bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for the Estimation of Gut Microbiota Composition Based on Dietary Patterns and Its Association with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms in the Lebanese Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bou Chacra Christie J. , Julien Sofi G.
Published: February 2024

Gut microbiome analysis is costly and poses a significant challenge for determining the gut microbiota composition to facilitate the adoption of personalized nutritional interventions. Emerging evidence suggests dysbiosis as a contributor to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the results remain uncertain. Moreover, IBS prevalence is becoming a public health problem in the adult Lebanese population. This study aimed at estimating the gut microbiota’s composition using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and exploring its correlation with IBS among Lebanese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 388 adults during the summer 2023. An online questionnaire collected information about sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, health status, and dietary habits through a semiquantitative FFQ. We observed the influence of Western diet among the three patterns that were identified. Participants were clustered into two groups based on their estimated (poor or good) microbiota composition, EPMC and EGMC, respectively. We observed a significant inverse relationship between IBS symptoms and EGMC. Participants experiencing IBS symptoms were less likely to exhibit a good gut microbiota compared to those without any IBS symptoms (AOR = 0.614, 95% CI (0.402–0.937), P=0.024), and a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with lower odds of having IBS symptoms (AOR = 0.786, 95% CI (0.635–0.973), P=0.027). Our study revealed a dietary shift toward a more Westernized pattern among Lebanese adults who experienced symptoms of IBS. FFQ may be used to estimate the gut microbiota to provide customized nutritional therapy for patients suffering from IBS.
Relationship between Serum Indoxyl Sulfate and Klotho Protein and Vascular Calcification in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3–5
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhao Cong-Juan , Liu Qiang , Li Chen-chen , Li Zhe , Li Jing , Wang Qian , Zhang Li
Published: February 2024

Objective. This study aims to explore the relationships between serum indoxyl sulfate (IS) and Klotho protein levels with vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5. Methods. From December 2021 to January 2023, a total of 108 CKD patients in stages 3–5 were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation. Demographic information and routine clinical biochemistry test results were gathered. Serum levels of IS and Klotho were quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, multislice spiral computed tomography was employed to evaluate vascular calcification. The association between serum IS or Klotho levels and abdominal aorta calcification was assessed using univariate analysis and logistic regression analyses. Results. With the progression of CKD stages, serum creatinine, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum IS, and abdominal aortic calcification exhibited incremental trends, while serum calcium and Klotho protein levels showed a diminishing trend, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in age, blood phosphorus, calcium, total parathyroid hormone, serum IS, and Klotho protein levels between patients with and without aortic calcification (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that advanced age, high IS level, and low Klotho protein level were independent risk factors for abdominal aortic calcification in CKD patients (P<0.05). Conclusion. This study indicates elevated serum IS levels and decreased Klotho protein levels in CKD patients. High IS level and low Klotho level were independent risk factors for abdominal aortic calcification.
Intraoperative Ultrasound for Removal of a Fishbone Foreign Body Embedded in the Tongue
Authors: Daniel Ryan C. , Hamour Amr F. , Cottrell Justin , Le Trung , Higgins Kevin M.
Published: February 2024

Background. Ultrasound (U/S) is a dynamic imaging modality with many applications in medicine. In Otolaryngology, U/S is used routinely in the clinic with several evolving applications intraoperatively. Case Report. A 53-year-old male presented to the emergency department with dysphagia, odynophagia, hoarseness, and sensation of foreign body after ingesting fish. A CT scan identified an approximately 2 cm horizontally-oriented foreign body consistent with a fishbone embedded in the left posterolateral tongue. Intraoperative U/S was used to localize and remove the fishbone without complications. Results. The patient recovered well after surgery and was discharged home on postoperative day 2. No residual foreign body was found on the repeat CT scan. Conclusion. Our case demonstrates the effectiveness of intraoperative U/S for removal of fishbone foreign bodies from the tongue and serves to inspire future applications of this modality in Otolaryngology.
Flea-Borne Typhus as a COVID-19 Mimic: A Report of Four Cases
Authors: Dye Bradley V. , Coba Jose Alejandro , Dayton Christopher L. , Cadena Jose , Anstead Gregory M.
Published: February 2024

Flea-borne typhus (FBT), due to Rickettsia typhi and R. felis, is an infection causing fever, headache, rash, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, and diverse organ manifestations. Cough occurs in about 30% of patients with FBT, and chest X-ray abnormalities are seen in 17%. Severe pulmonary manifestations have also been reported in FBT, including adult respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary embolism. Because of these pulmonary manifestations, FBT can mimic Coronavirus Illness 2019 (COVID-19), a febrile illness with prominent respiratory involvement. Flea-borne typhus and COVID-19 may also have similar laboratory abnormalities, including elevated ferritin, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer. However, elevated transaminase levels, rash, and thrombocytopenia are more common in FBT. Herein, we present four cases of patients with FBT who were initially suspected to have COVID-19. These cases illustrate the problem of availability bias, in which the clinician thinks a particular common condition (COVID-19 in this case) is more prevalent than it actually is.
Development of a Novel DNA Mono-alkylator Platform for Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Thomas Joshua D. , Yurkovetskiy Aleksandr V. , Yin Mao , Bodyak Natalya D. , Tang Shuyi , Protopopova Marina , Kelleher Eugene , Jones Brian , Yang Liping , Custar Daniel , Catcott Kalli C. , Demady Damon R. , Collins Scott D. , Xu Ling , Bu Charlie , Qin LiuLiang , Ter-Ovanesyan Elena , Damelin Marc , Toader Dorin , Lowinger Timothy B.
Published: February 2024

Although microtubule inhibitors (MTI) remain a therapeutically valuable payload option for antibody–drug conjugates (ADC), some cancers do not respond to MTI-based ADCs. Efforts to fill this therapeutic gap have led to a recent expansion of the ADC payload “toolbox” to include payloads with novel mechanisms of action such as topoisomerase inhibition and DNA cross-linking. We present here the development of a novel DNA mono-alkylator ADC platform that exhibits sustained tumor growth suppression at single doses in MTI-resistant tumors and is well tolerated in the rat upon repeat dosing. A phosphoramidate prodrug of the payload enables low ADC aggregation even at drug-to-antibody ratios of 5:1 while still delivering a bystander-capable payload that is effective in multidrug resistant (MDR)-overexpressing cell lines. The platform was comparable in xenograft studies to the clinical benchmark DNA mono-alkylator ADC platform DGN459 but with a significantly better tolerability profile in rats. Thus, the activity and tolerability profile of this new platform make it a viable option for the development of ADCs.
TABLE 2 from Natural History of Germline BRCA1 Mutated and BRCA Wild-type Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gardi Nilesh , Chaubal Rohan , Parab Pallavi , Pachakar Sunil , Kulkarni Suyash , Shet Tanuja , Joshi Shalaka , Kembhavi Yogesh , Chandrani Pratik , Quist Jelmar , Kowtal Pradnya , Grigoriadis Anita , Sarin Rajiv , Govindarajan Raman , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2024

Ploidy and aberrant cell fraction in samples
Supplementary Table S2 from Natural History of Germline BRCA1 Mutated and BRCA Wild-type Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gardi Nilesh , Chaubal Rohan , Parab Pallavi , Pachakar Sunil , Kulkarni Suyash , Shet Tanuja , Joshi Shalaka , Kembhavi Yogesh , Chandrani Pratik , Quist Jelmar , Kowtal Pradnya , Grigoriadis Anita , Sarin Rajiv , Govindarajan Raman , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2024

This table lists all the mutations that have been identified in whole exome sequencing data from all patient samples
FIGURE 4 from Natural History of Germline BRCA1 Mutated and BRCA Wild-type Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gardi Nilesh , Chaubal Rohan , Parab Pallavi , Pachakar Sunil , Kulkarni Suyash , Shet Tanuja , Joshi Shalaka , Kembhavi Yogesh , Chandrani Pratik , Quist Jelmar , Kowtal Pradnya , Grigoriadis Anita , Sarin Rajiv , Govindarajan Raman , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2024

Sample-specific allele frequencies from deep sequencing were compared with allele-specific gene expression frequency from RNA-seq experiment. Colors indicate individual clones identified from PyClone, and each mutation is represented by “×” symbol. A, Patient_02. B, Patient_04. C, Patient_07.
Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jones Aaron , Ali Muhammad Usman , Kenny Meghan , Mayhew Alexandra , Mokashi Vishal , He Henry , Lin Sabrina , Yavari Ehsan , Paik Karen , Subramanian Deejesh , Dydynsky Robert , Aryal Komal , Correia Rebecca H. , Dash Darly , Manis Derek R. , O'Connell Megan , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Taler Vanessa , McMillan Jacqueline M. , Hogan David B. , Kirkland Susan , Costa Andrew P. , Wolfson Christina , Raina Parminder , Griffith Lauren
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of mild and major neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), also referred to as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, is rising globally. The prevention of NCDs is a major global public health interest. We sought to synthesize the literature on potentially modifiable risk factors for NCDs. Methods: We conducted an umbrella review using a systematic search across multiple databases to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eligible reviews examined potentially modifiable risk factors for mild or major NCDs. We used a random-effects multi-level meta-analytic approach to synthesize risk ratios for each risk factor while accounting for overlap in the reviews. We further examined risk factors for major NCD due to two common etiologies: Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Results: A total of 45 reviews with 212 meta-analyses were synthesized. We identified fourteen broadly defined modifiable risk factors that were significantly associated with these disorders: alcohol consumption, body weight, depression, diabetes mellitus, diet, hypertension, less education, physical inactivity, sensory loss, sleep disturbance, smoking, social isolation, traumatic brain injury, and vitamin D deficiency. All 14 factors were associated with the risk of major NCD, and five were associated with mild NCD. We found considerably less research for vascular dementia and mild NCD. Conclusion: Our review quantifies the risk associated with 14 potentially modifiable risk factors for mild and major NCDs, including several factors infrequently included in dementia action plans. Prevention strategies should consider approaches that reduce the incidence and severity of these risk factors through health promotion, identification, and early management.
Inducing a meditative state by artificial perturbations: A mechanistic understanding of brain dynamics underlying meditation
Authors: Dagnino Paulina Clara , Galadí Javier A. , Càmara Estela , Deco Gustavo , Escrichs Anira
Published: February 2024

Contemplative neuroscience has increasingly explored meditation using neuroimaging. However, the brain mechanisms underlying meditation remain elusive. Here, we implemented a mechanistic framework to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of expert meditators during meditation and rest, and controls during rest. We first applied a model-free approach by defining a probabilistic metastable substate (PMS) space for each condition, consisting of different probabilities of occurrence from a repertoire of dynamic patterns. Moreover, we implemented a model-based approach by adjusting the PMS of each condition to a whole-brain model, which enabled us to explore in silico perturbations to transition from resting-state to meditation and vice versa. Consequently, we assessed the sensitivity of different brain areas regarding their perturbability and their mechanistic local-global effects. Overall, our work reveals distinct whole-brain dynamics in meditation compared to rest, and how transitions can be induced with localized artificial perturbations. It motivates future work regarding meditation as a practice in health and as a potential therapy for brain disorders.
Deciphering the Constitutional Directive of the Uniform Civil Code/Resolving the ucc Dilemma
Authors: Sinha Manoj Kumar
Published: February 2024

The Indian Constitution recognises and accommodates the social and legal diversity of the country. It is interesting to note that it leaves the family outside the discipline of Fundamental Rights. Unlike many other Constitutions, neither does it contain a Fundamental Right to family nor does it disturb it by bringing the personal laws within the domain of law. The term Uniform Civil Code implies that it is applicable to all as a general rule and many support this view. Personal laws are an integral part of religion and, therefore, the enactment of Civil Code is an interference with religion. The vast majority of Muslim in India adheres to this view that the Uniform Civil Code would interfere in the personal law. The present paper aims to examine the feasibility of the implementation of Uniform Civil Code in India in the context of the recent push by the government of India. Recognising the interplay between the fundamental rights and the constitutional directives in the context of the debate around Uniform Civil Code, the paper also outlines in brief Part iii and Part iv of the Constitution and their relationships.
Monetary Transfer Provisions and the Rule of Law from the International Investment Law Perspective
Authors: Menkes Marcin J.
Published: February 2024

Monetary transfer provisions (MTP) are a standard feature of investment treaties. Despite their crucial importance for the realisation of foreign investment, and interpretation difficulties, they have not attracted much doctrinal attention to date. They are also rarely considered by investment tribunals. The extent of economic sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the 2022 aggression against Ukraine, and Russian retaliatory measures, foreclose most alternative opportunities for capital exporting. As a result, we may expect a wave of MTP claims against Russia, once the country rejoins the international community. The article summarizes the debate and makes suggestions for balancing public and private interests in this sensitive area for the economic rationality of investment and the financial basis of state survival. At the same time, it is a first step toward further research situating the issues of transfer clauses and monetary sovereignty in the broader context of public safety and the legality of economic sanctions.
Dispelling Myths – The European Court of Human Rights as a Viable Alternative to Investor-State Dispute Settlement in the European Union (Winner of the Essay Competition 2023)
Authors: Pap Daniel
Published: February 2024

This contribution will focus on the question of whether the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR, the Court) can serve as an alternative forum for investment treaty disputes arising under bilateral investment treaties concluded between two EU Member States (intra-EU bits). Some authors have examined the question whether the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) can serve as an alternative to investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) in general. Their conclusion was that despite the similarities between the international investment arbitration system and the investment protection offered by the ECHR, the latter can merely complement the ISDS system but not replace it. However, following the annihilation of the intra-EU bit s regime, the landscape of ISDS in Europe has changed drastically. Consequently, the time is ripe to revisit the question. The paper posits that, contrary to common beliefs about the deficiencies of the proceedings before the Court, in recent years, due to certain developments in procedure and jurisprudence, the Court is now a viable alternative to ISDS.
Latest Twist in the Komstroy Saga
Authors: Varenne Hugo , Cano Núria Casas
Published: February 2024

This case note provides an analysis of the Paris Court of Appeal’s (the Court of Appeal) second annulment (the Second Annulment), dated 10 January 2023, of an arbitration award rendered in favour of Energoalliance ltd (Energoalliance) under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) in 2013. The case note focuses on the interpretation of the term “Investment”. The Second Annulment follows a first Court of Appeal annulment that was set aside by the French Supreme Court (Supreme Court) due to its incorrect interpretation of the term “Investment”. The Second Annulment, which applied a preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), is instructive with regard to the factual circumstances which courts in EU Member States (Member States) will consider in determining whether a debt can qualify as an “Investment”. More specifically, the Second Annulment addresses the qualities which define an asset as “commercial” and, therefore, preclude it from being an “Investment”. Some ambiguity, however, remains in the Second Annulment with regard to the term “commercial” due, in the opinion of the authors, to the inconsistency between certain findings in the Supreme Court’s annulment of the first Court of Appeal annulment, and the CJEU’s preliminary ruling.
Yukos Capital Limited v The Russian Federation
Authors: Devitre Dilber , Singh Prabhjot K.
Published: February 2024

In 2013, Yukos Capital Ltd. (Yukos Capital, formerly Yukos Capital Sàrl), a company incorporated in Luxembourg, brought claims of expropriation and breach of the fair and equitable treatment (FET) standard under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) against the Russian Federation (Russia). Russia objected to the arbitral tribunal’s jurisdiction on several grounds. The arbitral tribunal dismissed Russia’s objections in an interim award dated 18 January 2017 and a final award dated 23 July 2021. Russia subsequently challenged the final award as well as the interim award before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court (Supreme Court) on the grounds that the arbitral tribunal had wrongly upheld its jurisdiction and that the final award was incompatible with public policy. In its decision 4A_492/2021 dated 24 August 2022 (DFSC 4A_492/2021), the Supreme Court, having exclusive jurisdiction to hear the application for the setting aside of the two awards, rejected Russia’s application. This contribution discusses the key issues that arose before the Supreme Court resulting from Russia’s challenge of the arbitral award.
Anne van Aaken on Europe as an Investment Destination
Authors: Metheney Grace Abigail
Published: February 2024

In answering the question whether Europe is still an attractive investment destination various economic and institutional factors illustrate that, overall, the EU and its Member States are faring pretty well, although important differences between the Member States remain. Nonetheless, political instability can easily arise through sudden political shifts in the Member States as well as divergent views of the Member States potentially making the decision-making process within the EU difficult. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, migration and climate crises further add to the political instability.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural adjustments in Mimosa sect. Mimosa ser. Mimosa Barneby (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: POLICARPO MENDES THAINARA , JOSÉ DA SILVA MARCOS
Published: February 2024

The taxonomic revision of Mimosa sect. Mimosa ser. Mimosa subser. Polycephalae resulting from the analysis of protologs and the study of approximately 450 collections, including all types, in addition to collections and observations of populations in the field, led us to identify problems of typification, concept, and circumscription for some species directing us to stablish 13 synonymizations, 11 lectotypifications, seven of which were second step, as well as propose the ranking of five varieties to the species level. From this work, the ser. Polycephalae now comprises 34 species.
Synopsis of Calea subgen. Teucriifoliae (Asteraceae: Neurolaeneae), a new subgenus endemic to the Cerrado
Authors: BUENO VINICIUS R. , SILVA G. H. L. , REIS-SILVA GENÍLSON A. , TELES ARISTÔNIO M. , NAKAJIMA JIMI N. , GOSTEL MORGAN R. , HEIDEN GUSTAVO
Published: February 2024

Calea comprises 159 species characterized by striate phyllaries, pistillate ray florets, yellow corolla, and pappus elements as scales. The “Calea teucriifolia complex” is an informal group of 15 species. Molecular phylogenetic inference recognized the polyphyly of this group, but also supports the recognition of a monophyletic subgenus when considering a more restrict set of species. Thus, the aim of this study is to morphologically circumscribe the group at subgeneric rank and provide an updated nomenclatural and taxonomic synopsis. As defined here, C. subgen. Teucriifoliae comprises eight species (C. ferruginea, C. hymenolepis, C. hypericifolia, C. microphylla, C. ramosissima, C. senecioides, C. teucriifolia and C. villosa). The new subgenus is endemic to the Cerrado tropical savanna and is characterized by cylindrical involucres, reddish phyllaries, and pappus scales shorter than 1 mm. Seven lectotypes are designated and data on type specimens is clarified including localities, dates of collection, and collector. In addition, we record new state level occurrences for four species and provide a key for species identification.
Determination of Cytotoxicity and Anti-Human Lung Cancer Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Green-Formulated by Foeniculum vulgare Extract
Authors: Xue Yang , Yan An , Amirpour Amraii Sara , Goorani Samaneh
Published: February 2024

Foeniculum vulgare is a plant with many therapeutic effects. In the current research, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the Foeniculum vulgare extract. The properties of silver nanoparticles against lung cancer cell lines i.e., H69, COR-L47, DMS53, DMS79, NCI-H69/LX20,
SHP-77, NCI-H69/CPR, and NCI-H69/LX4 were evaluated. The green-formulated silver nanoparticles were characterized by various tests such as FE-SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD. The FE-SEM findings prove spherical morphology for the AgNPs with the size of 19.34 to 47.93 nm. The IC50 of the silver nanoparticles
was 426, 547, 370, 377, 500, 384, 329, and 330 against H69, COR-L47, DMS53, DMS79, NCI-H69/LX20, SHP-77, NCI-H69/CPR, and NCI-H69/LX4, respectively. After doing the studies of clinical trial, the current nanoparticles may be used as an anti-lung cancer supplement in humans.
Impact of Deforestation in the Maritime Continent on the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Chang Chiung-Wen June , Lo Min-Hui , Tseng Wan-Ling , Tsai Yu-Cian , Yu Jia-Yuh
Published: February 2024

Deforestation is a major issue affecting both regional and global hydroclimates. This study investigated the effect of deforestation in the Maritime Continent (MC) on tropical intraseasonal climate variability. Using a global climate model with credible Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) simulations, we examined the effect of deforestation over the MC region by replacing the forest canopy with grassland. The results revealed that under constant orographic and land–sea contrast forcing, the modification of the canopy over the MC altered the characteristics of the MJO. We noted the amplification of the MJO and increases in wet–dry fluctuation and the zonal extent. We analyzed more than 100 MJO cases by performing K-means clustering and determined that the continuous propagation of the MJO over the MC increased from 35% in the control experiment to 61% in the deforestation experiment. This phenomenon of less blocked MJO over the MC in the deforestation run was associated with more substantial precipitation, increased soil moisture, and a suppressed diurnal cycle in land convection. Furthermore, when the MJO convection was over the Indian Ocean (IO), we observed the enhancement of low-level moisture over the MC region in the deforestation experiment. Grassland surface forcing provides a thermodynamic source for triggering instability in the atmosphere, resulting in low-level moisture convergence. The MJO exhibited a stronger energy recharge–discharge cycle in the deforestation experiment than in the control experiment, and this difference between the experiments enlarged as the MJO progressed from the IO to MC.
Variable-Dependent and Selective Multivariate Localization for Ensemble–Variational Data Assimilation in the Tropics
Authors: Lee Joshua Chun Kwang , Amezcua Javier , Bannister Ross Noel
Published: February 2024

Two aspects of ensemble localization for data assimilation are explored using the simplified nonhydrostatic ABC model in a tropical setting. The first aspect (i) is the ability to prescribe different localization length scales for different variables (variable-dependent localization). The second aspect (ii) is the ability to control (i.e., to knock out by localization) multivariate error covariances (selective multivariate localization). These aspects are explored in order to shed light on the cross-covariances that are important in the tropics and to help determine the most appropriate localization configuration for a tropical ensemble–variational (EnVar) data assimilation system. Two localization schemes are implemented within the EnVar framework to achieve (i) and (ii). One is called the isolated variable-dependent localization (IVDL) scheme and the other is called the symmetric variable-dependent localization (SVDL) scheme. Multicycle observation system simulation experiments are conducted using IVDL or SVDL mainly with a 100-member ensemble, although other ensemble sizes are studied (between 10 and 1000 members). The results reveal that selective multivariate localization can reduce the cycle-averaged root-mean-square error (RMSE) in the experiments when cross-covariances associated with hydrostatic balance are retained and when zonal wind/mass error cross-covariances are knocked out. When variable-dependent horizontal and vertical localization are incrementally introduced, the cycle-averaged RMSE is further reduced. Overall, the best performing experiment using both variable-dependent and selective multivariate localization leads to a 3%–4% reduction in cycle-averaged RMSE compared to the traditional EnVar experiment. These results may inform the possible improvements to existing tropical numerical weather prediction systems that use EnVar data assimilation.
Structural Competencies: Re-Grounding Counseling Psychology in Antiracist and Decolonial Praxis
Authors: Wilcox Melanie M. , Pérez-Rojas Andrés E. , Marks Laura Reid , Reynolds Amy L. , Suh Han Na , Flores Lisa Y. , McCubbin Laurie D. , Wilkins-Yel Kerrie G. , Miller Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

For counseling psychology to realize its commitments to uprooting anti-Black racism and white supremacy, we must shift from an individual to a structural frame of reference. We expand on prior calls to build upon the structural competencies approach that has been detailed in the medical literature and integrated into medical education. Whereas our existing “cultural” approaches orient us toward individual differences and characteristics, the structural competencies approach compels us to deeply understand, and ground our interventions in, how individual and community-level outcomes result from structural determinants of health, including and especially anti-Black racism and white supremacy. We further argue that we must take a structural competencies approach to all the work of counseling psychologists, not just psychotherapy. Using a hypothetical vignette, we briefly describe what such an approach might look like in practice. We provide recommendations for next steps in counseling psychology education and training.
Book review: Samuel Wright, A Time of Novelty: Logic, Emotion, and Intellectual Life in Early Modern India 1500–1700 CE
Authors: Williams Tyler W.
Published: February 2024

Samuel Wright, A Time of Novelty: Logic, Emotion, and Intellectual Life in Early Modern India 1500–1700 CE (New York: Oxford University Press, 2021), 278 pp.
Underactuated unmanned surface vehicles formation of obstacle avoidance and assembly: A disturbed fluid-based solution
Authors: Liu Yiping , Zhang Jianqiang , Sui Bowen , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are highly manoeuvrable and autonomous, and hold significant potential for both military and civilian applications, particularly in formation operations. However, because of their underactuated nature, USVs struggle to navigate in complex maritime conditions during formation. At present, most of the technology is devoted to Unmanned Areial Vehicles and ground robots; these methods cannot be well applied to underactuated USVs. Moreover, the rationality of local path planning decision-making for underactuated USVs formation is still lacking. This study proposes an interfered fluid dynamic system (IFDS)-based local path planning method, called USV-IFDS, specifically designed for the formation of underactuated USVs. This method incorporates the IFDS obstacle avoidance approach, while adapting it through modifications and the inclusion of the kinematic constraints of USVs, thereby enhancing its applicability to the maritime environment. By decomposing the flow field velocity vector and implementing a formation control strategy, we effectively address the challenges in forming underactuated USVs and enhance the efficiency of USV formation local path planning. The proposed formation technique is predicated on the highly robust virtual structure method. Simulations of formation local path planning indicate that our method produces smooth paths, therefore validating its practical applicability to underactuated USV formations.
Precise path planning and trajectory tracking based on improved A-star algorithm
Authors: Xu Boyang
Published: February 2024

Path planning and trajectory tracking are very meaningful for the field of autonomous driving, but currently path planning still has problems such as non-optimal paths and insufficiently accurate paths. This paper addresses the issue of path planning by proposing a improved A-star algorithm and locally zooming on the map technique to achieve precise path planning. Compared with the conventional method, this method reduces the time by 23% and the path length by 21% in the scenarios shown in the paper, respectively, and provides a reference for related research. Moreover, trajectory tracking was achieved using the improved LQR control. Compared with the conventional method, the improved LQR control algorithm reduces the average error by 80% in the scenario shown in the paper. Firstly, the A-star algorithm is enhanced by incorporating an unknown path cost estimation function, thereby improving the effect of its path planning in complex environments. Additionally, the method of locally zooming on the map is incorporated, effectively enhancing the accuracy and safety of path planning. Building upon the path planning, further improvements are made to the LQR control algorithm, enabling autonomous deceleration in complex sections, which facilitates better trajectory tracking and enhances the motion control performance of the robot during practical operations.
“A Battle for the Soul of This Nation”: How Domestic Polarization Affects US Foreign Policy in Post-Trump America
Authors: Borg Stefan
Published: February 2024

Growing polarization among the US electorate has in recent years attracted considerable attention from academic and non-academic observers. This paper examines some of the ways in which polarization affects US foreign and security policy in the post-Trump era. In particular, the paper offers an account of why bipartisan agreement over the so-called “rise of China” has prevailed in the face of powerful trends towards increased polarization, while domestic opinions over US aid to Ukraine have become much more contested. Drawing on a constructivist understanding of foreign policy as performative of a certain vision of the domestic self, this paper shows how US aid to Ukraine has become entangled with competing visions of the US, while domestic opinions of China have remained stable. While such a constructivist understanding does not necessarily challenge rationalist accounts, it is helpful in unravelling the link between national identity, domestic polarization, and foreign policy.
Patterns of overeducation among highly educated mobile intra-EU workers, 2005–2016: Enlargement, financial crisis, and mobility
Authors: del Rey Poveda Alberto , Stanek Mikolaj , García-Gómez Jesús , Orfao Guillermo
Published: February 2024

This study analyses the working conditions of highly educated mobile workers in five major European Union (EU) markets. The study uses the overeducation indicator, analyzing its transformation over the period 2005–2016. Using annual data from the European Union Labour Force Survey, the results reveal very different conditions between home country nationals and mobile workers from newer (enlargement)—EU-13—and older—EU-15—member states from the perspective of successful economic and social integration. The EU enlargement process has not completely removed the penalty for educated workers from EU-13 countries, but it has significantly reduced it, as has the premium received by mobile workers from other EU-15 member states, thus leading to their better integration and greater equality.
Contesting Chaosmos: (Re)Viewing Medieval Aesthetics
Authors: Drahos Kristen
Published: February 2024

This article analyses the hermeneutic dispute of the contemporary value of medieval aesthetics within the writing of two giants in the 20th century—Umberto Eco and Hans Urs von Balthasar. I claim that Eco’s Joycean adaptation of medieval aesthetics uses religious language to insert a permanent, postmodern aesthetic dismantling of cosmic form. I argue that Balthasar’s reading of Dante challenges the limits that Eco frames as inherent within the medieval cosmos, and that Balthasar offers an adaptive medieval aesthetics that rebuts the religious overhaul Eco demands. This debate amplifies the flexibility of aesthetics based on form to attune to contemporary concerns while remaining faithful to the fundamental religious commitments of Christian tradition.
Herbert McCabe on the Development of Doctrine
Authors: Payne Taylor
Published: February 2024

This article explores Herbert McCabe’s work on the development of doctrine. It contends that he provides a perspective that helps theologians move beyond the stale disputes that identify one’s position on this subject as either ‘conservative’ or ‘progressive.’ In light of his notion of the nature of tradition and use of the concept of a revolution, he is able to argue that the Church’s ongoing reception of her deposit of faith is both a radical and conversative process. By implication, his portrait of this process enables Catholic theologians to carry out their work with academic freedom and joyful wonder.
The Ideology of Two Dominant Party Systems in 21st-Century African Neoliberal Democracies: A Paired Comparison of Nigeria and Ghana
Authors: Egwim Ambrose Ihekwoaba
Published: February 2024

In Nigeria and Ghana, scholars and statesmen suggest that the party system has missed the mark, having bred two major political parties that look alike ideologically. The argument is that the major parties in a two-dominant party system must articulate clearly alternative visions and strategies in an ideologically driven manifesto. To show the difference, such parties must have opposing values and ideologies, one revising the neoliberal growth model. Some analysts argue that when the ruling party manifests capitalist tendencies, the opposition should tend to the left-of-the-centre or socialist to express the opposite. What are the parties doing differently? While it seems on paper that National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party (NDC/NPP) in Ghana and All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (APC/PDP) in Nigeria have manifestoes that seem to differ, there appears to be a minimal difference in their policies when in power to match the ideological leanings. The paper argues that political parties are essential to liberal democracy, but in the current hegemony of the market economy, they do not have to be diametrically ideologically different to fulfil their roles. The major political parties can be differentiated based on their stand on issues, giving rise to issue-based parties rather than ideological ones. The electorates may also rely on the office’s effectiveness to guide candidates’ and parties’ choices. The parties ought to articulate pressing national issues and solve them.
Community-Based Border Policing: Towards Complementing Border Surveillance Strategy in Countering Human Trafficking on the Nigeria–Niger Border
Authors: Idris Aminu , Lenshie Nsemba Edward , Onuh Paul Ani , Miapyen Buhari Shehu
Published: February 2024

Even though the Nigeria–Niger border is a significant gateway for human trafficking to Europe, it has received limited scholarly attention. The study used ethnographic and documentary methods to argue for adopting community-based border policing (CBBP) on the Nigeria–Niger border to complement border surveillance strategy (BSS). Despite the reliance on surveillance strategies, crimes like human trafficking have persisted on the Nigeria–Niger border. This state of affairs has necessitated the need to explore more comprehensive ways to police the border, for which CBBP is relevant to help in mitigating human trafficking on the Nigeria–Niger border.
Attention to Equity in Teacher Education Admissions Processes
Authors: Roth McDuffie Amy , Slavit David , Goldhaber Dan , Theobald Roddy , Griggs Nicole
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the underexplored topic of teacher preparation program admissions processes by interviewing faculty and analyzing program documents. We investigated how 31 K-12 mathematics and science teacher preparation programs (MSTPPs) and faculty attend to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social and racial justice (DEIJ). Specific foci included applicant recruitment and selection, components of applications (e.g., forms, essays, and interviews), and how applicants’ DEIJ-related information and orientations factor into admissions. We found that all MSTPPs participating in the study collected information related to DEIJ (e.g., applicants’ ethnoracial backgrounds, citizenship), and all interviewed faculty expressed an interest in increasing the diversity of applicants and admitted students. Faculty expressed preferences for applicants who evidenced positive DEIJ orientations, such as recognizing social and ethnoracial injustices, but at the same time, differences were evident in how MSTPPs and faculty attended to DEIJ. Considerations, implications, and dilemmas for teacher preparation programs and faculty are discussed.
A gendered analysis of US decline: a cautionary tale
Authors: Eroukhmanoff Clara
Published: February 2024

This article offers an innovative gendered analysis of the thesis of US decline, a prominent theory shared amongst International Relations scholars and US foreign policy experts about the impending end of US hegemony and the US-led international order. Inspired by feminist International Relations, it demonstrates that masculinism underscores the theory in three important ways: the methodologies used to (dis)prove US decline, the values declinism privileges and reinforces, and the way US decline appeals to phallocentric imagery. The article illustrates this argument through a discourse analytical reading of hi/stories of decline since the end of the Cold War in which I argue that US declinism paved the way for ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) and the return to a hybrid masculinity embodied by Donald Trump and his supporters. The article thus acts a cautionary tale against declinism by showing the constitutive effects of alarming scenarios of falling empires. It offers an original inquiry in the thesis of US decline and advances wider studies on declinism, and in so doing, contributes to International Relations scholarship.
The Effect of Financial Strain on the Health Outcomes of Older Mexican-Origin Adults: Findings From the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE)
Authors: Hernandez Monica , Markides Kyriakos K. , Cantu Philip
Published: February 2024

Predictors of health across the life-course do not maintain the same significance in very late life and the role of financial strain in health outcomes of very old adults remain unclear. Data from adults aged 74  +  in waves 5 and 7 of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (n  =  772) study was used to evaluate the role of financial strain on the health of older Mexican Americans who have the highest poverty rate of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. We evaluate the association between episodic (one wave) and persistent financial strain (two waves), with follow-up health outcomes (self-rated health, ADL (limitations in activities of daily living)/IADL (limitations in instrumental activities of daily living) disability, and depressive symptoms). Adults with persistent strain were twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms and three times more likely to experience IADL limitations than the unstrained. Our findings highlight the role of stress proliferation and allostatic load processes leading to deteriorated health over time.
The Impact of Machine Authorship on News Audience Perceptions: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies
Authors: Wang Sai , Huang Guanxiong
Published: February 2024

The growing adoption of artificial intelligence in journalism has dramatically changed the way news is produced. Despite the recent proliferation of research on automated journalism, debate continues about how audiences perceive and evaluate news purportedly written by machines compared to the work of human authors. Based on a review of 30 experimental studies, this meta-analysis shows that machine authorship had a negative, albeit small, effect on credibility perceptions. Furthermore, machine authorship had a null effect on news evaluations, although this effect was significant and stronger (more negative) when (a) the news covered socio-political topics (vs. environmental topics) and (b) the actual source of the news articles was a machine (vs. a human). These findings are discussed in light of theoretical accounts of human–machine communication and practical implications for news media.
Call to Piety: The Role of Adhan in the Shaping Rumi Identity and Governmental Authority
Authors: Fırat Hasan Baran
Published: February 2024

This study aims to reveal the intricacies of individual acoustic communication systems that have operated in Istanbul for years, with a focus on the Muslim call to prayer, adhan. Being the bearers of society’s religious, cultural, and social values, the religious signals have always been more than mere sounds and have been held in high regard for centuries. The power they embodied made them an essential subject of the political agenda for any ruling elite. As adhan’s symbolic image, both in the minds of Christian and Muslim believers, changed over time any specific religious sound is met with ambivalent reactions. The Ottomans followed a nuanced strategy to control their sonic environment and adhan was one of the primary tools that they have had in hand. Specifically, the study delves into the various ways of reciting adhan as a tool used by the Ottoman government to redraw the social boundaries.
Lysholm and KOOS QoL Demonstrate High Responsiveness in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Abed Varag , Kapp Sabryn , Nichols Michael , Castle Joshua P. , Landy David C. , Conley Caitlin , Stone Austin V.
Published: February 2024

Background:

There have been a large number of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine which PROMs are being commonly used in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess patients undergoing ACLR and to compare the responsiveness between them. It was hypothesized that the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score would be the most commonly used and responsive PROM among patients undergoing ACLR.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis. Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed, and relevant studies were extracted from the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were English-language RCTs reporting on PROMs after ACLR. For articles meeting our inclusion criteria for responsiveness analysis (≥2 PROMs reported, 1 year minimum follow-up, and reported pre- and postoperative PROM means and standard deviations), the responsiveness between PROMs was compared using effect size (ES) and relative efficiency (RE).

Results:

A total of 108 articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 9034 patients (mean age, 29.9 years; mean body mass index, 24.3; mean follow-up time, 36.1 months). There were 34 PROMs identified. The top 3 most commonly reported PROMs were the IKDC (n = 68; 63.0%), Lysholm (n = 65; 60.2%), and Tegner (n = 47; 43.5%) scores. The 2 PROMs with the highest ES were the ACL–Quality of Life (QoL) (3.37) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) QoL (2.07) scores. Compared with other PROMs, Lysholm and KOOS QoL scores had the greatest RE values. The Lysholm score had a greater RE than the KOOS Pain (RE, 1.17), KOOS Symptoms (RE, 1.22), KOOS Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (RE, 1.42), KOOS Sport/Recreation (RE, 1.55), KOOS QoL (RE, 1.41), and Tegner (RE, 2.89) scores. KOOS QoL had a greater RE than the IKDC (RE, 1.32), KOOS Pain (RE, 1.60), KOOS Symptoms (RE, 2.12), KOOS ADL (RE, 3.03), KOOS Sport/Recreation (RE, 1.27), and Tegner (RE, 2.06) scores.

Conclusion:

The IKDC score is the most commonly reported PROM in RCTs after ACLR; however, the Lysholm and KOOS QoL scores demonstrated the highest responsiveness in patients undergoing ACLR compared with other PROMs.