bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free or Enslaved Labor
Authors: Rönnbäck Klas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Slavery was a dominant institution in labor markets for thousands of years. While nowadays illegal around the world, modern slavery still exists in various forms. This paper is an attempt to understand why slavery has been such a persistent institution. The model outlined is based on the theory of reservation wages, and proposes that slavery is an institution resorted to in contexts where the reservation wages for engaging free workers are high. Factors that contribute to such a scenario include the outside opportunities available to free workers, and the disamenities associated with the particular tasks to be undertaken. This paper argues that all key predictions from the model fit well with what is known about historical slavery, and for many of the dominant forms of modern slavery. The model can also be used to generate policy recommendations to better combat surviving forms of modern slavery.
Voluntary Slavery and the Meaning of Slavery
Authors: Spicksley Judith M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
For most scholars of slavery, the pairing of the terms ‘voluntary’ and ‘slavery’ remains problematic. The dominant model of slavery defines it as an involuntary status, in which people—according to the liberal model of ownership—were reduced to ‘things’, able to be used, abused and even killed at will. However, this involuntary model is a modern creation, developed by abolitionists from the eighteenth century. Prior to this, being owned did not necessarily involve being reduced to a ‘thing’; as a result, the decision to enter ownership voluntarily did not carry the same weight of contradiction. In this article I show that as the idea of slavery as involuntary was consolidated, so the rhetorical and critical value of ‘voluntary slavery’ as the ultimate oxymoron rose to the fore. In the process, however, the exploitation of those who agreed to submit themselves to others was downplayed.
National Growth Models and Global Capitalism: a Critique of Comparative Political Economy
Authors: Pauls Robert , Kalinowski Thomas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This theoretical article offers a critical perspective on the stagnationist and methodologically nationalist foundations of the growth model approach in comparative political economy. Going back to Bhaduri and Marglin’s foundational work, we examine its stagnationist roots, focusing on the causal mechanisms that link national aggregate demand, profit, and investment, which create a congruence between capitalist accumulation and national economic growth. We contrast these stagnationist assumptions with recent research on the transnational accumulation strategies of firms, which escape the stagnationist logic. Subsequently, we show how the growth model approach, more implicitly than explicitly, adopts many of the stagnationist assumptions of the Neo-Kaleckian model in its creation of a typology based on national aggregate demand components, thereby also subscribing to a methodological nationalism that inadequately captures contemporary global accumulation dynamics. Consequently, we argue that comparative political economy studies need to emphasize the theorization of the changing logic of capitalist accumulation.
Disrespect and Coercion: Unpacking Variations in China’s Sanctions Rhetoric
Authors: Gloria Enrico V. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Under what conditions does China openly acknowledge the use of unilateral sanctions against other countries? China is notorious for maintaining an official position that it is against using unilateral sanctions on the international stage. Yet, as recent events have also indicated, China has grown more proactive and obvious in its reliance on these unilateral measures. By considering China’s changing approach to publicly acknowledging its use of sanctions, this paper recognizes that China’s sanctions practice appears to be more complicated. It also recognizes that the seemingly contradictory practices of relying on vagueness and explicitly acknowledging sanctions coexist, forming China’s complex sanctions behavior. This paper turns to the concept of disrespect to explain China’s complex sanctions acknowledgement rhetoric. When China feels that it has been gravely disrespected, China tends to be more explicit in publicly acknowledging the use of sanctions. To test this hypothesis, this paper looks at the cases of China’s use of sanctions towards targeted actors during (1) Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, (2) Japan’s nationalization of the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands in 2012, and (3) the Standoff between the Philippines and China at the Huangyan Dao/Scarborough Shoal in 2012. In the first two cases where conditions for salient disrespect were met, China’s sanctions use was explicit and discernible. The Philippines’ case, on the other hand, shows that China’s vague rhetoric coincides with relatively moderate perceptions that it was disrespected. This paper highlights the importance of status, emotions, and constructed meanings in shaping China’s foreign policy by underscoring disrespect as a possible explanatory variable to China’s changing sanctions rhetoric.
Individual and socio-psychological characteristics as predictors of physical activity among men living with overweight and obesity taking part in the Aussie Fans in Training weight management behaviour change programme
Authors: Smith Brendan J , McVeigh Joanne , Kwasnicka Dominika , Riddell Hugh , Quested Eleanor 
Published: November 2024

Background: Sufficient physical activity (PA) is important to reduce the risk of men developing chronic diseases and to improve mental health. The effectiveness of PA programmes can vary, however, among men. Individual and socio-psychological characteristics may affect the level of men’s PA before starting a behaviour change programme as well as changes in PA during the programme. Aims: The primary objective of this study was to examine the role of individual and socio-psychological characteristics in predicting men’s (a) accelerometer-assessed PA (step count and moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA]) upon presentation to a behaviour change programme and (b) changes in PA (step count and MVPA) during a behaviour change programme. Methods: A total of 109 men (mean age = 45.5 years, SD = 7.8 years, mean body mass index = 34.5 kg/m2, SD = 5.1 kg/m2) who participated in the Australian Fans in Training 3-month PA and dietary behaviour change programme in 2018 participated in this study. Before and after completing the 12-week programme, men completed assessments including individual (age, weight) and socio-psychological (psychological needs support, psychological needs satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect) characteristics. We used regression analysis to examine the relationship between these variables and PA. Results: At baseline, men’s weight (β = –.36, p < .001) and positive affect (β = .29, p < .01) were significant predictors of step count. At baseline, men’s weight (β = –.21, p < .05) and negative affect (β = .23, p < .05) were significant predictors of MVPA, though the overall model did not display statistical significance. The overall regression models did not significantly predict changes in either step count or MVPA pre- to post-programme. Conclusion: The influence of weight and positive and negative affect in predicting PA outcomes suggests that tailoring men’s health behaviour change interventions to individual circumstances and needs could enhance their effectiveness for some men.
Non-intensive care unit feasibility for ambulatory veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients
Authors: Shah Aakash , Stachnik Stephen , Leibowitz Joshua L. , Ramadan Leena , Ejimogu Jason , Singireddy Shreya , Naselsky Warren , Grazioli Alison , Rabin Joseph , Wu Zhongjun J. , Griffith Bartley P. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has increasingly been utilized to support patients in respiratory failure as a bridge to recovery or lung transplantation. As patients progress from cannulation to recovery or transplantation, it has been shown that physical therapy and ambulation are possible and beneficial for patient outcomes. Methods We sought to evaluate the feasibility of managing these ambulatory VV-ECMO patients in a non-ICU setting by conducting a single-center, retrospective cohort study to characterize the daily data collection (i.e., CXRs, blood draws, etc.) and ICU and ECMO interventions and events (i.e., oxygenator/cannula exchange, sweep or flow adjustments, etc.). Results A total of 28 ECMO runs from patients ≥18 years of age who ambulated ≥100 feet while on VV ECMO between 2014 and 2020 were included for analysis. Patients were supported on ECMO a median of 33 [18-79.5] days with a mean of 4.0 (3.8,4.1) data collections per day. There was a mean of 1.1 (1.0,1.2) anticoagulation changes, 1.5 (1.4,1.6) ECMO interventions, and 0.40 (0.34,0.46) ICU interventions per day. There were very few instances of cannula repositioning or oxygenator exchanges - 0.05 (CI 0.04, 0.06) per day. Conclusion Our data suggests that ambulatory VV-ECMO patients may tolerate less than ICU level of care and may even progress to outpatient management as ECMO technology continues to advance.
Q-Fever endocarditis: Prosthetic valve infection in the absence of zoonotic exposure
Authors: Mohamed Walid , Dihmis Omar , Thirukumaran David , Luthra Suvitesh 
Published: November 2024

Background: Q-Fever is a rare condition with an often insidious presentation. Endocarditis is a serious complication of up to 5% of Q-Fever cases, with a higher incidence and mortality in patients with prosthetic valves. Case-history: A 67-year-old man presented with a 6-weeks history of breathlessness on a background of previous bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement in 2018. Subsequent echocardiograms showed severe eccentric aortic regurgitation, a 2 cm vegetation, and severely impaired biventricular function. Routine blood cultures were negative, but later PCR testing for non-culturable microorganisms, performed due to the high probability of endocarditis, was positive for Coxiella Burnetii. The patient denied any recent constitutional symptoms and previous exposure to animal reservoirs. He underwent a successful urgent redo sternotomy and aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis. Prosthetic valve PCR testing was positive for Coxiella Burnetii, and he completed a long antibiotic course with follow-up serology to guide therapy. Clinic follow-up 3 months later showed good recovery with no complications. Conclusions: This case emphasises the high index of suspicion and routine screening needed in culture-negative cases to diagnose Q-Fever endocarditis, especially in the absence of acute symptoms and exposure to known sources of transmission. The complexities in management and timing of surgery are discussed.
Association between admission hyperglycaemia with in-hospital mortality rate in patients with hypertension and acute aortic dissection
Authors: Mutailifu Saimire , Zhu Qing , Cai Xintian , Heizhati Mulalibieke , Liu Shasha , Dang Yujie , Wu Ting , Hong Jing , Lin Yue , Li Nanfang 
Published: November 2024

Objective Admission hyperglycaemia is recognized as a contributor to poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association between admission hyperglycaemia and in-hospital mortality in patients with hypertension and acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods Patients diagnosed with hypertension and AAD between 1 January 2010 and 1 March 2023 were enrolled into this retrospective observational study, and divided into two groups based on admission blood glucose levels (BGA): normoglycemia (BGA < 7.8 mmol/L) and hyperglycaemia (BGA ≥ 7.8 mmol/L). The outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, which was analysed using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, 1239 patients were included (comprising 954 [77%] male patients; mean age, 53.0 years; and median BGA, 6.1 mmol/L). Logistic regression analysis showed that in-hospital mortality was 2.53 times greater for patients with hyperglycaemia versus the normoglycaemia group (95% CI 1.68, 3.80). This significant association persisted after adjustments for potential confounders (adjusted OR 2.45 [95% CI 1.58, 3.85]). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed that the relationship between BGA and mortality reached statistical significance at BGA > 6.1 mmol/L. Stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of this relationship. Conclusion Admission hyperglycaemia correlated with an elevated risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with hypertension and AAD, particularly BGA > 6.1 mmol/L, indicating that BGA level may be useful in identifying patients who are at an elevated risk of all-cause mortality.
Predictive ability of anthropometric indices for risk of developing metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chaquila José A. , Ramirez-Jeri Gianella , Miranda-Torvisco Fresia , Baquerizo-Sedano Luis , Aparco Juan Pablo 
Published: November 2024

Objective To determine the discriminatory ability of different anthropometric indicators of body fat percentage for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Peruvian sample. Methods This was a cross-sectional, non-experimental, diagnostic accuracy study. Anthropometric and biochemical data for 948 participants were analyzed. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index, relative fat mass (RFM), conicity index, body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and A Body Shape Index were assessed for their MetS discriminatory ability. The National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to diagnose MetS. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the predictive power of each anthropometric measurement to diagnose MetS. Results In both sexes, RFM, BRI, and WHtR showed the same predictive ability to diagnose MetS. In women, indicators incorporating WC showed high discriminatory ability: RFM, BRI, and WHtR (all AUC: 0.869, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.828–0.910). In men, WC had the highest AUC (0.829, 95% CI: 0.793–0.866). Conclusions In both sexes, RFM, WC, BRI, and WHtR were the best predictors of MetS diagnosis. This is the first study to identify RFM as a potentially useful clinical predictor of MetS in a Peruvian sample of educational workers.
The Impact of Economic Status on Cause-Specific Survival in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiu-Shun , Li Guo-Sheng , Liu Jun , Gao Xiang , Feng Gui-Yu , Li Jing-Xiao , Huang Tao , Guo Jian-Ji , Yang Nuo , Zhou Hua-Fu 
Published: November 2024

Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of economic status on the cause-specific survival (CSS) of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Using propensity score matching (PSM), we analyzed data from 4676 patients with EAC, categorized into low household income (LHI) and high household income (HHI), sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Significant pre-PSM differences in age, gender, race, and tumor stage (T stage) were observed, necessitating PSM adjustment. The PSM incorporated these variables along with radiotherapy to balance the groups effectively. Kaplan–Meier curves and accelerated failure time (AFT) and random survival forest (RSF) models were used to assess the prognostic impacts. Results According to the pre-PSM data, a significant difference in CSS was observed between the LHI and HHI groups (median CSS = 1.25 years vs 1.50 years, P < .05). Post-PSM analysis maintained the result ( P < .05). Using the AFT model, HHI was found to significantly enhance CSS (pre-PSM time ratio [TR] = 1.145, post-PSM TR = 1.146). Male gender (pre-PSM TR = 0.762, post-PSM TR = 0.819) and certain non-single marital statuses (such as divorced, pre- and post-TRs <1.000) are also prognostic risk factors for EAC ( P values <.05). Additional significant prognostic risk factors for EAC included advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer stages (III and IV), higher tumor stages (T3 and T4), higher node stages (N1–N3), without surgery, and without chemotherapy, as identified using the AFT and/or RSF mothods. The results derived from the RSF model are consistent with those of the AFT model. Conclusion Higher economic status is positively related to EAC CSS. Beyond standard clinical treatments, interventions such as enhancing socioeconomic support and preventive aspects, including intensive health education and EAC screening, could play a crucial role in improving EAC prognosis.
A mirror symmetric dodecagon resonator based double band ENG-metamaterial with multilayer tunability and sensing application
Authors: Rabbani Md. Golam , Hoque Ahasanul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Alzamil Ahmed , Soliman Mohamed S 
Published: November 2024

A new mirror-symmetric dodecagon resonator-based metamaterial (MM) has been proposed. It is intended for sensing applications. This MM is a candidate for further study because its transmission coefficient shows numerous resonances in the S and C bands. A low-loss Rogers RT5880 substrate is used to construct the resonating patch, which has an electrical size of 0.104λ × 0.104λ . The proposed MM is electromagnetically characterized using permeability, permittivity, and refractive index studies, revealing resonances at 3.12 GHz and 4.58 GHz. Several parametric analyses have optimized the structure’s design and size. The MM responds similarly to single cells and arrays because of its dodecagon mirror symmetry structure. Electromagnetic characterization studies reveal that the suggested MM exhibits negative permittivity, negligible permeability, and a refractive index. A sandwich construction on top of the frequency-tunable patch of the unit cell is used to investigate frequency tuning utilising various dielectric property-based substrates. The calculated outcome satisfies the simulated effect well. The MM, with an effective medium ratio (EMR) of 9.62, is well-suited for frequency-selective microwave devices due to its unique characteristics. Different oil samples with varying dielectric characteristics are used to test the sensor’s accuracy. The proposed sensor also has high sensitivity, high Q-Factor, and High FOM with a value of 60.89, 65, and 3957.85, respectively. As a result, the proposed sensor has broad applicability, especially in the industrial sector.
Homonymous hemi-macular atrophy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kalaitzidis Grigorios , Ezzedin Omar , Bacchetti Anna , Moussa Hussein , Murphy Olwen C , Filippatou Angeliki G , Ehrhardt Henrik , Vasileiou Eleni , Pellegrini Nicole , Davis Simidele , Douglas Morgan , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , DuVal Anna , Douglas Newsome Scott , Sotirchos Elias S , Nourbakhsh Bardia , Dewey Blake E , Prince Jerry , Saidha Shiv , Calabresi Peter A 
Published: November 2024

Background: Retrograde trans-synaptic degeneration (TSD) following retro-chiasmal pathology, typically retro-geniculate in multiple sclerosis (MS), may manifest as homonymous hemi-macular atrophy (HHMA) of the ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL). Objective: To determine the frequency, association with clinical outcomes, and retinal and radiological features of HHMA in people with MS (PwMS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, healthy controls (HC) and PwMS underwent retinal optical coherence tomography scanning. For quantitative identification of HHMA, a normalized asymmetry ratio was used, and its normative cutoffs were established from the HC. HHMA PwMS were propensity score matched 1:2 to non-HHMA PwMS. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used in analyses. Results: Based on normative data from 238 HC (466 eyes), 79 out of 942 PwMS exhibited HHMA (8.4%; 143 eyes). Compared to non-HHMA eyes from matched PwMS (158 PwMS; 308 eyes), HHMA eyes had lower average GCIPL (diff: −5.7 μm (95% CI −7.6 to −3.8); p < 0.001) but also inner nuclear layer (diff: −0.9 μm (95% CI −1.6 to −0.1); p = 0.02), and outer nuclear layer (diff: −1.9 μm (95% CI −3.4 to −0.4); p = 0.02) thicknesses; in further analyses, these differences were exclusive to the homonymous side of HHMA. HHMA participants also exhibited higher expanded disability status scale scores (diff: 0.5 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.9); p = 0.02), worse 100% and 2.5% visual acuity scores (diff: −3.2 (95% CI −4.1 to −1.0); p = 0.002, −5.4 (95% CI −7.5 to −3.5); p < 0.001), and higher frequency of microcystoid macular changes (10.1% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.03) compared to non-HHMA participants. Conclusions: HHMA, possibly as a marker of TSD, may signify higher disability in MS.
Exploring airflow patterns at the roof parapet of a building
Authors: Yang Changqing , Jin Yuqi , Liu Yubo , Liu Zhiyong , Li Angui 
Published: November 2024

Roof parapet structures can affect airflow patterns and outdoor wind field on rooftops, potentially leading to pollutant accumulation and indoor infiltration. This study is to clarify the airflow patterns on the rooftop with a parapet and the thermal effect on the indoor environment. In this study, various factors that influence airflow characteristics on rooftops with parapet structures were investigated through numerical simulation. The findings showed that when the wind angle is 0°, the recirculation zone on the rooftop is the largest. In addition, when heights of parapets are 0.6 m and the Richardson number ( Ri) is less than 2.5, an obvious vortex core can be observed at the top. When Ri > 13.34, a complete recirculation zone cannot be observed, but when increasing the height of the parapet, a vortex area can be observed on the roof under the condition of a high Ri. Moreover, this study examined the impact of the building height (including parapet), width and proportion of the parapet height to the building height on the size of the recirculation zone on the rooftop. The study recommends the use of a scaling coefficient R* to evaluate the size of the recirculation zone on the rooftop.