bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mmila (the Road) and the Great Stoep
Authors: Koopedi Tsholofelo Joshua
Published: July 2022

This paper explores and questions the promise of service delivery and infrastructural upgrades made in the City of Ekurhuleni in postapartheid South Africa, its immateriality in relation to concepts of modern African heritage. The paper is drawn from my PhD research which compares how the roads and stormwater Repairs, and Maintenance Budget of the City of Ekurhuleni has been resourced, organized, and distributed across the city's townships since 2000. It interrogates the budget process and its effectiveness as a political tool – rather than a technical tool – that pursues spatial justice and transformation of these previously underdeveloped townships. Section 153(a) of the South African Constitution delegates a municipality to ‘structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community, and to promote the social and economic development of the community’.
Evolving field of third‐space endoscopy: Derivatives of peroral endoscopic myotomy
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Fujiyoshi Mary Raina Angeli , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: July 2022

Third‐space endoscopy, also known as submucosal endoscopy, allows for a wide range of therapeutic interventions within the submucosal layer and even into the muscular or subserosal layers of the gastrointestinal lumen. The technical development of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopy and the method has been continuously refined and modified. Although POEM has been applied to treat primary achalasia, it shows a favorable clinical response in other esophageal motility disorders and as a salvage treatment after previously failed intervention. Gastroesophageal reflux after POEM has drawn considerable attention and there have been major advancements in its prevention and management. POEM has led to advantageous derivatives such as peroral endoscopic tumor resection or submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for resection of subepithelial lesions, Zenker POEM for hypopharyngeal diverticula, diverticular POEM for epiphrenic esophageal diverticula, and gastric POEM for refractory gastroparesis. These techniques have a similar concept, which constitutes submucosal tunneling with a mucosal flap valve and secure mucosal incision closure. The submucosal tunneling technique is widely accepted and continues to evolve. This study aimed to review in detail the indications, outcomes, and technical variations in POEM and explore several emerging submucosal tunneling procedures. This review will benefit future studies by providing a summary of recent developments in this field.
Was David Hume a racist? Interpreting Hume's infamous footnote (Part I)
Authors: Asher Kendra
Published: July 2022

This is the first part of a two‐part article; the second part will appear in the October 2022 issue of Economic Affairs. In his essay ‘Of National Characters’, David Hume added a now‐infamous footnote denigrating African civilisations and black people in general. Hume is widely recognised as a critic of bigotry, yet his footnote is the height of bigotry, creating a tension. I argue that Hume often wrote in an ambiguous and occasionally contradictory fashion to draw readers with opposing views into his work, yet his true beliefs were sometimes hard to discern. This article examines a number of oddities and inconsistencies in Hume's writing on race, including a striking non sequitur within the footnote.
The different obligations owed to small groups, the poor – and to participants in the extended market order: Anscombe, Hayek, Hume and usury
Authors: Miller Robert C B
Published: July 2022

Basing her arguments on Aristotle and Aquinas and the Catholic tradition, one of Britain's greatest twentieth‐century philosophers, Elizabeth Anscombe, sought to revive opposition to usury. Her claims are based on misunderstandings, but they raise the important issue, explored by Friedrich Hayek and discussed by David Hume, of the different obligations owed to people in dire circumstances and to small groups such as families – and to people in the extended market order. Usury, ‘demanding interest on the mere strength of a loan’, is legitimate but only in the extended market order – not usually in the case of family, friends and the poor or desperate.
An unexpected cause of colitis
Authors: Bnaya Alon , Benjaminov Ofer , Itzkowitz Eyal , Atrash Jawad , Abu‐Alfeilat Mohsen , Lybdeh Omar Abu , Shavit Linda
Published: July 2022

Gastrointestinal manifestations are common among patients with advanced kidney disease. Common symptoms include poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Prevalent lesions include esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis. Uremia‐associated colitis is extremely rare. In this case report we present a young patient who present with end‐stage kidney disease of unknown origin accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography showed severe bowel wall thickening of the colon. Due to extreme uremic state uremia‐associated colitis was suspected and hemodialysis was initiated immediately, resulted in clinical and radiology improvement.
Family ties in a neotropical cooperative breeder: within‐group relatedness and fine‐scale genetic structure in the greyish Baywing (Agelaioides badius)
Authors: Rojas Ripari Juan Manuel , Campagna Leonardo , Mahler Bettina , Lovette Irby , Reboreda Juan Carlos , De Mársico María Cecilia
Published: July 2022

Cooperative breeding is a reproductive system in which one or more adults (helpers) assist others in rearing their offspring. Cooperative breeding occurs in 9% of birds, encompassing remarkable variation in mating systems and patterns of social organization. Understanding how this diversity evolved requires assessing social and genetic relationships across a broad range of cooperative systems. Yet, for some geographical regions like the Neotropics, detailed genetic studies of cooperatively breeding birds are still comparatively scarce. We used double‐digest restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing to define the genetic relationships within and between cooperative groups in a Neotropical facultative cooperative breeder, the Greyish Baywing Agelaioides badius. Between 2015 and 2018, we banded and sampled adults and nestlings of 41 breeding groups from a population in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We found that helpers were primarily males, the majority of which were genetically related to the individuals they assisted, either as previous offspring of the breeding pair or as first‐ or second‐order relatives of the breeding male. However, we also observed unrelated male and female helpers. Parentage analysis indicates that reproduction was strongly skewed towards the dominant pair and helpers never gained paternity within and only once outside their social group. This scenario is consistent with helping behaviour being driven primarily by kin selection rather than by direct genetic benefits to helpers. However, the occasional occurrence of helpers unrelated to the breeding pair suggests that non‐reproductive direct benefits such as increased access to resources or future breeding opportunities may also influence helping decisions in this species. We found weak evidence consistent with male natal philopatry, and fine‐scale genetic structure, as adult males in our population showed higher relatedness at close geographical distances than females. Future studies that further examine the mechanisms behind group formation and the fitness pay‐offs of helping behaviour will increase our understanding of the complex cooperative system of the Greyish Baywing.
Urban and coastal breeding lesser black‐backed gulls (Larus fuscus) segregate by foraging habitat
Authors: Langley Liam P. , Bearhop Stuart , Burton Niall H. K. , Banks Alex N. , Frayling Tim , Thaxter Chris B. , Clewley Gary D. , Scragg Emily , Votier Stephen C.
Published: July 2022

Despite urbanization's general erosion of biodiversity, towns and cities provide novel opportunities for some species. During the 20th century, gulls (Laridae) colonized urban areas around the world where they flourished. At the same time, some coastal populations declined. The reasons for this difference are not fully understood, partly because little is known about any ecological differences between urban and non‐urban gulls, such as their foraging ecology. Here we compare the movement ecology and habitat selection of Lesser Black‐backed GullsLarus fuscus graellsiibreeding at two neighbouring colonies – one urban and one coastal – in north‐west England. We used bird‐borne GPS loggers to first compare colony‐level movement behaviour and habitat selection and then investigated individual‐level habitat use. We observed clear colony‐level habitat segregation: urban breeders preferentially foraged in urban areas whereas coastal breeders foraged primarily in coastal habitats and avoided urban areas. Coastal breeders also had larger core and home‐ranges than urban breeders, possibly due to differences in colony size. However, we also found inter‐individual differences in habitat use, which may have important management implications. These findings suggest a link between nesting and foraging ecology, and thus management or environmental change altering food availability will impact gulls at the coastal and urban sites differently.
Examining effects of instructional strategies on student engagement in blended online courses
Authors: Heilporn Géraldine , Lakhal Sawsen , Bélisle Marilou
Published: July 2022

Background

Blended online courses, which combine synchronous and asynchronous online activities, have expanded rapidly in higher education. How to enhance student engagement in such courses is unclear, although it is recognized that student engagement is malleable through instructional strategies.

Objectives

Given the above, this study aims to examine the influence of categories of strategies on student engagement in blended online courses.

Methods

A conceptual framework of instructional strategies indicated as fostering student engagement in the relevant literature was first presented, divided in eight categories (structure, pace, relevance, active, choice, relationships, explanations, guide). Then a research framework linking the categories of strategies to student engagement dimensions (emotional‐cognitive, social, behavioral) was built and tested in blended online courses. Data collected in various disciplines and university levels at four universities (n = 482) were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Results and Conclusions

The structural model examination confirmed the combined effects of categories of instructional strategies on student engagement in such courses in all disciplines. Particularly, this study revealed that 1) establishing trusting relationships, 2) demonstrating the relevance of activities, content, and resources, and 3) maintaining a sustained course pace significantly impacted student engagement in blended online courses in all disciplines.

Takeaways

This study draws upon the blended learning literature to bring together key instructional strategies that foster student engagement while highlighting empirical quantitative evidence of their effects on student engagement in blended online courses. Detailed measures of categories of instructional strategies and student engagement dimensions also provide reliable instruments for future research.
Clinical relevance of double‐arm blood pressure measurement and prevalence of clinically important inter‐arm blood pressure differences in Indian primary care
Authors: Wander Gurpreet S. , McDonagh Sinead T.J. , Rao M. Srinivasa , Alagesan R. , Mohan J.C. , Bhagwat Ajit , Pancholia A.K. , Viswanathan M. , Chopda Manoj Bhavrilal , Purnanand A. , kapardhi P.L.N. , Vadavi Arun R. , Selvaraj R. , Aneja Pankaj , Hardas Suhas , Bordoloi Neil , Sivakadaksham N. , Goswami Nilesh , Clark Christopher E. , Verberk Willem J.
Published: July 2022

Hypertension guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure (BP) in both arms at least once. However, this is seldom done due to uncertainties regarding measurement procedure and the implications of finding a clinically important inter‐arm BP difference (IAD). This study aimed to provide insight into the prevalence of clinically important IADs in a large Indian primary care cohort.

A number of 134 678 (37% female) unselected Indian primary care participants, mean age 45.2 (SD 11.9) years, had BP measured in both arms using a standardized, triplicate, automated simultaneous measurement method (Microlife WatchBP Office Afib).

On average, there were clinically minor differences in right and left arm BP values: systolic BP 134.4 vs 134.2 mmHg (p < .01) and diastolic BP 82.7 vs 82.6 mmHg (p < .01), respectively.

Prevalence of significant mean systolic IAD between 10 and 15 mmHg was 7,813 (5.8%). Systolic IAD ≥ 15 mmHg 2,980 (2.2%) and diastolic IAD ≥ 10 mmHg 7,151 (5.3%). In total, there were 7,595 (5.6%) and 8,548 (6.3%) participants with BP above the 140/90 mmHg threshold in only the left or right arm, respectively. Prevalence of participants with elevated BP on one arm only was highest in patients with a systolic IAD ≥ 15 mmHg; 19.1% and 13.7%, for left and right arm, respectively.

This study shows that a substantial prevalence of IAD exists in Indian primary care patients. BP is above the diagnostic threshold for hypertension in one arm only for 6% of participants. These findings emphasize the importance of undertaking bilateral BP measurement in routine clinical practice.
How Institutions Moderated the Pandemic's Economic Impact in EU Member States
Authors: Kuokštis Vytautas , Kuokštytė Ringailė
Published: July 2022

We investigate how institutional quality affected the economic downturn in EU countries during the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–21). Using quarterly panel data, we show that countries with a higher quality of governance and a higher score of economic freedom suffered markedly less. Importantly, institutions mattered more when the pandemic shock was larger. Thus, the pandemic highlights the asymmetric impact of seemingly symmetric exogenous shock on EU economies and raises important issues about the necessary reforms for short‐run resilience and long‐run convergence.
Biological and physiological responses of Bradysia odoriphaga 4th instar larvae to long‐term mild heat stress
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Ding Wenjuan , Zhao Yongfei , Xue Ming , Zhao Haipeng , Qu Cheng
Published: July 2022

The high summer temperature is a key barrier to Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae), a devastating soil pest in China. The 4th instar larvae possess the strongest thermal tolerance to high temperatures. To determine whether B. odoriphaga 4th instar larvae possessed other adaptations to summer mild heat stress than thermal plasticity, we evaluated the biological performance of 4th instar larvae under constant long‐term mild heat stress. The physiological responses were studied including energy storage, hormone level and related gene expression. Bioassay results indicated that 4th instar larvae survived, without pupation, for more than 40 days under long‐term mild heat stress (34°C). Long‐term mild heat stress pretreatment delayed larval development, reduced longevity and fecundity. A summer diapause‐like phenomenon was observed, including larval development stasis under mild heat exposure and prolonged recovery time after mild heat. Protective physiological responses were involved in regulating the larval stage, including fat and glycogen accumulation, a high level of juvenile hormone and a low level of moulting hormone. In addition, high expression levels of hsp70 and hsp90 were detected. The delayed development of 4th instar larvae appears to be a special adaptation strategy to withstand mild heat stress in summer that regulated by complex physiological processes.
Machine learning algorithms based on proteomic data mining accurately predicting the recurrence of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng Gong , He Na , Xia Harry Hua‐Xiang , Mi Man , Wang Ke , Byrne Christopher D , Targher Giovanni , Yuan Hai‐Yang , Zhang Xin‐Lei , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Ye Feng
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Over 10% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases recur each year, even after surgical resection. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge about the causes of recurrence and the effective prevention. Prediction of HCC recurrence requires diagnostic markers endowed with high sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to identify new key proteins for HCC recurrence and to build machine learning algorithms for predicting HCC recurrence.

Methods

The proteomics data for analysis in this study were obtained from the Clinical Proteomics Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) database. We analyzed different proteins based on cases with or without recurrence of HCC. Survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and area under the ROC curves (AUROC > 0.7) were used to screen for more significant differential proteins. Predictive models for HCC recurrence were developed using four machine learning algorithms.

Results

A total of 690 differentially expressed proteins between 50 relapsed and 77 non‐relapsed hepatitis B‐related HCC patients were identified. Seven of these proteins had an AUROC > 0.7 for 5‐year survival in HCC, including BAHCC1, ESF1, RAP1GAP, RUFY1, SCAMP3, STK3, and TMEM230. Among the machine learning algorithms, the random forest algorithm showed the highest AUROC values (AUROC: 0.991, 95% CI 0.962–0.999) for identifying HCC recurrence, followed by the support vector machine (AUROC: 0.893, 95% Cl 0.824–0.956), the logistic regression (AUROC: 0.774, 95% Cl 0.672–0.868), and the multi‐layer perceptron algorithm (AUROC: 0.571, 95% Cl 0.459–0.682).

Conclusions

Our study identifies seven novel proteins for predicting HCC recurrence and the random forest algorithm as the most suitable predictive model for HCC recurrence.
Evaluating the combined efficacy of oral isotretinoin and topical tacrolimus versus oral finasteride and topical tacrolimus in frontal fibrosing alopecia—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rokni Ghasem Rahmatpour , Emadi Seyed Naser , Dabbaghzade Abbas , Jahantigh Neda , Beyzaee Amir Mohammad , Sharma Aseem , Rudnicka Lidia , Goldust Mohamad
Published: July 2022

Objective

Treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is complicated and challenging. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of combining topical tacrolimus with isotretinoin versus finasteride in patients with FFA.

Methodology

Thirty‐one patients with FFA were divided randomly into two groups. Therapeutic regimen of the first group (group A, n = 16) was isotretinoin and tacrolimus (Capsule isotretinoin 20 mg daily and topical tacrolimus 0.1% BD). The second group (group B, n = 15) was given finasteride and tacrolimus (Tablet finasteride 2.5 mg daily and topical tacrolimus 0.1% BD). Patients were treated and followed up periodically for 12 weeks. Evaluation of the treatment efficacy was based on Patient Global Assessment and Physician Global Assessment scales. Objective evaluation was based on improving the severity of skin lesions by viewing serial images taken from the affected areas.

Results

Physician Global Assessment (PGA) was significantly better in the group A as compared with the group B at 4 weeks (p = 0.038). Physician satisfaction in the group A was better than the group B at 12 weeks, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Patient Global Assessment and patient satisfaction in the group A was better than the group B at 8 and 12 weeks, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although both therapeutic regimens were effective in the treatment of FFA, treatment with tacrolimus and isotretinoin is significantly more effective than tacrolimus and finasteride.
How to needle: A mixed methods study on choice of cannulation technique for arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Staaf Karin , Fernström Anders , Uhlin Fredrik
Published: July 2022

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the basis for choosing a cannulation technique for arteriovenous fistula.

Background

Four cannulation techniques are relevant to cannulating an arteriovenous fistula: rope ladder, area puncture and buttonhole using blunt or sharp needles. The chosen technique may affect both the patency and number of complications.

Design

The study used a convergent mixed methods design and inductive approach.

Methods

A questionnaire and an inquiry of local guidelines were sent to nurses in all dialysis units in Sweden. Questionnaires were answered by nurses from 37 units, and 29 units included their local guidelines. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis, and the guidelines were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The different analyses were combined in a final result. The study is based on GRAMMS guidelines.

Results

Local guidelines, patients' and nurses' own judgement, and consultation with colleagues were found to greatly influence the choice of cannulation technique. Buttonhole was the most preferred cannulation technique in the participating units and was favoured by nurses when choosing a cannulation technique. The process of choosing a cannulation technique was found to be influenced by the dedication to good cannulation technique and healthy arteriovenous fistulas, whether the technique is perceived as being easy to use and is expected to prevent complications and based on the experienced‐based knowledge of each dialysis unit.

Conclusions

Choosing a cannulation technique is a process based on the nurse, local guidelines and the patient. Most dialysis nurses and units in Sweden consider buttonhole to be a good cannulation technique and use it as their standard technique.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results provide insight into why cannulation techniques are chosen differently in different units. The results also show the importance of evidence in making decisions on cannulation technique.
Development of the Japanese Version of the Beliefs about Emotions Scale1
Authors: Sasaki Yohei , Oe Yuki , Horikoshi Masaru , Rimes Katharine
Published: July 2022

People have beliefs about the unacceptability of the expression and experience of negative emotions. These beliefs affect psychological health and can have a negative effect on the treatment and symptoms of people with mental disorders and medically unexplained symptoms. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Beliefs about Emotions Scale (BES‐J) and evaluate its reliability and validity. In an online survey, participants with fibromyalgia (n = 226) and healthy controls (n = 184) completed the BES‐J and questionnaires concerning perfectionism, dysfunctional attitudes, depression, anxiety, pain, disability, well‐being, interdependent happiness, and loneliness. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the BES‐J comprised a one‐factor structure, identical to the original. The BES‐J had good internal consistency (.89) and showed a significant correlation with the questionnaires. The BES‐J showed good internal reliability, concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability. The present study suggests that the Japanese version of the BES is appropriate for use with Japanese speakers.
Mind the gaps for the best practices: Enhancing the management of Lake Victoria fisheries resources
Authors: Aura Christopher Mulanda , Roegner Amber , Owiti Horace , Birungi Dorothy , Fiorella Kathryn J. , Corman Jessica , Kayanda Robert , Mbullo Patrick , Nyamweya Chrisphine S. , Mchau Geofrey , Daniels Miles , Abila Richard Oginga
Published: July 2022

Fisheries resources face a confluence of socio‐ecological challenges, the resolution of which requires interdisciplinary scientific information for sustainable utilization and management. The present study assessed gaps and challenges in Lake Victoria fisheries resources management for better research focus, policy formulation and improved governance of the fishery towards sustainability. Using key informant interviews and a plenary discussion with trans‐disciplinary experts regarding Lake Victoria fisheries research, management and policy sectors, the present study identified current management challenges, gaps and priorities. The present study results indicate a constantly increasing fishing effort, poor enforcement of existing regulations and pollution and invasive weeds pose the greatest threats to the sustainability of Lake Victoria's fisheries resources. Policy gaps include a lack of regulations on emerging technologies (e.g. cage culture) and an absence of implementation guidelines and framework for some existing policies. The aspects and gaps of each challenge are discussed, using available literature for the lake, with policy and capacity interventions recommended under each section for sustainable management of Lake Victoria fisheries resources.
Middle‐out ecology: small carnivores as sentinels of global change
Authors: Marneweck Courtney J. , Allen Benjamin L. , Butler Andrew R. , Do Linh San Emmanuel , Harris Stephen N. , Jensen Alex J. , Saldo Elizabeth A. , Somers Michael J. , Titus Keifer , Muthersbaugh Michael , Vanak Abi , Jachowski David S.
Published: July 2022

Species that respond to ecosystem change in a timely, measurable, and interpretable way can be used as sentinels of global change. Contrary to a pervasive view, we suggest that, among Carnivora, small carnivores are more appropriate sentinels than large carnivores. This reasoning is built around six key points: that, compared to large carnivores, small carnivores 1) are more species‐rich and diverse, providing more potential sentinels in many systems; 2) occupy a wider range of ecological niches, exhibiting a greater variety of sensitivities to change; 3) hold an intermediate trophic position that is more directly affected by changes at the producer, primary consumer, and tertiary consumer levels; 4) have shorter life spans and higher reproductive rates, exhibiting more rapid responses to change; 5) have smaller home ranges and are more abundant, making it easier to investigate fine‐scale management interventions; 6) are easier to monitor, manage, and manipulate. Therefore, we advocate for incorporating a middle‐out approach, in addition to the established top‐down and bottom‐up approaches, to assessing the responses of ecosystems to global change.
Economic impacts of UK's free trade agreements with Korea, Japan, and EU as a breakthrough of Brexit
Authors: Yi Chae‐Deug
Published: July 2022

With the UK‐Korea‐EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the UK‐Japan‐EU FTA, the gross domestic products of the UK, Korea, Japan, and the EU will increase. The UK's exports to Korea and Japan, and Korea's exports to the UK, Japan, and the EU will increase in some manufacturing sectors, particularly the automotive sector. Likewise, Japan's manufacturing exports to the UK and the EU will grow. However, UK and Japanese exports to the EU and Korea, respectively, will decline in this sector. There will be positive welfare effects on the UK, Korea, and Japan, but negative welfare effects on the EU, China, and the rest of the world (ROW). While UK imports from Korea and Japan and Korean imports from the UK and the EU will both increase and have mixed trade creation and diversion effects, UK imports from the EU will decrease in the manufacturing sectors. Korea's imports from Japan will decline, but Japan's imports from the UK, Korea, and the EU will increase due to trade creation and diversion effects. China's imports from Korea and Japan will decline, whereas China's imports from the UK and the EU will increase. EU imports from Korea and Japan will increase due to trade creation and diversion effects, but EU imports from the UK, China, and the ROW will decline in most manufacturing sectors.
Transcendentality and Conversation: On the Trinity and ‘Word‐Exchange’
Authors: Leung King‐Ho
Published: July 2022

This article considers how the notions of ‘word’ and ‘conversation’ can contribute to contemporary developments in theological metaphysics by drawing on Christoph Schwöbel’s ontological rendition of Martin Luther’s theology. By way of reading Schwöbel’s theological ontology of conversation with reference to John Milbank’s theology of the gift, this article shows that Schwöbel’s conception of the Trinity as an eternal ‘conversation’ can be understood as an ontology of ‘word‐exchange’ in a fashion similar to Milbank’s account of trinitarian ‘gift‐exchange’. Moreover, the article argues that Schwöbel’s Lutheran construal of creation as God’s ‘created words’ (verba creata) can present a transcendental account of ‘word’ or verbum which complements Milbank’s ontology of the gift or donum. By bringing to light these perhaps surprising convergences between Schwöbel’s Lutheran theology of ‘the word’ and Milbank’s Christian Neo‐Platonic theology of ‘the gift’, this article highlights some of the often‐overlooked metaphysical insights in Luther’s theology of the word, which can contribute not only to ecumenical theological dialogue, but also foster new perspectives and conversations for contemporary developments and discussions in theological metaphysics.
Rediscovery and amended description of a Philippine endemic Argostemma arachnosum (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Roe F. Mazo Kean , Famor Christopher V.
Published: July 2022

Botanical exploration in 2021 in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, resulted in the collection of Argostemma arachnosum Merr., an endemic species first described in 1922. This species was not reported and documented to exist elsewhere after its discovery. Here, we present an amended description of A. arachnosum. Colored photographs, distribution map, notes on its ecology and preliminary conservation status are also provided.
A prospective study of intrapyloric botulinum toxin and EndoFLIP in children with nausea and vomiting
Authors: Hirsch Suzanna , Nurko Samuel , Liu Enju , Rosen Rachel
Published: July 2022

Background

Intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection (IPBI) is used to treat nausea and vomiting in children, but no prospective pediatric studies exist. The aims of the current study were to assess the efficacy of IPBI in children with refractory nausea or vomiting and to use EndoFLIP as a biomarker of IPBI response.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of pediatric patients undergoing IPBI for refractory nausea, vomiting, or feeding difficulties at a tertiary center. Patients completed validated questionnaires at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 months after IPBI. A subset of patients >10 years old underwent pyloric EndoFLIP at the time of IPBI. Symptoms were compared pre‐ and post‐IPBI, and EndoFLIP measurements were assessed in relation to baseline characteristics and response to IPBI.

Key Results

Forty‐five patients (mean age 14.2 ± 6.0 years) received IPBI, and 23 of those patients underwent EndoFLIP. Twenty‐nine patients (64%) had symptomatic improvement at 1‐month follow‐up, including improvements in overall GI symptoms (p = 0.003), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.009), and discomfort when eating (p = 0.006). Symptomatic improvements lasted up to 3 months. There was a trend towards lower pyloric distensibility in patients with delayed versus normal gastric emptying (4.5 ± 3.8 mm2/mmHg in delayed vs. 8.9 ± 6.6 mm2/mmHg in normal, p = 0.09), though there were no differences in EndoFLIP measurements between IPBI responders and non‐responders (p > 0.05).

Conclusions and Inferences

The majority of patients responded to IPBI, with significant improvements seen in nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Pyloric EndoFLIP tended to distinguish baseline delays in gastric emptying, but it did not predict IPBI response in this patient cohort.
Prey naiveté alters the balance of consumptive and non‐consumptive predator effects and shapes trophic cascades in freshwater plankton
Authors: Baker Henry K. , Li Stephanie S. , Samu Stefan C. , Jones Natalie T. , Symons Celia C. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: July 2022

Predators drive trophic cascades by reducing prey biomass and altering prey traits, selecting for prey that exhibit constitutive and induced anti‐predator defenses that decrease susceptibility to consumption. These defense traits are often costly, generating a tradeoff between consumptive (CEs) and non‐consumptive predator effects (NCEs). The ecological and evolutionary experience that prey share with a given predator may determine their position along this tradeoff curve, affecting the nature and strength of top–down control of ecosystems. Conceptual models predict that predator‐experienced prey suffer greater NCEs than predator–naive prey, which suffer stronger CEs and total predator effects (CEs + NCEs), but this has not been tested in diverse prey communities. We tested these predictions by comparing the effects of predation (CEs + NCEs) and predation risk (NCEs only) of planktivorous fish on food web structure in pond mesocosms with diverse natural communities of either predator‐naive or predator‐experienced zooplankton. Contrary to expectations, top–down control of zooplankton and phytoplankton biomass was strengthened by prey community experience: in systems with experienced relative to naive zooplankton communities both predation risk (NCEs only) and predation (CEs + NCEs) had stronger effects on zooplankton prey biomass and trophic cascades were twice as strong. These results show that the ecological and evolutionary experience of diverse prey communities alters the balance of consumptive and non‐consumptive predator effects and influences trophic cascade strength.
Eine zu Unrecht vergessene Novelle Werner Bergengruens: „Der Strom“ als Rezeptionsmedium mittelalterlicher Literatur im zwanzigsten Jahrhundert
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: July 2022

Dieser Aufsatz bietet eine erste tiefergehende Interpretation einer der besten Novellen des baltisch‐deutschen Autors Werner Bergengruen (1892–1964), der noch bis in die siebziger Jahre hinein hohes Ansehen genoss, der aber anschließend geradezu systematisch aus vielerlei, vor allem aber politischen Gründen aus der Öffentlichkeit verdrängt wurde. Literaturwissenschaftliches Arbeiten muss sich aber davor hüten, subjektiv‐ideologische Kriterien zu verfolgen oder sich einem kanonischen Denken zu verschreiben. Die Tatsache selbst, dass Bergengruen sozusagen über Nacht jedenfalls im germanistischen Kontext zu einer Person non grata wurde, verdient der kritischen Analyse insbesondere im Licht seiner vielleicht aussagekräftigsten aber weitgehend unbekannten Novelle „Der Strom“. Wie die Untersuchung erhellt, griff Bergengruen hier auf eine alte, bis ins Mittelalter zurückreichende literarische Tradition zurück, gestaltete aber den Stoff für seine eigenen Zwecke neuartig um: auf der einen Seite können wir feststellen, dass Bergengruen zu den wichtigsten Vertreterm des Medievalism im zwanzigsten Jahrhundert gehörte, auf der anderen lässt sich nachweisen, dass der doch sehr begabte Autor zu Unrecht in den Schatten gerückt wurde, obwohl er doch sehr eindrucksvoll mittels mittelalterlicher Motive tiefgründig über die Bedeutung des Lebens reflektierte.
Inter‐State climate technology transfer under the UNFCCC: A benefit‐sharing approach
Authors: Sharman Nicola
Published: July 2022

The use of the concept of fair and equitable benefit‐sharing has proliferated across a number of international environmental legal regimes in various contexts. However, its potential application to inter‐State obligations of financing, technology transfer and capacity‐building remains underexplored. This article aims to contribute to this theoretical discussion by assessing how the concept could be applied to technology transfer obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). While the UNFCCC's technology transfer obligations are framed within the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, this article proposes that application of an additional legal principle of fair and equitable benefit‐sharing could not only be possible but also bring added value to the regime. Following an analysis of the concept's key features and the legal framework for technology transfer under the UNFCCC, the basis for conceptualizing inter‐State climate technology transfer as benefit‐sharing is examined. The potential significance and value of incorporating benefit‐sharing principles into this legal and policy context is then evaluated. From a procedural standpoint, it could reinforce the need to understand local perspectives and engage in collaborative approaches. In terms of its substantive implications, a benefit‐sharing lens could also inform and bridge understandings of equity, promote diversification of implementation approaches and encourage more transformative forms of technological capacity‐building.
Factors associated with 6‐min walk distance in severe asthma: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pitzner‐Fabricius Anders , Clark Vanessa L. , Backer Vibeke , Gibson Peter G. , McDonald Vanessa M.
Published: July 2022

Background and objective

Exercise capacity is associated with health‐related quality of life and symptom control in severe asthma. Thus, interventions targeting exercise capacity are likely to be beneficial. However, clinical and biological factors impacting exercise capacity in severe asthma are sparsely investigated. We aimed to describe the association of selected clinical and biological factors with 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) in adults with severe asthma and investigate the impact of sex on these outcomes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study in adults with severe asthma was conducted. Exercise capacity was measured by 6‐min walk test, and association between 6MWD and predictors were evaluated using multiple linear regression.

Results

A total of 137 patients (females, 85; median age, 59 years) were recruited. Overall, asthma control (−15.2 m, 95% CI −22.6 to −7.7; p = 0.0001) and BMI (−3.2 m, 95% CI −5.1 to −1.3; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with exercise capacity (adjusted variance, adj. R2 = 0.425). In females, 5‐item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ‐5; p = 0.005) and BMI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with 6MWD (adj. R2 = 0.423). In males, a 0.5‐point increase in ACQ‐5 was associated with a decrease in 6MWD by 10.2 m (95% CI −22.8 to 2.4; p = 0.11), but no clinical nor biological factors reached statistical significance (adj. R2 = 0.393).

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms and BMI were associated with exercise capacity in the overall population. Optimizing these factors may enhance the ability of patients to improve their exercise capacity and gain the associated positive health outcomes, but further studies are warranted.
Mortality in elderly patients starting hemodialysis program
Authors: Toapanta Néstor , Comas Jordi , León Román Juan , Ramos Natalia , Azancot María , Bestard Oriol , Tort Jaume , Soler María José
Published: July 2022

Background: The incidence of older patients over 80 years old with chronic kidney disease who start hemodialysis (HD) program has been increasing in the last decade. Methods: We aimed to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality in patients older than 80 years with end‐stage renal disease who started HD. We conducted a retrospective observational study of the Catalan Renal registry (RMRC). Results: A total of 2833 patients equal or older than 80 years (of 15,137) who started HD between 2002 and 2019 from the RMRC were included in the study. In this group, the first dialysis was performed through an arteriovenous fistula in 44%, percutaneous catheter in 28.2%, and tunneled catheter in 26.6%. Conventional dialysis was used in 65.7% and online HD in 34.3%. The most frequent cause of death was cardiac disease (21.8%), followed by social problems (20.4%) and infections (15.9%). Overall survival in older HD during the first year was 84% versus 91% in younger than 80 years (p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis identified the start of HD in the period 2002–2010, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the onset of HD through vascular graft depicted as risk factors for first‐year mortality after dialysis initiation in patients older than 80 years with end‐stage renal disease who started HD. Conclusions: In conclusion, patients older than 80 years who started HD program had higher mortality, especially those who presented exacerbation of kidney disease, those with COPD, and those who started with a vascular graft.
Training naive subjects in using micro‐phenomenological self‐inquiry to investigate pain and suffering during headaches
Authors: Sparby Terje , Leass Mira , Weger Ulrich W. , Edelhäuser Friedrich
Published: July 2022

Micro‐phenomenology is a method that generates rich and reliable reports of singular experiences in their pre‐reflective dimension. Usually it is employed using a second‐person interviewer. In this study we attempted to train naïve subjects in using self‐inquiry version of the method. 13 subjects met twice over the course of one week, investigating their experiences of headaches, looking specifically into the pain experience itself, the experience of suffering, and the experience of absence of suffering. The analysis showed that the subject reports increase the richness of description, measured by the increase in the amount of categories described and the number of words needed to give an on target description. The analysis, informed by the participant’s ideas, showed that it was possible to distinguish the experience of pain from the experience of suffering. We compare the analysis to other phenomenological studies of headaches. This reveals the strength and weakness of the micro‐phenomenological method: By de‐focusing on contextual factors it enables in‐depth descriptions of singular moments of experience, but the bracketing of interpretations may result in overlooking overarching meaning dimensions. We conclude that micro‐phenomenological self‐inquiry may potentially be employed successfully in a clinical setting with initially untrained subjects for describing certain kinds of experiences and answering complex phenomenological questions.
3D printed cannulas for use in laparoscopic surgery in feline patients: A cadaveric study and case series
Authors: Buote Nicole J. , Porter Ian , Dakin Gregory F.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate custom 3D printed laparoscopic cannulas (3DPC) in a feline cadaveric abdominal surgery model and report their use in two live feline subjects.

Study design

Experimental cadaver study, live subject case series.

Animals

Ten feline cadavers; two feline subjects.

Methods

Custom 3DPCs were initially modeled in a PLA filament material and then created in an autoclavable dental resin for use in live patients. The surgery time, number of surgical collisions and cannula complications were recorded during cadaver procedures before and after use of 3DPCs. Cannula complications were recorded during live procedures and patients were followed to suture removal to record any incisional complications.

Results

There was a significant reduction in mean surgical time (125.6 vs. 95.2 min, p = 0.03), mean number of instrument collisions (6.8 vs. 2.6, p = 0.03), and mean number of cannula complications (10 vs. 2.2, p = 0.03) with the use of only 3DPCs during the procedure. During the live procedures the use of the 3DPCs was successful and no postoperative complications occurred at the incision sites.

Conclusion

The use of customized 3DPCs may improve surgical dexterity and decrease complications in advanced procedures and was not associated with any clinical complications in two cats. The use of 3DPCs in veterinary medicine may allow for wider practice of laparoscopic techniques in small animals.
Iran’s Human Rights Record Follows Downward Spiral
Authors: Gabbay Shaul M.
Published: July 2022

Officially, Iran is an Islamic Republic; in practice, the government is totalitarian in nature. Since the time a revolution swept the country in 1979 and removed the ruling monarchy, a heavy blanket of oppression and religiosity has constrained the population. Although the majority of Iranians chose to overthrow the preceding government, a monarchy, its replacement by an Islamic clergy quickly morphed into an overlord, responsible for the death of some 8,000 political opponents during their first five years in power. Freedoms long enjoyed in the Persian Empire dried up overnight, leaving an eighty-three million strong population living in a straitjacket that defies the very morality it claims to live by. Repression quickly became widespread, resulting in a loss of freedom or the ability to change governments, leave home without a head covering (hijab) for women, oppose government actions or decisions, enable change and the like. Minorities suffer most and have the least ability to change their reality. Gay men and women live in utter fear, and often denial. The application of torture is well documented and increasingly brutal. The downward trajectory of human rights is increasing at a fast pace, and protests are on the rise. Some studies suggest signs that a deep and widening swath of Iranian public has had enough, and another revolution is on the horizon. Until then, however, repression continues to be the order of the day. Foreign governments and other entities of influence must hold Iran accountable for its increasingly horrific record on human rights.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 10, No. 4
Authors: Young James
Published: July 2022

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 4Ahmet Yıkmış, Abant Izzet Baysal Univeersity, TurkeyAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalAurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesBo Li, Miami University, USAEncarnación ABAD ARENAS, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyIvan Lenard, Elementary school Ladimirevci, CroatiaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II, Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMichael Brooks, North Carolina A&T State University, USANAZIAH ABD. KADIR, Universiti Selangor, MalaysiaPatricia Wiener, Center for Human Studies and Neuropsychology, BoliviaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education,Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaRima Meilita Sari, STKIP Al-Washliyah, IndonesiaRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanShyue Chuan CHONG, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, MalaysiaSusheelabai Srinivasa, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, United StatesWahyu Nugroho, Sahid University of Jakarta, IndonesiaXian-Liang Tian, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, ChinaYusramizza Md Isa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia  James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com