bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Baseline Tumor-Specific Neoantigens and CD8+ T-Cell Infiltration With Immune-Related Adverse Events Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Kerepesi Csaba , Abushukair Hassan Mohammed , Ricciuti Biagio , Nassar Amin H. , Adib Elio , Alessi Joao V. , Pecci Federica , Rakaee Mehrdad , Fadlullah Muhammad Zaki Hidayatullah , Tőkés Anna-Mária , Rodig Scott J. , Awad Mark M. , Tan Aik Choon , Bakacs Tibor , Naqash Abdul Rafeh
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Recent evidence has shown that higher tumor mutational burden strongly correlates with an increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). By using an integrated multiomics approach, we further studied the association between relevant tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) features and irAEs.

METHODS

Leveraging the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, we extracted cases of suspected irAEs to calculate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of irAEs for cancers treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). TIME features for 32 cancer types were calculated on the basis of the cancer genomic atlas cohorts and indirectly correlated with each cancer's ROR for irAEs. A separate ICI-treated cohort of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was used to evaluate the correlation between tissue-based immune markers (CD8+, PD-1/L1+, FOXP3+, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs]) and irAE occurrence.

RESULTS

The analysis of 32 cancers and 33 TIME features demonstrated a significant association between irAE RORs and the median number of base insertions and deletions (INDEL), neoantigens (r = 0.72), single-nucleotide variant neoantigens (r = 0.67), and CD8+ T-cell fraction (r = 0.51). A bivariate model using the median number of INDEL neoantigens and CD8 T-cell fraction had the highest accuracy in predicting RORs (adjusted r2 = 0.52, P = .002). Immunoprofile assessment of 156 patients with NSCLC revealed a strong trend for higher baseline median CD8+ T cells within patients' tumors who experienced any grade irAEs. Using machine learning, an expanded ICI-treated NSCLC cohort (n = 378) further showed a treatment duration–independent association of an increased proportion of high TIL (>median) in patients with irAEs (59.7% v 44%, P = .005). This was confirmed by using the Fine-Gray competing risk approach, demonstrating higher baseline TIL density (>median) associated with a higher cumulative incidence of irAEs ( P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight a potential role for TIME features, specifically INDEL neoantigens and baseline-immune infiltration, in enabling optimal irAE risk stratification of patients.
GAD65Abs Are Not Associated With Beta-Cell Dysfunction in Patients With T2D in the GRADE Study
Authors: Hampe Christiane S , Shojaie Ali , Brooks-Worrell Barbara , Dibay Sepideh , Utzschneider Kristina , Kahn Steven E , Larkin Mary E , Johnson Mary L , Younes Naji , Rasouli Neda , Desouza Cyrus , Cohen Robert M , Park Jean Y , Florez Hermes J , Valencia Willy Marcos , Palmer Jerry P , Balasubramanyam Ashok
Published: February 2024

Context

Autoantibodies directed against the 65-kilodalton isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65Abs) are markers of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) but are also present in patients with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults and autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, and also in healthy individuals. Phenotypic differences between these conditions are reflected in epitope-specific GAD65Abs and anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Id) against GAD65Abs. We previously reported that 7.8% of T2D patients in the GRADE study have GAD65Abs but found that GAD65Ab positivity was not correlated with beta-cell function, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or fasting glucose levels.

Context

In this study, we aimed to better characterize islet autoantibodies in this T2D cohort. This is an ancillary study to NCT01794143.

Methods

We stringently defined GAD65Ab positivity with a competition assay, analyzed GAD65Ab-specific epitopes, and measured GAD65Ab-specific anti-Id in serum.

Results

Competition assays confirmed that 5.9% of the patients were GAD65Ab positive, but beta-cell function was not associated with GAD65Ab positivity, GAD65Ab epitope specificity or GAD65Ab-specific anti-Id. GAD65-related autoantibody responses in GRADE T2D patients resemble profiles in healthy individuals (low GAD65Ab titers, presence of a single autoantibody, lack of a distinct epitope pattern, and presence of anti-Id to diabetes-associated GAD65Ab). In this T2D cohort, GAD65Ab positivity is likely unrelated to the pathogenesis of beta-cell dysfunction.

Conclusion

Evidence for islet autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of T2D beta-cell dysfunction is growing, but T1D-associated autoantibodies may not accurately reflect the nature of their autoimmune process.
Genetic Myelopathies
Authors: Stavros Kara
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

This article provides an overview of genetic myelopathies, a diverse group of inherited, degenerative conditions that may be broadly categorized as motor neuron disorders, disorders of spinocerebellar degeneration, leukodystrophies, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Clinical examples from each category are provided to illustrate the spectrum of genetic myelopathies and their distinguishing features that aid in differentiating genetic myelopathies from potentially treatable acquired causes of myelopathy.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Advances in genetic testing have vastly enhanced current knowledge of genetic myelopathies and the ability to diagnose and provide appropriate counseling to patients and their families. However, potential health care disparities in access to genetic testing is a topic that must be further explored. Although treatment for most of these conditions is typically supportive, there have been recent therapeutic breakthroughs in treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Friedreich ataxia.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Genetic myelopathies may present with chronic and progressive symptoms, a family history of similar symptoms, and involvement of other structures outside of the spinal cord. Imaging often shows spinal cord atrophy, but cord signal change is rare. Exclusion of reversible causes of myelopathy is a key step in the diagnosis. There are many different causes of genetic myelopathies, and in some cases, symptoms may overlap, which underscores the utility of genetic testing in confirming the precise underlying neurologic condition.
Immune-Mediated Myelopathies
Authors: Levy Michael
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

Immune-mediated myelopathies are conditions in which the immune system attacks the spinal cord. This article describes the distinguishing characteristics of immune-mediated myelopathies and treatment strategies for patients affected by these disorders.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

New biomarkers, such as aquaporin 4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies, in the blood and spinal fluid have led to the identification of antigen-specific immune-mediated myelopathies and approved therapies to prevent disease progression.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

The first step in the diagnosis of an immune-mediated myelopathy is confirming that the immune system is the cause of the attack by excluding non–immune-mediated causes. The second step is to narrow the differential diagnosis based on objective biomarkers such as serology and MRI patterns. The third step is to treat the specific immune-mediated myelopathy by using evidence-based medicine.
Structural Myelopathies
Authors: Onofrei Ligia V.
Published: February 2024

Objective

This article illustrates the clinical importance, diagnosis, and management of degenerative and nondegenerative structural myelopathies. It also aims to create a diagnostic approach for the evaluation of patients with suspected degenerative myelopathies.

Latest Developments

There is considerable interest in developing diagnostic methods that can assist in deciding if surgery is indicated in patients with structural myelopathy and the optimal timing for surgery. Diffusion tensor imaging has emerged as a promising imaging modality although it is not used routinely in clinical practice. Neuroprotective medications and interventions are being studied in patients with degenerative myelopathies.

Essential Points

Structural myelopathies and particularly degenerative myelopathies are common disorders that are routinely encountered in clinical practice, with symptoms that frequently overlap with other neurologic disorders. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients are essential in achieving good functional outcomes.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Izzy Saef
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a review of the initial clinical and radiologic evaluation and treatment of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries. It specifically highlights essential knowledge for neurologists who encounter patients with these complex injuries.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

There has been improvement in the care of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries, particularly in the prehospital evaluation, approach for immediate immobilization, standardized spinal clearance, efficient triage, and transportation of appropriate patients to traumatic spinal cord injury specialized centers. Advancements in spinal instrumentation have improved the surgical management of spinal fractures and the ability to manage patients with spinal mechanical instability. The clinical evidence favors performing early surgical decompression and spine stabilization within 24 hours of traumatic spinal cord injuries, regardless of the severity or location of the injury. There is no evidence that supports the use of neuroprotective treatments to improve outcomes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries. The administration of high-dose methylprednisolone, which is associated with significant systemic adverse effects, is strongly discouraged. Early and delayed mortality rates continue to be high in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries, and survivors often confront substantial long-term physical and functional impairments. Whereas the exploration of neuroregenerative approaches, such as stem cell transplantation, is underway, these methods remain largely investigational. Further research is still necessary to advance the functional recovery of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Traumatic spinal cord injury is a complex and devastating condition that leads to long-term neurologic deficits with profound physical, social, and vocational implications, resulting in a diminished quality of life, particularly for severely affected patients. The initial management of traumatic spinal cord injuries demands comprehensive interdisciplinary care to address the potentially catastrophic multisystem effects. Ongoing endeavors are focused on optimizing and customizing initial management approaches and developing effective therapies for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration to enhance long-term functional recovery.
Infectious Myelopathies
Authors: Fletcher Anita M. , Bhattacharyya Shamik
Published: February 2024

Objective

Infectious myelopathy of any stage and etiology carries the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. This article details the clinical presentation, risk factors, and key diagnostic components of infectious myelopathies with the goal of improving the recognition of these disorders and guiding subsequent management.

Latest Developments

Despite our era of advanced multimodal imaging and laboratory diagnostic technology, a causative organism often remains unidentified in suspected infectious and parainfectious myelopathy cases. To improve diagnostic capability, newer technologies such as metagenomics are being harnessed to develop diagnostic assays with a greater breadth of data from each specimen and improvements in infection identification. Conventional assays have been optimized for improved sensitivity and specificity.

Essential Points

Prompt recognition and treatment of infectious myelopathy decreases morbidity and mortality. The key diagnostic tools include serologies, CSF analysis, and imaging; however clinical presentation, epidemiologic risk factors, and history of recent illness are all vital to making the proper diagnosis because current laboratory and imaging modalities are often inconclusive. The cornerstone of recommended treatment is targeted antimicrobials with appropriate immune modulation, surgical intervention, supportive care, and interdisciplinary involvement, all of which further improve outcomes for patients with infectious myelopathy.
Intrasellar Arachnoid Diverticulae as a Risk Factor for Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Sarkar Sauradeep , Corrales C. Eduardo , Laws Edward R. , Smith Timothy R.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Intrasellar arachnoid diverticulae can often be identified on preoperative imaging in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. The objective of this study was to characterize arachnoid diverticulae both qualitatively and quantitatively in a large institutional cohort of patients with pituitary tumors and to evaluate its association with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

METHODS:

Preoperative imaging studies of 530 patients who underwent primary endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors were examined both quantitatively and qualitatively for the presence of an intrasellar arachnoid diverticulum. A matched cohort analysis was performed to compare patients with a “significant” (>50% sellar depth) diverticulum with those with nonsignificant/no diverticulum. Morphologically, diverticulae were separately classified as Type 1 (ventral CSF cleft with no tumor/gland tissue between sellar face and infundibulum) or Type 2 (central CSF cleft with tumor/gland tissue between sellar face and infundibulum).

RESULTS:

Arachnoid diverticulae were noted in 40.2% of cases, and diverticulum depth was linearly correlated with tumor size and body mass index. A significant diverticulum was identified in 66 cases (12.5%) and was significantly associated with the functional tumor subtype (P = .005) and intraoperative CSF leak (P < .001). Type 1 clefts were associated with nonfunctional pathology (P = .034) and the presence of suprasellar extension (P = .035) and tended to be deeper than Type 2 clefts (P < .001), with a higher incidence of intraoperative CSF leak (P = .093). On logistic regression analysis, only the presence of a significant diverticulum was independently associated with intraoperative CSF leak (odds ratio 4.545; 95% CI 2.418-8.544; P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

The presence of an intrasellar arachnoid diverticulum should alert the surgeon to an elevated risk of intraoperative CSF leak during transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors. A relatively limited surgical exposure tailored to the craniocaudal extent of the sellar pathology should be considered in these patients.
The Failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the Panic of 2023
Authors: Metrick Andrew
Published: February 2024

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank on March 10, 2023 brought attention to significant weaknesses across the banking system, leading to a panic that spread to other vulnerable banks. With subsequent failures of Signature Bank and First Republic Bank, the United States had three of the four largest bank failures in its history occur over a two-month period. Several features of the Silicon Valley Bank failure make it an ideal teaching case for explaining the underlying economics of banking (in general) and banking crises (specifically). This paper tries to do that.
Advancing Sustainable Development, Responsibility and Civic Engagement in Greece: Analyzing the Interplay of Education, Employment, and Political Involvement within the European Policy Framework for Youth
Authors: Taliouris Evangelos , Chourdakis Marinos , Moraitakis Nikolaos
Published: February 2024

Democracy, social welfare and environmental modernization are issues in EU political agenda that deal with the future generations, therefore this paper will elaborate the political will for European Youth in EU and Greece by 2030. More specifically, this paper will analyze the social challenges that youth faced in EU since 2020 from Covid-19 to the war period and the future via Sustainable Development Agenda. The social challenges will be analyzed first towards the Sustainable Development Goals (4, 8) in EU and Greece, whilst it is necessary these challenges to be associated with the sense of political belonging in EU for youth. EU has launched a strategy for youth that is mainly based on 11 Goals under public discussion and consultation “The Euro-pean Youth Goals 2019-2027”. During crisis periods (financial, Covid-19, war), the negative socioeconomic outcomes were an uncertain risk for youth regarding their SD potentials, while political engagement and the sence of political belonging in EU pub-lic affairs seems to be associated with goals 9 and 11 in Youth Strategy.  Although EU and its member states (including Greece) have a significant institutional tradition in social welfare and considered as one of the best place to live, political steps need to be taken in order to ensure youth capability to meet their own needs. These values are strongly associated with SD and its definition 36 years after Brundtland report and the significant institutional tradition in social welfare, which is considered very im-portant in order future generation to ensure youth capability to meet their own needs in Europe and Greece towards democracy, social welfare, environmental moderniza-tion and economic competitiveness.
Η Μεταναστευτική Πολιτική ως η Μεγάλη Πρόκληση της Ευρωπαϊκής Πολιτικής
Authors: Μυρωτής Παναγιώτης
Published: February 2024

Από το 2014 και έπειτα ένας νέος τομέας πολιτικής ενσωματώθηκε στην εθνική αλλά και ευρωπαϊκή ατζέντα, ένα νέο ζήτημα, αυτό της μετανάστευσης. Η μεταναστευτική κρίση που κορυφώθηκε το 2015 είχε ως αποτέλεσμα, όχι μόνο την μετακίνηση μεγάλου αριθμού μεταναστών προς την Ευρώπη, αλλά ταυτόχρονα πολλές τριβές και νέες συγκρούσεις μεταξύ των καρτών- μελών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Στόχος του εν λόγω κειμένου είναι να εστιάσει στην υφιστάμενη κατάσταση στον τομέα της ευρωπαϊκής μεταναστευτικής πολιτικής, να αναδείξει τα ζητήματα που προκύπτουν σήμερα από το φαινόμενο της μετανάστευσης και εν κατακλείδι να επιχειρήσει να προτείνει κάποιους χειρισμούς, που μπορούν να ‘ελέγξουν’  και να διαχειριστούν αυτό το πολυδιάστατο φαινόμενο.  Η απόπειρα ανάδειξης του εν λόγου στόχου γίνεται μέσω της μελέτης πρωτογενών πηγών (στατιστικά στοιχεία φορέων αποφάσεις θεσμών)  καθώς και δευτερογενών (αναλύσεις και μελέτες για το ζήτημα).
Social Policy: Religious Neutrality in a Multicultural World
Authors: Gkika Ioanna
Published: February 2024

Religious rights are an especially important aspect of social policy. This policy brief aims to inform the audience about the perception of some European countries about religious neutrality in multicultural societies. Is there a sharp vision that must be followed by all countries? Can the decision of the Court of Justice have absolute implementation in all countries? What can Greece do to establish its role as a multicultural country while avoiding the danger of social unrest?
Bridging herbaria cultural heritage and digital art – Immaterial herbaria
Authors: Duque-Thüs Rhinaixa V. , Dalitz Helmut , Schlüter Philipp M. , Eggli-Yánez María Beatriz
Published: February 2024

Migratory movement changes the way in which people perceive and feel their nations. Art allows us to enquire about the way members of diasporas are stimulated and confronted with a plethora of feelings as loss and grief, empathy, hope and joy when they see familiar plants collected from their countries of origin among herbarium samples. In the case of the Venezuelan diaspora, nostalgia for a recent past and memories of the homeland configure the imagined Venezuelan nation now that people living abroad („diasporic subjects” in the sense of Martinez Parra 2020). Some Venezuelans take plants from their gardens with them when they leave their country. Many of these people take orchids with them, that remind them of their origin and which they nurture in their new countries.
Stable isotopes from herbarium specimens reveal physiological responses of plants to global change
Authors: Kahmen Ansgar , Nelson Daniel B. , De Vos Jurriaan M. , Basler David
Published: February 2024

Investigating the impacts of global environmental change on plants remains a challenge. Experiments that scale from leaf to ecosystem have provided important insights into the ways plants and ecosystems respond to changing environmental drivers. Yet, experiments are often short-lived and can not realistically simulate long-term environmental changes. Monitoring programs and historical observations are thus valuable alternatives for studying the impact of environmental change on plants. These are, however, unfortunately rare and often poorly suited to identify the mechanistic and physiological basis by which changes in the environment impact plant life. Analyses of biological collections and in particular herbarium materials could be a valuable complementary approach that allows assessing functional responses of plants to global environmental change.
A plant’s path to publication – Caspar Bauhin (1560–1624) and Johann Theodor de Bry (1561–1623)
Authors: Reeds Karen , Benkert Davina
Published: February 2024

The Basel botanist Caspar Bauhin is justly famed for bringing order to late Renaissance botany. Through his Phytopinax (Basel, 1596), Prodromos Theatri Botanici (Frankfurt, 1620), and, above all, Pinax Theatri Botanici (Basel, 1623), Bauhin prepared the way for his Theatrum Botanicum. He envisioned this as a comprehensive, systematic, illustrated account of all six thousandplus plants known to him. His contemporaries had high regard for these works; a century later, Linnaeus found them indispensable. Today, they remain our key to pre-Linnaean botanical literature.
Mapping health services for adults with cerebral palsy in Ireland: a pilot study
Authors: Manikandan Manjula , Jagdeo Shalini , Weldon Fiona , Harrington Sarah , O'Sullivan Rory , Fortune Jennifer , Kerr Claire , M Ryan Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of physical disability in childhood. The majority of children with CP survive to adulthood. Once discharged from children’s services, adults with CP find it challenging to navigate health services. The aim of this study was to pilot and refine a methodology to map services for adults with CP in Ireland. Methods We used a multi-informant mapping methodology consisting of: 1. Defining health services; 2. Identifying informants; 3. Designing a survey; 4. Collecting data; 5. Data checking and analysis. We collected data on services from service users and service providers using an online survey. We verified data against information available online and by asking organisations to provide details about the service. Results Fifteen service users and nine service providers completed the online survey. Data on 265 unique services at 32 organisations were provided. The most commonly provided services were physiotherapy (12%) and occupational therapy (11%). We confirmed the name of 89 services (34%) against online information. We received further details from eight organisations about 27 services. Specifically, we received details about the organisation name for 27 of the 265 services (10%), service name for 25 services (9%), service type for 25 services (9%), a website for 19 services (7%), and data on eligibility criteria and types of supports provided for between 25 or 26 services (9% or 10%). Conclusion This pilot study highlighted the complexity of mapping services for adults with CP in Ireland. We recommend that an alternative methodology should be used to map services for adults with CP in Ireland.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE ART EDUCATION OF SCHOOLCHILDREN
Authors: Levashova Elena Anatol'evna  Byan' Czyasin' .
Published: February 2024

Now, there are trends related to the digital transformation of the educational process. One of the most relevant areas of transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence technologies. The main purpose of the presented article is to perform an analysis regarding the possibilities and advantages of using artificial intelligence in the art education of schoolchildren. The materials of the work can be useful for the modern field of education, actualizing the main possibilities and the need to use intelligent technologies.
The Role of Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy in Borderline Personality Disorder - a literature review
Authors: Poloczek Alicja , Szczerba Jakub
Published: February 2024

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder known to begin at a young age, often in adolescence. It is associated with suicidal behaviour and self-harm. Up to 10 per cent of BPD patients die by suicide, so it is very important to find effective methods to alleviate the symptoms of this disorder [1]. A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy seems reasonable. An obstacle to widespread access to psychotherapy is the relatively high costs associated with the salaries of highly qualified psychotherapists. Another impediment is the long time required for effective psychotherapy and the frequent phenomenon of patients with unstable emotions discontinuing therapy prematurely. On the other hand, pharmacotherapy is necessary during periods of aggravation of the disorder, such as increased emotional lability, dysphoric states associated with aggression, impulsive behaviour and the presence of pseudopsychotic symptoms. This paper is a compilation of available treatments for borderline disorder. In the context of considering effective therapies for BPD, an important aspect is the need to increase the length of therapy and the availability of professional help for patients. In addition, research points to the benefits of combining psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy to more effectively alleviate the symptoms of this heterogeneous disorder. It is noteworthy that the relatively high cost of psychotherapy and the need to decrease.
Mapping Organization determinants of Work Performance.
Authors: Infante-Rejano Eduardo
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the present research was to identify and assess key organizational factors affecting work performance via Gilbert´s Behavioral Engineering Model (BEM). Therefore, a self-made scale considering BEM´s dimensions was developed and tested. Data were gathered from the 1st of April to end of May 2023, using a randomly stratified sample of 297 Mexican companies of Sonora State. The final questionnaire – named ADOPTproved adequate psychometric properties to assess eight organizational factors of human performance proposed. ADOPT liability and validity are shown in the light of commented literature and data on present organizational effectiveness and corporate longevity. Main results indicate a global alpha scale liability of .92 being Task Support, knowledge/Competences, and Context most valued predictors of organizational effectiveness, followed by Aims/Objectives and Feedback factors. It was also confirmed that both contextual (environmental level) and behaviour (individual level) type of supports are equally important in predicting work performance. Evidence indicates that organizational performance management in SMEs is highly achieved on a long-term basis by attending these key factors in a specific loop, i.e. contextualising, system maintenance (feedback), and empowering. This sequence support personnel assessments as essential for empowering decision-making processes.
Impacto de Erasmus+ en Estudiantes de Formación Profesional.
Authors: Sanz-Molina Lidia , Plaza-Gómez Nicolás
Published: February 2024

La movilidad internacional de estudiantes de Formación Profesional (FP) ha sido poco estudiada a diferencia de la movilidad Universitaria. Esta investigación evalúa la experiencia de estudiantes en prácticas de formación profesional de grado medio en programas de movilidad Erasmus+ entre 2015 y 2021, impulsada por el Ayuntamiento de Soria (España) en colaboración con los siete centros educativos FP de la ciudad. El objetivo consiste en indagar sobre el impacto percibido de la experiencia en las dimensiones: laboral, lingüística y personal. La metodología se compone de encuestas a 57 estudiantes y entrevistas semiestructuradas a gestores del programa, seguimiento longitudinal de los resultados, utilizando el paquete SPSS, para continuar con el análisis de cambios percibidos. Entre los resultados destaca que los estudiantes mejoran su valoración del impacto en su vida profesional de la experiencia de movilidad internacional pasados 2 o 3 años y que se valoran mejor las experiencias a nivel personal cuando el destino de la movilidad son países Mediterráneos, más afines culturalmente.
La Implementación de la Libre Autodeterminación de Género en España.
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Nuria
Published: February 2024

La Ley 4/2023, de 28 de febrero, recientemente aprobada en España, regula la autodeterminación de sexo en nuestro país y garantiza la igualdad real y efectiva de las personas trans y los derechos de las personas LGTBI. El objetivo de esta investigación es explorar los factores socio-legislativos (socio-jurídicos) que determinaron la elaboración de esta ley y que explican su contenido, así como las cuestiones controvertidas que conlleva. La metodología utilizada es de carácter exploratorio con el objetivo de identificar y analizar a través del análisis de contenido: los antecedentes, el contexto, los actores sociales y el proceso legislativo. Los resultados confirman la fuerte influencia de la Declaración de Principios de Yogyakarta de 2005 y de los Principios de Yogyakarta más 10 en la redacción innovadora de las recientes leyes de género de los diferentes países europeos, incluyendo los pronunciamientos de la ONU en 2011 y 2016, y la propia ley española. Los puntos de controversia han enfrentado a partidos políticos e incluso a ONG feministas con colectivos LGTBI en aspectos como el tratamiento hormonal de menores, que ya ha generado jurisprudencia disuasoria en Reino Unido y Suecia.
Ayuda Estatal en tiempos de la Covid 19 en el caso de la República Argentina.
Authors: Hornes Martín
Published: February 2024

Una de las respuestas de los Estados ante la pandemia mundial COVID 19 consistió en proporcionar ayuda financiera a los segmentos de población especialmente afectados. Al tratarse de transferencias monetarias públicas es una cuestión que se viene abordando desde la sociología económica. El objetivo de este estudio es, centrándose en Argentina en el periodo COVID 19, caracterizar las principales prestaciones monetarias estatales y analizar las percepciones y apreciaciones de los hogares respecto al dinero estatal. La metodología aplicada consiste en análisis de documentos de las administraciones públicas y entrevistas semiestructuradas a casos de hogares. Los resultados destacan que los tres tipos de ayudas más solicitadas fueron el Ingreso Familiar de emergencia (IFE) para familias, el Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia al Trabajo y la Producción (ATP) para subvencionar salarios de las empresas de sectores sensibles y los créditos a tasa cero para trabajadores autónomos. Respecto a la valoración de las ayudas IFE resultó ser más positiva en los casos de mayor escasez y necesidad del sujeto receptor.
Jah People: the cultural hybridity of white Rastafarians.
Authors: Loadenthal Michael
Published: February 2024

For more than half a century, the African-based Rastafarian movement has existed and thrived. Since the early 1930s, Rastafari has developed, changed and gained enough supporters to be considered “one of the most popular Afro-Caribbean religions of the late twentieth century. According to a survey conducted in 1997, there are over one million practicing Rastafarians worldwide as well as over two million sympathizers. Rastafarians are concentrated in the Caribbean, though members of this diverse movement have settled in significant numbers all throughout the world. At present, there are large Rastafarian communities in New York, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Huston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New Haven as well as many large cities in Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. While Rastafari has maintained much of its original flavour, migration, globalization and a reinterpretation of philosophical dogma has created a space for white people to join this typically black movement.
Applying hybridity: rhythms of the Hajj, Tumblr, and Snowden.
Authors: O’Connor Paul
Published: February 2024

Hybridity has long been a contested term, critiqued as elitist and contradictory. This paper begins by arguing that hybridity has been debated too often and applied too seldom. It takes the premise that hybridity is an everyday fact of life and accordingly it should be articulated in academic works as a mode of analysis. In acknowledging works that call for the utilization of hybridity’s analytical potential this work applies hybridity to the analysis of three disparate topics, the modern pilgrimage to Mecca or hajj, the social networking and blogging platform Tumblr, and the Edward Snowden affair. Hybridity is contrasted with Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis and applied as a conjoined conceptual focus on these issues. In each scenario a variety of hybrid connections are presented and situated in Bauman’s liquid modernity. These representations of hybridity highlight the manifold dimensions of the concept itself, that it can be superficial, political, celebrated, progressive, and mundane. Rather than dismiss the conceptual complexities of hybridity this paper calls for a harnessing of the broad scope of inference that hybridity presents in application. Working with hybridity thus provides a way to link topics and work organically between multiple disciplines.
The hybrid outcome of urban change: global city, polarized city?
Authors: Ismail Ayat
Published: February 2024

A wide range of studies supports the assumption that levels of socio-spatial polarization, segregation, and exclusion are rising in global cities over the past decades as a direct outcome of certain global processes, such as the deindustrialization process, its associated changes in division of labor, and declined redistributive power of the welfare state. However, that assumption – known as the polarization thesis – is criticized based on several contentions, including the oversimplification of the global/local interplay by overlooking the role of local contingent factors that may modify, intensify, or reverse the expected socio-spatial outcome in individual cities. This study aims to capture the hybrid nature of the socio-spatial outcomes of global cities by proving that the complex process of restructuring of cities is a form of structural and chronological hybridity.

Through providing a solid empirical ground for investigating the general applicability of the socio-spatial polarization thesis, as well as evaluating the influence of local contexts of cities on the outcomes of urban change. The research offers a theoretical review of the multifaceted restructuring of global cities. Then, the macro trends of global economy are linked to their micro outcomes (segregation patterns within cities), through understanding the implications of cities’ economic functions on local urban policies and housing markets. Finally, the changes in socioeconomic segregation over the past decades are calculated for a large dataset of 66 global cities. The collective result of the analysis shows the downfalls of the generalized hypothesis. While the discussion of individual cities highlights certain contextual particularities, that are contributing to the production of unique socio-spatial configurations in different global cities.
Frischeregime Biopolitik im Zeitalter der kryogenen Kultur
Authors: Friedrich Alexander , Höhne Stefan
Published: February 2024

Feeding people means producing population. Biotechnology, encompassing food production as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART), currently emerges as a most important apparatus (dispositif) of governing populations. It should be understood as a means of “biopower” because it not only contributes to reproducing life but also helps to improve and preserve it. Highly depending on refrigeration, modern biopower invents a new type of life, which is technologically self-sustained.

Therefore, sustainability is not only a question of “protecting the environment” but also of developing and maintaining an environment that allows us to dispose life: this is the cryogenic culture. In our paper, we trace the emergence and dissemination of what we call cryogenic life– meaning the ways of producing, distributing, maintaining and dispositioning organic matter via cooling, chilling and freezing. With the introduction of artificial coldness in the late 19th century and the expansion of the cold chain, these techniques have become a constitutive element of modern biopower.

Today, it seems that nearly every aspect of life is affected by cryogenic techniques: we cool our food, environments, drugs, organs, eggs, milk, semen, tissue, blood and much more. Our central argument is that these developments lead to the formation of a new form of life, which in many ways is the antipode of what Agamben calls bare life. In analysing the emergence of cryogenic culture from a biopower point of view, this study offers a new perspective on how populations are fostered and governed through regimes of freshness. While the history of chilled and frozen food slowly gains increasing attention in historical and cultural studies, the historical dynamics of the cryopolitical economy in the network society still need to be explored.
Le campagne lombarde, tessera chiave del mosaico agrario europeo
Authors: Saltini Antonio
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive historiography of the agricultural development in continental Europe, from the medieval period until the XX century, does not exist. Indisputably, modern agriculture is essentially an outgrowth of the humid temperate regions bordering the English Channel, but English, French and German scholars were wrong to identify these regions as the only cradle of the modern agricultural revolution.

The historiography of agronomic technologies can easily underscore the importance of the Po Valley in this process because of the leading role of water in the development of a more sophisticated agriculture. In fact, drawing a connection between the grain and forage farming, which had renewed Flemish and English agriculture (but also being blessed with a warmer climate capable of exploiting the potential of the first capillary irrigation system), in the successive decades of the first Millennium, Lombard agriculture realized an amount of production that was unimaginable in Flanders, Picardy, Normandy, Holstein and Jutland, thanks to the connection between grain farming and dairy production. After having reached exceptional levels of productivity as well as predating the agricultures of the same historical period, the agriculture of the Po Valley region settled into a premature twilight.

In fact, whilst a more scientific agriculture was being born in England and France, the Italian countryside returned to a past situation with medieval characteristics. Only in XVIII century, in the Lombard countryside it was rediscovered, under the Austrian-Hungarian domination, the old prosperity founded, above all, upon traditional methods. These traditional ways were most distant from the scientific applications that were assuming the role of the “engine of progress” in other European cultivations. The agriculture of Lombardy joined this “engine of progress” only after the mid XIX century.
Aims of city development: a sociological view.
Authors: Kostko Natalya Anatolyevna
Published: February 2024

This article asks its readers to consider the main approaches defining the opportunity to apply such notions as social space, social quality, standard of living, identity and social activity to the sphere of municipal administration in city development.
(In)Security Regime among African Youth: The Age and Law Curfew
Authors: Ekwealor Chinedu Thomas
Published: February 2024

this paper purports to present the account of twin phenomena of age and constitution that anointed the relegation of African youth to the wastebasket of oppression. African youth have been studied by various scholars; and social, economic, and political statistical analyses of the youth were habitually deduced from [un]employment quotient. According to National Treasury discussion paper[1] this instrument may not be a reliable tool in either understanding insecurity regimes threatening the youth in Africa and may not suffice in championing policy course for a secured African youth. [Un]employment are only symptoms of asymmetrical laws governing many African states. The principal problems are the constitution, and age limitations respectively (Ombagi 2012). In this guide, the instrument valid for testing and indeed, observing the true condition of young Africans are: the roles of state’s constitution; and the Age Grade limitation factors. These, are critical in the development and security of the youth. George McGovern cited in Jeanette Rankin (2012) noted that he [was] fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young people to die. Two salient factors, rudimentary to youth insecurity in the region in McGovern’s assertions are the law which authorises war and the age grade legally targeted in the war. In assortment of ways, constitutions provide the basis for definition, qualification and categorisation of the youth, who in turn are the direct sufferers of numerous human and state insecurity conditions forced on them by law. Constitution, therefore, plays exclusivist roles and enables the central authority to enforce rules on, and dictate norms for the youth. Despite the need for the state to adjust its behavior to reflect the actual or anticipated preferences of all citizens through a process of policy coordination, laws deprive the youth.
Risk Management in an Increasingly Complex and Interconnected World
Authors: C. Wilson Thomas
Published: February 2024

Risk management is especially challenging for risks, which cannot be modelled using historical data due to rapid technological, environmental or social changes in an increasingly complex, interconnected world. This article describes and illustrates the Top Risk Assessments and Scenario Analysis approaches which can be used to complement traditional risk modelling in these instances.
Jostling for Position The Future of Regional Power-Sharing and the Role of the Pacific Islands Forum
Authors: Evans-Locke Kylie
Published: February 2024

The Pacific Islands Forum has long held the title of the most dominant regional association with links in trade, politics and regional security. Following two political coups in the region the PIF was forced to shift its approach to regional governance opting for a more active and hands-on role with its first such mission being the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The role undertaken by the PIF within RAMSI is noteworthy for its shifts and changes with an initially minimalist role morphed into an intermediary role as tensions rose between the major funding donor, Australia, and the host state, Solomon Islands in 2006-07. Although the PIF acted in a mediator role in this instance this has not been the normal role for the institution. This article examines the role the PIF has adopted in managing regional democratic stability through targeted development activities, whether their adopted role is applicable on a wider regional-level scale, and further, through examining key human-security related challenges, such as climate change, where the PIF fits into regional power-sharing institutions in the Pacific Islands of the future.
Il Concetto di “Hyperobject” nella Geografia Contemporanea
Authors: Marini Andrea , Tolusso Emiliano
Published: February 2024

The philosophical notion of Hyperobject, as proposed by Timothy Morton (2013), might be a useful tool to reframe some of the key issues in human-environment relationships. This new concept could bridge the ‘once sisters’ disciplines of philosophy and geography, proposing a new way to analyze the biggest environmental phenomena of our times. In this paper, we will define what Hyperobjects exactly are, starting with their philosophical roots and the implications for the discipline of geography: the traditional notion of “World” itself is going to be challenged. The aim of this paper is obviously not to write a complete list of every Hyperobject, but to start a catalogue of them. For this reason, to support our arguments, we will discuss some of the most evident examples of Hyperobjects, such as Global Warming, landscape, abandon and waste; an array of very different phenomena that share some common traits: they are all shaping the geographies of our time, and they all have what an object need to be considered an Hyperobject.
Adaptation “De Facto” ou Retour à l’Envoyer L’Aide Déliée en Débat
Authors: Vlavonou Gino
Published: February 2024

The debate on aid effectiveness has been going on for some time especially in an environment of budgetary pressure on the various economies of CAD (Comité d’Aide au Développement) countries. This article questions the place of untied aid in development aid policies towards the African continent and gains in efficiency. If it is clear that the disbursement of Official Development Assistance has not reached its targets, it has adapted and evolved. The article analyzes the different implications of untied aid in terms of development and questions whether its emergence within the debate on the effectiveness would not be a smokescreen. For untied aid to be effective, some inherent contradictions have to be addressed. Untying aid in practice is subject to other constraints in recipient countries, and even untied aid finds itself in some way tied de facto.
Party-Movement’s Power Dynamics in Transcultural Perspectives: the AAP and the M5S between Participation and Electoral Politics
Authors: Gianolla Cristiano
Published: February 2024

Political parties are privileged phenomena from which to analyse and understand political power dynamics; this article focuses on a specific type: party-movements. These are considered to be particularly interesting because they have emerged from civil society, carry innovative political ideas based on participation and entail new forms of sharing political power. Looking very closely at the power dynamics within party-movements, this empirical research (based on two cases of ethnographic fieldwork conducted in India and Italy) comparatively investigates the power dynamics between local and national centres of power within the participatory approaches of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S). The comparison takes place between two similar political phenomena of two culturally and geographically different political systems and provides further evidence in relation to representative democracy. In both cases, party-movements infuse a new enthusiasm into politics with the promise to redistribute power at the local level through participation. However, in order to compete with the power of other political parties within the electoral arena, party-movements need to be united political entities and de facto they relegate political participation under the primacy of party centralism. This resultantly has an impact at the local and national levels. Furthermore, the comparison of party-movements pertaining to diverse political landscapes emphasises the transcultural tendency of the power dynamics in representative systems in which participation is subdued to centralisation.