bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From integrated to fragmented elites. The core of Swiss elite networks 1910–2015
Authors: Rossier Thierry , Ellersgaard Christoph Houman , Larsen Anton Grau , Lunding Jacob Aagaard
Published: February 2022

This article focuses on historical elite dynamics and investigates elites' integration over time. We describe the changing relations and composition of the central circles in Swiss elite networks at seven benchmark years between 1910 and 2015 by relying on 22,262 elite individuals tied to 2587 organizations among eight key sectors, and identify for each year the most connected core of individuals. We explore network cohesion and sectoral bridging of the elite core and find that it moved from being a unitary corporate elite, before 1945, to an integrated corporatist elite, between the 1950s and 1980s, before fragmenting into a loose group, with an increased importance of corporate elites, in the 1990s onwards. The core was always dominated by business and their forms of legitimacy but, at times of crisis to the hegemony of corporate elites, after the Second World War and (only) shortly after the 2008 financial crisis, elite circles expanded and included individuals with delegated forms of power, such as politicians and unionists. In the most recent cohort (2015), the share of corporate elites in the core is similar to the one before the First World War and during the interwar period. This return to the past echoes findings on wealth inequality and economic capital accumulation by a small group of individuals organized around the most powerful companies.
A framework for computer‐aided design and manufacturing of habitat structures for cavity‐dependent animals
Authors: Parker Dan , Roudavski Stanislav , Jones Therésa M. , Bradsworth Nick , Isaac Bronwyn , Lockett Martin T. , Soanes Kylie
Published: February 2022

The decline of critical habitat structures, such as large old trees, is a global environmental challenge. The cavities that occur in these trees provide shelter and nesting sites for many species but can take centuries to develop. Artificial cavities, including nest boxes and carved logs, offer an increasingly important conservation response. However, current methods of designing, manufacturing and deploying such habitats have constraints that limit innovation, feasibility and effectiveness. In response, this article aims to provide new and broadly useable methods that can improve the design of habitat structures for cavity‐dependent animals.

To address the shortcomings of existing methods, we develop an approach that uses computer‐aided design techniques of generative and parametric modelling to produce structures that satisfy stakeholder needs, computer‐aided manufacturing techniques of 3D printing and augmented‐reality assembly to build functional prototypes, and computer‐assisted techniques of laser scanning and data‐driven design to support installation, monitoring and iterative improvement of designs. We demonstrate this approach through a case‐study project that designs and instals habitat structures for the powerful owlNinox strenua, a cavity‐dependent and threatened bird.

Through a comparison with existing methods, our pilot study shows that computer‐aided design and manufacturing can provide novel and useful approaches to develop artificial habitat‐structures. Computer‐aided design finds geometries that approximate the complex characteristics of natural tree cavities and automatically produces new versions to suit diverse sites or species. Computer‐aided manufacturing integrates materials that match the performance of naturally occurring habitat structures and facilitates the assembly of complex geometries by non‐experts. Computer‐assisted techniques produce precisely fitting and easy‐to‐instal designs, which support gradual improvement through ongoing prototyping and evaluation.

These capabilities highlight how advanced design techniques can improve aspects of artificial habitat‐structures through geometric innovation, novel construction techniques and iterative exploration. Significantly, computational approaches can result in designs that can perform well, are easy to construct and instal and are applicable in many situations. Our reusable workflow can aid in the tasks of practical conservation and support ecological research by effectively negotiating the needs of both humans and target species.
Teaching with digital games: How intentions to adopt digital game‐based learning are related to personal characteristics of pre‐service teachers
Authors: Rüth Marco , Birke Adrian , Kaspar Kai
Published: February 2022

Despite many known educational benefits of digital game‐based learning, teaching with digital games is not yet a common practice in formal education. The role that digital game‐based learning might play in future school teaching can be explored by examining the behavioral intentions of pre‐service teachers as the ultimate gatekeepers. In this survey study, 402 pre‐service teachers from German‐speaking universities had participated. Multiple regression analyses were applied to examine the role of pre‐service teachers’ personal characteristics in their intention to integrate digital games into two educational contexts. For both educational contexts, we identified perceived usefulness and curriculum relatedness of digital games as key factors in pre‐service teachers' intention to teach with digital games. We also found differences in explained variance and relevant personal characteristics between educational contexts. Overall, we discuss how teaching with digital games could become a common practice if particular characteristics of pre‐service teachers are already addressed in teacher education.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Several conceptual and empirical works have synthesized diverse educational benefits of teaching with digital games and digital game‐based learning.

Teaching with digital games poses several infrastructural and technological challenges for teachers.

Whether teaching with digital games becomes a common practice is related to the intention of teachers who act as gatekeepers for effective educational approaches.

What this paper adds

Insights into relations between intentions to teach with digital games and personal characteristics among pre‐service teachers as future gatekeepers.

The intentions of pre‐service teachers to teach with digital games show particularly strong relations to a small set of personal characteristics.

The relations between the intentions of pre‐service teachers and their personal characteristics may vary between educational contexts.

Implications for practice and policy

The usefulness and curriculum relatedness of digital games in different educational contexts should be made clear to pre‐service teachers.

Teacher education could better prepare pre‐service teachers for their future role as gatekeepers by providing key experiences and competences regarding teaching and learning with digital games.

Policy makers could support teaching with digital games by advancing digital game‐based learning in teacher education and by reducing known barriers related to teaching with digital games.
Pre‐drinking behaviour of people in the night‐time economy: Evidence from a street‐intercept survey in New Zealand
Authors: Cameron Michael P. , Miller Peter G. , Roskruge Matthew
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pre‐drinking behaviour has grown in prevalence and generates harm for pre‐drinkers and others. In this article, we answer three research questions: (i) Where and when do pre‐drinkers obtain their alcohol?; (ii) What is the difference in the level of intoxication of pre‐drinkers versus non‐pre‐drinkers, and how does this difference vary over the course of a night?; and (iii) Is the level of intoxication of pre‐drinkers related to where and when they obtain their alcohol?

Methods

We obtained data from 469 respondents using a street‐intercept survey conducted in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2019. Data were analysed by cross‐tabulation, linear regression and plotting the average intoxication level in the night‐time economy over time.

Results

The majority of pre‐drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre‐drinking on the day of consumption. Half of the same‐day purchasers purchase before 6 pm. The average level of intoxication increases over the course of the night, and is unambiguously higher for pre‐drinkers than non‐pre‐drinkers. The level of intoxication does not differ based on the source or timing of pre‐drinking purchases. The main motivation for pre‐drinking was price, especially among women.

Discussion and Conclusions

Pre‐drinking is a contributor to intoxication in the night‐time economy, but most drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre‐drinking before 7 pm. Further research is required to understand whether trading hours restrictions for off‐premises alcohol suppliers will affect the most harmful drinking patterns. Price interventions to reduce the price differential between on‐licenced and off‐licence alcohol outlets offer the greatest potential to reduce pre‐drinking and associated harm.
The adoption of global water norms in Central America: What separates normative coherence from normative hegemony?
Authors: Kauffer Edith , Maganda Carmen
Published: February 2022

Motivation

Water management is currently sustained by international norms negotiated in global meetings which are replicated worldwide. Integrated Water Resources management (IWRM) and the Human Right to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) are two of the main global norms presented as important ideals for good water governance, and as such are seen as contributing to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article engages with this logic.

Purpose

The article analyses two global water norms in Central America: the IWRM and HRWS, from their regional and national definitions and implementation in order to respond to the following research question: does the adoption of IWRM and the HRWS in Central American water management represent normative coherence for development or normative hegemony manifested by vertically imposed global water governance norms?

Methods and approach

The research examines the definition and implementation of IWRM and the HRWS in the Central American Integration System (SICA) and six member states. It examines regional legal frameworks and national water laws and policies. Data collection included reviews of policy documents, academic studies, and grey literature from regional organizations and fieldwork conducted from 2012 to 2019.

Findings

IWRM and HRWS are global water norms that have been institutionalized in Central America through development co‐operation partnerships, especially with European donors. This research shows that SICA member states have not implemented these norms due to the opposition of diverse coalitions of water stakeholders, including agribusiness, economic elites, and indigenous communities. The findings indicate that stakeholder participation and normative legitimacy are the defining characteristics that separate normative coherence for sustainable development from normative hegemony.

Policy implications

Despite Central America's legal alignment with the SDGs, significant grassroots opposition to the implementation of global water norms across the region suggests that normative coherence for sustainable development depends on normative alignment and incorporation by states in national legal frameworks but is also conditioned by stakeholder participation. These findings indicate that normative coherence for sustainable development should become more participative in nature in order to promote transformative development as defined by the SDGs. Otherwise, stakeholders may perceive it as normative hegemony.
John Cook Wilson on the indefinability of knowledge
Authors: Longworth Guy , Wimmer Simon
Published: February 2022

Can knowledge be defined? We expound an argument of John Cook Wilson's that it cannot. Cook Wilson's argument connects knowing with having the power to inquire. We suggest that if he is right about that connection, then knowledge is, indeed, indefinable.
Probing heavy metal binding to phycobiliproteins
Authors: Bellamy‐Carter Jeddidiah , Sound Jaspreet K. , Leney Aneika C.
Published: February 2022

Blue‐green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, contain some of the most efficient light‐harvesting complexes known. These large, colourful complexes consist of phycobiliproteins which are extremely valuable in the cosmetics, food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, the colourful and fluorescent properties of phycobiliproteins can be modulated by metal ions, making them highly attractive as heavy metal sensors and heavy metal scavengers. Although the overall quenching ability metal ions have on phycobiliproteins is known, the mechanism of heavy metal binding to phycobiliproteins is not fully understood, limiting their widespread quantitative applications. Here, we show using high‐resolution native mass spectrometry that phycobiliprotein complexes bind metal ions in different manners. Through monitoring the binding equilibria and metal‐binding stoichiometry, we show in particular copper and silver to have drastic, yet different effects on phycobiliprotein structure, both copper and silver modulate the overall complex properties. Together, the data reveals the mechanisms by which metal ions can modulate phycobiliprotein properties which can be used as a basis for the future design of metal‐related phycobiliprotein applications.
Alphavirus antivirals targeting RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase domain of nsP4 divulged using surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Pareek Akshay , Kumar Ravi , Mudgal Rajat , Neetu Neetu , Sharma Monica , Kumar Pravindra , Tomar Shailly
Published: February 2022

Alphaviruses are continuously re‐emerging and pose a global threat to human health and currently no antiviral drug is commercially available for alphaviral infections. Alphavirus non‐structural protein nsP4, which possesses RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity, is a potential antiviral target. To date, no antiviral drug is commercially available against alphaviruses. Since RdRp is the key virus‐specific enzyme involved in viral genome replication, this study identifies and validates the antiviral efficacy of small molecules targeting alphavirus RdRp. Purified nsP4 was characterized using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, and the binding affinities of divalent metal ions, ribonucleotides, and in vitro transcribed viral RNA oligonucleotides were obtained in the micromolar (μm) range. Further, four potential inhibitors, piperine (PIP), 2‐thiouridine (2TU), pyrazinamide (PZA), and chlorogenic acid (CGA), were identified against nsP4 RdRp using a molecular docking approach. The SPR assay validated the binding of PIP, 2TU, PZA, and CGA to purified nsP4 RdRp with KD of 0.08, 0.13, 0.66, and 9.87 µm, respectively. Initial testing of these molecules as alphavirus replication inhibitors was done using SINV‐IRES‐Luc virus. Detailed assessment of antiviral efficacy of molecules against CHIKV was performed by plaque reduction assay, qRT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence assay. PIP, 2TU, PZA, and CGA showed antiviral potency against CHIKV with EC50 values of 6.68, 27.88, 36.26, and 53.62 µm, respectively. This study paves the way towards the development of novel broad‐spectrum alphavirus antivirals targeting nsP4 RdRp.
Estimating population size and survival of adult northern pike (Esox lucius) in Lower Green Bay
Authors: Stuart Claire E. , Doll Jason C. , Forsythe Patrick S. , Feiner Zachary S.
Published: February 2022

Complex life history behaviours like spawning migrations can complicate population assessments. However, predictable aggregation of populations at certain times of year (e.g. at spawning grounds) presents an effective way to sample species that are otherwise spatially widespread. From 2014 to 2019, a mark‐recapture study on Green Bay northern pike (Esox lucius) entering a spawning wetland was used to estimate apparent survival and population size using Bayesian inference and the Cormack–Jolly–Seber model. Population estimates and apparent survival varied from 446 to 1949 and 0.22 (males in 2017) to 0.63 (males in 2015), respectively, among years. Apparent survival also increased with maximum mean daily water temperature. Estimated capture probability was consistently low across years (<30%) despite a sampling method with high capture efficiency of fish present at the wetland, suggesting Green Bay northern pike may be exhibiting low spawning site fidelity or other life history behaviours, like skipped spawning, which reduce their capture probability at a single wetland over time. Further, spawning site selection and timing may respond to water temperatures. Surveying multiple sites could further elucidate important life history traits while refining estimates of population size and structure in large systems.
Multiple drivers of large‐scale lichen decline in boreal forest canopies
Authors: Esseen Per‐Anders , Ekström Magnus , Grafström Anton , Jonsson Bengt Gunnar , Palmqvist Kristin , Westerlund Bertil , Ståhl Göran
Published: February 2022

Thin, hair‐like lichens (Alectoria,Bryoria,Usnea) form conspicuous epiphyte communities across the boreal biome. These poikilohydric organisms provide important ecosystem functions and are useful indicators of global change. We analyse how environmental drivers influence changes in occurrence and length of these lichens on Norway spruce (Picea abies) over 10 years in managed forests in Sweden using data from >6000 trees.AlectoriaandUsneashowed strong declines in southern‐central regions, whereasBryoriadeclined in northern regions. Overall, relative loss rates across the country ranged from 1.7% per year inAlectoriato 0.5% inBryoria. These losses contrasted with increased length ofBryoriaandUsneain some regions. Occurrence trajectories (extinction, colonization, presence, absence) on remeasured trees correlated best with temperature, rain, nitrogen deposition, and stand age in multinomial logistic regression models. Our analysis strongly suggests that industrial forestry, in combination with nitrogen, is the main driver of lichen declines. Logging of forests with long continuity of tree cover, short rotation cycles, substrate limitation and low light in dense forests are harmful for lichens. Nitrogen deposition has decreased but is apparently still sufficiently high to prevent recovery. Warming correlated with occurrence trajectories ofAlectoriaandBryoria, likely by altering hydration regimes and increasing respiration during autumn/winter. The large‐scale lichen decline on an important host has cascading effects on biodiversity and function of boreal forest canopies. Forest management must apply a broad spectrum of methods, including uneven‐aged continuous cover forestry and retention of large patches, to secure the ecosystem functions of these important canopy components under future climates. Our findings highlight interactions among drivers of lichen decline (forestry, nitrogen, climate), functional traits (dispersal, lichen colour, sensitivity to nitrogen, water storage), and population processes (extinction/colonization).
To make or to buy from a common supplier? Strategic considerations and welfare consequences
Authors: Wen Wei‐Jen , Lee Wen‐Chieh , Lo Chung‐Yen
Published: February 2022

Consider two downstream firms that each can either produce an input in‐house or purchase it from an upstream supplier. We show that depending on the difference between the supplier's and the downstream firms' in‐house production costs, outsourcing by both firms could help them achieve a Pareto improvement or leave them trapped in a prisoner's dilemma. Furthermore, we find that two downstream firms may play a chicken game in which each makes a sourcing decision different from its rival if the input supplier is not as efficient as in the previous cases. The welfare implications of various sourcing outcomes are explored.
Adaptation of a side‐effect questionnaire for identifying symptoms caused by bacillus Calmette‐Guerin intravesical therapy
Authors: Semedo Ana Filipa Goncalves , Martin Rebecca , Kumar Pardeep , Wagland Richard , Kinsella Janette , Wiseman Theresa
Published: February 2022

Current treatment for high‐grade non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer utilizes bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) installations into the bladder. Although effective, BCG toxicities often cause delay or instillation interruptions and this can consequently reduce the treatment efficacy. The importance of a patient questionnaire for identifying symptoms following BCG intravesical therapy, minimizing toxicities and improvements in patient compliance are recognized. However, as yet, a standard questionnaire is not available. The European Association Urology Nurses guidelines have suggested a survey; however, its terminology is potentially too complex to be used by the patients. A project with 3 phases was developed in order to identify the most user‐friendly survey to be used in this population group. Phase 1: Identification and assessment of existing BCG side effects questionnaires. Phase 2: Adaptation and assessment of a BCG side‐effect questionnaire. Phase 3: Testing of the adapted questionnaire. Following the review in phase 1, four questionnaires' were found and assessed using appraisal and text readability tools. Appraisal showed that the four surveys used difficult language for patients to use independently. Based on patient feedback, a BCG side‐effect questionnaire was adapted to be more patient‐friendly and appraised using the same tools from phase 1. The adapted questionnaire proved to be beneficial for both patients and health professionals. First, it was more easily understood by patients. Second, it enabled staff to better identify patients at risk, monitor treatment consequences and implement supportive measures. Despite the adaptations, however, patients continued to find the terminology used ambiguous.
Physiological traits for evaluating heat‐tolerance of Australian spring wheat cultivars at elevated CO2
Authors: Bokshi Anowarul I. , Thistlethwaite Rebecca J. , Chaplin Edward D. , Kirii Erasmus , Trethowan Richard M. , Tan Daniel K. Y.
Published: February 2022

High temperatures and increasing CO2 concentrations are a major threat to global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production, demanding the development of heat‐tolerant wheat cultivars. Plant physiological traits are potential surrogates for evaluating genetic variation for crop stress tolerance. This research evaluated 23 Australian wheat cultivars and two breeding lines for heat‐tolerance by characterising the associated physiological traits. The interactive effects of heat‐stress and elevated CO2 were studied under controlled greenhouse conditions and delayed sowing in the field with exposure to higher temperature. Physiological changes, pollen viability and grain yield were assessed. A significant correlation was observed between physiological and agronomical traits under high temperature at 35°C and elevated CO2 at 800 µl L−1, providing evidence of adaptation to high temperatures in some genotypes. Variation in stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, canopy temperature, leaf chlorophyll and photosynthesis were associated with maintenance of pollen viability and grain yield at high temperatures. Of the genotypes assessed, seven were classified as heat tolerant at both ambient and elevated CO2 and nine were heat susceptible while the remainder showed a variable response to CO2 at high temperatures. Field data confirmed the heat responses of the most heat‐tolerant and susceptible genotypes. The heat tolerant genotypes identified are candidates for further breeding and selection to improve adaptation to a changing climate.
Gelcast zirconia ceramics for dental applications combining high strength and high translucency
Authors: Kastyl Jaroslav , Stastny Premysl , Chlup Zdenek , Song Lu , Scasnovic Erik , Trunec Martin
Published: February 2022

Tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) represent a favorite material for monolithic ceramic dental restorations. However, all approaches employed so far to improve the translucency of dental zirconia ceramics are accompanied by a significant decline in strength. In this investigation, we developed dental 3Y‐TZP ceramics that can provide excellent strength combined with enhanced translucency. The machinable tetragonal zirconia discs and blocks were prepared from fine mesostructured zirconia particles stabilized with 3 mol% of yttria using the gelcasting method. Zirconia ceramics with an average biaxial strength of 1184 MPa and translucency of 41.1% for a 1 mm thick sample were obtained. Due to its unique microstructure, this tetragonal ceramic provided a favorable combination of high translucency comparable to the high‐translucent, tetragonal/cubic 4Y‐TZP and very high strength achievable only in the pure tetragonal 3Y‐TZP. The applicability and resistance to low‐temperature degradation of the new dental ceramics was demonstrated.
The Kantian Promise and Peril of Moral Bioenhancement
Authors: Kudlek Karolina , Smith Patrick Taylor
Published: February 2022

Moral bioenhancement (MBE) aims to fix our moral agency itself in order to prevent us from engaging in negligent or harmful behavior. Although such (self)‐paternalistic practice might very well produce good outcomes, it can be argued – inspired by Kant – that it is intrinsically disrespectful towards our future agency. Hence, we are faced with the following ethical dilemma: the failure to engage in MBE seems reckless and negligent, which can be considered a serious moral wrong; but engaging in MBE presupposes that we treat our faculties (our future agency) in a disrespectful self‐paternalistic manner. In this article, we want to resolve the described dilemma by suggesting a novel way of understanding Kantian objections to MBE. We argue that a careful engagement with Kantian moral psychology does provide a space for MBE but that it also describes a potential danger of MBE that has, at best, been only superficially described. That is, we offer a different Kantian understanding of MBE as a means to bring our empirical and noumenal selves together as a coherent whole to achieve what Kant describes as ‘genuine accountability to others’.
Diversification of the orchid genus Tridactyle: Origin of endemism on the oceanic islands of São Tomé & Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: D'haijère Tania , Kaymak Esra , Boom Arthur F. , Hardy Olivier J. , Stévart Tariq , Mardulyn Patrick
Published: February 2022

Aim

Oceanic islands have played an important role in our understanding of the diversification of organisms, and phylogenetic estimates have been used in this context to investigate the origin of island diversity and its relationship to the continent. Using a typical orchid genus rich in island endemics and with widespread continental relatives, we aim to compare alternative hypotheses of diversification with a focus on island endemism.

Location

Tropical Africa and the Gulf of Guinea Islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, Central Africa.

Taxon

Tridactyle genus (Orchidaceae).

Methods

We used genome skimming to sequence the whole chloroplast genome and nuclear ribosomal genes from 157 individuals of 34 Tridactyle species and 15 individuals of 12 other orchid genera (outgroups) to infer a time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree of the genus Tridactyle. We also used multiple statistical methods to infer the geographical ranges of the ancestral nodes from the estimated phylogeny. Alternative hypotheses for the origins of endemism on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were investigated based on the biogeographical reconstruction of the genus.

Results

The estimated phylogeny of Tridactyle and reconstruction of geographical ranges for the ancestral nodes suggested a general history of allopatric speciation for the genus, in particular via colonization of the islands of the Gulf of Guinea that induced a long period of geographical isolation. The most parsimonious hypothesis to explain island endemism in Tridactyle involved six independent colonizations of the islands from the continent.

Main conclusions

In contrast to other cases of oceanic island endemism that involved adaptive radiation on an island or within an archipelago, endemism in Tridactyle is better explained by multiple colonization events from the continent to São Tomé and Príncipe, with subsequent divergences due to geographical isolation but only one potential instance of further diversification on the islands.
Good cause, not so good business? Sales and operations performance of cause‐related marketing
Authors: Sodero Anníbal C.
Published: February 2022

Building on prior literature on sales and operations planning, corporate social responsibility, and marketing campaigns, we investigate cause‐related marketing (C‐RM) effects on sales and operations performance across the retail supply chain. C‐RM is a corporate social responsibility marketing campaign, in which a for‐profit firm donates proceeds from consumer purchases of a promoted product to a designated nonprofit cause. Using a unique, rich, and proprietary dataset from an actual CR‐M campaign, we conduct a quasi‐experiment analysis. Our findings suggest positive C‐RM effects on retail store sales during the campaign, coupled with enduring negative effects on forecast bias and service levels upstream in the retail supply chain. Although academic studies and the specialized media have thoroughly documented the benefits of C‐RM to corporate branding, our findings point to trade‐offs in sales and operations performance across the retail supply chain. These findings call for firms to carry out holistic assessments of the strategic value of C‐RM involving all of its stakeholders, including sales and operations planners and the nonprofit cause, as well as investments in the development and improvement of their forecasting management competence.
Accountability and offsetting in environmental law enforcement
Authors: NEHME MARINA , PEDERSEN OLE W.
Published: February 2022

Since 2010, the Environment Agency of England has had a range of flexible tools at its disposal to deal with misconduct. One such sanction, enforcement undertaking, is akin to a settlement where the regulator and the offender agree to deal with the breach through a range of promises that may restore and remedy the environmental harm caused by the offence. The majority of these undertakings further require the offender to make donations to charitable environmental causes to improve the environment. However, there is little transparency around the latter promise. Consequently, this article details the findings of a pilot study interrogating the specific implementation of a subset of enforcement undertakings in the North East of England. The article argues that a more transparent enforcement process would address some of the accountability problems arising from the findings, which show that ‘community benefits’ operate as an offset mechanism instead of as a restorative enforcement mechanism.
Arbitration vis‐à‐vis other professions: a sociology of professions account of international commercial arbitrators
Authors: MOREIRA JOÃO ILHÃO
Published: February 2022

Despite some interest in a so‐called ‘sociology of arbitration’, there is still a notable lack of literature addressing why arbitrators, as a group, have not engaged in the patterns of behaviour usually associated with other professionals. The divergence from such patterns is so broad that, in many respects, arbitration would not fit with traditional sociological definitions of an organized profession. Most notably, arbitrators lack full‐time engagement in this role and are not bound by licensing requirements. This article proposes that this discrepancy ultimately relates to the arbitral market's particularities and the regulatory competition allowed by the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. The article concludes that these same characteristics have, however, allowed international commercial arbitration to maintain one of the hallmarks of a profession: control over its own affairs.
Evaluation of a COVID‐19 Rapid Antigen Testing Program in a Supervised Community Distance Learning Setting for K‐8 Students
Authors: Lee Ryan C. , Soto Daniel W. , Deva Sohini , Macedo Marisol , Shanker Kush , Rodriguez Anna , Alhajri Danyah , Unger Jennifer B.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

School‐based COVID‐19 testing is a potential strategy to limit COVID‐19 transmission among youth in congregate settings such as schools, sports programs, and summer camps. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of frequent rapid antigen testing at a supervised distance‐learning setting for elementary and middle school children while their schools were closed.

METHODS

This evaluation examines participation rates and testing data in addition to qualitative analysis of focus groups from a Los Angeles City‐sponsored rapid antigen testing pilot program. In total, 434 children and staff were enrolled in the 13‐week pilot program in the spring of 2021.

RESULTS

In this pilot program, 2482 rapid antigen tests were administered, resulting in 3 positive test results, 1 of which was a false positive (confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing) and 0 outbreaks or community spread.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout this pilot program, implementing rapid antigen tests allowed for the quick identification and isolation of potentially COVID‐19‐positive children, improved perceived safety for parents and staff who interact with children, and demonstrated the ability for staff and non‐health care professionals in a school‐based setting to implement a widespread COVID‐19 screening program with minimal training.
Vocalization of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Beibu Gulf, China
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Tao , Duan Peng‐Xiang , Chen Mo , Mei Zhi‐Gang , Sun Xiao‐Dong , Nong Zhi‐Wen , Liu Mei‐Han , Akamatsu Tomonari , Wang Ke‐Xiong , Wang Ding
Published: February 2022

The presence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Beibu Gulf, China has been reported since 2016. In the current study, in situ Bryde's whale vocalizations were recorded. Bouts of frequency modulated repetitive and diversified calls were recorded. Repetitive calls were recorded when 1–3 whales were present within 2 km of the boat and were probably emitted by a single whale and functioned as contact calls. Repetitive calls were divided into biphonation downswept tonals and downswept tonals. Diversified calls were recorded when 4–7 whales were present within 2 km of the boat and were probably associated with acoustic exchanges between or among conspecifics. Diversified calls occasionally contained inflection points, frequency jumps, and break point features. The frequency band of Bryde's whale vocalizations overlapped highly with background noise. Most vocalizations in the current study were different than those previously reported for this species. Therefore, the findings of this study provide more information on the known acoustic repertoire of Bryde's whales and provide a basis for noninvasive monitoring of Bryde's whale with passive acoustic methods and for developing mitigation and conservation protocols to ensure their future viability.
Angiopoietin‐like protein 4 treated bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate myocardial injury of patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Fen , Wu Jie , Li Xingxing , Ying Xuan , Fang Wenbing , Dong Yang
Published: February 2022

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and their exosomes are of great significance for the recovery of cardiac function in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanisms of BMSCs applied to MI treatment remain unclear. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACs) are performed to assess the apoptosis, reactive oxygen species levels and glucose uptake capacity of BMSCs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is conducted to detect the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF), transforming growth factor‐beta 1, connective tissue growth factor, and platelet‐derived growth factor. The levels of apoptosis‐related proteins were detected by Western blot. The levels of VEGF, bFGF, HGF, and IGF were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The biochemical kits are applied to detect the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate. 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium and Masson staining and immunofluorescence are performed to assess myocardial function of rats. Angiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) alleviates apoptosis and oxidative stress of BMSCs induced by serum deprivation and hypoxia; ANGPTL4 activates paracrine and accelerate metabolic energy of BMSCs; and ANGPTL4 treated‐BMSCs alleviate myocardial injury of rats with MI. ANGPTL4 treated‐BMSCs alleviate myocardial injury in rats with MI, indicating the combination therapy of ANGPTL4 and BMSCs may alleviate myocardial injury in rats with MI.
Standardized system and App for continuous patient symptom logging in gastroduodenal disorders: Design, implementation, and validation
Authors: Sebaratnam Gabrielle , Karulkar Nikita , Calder Stefan , Woodhead Jonathan S.T. , Keane Celia , Carson Daniel A. , Varghese Chris , Du Peng , Waite Stephen J. , Tack Jan , Andrews Christopher N. , Broadbent Elizabeth , Gharibans Armen A. , O’Grady Greg
Published: February 2022

Background

Functional gastroduodenal disorders include functional dyspepsia, chronic nausea and vomiting syndromes, and gastroparesis. These disorders are common, but their overlapping symptomatology poses challenges to diagnosis, research, and therapy. This study aimed to introduce and validate a standardized patient symptom‐logging system and App to aid in the accurate reporting of gastroduodenal symptoms for clinical and research applications.

Methods

The system was implemented in an iOS App including pictographic symptom illustrations, and two validation studies were conducted. To assess convergent and concurrent validity, a diverse cohort with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms undertook App‐based symptom logging for 4 h after a test meal. Individual and total post‐prandial symptom scores were averaged and correlated against two previously validated instruments: PAGI‐SYM (for convergent validity) and PAGI‐QOL (for concurrent validity). To assess face and content validity, semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients.

Key Results

App‐based symptom reporting demonstrated robust convergent validity with PAGI‐SYM measures of nausea (rS =0.68), early satiation (rS =0.55), bloating (rS =0.48), heartburn (rS =0.47), upper gut pain (rS =0.40), and excessive fullness (rS =0.40); all p < 0.001 (n = 79). The total App‐reported Gastric Symptom Burden Score correlated positively with PAGI‐SYM (rS =0.56; convergent validity; p < 0.001), and negatively with PAGI‐QOL (rS = −0.34; concurrent validity; p = 0.002). Interviews demonstrated that the pictograms had adequate face and content validity.

Conclusions and Inferences

The continuous patient symptom‐logging App demonstrated robust convergent, concurrent, face, and content validity when used within a 4‐h post‐prandial test protocol. The App will enable standardized symptom reporting and is anticipated to provide utility in both research and clinical practice.
Is patient identification of ‘comfortable’ print size a useful clinical parameter for low vision reading assessment?
Authors: Latham Keziah , Macnaughton Jane
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine what a person with vision loss considers a ‘comfortable’ print size to read, and examine whether this reflects any of three currently used parameters for identifying print size required for sustained reading tasks: minimum size to achieve maximum reading speed (the critical print size (CPS)); minimum size for functional reading at 80 wpm and/or a size that is double the reading acuity (representing an acuity reserve of 2:1).

Methods

Forty‐seven participants entering low vision rehabilitation (mean age 77 years, 24 with macular degeneration) were assessed using MNREAD charts to determine reading acuity, maximum reading speed, CPS and the minimum size allowing functional (80 wpm) reading. Comfortable print size was assessed by asking participants to identify ‘the smallest print size that you would find comfortable using’ on the MNREAD chart.

Results

There was little difference between comfortable print size and CPS (mean difference 0.05 logMAR (SD 0.18); p = 0.08, limits of agreement ±0.35 logMAR), and no trend for the difference between values to differ across the functional range. Size for functional reading could only be assessed for 41 participants, and the difference between this and comfortable print size varied across the functional range. Comfortable print size was consistently smaller than twice the reading acuity size (mean difference 0.11 logMAR (SD 0.17); p < 0.001), with an average acuity reserve of 1.74:1.

Conclusions

Asking people with visual impairment to identify a print size that is comfortable to read provides a print size similar to the CPS. This can be used as a guide in selecting magnification for sustained reading without having to undertake further analyses. Identification of perceived comfortable print size may offer a time‐efficient clinical method of estimating magnification requirements, and be relevant for undertaking effective remote consultations.
Principles of treatment for severe maxillofacial infection in pregnant women
Authors: Huang Qun , Chen Yuxiang , Liu Guocheng , Qian Hong , Yan Yixuan , Wang Rong , Zhao Lina , Chen Runzhe
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore the principles of the surgical treatment of severe dental and maxillofacial infections in pregnant women.

Methods

There were eight pregnant women, gestational age of 20–35 weeks, diagnosed with maxillofacial cellulitis, caused by inflammation of the lower third molar. Surgeries were performed through incision and drainage intro or extraoral, systemic antibiotic treatments were also arranged, and the inflammation was cured.

Results

Infections of all patients were controlled within 1 week, Pregnancies were continued to spontaneous delivery by five patients, three patients gave birth immediately after acute inflammation control, and one patient accepted facial scar surgery 6 months after delivery.

Conclusion

Surgery is a good treatment method for curing severe maxillofacial space infection in pregnant women. Grasping the principle of surgery is the key to ensuring the safety of the mother and foetus.
Prediction of fluid responsiveness following liver compression in pediatric patients with single ventricle physiology
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Jang Hwan‐Suk , Kang Pyoyoon , Song In Sun , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Jang Young‐Eun , Kim Eun‐Hee , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The role of liver compression in predicting fluid responsiveness in children with a single ventricle has never been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess whether blood pressure changes during liver compression predict fluid responsiveness in children with single ventricle physiology.

Methods

This prospective, interventional study included children aged 3 months to 5 years who underwent surgery for bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt or extracardiac Fontan operation. Before fluid loading, the right upper abdomen was compressed at 30 mmHg for 10 s, and changes in the blood pressure waves were recorded before administering 10 ml kg−1 of crystalloid solution. Systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pleth variability index, respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity, and stroke volume were measured before and after fluid loading. A volume responder was defined as a patient with >15% increase in stroke volume index.

Results

Thirty patients underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (15 responders and 15 non‐responders), and 32 underwent Fontan surgery (17 responders and 15 non‐responders). In children with bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt, Δsystolic arterial pressure > 8 mmHg (sensitivity 76.9% and specificity 93.3%), Δdiastolic arterial pressure > 7 mmHg (sensitivity 69.2% and specificity 93.3%), and Δmean arterial pressure > 7 mmHg (sensitivity 69.2% and specificity 100%) during liver compression predicted fluid responsiveness. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of Δsystolic arterial pressure, Δdiastolic arterial pressure, and Δmean arterial pressure were 0.928, 0.859, and 0.874 (all p < .001). In children who underwent Fontan surgery, only Δsystolic arterial pressure > 16 mmHg was predictive of fluid responsiveness (sensitivity of 41.2% and specificity of 100%), with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves curve of 0.786 (p < .001). Pleth variability index and respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity had no predictive value for fluid responsiveness after both types of surgeries.

Discussion

In BCPS patients, liver compression increases the inferior vena cava flow which directly leads to an increase in preload. On the other hand, blood flow from the liver drains directly into the pulmonary arteries in Fontan circulation. Because of this characteristics for preload determination, the clinical application of liver compression to monitor hemodynamic changes might be more useful in patients with bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt than those with Fontan circulation.

Conclusion

Increase in blood pressure induced by liver compression is predictive of fluid responsiveness in children with single ventricle physiology.
Political institutions, punctuated equilibrium theory, and policy disasters
Authors: Fagan E. J.
Published: February 2022

This paper develops a theory of the relationship between policy disasters and political institutions. Policy disasters, defined as avoidable, unintended extreme negative policy outcomes, are important political, and historical events above that receive relatively little attention from political scientists and scholars of public policy. Using the predictions of punctuated equilibrium theory, I argue that systems with higher error accumulation will experience more policy disasters. Systems with more veto players and weaker information flows will experience more policy disasters, but information flows will have a stronger impact than veto players. I test this theory using data on financial crises and natural and technological disasters across 70 countries over 60 years. I find strong evidence that systems with weaker information flows and more veto players tend to have greater policy disaster risk.
3D building model simplification method considering both model mesh and building structure
Authors: She Jiangfeng , Chen Bo , Tan Junzhong , Zhao Qiang , Ge Rongcun
Published: February 2022

The simplification of three‐dimensional (3D) building models to improve rendering efficiency has gained widespread attention. To maintain the model's overall appearance features while increasing the simplification rate, we propose a novel 3D building simplification method that considers both the model mesh and building structure. The method divides a 3D building into a primary structure and subsidiary structures. It then organizes these structures using StructureTree, a multi‐way tree. The structures are organized according to the dependency relationships between building structures. When simplifying a building, the decision whether to simplify the mesh or remove the subsidiary structure in the leaf node of the StructureTree depends on the volume change caused by the edge collapse and the visual saliency of the removed structure. The experimental results show that our method exhibits a better simplification effect than the traditional simplification method, and the proposed method can achieve a high simplification rate while maintaining the simplification quality. Furthermore, the results of some spatial analyses based on the highly simplified building model are consistent with those of the original model.