bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EU Autonomy and International Investment Law: from Conflict to Reconciliation?
Authors: Acconci Pia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The amendments to the EU establishing treaties included in the 2007 Lisbon Treaty have resulted in conflicting norms and jurisdictions, arising from overlaps between international investment treaties and EU law. According to the 2018 Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Achmea case, an arbitration clause in an intra-EU bilateral investment treaty is not compatible with EU law because of the autonomy of EU law and its need for uniform interpretation and application. In its 2021 Judgment in the Komstroy case, the Court expanded this approach in relation to investor-host State arbitration based on the 1994 Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), that is, on a multilateral agreement among the European Union, its Member States and a few non-EU Member States. The Court based this decision not only on the autonomy of EU law and its need for uniform interpretation and application, but also on the venue of arbitration in a Member State. Several arbitral tribunals and scholars have criticized this approach. Criticism increased in 2022 when the arbitral tribunal in the Green Power v. Spain case – established under the Rules of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce according to the Energy Charter Treaty – followed the Komstroy decision of the EU Court of Justice. This article addresses the main aspects of this ongoing debate and looks at what other options might be available. The relevant case law has focused on a conflict-based perspective. It is suggested that other perspectives might be considered.
Italian Legislation in Times of Pandemics and International Law: The Way out of the Emergency
Authors: Bellucci Eloisa M.B. , Greco Donato 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Building upon the practice analysed in the previous issue of this Yearbook, the present inquiry provides a follow-up of the normative framework in force in the Italian legal system in 2022 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. By enacting a plethora of prescriptive measures, Italy either implemented, derogated, or violated international obligations. In this respect, this contribution pursues a twofold objective. On the one hand, it is aimed at assessing Italy’s attitude towards international law. To this end, rather than reporting entirely new measures, it will attempt to point out what happened to the main policies Italy implemented during the emergency. On the other hand, it intends to provide a useful tool for comparative analysis. The conclusions that will be reached may indeed allow for a comparison with the practice of other countries which have experienced a situation similar to that of Italy, both to draw analogies or differences regarding the stance they have taken towards international law and to assess the latter’s role in global health governance.
Legacies of Alexander in Colonial Sindh: Richard Francis Burton and a “Greek Pot” at Sehwan
Authors: Mairs Rachel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
At Sehwan in Sindh in 1845, the British soldier and Orientalist Richard Francis Burton planted a fake ancient jar for an antiquarian to discover. Burton’s prank was designed to poke fun at British associations of Sehwan with Alexander the Great. This article examines the incident, Burton’s motivations, and the broader question of British colonial fixation on Alexander’s campaigns in Sindh.
Elevated Mixed Layers during Great Lake Lake-Effect Events: An Investigation and Case Study from OWLeS
Authors: Greybush Steven J. , Sikora Todd D. , Young George S. , Mulhern Quinlan , Clark Richard D. , Jurewicz Michael L. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Data from rawinsondes launched during intensive observation periods (IOPs) of the Ontario Winter Lake-Effect Systems (OWLeS) field project reveal that elevated mixed layers (EMLs) in the lower troposphere were relatively common near Lake Ontario during OWLeS lake-effect events. Conservatively, EMLs exist in 193 of the 290 OWLeS IOP soundings. The distribution of EML base pressure derived from the OWLeS IOP soundings reveals two classes of EML, one that has a relatively low-elevation base (900–750 hPa) and one that has a relatively high-elevation base (750–500 hPa). It is hypothesized that the former class of EML, which is the focus of this research, is, at times, the result of mesoscale processes related to individual Great Lakes. WRF reanalysis fields from a case study during the OWLeS field project provide evidence of two means by which low-elevation base EMLs can originate from the lake-effect boundary layer convection and associated mesoscale circulations. First, such EMLs can form within the upper-level outflow branches of mesoscale solenoidal circulations. Evacuated Great Lakes–modified convective boundary layer air aloft then lies above ambient air of a greater static stability, forming EMLs. Second, such EMLs can form in the absence of a mesoscale solenoidal circulation when Great Lake–modified convective boundary layers overrun ambient air of a greater density. The reanalysis fields show that EMLs and layers of reduced static stability tied to Great Lakes–modified convective boundary layers can extend downwind for hundreds of kilometers from their areas of formation. Operational implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Radiomics; Contemporary Applications in the Management of Anal Cancer; A Systematic Review
Authors: Temperley Hugo C. , O’Sullivan Niall J. , Waters Caitlin , Corr Alison , Mehigan Brian J. , O’Kane Grainne , McCormick Paul , Gillham Charles , Rausa Emanuele , Larkin John O. , Meaney James F. , Brennan Ian , Kelly Michael E. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction The management of anal cancer relies on clinical and histopathological features for treatment decisions. In recent years, the field of radiomics, which involves the extraction and analysis of quantitative imaging features, has shown promise in improving management of pelvic cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current application of radiomics in the management of anal cancer. Methods A systematic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized and non-randomized trials investigating the use of radiomics to predict post-operative recurrence in anal cancer. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. Results The systematic review identified a total of nine studies, with 589 patients examined. There were three main outcomes assessed in included studies: recurrence (6 studies), progression-free survival (2 studies), and prediction of human papillomavirus (HPV) status (1 study). Radiomics-based risk stratification models were found to provide valuable insights into treatment response and patient outcomes, with all developed signatures demonstrating at least modest accuracy (range: .68-1.0) in predicting their primary outcome. Conclusion Radiomics has emerged as a promising tool in the management of anal cancer. It offers the potential for improved risk stratification, treatment planning, and response assessment, thereby guiding personalized therapeutic approaches.
Recommendations of the 15th Union Finance Commission: Expectations and Realities
Authors: Sahu Pareswar , Mahamallik Motilal , Mahapatra Sushanta Kumar 
Published: November 2023

The 15th Union Finance Commission (UFC) report, submitted in India in the middle of a global economic setback due to COVID-19, was a hope for sub-national governments to arrive at a favourable financial devolution mechanism. Even though few recommendations by 15th UFC looks promising, it is difficult to outrightly reject the possibilities of increasing fiscal imbalances. The retention of the proportion of shared tax devolution to states as used during 14th UFC and the use of (a) tax and fiscal effort, (b) 2011 census population figure and (c) total fertility rate as demographic performance, for distribution of shared tax across states may be helpful to reduce fiscal imbalances. However, the decline in the size of shared taxes of states due to (a) shrinking tax collection by the central government during current economic crisis and (b) assignment of additional burdens on states like (i) the contribution of states towards national defence and (ii) internal security, may result in vertical imbalance. There is a possibility of an increase in horizontal imbalance with the rise in the weightage of neutral (need based) criteria and decline in the weight of equity criterion due to the proportionate decline in the shares of poorer state through these two criteria. The fiscal imbalances are to be reduced to a minimum level to enable the country providing a common minimum level of public goods to its people. Since the weight of neutral criteria is implicit in equity and efficiency criteria, an optimum weight adjustment solution as suggested by Mahamallik and Sahu ((2015) , Artha Vijnana, 57(4), 301–320) may be helpful to reduce imbalances. JEL Code: H770
Outcomes associated with prolonged ECMO in COVID-19 associated ARDS: A single center experience
Authors: Shah Purav , Miller Casey , Parilla Gustavo , Daneshmand Mani , Creel-Bulos Christina 
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Study The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) as a bridge to transplantation versus recovery. Unlike other etiologies of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), utilization of V-V ECMO in COVID-19 has been associated with longer duration of ECMO support requirements. Our team sought to evaluate outcomes associated with prolonged duration of ECMO support in this patient population. Methods Single-center retrospective review of patients who were placed on ECMO due to COVID-19 associated ARDS. Specifically examining outcomes-transplant free survival, mortality and discharge rates-of patients requiring V-V ECMO support for greater than 50 days. Results The median age of the cohort was 48 years and 13 patients (72%) were males. The median duration of ECMO support was 84 days (IQR 55-106). 11 patients (61%) had right ventricular dysfunction and 13 patients (72%) had pneumothoraces. There was a 33% percent ( n = 6) mortality rate within cohort. One patient continues to require ECMO support at time of abstract submission. 11 patients (61%) patients were discharged, of which 3 patients required a lung transplant. Summary Prolonged V-V ECMO can be associated with comparable outcomes to conventional V-V ECMO runs that are relatively shorter in duration. With availability of device and staffing, prolonged ECMO runs can potentially be justified in a highly selected patient population.
Assessment of the acute subjective psychedelic experience: A review of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical research on classical psychedelics
Authors: Hovmand Oliver Rumle , Poulsen Emil Deleuran , Arnfred Sidse 
Published: November 2023

Background: The classical psychedelics psilocybin, peyote, ayahuasca/ N, N-dimethyltryptamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide can temporarily produce altered states of consciousness, characterized by changes in sensory perception, thought, mood, and the sense of self-reality and meaning. It is important to have reliable instruments for quantifying these altered states in trials, due to a plausible link between the acute subjective experience and treatment outcome. Methods: We conducted a review of outcome measures applied in research on classical psychedelics to assess one or more dimensions of the acute subjective psychedelic experience. Three relevant databases were searched electronically. Two reviewers independently conducted article selection and data extraction regarding the instruments, dimensions, geography, population, and psychedelic substance investigated in the included studies. We identified the five most utilized instruments for the most recent 6 years, as well as the five most utilized instruments for each psychedelic. Results: We included 93 papers, which reported on 93 unique trials and utilized 17 different rating scales. Of these, the most utilized were the Five-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire, visual analog or Likert scales specially developed for the trials, the Hallucinogen Rating Scale, the States of Consciousness Questionnaire, and the Abnormer Psychischer Zustand. Discussion: Considerable variability was found in the instruments utilized in clinical trials on classical psychedelics. We advise and encourage the development of a core outcome set for psychedelic research to enable altered state comparisons across compounds, participants, and settings. We further advise that instruments be designed to assess the “setting” of a psychedelic experience.
Protein loss and glucose absorption in children with AKI treated with peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Nourse Peter , McCulloch Mignon , Coetzee Ashton , Bunchman Tim , Picca Stefano , Rusch Jody , Brooks Andre , Heydenrych Hilton , Morrow Brenda 
Published: November 2023

Background: Protein loss and glucose absorption in children on acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) is important to inform dietary prescription, yet data are lacking in this regard. This study was a secondary analysis of a previously published crossover randomised controlled trial, aiming to describe glucose uptake and protein loss into dialysate among children with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving PD. Methods: This secondary analysis described and compared dialysate albumin loss and glucose absorption in 15 children with AKI receiving PD or continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD). In addition, correlations between albumin loss, glucose absorption and other patient and dialysis factors were analysed. Results: Median (range) age and weight of participants were 6.0 (0.2–14) months and 5.8 (2.3–14.0) kg, respectively. Patients received approximately 8 h of dialysis on each modality; however, results were extrapolated and expressed per day. The mean ± SD albumin loss on conventional PD and CFPD was 0.3 ± 0.19 g/kg/day and 0.56 ± 0.5 g/kg/day, respectively, and the mean ± SD glucose absorption was 4.67 ± 2.87 g/kg/day and 3.85 ±4.1 g/kg/day, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between ultrafiltration and albumin loss during CFPD only (Pearson’s R = 0.61; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences between PD and CFPD for either glucose absorption or albumin loss; however, the study was not powered for this outcome. Conclusions: Protein losses and glucose absorption in children on PD with AKI are significant and should be considered when prescribing nutritional content. Protein losses on CFPD were twice as high as on conventional PD.
Outcomes and Direct Cost of Isolated Nonemergent CABG in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gulkarov Iosif , Salemi Arash , Pawlikowski Amber , Khaki Rakan , Esham Matthew , Lackey Adam , Paul Subroto , Stein Louis H. 
Published: November 2023

Objective: Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the main predictors of outcomes in cardiac surgery. We present current era outcomes and associated direct cost in nonemergent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) patients with LVEF <20% over the past 6 years and compare it with higher EF subgroups. Methods: Six-year data from 2016 to 2022 at hospitals sharing Society of Thoracic Surgeons and financial data with Biome Analytics were analyzed based on 3 EF subgroups (EF ≤20%, EF 21% to 35%, and EF >35%). Outcomes and costs were assessed. Results: Overall 30-day mortality of 12,649 patients was 1.9%. The EF ≤20% ( n = 248), EF 21% to 35% ( n = 1,408), and EF >35 ( n = 10,993) cohorts had mortality of 6.9%, 3.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. The EF ≤20% subgroup had higher use of cardiopulmonary bypass, blood products, and mechanical support. In addition, the EF ≤20% subgroup had higher complication rates in almost all measured categories. Also, the EF ≤20% cohort had significantly higher length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) hours, ICU and hospital readmissions, and lowest discharge to home rate. The strongest factors associated with mortality were postoperative cardiac arrest, renal failure requiring dialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, sepsis, prolonged ventilation, and gastrointestinal event. The overall median direct cost of care was $37,387.79 ($27,605.18, $51,720.96), with a median direct cost of care in the EF ≤20%, EF 21% to 35%, and EF >35% subgroups of $52,500.17 ($34,103.52, $80,806.79), $44,108.32 ($31,597.58, $63,788.03), and $36,521.80 ($27,168.91, $50,019.31), respectively. Conclusions: In nonemergent isolated CABG surgery, low EF continues to have higher surgical risks and higher direct cost of care despite advances in cardiovascular care.
Percutaneous Transseptal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Rescue a Failing Right Ventricle in an Animal Model
Authors: Castillo-Larios Rocio , Pollak Peter M. , Chaudhary Sanjay , Case J. Brad , Guru Pramod K. , Alomari Mohammad , Song ZuoRui , Johnson James L. , Narula Tathagat , Pham Si M. , Makey Ian A. 
Published: November 2023

Objective: We tested the feasibility and effectiveness of a percutaneous atrial transseptal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation strategy in a right ventricular failure (RVF) model. Methods: We performed 4 nonsurvival porcine experiments. Percutaneous transseptal access was achieved using a steerable introducer. For guidance, we used fluoroscopy, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). A ProtekDuo rapid deployment cannula (LivaNova, London, UK) was advanced across the septum into the left atrium by 2 to 3 cm. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced by partially clamping the pulmonary artery. ECMO flow was cycled from high (2 to 3 L/min) to low (0.2 to 0.3 L/min) over 2 to 3 hours. Results: Transseptal access using TEE and fluoroscopy was successful in 1 animal and unsuccessful in 1 animal. ICE provided optimal visualization for the remaining 2 animals. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was associated immediately and consistently with high versus low ECMO flow rate (mean difference: 29 ± 3.1 mm Hg, P = 0.004) but was not restored to baseline values. RV pressure values were dynamic. Given time to equilibrate, mean RV pressure was restored to a baseline level. Conclusions: Percutaneous right atrium to left atrium transseptal cannulation relieved PH-RVF. MAP was restored to a viable level, and mean RV pressure was restored to a baseline level. Transseptal ECMO shows promise as a cannulation strategy to bridge patients with PH-RVF to lung transplant.
Financial Incentives for Smoking Cessation: Protocol for the Qualitative Evaluation of the Incentive to Quit (I2Q) Pilot
Authors: Sharrad K. J. , Perveen S. , Grammatopoulos T. , Phillips-Chantelois D. , Carson-Chahhoud K. V. 
Published: November 2023

Reducing tobacco usage has been identified as an urgent national health priority, being the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia. The Incentive to Quit (I2Q) pilot aims to reduce the harms associated with smoking and vaping by training health professionals on delivering brief smoking cessation advice, and providing eligible smokers/vapers with financial incentives, use of the Quitline counselling service, and pocket-sized resources with content tailored to help support quit attempts at different stages of the participant’s journey. A qualitative evaluation of the I2Q intervention will be undertaken throughout the program period via one-on-one interviews with a subset of health professionals and participants (smokers/vapers) of the I2Q program, along with key community stakeholders, to identify how the service can be improved. Interviews of approximately 45–60 minutes will be conducted either face-to-face or via telecommunication, and a moderator guide will be used to direct the interview. Interview transcripts will be coded through both inductive and deductive thematic analyses by two independent coders.
Predictors of 10-year Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery in a Pre-Pandemic Cohort
Authors: Loh Bryan , Jiang Lei , Timing Liu , Kong Naomi , Ganesan Ganga , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Bee Suang , Koh Joyce Suang Bee , Howe Tet Sen , Huei Ng Yeong 
Published: November 2023

Introduction Though hip fractures are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, increasing life expectancy in developed countries necessitates an analysis of mortality trends and factors predicting long term survival. The aim of this study is to identify the predictors of 10-year mortality as well as assess the correlation of Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) with 10-year mortality in a surgically treated Asian geriatric hip fracture population. Materials and Methods From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009, 766 patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture with a minimum follow up of 10-years were recruited to the study (92% follow-up rate). A review of the patient’s electronic hospital records was performed to glean the following data: patient demographics, pre-existing comorbidities, operation duration, length of stay, fracture configuration, as well as mortality data up to 10 years. CCI scores and individual co-morbidities were correlated with inpatient, 30-day, 1-year, 5-year and beyond 10-year mortality. Results Of the 766 patients, the mortality rate for 30-day, 1-year, 5-year and 10-years was 2.9%, 12.0%, 38.9% and 61.6% respectively. The average ACCI was 5.31. The 10-year mortality for patients with ACCI ≤ 3, ACCI 4-5 and ACCI ≥ 6 are 29.4%, 57.4% and 77.5% respectively. End-Stage-Renal Failure (ESRF), liver failure and COPD were dominant predictors of mortality at 10 years, whereas cancer was the predominant predictor at 1 year. Discussion ACCI significantly correlates with the 10-year mortality after surgically treated hip fractures with a shift of the dominant predictors from cancer to ESRF and COPD. This could inform future health policy and resource planning. This data also represents recently available pre-pandemic survival trends after hip fracture surgery and serves as a baseline for post-pandemic outcome surveillance of interventions for fragility fractures. Conclusion This study demonstrates that ACCI correlated with 10-year mortality after surgical treatment of hip fractures.
Does Private Information Always Hurt Retail Investors? The Impact of Private Information on Cost of Equity: Moderating Role of Investment Adjustment
Authors: Saleem Sana , Usman Muhammad , Akhtar Muhammad Naveed 
Published: November 2023

Private information puts naïve traders at a significant trading disadvantage and at the same it provide crucial signals managers for investment adjustment. These two forces have opposing effects on the cost of equity, and the overall effect is determined by which force dominates. For clinching this effect, this study finds out how investment adjustment plays the moderating role between private information and COE. The study employs data of non-financial firms listed on PSX from 2008 to 2019. Further, the study employs a two-step system GMM dynamic panel estimator to analyze the data. The findings of the study show that companies with a low investment adjustment flexibility known as “value firms” do not gain as much from information incorporated in market prices compared to firms having high flexibility in adjusting investment “growth firms.” This study adds to the literature by revealing unique insight on the effect of investment adjustment in reducing the influence of private information on COE and corporate investment as well. JEL classification: D82, G14, G410.