bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Politics of the Green New Deal
Authors: Bloomfield Jon , Steward Fred 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCovid‐19 has highlighted our fragile relationship with the planet. But it represents a minor challenge compared to the permanent havoc that runaway climate change threatens. Politicians and governments—some at least—are beginning to recognise the scale of the danger.In this article we assess the evolution of policy thinking on how to make climate transitions happen; the potential of the European Green Deal; and how progressives need to shape it and any UK counterpart to meet the challenges of modern society. The European initiative arises from a broad coalition spanning the political spectrum. Yet, its central thrust of active government offers the prospect of reviving a battered social democracy. We indicate the openings here for a pluralist, ecological left. The run‐up to the next global climate conference—COP26—will be a vital period which will show whether parties and governments across the world are prepared to meet the climate change challenge.
Factors affecting flavor perception in space: Does the spacecraft environment influence food intake by astronauts?
Authors: Taylor Andrew J. , Beauchamp Jonathan D. , Briand Loïc , Heer Martina , Hummel Thomas , Margot Christian , McGrane Scott , Pieters Serge , Pittia Paola , Spence Charles 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe intention to send a crewed mission to Mars involves a huge amount of planning to ensure a safe and successful mission. Providing adequate amounts of food for the crew is a major task, but 20 years of feeding astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) have resulted in a good knowledge base. A crucial observation from the ISS is that astronauts typically consume only 80% of their daily calorie requirements when in space. This is despite daily exercise regimes that keep energy usage at very similar levels to those found on Earth. This calorie deficit seems to have little effect on astronauts who spend up to 12 months on the ISS, but given that a mission to Mars would take 30 to 36 months to complete, there is concern that a calorie deficit over this period may lead to adverse effects in crew members. The key question is why astronauts undereat when they have a supply of food designed to fully deliver their nutritional needs. This review focuses on evidence from astronauts that foods taste different in space, compared to on Earth. The underlying hypothesis is that conditions in space may change the perceived flavor of the food, and this flavor change may, in turn, lead to underconsumption by astronauts. The key areas investigated in this review for their potential impact on food intake are the effects of food shelf life, physiological changes, noise, air and water quality on the perception of food flavor, as well as the link between food flavor and food intake.
The impact of extended shifts on strain‐based work–life conflict: A qualitative analysis of the role of context on temporal processes of retroactive and anticipatory spillover
Authors: Suter Jane , Kowalski Tina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTwelve‐h shifts can facilitate 24‐h service provision and are often implemented in pursuit of financial goals. Existing evidence on the benefits of extended shifts is mixed. This study examines the impact of extended shifts on employee strain in a large mental healthcare organisation in England. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses and healthcare assistants at 6 and 12 months intervals (n = 70). Findings illustrate how extended shift patterns have a profound negative effect on high demands already confronting mental health staff, shaping spillover of strain. Analysis contributes to development of strain‐based work–life conflict theory by conceptualising spillover as temporal and iterative. We argue theory should differentiate between retroactive (backward facing) and anticipatory (forward facing) spillover processes. Using context as a lens and identification of new dimensions to strain‐based spillover aids interpretation of differential effects of extended shifts across settings. The study discusses implications for organisations, recovery and scheduling of shift work.
Characteristics of rice starch film blended with sugar (trehalose/allose) and oil (canola oil/coconut oil): Part I – Filmogenic solution behavior and mechanical properties
Authors: Ploypetchara Thongkorn , Gohtani Shoichi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe concentrations effects of sugars (trehalose and allose) and oils (canola and coconut oil) on the characteristics of rice starch suspension and mechanical properties of rice starch film were studied. The samples were prepared using 3% (w/w) rice starch, with 10% or 30% (w/w) sugar (trehalose or allose) added and 10% or 30% (w/w) oil (canola or coconut). The droplet size of the film suspension increased with increasing oil concentration both in trehalose and allose, which blended with oil. The flow behavior of the film suspensions showed shear‐thinning behavior as calculated by the Power Law model. The apparent viscosity tended to increase with the addition of sugar and oil. The breaking stress of the films blended with sugar and oil was less than that of control. On preparation day and after 7 days’ storage, the breaking strain tended to increase more with the addition of coconut oil than with that of canola oil. However, breaking stress and breaking strain decreased after 28 days’ storage. Adding sugar had correlation with mechanical properties whereas adding oil had correlation with film suspension characteristics, allowed the sugar and oil to interact and inhibited starch chain mobility due to concentration, sugar type, and oil type.Practical ApplicationTrehalose, allose, canola oil, and coconut oil could be used as a plasticizer in a starch edible/biodegradable film system. The preparation process of filmogenic solution was depended on the combination of sugar and oil that could change the flow behavior and affected the mechanical properties of the edible film. The sugar and oil might improve the mechanical properties of the film by a hydroxyl group of sugar and lubricating properties of the oil.
Plot‐level technical efficiency accounting for farm‐level effects: Evidence from Chilean wine grape producers
Authors: Bravo‐Ureta Boris E. , Moreira Víctor H. , Troncoso Javier L. , Wall Alan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper applies alternative panel data models to a cross‐sectional dataset that contains observations at the plot level for a sample of wine‐grape farms in Central Chile. The input–output data as well as key attributes of the production system are at the plot level, at which individualized management exists. However, plots belonging to a particular farm are also subject to overall centralized (farm‐level) management. Thus, this data configuration offers the possibility of analyzing technical efficiency (TE) both across plots and across farms. A Generalized True Random Effects model, which permits the separate identification of farm‐level and plot‐level inefficiency while controlling for unobserved farm‐level heterogeneity, shows that TE varies across farms but not among plots within the same farm. Geographical location also affects grape production and agro‐climatic conditions influence production levels, with grape farms located on cooler zones producing significantly less than their counterparts in warmer zones, as expected. The analysis underscores the value of using recent methodologies typically applied to panel data when cross‐sectional information is available for individual plots within a farm unit or in similar settings.
Early improvement of daily physical activity after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in an accelerometer assessment: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Yanagisawa Satoshi , Inden Yasuya , Fujii Aya , Sakamoto Yusuke , Tomomatsu Toshiro , Mamiya Keita , Okamoto Hiroya , Murohara Toyoaki , Shibata Rei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation improves physical activity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, continuous daily evaluation and time course of improvement in physical activity after ablation have not been fully assessed. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the daily physical activities and changes in the physical performance in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF by continuous monitoring of a portable accelerometer.MethodsTen patients scheduled for catheter ablation for AF were fitted with a uniaxial accelerometer prior to and 6 months after the procedure. This study evaluated changes in daily steps, activity intensity, and activity duration. We also evaluated changes in activity intensity using a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsThe maximum daily steps significantly increased from baseline to postablation (baseline, 9,232 [6,716–11,485]; after 1–3 months, 11,605 [8,285–14,802]; and after 4–6 months, 11,412 [8,939–13,808], p = .020). Similarly, Δ maximum‐mean daily steps increased significantly (baseline, 2,431 [1,199–6,181]; after 1–3 months, 4,674 [4,164–6,474]; and after 4–6 months, 4,871 [3,657–6,117], p = .014). These improvements were more pronounced in patients with paroxysmal and symptomatic AF. The total IPAQ score significantly improved from baseline to after 6 months ablation (from 1,170 [693–3,930] to 4,312 [1,865–6,569], p = .037). All patients were recurrence‐free from AF after ablation.ConclusionsThe physical activity improved significantly even in the early phase following catheter ablation. The effect of suppressing AF on activity levels was apparent soon after the procedure.
Vital prostheses: Killing, letting die, and the ethics of de‐implantation
Authors: Aas Sean 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDisconnecting a patient from artificial life support, on their request, is often if not always a matter of letting them die, not killing them—and sometimes, permissibly doing so. Stopping a patient’s heart on request, by contrast, is a kind of killing, and rarely if ever a permissible one. The difference seems to be that procedures of the first kind remove an unwanted external support for bodily functioning, rather than intervening in the body itself. What should we say, however, about cases at the boundary—procedures involving items that seem bodily in some respects, but not others? When, for instance, does deactivating an implanted device like a pacemaker count as killing, and when as letting die? Contra existing proposals, I argue that the boundaries of the body for this purpose are not drawn at the boundaries of the self, or (if this is different) the human organism. Nor should we determine when we are killing and when we are letting die by deferring to existing practices for distinguishing ongoing from completed treatment. Rather, I argue that whether something (organic or inorganic) counts as body part for purposes of this distinction depends on the results of a normative analysis of the particular character of our rights in it—particularly, whether and in what way these rights ought to be alienable. I conclude by arguing that there are likely good reasons to recognize distinctively “bodily” rights and restrictions in at least some implantable devices.
Efficient nonparametric inference on the effects of stochastic interventions under two‐phase sampling, with applications to vaccine efficacy trials
Authors: Hejazi Nima S. , van der Laan Mark J. , Janes Holly E. , Gilbert Peter B. , Benkeser David C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe advent and subsequent widespread availability of preventive vaccines has altered the course of public health over the past century. Despite this success, effective vaccines to prevent many high‐burden diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have been slow to develop. Vaccine development can be aided by the identification of immune response markers that serve as effective surrogates for clinically significant infection or disease endpoints. However, measuring immune response marker activity is often costly, which has motivated the usage of two‐phase sampling for immune response evaluation in clinical trials of preventive vaccines. In such trials, the measurement of immunological markers is performed on a subset of trial participants, where enrollment in this second phase is potentially contingent on the observed study outcome and other participant‐level information. We propose nonparametric methodology for efficiently estimating a counterfactual parameter that quantifies the impact of a given immune response marker on the subsequent probability of infection. Along the way, we fill in theoretical gaps pertaining to the asymptotic behavior of nonparametric efficient estimators in the context of two‐phase sampling, including a multiple robustness property enjoyed by our estimators. Techniques for constructing confidence intervals and hypothesis tests are presented, and an open source software implementation of the methodology, thetxshiftRpackage, is introduced. We illustrate the proposed techniques using data from a recent preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trial.
Microdroplet and spatter contamination during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: McGhee Charles N. J. , Dean Simon , Freundlich Simone E. N. , Gokul Akilesh , Ziaei Mohammed , Patel Dipika V. , Niederer Rachael L. , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImportanceDetermine phacoemulsification cataract surgery risk in a Covid‐19 era.BackgroundSARS‐CoV‐2 (Covid‐19) transmission via microdroplet and aerosol‐generating procedures presents risk to medical professionals. As the most common elective surgical procedure performed globally; determining contamination risk from phacoemulsification cataract surgery may guide personal protection equipment use.DesignPilot study involving phacoemulsification cataract surgery on enucleated porcine eyes by experienced ophthalmologists in an ophthalmic operating theatre.ParticipantsTwo ophthalmic surgical teams.MethodsStandardized phacoemulsification of porcine eyes by two ophthalmologists accompanied by an assistant. Fluorescein incorporated into phacoemulsification irrigation fluid identifying microdroplets and spatter. Contamination documented using a single‐lens reflex camera with a 532 nm narrow bandpass (fluorescein) filter, in‐conjunction with a wide‐field blue light and flat horizontal laser beam (wavelength 532 nm). Quantitative image analysis using Image‐J software.Main Outcome MeasuresMicrodroplet and spatter contamination from cataract phacoemulsification.ResultsWith phacoemulsification instruments fully within the eye, spatter contamination was limited to <10 cm. Insertion and removal of the phacoemulsification needle and bimanual irrigation/aspiration, with irrigation active generated spatter on the surgeons' gloves and gown extending to >16 cm below the neckline in surgeon 1 and > 5.5 cm below the neckline of surgeon 2. A small tear in the phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve, presented a worse‐case scenario the greatest spatter. No contamination above the surgeons' neckline nor contamination of assistant occurred.Conclusions and RelevanceCataract phacoemulsification generates microdroplets and spatter. Until further studies on SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission via microdroplets or aerosolisation of ocular fluid are reported, this pilot study only supports standard personal protective equipment.
Echocardiographic findings in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices—analysis of factors predisposing to lead‐associated changes
Authors: Nowosielecka Dorota , Polewczyk Anna , Jacheć Wojciech , Tułecki Łukasz , Kleinrok Andrzej , Kutarski Andrzej 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe constant interaction between intracardiac leads and the heart and veins results in excessive accumulation of fibrous connective tissue around the leads. The extent of this pathological phenomenon, which is visible on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and predisposing factors are not well defined.MethodsWe examined 936 transesophageal echocardiograms prior to transvenous lead extraction (TLE) performed at a high‐volume centre between 2015 and 2019.ResultsThe most important echocardiographic findings were fibrous binding sites between leads and cardiovascular structures, lead‐to‐lead adhesions, excessive lead loops, lead‐dependent tricuspid dysfunction (LDTD), asymptomatic masses on endocardial leads (AMEL) and vegetations. Fibrotic reaction within the walls of the heart and veins correlated with the presence of lead loops (OR = 1.771; p < .01) and lead dwell time (OR = 1.111; p < .001). Women were more likely to have excessive lead loops (OR = 1.639; p < .01), and the occurrence of loops increase with the number of implanted leads (OR = 2.557; p < .001). Heart failure (OR = 4.016; p < .001), lead looping (OR = 2.603; p < .01) and longer cumulative lead dwell time (OR = 1.017; p < .05) increased the likelihood of LDTD. A variety of AMEL were identified in this study, most commonly in patients with older leads (OR = 1.043; p < .001).ConclusionsLead dwell time is the main factor predisposing to the occurrence of most lead‐associated phenomena visualized by TEE in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). Excessive looping of the lead is an important cause of fibrous binding sites and LDTD. AMEL are frequently detected in CIED patients, and their various forms concurrent with vegetations could represent an evolutionary stage of lead‐associated masses.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new flex‐rigid pleuroscope
Authors: Ishii Satoru , Watanabe Hiromu , Suzuki Manabu , Hashimoto Masao , Iikura Motoyasu , Izumi Shinyu , Hojo Masayuki , Hara Tetsuo , Sugiyama Haruhito 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveNew flex‐rigid pleuroscope enables observations with a maximum angle of curvature of 180°, allowing visualization of the area near the insertion site of the pleuroscope. And, it improved the image quality and channel inner diameter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of a new flex‐rigid pleuroscope.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients who were examined with a new flex‐rigid pleuroscope under local anesthesia at our institution was conducted.Pleuroscopy was performed in 33 patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions from December 2016 to March 2019.ResultsA total of 33 patients (10 women, 23 men); their median age 74 years (range 24‐90) were investigated. Pleuroscopy showed that 18 had malignant pleural disease (54%), and 15 had benign pleural diseases (46%). The top three most frequent causes of pleural disease were pleural metastases of lung carcinoma (30.3%), pyothorax (15.1%), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (12.1%). In 32 cases (97%), observation at the introducer insertion site was possible. It was not possible in one case due to hard adhesions. The diagnostic rate was 100%, and the complication rate was 6.1%. There were no major complications, and minor complications included mild pain (one case) and minor bleeding (one case) that was stanched spontaneously.ConclusionsThe new flex‐rigid pleuroscope is effective and safe for diagnosing pleural effusions. The improved bending angle is likely to minimize the blind area. The new pleuroscopy fiberscope may improve the diagnostic rate.
Drug safety in hospitalized patients with tuberculosis: Drug interactions and adverse drug effects
Authors: Noor Sidra , Ismail Mohammad , Khan Fahadullah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHospitalized patients with tuberculosis (TB) are prescribed with drugs having high risk of potential drug‐drug interactions (pDDIs) and adverse drug effects (ADEs).ObjectivesTo explore the adverse effects of anti‐tuberculosis (anti‐TB) drugs and the prevalence and predictors of pDDIs in hospitalized patients with TB.MethodsClinical profiles of 436 TB patients were reviewed for adverse effects induced by anti‐TB drugs and screened for pDDIs using Micromedex‐DrugReax. Prevalence and severity levels of pDDIs were reported. Odds ratios for predictors were calculated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf total 436 patients, adverse effects of anti‐TB drugs were found in 36%. ADEs were highly prevalent in patients with high doses of anti‐TB drugs. Hepatotoxicity, neuropathy, insomnia, arthralgia, psychosis, hematological alterations, skin rashes, red color stool, diplopia, and photophobia were the identified ADEs. All drugs types‐ and anti‐TB drugs‐pDDIs were reported in 78.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Major‐pDDIs of anti‐TB drugs were identified in 55.5%. Total 1090 anti‐TB drugs pDDIs were found, among them, 55.6% were of major‐ and 40.5% were of moderate‐severity. Significant association was observed for the pDDIs with ≥7 prescribed medicines (P < 0.001). Potential adverse outcomes of the most frequent interactions were hepatotoxicity, decreased drug’s effectiveness, QT‐interval prolongation, nephrotoxicity, and gastrointestinal ulceration.ConclusionsPatients with TB present with a considerable number of clinically important pDDIs and ADEs (particularly hepatotoxicity). TB patients should be monitored for adverse effects of anti‐TB drugs. Attention should be given to major‐pDDIs. Patients more at risk to interactions should be identified and monitored for related adverse outcomes.
Identifying priority areas for restoring mountain ungulates in the Caucasus ecoregion
Authors: Kuemmerle Tobias , Bluhm Hendrik , Ghoddousi Arash , Arakelyan Marine , Askerov Elshad , Bleyhl Benjamin , Ghasabian Mamikon , Gavashelishvili Alexander , Heidelberg Aurel , Malkhasyan Alexander , Manvelyan Karen , Soofi Mahmood , Yarovenko Yuriy , Weinberg Paul , Zazanashvili Nugzar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMountain ungulates around the world have been decimated to small, fragmented populations. Restoring these species often is limited by inadequate information on where suitable habitat is found, and which restoration measures would help to increase and link existing populations. We developed an approach to spatially target threat‐specific restoration actions and demonstrate it for bezoar goats (Capra aegagrus) in the Caucasus. Using a large occurrence dataset, we identified suitable habitat patches and evaluate them in terms of connectivity, protection status, and competition with other mountain ungulates. We found extant bezoar goat populations to be highly isolated, yet with widespread areas of suitable, unoccupied habitat between them. Many unoccupied habitat patches were well‐connected to extant populations, were at least partly protected, and have low potential for competition with other Capra species. This signals substantial pressure on bezoar goats, likely due to poaching, which currently prevents natural recolonization. Our study shows how restoration planning is possible in the face of multiple threats and scarce data. For bezoar goats in the Caucasus, we pinpoint priority patches for specific restoration measures, including reintroductions and anti‐poaching action. We highlight that many patches would benefit from multiple interventions and that transboundary restoration planning is needed, a situation likely similar for many mountain ungulates around the world.