bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responding to the EU’s Rule of Law Crisis: Any Role for General International Law?
Authors: Buscemi Martina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article purports to examine and critically discuss some of the current proposals put forward by scholars to respond to the European Union (EU) rule of law crisis, which call into question, in different ways, the role of general international law. After outlining the state of the debate on the relationship between customary law and EU legal order (Section 2), the article considers some provocative arguments recently made on the alleged “implied withdrawal” of backsliding members via Article 50 TEU, through the prism of the 1969 Vienna Convention Law of Treaties (VCLT) (Section 3). Subsequently, the attention turns on the interplay between general international law and Article 7 TEU, the special mechanism for the enforcement of EU values. The article explores a radical proposal, namely, that of setting aside Article 7 TEU and imposing sanctions grounded on customary international law (Section 4). These theses advocate for the suspension or expulsion of recalcitrant members based on the fall-back on the “safety valves” for parties to treaties in international law, namely Articles 60-62 VCLT. Against this theoretical analysis, the article draws some final remarks on the approach followed in practice by the Union to manage its internal crisis and reflects on the implications of this approach from the perspective of the law of International Organizations and the concept of EU autonomy (Section 5).
The Conflict in Ukraine: Implications for jus in bello and Human Rights Law
Authors: Bílková Veronika 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The contribution discusses the implications of the current armed conflict in Eastern Europe, triggered by the act of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, for jus in bello (international humanitarian law) and international human rights law. It argues that whereas the conflict has brought about serious challenges to these two branches of law, it has also triggered certain promising developments in IHL and IHRL. Those developments have so far manifested themselves in three main areas: the regulation relating to the application of IHL and IHRL; the substantive rules of the two branches; and the enforcement of such rules. Providing examples of such developments, the article argues that the overall impact of the conflict in Ukraine on IHL and IHRL could be, in the long run, predominantly positive.
Relic of the Past or Immortal Phoenix? The Legal Relevance of Neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian War
Authors: Bartolini Giulio , Pertile Marco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The article examines the role of neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian war by analyzing the legal justifications offered by States with reference to the provision of weapons and economic assistance to the belligerents. The findings reveal that the law of neutrality has played a limited role as neutrality-based legal arguments were rarely utilized, even when they were available, either by countries supporting Ukraine or by those maintaining some impartiality towards the belligerents. The decision of a significant group of states to provide military and economic assistance to Ukraine was based on jus ad bellum arguments and rarely took into consideration the law of neutrality. Perhaps surprisingly, even the parties to the conflict seldom employed legal arguments related to neutrality. Permanent neutrals or countries traditionally adopting a policy of neutrality, on their turn, tend to limit the obligations of neutrality to their military dimension while remaining open to providing economic and humanitarian support. This diminishing relevance of neutrality law, amidst the ongoing crisis of the United Nations’ collective security system, may lead to a legal order where third-party involvement in conflicts becomes more common. The authors maintain that the obsolescence of the law of neutrality is not yet complete, as occasional references to its rules still emerge, and many States have chosen not to take sides in the present conflict. Neutrality, however, as reflected in State declarations, appears to be interpreted more as a political choice rather than a legal obligation.
The 2022 Decision of the Italian Corte di Cassazione on the Brazilian “Great Naturalization” and the Condition of Italian Citizens Resident in Brazil in the late 19th Century
Authors: Dal Ri Arno , Taffner Fraga Andrey José 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The so-called Brazilian “Great Naturalization,” stemming from Decree No. 58-A of 1889 and the 1891 Constitution of Brazil provided for the mass naturalization of foreigners residing in Brazil at that time. This measure was heavily criticized by European States, including the then Kingdom of Italy, due to the risk of interference with the citizenship bond of such foreigners with their countries of origin. That measure would indeed, plenty of times, result in the loss or renunciation of original citizenship in case of acquisition of a new citizenship. Against that backdrop, Italy’s Avvocatura Generale dello Stato (Italy’s Office of the State Attorneys) has recently challenged before Italian courts requests for the recognition of Italian citizenship jure sanguinis filed by descendants of Italian emigrants who were in Brazil at the time of the “Great Naturalization”. The issue reached the Corte di Cassazione, which, in Judgment No. 25317/2022, found in favour of the descendants and held that they had not lost Italian citizenship on the grounds of a tacit waiver. This commentary seeks to assess whether the said judgment is in line with the international and Italian legal frameworks governing citizenship rights. To be sure, the conclusion of the Court of Cassation has averted a dangerous precedent, according to which loss of citizenship may occur without an express act of will from its holder.
Whitehead Crosses the Bridge Between the Physics and Psychology of Time — Interview of Remy Lestienne by Anne Giersch
Authors: Lestienne Remy , Giersch Anne 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This commentary is about two papers on the relations between the neuroscience and the physics of time. One is by Buonomano & Rovelli, entitled ‘Bridging the neuroscience and physics of time’ and the other one is by Gruber, Block & Montemayor, entitled ‘Physical time within human time’. The present commentary takes the form of an interview of Remy Lestienne, who published a book on the work of Whitehead, related to the two papers cited above.
Securitizing Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Threats: China’s Track 2 Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
Authors: Valenciano Aletheia Kerygma B. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As China continues to strengthen its geopolitical status in Southeast Asia, it has expanded its foreign policy strategies to include track 2 diplomacy, which focuses on multilateral security dialogues and aims to support and strengthen official diplomacy. The existing literature on China’s track 2 diplomacy focuses on its effectiveness as a mechanism for conflict resolution, often overlooking the important question of how and why it became a foreign policy option for China. Using data drawn from key informant interviews, document analysis, and participant observation, this study examines specifically the role of non-traditional security (NTS) in the expansion of China’s track 2 diplomacy in Southeast Asia. From the lens of the securitization framework, this study argues that China’s track 2 diplomacy in Southeast Asia is, to a certain extent, a result of securitizing the NTS dimension of these issues. Moreover, while track 2 diplomacy functions as a mechanism to manage NTS threats, China has not completely abandoned its traditional security considerations. In fact, it views track 2 as instrumental in pursuing its wider political, security, and strategic goals. This study further explores the prospects and challenges for China’s track 2 diplomacy.
Mental health literacy for social phobia in Ghana: Investigation of gender stereotypes and previous experience for recognition rates and prejudice
Authors: Adu Peter , Jurcik Tomas , Demah Emmanuel , Korang Patrick T , Grigoryev Dmitry 
Published: November 2023

Background: Mental health literacy (MHL) research has been of substantial interest internationally. Nevertheless, the interplay between beliefs, attitudes, previous experience with mental disorders, and knowledge of Ghanaians on specific mental disorders remains to be understood. The present study explored the interconnectedness between gender stereotypes, prejudice, previous experience with social phobia, and MHL among the general population in Ghana. Method: Six hundred and one Ghanaians were recruited for an online experimental study design using a survey approach for data gathering. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions (i.e., male and female vignettes) depicting symptoms of social phobia for a hypothetical person. Participants further completed self-reported measures including gender stereotypes (based on Ambivalent Sexism Inventory) and prejudice. Results: Results revealed a 15.5% recognition rate for social phobia. Recognition rates of social phobia did not differ by the experimental condition or by the gender of participants. However, personal experience of social phobia was positively related to an increased likelihood of correctly labeling social phobia among men in the female vignette condition, whereas correct recognition of social phobia was negatively related to prejudice among women in the male vignette condition. In the male vignette condition, men with more hostile sexism attitudes toward men exhibited more prejudice toward their hypothetical male counterpart. In contrast, women with hostile sexism attitudes toward men exhibited less prejudice, but greater benevolent sexism attitudes toward men was associated with more prejudice toward the hypothetical male in the vignette. Conclusion: Findings from the current study emphasize the role of the cultural milieu in shaping effective mental health interventions. The results also have implications for promoting MHL to reduce prejudice in Ghana and other developing countries in the region.
Tensile properties of thermoset composites based on yarn structures from recycled carbon fibre and low melting temperature Co-polyamide fibre
Authors: Hasan MMB , Bachor S , Abdkader A , Cherif Ch 
Published: November 2023

The tensile properties of thermoplastic composites based on hybrid yarn structures consisting of recycled carbon fibre (rCF) and thermoplastic fibres (rCF content of the hybrid yarn approx. 50–60% by weight) have been reported previously. To date, no report has been found on the tensile properties of thermoset composites based on yarns with high rCF content (>90% by weight). The reasons for this are the complex mechanisms involved in processing pure rCF due to the low shear strength, smooth fibre surface, small fibre diameter and high brittleness of rCF. Yarns made of rCF (≥90% weight) for thermoset composites have been developed in a fundamental research project at the ITM. This paper reports on the tensile properties of unidirectional composites based on yarns composed of staple rCF (>90%) and low melting co-polyamide fibres produced by varying spinning parameters. Furthermore, in order to increase the infiltration of the epoxy matrix during the composite manufacturing process, the yarns are thermally treated at 180°C prior to infiltration and its effect on the tensile properties of the composites is analysed. The results show that the thermal treatment of the yarn prior to infiltration with the matrix, compared to the yarn without prior thermal treatment, helps to achieve better impregnation and therefore better tensile strength of the composites compared to the yarn without prior thermal treatment. A Youngs’ modulus and tensile strength of 86 ± 11 GPa and 1181 ± 71 MPa respectively are achieved in thermoset composites based on the developed yarns.
The how and why of handgrip strength assessment
Authors: Myles Louise , Massy-Westropp Nicola , Barnett Fiona 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists routinely assess Hand grip Strength (HGS) to evaluate hand function. This study explored the experiences of clinicians who regularly assess and evaluate HGS including the testing protocol utilised, evaluation methods and the influence of various biological and functional factors. Method: This exploratory survey ( n = 49) was distributed online to members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. The questionnaire asked recipients to identify HGS testing protocols, evaluation methods, use of normative data, reasons for assessment and the influence of biological and functional factors on HGS. Demographic data was also collected. Results: Sixty-four percent of respondents were occupational therapists and 59% had over 10 years’ experience assessing HGS. The standardised American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) testing protocol was consistently adopted by only 67% of respondents . Variations in contraction time, scoring and evaluation methods were identified. Gender, age, employment and lifestyle were considered the functional and biological factors which influence HGS. Conclusion: This study details how and why occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Australia assess and evaluate HGS. Use of the ASHT testing protocol is not universal. Clinicians rely on the reason for assessment, clinical experience and practice context to determine how they assess and evaluate HGS.
Investigating the torsional characteristics of 3D printed polyvinylidene fluoride composite
Authors: Husain Minhaz , Singh Rupinder , Pabla BS 
Published: November 2023

In the recent past some studies have been reported on the compressive, tensile, and flexural properties of 3D-printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite-based intramedullary (IM) pins for canines. However, in actual working conditions (due to trauma or accident), the IM pin may also be under torsional loading conditions. But hitherto little has been testified on the torsional behavior of PVDF composite-based IM pins. This study highlights the torsional behavior at 1 rpm (from 0 to 800° of the angle of twist/rotation) of PVDF composite (PVDF-90%; hydroxyapatite (HAp8%); chitosan (CS2%)) based IM pin fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) process. The study suggests that better torsional properties were obtained for 3D printed samples prepared at nozzle temperature (NT) of 235°C, raster angle (RA) of 45°, and printing speed (PS) of 60 mm/s respectively resulting in a maximum torque of 3.44 Nm at the angle of twist of 800° (as per ASTM A938). The morphological analysis based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supports the results of the fractured surface (at cross section) and along the lateral axis.
Supportive Services at End of Life can Help Reduce Acute Care Services: Observations From the Medicare Care Choices Model
Authors: Rowan Patricia , Whicher Danielle , Luhr Marlena , Miescier Lynn , Kranker Keith , Gilman Boyd 
Published: November 2023

Objectives This study identifies the mechanisms through which supportive and palliative care services at the end-of-life helped prevent unnecessary use of acute care services. Background From 2016 to 2021, the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) tested whether offering Medicare beneficiaries the option to receive supportive and palliative care services through hospice providers, concurrently with treatments for their terminal conditions, improved patients’ quality of life and care and reduced Medicare expenditures. Previous MCCM evaluation results showed that the model achieved its goals, but did not examine in depth the causal mechanisms leading to these results. Methods Mixed-methods evaluation based on descriptive analysis of MCCM encounter data and qualitative analysis of interviews with staff from high-performing MCCM hospices. Results MCCM hospices provided 217 156 encounters to 7263 enrollees over 6 years. Enrollees received on average 30 encounters with hospice staff while enrolled in the model, representing about 10 encounters per month enrolled. Most encounters were delivered by clinically trained staff in the patient’s home. Hospice staff identified five services critical for keeping patients from seeking acute care services: early and frequent needs assessments, direct observation of patients in their homes, immediate responses to patients’ medical complaints, round-the-clock telephone access to nursing staff, and communication and coordination of care with primary care physicians and specialists. Conclusions Palliative care approaches that are high-touch, employ clinically trained staff who visit patients in their homes, routinely evaluate how to manage patient symptoms, and are available when needs arise can improve outcomes and decrease costs at the end of life.
Poor response to first intravitreal injection for predicting unfavorable outcomes of retinal vein occlusion related macular edema
Authors: Si Shancheng , Chen Anming , Ji Yicong , Wang Jing 
Published: November 2023

Purposes To screen key indicators leading to unfavorable outcomes of retinal vein occlusion related macular edema (RVO-ME) within long-term follow-up duration and to evaluate their predictive values. Methods A study involving patients with RVO-ME was conducted between April 2021 and September 2022. All eligible patients were divided into two groups (favorable and unfavorable group) according to their final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and whether neovascular glaucoma (NVG) occurred. The unfavorable group was further divided into subgroups 1 (with BCVA of ≥ 20/400 and < 20/60 and without NVG) and 2 (blindness group, with BCVA of < 20/400 or with NVG). Demographic, past medical history, ocular characteristics and blood parameters were compared between the groups. Results A total of 73 eyes from 73 Chinese Han patients (34 males vs. 39 females) with RVO-ME were enrolled. In multivariable regression analysis of continuous variables for unfavorable results, 1-month BCVA after the first intravitreal injection (IVI) was an independent risk factor (odds ratios (ORs) = 2.313, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.387–3.858, P = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of 1-month BCVA after the first IVI for predicting low vision and blindness was 0.948 (95% CI 0.859–1.000, P < .001) and 0.892 (95% CI 0.744–1.000, P < .001), with a cut-off value of 0.65 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (log MAR) (Snellen 20/90) and 1.15 log MAR (Snellen 20/300), respectively. Conclusion The most valuable indicator for predicting low vision and blindness was poor 1-month BCVA after first IVI compared with favorable group.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in South Korea
Authors: Zo Sungmin , Chung Man Pyo , Yoo Hak Young , Lee Kyung Soo , Han Joungho , Chung Myung Jin , Yoo Hongseok 
Published: November 2023

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) that results from an immune-mediated reaction involving various antigens in susceptible individuals. However, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HP in South Korea are not well understood. Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HP in South Korea. Design: This is a retrospective observational study investigating patients with pathologically confirmed HP at our center, along with a comprehensive review of published HP cases in the Republic of Korea. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 43 patients with pathologically proven HP at a single tertiary hospital in Korea between 1996 and 2020. In addition, case reports of HP published in Korea were collected. The clinical characteristics, etiologies, treatment, and outcomes of patients from our center, as well as case reports, were reviewed. Patients from our hospital were divided into fibrotic and nonfibrotic subtypes according to the ATS/JRS/ALAT guidelines. Results: Among 43 patients with biopsy-proven HP, 12 (27.9%) and 31 (72.1%) patients were classified into the fibrotic and nonfibrotic subtypes, respectively. The fibrotic HP group was older (64.6 ± 8.5 versus 55.2 ± 8.3, p = 0.002) with less frequent complaints of fever (0% versus 45.2%, p = 0.013) compared to the nonfibrotic HP group. The most common inciting antigen was household mold (21, 48.8%), followed by inorganic substances (6, 14.0%). Inciting antigens were not identified in eight (18.6%) patients. Treatment of corticosteroids was initiated in 34 (79.1%) patients. An analysis of 46 patients from Korea by literature review demonstrated that reported cases were relatively younger and drugs were the most common etiology compared to our cohort. Conclusion: The analysis of reported cases, as well as our cohort, showed that exposure history and clinical manifestations are heterogeneous for patients with HP in South Korea.
A Scoping Review of Oral Health Outcomes and Oral Health Service Utilization of 2SLGBTQ+ People
Authors: Fakhrjahani I. , Tiwari T. , Jessani A. 
Published: November 2023

Background: Oral health is an integral aspect of overall well-being and quality of life. Population groups such as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, including other sexual and gender minorities (2SLGBTQ+), have reported poor oral health outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the extent and scope of the literature describing 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes, including unmet oral health needs and patterns of oral health care service utilization, as well as the risk factors affecting both. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was developed to review the scope of the literature pertinent to unmet oral health needs and factors affecting access to oral health care among 2SLGBTQ+ members, globally. In total, 6 databases were searched with a combination of keywords relevant to 2SLGBTQ+ oral health status and oral health care utilization. Results: Our review identified 10 studies that met the eligibility criteria. Five out of 10 studies were based in India, 4 in the United States, and 1 in Brazil. Two studies reported poorer oral health outcomes among transgender people as compared with cisgender people, while 2 studies reported similar patterns of dental service utilization between their transgender and cisgender participants. Five studies explored the personal and structural risk factors associated with poor oral health outcomes, including financial affordability and income level and perceived discrimination, including instances of misgendering in health care settings. However, further comprehensive studies must be conducted to validate the trends and findings reported by the studies in the review and to generate data from diverse regional contexts. Conclusions: Our review identified that the extent of the literature in this research area is sparse and scarce. The evidence indicates poorer oral health status among 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Wider studies with diverse, representative samples are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this review will undoubtedly be important for many years to come as 2SLGBTQ+ oral health equity is prioritized by experts in public health dentistry. This review will allow other researchers to understand and fill literature gaps regarding 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes, furthering this area of research.