bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Valley Flows
Authors: Shapiro Alan , Gomes Matheus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We introduce a quasi-analytical model of thermally induced flows in valleys with sloping floors, a feature absent from most theoretical valley wind studies. One of the main theories for valley winds—the valley volume effect—emerged from field studies in the European Alps in the 1930s and 1940s. According to that theory, along-valley variations in the heating rate arising from variations in valley geometry generated the pressure gradient that drove the valley wind. However, while those early studies were conducted in valleys with relatively flat (horizontal) floors, valleys with sloping floors are ubiquitous and presumably affected directly by slope buoyancy (Prandtl mechanism). Our model is developed for the Prandtl setting of steady flow of a stably stratified fluid over a heated planar slope, but with the slope replaced by a periodic system of sloping valleys. As the valley characteristics do not change along the valley, there is no valley volume effect. The 2D linearized Boussinesq governing equations are solved using Fourier methods. Examples are explored for symmetric (with respect to valley axis) valleys subject to symmetric and antisymmetric heating. The flows are 2D, but the trajectories are intrinsically 3D. For symmetric heating, trajectories are of two types: i) helical trajectories of parcels trapped within one of two counterrotating vortices straddling the valley axis and ii) trajectories of environmental parcels that approach the valley horizontally, move under and then over the helical trajectories, and then return to the environment. For antisymmetric heating, three types of trajectories are identified.
The Efficiency Aspect of Taxation in Pakistan: A Computable General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Khan Suhrab , Khan Muhammad Aamir , Padda Ihtsham ul Haq 
Published: October 2024

This study estimates the efficiency cost of the most important tax categories for Pakistan. This is done by computing the marginal excess burden (MEB) of relevant taxes by employing a Global Computable General Equilibrium model based on the Social Accounting Matrix, 2010–2011. The simulations’ results support the necessity for significant changes to Pakistan’s tax system. The MEB of raising one dollar of tax revenue in the existing tax structure of Pakistan is 13.28 cents. That is, for every dollar of additional tax revenue rise, Pakistan’s economy would incur 13.28 cents of excess burden, which is a deadweight loss to the economy. Moreover, the results also revealed that the tariffs or trade-related taxes have considerably higher distortionary costs per unit of revenue raised. However, the goods and services tax on domestic commodities and income tax have considerably low distortionary costs per unit of revenue raised. This study suggests that the tax authorities of Pakistan should move away from the trade taxes as revenue-raising devices to the broadly based income and consumption taxes on the efficiency point of view. JEL Codes: C68, H21, H23
The ‘Recency’ of Data Used in Anti-dumping Investigations in South Africa
Authors: Vinti Clive 
Published: October 2024

The Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 does not specify how recent the data must be to the date of initiation of the anti-dumping investigation. In South Africa, dumping is regulated by the International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002 and the Anti-Dumping Regulations of 2003 (ADR). The ADR states that the period of investigation for dumping must end at least six months before the date of initiation of the investigation. This issue is significant since most dumping instigations in South Africa turn on the calculation of the margin of dumping. This article explores the requirement of the ‘recency’ of the data that is used in an anti-dumping determination in South Africa. As a general rule, it is accepted that an anti-dumping investigation employs historical data, and use of that information does not in itself make the data unreliable. However, it is required that the most recent data are used when it is available rather than outdated data. In essence, the data used must be inherently time-linked to current dumping. JEL Codes: F10, F13, F14, F17, F19
Help-seeking from traditional healers in patients with severe mental illness and its relationship with internalized stigma
Authors: Üçok Alp , Tekin Atilla , Göçüm Erkan , Aydın Sena , Sarıbaş Ekin Deniz , Arslan Mehmet Alper , Ince-Guliyev Ezgi , Direk Tecirli Neşe 
Published: October 2024

Background: Help-seeking from traditional healers (TH) is common in patients with severe mental illness. However, the differences between patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are not well-known. Although internalized stigma is also common in patients with severe mental illness, its impact on help-seeking from TH is not studied. Aim: To investigate help-seeking from TH and the relationship between help-seeking from TH and internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected information about help-seeking from TH and clinical characteristics by using a semi-structured interview form from 310 patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in two sites with different socio-cultural backgrounds. We measured internalized stigma by using The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale. Results: We found that 47% of the patients visited TH in any phase of their illness, and 46% of them sought help from TH before their first contact with a psychiatrist. Those who grew up in rural areas, were less educated, who attempted suicide before, with resistance to treatment, and with a family member who also admitted to TH were more frequent among the help-seekers from TH. This group also had more hospitalizations and higher Clinical Global Impression scores. Internalized stigma was found to be higher in the schizophrenia group, and it was related to help-seeking from TH and delay in admission to psychiatric facilities. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that help-seeking from TH is common both in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it has socio-cultural, illness-related, and stigma-related predictors.
Better data for budgetary surveillance: EU law on statistics as key to unlocking the potential of public sector accounting
Authors: Helldorff Karoline , Christiaens Johan 
Published: October 2024

The quality of the data available for monitoring budgetary discipline of the Member States has been a hot topic within the European Union (EU) institutions and in the literature ever since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the inadequacy, not only of the data, but also of the policy instruments available for coordinating efforts and decision-making. In this paper, we attempt to unlock the potential of public sector accounting (PSA) for contributing to the improvement of EU surveillance mechanisms. We look beyond the idea of standardised accounting rules for the entire EU public sector (European Public Sector Accounting Standards) into a less controversial area of EU competence, and we explore the conditions for introducing reporting obligations based on PSA data as part of EU law on statistics. Points for practitioners The current succession of crises might create momentum for a change in EU fiscal policy-making. New instruments for the monitoring of the budgetary situation in the Member States could become necessary. The EU institutions cannot impose the European Public Sector Accounting Standards. However, a new standardised reporting instrument could become binding EU law if it would come in the shape of a statistical methodology. Basic principles of EU law guarantee that any new statistical reporting obligations are limited to what is necessary, proportionate and cost-effective.
Co-designing with community for net zero: Case study of a housing estate
Authors: Nava Sahar , Chalabi Zaid , Bell Sarah , Burman Esfand 
Published: October 2024

To meet the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon targets, Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) is used to calculate the lifetime carbon emissions of building projects. This paper aims to compare different estate regeneration scenarios for meeting the interim 2030 benchmarks for the 2050 target. The research consists of a case study employing co-design and WLCA experiments, and impact evaluation surveys. The results of the WLCA demonstrate the lower operational impacts of fossil-fuel-free scenarios, and lower embodied and overall carbon emissions of retrofitting scenarios. To make an informed decision towards the future of the estates, different regeneration scenarios need to be studied, and the stakeholders should understand the carbon emissions of different materials and systems. The findings of this study can be used to compare regeneration schemes of other building types. Practical application: This study underscores the critical role of early-stage design decisions and engaging with the communities in minimising the carbon footprint of building projects and making informed decisions. The study reinforces the potential superiority of retrofitting over new builds, which serves as a clear call for the inclusion of retrofit options in the analysis of diverse regeneration and redevelopment scenarios. The study’s outcomes also highlight the pivotal role of stakeholder engagement in comprehending the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of materials and systems, influencing the participatory development and evaluation of regeneration scenarios. This approach is paramount to devising strategies that align with net zero ambitions, thereby ensuring environmentally and socially responsible estate regeneration.
Research on the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Iran: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Komasi Saeid , Sellbom Martin , Hopwood Christopher J. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Many original studies have evaluated the validity and utility of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Iran. However, the present review is a unique attempt to summarize the data in a critical framework to cover gaps in the AMPD research and determine future directions. The review aimed to explore the psychometric evidence for the AMPD, including reliability (alpha coefficient) and validity (construct, convergent, criterion, and incremental types) data in Iran. We also reviewed the overlap between the two AMPD criteria and the associations between the constructs and general psychopathology. Methods: We searched PubMed, PsycNet, Google Scholar, and three national databases for English and Persian records related to the AMPD from January 2013 to 2023. Several keywords and criteria were applied to select studies before summarizing the data. Results: The self-report scales were the first-line measures to assess the AMPD constructs, while interviews were rarely used. The research body provided relative support for both the unidimensional nature of Criterion A measures and the five-factor structure of Criterion B measures. Regarding Criterion B, however, there are still questions about the validity of the disinhibition factor and its clinical utility and generalizability. Conclusion: Although a decade of research on the AMPD in Iran has contributed to improving our knowledge, the current review provided a more comprehensive and clear profile of this model’s validity and generalizability to Iranian culture. We discussed the details of validation studies, limitations, and future considerations.
Sanguineous cardiopulmonary bypass prime accelerates the inflammatory response during pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Bierer Joel , Stanzel Roger , Henderson Mark , Sapp John , Andreou Pantelis , Marshall Jean S. , Horne David 
Published: October 2024

Background The inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in pediatric patients remains an unresolved challenge. Sanguineous CPB prime, composed of allogenic blood products, is one potentially important stimulus. This study aims to identify specific inflammatory mediators active in sanguineous CPB prime and their impact on the inflammatory response at CPB initiation. Methods In a post-hoc analysis of a prospective observational cohort study (NCT05154864), where pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were enrolled after informed consent, patients were grouped by CPB prime type ( sanguineous vs crystalloid). Arterial samples were collected post-sternotomy as a baseline and again at CPB initiation from all patients. In the sanguineous group, CPB prime samples were also collected after buffered ultrafiltration but before CPB initiation. Luminex® measured concentrations of 24 inflammatory mediators for comparison between groups. Statistical analyses were by Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Data are presented as median [IQR]. Results Forty consecutive pediatric patients participated. The sanguineous group ( n = 26) was younger (4.0 [0.2 – 6.0] vs 48.5 [39.0 – 69.5] months; p = 2.6 × 10−7) and smaller (4.9 [34 – 6.6] vs 17.2 [14.9 – 19.6] kg; p = 2.6 × 10−7) than the crystalloid group ( n = 14). Despite this, baseline concentrations of 20 complement and cytokine concentrations were comparable between groups ( p > 0.05) while four showed differences between groups ( p < 0.05). The sanguineous prime contained supraphysiologic concentrations of complement mediators: C2, C3, C3a, C3b, and C5a. Correspondingly, upon CPB initiation, patients receiving sanguineous prime exhibited a significantly larger burden of C2, C3, C3b, C5, and C5a ( p < 0.001) relative to the crystalloid group. Cytokine and chemokine mediators were present at trace levels in the sanguineous prime. Conclusions Sanguineous prime contains activated complement that accelerates the inflammatory response at CPB initiation in neonates and infants. Immunomodulatory interventions targeting complement during CPB prime preparation could offer substantial benefits for these vulnerable patients.
Evaluation of the sedative-motor effects of novel GABAkine imidazodiazepines using quantitative observation techniques in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Sharmin Dishary , Rüedi-Bettschen Daniela , Berro Laís F , Cook Jemma E , Reeves-Darby Jaren A , Pareek Tanya , Mian Md Yeunus , Rashid Farjana , Golani Lalit , Moreira-Junior Eliseu da Cruz , Platt Donna M , Cook James M , Rowlett James K 
Published: October 2024

Background: Benzodiazepines bind to γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subtypes identified by different α subunits (i.e., α1GABAA, α2GABAA, α3GABAA, and α5GABAA). Sedative-motor effects of benzodiazepines are thought to involve α1GABAA and α3GABAA subtypes. Aims: We evaluated observable measures of sedative-motor effects and species-typical behaviors in monkeys following acute administration of novel GABAkines (positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors), with varying degrees of selective efficacy at different GABAA receptor subtypes. We predicted that the induction of sedative-motor effects would depend on the degree of α1GABAA and α3GABAA efficacy. Methods: Adult female rhesus monkeys ( N = 4) were implanted with chronic indwelling i.v. catheters. Quantitative behavioral observation was conducted by trained observers following administration of multiple doses of the conventional benzodiazepine alprazolam and the GABAkines MP-III-80 (preferential efficacy at α2/α3/α5GABAA subtypes), KRM-II-81, MP-III-24 (both with preferential efficacy for α2/α3GABAA subtypes), and MP-III-22 (preferential potency and efficacy for α5GABAA subtypes). Results: As with alprazolam, all GABAkines induced significant levels of mild sedation (“rest/sleep posture”). Deep sedation was observed with alprazolam, MP-III-80, and MP-III-22; motoric effects (observable ataxia) were obtained with alprazolam, KRM-II-81, and MP-III-22 only. Surprisingly, the order of potency for rest/sleep posture was significantly associated only with potency at α5GABAA subtypes. Conclusions: GABAkines with preferential efficacy at α2/α3GABAA and/or α5GABAA subtypes engendered sedative-motor effects in monkeys, although only compounds with α5GABAA activity engendered deep sedation. Moreover, the significant relationship between potency obtained with in vitro electrophysiology data and the rest/sleep posture measure suggests a role for the α5GABAA subtype in this milder form of sedation.
Risk of COVID-19 infection in patients with NSCLC receiving EGFR-TKI targeted therapy during the first wave in China
Authors: Huang Peng , Liao Ling-Ming , Zhao Jia-li , Luo Chen , Yi Yan-Ling , Chen Yu , Huang Long 
Published: October 2024

Objective We examined the factors influencing hospitalization and prognosis among patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeted therapy during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods In total, 267 patients diagnosed with NSCLC who were receiving treatment with third-generation EGFR-TKIs were included in our retrospective study. Data on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival were collected and analyzed. Results Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, 80.5% (215/267) of the patients contracted COVID-19, and 12.6% (27/215) of these patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment. Vaccinated patients, those with body mass index (BMI) ≥22.3 kg/m2, and those with no comorbidities had lower rates of infection and hospitalization than unvaccinated patients, those with BMI <22.3 kg/m2, and those with comorbidities, respectively. Continued NSCLC treatment in patients with COVID-19 was identified as a risk factor for patient survival. Conclusions NSCLC treatment can be continued for patients who received COVID-19 vaccines, those with higher BMI, and those without comorbidities during the COVID-19 epidemic, but treatment interruption might be required for patients during the active phase of infection.
Insights from triggers and prodromal symptoms on how migraine attacks start: The threshold hypothesis
Authors: Sebastianelli Gabriele , Atalar Arife Çimen , Cetta Ilaria , Farham Fatemeh , Fitzek Mira , Karatas-Kursun Hulya , Kholodova Marharyta , Kukumägi Kadri-Hebo , Montisano Danilo Antonio , Onan Dilara , Pantovic Aleksandar , Skarlet Jeva , Sotnikov Dmytro , Caronna Edoardo , Pozo-Rosich Patricia ,   on behalf of International Headache Academy of the International Headache Society (IHS-iHEAD)
Published: October 2024

Background The prodrome or premonitory phase is the initial phase of a migraine attack, and it is considered as a symptomatic phase in which prodromal symptoms may occur. There is evidence that attacks start 24–48 hours before the headache phase. Individuals with migraine also report several potential triggers for their attacks, which may be mistaken for premonitory symptoms and hinder migraine research. Methods This review aims to summarize published studies that describe contributions to understanding the fine difference between prodromal/premonitory symptoms and triggers, give insights for research, and propose a way forward to study these phenomena. We finally aim to formulate a theory to unify migraine triggers and prodromal symptoms. For this purpose, a comprehensive narrative review of the published literature on clinical, neurophysiological and imaging evidence on migraine prodromal symptoms and triggers was conducted using the PubMed database. Results Brain activity and network connectivity changes occur during the prodromal phase. These changes give rise to prodromal/premonitory symptoms in some individuals, which may be falsely interpreted as triggers at the same time as representing the early manifestation of the beginning of the attack. By contrast, certain migraine triggers, such as stress, hormone changes or sleep deprivation, acting as a catalyst in reducing the migraine threshold, might facilitate these changes and increase the chances of a migraine attack. Migraine triggers and prodromal/premonitory symptoms can be confused and have an intertwined relationship with the hypothalamus as the central hub for integrating external and internal body signals. Conclusions Differentiating migraine triggers and prodromal symptoms is crucial for shedding light on migraine pathophysiology and improve migraine management.
Intralesional injection of mitomycin C following visual internal urethrotomy for recurrent urethral stricture: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Mostafa Diaaeldin , Higazy Ahmed , Raslan Mostafa L. , Salim Mohamed S. 
Published: October 2024

Aim: To assess the efficacy of Intralesional injection of mitomycin C (MMC) following visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) in the management of recurrent urethral stricture. Materials: Fifty male patients diagnosed with recurrent single bulbar urethral stricture measuring less than 1.5 cm previously treated with VIU were randomly allocated into two equal groups, (Group A) planned for VIU only and (Group B) planned for VIU with intralesional MMC injection using Botox injection needle. All patients were objectively evaluated pre- and post-operatively at 3, 6, and 12 months using uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine volume, and retrograde urethrography. Results: Forty-five patients completed their follow-up in our study. Patients who underwent intralesional MMC injection showed significant improvement in uroflowmetry, post-voiding residual, and with a success rate (82.6% in Group B, compared to 50% in Group A with a highly statistically significant difference, p-value: <0.001). VIU with MMC was the only factor associated with a marked decrease in stricture recurrence ( p = 0.02) as shown in the Multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: Intralesional injection of mitomycin C seems to be a safe and effective modality in reducing the recurrent stricture rate after VIU.
Portuguese Households on a Tightrope: Income Vulnerability during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Matos Cristina 
Published: October 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portuguese government implemented emergency fiscal measures to protect incomes. Despite these efforts, Portugal’s poverty rate increase in 2020 was the steepest among all European Union member states. The present article maintains that the prevailing labor market institutions limited the impact of the pandemic-related emergency measures. These institutions include social policies (such as low social benefits, minimum wages near the poverty line, and weak employment protection) as well as employment practices (such as precarious employment contracts and low wages). Established institutions increased households’ vulnerability to poverty and exacerbated the GDP/poverty nexus. JEL Classification: A120, B520, I380, N340.