bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender and Bureaucratic Corruption: Evidence from Two Countries
Authors: Decarolis Francesco , Fisman Raymond , Pinotti Paolo , Vannutelli Silvia , Wang Yongxiang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We examine the correlation between gender and bureaucratic corruption using two distinct datasets, from Italy and from China. In each case, we find that women are far less likely to be investigated for corruption than men. In our Italian data, female procurement officials are 22% less likely than men to be investigated for corruption by enforcement authorities; in China, female prefectural leaders are 81% less likely to be arrested for corruption than men. While these represent correlations (rather than definitive causal effects), both are very robust relationships, which survive the inclusion of fine-grained individual and geographic controls, and based on Oster’s (2019. “Unobservable Selection and Coefficient Stability: Theory and Evidence,” 37 Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 187–204.) test unlikely to be driven by unobservables. Using data from a survey of Italian procurement officials, we present tentative evidence on mechanism: the gender gap is partly due to women acting more “defensively” in administering their duties.
Modulation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways by hydrolysable tannin fraction from Terminalia chebula fruits contributes to its anti-inflammatory action in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Ekambaram Sanmuga Priya , Aruldhas Jenifer , Srinivasan Aswini , Erusappan Thamizharasi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hydrolysable tannin fraction (HTF) derived from Terminalia chebula fruit pericarps was assessed for its anti-inflammatory potential in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Its molecular mechanism was also established and compared with individual tannins – chebulagic acid (CH) and corilagin (CO).

Methods
The effect of HTF on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was studied by estimating the release of NO, ROS, cytokines and changes in nuclear morphology by DAPI staining. Furthermore, the effect of HTF, CO and CH was compared with the expression of p65, p38 and pERK proteins by immunoblotting and the mRNA transcript level of COX-2, iNOS and TNF-α by quantitative PCR. The in-silico interactions of various hydrolysable tannins present in HTF with molecular targets of inflammation were studied using Maestro software.

Key findings
HTF at the dose levels of 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml was able to decrease the release of NO, ROS and cytokines from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells without disturbing the cell nuclear morphology. Investigation of molecular mechanism revealed that inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways was responsible for its anti-inflammatory action. The effect of HTF was higher than the individual tannins CH and CO.

Conclusion
HTF can be developed as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Usefulness of early diagnosis of small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament hernia using multidetector computed tomography: a case report
Authors: Kubota Wakako , Sakuma Akihiro , Katada Ryuji , Nagao Tomoya , Murota Chiaki 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament hernia (BLH) is a rare type of internal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, as clinical symptoms and imaging results are often nonspecific. BLH has a high risk of strangulation and requires surgery for the reduction of herniated bowels. According to an analysis of 140 BLH cases reported in Japan, the typical patient is a middle-aged woman who has been pregnant and has no history of abdominal surgery and the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings. This report will enable preoperative early diagnosis with our description of the typical patient with BLH and the characteristic CT findings. Tortuousness and dilation of the ovarian veins were noted in three cases, including in ours. This may be used as a new CT feature of early detection. Additionally, we report a case of BLH successfully treated after early diagnosis using multidetector CT.
Ancient Demographics Determine the Effectiveness of Genetic Purging in Endangered Lizards
Authors: Xie Hong-Xin , Liang Xi-Xi , Chen Zhi-Qiang , Li Wei-Ming , Mi Chun-Rong , Li Ming , Wu Zheng-Jun , Zhou Xu-Ming , Du Wei-Guo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe purging of deleterious alleles has been hypothesized to mitigate inbreeding depression, but its effectiveness in endangered species remains debatable. To understand how deleterious alleles are purged during population contractions, we analyzed genomes of the endangered Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus), which is the only surviving species of its family and currently isolated into small populations. Population genomic analyses revealed four genetically distinct conservation units and sharp declines in both effective population size and genetic diversity. By comparing the relative genetic load across populations and conducting genomic simulations, we discovered that seriously deleterious alleles were effectively purged during population contractions in this relict species, although inbreeding generally enhanced the genetic burden. However, despite with the initial purging, our simulations also predicted that seriously deleterious alleles will gradually accumulate under prolonged bottlenecking. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a minimum population capacity and increasing the functional genetic diversity in conservation efforts to preserve populations of the crocodile lizard and other endangered species.
Adult-onset Still’s disease during pregnancy that delivered a neonate with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and severe liver failure requiring liver transplantation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Watanabe Eri , Sugiyama Yohei , Sato Hiroaki , Imanishi Toshiyuki , Fukuda Akinari , Takagi Kenjiro , Asano Tomoyuki , Migita Kiyoshi , Nanki Toshihiro , Kotake Shigeru 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology that is categorised as a non-hereditary disease. Neonatal haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is also a rare, but potentially fatal condition. Neonatal HLH is one of the causes of neonatal acute liver failure that often requires urgent liver transplantation. The relationship between AOSD during pregnancy and neonatal HLH currently remains unclear. We encountered a case of AOSD that developed during pregnancy, and an offspring was born with neonatal HLH resulting in severe liver failure. The mother with AOSD only presented with liver dysfunction during pregnancy; however, disease activity was exacerbated after delivery. The maternal clinical course was quite severe and refractory that she required biological therapy in addition to high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Additionally, the severe condition of the neonate with HLH and acute liver failure required intensive care with the administration of steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin treatments and ultimately liver transplantation. This is the first case that severe maternal AOSD associated with a neonatal HLH resulted in severe clinical courses. Physicians need to be aware of the risk of a mother with AOSD delivering an offspring with neonatal HLH with potentially acute liver failure.
Digital gangrene and pulmonary consolidation in a young girl with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Bhatt Kamal , Jindal Parveen , Gupta Sudesh , Suri Shalini 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large-vessel vasculitis most commonly affecting women of childbearing age. The disease process is usually slow and smoldering, presenting over months to years. Digital gangrene is an uncommon manifestation of TA because of the formation of good collateral circulation. Similarly, although pulmonary artery involvement is well described, pulmonary parenchymal involvement is very rare. We are reporting a case of a young girl with TA presenting with digital gangrene and pulmonary consolidation, which was treated successfully with a combination of aggressive systemic immunosuppression and anti-coagulants. The possible mechanism for gangrene along with the confounding diagnostic possibility of co-existing tuberculosis have been discussed.
Interest in Electronic Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation Among Adults With Opioid Use Disorder in Buprenorphine Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
Authors: Streck Joanna M , Regan Susan , Neil Jordan , Kalkhoran Sara , Gupta Priya S , Bearnot Benjamin , Coker Faith K , Kalagher Kelly M , Park Elyse R , Wakeman Sarah , Rigotti Nancy A 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) have high smoking rates and limited success with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cessation aids, suggesting need for novel approaches. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) might benefit this population, but e-cigarettes’ acceptability for tobacco reduction or cessation among smokers in OUD treatment is not known.

Methods
A cross-sectional mixed-methods study of 222 adults in OUD treatment with buprenorphine in the Boston, Massachusetts metropolitan area was conducted in 2020. We used quantitative and qualitative data to investigate individuals’ experience with and interest in e-cigarettes and other methods for smoking cessation and assessed factors associated with interest in e-cigarette use.

Results
One hundred sixty (72%) of the 222 participants were past 30-day cigarette smokers. They most frequently reported having ever used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; 83%) and e-cigarettes (71%) for smoking cessation and most often indicated interest in using NRT (71%) and e-cigarettes (44%) for future smoking cessation. In multiple logistic regression analysis, interest in using e-cigarettes for future smoking cessation was independently associated with having ever used e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, current e-cigarette use, and perceiving e-cigarettes to be less harmful than cigarettes (ps &lt; .05). In qualitative data, many current vapers/former smokers reported that e-cigarettes had been helpful for quitting cigarettes. For current smokers who currently or formerly vaped, frequently reported challenges in switching to e-cigarettes were concerns about replacing one addiction with another and e-cigarettes not adequately substituting for cigarettes.

Conclusions
E-cigarettes had a moderate level of acceptability for smoking cessation among cigarette smokers in OUD treatment. More research is warranted to test the efficacy of this approach.

Implications
Individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) have high smoking rates and limited success with existing smoking cessation tools, suggesting a need for novel cessation treatment approaches. In this mixed-methods study of individuals receiving medication treatment for OUD with buprenorphine in Massachusetts in 2020, we found a moderate level of acceptability of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
An equity-oriented systematic review of online grocery shopping among low-income populations: implications for policy and research
Authors: Trude Angela C B , Lowery Caitlin M , Ali Shahmir H , Vedovato Gabriela M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Context
Online grocery services are an emerging component of the food system with the potential to address disparities in access to healthy food.

Objective
We assessed the barriers and facilitators of equitable access to healthy foods in the online grocery environment, and the psychosocial, purchasing, and dietary behaviors related to its use among low-income, diverse populations.

Data Sources
Four electronic databases were searched to identify relevant literature; 16 studies were identified.

Results
Barriers to equitable access to healthy food included cost and limited availability of online grocery services in food deserts and rural areas. The expansion of online grocery services and the ability to use nutrition assistance benefits online were equity-promoting factors. Perceived low control over food selection was a psychosocial factor that discouraged online grocery use, whereas convenience and lower perceived stress were facilitators. Findings were mixed regarding healthfulness of foods purchased online. Although few studies assessed diet, healthy food consumption was associated with online grocery use.

Conclusion
Researchers should assess the impact of online grocery shopping on low-income families’ food purchases and diet.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD: 42021240277
Police Labor and Exploitation: Case Study of North India
Authors: Jauregui Beatrice 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This chapter analyzes data collected over more than two years of ethnographic fieldwork with police in north India. It argues that subordinate police personnel in this decolonizing world region often experience exploitation as laborers, even as they routinely deploy excessive force and sometimes misuse their authority to intervene in everyday life. The analysis reveals an imbrication of official police rank hierarchies with broader forms of social inequality (especially socioeconomic class, religion, and caste) through observations of interactions among police personnel of various ranks and interviews with current and former officers in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. It also develops methodological concepts of “strategic complicity” and “critical empathy,” and suggests directions for future ethnographic research on policing that may help us discern the complexities of both local and global social justice movements and power relations.
Agriculture in South Africa
Authors: Sihlobo Wandile , Kirsten Johann 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
South Africa is a semi-arid country with a weak resource base for agriculture which is also threatened by climate change and sporadic droughts. Through the adoption of modern technology, increased productivity growth and new export markets, South African commercial agriculture has shown dramatic growth over the last three decades. At the same time, the sector continues to be characterized by an extreme dualism between predominantly white commercial farmers and mainly black smallholder farmers, and many failed efforts to grow the sector in an inclusive and transformed manner. As a result, the country still has ‘two agricultures’. This chapter unpacks the structural characteristics of South African commercial agriculture based on a freighter-relation of the official statistics. This incomplete picture of the structural and geospatial dimensions of agriculture constrain any sensible policy design and support programmes to bring about a sustainable and transformed sector.
Agro-processing Industries in the South AfricaN Economy
Authors: Chitonge Horman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the agro-processing sector in the South African economy, focusing on the sector’s potential to contribute to inclusive growth through high value-added activities. The chapter shows that agro-processing industries have been the largest subsector of the manufacturing sector in the country since the 1970s, accounting for the largest share of both manufacturing output and employment. Apart from being the largest segment of the manufacturing sector, agro-processing industries have the potential to contribute to the broader national objective of transforming the structure of the economy through the creation of jobs and business opportunities for new small and medium enterprises on both sides of the agro-processing value chains. Employment creation potential lies in the fact that most agro-processing industries are labour intensive. Agro-processing industries, on average, use 40 per cent more labour per unit of capital relative to the manufacturing sector as a whole. However, the challenge is that several of the most labour-intensive agro-processing industries are experiencing declining or stagnating value-added, investment, and, most importantly, employment levels. Consistent and coordinated implementation of strategies which revive dynamism in labour-intensive industries is required to overcome this challenge.
Climate Change and the Green Transition in South Africa
Authors: Arndt Channing , Gabriel Sherwin , Hartley Faaiqa , Strzepek Kenneth Marc , Thomas Timothy S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Abstract: Climate change is one of the most complex challenges facing South Africa as the country designs plans and policies for future economic growth and development. Higher temperatures and more variable rainfall are already affecting the economy and are expected to continue for decades. The degree to which climate change affects different regions in South Africa is likely to vary significantly, characterized by wide ranges in the direction and magnitude of change in key climate variables, especially precipitation. These uncertainties interact with South Africa’s growth and development challenges and complicate planning and policy formation in support national development objectives. This chapter presents key research on changes in climate experienced in South Africa in recent years, along with projected changes in years to come. It illustrates the uncertainties related to climate change and the key channels through which climate change affects the economy. The economic and developmental impacts of such changes are presented along with the lessons for adaptation policy. As energy will be a key focus area for mitigation efforts in the country, this chapter also outlines the implications of such a transition and the factors that need to be accounted for in limiting the impacts on vulnerable populations.
Inequality in South Africa
Authors: Leibbrandt Murray , Díaz Pabón Fabio Andrés 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Post-apartheid South Africa inherited one of the most unequal societies in the world in 1994 and inequality has featured prominently as a key socio-economic and policy challenge over the post-apartheid period. Yet, despite policy interventions aimed at reducing inequality, these high levels of inequality remain in place. Such persistence demands a better understanding of the mechanisms that reproduce and create inequalities. We start by consolidating the extensive research on South Africa’s income inequality and the emerging literature on wealth inequality. We go on to explore the interactions between these economic inequalities, spatial inequality and two key categorical inequalities, gender and race. These inequalities work collectively to stifle opportunity and agency in contemporary South Africa. We show this through the lens of recent work on social mobility that highlights very low levels of social mobility and the precariousness of upward mobility. We conclude by reviewing policies to overcome inequality against this prevailing reality. Some of these policies have addressed important drivers of inequality, but in isolation. This chapter has shown that such an approach will have limited effectiveness. A coherent, integrated approach is required. Derivatively, there is an urgent need for further interdisciplinary research on how to break these inequality traps.
Cyber Espionage
Authors: Lindsay Jon R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The ubiquity of information technology augurs a new golden age of espionage. Intelligence is the use of deceptive means for strategic ends. It encompasses the collection of secrets, analysis and decision support, covert action and influence, and counterintelligence. Modern computational networks expand the opportunities for all these types of intelligence, for new types of actors to engage in intelligence activities, and for almost anyone or anything to become intelligence targets. Yet large-scale information systems also amplify the classic ethical, operational, and strategic challenges associated with intelligence. Many of the policy controversies associated with cybersecurity, for instance, are not simply novelties of the Internet age, but rather are symptomatic of the uneasy relationship between counterintelligence and democracy. Understanding the technology used for cyber intrusion may be necessary for understanding cyber conflict, but it is not sufficient for comprehending its strategic ends and limits: it is further necessary to understand the political logic of intelligence.
Toward a Vulnerability Mitigation Model
Authors: Brandão José Eduardo Malta de Sá 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This chapter demonstrates how the elements of a cybersecurity incident can be analysed systematically, and suggests an alternative way to mitigate the causes and consequences of such incidents. Cybersecurity incidents can be explained in terms of a sequence of elements linking the attacking agents to their objectives: the attacking agent uses tools to exploit vulnerabilities, causing actions on a specific target to obtain unauthorized results, achieving their objectives. Cyber security can be improved by stopping the flow of the attack by mitigating one or more elements that make up the process. Unfortunately, most of these elements have characteristics that limit the opportunities for mitigation. The least difficult element to mitigate is vulnerability. The current model of vulnerability mitigation has behaved for the corporate environment, which can pay for specialized tools and consulting. This is an excellent business model but inaccessible to the public. A new model is necessary to prevent cybersecurity incidents on a broader, more inclusive level. The main proposal for vulnerability mitigation is multisector cooperation to create an independent, trustworthy, and secure vulnerability database, based on a new vulnerability report protocol developed in accordance with researchers, companies, governments, and society. However, this proposal creates some social, political, and technical challenges.
Assessing Harm from Cyber Crime
Authors: Ignatuschtschenko Eva 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This chapter discusses a harm concept that enables a more comprehensive assessment of the consequences of cyber crime. Even though harm resulting from cyber crime is not fundamentally different from harm that is caused by other forms of crime or crime in general, the reach, scope, and volume of crime facilitated by information and communications technology have transformed risks posed to individuals, organizations, and nations, and challenge conventional approaches of crime detection and prevention. Assessments of the impact of cyber crime have been focusing on estimating the cost in monetary value. However, most significant harm might not be experienced as a loss of money, but as a disruption or destabilization of systems that are built on trust. This article advocates for a human-centric approach to cyber security, which emphasizes harm mitigation strategies.
Mali
Authors: Whitehouse Bruce 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In 2012, Mali began a long slide into insecurity and political instability. This chapter reviews the historical roots of that crisis, beginning in the waning days of French colonialism and continuing through periods of socialist nationalism, military rule, and liberal democracy. Mali’s postcolonial state has faced numerous internal and external threats. Some stemmed from hierarchical structures within the country’s heterogeneous population and the conflicts these structures engendered. Others emanated from heavy-handed government attempts to impose order and national identity on this population. Some were posed by other states in the Sahel and beyond. Still others came in the form of non-state actors exploiting state weakness to advance their own political and social agendas. Critically examining the competing narratives about Mali’s ongoing crisis, which focus on neocolonialism, geopolitics, and political institutions, this chapter demonstrates that the origins of the crisis are neither simple nor monocausal.