bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diplomacy and Afterlife of Biafra in Nigeria
Authors: Ola Temitope P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war of 1967–1970, south-east Nigeria moved from scheming for global recognition of Biafra to agitating for a plebiscite that would determine whether the Igbos wish to remain a part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have received varied degrees of international support in that regard. Using group theory to explain the diverse sectarian grievances within Nigeria, this paper locates the roles of international recognition and extra-Nigerian supports in the prodding and sustenance of the tempos of the agitations for a separate sovereign state of the Igbos out of Nigeria. The paper submits that with the covert and overt supports the separatists received from a cross-section of the global community they achieved the weakening of the ex-British colony, test the strengths and expose the inadequacies of Africa’s most populous country in remaining true to the sanctity of its inherited boundaries. The paper concludes that given the impacts of the struggles on the affected area, the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria needs to be made into a land of peace.
Africa-China Relations: A Case of Foreign Direct Investment and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mining Sector
Authors: Mathebula Ndzalama C. , Sekgololo Mancha J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Since independence, Foreign Direct Investment has been central to African Development and economic expansion. Herein, this paper traces the role and impact of the FDI in the mining sector of DRC. The analysis is based on the institutional FDI fitness theory coined by Saskia Wilhelm in 1998, which suggests that states with good governance, strong state institutions, and stable political capacity attract the most FDI in emerging economies. However, China’s mining investment in the DRC has refuted Wilhelm’s theory. As such, this research will analyze the role and impact of FDI in the mining sector of the DRC, with a focus on China’s mining investment and its impact on the country’s economic development. The institutional FDI fitness theory will serve as the conceptual framework for the research. Data collection will involve a thorough literature review and analysis of secondary data sources, such as academic journals, reports, and government documents. Furthermore, the mining profile, type of investment, and investment achievements will be assessed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The data will be analyzed using content and thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes that emerge from the data. Overall, a qualitative case study approach will be appropriate for this research as it will allow for an in-depth analysis of the role and impact of FDI in the mining sector of the DRC. It will also provide insights into the complexities of the relationship between FDI, governance, and economic Development in Africa. One significant finding has conceded that government fitness does not necessarily attract investment. Instead, a weak state capacity and domestic policy create easy access to investment that does not align with the host country’s development. This finding has affirmed the argument that African countries should engage in trade rather than aid since aid has kept African economies in a circle of dependency.
The ‘Second U-Turn’: Domestic Politics and Foreign Economic Policy Choice in Ghana
Authors: Hlovor Ishmael K. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
After months of grandstanding amidst an economic crisis that has seen prices of basic goods skyrocketed, growing unsustainable public debt levels and the value of the local currency plummeting, the Government of Ghana made a U-turn on its earlier decision of not seeking an IMF bailout and announced on 1st July 2022, the intention to seek an IMF bailout. This paper tries to understand the initial government resistance to an IMF bailout. Using the qualitative research approach and analyzing speeches of political actors, the study makes the case that domestic politics was the main reason for the governments initial resistance to engaging the IMF. An IMF programme would be politically self-defeating for the government and provide a political tool for the opposition in the 2024 election since a similar deal in 2015 was portrayed as evidence of government failure. On the evidence of the current IMF bailout decision, the paper concludes that governments have political interest in making foreign economic policy choices in Ghana. Choices that may not enhance electoral chances are likely to be avoided in favour of those that enhance it. To derive the best outcome from foreign economic policy choices requires building national consensus, which would help to avoid adverse outcomes that may be occasioned by policy choices that enhance a political actor’s electoral chances at the expense of the long-term interest of the state.
The Mechanics of Representing Time
Authors: Hoerl Christoph P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A number of recent attempts to explain the apparent contrast between ‘human time’ and ‘physical time’ have appealed to Hartle’s (2005) sketch of an ‘Information Gathering and Utilizing System’ (IGUS) as a model for explaining human temporal experience. I argue that they fall foul of William James’ (1890) dictum that “[a] succession of feelings, in and of itself, is not a feeling of succession”. Explaining how human beings come to represent time in the first place is a more substantive explanatory task than it is often taken to be.
Improving Precipitation Nowcasting for High-Intensity Events Using Deep Generative Models with Balanced Loss and Temperature Data: A Case Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Cambier van Nooten Charlotte , Schreurs Koert , Wijnands Jasper S. , Leijnse Hidde , Schmeits Maurice , Whan Kirien , Shapovalova Yuliya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Precipitation nowcasting is essential for weather-dependent decision-making, but it remains a challenging problem despite active research. The combination of radar data and deep learning methods has opened a new avenue for research. Radar data are well suited for precipitation nowcasting due to the high space–time resolution of the precipitation field. On the other hand, deep learning methods allow the exploitation of possible nonlinearities in the precipitation process. Thus far, deep learning approaches have demonstrated equal or better performance than optical flow methods for low-intensity precipitation, but nowcasting high-intensity events remains a challenge. In this study, we have built a deep generative model with various extensions to improve nowcasting of heavy precipitation intensities. Specifically, we consider different loss functions and how the incorporation of temperature data as an additional feature affects the model’s performance. Using radar data from KNMI and 5–90-min lead times, we demonstrate that the deep generative model with the proposed loss function and temperature feature outperforms other state-of-the-art models and benchmarks. Our model, with both loss function and feature extensions, is skillful at nowcasting precipitation for high rainfall intensities, up to 60-min lead time.
Hodographs and Skew Ts of Hail-Producing Storms
Authors: Nixon Cameron J. , Allen John T. , Taszarek Mateusz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Environments associated with severe hailstorms, compared to those of tornadoes, are often less apparent to forecasters. Understanding has evolved considerably in recent years; namely, that weak low-level shear and sufficient convective available potential energy (CAPE) above the freezing level is most favorable for large hail. However, this understanding comes only from examining the mean characteristics of large hail environments. How much variety exists within the kinematic and thermodynamic environments of large hail? Is there a balance between shear and CAPE analogous to that noted with tornadoes? We address these questions to move toward a more complete conceptual model. In this study, we investigate the environments of 92 323 hail reports (both severe and nonsevere) using ERA5 modeled proximity soundings. By employing a self-organizing map algorithm and subsetting these environments by a multitude of characteristics, we find that the conditions leading to large hail are highly variable, but three primary patterns emerge. First, hail growth depends on a favorable balance of CAPE, wind shear, and relative humidity, such that accounting for entrainment is important in parameter-based hail prediction. Second, hail growth is thwarted by strong low-level storm-relative winds, unless CAPE below the hail growth zone is weak. Finally, the maximum hail size possible in a given environment may be predictable by the depth of buoyancy, rather than CAPE itself.
More Than 1 Way to Put in A T-Tube: A Review of Different Techniques Used in Insertion of Montgomery T-Tubes
Authors: Feng Max , Watson WayAnne , Arom Gabriel , Damazo Benjamin , Krishna Priya 
Published: September 2023

Objective: The Montgomery T-tube is a commonly used device initially designed as a temporary airway stent, but also used as a long-term airway solution for stenosis. For patients undergoing either endoscopic or open airway procedures, proper techniques for inserting these tubes are well documented. This review compiles the techniques used for insertion of the Montgomery T-tube stent. Methods: The NCBI Pubmed database was queried using the keywords: “stent,” “Montgomery,” “T-tube,” “stenosis,” “technique.” A total of 33 papers were reviewed with 12 papers selected for the study. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria of English language and whether the paper described a technique for insertion of a Montgomery T-tube into the airway. Papers were excluded if they did not describe the technique of insertion of Montgomery T-tubes or dealt with another aspect of T-tube management. Results: The 12 selected papers each described a different technique for insertion of a Montgomery T-tube stent. Though nearly all the selected studies described using a modified Seldinger technique for insertion of the T-tube, there were discrepancies and a wide array of different instruments used. The instrument and/or technique that was selected was often determined by the individual need of the patient. Several studies addressed the challenge of interrupting ventilation while inserting or exchanging a T-tube in the operating room. These studies described attaching the T-tube to the endotracheal tube to pass the T-tube into the airway while allowing for continuous ventilation. Yet other studies used optical forceps or rigid bronchoscopes to allow placement of the T-tube with direct visualization. Conclusion: There are many techniques used for the insertion of a Montgomery T-tube. Nearly all studies described using a modified Seldinger technique and all the studies agreed on the necessity of a team approach for placement of the Montgomery T-tube.
Drug repositioning of anti-microbial agent nifuratel to treat mast cell-mediated allergic responses
Authors: Lee Ji Eon , Choi Min Yeong , Min Keun Young , Jo Min Geun , Kim Young Mi , Kim Hyuk Soon , Choi Wahn Soo 
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Our objective was to assess the effects and mechanisms of nifuratel on IgE-mediated mast cell (MC) degranulation and anaphylaxis in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Methods: The anti-allergic activity of nifuratel was evaluated in mast cell cultures and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model. The effects of nifuratel on signaling pathways stimulated by antigen in mast cells were measured by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, in vitro protein tyrosine kinase assay, and other molecular biological methods. Results: Nifuratel reversibly inhibited antigen-induced degranulation of MCs (IC50, approximately 0.34 μM for RBL-2H3 cells; approximately 0.94 μM for BMMCs) and suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (IC50, approximately 0.74 μM) and TNF-α (IC50, approximately 0.48 μM). Mechanism studies showed that nifuratel inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk by antigen via the inhibition of recruitment of cytosolic Syk to the ɣ subunit of FcεRI, and decreased the activation of Syk downstream signaling proteins LAT, Akt, and MAPKs. Finally, nifuratel dose-dependently suppressed the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice (ED50, approximately 22 mg/kg). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that nifuratel inhibits pathways essential for the activation of mast cells to suppress anaphylaxis, thereby indicating that the anti-microbial drug, nifuratel, could be a potential drug candidate for IgE-mediated allergic disorders.
The Relevance of Jim Crotty’s Keynes Against Capitalism to Solving Macro economic Problems under Conditions of Class Conflict
Authors: Boddy Raford 
Published: September 2023

Was Keynes trying to save capitalism or create “Liberal Socialism”? Jim Crotty’s unique approach to this long-standing question makes his work an outstanding contribution to heterodox macro policy. Tracing Keynes’s policy positions from World War I to Keynes’s death in 1946, Jim combines rich historical detail with Keynes’s insistence that the realism of assumptions affects the truth content of hypotheses. Jim’s book can serve as a guide to policy positions to sustain full employment through the socialization of investment under conditions of class struggle. Contrary to the position that Keynes denied class conflict, there is no fundamental contradiction between Marx’s assumption of class conflict and Keynes’s policy positions in support of full employment through the socialization of investment. JEL Classification: E6, E11, E12
Dispensary Staff Perceptions About the Benefits, Risks, and Safety of Cannabis for Medical Purposes
Authors: Bulls Hailey W. , Althouse Andrew D. , Feldman Robert , Arnsten Julia H. , Liebschutz Jane M. , Nugent Shannon M. , Orris Steven R. , Rohac Rebecca , Slawek Deepika E. , Starrels Joanna L. , Morasco Benjamin J. , Kansagara Devan , Merlin Jessica S. 
Published: September 2023

Background: Therapeutic use of cannabis is common in the United States (up to 18.7% of Americans aged ≥12), and dispensaries in the US are proliferating rapidly. However, the efficacy profile of medical cannabis is unclear, and customers often rely on dispensary staff for purchasing decisions. The objective was to describe cannabis dispensary staff perceptions of medical cannabis benefits and risks, as well as its safety in high-risk populations. Methods: Online Survey study conducted using Qualtrics from February 13, 2020 to October 2, 2020 with a national sample of dispensary staff who reportedinteracting with customers in a cannabis dispensary selling tetrahydrocannabinol-containing products. Participants were queried about benefits (“helpfulness”) and risks (“worry”) about cannabis for a variety of medical conditions, and safety in older adults and pregnant women on a five-point Likert scale. These results were then collapsed into three categories including “neutral” (3/5). “I don’t know” (uncertainty) was a response option for helpfulness and safety. Results: Participants (n = 434) were from 29 states and included patient-facing dispensary staff (40%); managers (32%); pharmacists (13%); and physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants (5%). Over 80% of participants perceived cannabis as helpful for post-traumatic stress disorder (88.7%), epilepsy (85.3%) and cancer (83.4%). Generally, participants were not concerned about potential cannabis risks, including increased use of illicit drugs (76.3%), decreases in intelligence (74.4%), disrupted sleep (71.7%), and new/worsening health problems from medical cannabis use (70.7%). Cannabis was considered safe in older adults by 81.3% of participants, though there was much less consensus on safety in pregnancy. Conclusions: Cannabis dispensary staff generally view medical cannabis as beneficial and low-risk. However, improvements in dispensary staff training, an increased role for certifying clinicians, and interventions to reduce dispensary staff concerns (e.g., cost, judgment) may improve evidence-based staff recommendations to patients seeking medical cannabis.
Augmenting Trait Meta-Mood: An Intervention to Enhance Psychological Well-being and Academic Achievement in Adolescents
Authors: Rana Vijay , Dangwal Pragyan , Mishra P. C. 
Published: September 2023

Background The period of adolescence is a crucial phase of development marked by significant transformations in emotional experiences, cognitive processes, and social interactions. Throughout this stage, individuals encounter diverse challenges that can influence their psychological well-being and academic performance. Existing research has highlighted the importance of trait meta-mood, which involves the ability to understand and regulate one’s own emotions, in shaping overall functioning during adolescence. However, there is a lack of comprehensive interventions specifically focusing on enhancing trait meta-mood in this population. Thus, this study aims to address this gap by investigating the effectiveness of an intervention program designed to improve trait meta-mood in adolescents. Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the intervention program on academic achievement, psychological well-being, and trait meta-mood in adolescents. Methods The study employed a pre- and post-experimental design. Participants included adolescents aged 15–17 years. The intervention program consisted of a series of workshops and activities aimed at promoting self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive cognitive strategies. Pre- and post-intervention measures were used to assess academic achievement, psychological well-being, and trait meta-mood. Results The findings of this study indicate that the intervention program significantly enhanced academic achievement, psychological well-being, and trait meta-mood of adolescents. Participants who underwent the intervention demonstrated improved self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and positive cognitive strategies. Moreover, these improvements were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being and academic achievement. Conclusion The results suggest that the intervention program designed to enhance trait meta-mood in adolescents is effective in improving academic achievement, psychological well-being, and trait meta-mood. The findings highlight the importance of promoting self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive cognitive strategies in interventions targeting adolescents, as they contribute to overall well-being and academic success.
Predictors of priapism incidence and recurrence in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: De Niro Agustin J. Nanda , Duarsa Gede Wirya Kusuma , Yudiana I Wayan , Prayudi Nyoman Gede , Tirtayasa Pande Made Wisnu , Santosa Kadek Budi , Kloping Yudhistira Pradnyan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic blood disorder with a high global incidence rate. Individuals with SCD experience lifelong complications; one such recurrent complication is priapism. Given the unfavorable prognosis and the limited knowledge of patients regarding priapism, healthcare professionals need to identify factors that can aid in diagnosing priapism in SCD patients.

Main body of the abstract
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using four databases, namely MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, following the PRISMA guidelines. The quality and risk of bias assessment were performed using the ROBINS-I tool (Risk Of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions) according to guidelines by the Cochrane Collaboration. The literature search yielded a total of 4434 studies, out of which six studies met the eligibility criteria.

Short conclusions
The findings from the selected studies revealed that advancing age and a higher frequency of priapism episodes were significant predictors of priapism occurrence in SCD patients. These findings underscore the importance of early recognition and management of priapism in this patient population.
Why different sugarcane cultivars show different resistant abilities to smut?
Authors: Chen Siyu , Chen Zhongliang , Lin Xinru , Zhou Xinyan , Yang Shangdong , Tan Hongwei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo elucidate the mechanisms underlying the resistance to smut of different sugarcane cultivars, endophytic bacterial and fungal compositions, functions and metabolites in the stems of the sugarcane cultivars were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing techniques and nontargeted metabolomics. The results showed that the levels of ethylene, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid in sugarcane varieties that were not sensitive to smut were all higher than those in sensitive sugarcane varieties. Moreover, endophytic fungi, such as Ramichloridium, Alternaria, Sarocladium, Epicoccum, and Exophiala species, could be considered antagonistic to sugarcane smut. Additionally, the highly active arginine and proline metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism in sugarcane varieties that were not sensitive to smut indicated that these pathways contribute to resistance to smut. All of the above results suggested that the relatively highly abundant antagonistic microbes and highly active metabolic functions of endophytes in non-smut-sensitive sugarcane cultivars were important for their relatively high resistance to smut.