bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective indicators of fuel poverty in Zarqa Governorate, Jordan
Authors: Jaber Mohammad M. , Szép Tekla 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFuel poverty is a pressing global issue for households, particularly low-income ones. This study employs a subjective approach to examine fuel poverty in Jordan. Analyzing data from a survey of 490 participants in Zarqa Governorate, it evaluates the main determinants of subjective fuel poverty. The survey was conducted over 1 month, from March 10 to April 10, 2022. Findings reveal that the sample households experience challenges related to fuel poverty. The modeling of subjective indicators indicates an association between income level and the probability of being in arrears with utility bills. Moreover, the results highlight issues such as an inability to maintain adequate summer and winter temperatures and the presence of leaks, damp, and rot. In light of these findings, policy interventions should focus on enhancing energy efficiency and supporting vulnerable low-income households, particularly those in rural areas.
Morphometry of the sural nerve in diabetic neuropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Ludi Zhang , Liau Matthias Yi Quan , Yong Bryan Song Jun , Auyong Amanda Sze Yen , Lynette Quah Hui Ting , Yeo Samuel Jianjie , Tan Khin Swee Elizabeth , Mogali Sreenivasulu Reddy , Chandrasekaran Ramya , Perumal Vivek , Vallabhajosyula Ranganath 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the usefulness of sural nerve ultrasonography in diagnosing diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), the latter of which is a common long-term complication for diabetic patients that frequently involves the sural nerve.

Methodology
A meta-analysis of the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of sural nerves in healthy individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus based on a total of 32 ultrasonographic-based studies from 2015 to 2023 was performed. Sub-analyses were performed for factors such as geographical location and measurement site.

Results
The meta-analysis showed that the mean CSA of the sural nerve was significantly larger in DM patients with DPN only compared to healthy individuals across all regions and when pooled together. An age-dependent increase in the CSA of healthy sural nerves is apparent when comparing the paediatric population with adults.

Conclusion
Sural nerve ultrasonography can distinguish diabetic adults with DPN from healthy adults based on cross-sectional area measurement. Future studies are needed to clarify the relationships between other parameters, such as body metrics and age, with sural nerve CSAs. Cut-offs for DPN likely need to be specific for different geographical regions.
An analysis of the impacts of land use change on the components of the water balance in the Central Rift Valley sub-basins in Ethiopia
Authors: Truneh Lemma Adane , Matula Svatopluk , Báťková Kamila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWater resources are influenced by changes in land use and land cover (LULC), such as industrialization, urbanization, forestry, and agriculture. This study has aimed to analyze past and predicted LULC dynamics and their impacts on the components of the water balance in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) sub-basins in Ethiopia. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Land Change Modeler (LCM) were employed to evaluate the impacts of past and future LULC dynamics in the Ketar, Meki and Shalla sub-basins. The SWAT models were calibrated with flow data from 1990 to 2001 and were validated with flows from 2004 to 2010, using SWAT-CUP in the SUFI-2 algorithm. LCM with Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network method for land transition scenario analysis and a Markov Chain method for predictions, as well as SWAT models with fixing-changing methods for simulations, were used to evaluate the condition of hydrological processes under the influence of changes in LULC. The analyses resulted in an annual runoff variation from − 20.2 to 32.3%, water yield from − 10.9 to 13.3%, and evapotranspiration from − 4.4 to 14.4% in the sub-basins, due to changes in LULC. Integrated land use planning is recommended for the management of water resources.
Industry Perceptions and Experiences with the Access Consortium New Active Substance Work-Sharing Initiative (NASWSI): Survey Results and Recommendations
Authors: Geraci Gaia , Smith Robert , Hansford Alison , Johnsson Eric , Critchley Helen , Khaled Lama Abi , King Laura , Cheng Michelle , Colin Tanja , Kang Tse Siang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Access Consortium New Active Substance Work-Sharing Initiative, or “Access” for simplicity, allows regulatory authorities (RAs) of the Access Consortium countries to jointly review applications for the registration of new active substances or for new indications. Using a survey developed by the pharmaceutical industry trade associations of the five Access Consortium countries—Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK)—this study gathered insights into the perceptions and experiences of the Access pathway held by affiliates of pharmaceutical companies. Understanding industry perceptions of Access is important for the success of the initiative, as participation is voluntary. Findings indicate that affiliates who participated in Access had mostly positive experiences with this pathway; most affiliates were satisfied with their interactions with the Access RAs and appeared willing to continue to participate in the initiative. Affiliates’ reasons for not having yet participated in Access included a lack of opportunity to do so and perceived barriers, such as the Access pathway being too complicated to manage. Recommendations to improve Access cover six key areas: ensure predictability, increase guidance and transparency, streamline processes, maintain flexibility, increase harmonization, and advance RA-industry cooperation. This study should facilitate informed discussions among relevant stakeholders on how to improve Access to maximize efficiencies, accelerate approvals, and improve patient access to innovative medicines.
Refining antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: effect of charge distribution and central metal ion in fluorinated porphyrins on effective control of planktonic and biofilm bacterial forms
Authors: Pucelik Barbara , Barzowska Agata , Sułek Adam , Werłos Mateusz , Dąbrowski Janusz M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAntibiotic resistance represents a pressing global health challenge, now acknowledged as a critical concern within the framework of One Health. Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (PDI) offers an attractive, non-invasive approach known for its flexibility, independence from microbial resistance patterns, broad-spectrum efficacy, and minimal risk of inducing resistance. Various photosensitizers, including porphyrin derivatives have been explored for pathogen eradication. In this context, we present the synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characteristics as well as antimicrobial properties of a palladium(II)-porphyrin derivative (PdF2POH), along with its zinc(II)- and free-base counterparts (ZnF2POH and F2POH, respectively). Our findings reveal that the palladium(II)-porphyrin complex can be classified as an excellent generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), encompassing both singlet oxygen (Φ△ = 0.93) and oxygen-centered radicals. The ability of photosensitizers to generate ROS was assessed using a variety of direct (luminescence measurements) and indirect techniques, including specific fluorescent probes both in solution and in microorganisms during the PDI procedure. We investigated the PDI efficacy of F2POH, ZnF2POH, and PdF2POH against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. All tested compounds proved high activity against Gram-positive species, with PdF2POH exhibiting superior efficacy, leading to up to a 6-log reduction in S. aureus viability. Notably, PdF2POH-mediated PDI displayed remarkable effectiveness against S. aureus biofilm, a challenging target due to its complex structure and increased resistance to conventional treatments. Furthermore, our results show that PDI with PdF2POH is more selective for bacterial than for mammalian cells, particularly at lower light doses (up to 5 J/cm2 of blue light illumination). This enhanced efficacy of PdF2POH-mediated PDI as compared to ZnF2POH and F2POH can be attributed to more pronounced ROS generation by palladium derivative via both types of photochemical mechanisms (high yields of singlet oxygen generation as well as oxygen-centered radicals). Additionally, PDI proved effective in eliminating bacteria within S. aureus-infected human keratinocytes, inhibiting infection progression while preserving the viability and integrity of infected HaCaT cells. These findings underscore the potential of metalloporphyrins, particularly the Pd(II)-porphyrin complex, as promising photosensitizers for PDI in various bacterial infections, warranting further investigation in advanced infection models.
Graphical abstract
On plastic development of timber structures based on 3D interactive vector-based graphic statics (VGS)
Authors: Rasneur Sylvain , Zastavni Denis , Misson Jean-Charles , Jasienski Jean-Philippe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present contribution addresses both the topics of the design of timber-to-timber joints and the design of innovative and structurally efficient timber structures with the aid of a computational tool based on vector-based graphic statics (VGS).First, this manuscript explains how the latest developments of graphic statics and its use applied to both timber joints and structures can improve the design of structures made of this low embodied carbon material. An exhaustive review of timber assemblies focussing on their sustainability and their structural behaviour is presented. Among these is the notch joint specifically identified in the context of digital fabrication and circular use of timber.Afterwards, the theoretical framework of this research is explained. Taking advantage of the lower bound theorem of the theory of plasticity, the main hypotheses that enable the use of graphic statics and strut-and-tie modelling (STM) for timber are then presented. In addition, the structural behaviour of the single notch joint is evaluated using algebraic dimensioning method. The limitations of this method are pointed out and the article proposes an integrated universal approach to investigate the problem using Strut and Tie Modelling (STM) and stress fields. The results of this theoretical framework are validated trough 1/1 scale lab tests. Finally, the third chapter illustrates the potential of VGS via a Research-by-Design approach. In the aim of testing if designing simultaneously creative and efficient timber structures could be effective while using the VGS, architectural engineering student were asked to focus on both the primary load-bearing structure and the joint-systems.
The Italian System of Judicial Governance: An Arena of Confronting Informal Practices and the Push Towards Formalization
Authors: Benvenuti Simone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is general agreement that in Italy the establishment of a judicial council ensured an overall higher degree of independence. Nevertheless, this self-governance template was criticized for propping up an accountability imbalance and a certain degree of inefficiency. In order to understand this assessment, this article delves into the relevance of informal rules and practices in the operation of the Italian judicial council. More specifically, it focuses on the activities relating to appointments of court presidents and professional assessment. Based on this analysis, it makes some observations on the factors shaping informal practices and questions their impact on judicial values and the quality of Italian democracy. I argue that informal institutions have amplified the corporatist character of the Italian judiciary, but it would be wrong to portray them in negative terms only, because the operation of the Italian judicial council and judicial system also benefits from a healthy dose of informality, which allows for enduring legitimacy in a polarized society.
Informal Judicial Institutions—The Case of the English Judiciary
Authors: Turenne Sophie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInformality has long been valued in England, and this is true of the political process as well as the institution of the judiciary. In both cases, it is assumed that the senior figures will have absorbed unwritten conventions and will by osmosis naturally understand their respective role in the UK constitution. Much is now starting to change, at least as far as the English judiciary is concerned. It is, first, argued that informal judicial institutions did not become redundant when the separation of powers was formally introduced with a program of modernization of the judiciary in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. Selected illustrations of persisting informal judicial institutions are then discussed in relation to the deliberative processes in senior courts; to judicial selection and appointments; and to the disciplinary process. Second, informal judicial institutions are deeply connected with the UK constitutional tradition. The Brexit litigation laid bare the challenges of containing political behavior within certain boundaries, and the unwritten conventions which have bound the judiciary and the executive might now be instinctively understood and shared by only one of these two parties.
Talks, Dinners, and Envelopes at Nightfall: The Politicization of Informality at the Bundesverfassungsgericht
Authors: Steininger Silvia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe German Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfG) has for decades used informality to establish, build, and protect its authority. Yet, as the political landscape has shifted in recent years, in particular since the end of the Merkel-era Grand Coalition and the rise of the right-wing populist AfD, several longstanding informal practices and institutions have become politicized. Those concern extra-judicial activities of judges, regular informal meetings between the Court and the government, and privileged early access to the Court’s press releases for certain journalists. This Article first introduces various forms of informality that the BVerfG employs in its internal self-administration and the judicial-legal culture in general, before tracing how, why, and by whom the three aforementioned practices of informality are challenged. Ultimately, this Article analyzes how the Court and its judges respond to the politicization of informality, and in particular how it triggered processes of formalization of judicial behavior and changes in institutional communication.
Constructing the Pyramid of Influence: Informal Institutions as Building Blocks of Judicial Oligarchy in Georgia
Authors: Tsereteli Nino 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis Article gives a cautionary account of the rise of judicial oligarchs in Georgia, highlighting how their rule distorts judicial governance and undermines judicial independence. The Georgian judiciary is portrayed as a pyramid-like structure where judges’ positions are determined by their influence on judicial governance and decision-making. Judicial oligarchs are a select few judges at the top that have acquired system-wide influence over the judiciary through their trusted affiliates, leaving other judges with minimal influence at the bottom of the pyramid. Research indicates that judicial self-governance bodies, such as judicial councils, can easily be manipulated by a handful of judges independently or through collusion with politicians. This can occur especially when most judges have little interest and the ability to participate meaningfully in governance. The Article explains how judicial oligarchs get judges to elect them and their affiliates as judicial council members. Informal networks and institutions contribute to their electoral success. There appears to be a shared expectation that judges will not challenge the oligarchs’ authority by publicly disagreeing with them or competing with them in elections, or else face sanctions. Research also cautions that de-politicization in the sense of excluding politicians from the bodies of judicial governance will not necessarily prevent politicians’ informal meddling with judicial decision-making. Collusion between judicial oligarchs and ruling party politicians forms part of the broader strategy of weakening the checks and balances and allowing the ruling party to operate without constraints. Thus, judicial oligarchs help to perpetuate oligarchization in the political sphere.
Informal Judicial Institutions in Ireland
Authors: O’Brien Patrick 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the past twenty-five years, Ireland has moved from a traditional common law model of judicial administration, in which key aspects of judicial careers and administration were handled informally and politically, to a much more formal system designed along European lines. This transition is driven by Irish judges and politicians and influenced heavily by EU and Council of Europe soft law on judicial independence and the rule of law. In this article I sketch an outline of judicial institutions in Ireland before focusing on two topics that exemplify the transition: Judicial conduct and judicial appointments. I argue that the move to formalize judicial administration in Ireland is rooted in a desire to follow best practice but also to avoid politically difficult reforms in other areas.
Supranational Actors as Drivers of Formalization
Authors: Leloup Mathieu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis Article describes and analyzes the role that various supranational actors from the European level play in the rise of formalization in the European states of the legal framework surrounding their judiciary. It starts from the observation that those supranational actors act as a driving force towards increased formalization via a variety of recommendations, reports, or decisions. It first provides several concrete examples of where the supranational actors act as such a driving force towards more formalization. In a second step, the Article looks more generally at how the various supranational actors think about informality surrounding the judiciary and tries to discern the rationales that underlie their position. In a third step, it assesses the various advantages and disadvantages of the rise in formalization that is propagated by the supranational actors. In doing so, the Article shows how the topic of informal judicial rules and practices cannot be understood fully without having due regard to the supranational level and contributes to the literature on the relationship between formal and informal institutions.
Informal Judicial Practices in the Belgian Legal Order: A Story of Incremental and Reactive Development
Authors: Leloup Mathieu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article discusses the existence and development of informal judicial practices in the Belgian legal order. It starts with the observation that the Belgian legal system is already highly formalized and suggests two reasons for that. Further, it shows that despite this rather high degree of existing formalization, important informal practices have nevertheless taken shape. However, over time the legislature intervenes, often as a reaction to some kind of external catalyst, and formalizes those previously informal aspects of the Belgian judicial system. This article therefore describes the Belgian legal order as a process of incremental and reactive formalization, taking place between the judiciary and the legislature.
(No) Ghost in the Shell: The Role of Values Internalization in Judicial Empowerment in Slovakia
Authors: Šipulová Katarína , Spáč Samuel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article uses the case study of Slovakia and its lackluster experience with a judge-dominated judicial council to demonstrate that formal institutions have only limited impact on the ideational level. We show that the transformation of the Slovak post-communist judiciary relied on the presumption that judges‘ interests are automatically complementary to principles of the rule of law. Therefore, the majority of implemented reforms insulated the judiciary from the political branches of power, but allowed strong hierarchical relationships inside the courts to exist. In contrast to international expectations, judicial authorities used judicial empowerment to create or strengthen competing informal practices, which helped them to maximize their power. We argue that the lack of internalization of judicial independence might explain why institutional self-governance reforms failed to trigger changes in the professional role conception of judges in regimes riddled with deeply embedded informal institutions. In order to tackle this problem, we propose that future research on the relationship between institutional safeguards and decisional judicial independence should focus on the process through which actors internalize new institutional incentives.
Informality and Courts: Uneasy Partnership
Authors: Kosař David , Šipulová Katarína , Urbániková Marína 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis introductory Article provides a conceptual umbrella for the Special Issue on Informal Institutions and Democratic Decay. It offers conceptual clarity to studying informal institutions and explains their relationship to other concepts such as constitutional conventions or judicial culture. The article summarizes findings of the Special issue in four key observations. First, it shows that it is impossible to understand the functioning of courts without understanding the informal rules that shape courts’ governance and decision-making. These informal rules (institutions) appear within courts (internal), between courts and other actors (mixed) and among non-judicial actors with effects on courts (external judicial institutions). Second, it identifies a strong trend of formalization of rules, sponsored mostly on the supranational European level .Third, it explains why reforms of formal rules are often not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes and highlights the role of informal institutions in created commitment of actors to key democratic principles. Fourth, it argues that informal judicial institutions significantly impact the quality of democracy.
Disenchanted With the Immigrant Dream: The Sociological Formation of Ex-Immigrant Subjectivity
Authors: Richard Thomas Jacob 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough many return migrants had planned to go back to their country of origin, other return migrants who had originally planned to pursue the immigrant dream––the idea that one can have a better life by migrating—eventually change their mind and return to their society of origin. Just as the identity of individuals must adjust to the loss of a relationship, job, or membership of a group, many formerly aspiring immigrants give up on immigrating. I analyze data from oral history interviews and social media narratives of 121 Chinese ex-immigrants from 16 different countries. I show how disappointments, the language barrier, cultural alienation, racial-ethnic discrimination, intersectional-gender issues, barriers to upward socioeconomic mobility, and/or restrictive immigration policies interact with each other to constitute ex-immigrant subjectivity. This article highlights why immigration is a far less certain process than many perceive it to be, contributing to the broader sociological literature on how in different and similar ways processes of abandoning important social endeavors, like a romantic partnership, political party, or religious faith, transform subjectivities and social identities in other domains of social life.