bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humanitarian Diplomatic Practices
Authors: Turunen Salla 
Published: October 2020

Summary
Humanitarian diplomacy is a new term, yet an old practice, and has received relatively little academic attention. This contrasts with the reality of humanitarian practitioners’ work, which has shown increasing interest in and use of the term humanitarian diplomacy from the millennium onwards. Humanitarian diplomacy covers humanitarian action and its intricacies in catering for humanitarian needs, which sets it distinctively apart from other forms of diplomacy. In contributing to this underexplored area, in a theoretically driven discussion this article uses practice theory to propose an analytical framework for humanitarian diplomatic practices. The article suggests that humanitarian diplomacy, as currently led by practitioners, can be best understood by examining its characteristics at the level of its practices. This understanding produces a systematisation of the meaning of the term for scholarly audiences and assists practitioners themselves to identify their humanitarian diplomatic engagement as a self-standing practice.
Small State Diplomacy after the Corona Crisis
Authors: Pedi Revecca , Wivel Anders 
Published: October 2020

Summary
The aim of this essay is to discuss and assess the effects of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on small state diplomacy. The essay identifies the characteristics of successful small state crisis diplomacy and unpacks the implications for small state diplomacy in general. Small states crave stability and predictability and seek shelter from international institutions and great powers. International crises are understood as particularly acute for small states because the limited capacity and capabilities of these states leave them with a small margin of time and error and vulnerable to risks and threats. However, small state diplomacy in the spring 2020 corona crisis illustrates the potential of activist small state diplomacy using smart and entrepreneurial policies to forge plurilateralist small- and middle-power co-operation.
Tackling COVID-19 Disinformation: Internal and External Challenges for the European Union
Authors: Vériter Sophie L. , Bjola Corneliu , Koops Joachim A. 
Published: October 2020

Summary
The corona crisis is also a disinformation crisis for the global community in general, and for the European Union (EU) in particular. What is less clear is how adequate the EU’s response to the ‘infodemic’ has been. This essay exposes the dangers of disinformation for the EU, which have intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reviews relevant EU responses. It then zooms in on two challenges exacerbated by the corona crisis: one internal, revolving around the toxic effect of conspiracy theories, particularly the corona-5G hoax; and one external, relating to the public diplomacy campaigns of competing geopolitical actors, especially China. The essay argues that the future of European stability will rest not only on ensuring societal resilience to disinformation and conspiracy theories but also on designing ethically guided pre-emptive mechanisms and confronting external sources of disinformation which jeopardise European health provisions, economic recovery and geoeconomic strength.
Identification of Tropopause Height with Atmospheric Refractivity
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Shan Yingying , Ye Shirong , Jiang Weiping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInvestigation of the structure and variation of the tropopause is crucial for the development of an in-depth understanding of water-vapor exchange processes, the concentrations and nature of chemicals within the tropopause, and their role in climate change and the ecosphere. At present, the common methods used for the estimation of tropopause height are limited by their reliance on area, an overdependence on atmospheric temperature, and the use of many different data types, and thus lack strong generality. Therefore, this study used atmospheric refractivity data from multiple sources to determine the tropopause height. An objective covariance transform method was applied to identify transitions in a refractivity profile. The refractivity tropopause height was compared with the bending angle tropopause (BAT)/cold point tropopause (CPT)/lapse rate tropopause (LRT) height derived from radio occultation (RO) and radiosonde data and revealed a good agreement. An initial analysis of tropopause structure and seasonal changes derived from refractivity method afforded results that were consistent with existing research results, which proved the validity of the method. The refractivity method was also used to analyze various types of data downloaded from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) Data Analysis and Archive Center (CDAAC), and show that this method is suitable for the analysis of RO data, radiosonde, reanalysis and analysis/forecast data. A series of experiments were used to verify the generality and utility of the refractivity covariance transform method to determine tropopause height, which will be useful for the analysis of long-term variations in tropopause height.
Core Dynamics of the MJO
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Zhang Chidong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is a large-scale eastward-moving system that dominates tropical subseasonal perturbations with far-reaching impacts on global weather–climate. For nearly a half century since its discovery, there has not been a consensus on the most fundamental dynamics of the MJO, despite intensive studies with a number of theories proposed. In this study, using a simple analytical approach, we found a solution to the linear equatorial shallow-water equations with momentum damping that resembles a harmonic oscillator. This solution exhibits the key characteristics of the observed MJO: its intraseasonal periodicity at the planetary scale and eastward propagation. In contrast to theories that interpret the MJO as a new mode of variability emerging from the evolution in moisture, our solution emphasizes that the core of the MJO resides in the dynamics without explicit fluctuations in moisture. Moisture still plays a role in supplying energy to the core dynamics of the MJO, and determining the value of the equivalent depth required by the theory. The energy source may come from stochastic forcing in the tropics or from the extratropics. The scale selection for the MJO comes from scale-dependent responses to scale-independent Rayleigh damping. We also demonstrate that the MJO solution introduced here reproduces the observed swallowtail structure and the phase relation between zonal wind and geopotential of the MJO, and the continuum nature of the transition between the MJO and Kelvin waves. Roles of feedback mechanisms in the MJO are also discussed using the same simple mathematical framework.
Permanent pacemaker implantation associated tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Niazi Gul Zaman Khan , Masood Arslan , Ahmed Nisar , Qadir Irfan , Akhtar Ammar , Saleemi Muhammad Sohail , Ahmed Ijaz 
Published: October 2020

Objective To determine the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods This study included 153 patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation. All eligible candidates had baseline transthoracic echocardiography to rule out preexisting tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography across the tricuspid valve was repeated one month after permanent pacemaker implantation, and the frequency of significant tricuspid regurgitation was determined. The associations of potential effect modifiers (age, sex, height, body mass index categories, diabetes, and hypertension) with tricuspid regurgitation were assessed individually using simple and multivariable logistic regression models. Results After dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation, significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in 22 (15.8%) patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was significantly associated with body mass index >30 kg·m−2 (odds ratio = 32.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–853.82, p = 0.04). Conclusion Significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in substantial number of patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and was independently associated with body mass index >30 kg·m−2.
Examining calorie undernourishment in India: Is it due to choice or inadequacy?
Authors: Mishra Udaya S , Padhi Balakrushna , Rinju  
Published: October 2020

Background: Calorie undernourishment is often associated with poverty but India presents a unique scene of decline in money-metric poverty and rise in calorie deprivation. Existing literature has varied explanation towards this effect. However, neither are the poor entirely calorie compromised nor do all the non-poor qualify calorie compliance. Aim: This is an attempt at verifying whether calorie undernourishment is a result of choice of food basket or the inadequacy of food expenditure. Method: An answer to this question is attempted with the exploration of data obtained from the National Sample Survey Organization’s Consumption Expenditure of Indian households for the periods 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. Results: Findings reveal that over the last one decade, the average per capita per day calorie intakes have slightly increased from 2040.55 Kcal in 2004–2005 to 2087.33 Kcal in 2011–2012, which has led to the increased share of well-nourished households from 20.21% in the 61st round to 22.78% in the 68th round of survey in rural areas, whereas the similar increase in urban areas is from 36.1% to 40.65%. Conclusions: Calorie undernourishment among the non-poor is observed that calorie undernourishment, if any, among the non-poor is entirely due to choice but the same among the poor has a divide between choice and inadequacy. The urban poor are calorie compromised more due to choice rather than inadequacy as against their rural counterparts. With higher poverty, calorie, non-compliance among the poor is more due to choice when compared with lower magnitude of poverty. These observations form a basis for contesting the common understanding that calorie compromise is entirely driven by inadequacy/incapacity of food expenditure. could be viewed in terms of the food choices made, especially among the poor while setting the minimum threshold of food expenditure to be calorie compliant.
Efficacy of psychological intervention for patients with psoriasis vulgaris: a prospective study
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Liu Liangliang , Zhang Yanfei , Li Li 
Published: October 2020

Objective The study aim was to examine the effect of a psychological intervention on patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods Participants in this prospective study were 205 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 104 who received a psychological intervention (study group) and 101 who received routine nursing care (control group). An additional 291 healthy subjects formed a non-psoriasis group. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Generic Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate psychological status and quality of life. Results There were significant differences in SCL-90 and GQOLI scores between the study and non-psoriasis groups. After treatment, the study group showed significantly improved scores on the SCL-90 and GQOLI compared with the control group. Scores on the SDS (mean ± standard deviation: 31.99 ± 4.54 vs. 44.08 ± 4.52) and SAS (28.36 ± 4.52 vs. 40.14 ± 6.33) were improved in the study group. In addition, patients in the study group showed higher satisfaction rate and compliance rate than those in the control group. Conclusion Psychological intervention may be beneficial for improving quality of life and the therapeutic efficacy of drugs in patients with psoriasis.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis is Better than Automated Peritoneal Dialysis as First-Line Treatment in Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Li Philip Kam-Tao , Chung Kwok Yi , Chow Kai Ming 
Published: October 2020

This article examines the roles of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) versus automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) as first-line renal replacement therapy. To date, no high-quality large-scale randomized controlled studies have compared CAPD with APD as first-line therapy. However, a discussion on this issue is important so that nephrologists can decide and patients can have a choice of modality on which to start dialysis, especially in the context of health care economics. We review the literature and present Hong Kong as the model of a “CAPD first” policy, an appealing, cost-effective approach for any country. An ideal renal replacement therapy should provide optimal survival, lowest possible risk for comorbidity, highest level of quality of life, and equally important, acceptable cost to society. When we consider this subject in the context that all patients should be started on one first-line modality, the data suggest that a “CAPD first” policy has all these advantages, with APD probably having the edge only with regard to patient preference. The present review highlights preservation of residual renal function, removal and balancing of sodium, incidence of peritonitis, peritoneal membrane transport status, patient rehabilitation, and financial issues in demonstrating that a “CAPD first” policy is the model that should be adopted.
Latest Strategy in Renal Anemia Management in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Lo Wai Kei 
Published: October 2020

The target of renal anemia correction with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) has been traditionally set at a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 11 – 12 g/dL. However, a trend has arisen of progressively increasing the Hb level to beyond 12 g/dL. Recent randomized control trials (RCTs) on correction of renal anemia in chronic kidney disease patients found that normalization of anemia to above 13 g/dL was associated with negative outcome parameters, echoing a previous RCT that showed increased death and myocardial infarction risk after normalization of hemoglobin level in hemodialysis patients. The latest consensus is to limit Hb to a level not exceeding 13 g/dL during renal anemia correction with ESAs. Currently, there are three ESAs available commercially. The choice of ESA should consider safety of subcutaneous administration, cost-effectiveness, and dosing frequency, all of which may affect compliance with ESA administration. Early identification of, and an early search for the causes of hyporesponsiveness to, ESAs is needed to avoid unnecessary escalation in the dose of ESAs. These approaches will help to improve the cost-effectiveness of ESA therapy and permit early detection of hidden problems. The current definitions of hyporesponsiveness are far too stringent and should be reviewed.
Icodextrin and Intraperitoneal Inflammation
Authors: Moriishi Misaki , Kawanishi Hideki 
Published: October 2020

⋄ Background The peritoneum is impaired by exposure to biocompatible dialysis solutions. Because icodextrin peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) is made from cornstarch, a possibility that it induces intraperitoneal inflammation has been reported. In the present study, patients on glucose PDF were switched to icodextrin PDF and then switched back to glucose PDF. Icodextrin PDF-induced intraperitoneal inflammation was investigated based on changes in peritoneal permeability and inflammatory reactions. ⋄ Patients and Methods The subjects were 7 stable peritoneal dialysis patients (4 men, 3 women), with a mean age of 59.1 ± 3.8 years (range: 55.2 - 64.6 years). The mean duration of peritoneal dialysis was 58.3 ± 27.4 months (range: 34.3 - 97.7 months), and the cause of end-stage renal disease was chronic glomerulonephritis in all patients. For the overnight dwell, glucose PDF was changed to icodextrin PDF, and the patients returned to glucose PDF 30 months later. To evaluate peritoneal permeability, a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) was performed, and dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios of creatinine (Cr), β2-microglobulin (β2M), albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and α2-macroglobulin (α2M) were measured in the overnight dialysate and serum. As markers of inflammation and fibrinolysis or coagulation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) were measured in overnight effluent. The evaluations were made every 6 months for 36 months. ⋄ Results A significant elevation in FDP levels was detected in overnight effluent 6 months after the switch to icodextrin PDF, and IL-6 levels tended to increase. The D/P ratios of Cr, β2M, and albumin were also significantly increased, and the D/P ratios of IgG and α2M tended to increase. The D/P ratio of Cr as measured by PET was slightly increased, but the elevation was not significant. In 5 patients, after icodextrin PDF was switched back to glucose PDF at 30 months, the D/P ratios of Cr, β2M, albumin, IgG, and α2M in overnight effluent were significantly reduced. The FDP levels decreased slightly in those patients. In the remaining 2 patients, the D/P ratios of Cr on PET and of Cr, β2M, albumin, IgG, and α2M in overnight effluent, and the FDP and IL-6 levels in overnight effluent were markedly elevated after the switching from glucose to icodextrin PDF, and they remained high after the switch back to glucose PDF. One of these 2 patients developed pre-EPS and was treated with prednisolone and concomitant hemodialysis. The other was switched from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis. ⋄ Conclusions Icodextrin dialysis solution may induce an inflammatory reaction in the peritoneum. Further investigation is necessary for the long-term use of icodextrin PDF.
Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions Low in Glucose Degradation Products—evidence for Clinical Benefits
Authors: Tomo Tadashi 
Published: October 2020

In Japan, two types of new peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) are ordinarily used: two-chambered PDF, and icodextrin PDF. Two-chambered PDF has several biocompatible characteristics, one being low glucose degradation products (GDPs). Of the several GDPs in PDF, 3,4-dideoxyglucosone-3-ene (3,4-DGE) is thought to be strongly associated with the cytotoxicity of standard PDF. Using a PDF low in GDPs may reduce exposure of the peritoneum to 3,4-DGE, helping to preserve peritoneal function in PD patients. Additionally, use of a PDF low in GDPs may reduce plasma levels of advanced glycosylation end-products in PD patients, a change that may help to preserve vascular function in PD patients. Peritoneal rest for 24 hours after exposure to a PDF with low GDPs improves the activity of human peritoneal mesothelial cells. As compared with the use of standard PDF, the use of low-GDP PDF in combination therapy (peritoneal dialysis plus hemodialysis) may more effectively preserve peritoneal function. The new PDF low in GDPs has bio-compatible characteristics relative to peritoneum and system that may help to preserve peritoneal function or reduce complications such as atherosclerosis or dialysis-related amyloidosis in dialysis patients.
Recommendation of the Surgical Option for Treatment of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Ide Kentaro , Dohi Kiyohiko 
Published: October 2020

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an intestinal obstruction syndrome in which peritoneal deterioration and intraperitoneal inflammation result in intestinal adhesions, which are covered with a fibrin capsule and cause bowel obstruction. The widespread use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been associated with an increase in the number of patients with this life-threatening complication. For this reason, some negative comments have been made about PD therapy. However, recent clinical studies have elucidated the pathogenesis of EPS and proposed therapeutic strategies. Currently, these facts are known: • EPS occurs in 2.5% of all patients (3.18/1000 patient-years). • A longer duration of PD is associated with a higher incidence of EPS and a poorer prognosis, indicating the involvement of peritoneal deterioration in the development of EPS. • Development of EPS involves some kind of infection. • Development of EPS frequently occurs after PD withdrawal and catheter removal. • Peritoneal lavage after PD withdrawal delays, but cannot prevent the development of EPS. • Timely administration of steroids is effective. • Surgical adhesiolysis is the optimal treatment to relieve bowel obstructions, but does not exclude the potential for re-adhesions, requiring various ingenious gastrointestinal surgical techniques.
Association between alterations of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus analyzed with in vivo confocal microscopy and long-term glycemic variability
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Sebastiani Stefano , Tucci Lorenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Moscatiello Simona , Laffi Gilberto , Pagotto Uberto , Di Dalmazi Guido , Versura Piera 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The effect of long-term glycemic variability upon corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (CSNP) morphology analyzed by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) has been poorly investigated in the setting of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our purpose was to analyze the association between morphometric parameters of CSNP and new markers of glycemic variability in a population of patients with T1DM. Methods: Forty patients with T1DM underwent: assessment of diabetic neuropathy (DN); analysis of subcutaneous advanced glycated end-products; IVCM scans of CSNP. The fully automated software ACCMetrics was employed to analyze IVCM images and calculate seven corneal nerve parameters. Data of diabetes duration, mean and standard deviation (SD) of either last-year and all-time glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were retrieved. Results: Diabetes duration and all-time SD of HbA1C were independently associated with CNFD (R = –0.26, p = 0.01; R = –0.27, p = 0.047 respectively), CNFL (R = –0.12; p = 0.01; R = –0.17, p = 0.01 respectively) and CNFrD (R = –0.001, p = 0.009; R = –0.002, p = 0.007 respectively). The analysis of the association among IVCM parameters and specific subtypes of DN showed that altered cold sensitivity was independently associated with CNFD (B = –0.24, p = 0.01), CNFL (B = –0.46, p = 0.01) and CNFrD (B = –28.65, p = 0.03). Conclusions: All-time SD of HbA1C and disease duration were found to be independent predictors of damage to CSNP in patients with T1DM.