validity checks into phase one and a new set of second-order coding procedures as phase two and phase three, as suggested by Miles and Huberman, to transform theme analysis into patterned findings. Phase two codes the latent patterns underlying the phase-one thematic codes. Phase three quantifies phase-two codes into matrices. Although time intensive, other researchers can apply these procedures to produce transparent, auditable findings.
Hardness and flexural performance of 3D orthogonal carbon/glass fibers hybrid composites under thermal-oxidative aging
Authors: Li Juanzi , Fan Wei , Liu Tao , Xue Lili , Yuan Linjia , Dang Wensheng , Meng Jiaguang
Published: January 2021

This study reports the hardness and flexural performance of the three-dimensional (3 D) orthogonal carbon/glass hybrid fiber/bismaleimide composites subjected to the accelerated aging conditions for 10, 30, 90, 120, and 180 days at 250 °C in an air environment. The rate of reduction in the flexural performance and failure modes were observed, in general, to be related to the aging time. The experimental findings revealed that the significant decline in the flexural performance of the samples aged for less than 30 days was predominantly attributed to the matrix degradation, while for the longer aging durations, the cracks in the composites and decomposition of the residual matrix were responsible for the gradual reduction in the flexural performance. The unaged and 30 days aged samples suffered a brittle failure represented by the macro-cracks and fiber breakage, while the cracked fiber/matrix interface and loosened fiber bundles were the main failure modes for the samples aged for longer times. The changes in the flexural failure modes resulted due to the severe degradation of the matrix under an extreme thermo-oxidative environment. Subsequently, a nonlinear relationship relating the flexural modulus to hardness was proposed.
Method used to establish a large animal model of drug-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Si-Yang , Zhang Chao-Yang , Cai Guang-Yan , Chen Xiang-Mei
Published: January 2021

Acute kidney injury is a serious health hazard disease due to its complex etiology and lack of effective treatments, resulting in high medical costs and high mortality. At present, a large number of basic research studies on acute kidney injury have been carried out. However, acute kidney injury models established in rodents sometimes do not simulate the course of human disease well. Research in large animal models of acute kidney injury is relatively rare, and methods to build a mature model of acute kidney injury have failed. Because its kidney anatomy and morphology are very similar to those in humans, the mini pig is an ideal animal in which to model kidney disease. Nephrotoxic drug-induced acute kidney injury has a high incidence. In this study, we established models of acute kidney injury induced by two drugs (gentamicin and cisplatin). Finally, the model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury was developed successfully, but we found the model of gentamycin-induced acute kidney injury was not reproducible. Compared to other models, these models better represent acute kidney injury caused by antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs and provide a basis for the study of new treatments for acute kidney injury in a large animal model.
Emerging roles for lymphatics in acute kidney injury: Beneficial or maleficent?
Authors: Creed Heidi A , Rutkowski Joseph M
Published: January 2021

Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline in renal filtration, is a surprisingly common pathology resulting from ischemic events, local or systemic infection, or drug-induced toxicity in the kidney. Unchecked, acute kidney injury can progress to renal failure and even recovered acute kidney injury patients are at an increased risk for developing future chronic kidney disease. The initial extent of inflammation, the specific immune response, and how well inflammation resolves are likely determinants in acute kidney injury-to-chronic kidney disease progression. Lymphatic vessels and their roles in fluid, solute, antigen, and immune cell transport make them likely to have a role in the acute kidney injury response. Lymphatics have proven to be an attractive target in regulating inflammation and immunomodulation in other pathologies: might these strategies be employed in acute kidney injury? Acute kidney injury studies have identified elevated levels of lymphangiogenic ligands following acute kidney injury, with an expansion of the lymphatics in several models post-injury. Manipulating the lymphatics in acute kidney injury, by augmenting or inhibiting their growth or through targeting lymphatic-immune interactions, has met with a range of positive, negative, and sometimes inconclusive results. This minireview briefly summarizes the findings of lymphatic changes and lymphatic roles in the inflammatory response in the kidney following acute kidney injury to discuss whether renal lymphatics are a beneficial, maleficent, or a passive contributor to acute kidney injury recovery.
Ethical approval: none sought. How discourse analysts report ethical issues around publicly available online data
Authors: Stommel Wyke , Rijk Lynn de
Published: January 2021

Although ethical guidelines for doing Internet research are available, most prominently those of the Association of Internet Researchers ( www.aoir.org ), ethical decision-making for research on publicly available, naturally-occurring data remains a major challenge. As researchers might also turn to others to inform their decisions, this article reviews recent research papers on publicly available, online data. Research involving forums such as Facebook pages, Twitter, YouTube, news comments, blogs, etc. is examined to see how authors report ethical considerations and how they quote these data. We included 132 articles published in discourse analysis-oriented journals between January 2017 and February 2020. Roughly one third of the articles (85 out of 132) did not discuss ethical issues, mostly claiming the data were publicly available. Quotations nevertheless tended to be anonymized, although retrievability of posts was generally not taken into account. In those articles in which ethical concerns were reported, related decisions appeared to vary substantially. In most cases it was argued that informed consent was not required. Similarly, approval from research ethics committees was mostly regarded unnecessary. Other ethical issues like consideration of users’ expectations and intentions, freedom of choice, possible harm, sensitive topics, and vulnerable groups were rarely discussed in the articles. We argue for increased attention to ethical issues and legal aspects in discourse analytic articles involving online data beyond mentioning general concerns. Instead, we argue for more involvement of users/participants in ethical decision-making, for consideration of retrievability of posts and for a role for journal editors.
Impact of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) on Business Performance and Environmental Sustainability: Case of a Developing Country
Authors: Rupa Rasheda Akter , Saif Abu Naser Mohammad
Published: January 2021

In this Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), sustainable development for business firms depends on maintaining sustained performance and environmental sustainability to a great extent. The current study discovers the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on business performance and the environmental sustainability of a developing country, Bangladesh. Cost and profit are the two important indicators of business performance. On the other hand, environmental sustainability is expressed by waste disposal, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emission. Primary data were collected through the distribution of web links and direct interaction with the participants of different firms practicing GSCM practices in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Hypotheses were formulated and evaluated accordingly. This study found that the impact of implementation of GSCM practices differs with respect to cost, profit, waste disposal, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emission. GSCM practices have a statistically significant impact on cost, waste disposal, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emission. The impact of GSCM practices on profit was statistically insignificant. It was found that lack of IT implementation, high cost of waste disposal, uncertainty and competition in the market, resistance to change, and lack of top management support are the major barriers to implement GSCM practices in Bangladesh.
Does Socially Responsible Investing Pay in Developing Countries? A Comparative Study Across Select Developed and Developing Markets
Authors: Tripathi Vanita , Kaur Amanpreet
Published: January 2021

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is the catalyst in aligning financial growth with sustainable development. The current study is an attempt to investigate the viability of responsible investment across major developing and developed countries of the world. The authors evaluate and compare the performance of socially responsible indices, against their general and conventional counterparts, in select developing and developed countries through market conditions of bull and bear over a 12-year window. Descriptive statistics and risk-adjusted-performance evaluation methods of performance evaluation reveal socially responsible investing to be non-penalizing in developing countries. Premium rewards earned by SRI help the responsibility indices in emerging countries secure topmost ranks, using Fama’s decomposition model. While no significance in difference of performance is found among the indices in overall period, the study finds that the SRI strategy in emerging economies can provide investors with a safe investment vehicle during adversity. Thus, SRI can provide diversification benefit to the international investor seeking country effect, social impact as well as financial reward through responsible investing. The study on SRI index evaluation implies useful insights for achieving global sustainability goals through the use of financial tools to every market participant, especially in the era of globalization.
Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of the Beighton Score: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bockhorn Lauren N. , Vera Angelina M. , Dong David , Delgado Domenica A. , Varner Kevin E. , Harris Joshua D.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The Beighton score is commonly used to assess the degree of hypermobility in patients with hypermobility spectrum disorder. Since proper diagnosis and treatment in this challenging patient population require valid, reliable, and responsive clinical assessments such as the Beighton score, studies must properly evaluate efficacy and effectiveness.

Purpose:

To succinctly present a systematic review to determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of the Beighton score and the methodological quality of all analyzed studies for use in clinical applications.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases was performed. Studies that measured inter- or intrarater reliability of the Beighton score in humans with and without hypermobility were included. Non-English, animal, cadaveric, level 5 evidence, and studies utilizing the Beighton score self-assessment version were excluded. Data were extracted to compare scoring methods, population characteristics, and measurements of inter- and intrarater reliability. Risk of bias was assessed with the COSMIN (Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) 2017 checklist.

Results:

Twenty-four studies were analyzed (1333 patients; mean ± SD age, 28.19 ± 17.34 years [range, 4-71 years]; 640 females, 594 males, 273 unknown sex). Of the 24 studies, 18 reported raters were health care professionals or health care professional students. For interrater reliability, 5 of 8 (62.5%) intraclass correlation coefficients and 12 of 19 (63.2%) kappa values were substantial to almost perfect. Intrarater reliability was reported as excellent in all studies utilizing intraclass correlation coefficients, and 3 of the 7 articles using kappa values reported almost perfect values. Utilizing the COSMIN criteria, we determined that 1 study met “very good” criteria, 7 met “adequate,” 15 met “doubtful,” and 1 met “inadequate” for overall risk of bias in the reliability domain.

Conclusion:

The Beighton score is a highly reliable clinical tool that shows substantial to excellent inter- and intrarater reliability when used by raters of variable backgrounds and experience levels. While individual components of risk of bias among studies demonstrated large discrepancy, most of the items were adequate to very good.