bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
For autistic persons by autistic persons: Acceptability of a structured peer support service according to key stakeholders
Authors: Valderrama Alena , Martinez Alejandra , Charlebois Kathleen , Guerrero Lucila , Forgeot d'Arc Baudouin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Social support is a protective factor in the mental health of autistic people. Furthermore, prejudice regarding autistic people is a constraint for the development of social support programmes by autistic peers.

Methods

The objective of this study is to describe the anticipated acceptability of structured peer support programmes for and by autistic persons. Fifteen key stakeholders (six autistic adults, four caregivers and five service providers) participated in in‐depth semistructured interviews. A qualitative thematic analysis of the content of the verbatim was carried out.

Findings

We found that while a structured peer social support programme is acceptable to autistic people and caregivers, there was no consensus among service providers. The latter expressed doubts about the ability of autistic people to offer support. The framing of discussions between peers, the training of peer helpers, the support for autistic leadership and an organization that considers the communicational and sensory characteristics of autistic persons, could influence adherence to such a programme. Moreover, a space without service providers is an important condition for the acceptability of a peer support programme.

Conclusion

A structured peer support service for and by autistic persons could be an innovative way to answer the unmet support needs of autistic people. It seems essential to anticipate potential barriers and facilitators and to communicate among health professionals to promote this approach and reduce possible prejudice about the ability of autistic people to offer support to their peers. More studies are necessary.

Patient or Public Contribution

Fifteen key stakeholders who are involved in autistic people's trajectory of service and support participated in this research. We are a research team composed of healthcare professionals and researchers, in addition to one member of our team being an autistic advocate and a mental health peer‐support mentor. Two members of our team are also parents of autistic children. The comprehensibility of the questions for the interview was consulted and discussed with one autistic advocate‐collaborator.
Women's experiences along the ovarian cancer diagnostic pathway in Catalonia: A qualitative study
Authors: Vela‐Vallespín Carmen , Medina‐Perucha Laura , Jacques‐Aviñó Constanza , Codern‐Bové Núria , Harris Meggan , Borras Josep M. , Marzo‐Castillejo Mercè
Published: November 2022

Background

Early detection of symptoms and prompt diagnosis of ovarian cancer are considered important avenues for improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Methods

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to perform patient interviews, collecting individual accounts of the prediagnostic phase in women diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer in 2016–2017. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a diverse sample of 24 participants, while thematic content analysis was used to extract themes and subthemes from interview data.

Results

Three themes and nine subthemes were identified. The first theme was women's delay in recognizing symptoms and seeking care, with subthemes on the lack of knowledge about early signs of ovarian cancer, gender‐related barriers and false reassurance from negative test results. A second theme was missed opportunities during healthcare encounters, due to misattribution of women's symptoms by their physicians, underestimation of symptom severity and need for mediation and inadequate tests and/or false negative results. Finally, interviews highlighted the use of resources and alternative healthcare pathways, including complementary/alternative medicines, access to private health care and women's capacity for action and decision‐making (agency) about their health.

Conclusion

Delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer is rooted in both individual factors (lack of health literacy, reluctance to seek care) and systemic issues (missed opportunities in healthcare encounters, access to timely specialist care). Further research is needed to investigate the extent to which traditional gender roles and socioeconomic inequalities condition women's ability to manage their own health and to interact with health professionals and the health system.

Patient and Public Contribution

In addition to the patient participation during the interviews, one author was a representative of a patient association.
Structural, thermal, and DC conductivity properties of WO3–P2O5 glasses doped with B2O3
Authors: Pershina Svetlana V.
Published: November 2022

In this study, glasses in composition 70WO3–(30 − х)P2O5–хB2O3 (0 ≤ х ≤ 20 mol%) were prepared by melt quenching method. The glass formation, structure, and thermal and electrical properties are discussed. Homogeneous glasses were obtained at x = 0–10 mol% B2O3, whereas glasses with x = 15 and 20 contain microinclusions of WO3. The glass transition temperature decreases from 709 to 531.6°C with increasing B2O3 content, as well as the crystallization temperature and the thermal stability. The structure of the glasses was studied by Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The Raman spectra are characterized by a band near 995 cm−1, a broad band at 788–800 cm−1, and a band near 675 cm−1 ascribed to vibrations of W–O–P, W–O–W, and P–O–B bonds, respectively. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectra show vibrational bands due to characteristic phosphate and borate groups. Tetrahedral BO4 units prevail in the structural network. The electrical conductivity of the glasses decreased with x content due to the growth of WO3‐deficient regions.
C‐reactive protein as a prognostic predictor for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer after intravesical bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy: A Japan Urological Oncology Group study analysis
Authors: Nishikawa Ryoma , Miyake Makito , Morizane Shuichi , Shimizu Ryutaro , Teraoka Shogo , Honda Masashi , Iida Kota , Nishimura Nobutaka , Sazuka Tomokazu , Kimura Takahiro , Ito Akihiro , Shiga Kenichiro , Taoka Rikiya , Kojima Takahiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Nishiyama Naotaka , Kitamura Hiroshi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the involvement of pretreatment C‐reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis of patients who underwent intravesical bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) therapy for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods

The clinicopathological data of 1709 patients with NMIBC who underwent initial intravesical BCG therapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the outcome of intravesical BCG therapy in a multicenter study conducted by the Japan Urological Oncology Group. The prognoses of these patients were analyzed to determine whether the biomarkers (CRP and NLR) could predict the efficacy of intravesical BCG therapy. Patients were divided into two groups according to the pretreatment CRP and NLR, with cutoff values defined as CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl and NLR ≥ 2.5, based on several previous reports.

Results

In the univariable analysis, CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl was significantly associated with intravesical recurrence, cancer‐specific survival, and bladder cancer (BC) progression, while NLR ≥ 2.5 was not significantly associated with patient prognosis. In the multivariable analysis, CRP ≥ 0.5 mg/dl was significantly associated with intravesical recurrence and BC progression. The concordance index was used to examine the accuracy in predicting recurrence and progression events. While CRP was slightly, though not statistically significant, inferior to the European Association of Urology risk classification, the combination of them showed improved predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

This study suggests that CRP can be a prognostic factor after intravesical BCG therapy and may provide useful data for determining treatment and follow‐up strategies for patients with NMIBC.
An assessment of post‐graduation residency plans of international doctoral graduates in the United States and economic status of their country of origin: The case of sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ayivor Sandra , Mensah Wisdom Y. , Yang Hongwei
Published: November 2022

This study assessed the economic status of the country of origin of US doctoral graduates from the sub‐Saharan African region and their post‐graduation residency plans. The National Science Foundation's 2012–2017 Survey of Earned Doctorates provided data for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and contingency table analysis. The results revealed an association between the economic status of the country of origin and the post‐graduation residency plan. Sixty percent of students from the low‐income and lower‐middle‐income categories expressed an intention to stay in the United States after graduation. The study concluded that the economic status has a relationship with the decision of sub‐Saharan African doctoral students' residency plans. The recommendation is that sub‐Saharan African countries introduce and implement policies that incentivize high‐calibre personnel trained abroad to return to their home country.
Global patterns and drivers of herbivorous eriophyoid mite species diversity
Authors: Li Ni , Sun Jing‐Tao , Yin Yue , Hong Xiao‐Yue , Xue Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2022

Aim

Environmental drivers and host richness play key roles in affecting herbivore diversity. However, the relative effects of these factors and their effects on lineages characterized by high host specificity are not well known. In this study, we explored the extent to which contemporary climate, Quaternary climate change, habitat heterogeneity and host plants determine the species richness and endemism patterns of herbivorous eriophyoid mites.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea).

Methods

We compiled a dataset comprising 4278 eriophyoid mite species from 22,973 occurrence sites based on a comprehensive search of the published literature and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) as a basis for predicting their global distribution patterns. We measured the association of environmental variables and host plant richness with species richness and endemism of eriophyoid mites through multiple regression analyses using a simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) model, an ordinary least squares (OLS) model and a random forest model. We examined the direct and indirect effects of these environmental variables and the host plant richness on eriophyoid mite diversity using structural equation models (SEMs).

Results

The species richness and endemism patterns of eriophyoid mites are concentrated in temperate regions. Contemporary climate, Quaternary climate change, habitat heterogeneity and host plants all significantly affected eriophyoid mite richness, while Quaternary climate change, habitat heterogeneity and host plants contributed to the eriophyoid mite endemism. Abiotic factors indirectly influenced the species richness and endemism of eriophyoid mites, via biotic factors—host plants.

Main Conclusions

The species richness and endemism of eriophyoid mites peak in temperate regions, opposite to the patterns of plants and some other organisms. Complex interactions among biotic and abiotic factors shape the current eriophyoid mite species diversity.
Towards an understanding of future range shifts in lichens and mosses under climate change
Authors: Mallen‐Cooper Max , Rodríguez‐Caballero Emilio , Eldridge David J. , Weber Bettina , Büdel Burkhard , Höhne Hermann , Cornwell Will K.
Published: November 2022

Aim

Lichens and mosses play important functional roles in all terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in tundra and drylands. As with all taxa, to maintain their current niche in a changing climate, lichens and mosses will have to migrate. However, there are no published estimates of future habitat suitability or necessary rates of migration for members of these groups at the global scale.

Taxon

Lichens and mosses.

Location

Global.

Methods

Using global occurrence data, we conducted ensemble distribution models in the ‘biomod2’ R package, parameterised with a range of climatic, land use and soil variables, to estimate current and future (2100) habitat suitability in 16 abundant species of lichen and moss.

Results

Without considering dispersal limitation, suitable area was forecast to expand for eight species and decline for four species. For species with predominantly boreo‐arctic distributions, suitable area typically declined at the temperate range edge and expanded across the High Arctic. Future suitable area available to dryland‐adapted species generally declined overall, likely relating to the desiccation‐tolerant physiology of lichens and mosses. The average migration rates required for species to disperse into new suitable habitat ranged from 1.7 (Placidium squamulosum) to 9.0 km year−1 (Syntrichia ruralis), although most species will need to migrate >16 km year−1 to completely fill their potential future suitable habitat.

Main Conclusions

For mosses and lichens, as with all species, migration will be an important part of the adjustment to a warmer climate, but realisation of these potential migrations will require both rare dispersal events and habitat that is suitable in non‐climatic dimensions. Current evidence on dispersal in these groups suggests that these geographical shifts may be unlikely to be realised without intervention, especially in landscapes that are highly modified by humans.
Feasibility and safety of zero‐fluoroscopy left bundle branch pacing: An initial experience
Authors: Ramos‐Maqueda Javier , Melero‐Polo Jorge , Montilla‐Padilla Isabel , Ruiz‐Arroyo José Ramón , Cabrera‐Ramos Mercedes
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has emerged in recent years as a new pacing modality, providing patients with a narrower paced QRS than conventional pacing and stable pacing parameters. At the same time, there is a growing concern about the use of fluoroscopy in pacemaker implantations, given its harmful effects on both patients and operators. However, there are no prior experiences of zero‐fluoroscopy in LBBP procedure.

Methods

We conducted an observational prospective study recruiting consecutive patients that underwent zero‐fluoroscopy LBBP pacemaker implantation. A 6‐month follow‐up visit was programmed for every patient. The main goal of our study was to assess the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the procedure.

Results

From January 2021 to February 2022, we included 10 patients, 8 males. The average age was 63 ± 4 years. The procedure was successful in all patients. We observed a significant reduction in paced QRS width compared with basal QRS width (149 ± 31.9 vs. 116 ± 15.6 ms, p = .02). All device parameters remained stable at 6‐month follow‐up: no significant differences in mean impedance (700.5 ± 136.4 vs. 494 ± 72.7 Ohm, p = .09), capture threshold (0.67 ± 0.2 vs. 0.83 ± 0.2 V @ 0.4 ms, p = .27) or endocardial V‐wave amplitude (10.6 ± 5.2 vs. 13.9 ± 6.3 mV, p = .19). No complications were reported in any case.

Conclusion

Zero‐fluoroscopy LBBP is feasible and safe, and it may be considered in cases where radiation exposure is contraindicated or especially undesirable. Future randomized clinical trials are needed for the widespread use of this new technique.
Salivary non‐apoptotic tumoral microvesicles: A potential progressive marker in oral cancer patients
Authors: Man Qi‐Wen , Li Rui‐Fang , Bu Lin‐Lin , Zhao Yi , Liu Bing
Published: November 2022

Tumour cell‐secreted microvesicles (MVs) contribute immensely to tumour progression. However, the role of tumoral salivary MVs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Herein, we elucidated the role of non‐apoptotic salivary tumoral MVs in OSCC development, especially relating to the migration ability. We purified and compared non‐apoptotic salivary tumoral MVs from 63 OSCC patients and orthotopic OSCC mice model. Next, we compared the protein difference between apoptotic and non‐apoptotic MVs by Western blot, proteomics and flow cytometry from saliva and CAL27 cells. Finally, we collected the non‐apoptotic MVs and co‐cultured with normal oral epithelial cells, the migration ability was examined by wound healing assay and Western blot assay. Our results indicated that the levels of non‐apoptotic tumoral S‐MVs were significantly higher in OSCC patients with T3 to T4 stages than in patients with T1 to T2 stages or healthy donors. In OSCC mice model, we found elevations of non‐apoptotic tumoral MVs associated with tumoral volume. EGFR overexpression increased the generation of non‐apoptotic tumoral MVs which could significantly promote normal epithelial cell migration. In conclusion, elevated levels of non‐apoptotic tumoral S‐MVs are associated with clinicopathologic features of OSCC patients, implying that non‐apoptotic tumoral S‐MVs are a potential progressive marker of OSCC.
Specialty care after transition to long‐term care in nursing home
Authors: Ulyte Agne , Mehrotra Ateev , Huskamp Haiden A. , Grabowski David C. , Barnett Michael L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Nursing home residents face many barriers to accessing specialist physician outpatient care. However, little data exists on how specialty care use changes when individuals transition to a nursing home in the US.

Methods

We studied specialist outpatient visits for new long‐term care (LTC) residents within 1 year before and after their transition to nursing home residence using the Minimum Data Set v3.0 (MDS) and a 20% sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service claims in 2014–2018. To focus on residents requiring specialty care at baseline, we limited the cohort to residents with specialty care in the 13–24 months before LTC transition. We then measured the proportion of residents receiving at least one visit in the 12 months before the transition and the 12 months after the transition. We also examined subgroups of residents with a prior diagnosis likely requiring long‐term specialty care (e.g., multiple sclerosis). Finally, we examined whether there was continuity of care within the same specialty care provider.

Results

Among 39,288 new LTC transitions identified in 2016–2017, 17,877 (45.5%) residents had a prior specialist visit 13–24 months before the transition. Among them, the proportion of residents with specialty visits decreased consistently in all specialties in the 12 months after the transition, ranging from a relative decrease of 14.4% for orthopedics to 67.9% for psychiatry. The relative decrease among patients with a diagnosis likely requiring specialty care ranged from 0.9% for neurology in patients with multiple sclerosis to 67.1% for psychiatry in patients with severe mental illness. Among residents who continued visiting a specialist, 78.9% saw the same provider as before the transition.

Conclusions

The use of specialty care falls significantly after patients transition to a nursing home. Further research is needed to understand what drives this drop in use and whether interventions, such as telemedicine can ameliorate potential barriers to specialty care.
Diet therapy in patients with rare diseases: a scoping review
Authors: Liu Xuehua , Chen Huifang , Zhong Yaping , Lee Tsorng‐Yeh , Han Wenxuan , Yu Dafang , Liu Huaxia , Ji Ji
Published: November 2022

Background

This scoping review presents existing research evidence regarding diet therapy in patients with rare diseases (RDs).

Methods

Using the five‐stage scoping review framework proposed by Arksey, O'Malley and Levac, we searched the published literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Royal Society of Chemistry, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wan Fang Database from January 2010 to November 2022. We selected diet therapy studies on 121 RDs, as categorised by the National Health Commission of China in 2018. Charts for research analysis were developed and used to categorise the data.

Results

We ultimately included 34 diet therapy studies from 19 countries and territories for 10 RDs and 3 RD groups. RD diet therapy studies have mainly focused on inborn errors of metabolism (92.3%) and are common in Western countries. Most studies focused on diet therapy methods for RDs (44%). In addition, 29% of studies included diet therapy management, 15% included guidelines for diet therapy and 12% included the impact of diet therapy on patients.

Conclusions

Current diet therapies for RDs lack specificity and present with limited characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the scope and depth of future research and explore evidence‐based recommendations and new diet therapies focused on patient needs and family support to provide a reference for improving the efficacy and safety of diet therapies for RDs.
Patient experiences of weight loss and eating after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Ansari Mariha , Serjeant Sarah
Published: November 2022

Background

An estimated 26% of men and 29% of women in the UK are living with obesity according to recent statistics. Bariatric surgery can induce significant weight loss and improve comorbidity status. However, previous studies highlight challenges in maintaining dietary changes and weight loss. This systematic review aimed to investigate patient experiences of weight loss and eating in the first 2 years following surgery, as well as provide clinical recommendations to support this group.

Methods

Ethical approval was granted by the University. A systematic search was conducted in four databases. Studies were selected according to the predefined eligibility criteria and methodological quality, assessed via the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. Data were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method. Rigour was enhanced via use of a data extraction tool, a validated method for data synthesis, peer review and transparent reporting.

Results

In total, 507 records were screened; nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The thematic synthesis yielded four, interlinked analytical themes based on the experiences of 154 patients: relationship with food, relationship with oneself, relationship with others and unfinished journey. Positive experiences were reported including development of healthy eating behaviours and significant weight loss, improving physical and psychosocial wellbeing. On the other hand, challenges in adjusting to life after surgery were also reported.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the need for personalised dietary advice, addressing the psychological aspects of eating. Support should be extended to the family. Ongoing psychological support must be incorporated in the postsurgery care pathway to help patients deal with the negative outcomes of surgery such as excess skin.
Time‐Limited Loyalty Rewards*
Authors: Caminal Ramon
Published: November 2022

I examine an infinite‐horizon model in which a monopolist can commit to sell the good to repeat customers at a reduced price. Such an option may or may not expire. Consumer preferences are subject to temporary shocks, which implies that loyalty rewards can raise efficiency by contracting prior to private information arrival. I show that expiration dates enhance the effectiveness of loyalty programs by disciplining consumers, who otherwise would excessively delay the redemption of rewards, and reduce the frequency of purchases. Moreover, if firms can influence future regular prices then loyalty programs become more profitable, but may harm consumers.
Overlap of activity patterns between leopards and their potential prey species in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Nakazawa N.
Published: November 2022

The activities of predators and prey have been reported to influence each other. However, few studies have clarified when African leopards Panthera pardus are likely to encounter their prey. One reason for this is that the activity patterns of African forest mammals are poorly understood. Therefore, I aimed to clarify the activity patterns of leopards and their prey species by deploying camera traps on the ground and in trees in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. In total, 4468 camera days of camera traps set on the ground and 286 camera days of camera traps set in trees were analyzed. The overlap in activity patterns between leopards and their main prey species was calculated using coefficient Δ. At least seven leopards were identified in the study area. Leopards were active throughout the day, with crepuscular peaks at dawn and dusk. Blue duikers Philantomba monticola, the most consumed species in Mahale, were predominantly diurnal. The activity patterns of leopards moderately overlapped with those of blue duikers (Δ = 0.65). The activity patterns of leopards showed a moderate (Δ = 0.61) or low (Δ = 0.42) overlap with those of red‐tailed monkeys Cercopithecus ascanius when detections were captured by arboreal or terrestrial cameras, respectively. Mahale leopards may hunt blue duikers and arboreal primates in the midday on the ground, and may also attack primates in roost trees at night. Future studies on the leopard diet in various study areas, as well as comparisons of activity patterns between leopards and other animals, will elucidate leopard ecology.
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor olorofim has potent in vitro activity against Microascus/Scopulariopsis, Rasamsonia, Penicillium and Talaromyces species
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Patterson Hoja P. , Sanders Carmita J. , Cañete‐Gibas Connie
Published: November 2022

Background

Treatment options against infections caused by rare but emerging moulds may be limited by their reduced susceptibility or resistance to clinically available antifungals. The investigational antifungal olorofim, which targets the biosynthesis of pyrimidines within fungi, has activity against different species of filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus and Scedosporium/Lomentospora prolificans isolates that are resistant to available antifungals.

Objective

We evaluated the in vitro activity of olorofim against 160 isolates within the genera Microascus/Scopulariopsis, Penicillium, Talaromyces and the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex.

Methods

One hundred sixty clinical isolates that had previously been identified to the species level by DNA sequence analysis were included. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by CLSI M38 broth microdilution for olorofim, amphotericin B, caspofungin, posaconazole and voriconazole.

Results

Olorofim demonstrated in vitro activity against each of the genera tested. Overall, olorofim MICs ranged from ≤0.008 to 0.5 mg/L against all isolates tested, with MIC90 and modal MIC values ranging from ≤0.008 to 0.25 mg/L and ≤0.008 to 0.03 mg/L, respectively. This activity was also maintained against individual isolates that had reduced susceptibility to or in vitro resistance against amphotericin B, posaconazole and/or voriconazole.

Conclusions

The investigational agent olorofim demonstrated good in vitro activity against clinical isolates of emerging mould pathogens, including those with reduced susceptibility or resistance to clinically available antifungals. Further studies are warranted to determine how well this in vitro activity translates into in vivo efficacy against infections caused by these fungi.
Building with Nature at the coast
Authors: van Zetten Rien , van der Meulen Frank , IJff Stéphanie
Published: November 2022

Building with Nature (BwN), is a concept that has been applied in various projects around the world in the broader context of nature based solutions for climate resilience and adaptation. Most of these projects are regional or local in nature and are implemented on a smaller scale. Larger scale projects are more rare. The aim of this article is to highlight a number of large‐scale projects that have been completed or are in the developing stage. The focus will be on coastal regions, from temperate locations in the Netherlands and from developing countries in the tropics including Bangladesh. The value of implementing the principle of BwN for a sustainable future is underlined and described. Certain aspects of governance are highlighted to point out the differences and challenges, but also similarities, of carrying out such projects in different parts of the world.
Hybrids between Rubus caesius and Rubus sect. Corylifolii (Rosaceae) and their relation to R. cyclomorphus, R. tiliaster, R. glauciformis, R. slesvicensis and R. firmus
Authors: Lewin Marcus , Zhou Mingyue , Montes Melanie S. , Mattsson Tore , Burén Tomas , Hedrén Mikael , Ryde Ulf
Published: November 2022

Using flow cytometry and microsatellite DNA analysis (MSDA), we studied hybrids between Rubus caesius and various other Rubus species, with an emphasis on Sweden. We show that hybrids between Rubus caesius and Rubus sect. Corylifolii arise easily. They show a large variation in morphology, but can normally be recognised by a number of characters. They are typically hexaploids, but ~13% of the hybrids are pentaploids and ~8% tetraploids. With MSDA, they are harder to identify than hybrids with R. idaeus, partly because all Corylifolii species have themselves arisen from R. caesius hybrids and therefore share many alleles with R. caesius, partly because hybridisation with R. caesius seems to give rise to some variation in microsatellite regions. Hybrids with species of R. sect. Rubus are much rarer in Sweden and we have only identified one such case. We show that R. cyclomorphus and R. tiliaster are not proper apomictic species, at least not in Sweden, but rather a collection of genetically unrelated hybrids between R. caesius and R. raduloides or R. camptostachys. MSDA analysis of R. slesvicensis and R. firmus shows that these species are problematic. We identify two distinct taxa, one from Skåne in Sweden, which we describe as a new species, R. ruboculus and another from the neighbourhood of Viborg and Schleswig, although the latter is probably not identical with R. slesvicensis s.s. All the other samples form a diverse group of putative R. caesius hybrids at three different ploidy levels. Rubus glauciformis is uniform in Småland, Öland and Blekinge, but becomes harder to distinguish from various hybrids in Skåne. We conclude that once R. caesius and R. idaeus hybrids are properly identified, along with a small number of new apomictic species (often with a local distribution), the genus Rubus does not pose any serious taxonomical problems in Sweden.
Building coalitions on Facebook: ‘social media unionism’ among Danish bike couriers
Authors: Hau Mark F. , Savage Owen G.
Published: November 2022

Platform work represents an important challenge for the ‘Danish model’ of unionisation. Using interviews and ethnographic data, this article analyses the strategies of the Danish grassroots union movement the Wolt Workers' Group, representing principally migrant couriers using the food‐delivery platform Wolt. This study is an attempt to map an emergent form of flexible labour organisation based on horizontal, informal online networks while supported in different ways by established unions. We term this strategy of balanced autonomy and support ‘social media unionism'. Wolt couriers' attempts at grassroots organisation via social media is an important and understudied issue, especially their complex relationship to union actors. The ‘social media unionism' explored in this article allows for the formation and maintenance of nimble grassroots mobilisation among workers that are otherwise hard for unions to reach, such as migrants platform workers. We argue that this strategy holds both great possibilities and challenges for the labour movement.
Cheating interactions favor modularity in mutualistic networks
Authors: Camacho Lucas A. , de Andreazzi Cecilia Siliansky , Medeiros Lucas P. , Birskis‐Barros Irina , Emer Carine , Reigada Carolina , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: November 2022

A fundamental fact about mutualisms is that these mutually beneficial interactions often harbor cheaters that benefit from the use of resources and services without providing any positive feedback to other species. The role of cheaters in the evolutionary dynamics of mutualisms has long been recognized, yet their broader impacts at the community level, beyond species they directly interact with, is still poorly understood. Because mutualisms form networks often involving dozens of species, indirect effects generated by cheaters may cascade through the whole community, reshaping trait evolution. Here, we study how cheating interactions can influence coevolution in mutualistic networks. We combined a coevolutionary model, empirical data on animal–plant mutualistic networks and numerical simulations to show that high trait disparity emerges as a consequence of the negative effect of cheaters on victim fitness, which in turn fuels selection favoring victim traits that are increasingly different from the cheaters' traits. Intermediate levels of cheating interactions in a network can lead to the formation of groups of species phenotypically similar to each other and distinct from species in other groups, generating clustered trait patterns. The resulting clustered trait pattern, in turn, changes the pattern of interaction in simulated networks, fostering the formation of modules of interacting species and reducing nestedness. Our results indicate that directional selection imposed by cheaters on their victims counteracts selection for trait convergence imposed by mutualists, leading to the emergence of modules of phenotypically similar interacting species but phenotypically distinct from other modules. Based on these results, we suggest that cheaters might be a fundamental missing element for our understanding of how multispecies selection shapes the trait distribution and structure of mutualistic networks.
Loss of effectiveness with an implanted drug delivery system for intrathecal pain therapy due to corrosion
Authors: Reining Marco , Kretzschmar Michael
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Intrathecal drug delivery is an established invasive treatment option. Most common complication is catheter malfunction, which can lead to overdose or withdrawal.

Case Presentation

A 61‐year‐old female patient underwent an elective replacement of an intrathecal drug delivery pump. The patient complained about a loss of effectiveness over the past 2 years. Intraoperatively, a white mass corresponding to morphine precipitation in the pump pocket was found, which appeared to be due to corrosion at the pump‐catheter connection site.

Conclusions

Recommendations on how to deal with the decreasing effectiveness of intrathecal drug delivery and on intraoperative catheter handling are provided.
Counterspeech
Authors: Cepollaro Bianca , Lepoutre Maxime , Simpson Robert Mark
Published: November 2022

Counterspeech is communication that tries to counteract potential harm brought about by other speech. Theoretical interest in counterspeech partly derives from a libertarian ideal – as captured in the claim that the solution to bad speech is more speech – and partly from a recognition that well‐meaning attempts to counteract harm through speech can easily misfire or backfire. Here we survey recent work on the question of what makes counterspeech effective at remedying or preventing harm, in those cases where it is effective, as well as work investigating when and why there is a duty to engage in counterspeech. We suggest that the most fruitful area for philosophical inquiry on this topic, currently, relates to the questions about efficacy. Specifically, we argue that there is a need for better frameworks for conceptualizing the efficacy of counterspeech. Philosophers have collaborative work to do, alongside social scientists, in developing these frameworks.
On the soft side of open innovation: the role of human resource practices, organizational learning culture and knowledge sharing
Authors: Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Meeran Sheik , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the role of HR practices in shaping inbound open innovation outcomes through the lens of the competency, motivation and opportunity (CMO) model. The paper investigates the aforementioned associations by considering the intervening roles of organizational learning culture and knowledge sharing. The data were collected from managers working in different sectors in the United Kingdom. The findings reveal positive linkages between the different types of HR practices studied and establish the mediating mechanisms of organizational learning culture and knowledge sharing. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by developing and empirically testing an integrated model of open innovation that is at the intersection of four broad areas – strategic HRM, organizational learning, knowledge management, and innovation management. By identifying processes that can improve the odds of success in the open innovation paradigm, this study can assist managers in designing more effective strategies.
Prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease among transgenders in Belagavi district, Karnataka, India: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gadhiraju Tejaswi , Jalihal Sagar , Ankola Anil V. , Pai Khot Atrey J. , Tom Aleena , K Ram Surath Kumar
Published: November 2022

Aim

To assess the oral health practices and the prevalence of dental caries, and periodontal disease among transgenders.

Methods and Results

The study was conducted on a sample of 180 participants from the transgender community in Belagavi district over a course of two months. A trained and calibrated examiners recorded oral health status according to WHO dentition status and treatment needs (1997) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) under the supervision of the subject expert. Chi‐square test, spearman's rank correlation coefficient test, multiple linear regression and logistic regression were applied. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05 for all the tests. The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease among transgenders was 72.2% and 92.2%, respectively. A positive linear correlation and a significant relationship was found between the oral hygiene practices/deleterious habits and dental caries among the transgenders. Multiple linear regression model revealed that the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was significantly associated with age and oral hygiene practices.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases among transgenders was high. These results may be of use to promote oral health promotion and establishing a paradigm for dentists to work toward improving oral health.
Kant on Why Criminal Offenders Must Be Punished
Authors: Pickering Mark
Published: November 2022

Kant gives what appear to be consequentialist and retributivist reasons for his claim that the state must punish criminal offenders. I argue that Kant's justification is retributivist and not consequentialist. In particular, I argue that Kant's justification is found in his argument that we must attribute to an offender's reason the judgment that she must be punished. I argue that other retributivist interpretations as well as interpretations that prioritize consequentialist reasons have little textual support. I also reconstruct an argument that Kant implies for his claim that ius talionis is the proper criterion for determining the quality and quantity of punishment.
Competitiveness and diversification of services exports in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Were Maureen , Odongo Maureen
Published: November 2022

Trade in services has become the most dynamic segment of international trade. This paper examines the competitiveness of services exports in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) for the period 2005–2019 using revealed comparative advantage approach. The analysis shows that although SSA has a comparative advantage in traditional services, that is travel and transport, it has remained less competitive compared to other regions globally, and its share of world services exports is negligible. Moreover, SSA has not developed competitiveness in modern commercial services and, hence, continue to perform poorly. The results suggest only Nigeria and Kenya have so far developed comparative advantage in financial services. SSA's dismal performance of services exports can be attributed to various factors such as technological and infrastructure constraints, protectionist and regulatory barriers. There is need to rethink strategies of revamping and diversifying services esports to spur Africa's trade and economic transformation. These include leveraging the opportunities availed by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Unexploited opportunities include Africa's rich cultural diversity, recreation, business and conferencing services.
The foreign aid and remittance nexus: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Abbas Syed Ali , Selvanathan Eliyathamby A. , Selvanathan Saroja
Published: November 2022

A large body of literature has examined the determinants and impact of two external financial flows: foreign aid and remittances. Little, however, is known about the interlinking of the two flows, especially in South Asia. This study, using panel data from four South Asian countries for 1980–2015, examines the relationship between foreign aid and remittances and their links. Contrary to the traditional linear relationship reported in the literature, we find a quadratic (U‐shaped) relationship between foreign aid and remittances. The results show that remittances initially fall when aid increases at the lower level of aid‐dependency (aid‐to‐GDP); they then increase with rising aid at a higher aid‐dependency level. The empirical findings also suggest that foreign aid's support of human capital increases remittances overall. Furthermore, we find that the foreign aid‐led human‐capital channel of migration (particularly of skilled people) reduces remittances, while the aid‐led human‐capital channel of economic growth increases remittance flows in South Asia. Moreover, the dynamic modelling estimation suggests that foreign aid positively affects (or complements) remittance flows in the short run but, in the long run, negatively affects remittances, indicating the substitutability of the two flows.
The impacts of export VAT rebates on market switch and productivity: Firm‐level evidence from China
Authors: Gao Yu , He Yin , Yin Xiaopeng
Published: November 2022

Recent heterogeneous firm literature has revised the basic assumptions of constant marginal costs; markets may thus be complements or substitutes. Using Chinese firm‐level data for 1998–2007, our study utilises the 2004 export tax rebate (ETR) cut as a quasi‐natural experiment to demonstrate how the domestic market may be a fall back for exporters when they encounter exogenous negative export shocks, leading to market‐switching behaviour and higher domestic sales. The market‐switching behaviour significantly intensifies the competition in the domestic market in the affected industries. This crowds out sales of non‐exporters and drives up the probability of market exit of non‐exporters. Consequentially, non‐exporters in industries affected by the negative export shock may enjoy a significantly larger productivity gain compared with their counterparts in other industries, as well as exporters in the same industries. Thus, the negative shocks to the export market result in an indirect pro‐competitive productivity gain for non‐exporters.
Minimal volume entropy of RAAG's
Authors: Haulmark Matthew , Schreve Kevin
Published: November 2022

Bregman and Clay recently characterized which right‐angled Artin groups with geometric dimension 2 have vanishing minimal volume entropy. In this note, we extend this characterization to higher dimensions.
Agricultural Factors as the Root Cause of Rural Migration from a Global Perspective
Authors: Guresci Ertugrul
Published: November 2022

Migration from rural to urban is a common phenomenon of the world and especially the developing countries. There are a number of reasons that lead to this migration. The reasons are due to both rural and urban. But, sourced from rural on the root causes of this migration are more pronounced. By 2050, over half of the population in the least developed countries will still live in rural areas. Three-quarters of the extreme poor base their livelihoods on agriculture or other rural activities. According to The World Bank data, the rate of the rural population in the world was approximately 66% in the 1960s, while this rate decreased to 44% in 2019. In the same report, it was determined that the rural population in the world increased from 2 012 billion in the 1960s to 3 397 billion in 2019. As a result, it can be said that although the rate of the rural population in the world decreases, it is a fact that it has a significant population in total. In short, the phenomenon of rural migration will continue to be important in the world and will be the determinant of future economic and social policies. Based on this fact, this study aims to emphasize the importance of rural migration and to emphasize agriculture and rural development as the root cause of this type of migration.
Study on the Influence of Tripping Operation on Annular Transient Surge-Swab Pressure of Herschel–Bulkley Fluid
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Xiang Shilin , Liu Shujie , Luo Ming , Wu Jiang
Published: November 2022

The accurate prediction of transient surge-swab pressure, during the tripping operation under a narrow pressure window, is an important premise to ensure the safety of tripping operation and drilling. Different rheological modes of drilling fluid will have a great influence on the surge-swab pressure in wellbore, while the Herschel–Bulkley mode can simulate the rheological characteristics of actual drilling fluid in a better way. Therefore, the influence of drilling fluid flow friction under different rheological modes was mainly considered according to the transient flow model. Meanwhile, the influence of pumpage on transient surge-swab pressure during tripping operation was also considered with Herschel–Bulkley fluid-based tripping operation bottomhole transient surge-swab pressure calculation model established and model verification carried out. The following research results were obtained. First, compared with the Herschel–Bulkley mode, the power-law mode and Bingham mode will overestimate the flow friction of drilling fluid. Second, the surge-swab pressure peak values of different mud systems are water-based mud > polymer mud > oil-based mud. Third, the peak value of bottomhole transient surge-swab pressure increases with the increase of drilling fluid yield value, consistency coefficient, and flow behavior index, and the influence law is similar. Fourth, the tripping velocity and pumpage will directly affect the peak value and variation rule of bottomhole transient surge-swab pressure. Herschel–Bulkley fluid-based tripping operation bottomhole transient surge-swab pressure study helps control the surge-swab pressure during tripping operations and it is of great significance for lean, safe, and efficient drilling in narrow pressure window formations.