bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Algorithm for the Detection of Outliers in Mislabeled Omics Data
Authors: Sun Hongwei , Wang Jiu , Zhang Zhongwen , Hu Naibao , Wang Tong
Published: December 2021

High dimensionality and noise have made it difficult to detect related biomarkers in omics data. Through previous study, penalized maximum trimmed likelihood estimation is effective in identifying mislabeled samples in high-dimensional data with mislabeled error. However, the algorithm commonly used in these studies is the concentration step (C-step), and the C-step algorithm that is applied to robust penalized regression does not ensure that the criterion function is gradually optimized iteratively, because the regularized parameters change during the iteration. This makes the C-step algorithm runs very slowly, especially when dealing with high-dimensional omics data. The AR-Cstep (C-step combined with an acceptance-rejection scheme) algorithm is proposed. In simulation experiments, the AR-Cstep algorithm converged faster (the average computation time was only 2% of that of the C-step algorithm) and was more accurate in terms of variable selection and outlier identification than the C-step algorithm. The two algorithms were further compared on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) RNA-seq data. AR-Cstep can solve the problem of the C-step not converging and ensures that the iterative process is in the direction that improves criterion function. As an improvement of the C-step algorithm, the AR-Cstep algorithm can be extended to other robust models with regularized parameters.
A Highly Efficient Computer Method for Solving Polynomial Equations Appearing in Engineering Problems
Authors: Rafiq Naila , Shams Mudassir , Mir Nazir Ahmad , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: December 2021

A highly efficient two-step simultaneous iterative computer method is established here for solving polynomial equations. A suitable special type of correction helps us to achieve a very high computational efficiency as compared to the existing methods so far in the literature. Analysis of simultaneous scheme proves that its convergence order is 14. Residual graphs are also provided to demonstrate the efficiency and performance of the newly constructed simultaneous computer method in comparison with the methods given in the literature. In the end, some engineering problems and some higher degree complex polynomials are solved numerically to validate its numerical performance.
Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Nationwide Case–Control Study Based on the French National Health Data System (SNDS)
Authors: Lassalle Marion , Le Tri Thien , Afchain Pauline , Camus Marine , Kirchgesner Julien , Zureik Mahmoud , Dray-Spira Rosemary
Published: December 2021

Background:

Only a few studies investigated the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and pancreatic cancer, with inconsistent results. Moreover, these studies had a number of methodologic limitations. Our objective was to assess this association in a nationwide case–control study.

Methods:

We used the French National Health Data System (SNDS), covering 99% of the French population since 2006. Incident cases of pancreatic cancer, identified between 2014 and 2018, were matched with up to four controls on year of birth, sex, frequency of hospitalization within 8 years prior to index date, and department of residence. Associations between PPIs and pancreatic cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors of pancreatic cancer (including diabetes mellitus, tobacco-related diseases, and morbid obesity), and other comorbidities.

Results:

A total of 23,321 cases of pancreatic cancer (mean age, 69.8 years; 51.7% males) and 75,937 matched controls were included. Overall, 77.8% of cases and 75.5% of controls were PPI ever users. Ever (vs. never) PPI use was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer [adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.09]. A dose–response relationship was observed [1–30 cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD): aOR = 0.92, 95% CI, 0.87–0.97; 31–180 cDDD: aOR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.00–1.11; 181–1,080 cDDD: aOR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.12–1.24; >1,080 cDDD: aOR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.10–1.23].

Conclusions:

On the basis of these findings, a slight increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer associated with high cumulative doses of PPIs cannot be excluded.

Impact:

Given the overuse of PPIs, efforts should be continued to limit treatments to appropriate indications and durations.
Reversing T-cell Exhaustion in Cancer: Lessons Learned from PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Budimir Natalija , Thomas Graham D. , Dolina Joseph S. , Salek-Ardakani Shahram
Published: December 2021

Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancer over the past decade. The initial therapeutic hypothesis underlying the mechanism of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 ICB was built around the premise that it acts locally in the tumor, reversing the exhaustion of PD-1hiCD8+ T cells by “releasing the brakes.” However, recent studies have provided unprecedented insight into the complexity within the CD8+ T-cell pool in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell RNA sequencing and epigenetic profiling studies have identified novel cell surface markers, revealing heterogeneity within CD8+ T-cell states classified as unique. Moreover, these studies highlighted that following ICB, CD8+ T-cell states within and outside the TME possess a differential capacity to respond, mobilize to the TME, and seed an effective antitumor immune response. In aggregate, these recent developments have led to a reevaluation of our understanding of both the underlying mechanisms and the sites of action of ICB therapy. Here, we discuss the evidence for the reversibility of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion after ICB treatment and its implication for the further development of cancer immunotherapy.
Speech-in-Noise Audiometry in Adults: A Review of the Available Tests for French Speakers
Authors: Reynard Pierre , Lagacé Josée , Joly Charles-Alexandre , Dodelé Léon , Veuillet Evelyne , Thai-Van Hung
Published: December 2021

Background: Difficulty understanding speech in background noise is the reason of consultation for most people who seek help for their hearing. With the increased use of speech-in-noise (SpIN) testing, audiologists and otologists are expected to evidence disabilities in a greater number of patients with sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to list validated available SpIN tests for the French-speaking population. Summary: A review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Search strategies used a combination of 4 keywords: speech, audiometry, noise, and French. There were 10 validated SpIN tests dedicated to the Francophone adult population at the time of the review. Some tests use digits triplets as speech stimuli and were originally designed for hearing screening. The others were given a broader range of indications covering diagnostic or research purposes, determination of functional capacities and fitness for duty, as well as assessment of hearing amplification benefit. Key Messages: As there is a SpIN test for almost any type of clinical or rehabilitation needs, both the accuracy and duration should be considered for choosing one or the other. In an effort to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population, fast adaptive procedures can be favored to screen large groups in order to limit the risk of ignoring the early signs of forthcoming presbycusis and to provide appropriate audiological counseling.
Change in Balance and Neuropsychological Measures Post-Lumbar Drain Trial in Patients with Suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Wadsworth Hannah E. , Horton Daniel K. , Dhima Kaltra , Cullum C. Munro , White Jonathan , Ruchinskas Robert
Published: December 2021

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is commonly used to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Assessment of cognition and balance pre- and post-lumbar drain (LD) can be used to provide objective metrics which may help determine the potential benefit of VP shunting. The aim of this investigation was to determine which measures identify clinical change as a result of a LD trial and to develop recommendations for standard NPH clinical assessment procedures. Methods: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and a brief battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests pre- and post-LD (MMSE, trail making test, animal fluency, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised, and digit span) were administered to 86 patients with a diagnosis of NPH. Subjects were divided into groups based on whether or not clinical change was present, and thus, VP shunting was recommended post-LD, and predictors of group membership were examined. Results: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were seen on the BBS and Trail Making Part B in the VP shunt-recommended group, with no other significant changes over time in either group. Regression analyses found that VP shunt recommendation was accurately predicted for 80% of the sample using the BBS score alone, with accuracy increasing to 85% when Trails B was added. Conclusions: Scores from the BBS and Trails B were most likely to change in those chosen to undergo VP shunting post-LD. Given that the typical clinical presentation of NPH includes gait disturbance and cognitive impairment, it is recommended that a standard pre-/post-LD evaluation include the BBS and trail making test.
Clinical Acute Kidney Injury and Histologic Acute Tubular-Interstitial Injury and Their Prognosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lei Qunjuan , Xu Feng , Liang Shaoshan , Liang Dandan , Lu Jingru , Tang Rong , Zhou Xianguang , Liu Zhihong , Zeng Caihong
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Histologic acute tubular-interstitial injury (hATI) is often observed in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study aimed to determine the relationship between hATI and clinical acute kidney injury (cAKI) and evaluate significance of hATI in patients with DN. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven DN through 2003–2018 in our center were selected. The prevalence of hATI and its correlations with cAKI, tubular injury biomarkers, and serum creatinine were investigated. The renal survival rates and prognostic factors were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression model, respectively. Results: Of 1,414 patients with DN, 70.4% were male, with a median age of 50.0 years. The incidences of cAKI and hATI were 8.6% and 57.8%, respectively. The severities of most hATI were mild (91.0%). The incidence of cAKI in those with hATI was only 12.2%. The incidences of cAKI positively correlated with the scores of hATI (Kendall r = 0.273, p < 0.001). The presence of hATI was related to rapid creatinine rise and increased tubular injury biomarkers although without cAKI. After adjusting for significant covariates, multivariate Cox models showed that patients with hATI alone were one and a half times more likely to develop ESRD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05–2.02) than those without hATI or cAKI, and patients with hATI plus cAKI were 3 times more likely to develop ESRD (HR: 2.96; 95% CI, 1.85–4.72). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that hATI was common in patients with DN where the majorities were mild hATI and without cAKI. hATI was an independent risk factor of DN progression, regardless of episodes of cAKI.
Feline sporotrichosis
Authors: Scuarcialupi Ligia Neves , Pereira Fernando Cortez , Baquero Oswaldo Santos
Published: December 2021

Over the past two decades, many Brazilian cities have been reporting an increasing incidence and spread of feline sporotrichosis. The disease is neglected, and little is known about the causal processes underlying its epidemic occurrence. This study characterized the spatiotemporal dynamics of feline sporotrichosis in Guarulhos. Moreover, we proposed and tested a causal explanation for its occurrence and zoonotic transmission, giving a key role to social vulnerability. A direct acyclic graph represented the causal explanation, while Bayesian spatial models supported its test as well as the attribution of a risk-based priority index to the census tracts of the city. Between 2011 and 2017, the disease grew exponentially and the spatial spread increased. The model findings showed a dose-response pattern between an index of social vulnerability and the incidence of feline sporotrichosis. This pattern was not strictly monotonic, so some census tracts received a higher priority index than others with higher vulnerability. According to our causal explanation, there will not be effective prevention of feline and zoonotic sporotrichosis as long as social inequities continue imposing precarious livelihoods.
Entre ciência e história: Brasil, um jardim para a França
Authors: Barel Ana Beatriz
Published: December 2021

A literatura de viagens que diz respeito às relações entre França e Brasil remonta a tempos pré-coloniais, quando, ao menos no século XII, narrativas míticas circulavam na Europa e descreviam, imaginando, o território que virá a ser chamado pelos portugueses de Brasil. Realizando um recorte cronológico, dedicamo-nos ao estudo de dois viajantes franceses do século XIX, praticamente contemporâneos, Ferdinand Denis e Auguste de Saint-Hilaire. Nossa leitura, na primeira parte do artigo, se funda na aproximação entre os romances indianistas de Alencar, Iracema e, sobretudo, O guarani, e uma obra ficcional de Denis, o conto “Les machakalis”, com o intuito de destacar a representação do indígena nos dois autores. Num segundo momento, cotejamos Voyage aux sources du rio S. Francisco et dans la province de Goyaz, relato de viagem de Saint-Hilaire, com as obras literárias de Alencar e Denis para destacar a imagem que o botânico francês define para o Brasil e que retoma, num certo sentido, o mito fundador do país, fortemente ligado ao indígena, de um jardim verdejante.
Saúde digital e os desafios regulatórios
Authors: Aith Fernando
Published: December 2021

As inovações tecnológicas da Era Digital que atingem o setor da saúde são de proporções amazônicas: internet, grandes bases de dados, aprendizado automatizado, inteligência artificial, alta conectividade, redes sociais digitais globais, grandes corporações digitais, telessaúde, dentre outras várias novidades já existentes ou no forno para sair. Esses novos componentes da vida moderna digital estão revolucionando com grande intensidade o setor. Um enorme número de bens, produtos e serviços que se utilizam destes bancos de dados e tecnologias está sendo lançado nos sistemas de saúde do mundo todo.
Fatores associados aos transtornos mentais comuns: estudo baseado em clusters de mulheres
Authors: Grapiglia Cássio Zottis , Costa Juvenal Soares Dias da , Pattussi Marcos Pascoal , Paniz Vera Maria Vieira , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo
Published: December 2021

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores associados aos transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) em uma amostra de mulheres adultas no Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Em estudo de base populacional composto por 1.128 mulheres, foram investigadas variáveis explicativas demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais e de saúde/doença. Cinco grupos-resposta foram explorados: um grupo com transtornos mentais comuns – ponto de corte 6/7 no Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20) – e outros quatro correspondentes aos diferentes clusters encontrados através da técnica de clusterização por classe latente, também a partir do SRQ-20. Esses quatro clusters (baixo, médio-depressivo, médio-digestivo e alto) foram denominados com base nas pontuações médias do SRQ-20 em cada grupo e nos padrões de resposta das variáveis e características fatoriais. O cluster “baixo” compreendeu mulheres com menores escores no SRQ-20 e, portanto, com menor probabilidade de apresentarem TMC. Já o cluster “alto”, com valores médios elevados no SRQ-20, esteve relacionado a maior morbidade psiquiátrica. Utilizou-se a técnica de regressão de Poisson, com comparação entre os achados dos diferentes grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 10 variáveis como fatores associados aos TMC. Idade, escolaridade, tabagismo, atividade física, percepção de saúde e número de consultas foram as variáveis comuns para as análises com ponto de corte assim como nas baseadas em clusters. Etilismo pesado esteve associado somente quando avaliada a amostra como ponto de corte. Já classe econômica, situação laboral e presença de doenças crônicas estiveram associadas somente quando analisada a amostra por clusters. No cluster “alto”, houve associação significativa com classes econômicas mais baixas (D ou E), tabagismo, inatividade física, presença de doenças crônicas e percepção de saúde negativa. CONCLUSÕES: Diferentes fatores associados foram identificados segundo os grupos-resposta considerados. Novos enfoques que possibilitem identificar subgrupos de indivíduos com características e fatores associados específicos poderiam contribuir para um entendimento mais apurado dos TMC, servindo de base para intervenções em saúde.
Pool of items to measure Primary Health Care workers’ knowledge on healthy eating
Authors: Reis Lígia Cardoso dos , Jaime Patricia Constante
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a self-applicable instrument for measuring primary health care (PHC) workers’ knowledge on healthy eating. METHODS: A six-step methodological study to develop and validate a measurement instrument: item development based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines’ chapters; content validation with a panel of experts; face validation with potential instrument users; online instrument reevaluation by participants of the content and face validation panels; online application of the instrument with PHC workers; confirmatory factor analysis for construct validation. RESULTS: A first version with 25 items underwent content and semantic changes in the content and face validation panels, being reorganized into a second version with 22 items. In the reevaluation, participants considered 21 questions to be clear and representative of the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines, with one being excluded. This third version of the instrument underwent confirmatory factor analysis after being applied online with 209 PHC workers from all Brazilian macroregions. We excluded five items in this analysis: four due to bivariate empty cells and one due to low discrimination capacity. The final model, with 16 items loaded onto one dimension, returned good fit indices [χ²(104) = 119.047, p = 0.1486; RMSEA = 0.026 (90% CI = 0.000 to 0.046), Cfit = 0.979; CFI = 0.924; TLI = 0.913]; its information peak was below average. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument proved to be valid and accurate for assessing PHC workers with below average knowledge of the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. It might contribute to improving actions to promote healthy eating in Brazilian PHC settings by identifying the need for training health professionals.
Trends in Premature Mortality From Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 1999 to 2019
Authors: Dani Sourbha S. , Lone Ahmad N. , Javed Zulqarnain , Khan Muhammad S. , Zia Khan Muhammad , Kaluski Edo , Virani Salim S. , Shapiro Michael D. , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel , Nasir Khurram , Khan Safi U.
Published: December 2021

Background

Evaluating premature (<65 years of age) mortality because of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by demographic and regional characteristics may inform public health interventions.

Methods and Results

We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER (Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) death certificate database to examine premature (<65 years of age) age‐adjusted AMI mortality rates per 100 000 and average annual percentage change from 1999 to 2019. Overall, the age‐adjusted AMI mortality rate was 13.4 (95% CI, 13.3–13.5). Middle‐aged adults, men, non‐Hispanic Black adults, and rural counties had higher mortality than young adults, women, NH White adults, and urban counties, respectively. Between 1999 and 2019, the age‐adjusted AMI mortality rate decreased at an average annual percentage change of −3.4 per year (95% CI, −3.6 to −3.3), with the average annual percentage change showing higher decline in age‐adjusted AMI mortality rates among large (−4.2 per year [95% CI, −4.4 to −4.0]), and medium/small metros (−3.3 per year [95% CI, −3.5 to −3.1]) than rural counties (−2.4 per year [95% CI, −2.8 to −1.9]). Age‐adjusted AMI mortality rates >90th percentile were distributed in the Southern states, and those with mortality <10th percentile were clustered in the Western and Northeastern states. After an initial decline between 1999 and 2011 (−4.3 per year [95% CI, −4.6 to −4.1]), the average annual percentage change showed deceleration in mortality since 2011 (−2.1 per year [95% CI, −2.4 to −1.8]). These trends were consistent across both sexes, all ethnicities and races, and urban/rural counties.

Conclusions

During the past 20 years, decline in premature AMI mortality has slowed down in the United States since 2011, with considerable heterogeneity across demographic groups, states, and urbanicity. Systemic efforts are mandated to address cardiovascular health disparities and outcomes among nonelderly adults.
Abstract 1122‐000200: Chiropractor Manipulation Leading to Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection and Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xia Christina , Pfaff Lee , Kaur Navreet , Suryadevara Neil , Masoud Hesham
Published: December 2021

Introduction
: Traumatic cervical artery dissection is one of the leading causes of stroke in patients under the age of 45. Recent chiropractic neck manipulation is associated with risk of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The V3 segment of the vertebral artery is highly susceptible to the bending forces during forced manipulation leading to intimal damage.

Methods
: N/A

Results
: This is a case presentation of a 44 year old male who was transferred from another emergency department for left homonymous inferior quadrantanopia noted on an optometrist visit. He reported sudden onset left homonymous hemianopia after receiving a high velocity cervical spine adjustment at a chiropractor appointment for chronic neck pain a few days prior. CT angiogram of the head and neck revealed bilateral vertebral artery dissection at left V2 and right V3 segments. MRI brain confirmed an acute infract in the right medial occipital lobe. His right PCA stroke was likely embolic from the injured right V3 but possibly from the left V2 as well. As the patient reported progression from a homonymous hemianopia to a quadrantanopia, he likely had a migrating embolus.

Conclusions
: Arterial dissection accounts for about 2% of all ischemic strokes, but may be between 8–25% in patients less than 45 years old. VAD can result from trauma of varying severities ‐ from sports, motor vehicle accidents, and chiropractor neck manipulations to violent coughing/sneezing. It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 spinal manipulation results in vertebral artery aneurysm/dissection. In the United States, patients who have multiple chronic conditions are reporting higher use of complementary or alternative medicine, including chiropractic manipulation. Education about the association of VAD and chiropractor maneuvers can be beneficial to the public as these are preventable acute ischemic strokes. In addition, vertebral artery dissection symptoms can be subtle and patients presenting to chiropractors may have distracting pain masking their deficits. Evaluating for appropriateness of cervical manipulation in high‐risk patients and detecting early clinical signs of VAD by chiropractors can be beneficial in preventing acute ischemic strokes in young patients.
BÜTÜNLEŞİK ENTROPİ-COPRAS YAKLAŞIMI İLE KURUMSAL KAYNAK PLANLAMA (KKP) YAZILIMININ SEÇİMİ
Authors: MADENOĞLU Fatma Selen
Published: December 2021

Dış kaynak kullanımı, işletmenin hedefleri doğrultusunda ilerlemesini ve rekabet avantajı elde etmesini sağlayacak süreçlerin etkin yönetilmesi ve maliyetlerin azaltılmasını amaçlayan stratejik kararlardan biridir. Dış kaynak kullanımı, birden fazla tedarikçi ve bu tedarikçileri karşılaştırmada kullandığımız değerlendirme kriterlerinin olduğu çok kriterli karar verme problemidir. Günümüzde işletmeler, bütün fonksiyonlarını sistem yaklaşımıyla yönetmek amacıyla Kurumsal Kaynak Planlaması (KKP) yazılımları kullanmaktadırlar. Çalışmada dış kaynak kullanımıyla temin edilecek olan KKP yazılımı seçimi problemine, karar verme sürecine belirsizliğin dahil edildiği çok kriterli bir çözüm yaklaşımı önerilmiştir. Önerilen çözüm yaklaşımında alternatiflerin değerlendirmesinde kullanılacak olan kriter ağırlıklarının belirlenmesinde Shannon entropi yöntemi ve alternatiflerin sıralanmasında Bulanık TOPSİS, Bulanık GİA, Bulanık Maut, Bulanık Aras, Bulanık Waspas, Bulanık Copras, Bulanık Edas yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Farklı çok kriterli karar verme yöntemlerinden elde edilen sıralamalar bütünleştirilerek alternatiflerin nihai sıralaması elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada önerilen çözüm yaklaşımı, mobilya sektöründe faaliyet gösteren bir işletmenin dış kaynak kullanımı ile işletmeye uygun KKP yazılımının seçim sürecine uygulanmış ve sonucunda işletmeye en uygun olan KKP yazılımı seçilmiştir.
Revisiting the Boundary between ASR and NLU in the Age of Conversational Dialog Systems
Authors: Faruqui Manaal , Hakkani-Tür Dilek
Published: December 2021

As more users across the world are interacting with dialog agents in their daily life, there is a need for better speech understanding that calls for renewed attention to the dynamics between research in automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language understanding (NLU). We briefly review these research areas and lay out the current relationship between them. In light of the observations we make in this article, we argue that (1) NLU should be cognizant of the presence of ASR models being used upstream in a dialog system’s pipeline, (2) ASR should be able to learn from errors found in NLU, (3) there is a need for end-to-end data sets that provide semantic annotations on spoken input, (4) there should be stronger collaboration between ASR and NLU research communities.
How Green Is Sugarcane Ethanol?
Authors: Sant'Anna Marcelo
Published: December 2021

Biofuels offer one approach for reducing carbon emissions. However, the necessary agricultural expansion may endanger tropical forests. I use a dynamic model of land use to disentangle the roles of acreage and yields in the supply of sugarcane ethanol in Brazil. The model is estimated using remote sensing (satellite) information of sugarcane activities. Estimates imply that, at the margin, 92% of new ethanol comes from increases in area and only 8% from increases in yield. Direct deforestation accounts for 19% of area expansion at the margin in the long run. I further assess carbon emissions and deforestation implications from ethanol policies.
How Does Improvement in Commuting Affect Employees? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Lu Yao , Shi Xinzheng , Sivadasan Jagadeesh , Xu Zhufeng
Published: December 2021

We collect worker month-level panel data from two companies in Beijing for a two-year period before and after the opening of a nearby subway station, which significantly improved public transportation commutes for some workers. We find a significant difference-in-differences increase (12.6% of the standard deviation) in bonus pay, which is strongly correlated to worker-level performance measures, for affected workers relative to unaffected coworkers. We find no evidence that the improved performance is a result of affected workers spending extra time at the workplace. We find suggestive evidence for a relative decline in turnover, consistent with a gain in utility for affected workers.
(Non-)Parametric Recoverability of Preferences and Choice Prediction
Authors: Zrill Lanny
Published: December 2021

Simple functional forms for utility require restrictive structural assumptions that are often contrary to observed behavior. Even so, they are widely used in applied economic research. I address this issue using a two-part adaptive experimental design to compare the predictions of a popular parametric model of decision making under risk to those of non-parametric bounds on indifference curves. Interpreting the latter as an approximate upper bound, I find the parametric model sacrifices very little in terms of predictive success. This suggests that, despite their restrictiveness, simple functional forms may nevertheless be useful representations of preferences over risky alternatives.
Credible School Value-Added with Undersubscribed School Lotteries
Authors: Angrist Joshua , Hull Peter , Pathak Parag A. , Walters Christopher
Published: December 2021

We introduce two empirical strategies harnessing the randomness in school assignment mechanisms to measure school value-added. The first estimator controls for the probability of school assignment, treating take-up as ignorable. We test this assumption using randomness in assignments. The second approach uses assignments as instrumental variables (IVs) for low-dimensional models of value-added and forms empirical Bayes posteriors from these IV estimates. Both strategies solve the underidentification challenge arising from school undersubscription. Models controlling for assignment risk and lagged achievement in Denver and New York City yield reliable value-added estimates. Estimates from models with lower-quality achievement controls are improved by IV.
An Experimental Study on the Effects of Communication, Credibility, and Clustering in Network Games
Authors: Charness Gary , Feri Francesco , Meléndez-Jiménez Miguel A. , Sutter Matthias
Published: December 2021

We examine how preplay communication and clustering affect play in a challenging hybrid experimental game on networks. Free-form chat is impressively effective in achieving the nonequilibrium efficient outcome, but restricted communication has little effect. We support this result with a model about the credibility of cheap-talk messages. We also offer a model of message diffusion that correctly predicts more rapid diffusion without clustering. We show an interaction effect of network structure and communication technologies. A remarkable result is that restricted communication is quite effective in a network stag hunt but not in our extended game.
How Sticky Is Retirement Behavior in the United States?
Authors: Deshpande Manasi , Fadlon Itzik , Gray Colin
Published: December 2021

We study how increases in the U.S. Social Security full retirement age (FRA) affect benefit-claiming behavior and retirement behavior separately. Using long panels of Social Security administrative data, we implement complementary research designs of a traditional cohort analysis and a regression-discontinuity design. We find that while claiming ages strongly and immediately shift in response to increases in the FRA, retirement ages exhibit persistent “stickiness” at the old FRA of 65. We use several strategies to explore the likely mechanisms behind the stickiness in retirement, and we find suggestive evidence that employers play a role in workers’ responses to the FRA.
Anti-Muslim Voting and Media Coverage of Immigrant Crimes
Authors: Couttenier Mathieu , Hatte Sophie , Thoenig Mathias , Vlachos Stephanos
Published: December 2021

We study how news coverage of immigrant criminality impacts voting in one of the most controversial referendums in recent years—the 2009 Swiss minaret ban. We combine a comprehensive crime detection data set with detailed information on newspaper coverage. We first document a large upward distortion in media reporting of immigrant crime during the prereferendum period. Exploiting quasi-random variations in crime incidence, we find a positive first-order effect of news coverage on support for the ban. Our quantification shows that, in absence of the media bias, the pro-ban vote would have decreased from 57.6% to 53.5% at the national level.
Through the Rule of Law Looking Glass
Authors: Burci Gian Luca , Hasselgård-Rowe Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Transposing rule of law principles from the national to the international level, in particular to international organizations, still raises questions and can be problematic. However, rule of law considerations play an important role when international organizations exercise a substantial amount of public authority and may directly affect states as well as individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO), unlike other international organizations, has a constitutional mandate to prevent and respond to international acute emergencies in the form of disease outbreaks and pandemics. Its main normative tool is the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR), that represent a breakthrough from past instruments but also raise questions and challenges that can be effectively analyzed from a rule of law perspective. This approach applies in particular to ambiguities in important parts of the IHR affecting their relevance and effectiveness; lack of clarity for processes leading to sensitive executive decisions; the absence of compliance assessment mechanisms resulting in lack of accountability for states parties; and an inadequate inclusion of human rights guarantees. The analysis is extended beyond WHO’s functions, to the impact of COVID-19 on the organization’s governance as well as its internal management.
In Search of Coherence: Burden and Standard of Proof in International Administrative Law
Authors: Boulanger-Bonnelly Jérémy , Otis Louise
Published: December 2021

The authors explore the rules governing the burden and standard of proof in international administrative law, both from a general perspective and in specific contexts such as termination for misconduct, harassment, retaliation, performance and promotions, and service-incurred illnesses. They compare the rules applied by various international administrative tribunals with those applied by courts in domestic jurisdictions. They conclude that some international organizations should review their rules in the interest of coherence, and revert back to a contextualized application of the usual civil standard of proof instead of applying different standards depending on the circumstances.
Orthodox Mobilizations and Political Identities in Post-Soviet Georgia
Authors: Serrano Silvia
Published: December 2021

Based on field research carried out over the last two decades, this article analyzes the labile nature of the relationship between religion and politics in Georgia. It aims to understand not only the rational and deliberate processes in which elites engage for political ends but also to grasp the diversity of actors and patterns of religion mobilization. It argues that three main types of articulations have developed since the 1990s: the mobilization of Orthodoxy (1) in the service of nation-building; (2) in the construction of an anti-elite popular identity; and (3) as a moral crusade. Each type of articulation involves specific social actors, organizational forms, and relations with political institutions.
Limits at the Limes. Diffracted Sovereignty inside the Border Zones
Authors: Basilien-Gainche Marie-Laure
Published: December 2021

This paper questions state sovereignty at borders, by referencing the contradictions that a border control approach based upon security concerns creates, and the distortions between societies of norms and situations of exception that the European migration and asylum policies generate. Meanwhile, whilst sovereignty should correspond in a legal theory perspective to authority, its expressions manifested in the European borders consists essentially in domination as bare violence is deployed. By investigating the hiatus between how sovereignty ought to be in theory and how it is observed in practice, it is possible to consider that the very sovereignty is diffracted in the thickness of the frontiers (i). This paper explores the methods states develop directly or indirectly in the borders, inside the border zones, basing the analysis on the notion of heterotopia Michel Foucault forged. Such a conceptual tool is deployed in order to underscore how states construct and exploit frontiers as useful margins and establish them as dissolution zones. Three methods – extraction, classification and obliteration – are highlighted that correspond to the main purposes of border surveillance – control, selection and removal – (ii).
Becoming Fluent in Fieldwork: (Un)learning What Is Good/Ethical/Responsible Fieldwork
Authors: Poopuu Birgit , van den Berg Karijn
Published: December 2021

This running theme’s introduction rethinks fieldwork as an ongoing process. It explores experiences and conceptions of ‘becoming fluent in fieldwork’: the contextual processes through which we do, learn, and unlearn practices of fieldwork. It sees fieldwork as a collective project. Recognising the entanglement of field sites and travelling with fields to certain other fields, we become multiply entangled, and thus we ask: what do these plural relations demand from us? We turn to the concept and praxis of love as it considers the responsibility, care work and thinking-working together that is needed to respect other people’s realities together with them. We foreground the notion of ‘becoming fluent’ that reflects fieldwork as a work in process, and emphasises the processual aspects of fieldwork: the journey that spans the time before, during and after the fieldwork. This process involves engaging meaningfully with relations, relationality and collaboration, ‘ongoingness’ and ethics in motion.
Two new species of Ceratolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae) and five noteworthy records for Brazil
Authors: SIERRA ADRIEL M. , BASTOS CID JOSÉ PASSOS , ZARTMAN CHARLES E.
Published: December 2021

The Brazilian state of Amazonas harbors an exceptionally high number of bryophyte species for its size, yet many taxa remain to be discovered. Herein, we continue by further describing and illustrating two new species, as well as by providing evidence for substantial geographical extensions of another five taxa. Two new species, Ceratolejeunea ocirii and Ceratolejeunea semicornua are herein described. Cololejeunea appressa is newly recorded for Brazil, and Cheilolejeunea savannae, Cololejeunea clavatopapillata, Prionolejeunea galliotii and Plagiochila eggersii are new records for the state of Amazonas, Brazil.
Diversity of mosses in some underexplored regions of Manipur, Northeast India
Authors: ASTHANA ASHISH KUMAR , SAHU VINAY , AWASTHI VISHAL
Published: December 2021

The present paper deals with the investigation of moss taxa of some underexplored regions of Manipur, Northeast India. During the assessment of moss diversity in various localities of Manipur a total 126 species of mosses belonging to 84 genera in 34 families have been investigated and enumerated. Ten species, namely Amblystegium serpens,Entodontopsis leucostega, Entodontopsis tavoyensis, Homalia trichomanoides, Lindbergia duthiei, Philonotis mollis, Philonotis thwaitesii, Taxiphyllum giraldii,Tortella humilis and Thuidium sparsifolium are new additions to Eastern Himalaya, while 92 species of mosses have been reported for the first time from Manipur. Ten Indian endemic taxa have also been identified from the explored sites. The majority of the taxa were recorded from epiphytic habitats.
Kalanchoe ×forbesiae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) derived from K. lubangensis × K. sexangularis: towards improved horticultural material
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , HANKEY ANDREW
Published: December 2021

Efforts to broaden and improve the genetic stock from which horticultural material of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is made available globally are on-going. Apart from making small, light-weight, highly floriferous material—both single- and double-flowered—available to the in- and outdoor plant trades, work is also underway to select Kalanchoe material that can be sold as long-lasting cut flowers. Material derived from K. lubangensis × K. sexangularis, here described as K. ×forbesiae, shows promise as a source of cut flowers.
New records and range extensions to the Costa Rican freshwater fish fauna, with an updated checklist
Authors: ANGULO ARTURO
Published: December 2021

The knowledge of the Costa Rican freshwater fish fauna continues to grow given the discovery of new taxa, the recognition of taxa resurrected from synonymy and the corroboration of new country records and new range extensions. Moreover, recent advances in the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and status of many supraspecific groups have led to numerous taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. Given this, the purpose of this paper is to update the known composition, distribution and clasification of the Costa Rican freshwater fish fauna taking as reference the most recent list for the country published by Angulo et al. (2013). A total of 23 new country records (i.e., species; distributed in 17 families and 21 genera), 33 new range extensions (distributed in 20 families and 30 genera) and several nomenclatural changes are reported, illustrated and discussed here. An updated and annotated checklist of the freshwater fishes of the country (including data for a total of 283 species, 13 of which are exotic, distributed in two classes, 27 orders, 55 families and 136 genera) is also provided.
The Orthodox Preference for Democracy: An American Response to “The Church in the Public Square” (Section II), in For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church
Authors: Tobias Jonathan
Published: December 2021

In For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church, there is a clear preference for the “democratic genius of the modern age.” This preference for democracy is due, in part, to the long experience of the Orthodox Church with other governmental forms, especially autocratic and authoritarian states.
“We, as Parents, Do Have a Voice”: Learning from Community-Based Programs Effectively Engaging Parents in Urban Communities
Authors: Gil Elizabeth , Johnson Ashley
Published: December 2021

Utilizing Yosso’s community cultural wealth framework as a theoretical lens, we sought to examine how nontraditional, community-based family engagement programs impacted adult family members’ thoughts and actions about engagement with their children's schools. The study drew primarily from the interviews, observations, and document analysis of two nontraditional family engagement programs in urban communities. Findings indicate that program approaches built upon and extended families’ social and navigational capitals. Educational leaders can more meaningfully engage urban families by learning from and incorporating practices implemented by the programs we examine and discuss in this article.
Psychological Distress Amongst Medical Laboratory Professionals Involved in COVID-19-Related Duties: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional Survey, Ghana
Authors: Swaray Swithin M. , Tetteh John , Ekem-Ferguson George , Awinibuno Ignatius A. N. , Adu-Gyasi Dennis , Acheampong Franklyn , Yawson Alfred Edwin
Published: December 2021

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress (PD) and Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) involvement in COVID-19-related duties. This study adopted an online cross-sectional, nationally stratified survey among 473 MLPs using Google Form with a designated link; Depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure depression, anxiety, and stress (secondary outcome). We employed generalized Negative Binomial (NBR) and Poisson regression analytical approach to our study outcomes. All analyses were performed using Stata 16, and P-value≤.05 deemed significant. The overall DASS-21 score ranged from asymptomatic psychological distress to severe symptomatic PD. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 9.1 [95%CI=6.8–12.0], 17.8 [95%CI=14.6–21.5], and 7.5 [95%CI=5.4–10.1], respectively. The result evinced a high and significant association; the univariate NBR predicted a significant increase of PD score by 12% and 18% among participants who were involved in one and two or more COVID-19-related duties, respectively, (β[95%CI] = .12 [.05–.18] and .18 [.10–.26], respectively). A binary outcome predicted approximately 2-folds of overall psychological distress among participants involved in two or more COVID-19-related duties compared with non-involvement (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [95%CI]= 2.34 [1.12–4.85]). For depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, both univariate and multivariate data analyses evinced a higher disadvantage among MLP involved in COVID-19-related duties. We observed a high tendency of experiencing significant psychological distress amongst MLP involved in COVID-19-related duties. Experience of psychological distress increased with deeper involvement in COVID-19-related activities. Psychological support should be extended to MLPs to limit the effect of these negative emotions on their cognitive and social behavior as well as job performance.
The Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve Without Abnormal Subclavian Artery: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lu Ying , Deng ChengHui , Lan Ning , Wang PinXiu , Xi HuaZe , Fan ShanLin , Yuan WenZhen
Published: December 2021

As a variant of recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (RILN), the nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN) is closely related to the occurrence of abnormal subclavian artery (ASA). The nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve has been found in patients without arterial abnormalities, which is seen in the coexistence of NRILN and RILN, but it is easily confused with sympathetic-inferior laryngeal anastomosis branch (SILAB). We encountered 2 right NRILN patients without ASA during thyroid surgery. This article summarizes the characteristics of these cases and proposes methods to distinguish the coexistence of NRILN and RILN from SILAB. So far, 11 articles have reported 16 cases of NRILN without arterial abnormalities. In patients without artery abnormality, the vagus nerve could send out a descending branch NRILN at the bifurcation of the carotid artery and enter the larynx after anastomosis with RILN. Adequate dissection of the carotid sheath may avoid confusion with SILAB, and neural monitoring is also expected to provide a reference for the identification.