bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors of second primary cancer after the initial primary human papillomavirus related neoplasms
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Zhou Huaqiang , Liu Jiaqing , Zhang Zhonghan , Fang Wenfeng , Yang Yunpeng , Hong Shaodong , Xian Wei , Ma Yuxiang , Zhou Ting , Zhang Yaxiong , Zhao Hongyun , Huang Yan , Zhang Li
Published: December 2020

Comprehensive studies in second primary cancer (SPC) after the initial primary human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cancer still remain warranted. We aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of SPC after HPV‐related cancer. We identified 86 790 patients diagnosed with initial primary HPV‐related cancer between 1973 and 2010 in the SEER database. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and cumulative incidence were calculated to assess the risk of SPC after HPV‐related cancer. The SIR of SPC after HPV‐related cancer was 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55‐1.65) for male and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.22‐1.28) for female. SIR of second primary HPV‐related cancer (7.39 [95% CI, 6.26‐8.68] male and 4.35 [95% CI, 4.04‐4.67] female) was significantly higher than that of HPV‐unrelated cancer (1.54 [95% CI, 1.49‐1.60] male and 1.16 [95% CI, 1.13‐1.19] female). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of SPC was 7.22% (95% CI, 6.89‐7.55%) for male and 3.72% (95% CI, 3.58‐3.88%) for female. Risk factors for SPC included being married and having initial primary cancer (IPC) diagnosed at earlier stage for both genders, and IPC diagnosed at older age as well as surgery performed for female. Patients diagnosed with HPV‐related cancer are more likely to develop another primary cancer, compared with the age‐specific reference population.
LZTR1‐related spinal schwannomatosis and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome: A complex phenotype with dual diagnosis
Authors: Muthusamy Karthik , Mrugala Maciej M. , Bendok Bernard R. , Dhamija Radhika
Published: December 2020

Background

Dual diagnoses in genetics practice are not uncommon and patients with dual diagnosis often present with complex and challenging phenotypes. A combination of meticulous phenotyping and molecular genetic techniques are essential in solving these diagnostic odysseys.

Methods

Clinical features and genetic workup of a patient presenting with incidental schwannomatosis.

Results

A 19‐year‐old male presented with incidental painless schwannomatosis in the background of macrocephaly, distinctive facies, and learning disability. Comprehensive genetic testing with gene panel and chromosomal microarray led to a dual diagnosis of LZTR1‐related schwannomatosis and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome.

Conclusion

We emphasize the need for high index of suspicion and comprehensive genetic testing in complex phenotypes. Interrogation of the interplay between the pathogenic variants in multiple genes could improve our understanding of the pathophysiologic pathways and contribute to therapeutic discoveries.
Synthesis of quasi‐modular circularly polarized 5G base station antenna arrays based on irregular clustering and sequential rotation
Authors: Aslan Yanki , Puskely Jan , Roederer Antoine , Yarovoy Alexander
Published: December 2020

An unconventional, yet quasi‐modular base station phased array architecture synthesis technique is proposed for multiuser fifth‐generation applications. By keeping uniform amplitudes and linearly progressing phases at the elements of an optimal irregular array, power‐efficient side lobe suppression is achieved for effective inter‐user interference mitigation. The layout irregularity is achieved within a slice of an array, which is repeated rotationally. The sequential rotation technique is applied to obtain modularity and improve the circular polarization characteristics. A modified k‐means clustering algorithm is used to form the optimal subarrays. The simulation results indicate that the proposed quasi‐modular topologies provide a good compromise between the side lobe performance and integrated array design complexity.
Resolving the omega‐3 methyl resonance with long echo time magnetic resonance spectroscopy in mouse adipose tissue at 9.4 T
Authors: Fallone Clara J. , Tessier Anthony G. , Field Catherine J. , Yahya Atiyah
Published: December 2020

Tissue omega‐3 (ω‐3) content is biologically important to disease; however, its quantification with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo is challenging due to its low concentration. In addition, the ω‐3 methyl resonance (≈ 0.98 ppm) overlaps that of the non‐ω‐3 (≈ 0.90 ppm), even at 9.4 T. We demonstrate that a Point‐RESolved Spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence with an echo time (TE) of 109 ms resolves the ω‐3 and non‐ω‐3 methyl peaks at 9.4 T. Sequence efficacy was verified on five oils with differing ω‐3 fat content; the ω‐3 content obtained correlated with that measured using 16.5 T NMR (R2 = 0.97). The PRESS sequence was also applied to measure ω‐3 content in visceral adipose tissue of three different groups (all n = 3) of mice, each of which were fed a different 20% w/w fat diet. The fat portion of the diet consisted of low (1.4%), medium (9.0%) or high (16.4%) ω‐3 fat. The sequence was also applied to a control mouse fed a standard chow diet (5.6% w/w fat, which was 5.9% ω‐3). Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of excised tissue was performed for each mouse. The ω‐3 fat content obtained with the PRESS sequence correlated with the GC measures (R2 = 0.96). Apparent T2 times of methyl protons were assessed by obtaining spectra from the oils and another group of four mice (fed the high ω‐3 diet) with TE values of 109 and 399 ms. Peak areas were fit to a mono‐exponentially decaying function and the apparent T2 values of the ω‐3 and non‐ω‐3 methyl protons were 906 ± 148 and 398 ± 78 ms, respectively, in the oils. In mice, the values were 410 ± 68 and 283 ± 57 ms for ω‐3 and non‐ω‐3 fats, respectively.
A new nonstationary preconditioned iterative method for linear discrete ill‐posed problems with application to image deblurring
Authors: Buccini Alessandro , Donatelli Marco , Reichel Lothar , Zhang Wei‐Hong
Published: December 2020

Discrete ill‐posed inverse problems arise in many areas of science and engineering. Their solutions are very sensitive to perturbations in the data. Regularization methods aim at reducing this sensitivity. This article considers an iterative regularization method, based on iterated Tikhonov regularization, that was proposed in M. Donatelli and M. Hanke, Fast nonstationary preconditioned iterative methods for ill‐posed problems, with application to image deblurring, Inverse Problems, 29 (2013), Art. 095008, 16 pages. In this method, the exact operator is approximated by an operator that is easier to work with. However, the convergence theory requires the approximating operator to be spectrally equivalent to the original operator. This condition is rarely satisfied in practice. Nevertheless, this iterative method determines accurate image restorations in many situations. We propose a modification of the iterative method, that relaxes the demand of spectral equivalence to a requirement that is easier to satisfy. We show that, although the modified method is not an iterative regularization method, it maintains one of the most important theoretical properties for this kind of methods, namely monotonic decrease of the reconstruction error. Several computed experiments show the good performances of the proposed method.
Development and validation of the self‐stigma scale in people with diabetes
Authors: Seo Kawoun , Song Youngshin
Published: December 2020

Aim

To develop and initially validate the Diabetes Self‐Stigma Scale for assessing self‐stigma in people with diabetes.

Design

Scale development and evaluation.

Methods

Participants were 399 patients with diabetes. In phase 1, initial items were generated based on the concept analysis of diabetes self‐stigma. Moreover, content validity was established by diabetes experts. Phase 2 evaluated structural validity through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was evaluated by examining stability and internal consistency.

Results

The findings revealed that the self‐stigma scale for patients with diabetes is a valid and reliable instrument. The Diabetes Self‐Stigma Scale was confirmed with 16 items. It consists of four domains: comparative inability, social withdrawal, self‐devaluation and apprehensive feeling. The scale developed in this study can measure self‐stigma in diabetes patients and can be used as an intervention to reduce self‐stigma.
A robust multigrid method for one dimensional immersed finite element method
Authors: Wang Saihua , Wang Feng , Xu Xuejun
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we propose a robust multigrid method for 1D immersed finite element method (IFEM). It is shown that the multigrid method is optimal, which means that the convergence rate of the multigrid method is not only independent of the mesh size h and mesh level L, but also independent of the jump of the discontinuous coefficients. Although we only consider 1D interface method, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to give a rigorous theoretical analysis for the multigrid method for the IFEM. On the way to this goal, we also revisit the IFEM for the 1D interface problem and prove that the error estimates with respect to the L2 norm and weighted H1 semi‐norm are optimal and independent of the jump of the discontinuous coefficients. Numerical results are given to verify our theoretical findings.
Interpolation of the Maresh diaphyseal length data for use in quantitative analyses of growth
Authors: Spake Laure , Cardoso Hugo F. V.
Published: December 2020

The Maresh data are commonly used in bioarcheological growth studies as a representation of diaphyseal growth in a modern and healthy group of children. However, several problems with the way the data were reported have limited its use in quantitative analyses of growth. In this paper, we present updated and interpolated values for long bone length for age for use in calculating z‐scores, percentages of expected length, and other quantitative measures of growth. The Maresh mean and mean + 1 standard deviation values for the sexes separately and combined were first corrected for radiographic magnification. Several modeling approaches were then evaluated. This testing suggested that the best fit was provided by two third‐order polynomials fit to data ≤24 and ≥24 months, respectively. The resulting regressions were used to calculate age‐specific mean and standard deviation values in 1‐month intervals from birth until 12 years (0–144 months). Differences between the original and new values are minimal and do not exceed 1 mm. However, as the old Maresh values required rounding age down to the last attained threshold by as much as 5 months, there are differences between z‐scores calculated with original versus new values of up to 2 z‐score units, especially in children under 3 years of age where growth velocity is highest. Although these updated values do not solve the problems that made age estimation from the Maresh data unadvisable, they will be of use to researchers in conducting more precise growth studies in bioarcheological contexts.
The effect of income inequality and economic growth on environmental quality: A comparative analysis between Burkina Faso and Nigeria
Authors: Yameogo Claire E. W. , Dauda Risikat O. S.
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the relationship among income inequality, carbon emissions rate, and economic growth in Burkina Faso and Nigeria in the period 1980–2016. Using the ARDL bounds approach to ascertain the short‐ and long‐run dynamics of the variables, the paper examined whether or not income inequality, poverty, and growth affected environmental quality in both countries. Findings indicated a U‐shaped inverted connection between environmental degradation and income growth in Nigeria while the U‐shaped relationship was found in Burkina Faso. The relationship between income inequality and environmental degradation in both countries was positive while government expenditure and poverty were found to increasing carbon emissions in the long‐run, only in Nigeria. The short‐run results showed that income inequality reduced carbon dioxide emissions in Nigeria and had significant and adverse effects in Burkina Faso. Consequently, policymakers must pay equal attention to income inequality and poverty alleviation on the one hand and cleaning the environment and economic growth on the other hand.
The public affairs plan: Seven steps to success rooted in science and practice
Authors: De Bruycker Iskander , McLoughlin Aaron
Published: December 2020

This article argues that a public affairs plan is essential for any organisation to prevail in their competitive struggles for policy influence. We propose a seven‐step approach to devising a public affairs plan based on scientific findings and practical experience. The article maintains that any public affairs plan should be rooted in scientific, evidence‐based and practical insights. The different components of the plan—situation analysis, goals, alliances, audiences, messages, channels and impact measurement—should all be attuned to one another and to the context of the policy file. Each SMART objective should serve as a red thread throughout the different components of the plan. The plan should be realistic in terms of goals, time and costs. It should be flexible enough to withstand exogenous shocks and crises. Those who fail to start with a written plan will bounce around and be driven by the moment. An evidence‐based public affairs plan, in contrast, provides purpose and direction and will increase the chances of securing policy success.
Remanufacturing end‐of‐life silicon photovoltaics: Feasibility and viability analysis
Authors: Deng Rong , Chang Nathan , Lunardi Marina Monteiro , Dias Pablo , Bilbao Jose , Ji Jingjia , Chong Chee Mun
Published: December 2020

With the rapid deployment of silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies around the world, the volume of end‐of‐life (EoL) PV modules will increase exponentially in the next decade. Different EoL management strategies are being explored in the industrial and academic fields, such as recycling, remanufacturing and reusing. In this study, we used a Monte Carlo uncertainty model to identify the potential economic benefits of closed‐loop recycling of EoL PV modules when recycled silicon is integrated into different stages of the PV supply chain. Circular use of high‐purity silicon and intact silicon wafers from EoL PV modules can be economically feasible in reducing 20% of the manufacturing cost of the second‐life modules, even with some efficiency reductions. Even though the price of new PV modules is decreasing rapidly (making PV modules less attractive from a recycling perspective), circular use of material from EoL modules in second‐life production was found to have promising long‐term environmental and economic benefits. The cost–efficiency trade‐off is shown to provide cost targets for new PV recycling technologies.
Using structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between Ghanaian teachers' emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, professional identity, and work engagement
Authors: Butakor Paul K. , Guo Qi , Adebanji Atinuke O.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study was to examine the causal relationship between teachers' emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, professional identity, and work engagement. And to achieve this purpose, a questionnaire consisting of four scales was administered to 260 teachers selected from the Adentan Municipal in the Greater Accra Region. Exploratory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and univariate statistical analyses were employed to analyze the data. Results of the analyses established that job satisfaction mediated the relationship between teachers' emotional intelligence and work engagement. The findings also revealed that emotional intelligence positively affected professional identity directly and indirectly through job satisfaction. It was further revealed that female teachers exhibited more professional identity and were more satisfied than their male counterparts. The study concluded with the recommendation that for Ghanaian teachers to be actively engaged with their job, they should be provided with the opportunity to develop and improve their emotional intelligence. It was also recommended that a module on emotional intelligence be included in the curriculum for training pre‐service teachers.
Stereoelectronic effects: Perlin effects in cyclohexane‐derived compounds
Authors: Jung Sebastian T. , Nickisch Roman , Reinsperger Tony , Luy Burkhard , Podlech Joachim
Published: December 2020

Stereoelectronic effects in cyclohexanones, methylenecyclohexanes, spiro, and epoxy compounds of cyclohexanes and further derivatives were investigated by measuring1JC,Hcoupling constants and by identification of Perlin effects, that is, of differences in the coupling constants for equatorial and axial CH bonds in the methylene groups of six‐membered rings. The Perlin effects were correlated with results from natural bond orbital analyses. NMR experiments and calculations were performed with conformationally restricted 4‐tert‐butyl‐substituted derivatives. It turned out that the coupling constants are strongly influenced not only by stereoelectronic interactions with CC, CO, and CN π bonds, or with the π‐type CC or CO bonds of the three‐membered rings, but also by the s character of the respective CH bonds' carbon orbital. Reliable correlations of measured and calculated coupling constants were achieved with B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and BP86/aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J functionals.
Soft luminescent solar concentrator film with organic dye and rubbery matrix
Authors: Jo Kukhyun , Lee Sunghun , Choi Geun‐Seok , Woo Byung Hoon , Jun Young Chul , Song Hee‐eun , Jeon Tae‐Yeol , Lee Hyun Hwi , Kim Hyo Jung
Published: December 2020

We propose a soft luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) with superior light propagation. The rubbery poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) was adopted to replace the conventional brittle poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). We analyzed the transmittance, photoluminescence efficiency, crystallinity, and surface properties of LSC to understand the optical and structural properties of the LSC. In addition, we modified the optical slab model to provide insights into the optical phenomenon in plate‐type LSC devices; we evaluated the solar absorption efficiency of the glass and emitting layers. We also evaluated the solar concentration performances of the LSC devices by measuring the photocurrent density generated using a monocrystalline silicon solar cell. We compared the transporting ability of emitted light into an edge by calculating the collection efficiency based on the concentration factor and optical efficiencies (absorption and photoluminescence). The concentration factor, optical efficiency, and collection efficiency of the EVA‐LSC with 4000 ppm of Lumogen F Red 305 were 0.31, 3.1, and 40%, respectively. The overall optical properties of the EVA‐LSC were comparable to those of the PMMA‐LSC. Moreover, the light decay property of EVA‐LSC was superior by 1.2 times than PMMA‐LSC. Therefore, we suggest EVA can replace PMMA and be used for flexible and large‐area LSC applications.
Life course body mass index through childhood and young adulthood and risks of asthma and pulmonary function impairment
Authors: Chen Yang‐Ching , Kuo Han‐Pin , Hsia Shih‐Min , Wu Hung‐Tsung , Pan Wen‐Harn , Lee Yungling L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Adiposity is a key risk factor for asthma and impaired pulmonary function.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the critical period of life course adiposity for asthma in childhood and young adulthood, and to determine whether associations of adiposity and asthma vary across ages.

Methods

Birth weight and body mass index (BMI) from birth to 17 years of age were assessed in 6130 children from the Taiwan Children Health Study. Logistic regression for asthma outcome and linear regression for pulmonary function outcome were used to investigate associations of adiposity with asthma. Seventeen BMI‐related single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were used to obtain genetic instrumental variables for adiposity to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Results

Using both regression model and MR analyses, we confirmed that the critical period of adiposity in predicting childhood asthma would be before age 6 years. Further, we discovered that the sensitive period of adiposity gain related to young adulthood asthma was the prepubertal stage. Risks of asthma at age 17 per unit increase in z‐score of the BMI increased from 0.94 (95% CI: 0.79–1.11) at birth, and became greater than 1.00 between age 11 and 12, then increased to 1.08 (95% CI: 0.95–1.22) at age 17. The associations of life course BMI with asthma and pulmonary function impairment at age 12 and with asthma at age 17 increased with age. The aforementioned association was most prominent among central obesity indicators.

Conclusions

To prevent asthma in childhood and young adulthood, we should aim at promoting healthy growth at the toddler period and prepubertal stage.
Electronic Structure and Thermoelectric Performance of Narrow‐Gap GdNiSb Half Heusler Compound: Density Functional Calculations
Authors: Saini Sapan Mohan
Published: December 2020

The rare earth‐based half Heusler GdNiSb compound is investigated theoretically for electronic and thermoelectric (TE) performance. The most efficient method to treat the rare earth metals, Coulomb‐corrected local spin density approximation (LSDA + U), is used. The calculated total density of states (DOS) of GdNiSb shows that the maximum contribution near Fermi energy (EF) is due to the spin‐up/down Ni‐3d and spin‐down Gd‐4f states. A narrow energy gap of 0.279 eV is opened which is consistent with other reported values. TE properties are investigated using classical transport theory. The total Seebeck coefficient (S) increases linearly with temperature and attains a maximum value of 80 μV K−1 at 800 K. The S value of 60 μV K−1 at 380 K is in good agreement with the experimental value, 58 μV K−1, at the same temperature. The maximum value of the power factor (P) is as high as 825 × 109 W m−1 K−2 s−1 at 650 K in the spin‐down channel. The TE figure of merit (ZT) reaches the maximum value of ≈0.475 at 800 K in the spin‐down configuration. All the values of the TE parameters of GdNiSb indicate a good candidate for TE applications.
Design of Phase‐Change Memory Using Apertureless Scanning Near‐Field Optical Microscopy in the Near‐Infrared Region
Authors: Liu An-An , Wang Lei , Liu Jun
Published: December 2020

A novel optical secondary storage memory operated in the near‐infrared (NIR) region is developed through the integration of an apertureless scanning near‐field optical microscopy probe with the conventional Ge2Sb2Te5 storage stack. The probe composite and the optical coefficients of the storage media stack, particularly for the indium tin oxide capping layer, are optimized according to a previously developed electromagnetic wave model, and a newly established density functional theory model, respectively. The dielectric core and the metal coating medium of the probe are devised to be glass and barium, respectively, to provide high electric field in the NIR region, while the thickness of the ITO capping layer is chosen to be 3 nm here to provide high optical transmittance simultaneously with exemption of complex fabrication process. The recording operation of the aforementioned optimized device is subsequently simulated by a newly established thermo‐optics model, and its feasibility of achieving ≥Tbit in−2, 108 bits per second, and picojoule energy consumption per bit is theoretically demonstrated.
Ab initio study of anisotropic properties in isomorphic TiX2 (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Pandey Chhama , Ahmed Gulzar , Sharma Ramesh , Sharma Yamini
Published: December 2020

Isomorphic titanium dichalcogenides TiX2 (X = S, Se, Te) exhibit diverse and anisotropic chemical and physical properties. Bulk TiSe2 was found to exhibit anomalous behavior at low temperatures, leading to emergence of a charge density wave (CDW) due to superstructure formation, bulk TiS2 and TiTe2 do not exhibit CDW instability. The diversity is investigated through the electronic structure by using density functional theory‐based full potential linearized augmented plane wave and projector augmented wave methods. The latest generalized gradient approximation‐Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof correction for solids–Trans‐Blaha‐modified Becke–Johnson potential confirm that TiS2 is semiconducting whereas TiSe2 and TiTe2 are metallic. The diverse properties are governed by two bands, S/Se/Te p‐band near the Γ‐point and Ti 3d‐band around M (L)‐points. The phonon and energy band structures are correlated to explain the occurrence of CDW. Phonon mode with imaginary frequency indicates lattice instability and the displacements of Ti—Se atoms allows the mixing of states of the electron and hole pockets leading to lattice distortion, which lowers the energy of the TiSe2 system.
Total Defence Resilience: Viable or Not During COVID‐19? A Comparative Study of Norway and the UK
Authors: Pollock Kevin , Steen Riana
Published: December 2020

The total defence (TD) concept aims to provide an effective crisis response structure by increasing society resilience. However, the complexity of its structure regarding resource mobilization and management process highlights the need for a complexity‐oriented approach in the operationalising of TD. We study the application of TD during the COVID‐19 crisis and explore what makes the TD a viable system with resilience capabilities in the face the crisis. We apply the Viable Systems Model as a methodology to compare the viability of the United Kingdom and Norwegian TD systems, both of which use systems networks to achieve resilience, and contrast the different outcomes of each country. Our analysis highlights that: Managing the complexity of the TDS requires that all of the involved agencies proactively adopt a transparent approach to a joint decision making. This demands a wide range of sources of innovative solutions at different levels. Joint exercises, developed by the responsible agencies, enhance mutual understating of roles and responsibilities and crisis response structure. This calls for institutionalized support to dedicate resources. To avoid communications challenges, involved agencies in the TDS need to adopt an open messaging strategy, highlighting how to deal with uncertainties in communicating of decisions and action.
Tuning Ga Grading in Selenized Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells by Formation of Ordered Vacancy Compound
Authors: Tu Lung-Hsin , Cai Chung-Hao , Lai Chih-Huang
Published: December 2020

Severe Ga accumulation at the back contact is regarded as one of the major limiting factors for high efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells fabricated by the sequential process. The Ga deficiency near the front surface of absorber leads to the reduction of open‐circuit voltage; however, controlling the Ga grading is quite challenging during the selenization process. Herein, the tuning of Ga profile is demonstrated by forming the ordered vacancy compound (OVC) phase at the beginning of selenization process under high Se partial pressure (PSe) with the precursor composed of a relatively high In content. The OVC phase formed with a columnar structure promotes Ga diffusion through Cu vacancies, resulting in Ga increase at the front side of CIGSe. However, high PSe also increases the thickness of MoSe2, significantly raising the series resistance. Thereby, a 5 nm TiN layer is deposited on top of Mo to suppress the formation of MoSe2. In addition, the extra Na‐contained precursor is added to increase the carrier concentration because the TiN layer also blocks the Na outdiffusion from the substrate. By controlling PSe, interlayer TiN thickness, and carrier concentration, a 16.04% record high efficiency of CIGSe solar cells (sulfur‐free) via elemental Se source is achieved.
Silica nanoparticles induce mitochondrial pathway‐dependent apoptosis by activating unfolded protein response in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Hou Shanshan , Zhang Xiayu , Du Haiying , Ning Xiaofan , Wu Hao , Li Chunrui , Liu Yuxin , Sun Zhiwei , Du Zhongjun , Jin Minghua
Published: December 2020

The application of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in areas of agriculture and medicine has raised great concerns for the potential adverse effects of SiNPs. The increasing toxicological studies focused mainly on the lung and cardiovascular system, but the adverse effects of SiNPs on nervous system have not been well explored. This study aimed to evaluate the role and mechanism of unfolded protein reaction (UPR) in SiNPs‐induced cell injury on nerve cells in vitro. We investigated the UPR‐mediated apoptosis caused by SiNPs in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell line. The size of SiNPs and its effect on cell ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell growth, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), calcium ion (Ca2+), apoptosis rate, and the expression level of related proteins were evaluated using MTT, flow cytometry, and western blot in SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to SiNPs. The results showed that with the increase of SiNPs concentration, cell viability decreased, MMP decreased, active oxygen (ROS), and Ca2+ levels increased in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, protein expression of PERK, GRP78, and other related proteins in the unfolded protein response increased in a dose‐response manner together with the expression of apoptosis proteins. Conclusively, this study confirmed that SiNPs can affect the neural system by interfering structure and functional and inducing apoptosis in nerve cells through unfolded protein response.
Africa–European Union Climate Change Partnership
Authors: Olutola Oluwole
Published: December 2020

The need to heighten climate action momentum is a key outcome of the Climate Action Summit organized by the United Nations (UN) in September, 2019. The same concern reverberated in most of the presentations and discussions at the twenty-fifth Conference of Parties (COP 25) – the annual climate summit under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This chapter seeks to investigate the relevance of the call for more climate action in terms of what further climate priorities and strategies are required in the context of the existing climate change partnership between Africa and the European Union (EU). It relies on liberal institutionalism as its theoretical framework and data from a range of purposely selected secondary sources as reference points. Beyond arguing the case for more climate action to further strengthening the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES), particularly in the area of environmental partnership, this chapter emphasizes the need to align the required further climate action with the mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN transformative initiatives on the global climate action. It concludes with an insight into some policy recommendations, including the need for a dedicated and regional-based approach in tackling Africa’s climate change beyond the conventional worldwide UNFCCC (United Nations Convention on Climate Change) framework that has failed to deliver tangible results for some time past.
Agricultural Interventions to Enhance Climate Change Adaptation of Underutilized Root and Tuber Crops
Authors: Gweyi-Onyango Joseph P. , Sakha Michael Ajanja , Jefwa Joyce
Published: December 2020

Agricultural intensification worldwide is increasingly relying on a narrow range of crops such as rice, wheat, and maize. The reliability on this relatively small numbers of food diversities raises a very serious concern about the sustainability managing our nutrition today and in the future. We conducted a scoping review using online databases to identify various agricultural interventions that can be utilized for enhancement of underutilized root and tuber crops adaptability under the current observable effects of climate change. This is because reports of underutilized crops’ adaptability to climate change continues to remain anecdotal with limited research capacity to support them. The results mooted a wide range of crop production techniques that can be utilized in production of root and tuber crops. They includes biofertilizers, tied ridging method, improved seed varieties, management of community seed banks, cropping systems, irrigation methods, exploiting abandoned lands, agroforestry practice, clean seed production technologies, and nutrient use efficiency. Based on the findings, each of these interventions plays different roles in management of the negative impacts brought up by climate change and thus they would be useful when adopted in combination since package adoption would enable farmers to benefit from the positive synergy of the selected interventions. The interventions are therefore recommended not only for sustainability but also for profitable production to meet feed, food, energy, and fiber needs and foster economic growth in the ever changing world. Therefore this chapter contributes immensely towards the development of innovative mechanisms for strengthening the resilience of root and tuber crop.
Introduction
Authors: Sampson Helen
Published: December 2020

The shipping industry transported a total volume of 10.3 billion tons of cargo in 2017 (UNCTAD 2017) and is estimated to employ 1.5 million workers (http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/subjects-covered-by-international-labour-standards/seafarers/lang%2D%2Den/index.htm accessed 1/2/18) who are classed as seafarers. Such workers are employed on different vessel types in the cruise and cargo sectors. Sailors working for the military are not classed as seafarers. However, seafarers may be employed on board in a variety of roles which are not directly associated with marine navigation (as croupiers or entertainers on a cruise ship for example) but their ship should be engaged in a voyage which would differentiate them from taking a ‘fishing trip’ for example. Doumbia-Henry describes some of the provisions of ILO Convention No. 185 stating that:
Multiple Roles and Role Conflict: Seafarers As Economic, Humanitarian and Security Actors
Authors: Senu Amaha
Published: December 2020

The chapter aims to draw attention to the experiences of seafarers when encountering undocumented migrants in the maritime domain. Focussing on seafarers’ interactions with stowaways and migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, it explores the tensions, contradictions and outcomes that arise from the often-diverging expectations placed upon seafarers. The chapter demonstrates how seafarers are forced to assume multiple and conflicting economic, humanitarian and security roles in their interactions with stowaways and migrants at sea. Navigating the tensions and conflicts between these roles can prove challenging for seafarers with severe implications for both seafarers and the migrants in some instances.
Can the UK Tonnage Tax Minimum Training Obligation Address Declining Cadet Recruitment and Training in the UK?
Authors: Gekara Victor Oyaro
Published: December 2020

This chapter presents a critical analysis of the capacity of the nation-state to develop and implement effective policy interventions on behalf of national labour interests in highly globalized industries. This follows the consistent observation that, under neoliberal capitalism, governments have lacked the power and/or will to implement pro-labour legislation in the same way as they have done for capital (Fourcades-Gourinchas and Babb 2002; Peck 2004; Kotz 2015). This discussion is developed with reference to the Tonnage Tax policy, introduced by the UK government in 2000, as the key policy strategy to revitalize the ailing shipping industry (Department for Transport 1998). In the broadest terms, the strategy is a tax concession designed to attract British ship owners to re-flag their ships to the UK national register, retain the majority of their ship management in the UK and train British seafarer cadets (Selkou and Roe 2002; Brownrigg et al. 2001; Gekara 2010). The core of the strategy, i.e. the tax element, represents an alternative system of calculating corporation tax for shipping companies based on fixed rates and with reference to a shipping company’s total operating tonnage per year rather than its total income, which represents a highly reduced rate of taxation. To specifically address the decline in the British national seafarer labour market and the supply of British officers, a Minimum Training Obligation (MTO) was included for all British-registered ships, which simultaneously incentivized and compelled shipping companies to increase their cadet recruitment and training activities (Selkou and Roe 2002).
The Experience of Being a Filipino Seafarer on a Multinationally Crewed Ship
Authors: Acejo Iris
Published: December 2020

The globalised labour market for seafarers has led to multinationally crewed vessels. According to a study conducted by Seafarers International Research Centre in 2003, about 60% of ships have multinational crews (Ellis and Sampson 2003). A more recent study showed that 85% of vessels that call in ports in Finland have multinational crew mix and that two and three nationalities are the most prevalent crewing pattern (Storgård et al. 2013). The Philippines, is one of the world’s biggest source of seafarers, as such it is worth considering the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers on multinationally crewed vessels.
Introduction: The European Union, the Insurance Industry and the Public-Private Mix in Healthcare
Authors: Benoît Cyril , Del Sol Marion , Martin Philippe
Published: December 2020

Research has paid little attention to date on how the European Union (EU) affects private (usually voluntary) health insurance at domestic level and more broadly, the political economy of the public-private mix in healthcare. Our argument in this Introduction is that EU law and regulation is, essentially, likely to do so through the provisions applicable to the insurance sector as a whole. We then explain why it could potentially be a vehicle for transformative changes of private health insurers, and why, by extension, it could interact with the prior effects of domestic policy choices in healthcare. Ultimately, such interactions could also help change the nature and scope of health coverage. On the basis of these statements, we develop an analytical approach to elucidate, characterize and prove this influence. We then outline the research design and case selection processes and discuss the various methods applied in the nine contributions to this book. After a short summary of their respective findings, we reflect in a concluding section on how they echo wider debates in the literature on the role of private actors in contemporary Welfare States and on EU influence in healthcare.
The Role of Universities Building an Ecosystem of Climate Change Education
Authors: Reimers Fernando M.
Published: December 2020

This chapter introduces the field of climate change education, noting the paradox that in spite of many efforts at incorporating climate change in education policy and curriculum frameworks, and a diversity of practices in schools, there is little evidence that such efforts are contributing to adaptation, mitigation or reversal of climate change. The chapter reviews the role of international development organizations advocating for and developing frameworks in support of climate change education. This is followed by an analysis of ongoing efforts of climate change education.

The chapter argues that more effective education for climate change at the primary and secondary education levels around the world requires context specific strategies that align the specific learning outcomes with the impacts of climate change in that context. Implementing those strategies requires the development of institutional capacity in schools that is aligned to the stage of institutional development of the school. The chapter explains how a multidisciplinary framework that accounts for the cultural, psychological, professional, institutional and political dimensions of the change process can support the development of collaboration and coherence in implementing those climate change education strategies. Those strategies need to also specify the particular populations that need to develop such competencies and the optimal means of delivery. The chapter also situates the literature on climate change education within the larger context of the literature on deeper learning, twenty first century skills and education system change, explaining how deeper learning in climate change education might influence attitudes and behaviors in ways that prevailing didactic approaches focused principally on the transmission of scientific knowledge do not.

To develop such context specific climate change education strategies and to build the institutional capacity to implement them, the chapter makes the case for more intentional engagement of universities, in partnership with schools and non-formal education organizations. This would serve the dual role of providing support for schools in advancing climate change education, while also educating higher education students on climate change through problem based, participatory and contextually situated approaches.
Introduction—The Evolution of Deterrence Strategy and Research
Authors: Freedman Lawrence
Published: December 2020

The concept of deterrence has dominated Western strategic thought for some seven decades. It shows no signs of easing its grip. In the face of any new security threat, such as terrorism or cyber-attacks, one of the first questions to be asked is ‘can this be deterred?’ Even when the answer is not very encouraging the inclination is to persevere until some way is found at least to reduce if not remove the threat through some form of deterrence. This may have less to do with deterrence’s reliability or effectiveness as a strategy and more because of its inherent normative appeal. When a state adopts a deterrence strategy it signals that it does not seek a fight but still considers some interests to be so vital that they are worth fighting for. It implies a defensive intent without weakness. It seeks to prevent aggression while being non-aggressive. It sustains rather than disrupts the status quo. For these reasons, it has positive associations that other potential strategies lack. Appeasement as a deliberate strategy has been discredited since the 1930s; conquering other states is now seen to be as demanding as it is illegal. There is no dishonour in deterrence.
Targeted Sanctions and Deterrence in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Giumelli Francesco
Published: December 2020

The use of sanctions is often associated with coercion and deterrence. The former implies that sanctions contribute to changing the behaviour of targets, while the latter suggests that the damage threatened by sanctions should discourage actors from embarking on certain policies. However, sanctions have evolved substantially over the last twenty years, thus this chapter discusses whether the emergence of targeted sanctions was enough to change the classical deterrence/sanctions relation. This chapter argues that while there are similarities with the past, there are elements of change that need to be carefully considered. On the one hand the imposition of a cost to certain policy actions, the existence of an audience and the potential impact on the wider society remain central problems for both comprehensive and targeted sanctions. On the other hand, targeted sanctions present unique features that directly interact with the concept of deterrence. First, sanctions do not target states and governments only, but also individuals and non-state actors. Second, targeted sanctions are designed to reduce their impact not only on innocent civilians, but there are clear boundaries of damage that can be inflicted on targets. Third, targeted sanctions can have a moral hazard problem, so that their imposition creates an incentive for actors to embark on the very actions that sanctions aim to deter.
Nuclear Deterrence in the Algorithmic Age: Game Theory Revisited
Authors: Lindelauf Roy
Published: December 2020

Commonly used game and decision theoretic models fail to explain the empirics of deterrence. This has unjustly led many theorists to criticize the (rationality and other) assumptions underpinning of such models. No serious game theorist will contend that his theoretic model will possibly take account of all the peculiarities involved in decision making and therefore be an accurate model of such situations. Games are an aid to thinking about some of the aspects of the broader situation. Game theory models prescribe what a decision maker ought to do in a given situation, not what a decision maker actually does. To maintain nuclear strategic stability, it is of paramount importance to understand the dynamical interplay between all players involved in decision making processes with regard to nuclear strategy. History has shown some progress in understanding nuclear deterrence by the use of initial game- and decision theoretic models to alleviate the burden of human cognitive biases. Since it is highly likely that (semi-)autonomous systems will in some way participate in the future nuclear strategic landscape, combined with the fact that the nuclear deterrent decision-cycle will also be based on algorithmic analysis, rational deterrence theory is and should be an integral element of strategic thinking about nuclear deterrence. That, or it might as well be game over.
Deterrence: A Continuation of Emotional Life with the Admixture of Violent Means
Authors: Zilincik Samuel , Duyvesteyn Isabelle
Published: December 2020

Deterrence is more than anything a psychological mechanism. It depends on emotions that orchestrate processes across organisms to deal with the challenges of the present and the future. However, deterrence scholarship has had a turbulent relationship with emotions. The main aim of this chapter is to review what we know and what we do not know about emotions and deterrence. The secondary aim is to develop a dynamic and interactive emotion-centric model of deterrence to explain where and how emotions play a role in such a mechanism. We combine the methods of theoretical analysis and literature review to achieve these aims. Our findings indicate that emotions give a new meaning to deterrence by changing the nature of the theory and by highlighting problems of practice. More specifically, scholars should reconsider both the means and the ends of deterrence. Practitioners should be aware that deterrence efforts are hard to sustain and may produce emotional effects detrimental to their original purpose.
The US and Extended Deterrence
Authors: van Hooft Paul
Published: December 2020

The U.S. provides extended nuclear deterrence to allies in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. The 2018 NPR signals several potentially destabilizing policies, including lowering the threshold for use and adding low-yield capabilities, and it emphasizes the need for nuclear superiority. This chapter argues that the U.S. is changing its nuclear posture to address the growing challenge to U.S. conventional superiority. Extended nuclear deterrence is inherently dubious and the asymmetry between the U.S. on the one hand, and its allies and adversaries on the other, makes it doubly so. In the coming decades, this will continue to generate problems for the U.S. as long as it maintains its alliance commitments.