bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contract Farming, Agribusiness, and Land in Africa
Authors: Amanor Kojo S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This chapter examines the impact of contract farming on land relations in Africa in the light of recent debates on this topic. It argues against the thesis that contract farming provides a more equitable solution to agricultural modernization than does the expansion of large estates and provides avenues for smallholder farmers to be incorporated into agribusiness food chains. It shows that contract farming often integrates smallholder farmers on unfavorable terms in which most of the surplus value is captured by agribusiness. Agribusiness also supports the expansion of medium-scale farmers and enterprises into agri-food chains to lower costs of production through higher turnover and as a way of integrating smallholder farmers into agrarian value chains. As a result of the concentration in agribusiness, the relationship between transnational corporations and farmers is mediated by subsidiaries and service providers, including civil society organizations, financial institutions, farm enterprises, and input suppliers. Several of these intermediaries have a direct interest in accumulating land, often at the expense of the rural poor. This expropriation of land is often shrouded under various community-participation models and benefit-sharing arrangements that enable the commercial entities to gain control of valuable resources, while the communities retain formal titles to land. The chapter shows that these developments have been facilitated by recent governance reforms that promote market-based reform but frown upon socially redistributive reform. To understand these transformations, the chapter traces the history of contract farming in Africa and the changes that have occurred throughout the process of liberal market reform.
An Explorative Study on State-Owned Museum Performance in Italy
Authors: Dubini Paola , Monti Alberto 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
State-owned museums are complex organizations that have traditionally focused on research and conservation, on the one hand, and cultural diplomacy and national identity enhancement, on the other. In recent years, their role has evolved around valorization activities such as tourist attraction, education, and inclusion. This chapter explores the evolution of governance for this specific type of organization, which in Italy remains under strict government control, while necessarily opening up to a broader set of stakeholders. In this context, the interplay between the director and the board affects the museum’s performance. Specifically, the chapter focuses on the role of directors’ gender, nationality, and human capital characteristics (represented by their international experience and curatorial experience with Italian heritage) and on how directors interact with a board that has diverse (as opposed to homogeneous) competencies and experiences. In an exploratory analysis of the first thirty Italian autonomous museums created by law between 2014 and 2016, the chapter shows that the effects of directors’ human capital and gender are enhanced by the presence of a board with a complementary set of competencies. From a policy perspective, the results suggest that paying attention during the appointment and selection phases both to the director’s effective autonomy and characteristics and to the ways in which the board members’ profiles complement those factors helps foster a more effective valorization.
Introduction to The Oxford Handbook of Arts and Cultural Management
Authors: Jung Yuha , Vakharia Neville , Vecco Marilena 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This chapter provides an entry to and overview of the Oxford Handbook of Arts and Cultural Management, serving as a reader’s guide to its contents and contributors. The chapter describes the complex nature of arts and cultural management as a field of study that draws from various disciplines and practices. As a result, the study of arts and cultural management is interdisciplinary. This complexity can be seen through the book’s diverse contributors, who span a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds, academic fields, experience levels, and geographies. The chapter also elucidates the need for a comprehensive and contemporary look at research in arts and cultural management, describing each of the book’s ten sections and the themes that emerged from each chapter. Despite the diversity of content and contributors, there will always be a need for additional topics and perspectives that better reflect the global context of this field and include important voices that are not currently reflected herein. As such, future directions are suggested to ensure that arts and cultural research can be more broadly shared, integrated, and global in its reach.
Investigating Syntactic Structure and Processing in the Auditory Modality
Authors: Breen Mara , Carlson Katy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWhen researchers study syntax through speech production and perception experiments, they face new theoretical, practical, and methodological questions. This chapter will inform syntax researchers about the challenges in using prosody in the auditory modality, and provide guidance on practically addressing these challenges. Section 1 describes theoretical questions raised by auditory studies for syntax. Section 2 discusses practical and methodological challenges for auditory research. Section 3 describes how studies using auditory stimuli, varying both pitch accents and prosodic boundaries, inform our understanding of sentence interpretation, which has consequences for the study of syntactic structures. Section 4 reviews recent work on implicit prosody, which suggests that many of the challenges encountered in auditory paradigms are also present in silent reading methods.
Cyber sexual harassment against women and impact on health. A cross-sectional study in a representative population sample
Authors: Benítez-Hidalgo Vivian , Henares-Montiel Jesús , Ruiz-Pérez Isabel , Pastor-Moreno Guadalupe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
This study focuses on the frequency of cyber sexual harassment (CSH) and examines its link with five health impact indicators (self-perceived health, medication, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and use of health services).

Methods
Analyzing the data provided by the 2019 Macro-survey on violence against women in Spain, two items of which refer to CSH. It was conducted in Spain on a representative sample of 9568 women aged over 16 years old.

Results
A total of 9.15% of the women surveyed had experienced CSH at some point in their lives. Being under 25 years old, having higher education, not being in a relationship, having no religious beliefs and having a certified disability are sociodemographic characteristics associated with a higher risk of CSH. Women who have experienced other forms of gender-based violence also show an increased risk. Female victims of CSH reported higher rates of suicidal ideation (20% versus 9.79% in non-victims of CSH) and suicidal attempts (7.20% versus 1.74% in non-victims of CSH).

Conclusions
These findings have significant implications for the design of preventive health polices, which should incorporate strategies to address CSH as part of the continuum of multiple interrelated forms of gender violence that affect women and girls throughout their lives.
Kilovoltage X-ray beam quality effect on the relative response of alanine pellet dosemeters
Authors: Hjørringgaard Jakob G , Ankjærgaard Christina , Miller Arne , Andersen Claus E 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Determination of beam quality correction factors is crucial for performing accurate alanine pellet dosimetry in non-reference fields. For some complex irradiation geometries, interpolation from literature data is more convenient than an experimental approach to establish these factors. Here we investigate the validity of extracting quality correction factors from literature data based on information on beam qualifiers such as half-value layer (HVL) or effective energy ${E}_{\text{eff}}$. A combination of Monte Carlo calculated dose ratios and a microdosimetric assessment of the relative efficiency allows for numerical evaluation of quality correction factors for a wide array of X-ray qualities. The computational analysis demonstrates that the average energy of the X-ray beam is optimal for characterizing the relative response. Special care should be taken when using the common X-ray beam qualifiers HVL or ${E}_{\text{eff}}$ to determine quality correction factors from literature data.
Implications of “flash” radiotherapy for biodosimetry
Authors: Swarts Steven G , Flood Ann Barry , Swartz Harold M 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExtremely high dose rate radiation delivery (FLASH) for cancer treatment has been shown to produce less damage to normal tissues while having the same radiotoxic effect on tumor tissue (referred to as the FLASH effect). Research on the FLASH effect has two very pertinent implications for the field of biodosimetry: (1) FLASH is a good model to simulate delivery of prompt radiation from the initial moments after detonating a nuclear weapon and (2) the FLASH effect elucidates how dose rate impacts the biological mechanisms that underlie most types of biological biodosimetry. The impact of dose rate will likely differ for different types of biodosimetry, depending on the specific underlying mechanisms. The greatest impact of FLASH effects is likely to occur for assays based on biological responses to radiation damage, but the consequences of differential effects of dose rates on the accuracy of dose estimates has not been taken into account.
Gamma irradiation effect on some asthma drugs: EPR detection of radiosterilization
Authors: Emel Ece , Ayhan Ozmen , Recep Biyik , Ulku Sayin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Among many sterilization methods, radiosterilization is a preferred method in the pharmaceutical industry because of its advantages. However, the detection of radiosterilization of drugs is a growing concern for many government regulatory agencies around the world because of changes in the drug’s structure because of exposure to radiation. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) proved to be a very sensitive technique to discriminate between irradiated and nonirradiated drugs and detect radicals for days even to years. In this study, the focus is on the detection of radiosterilization of irradiated three asthma drugs (Airfix, Ventolin and Prednol) by using EPR spectroscopy. Regarding the commercial aspects of drugs, it was found that radicals can be detected at least 2 y after irradiation. Therefore, paramagnetic centers formed by the effect of radiation in the samples were determined and the stability of these centers was examined for 2 y by performing the fading study.
Association between single nucleotide polymorphism of DNA damage repair related genes and radiosensitivity in healthy individuals
Authors: Yuan Yayi , Liu Xiaoming , Dong Yuyang , Zhang Ruifeng , Meng Qianqian , Dang Xuhong , Li Lin , Ren Yue , Dong Juancong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Radiosensitivity in humans can influence radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity. As radiosensitivity has a genetic predisposition, we aimed to investigate the possible association between four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites and the radiosensitivity in healthy people. We genotyped four selected SNPs: TRIP12 (rs13018957), UIMC1 (rs1700490) and POLN (rs2022302), and analyzed the association between SNP and the radiosensitivity in healthy people. We distinguished radiosensitivity by chromosome aberration analysis in healthy individuals. Healthy donors were classified into three groups based on chromosomal aberrations: resistant, normal and sensitive. Using the normal group as a reference, the genotypes CT and CC of rs13018957 (CT: OR = 26.13; CC: OR = 15.97), AA of rs1700490 (OR = 32.22) and AG of rs2022302 (OR = 13.98) were risk factors for radiosensitivity. The outcomes of the present study suggest that four SNPs are associated with radiosensitivity. This study lends insights to the underlying mechanisms of radiosensitivity and improves our ability to identify radiosensitive individuals.
Zebrafish as a high throughput model for organ preservation and transplantation research
Authors: Da Silveira Cavalcante Luciana , Lopera Higuita Manuela , González‐Rosa Juan Manuel , Marques Beatriz , To Samantha , Pendexter Casie A. , Cronin Stephanie E. J. , Gopinathan Kaustav A. , de Vries Reinier J. , Ellett Felix , Uygun Korkut , Langenau David M. , Toner Mehmet , Tessier Shannon N. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite decades of effort, the preservation of complex organs for transplantation remains a significant barrier that exacerbates the organ shortage crisis. Progress in organ preservation research is significantly hindered by suboptimal research tools that force investigators to sacrifice translatability over throughput. For instance, simple model systems, such as single cell monolayers or co‐cultures, lack native tissue structure and functional assessment, while mammalian whole organs are complex systems with confounding variables not compatible with high‐throughput experimentation. In response, diverse fields and industries have bridged this experimental gap through the development of rich and robust resources for the use of zebrafish as a model organism. Through this study, we aim to demonstrate the value zebrafish pose for the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation, especially with respect to experimental transplantation efforts. A wide array of methods were customized and validated for preservation‐specific experimentation utilizing zebrafish, including the development of assays at multiple developmental stages (larvae and adult), methods for loading and unloading preservation agents, and the development of viability scores to quantify functional outcomes. Using this platform, the largest and most comprehensive screen of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) was performed to determine their toxicity and efficiency at preserving complex organ systems using a high subzero approach called partial freezing (i.e., storage in the frozen state at −10°C). As a result, adult zebrafish cardiac function was successfully preserved after 5 days of partial freezing storage. In combination, the methods and techniques developed have the potential to drive and accelerate research in the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation.
Recent developments in the synovial fibroblast pathobiology field in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Neumann Elena , Heck Corinna , Müller-Ladner Ulf 
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review
Synovial fibroblasts are the central cells of connective tissue homeostasis. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue, synovial fibroblasts are activated because of the proinflammatory environment very early in the disease. Epigenetic alterations in RASF result in a permanently activated stage, and activated RASF are involved in many processes of RA pathophysiology. Therefore, several recent findings of the last 18 months with focus on RASF activation and function are summarized.

Recent findings
RASF activation because of a profoundly altered epigenome leads to an invasive phenotype with increased migration, adhesion and invasion into cartilage, which was further characterized in several studies. RASF subtypes and subtype dynamics were evaluated using high-resolution techniques to better understand RASF pathophysiology. Many studies addressing interactions with immune or stromal cell types have been published showing that RASF interact with many different cell types contributing not only to their own activation and pro-inflammatory response but also to the activation of the other cells.

Summary
Highly interesting findings revealing mechanisms of RASF activation and altered functions have been published, RASF subsets further characterized, and interactions with cell types elucidated, which all contribute to a better understanding of the role of RASF in RA development and progression.
Preservation of Eschar Prevents Excessive Wound Healing by Reducing M2 Macrophages Polarization
Authors: Shi Mingyue , Lu Yao , Mohyeddin Ali , Qi Fazhi , Pan Yuyan 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Removal of the eschar has gradually become a consensus on treatments of deep dermal necrosis after skin trauma in recent years, whereas exaggerated scar contracture and tissue proliferation developed during healing have received little attention. Here, the authors investigated the effects of eschar on excessive wound healing of small dermal damage and focused on the role M2 macrophages played, hoping to offer a theoretical basis to improve patients’ cosmetic satisfaction.

Methods:
A mouse dorsal wound model (n = 12) was established by electric heating pads heating for 20 seconds on each side of the spine, and the left side was the preserved group. Macrophage numbers, expression of wound-healing-associated proteins, and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed at different time points by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A co-culture system of M2 macrophages and myofibroblasts was created in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and protein expression of myofibroblasts.

Results:
Preserving eschar inhibited contraction-associated proteins (α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin) and collagen expression, inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-10, TFN-α, and IL-4) expression, and M2 macrophage infiltration. Mechanistically, M2 macrophages potentially contributed to excessive wound healing by promoting myofibroblasts proliferation, migration, and production of contraction-associated proteins.

Conclusion:
Eschar preservation in wounds could reduce inflammation and negatively modulate myofibroblasts by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization and infiltration, preventing excessive wound contraction and collagen deposition.
Effects of Biologics on Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Psoriasis: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in Chinese Population
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Xuan , Yu Xiao-Ling , Lin Zhi-Miao , Yuan Li-Yan , Yang Bin 
Published: September 2023

Objective:Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that severely impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL) and psychological health. While biologics have been shown to be effective in treating psoriatic lesions, thus improving QoL, real-life data regarding such effects remain scant. We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey to assess the effects of 8 weeks of biologics treatment on the QoL and mental health status of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Methods:From March to May 2022, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and treated with biologics in the outpatient clinic at the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University. Assessments were performed before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment with biologics. Psoriasis severity, QoL, and mental health status were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 36-Item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis was used to account for repeated measures and to determine the effects of treatment duration and type of biological agent on relevant indicators.Results:Among the 78 enrolled patients, the ranges of pretreatment scores were 4.6 to 46.8 for the PASI, 1 to 30 for the DLQI, 31.5 to 100.0 for the physical component score (PCS) of the SF-36, 16.6 to 100.0 for the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36, 0 to 15 for the HADS-A, and 0 to 17 for the HADS-D. After 8 weeks of biologics treatment, 98.7% (77/78) of patients had obtained PASI 75. All assessed scores changed over time (GEE,P< 0.001). Moreover, there were group-by-time interaction effects for the DLQI score (GEE,P= 0.023) and PCS (GEE,P= 0.029). The HADS-A and HADS-D scores were both decreased at week 8 compared with pretreatment values. Correlation analyses revealed that higher DLQI scores were associated with lower levels of QoL and higher levels of anxiety or depression.Conclusion:Biologics are not only effective in the treatment of skin lesions but also exert beneficial effects upon the QoL and mental health of patients with psoriasis as determined in the short-term assessments conducted in this study.
Epidemiology of leprosy in China, 2021: an update
Authors: Shi Ying , Sun Pei-Wen , Wang Le , Wang Hong-Sheng , Yu Mei-Wen , Gu Heng 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
To describe the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in China in 2021 and provide essential information for future national leprosy control and prevention strategies.

Methods:
We collected epidemiological data of leprosy from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China (except for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) provided by the Leprosy Management Information System. We performed a comparative analysis of the epidemiological features of patients with leprosy including age, sex, geographical distribution, and grade of disability.

Results:
In total, 374 newly detected leprosy cases were reported nationwide in China in 2021, giving an incidence rate of 0.27 per million population, which represented a decrease of 7.9% compared with 2020. Among the population with leprosy in 2021 that comprised 238 males (63.6%) and 136 females (36.4%), 1.9% (7/374) were children younger than 15 years, 92.8% (347/374) had multibacillary leprosy, and 18.2% (68/374) had grade 2 disability. More than half of the new leprosy cases (54.8%, 205/374) were distributed in southwest China. There were 33 relapsed leprosy cases reported in 2021. By the end of 2021, there were 1,897 registered leprosy cases reported nationwide, giving a prevalence rate of 1.35 per million population.

Conclusion:
The leprosy epidemic in China shows a downward trend in terms of the prevalence and incidence rates. However, the high prevalence of leprosy in southwest China is still a matter of concern.