bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ghana’s 2020 General Elections: An Assessment of the Journey and Processes
Authors: Gyampo Ransford Edward Van , Graham Emmanuel 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The December 7, 2020 General Election was the 8th milestone in Ghana’s electoral politics. It was keenly competitive for several reasons, including the fact that the two key contenders had a sense of unfinished agenda and wanted to capture or hold on to power to complete what had been initiated. The flag bearer of the main opposition party was voted out after one term in power, in a manner that challenged the creeping belief that all regimes in Ghana, since 1992, serve two terms in office. Whereas the ruling party did all it could to maintain the two-term tradition, the main opposition party also did its best to drum home the message that, the two-term tradition is not yet institutionalized. It was also widely believed that a defeat of any of the two main contenders, may mark the end of their respective political careers, as the two main political parties would file completely new candidates in future elections. This paper seeks to examine the journey and processes towards the 2020 General Elections within the context of the global pandemic, COVID-19. The paper highlights and fleshes out all the major issues before and during the elections and proffers possible explanations on the outcome of the elections.
Temporary Waiver of Patent Rights in Public Health Emergencies: Inadequacy of Provisions during the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Agejoh Patrick Ageh 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
After more than two decades of disagreement relating to the affordability of drugs against the HIV/AIDS crisis, particularly in developing countries, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is now another global public health crisis with the desperate need for pharmaceutical and medical products for a public health emergency. The COVID-19 outbreak has again highlighted the question of how to balance patent protection with the need to ensure access to, and affordability of medicines as a corollary of the right to life, during a public health emergency. In October 2020, India and South Africa submitted an application to the WTO TRIPS Council for the temporary waiver of intellectual property protection on pharmaceutical and medical products. The aim of this application is to facilitate the importation of medical products, by developing countries seeking to do so, in response to the pandemic. This waiver application accounts for the considerable difficulties developing and least developed countries are facing in using the compulsory licensing system to import pharmaceutical products for the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the principles of ‘multilateralism’ and its institutions by reintroducing ‘nationalism’ to international trade regulation. This analysis relies on existing literature to illustrate the problem under investigation. The key findings in the analysis include among others the rejection of patent protection waiver and the limitations of patent rights protection to the needs of public health emergencies. The analysis ends with a conclusion and some recommendations.
Victims’ Right to Justice, Immunities and New Avenues for International Criminal Justice
Authors: Galand Alexandre Skander 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
On account of the immunities which foreign State officials enjoy under international law, universal jurisdiction trials fail to offer justice to victims of crimes orchestrated by State authorities. The ICC Appeals Chamber has affirmed that immunities are inapplicable before international courts as no customary rule providing immunities before international courts has taken shape. While plausible, a critical assessment should still be made of which features an international court should have to be genuinely distinguishable from domestic courts, and thereby not be concerned with immunities. In this paper, it is argued that, unlike domestic courts, certain international criminal courts may be expressly endorsed by the international community as organs which may restore peaceful relations between and among states – the very rationale underlying personal immunity – and, as such, provide victims with access to justice.
Have Quadruple and Quintuple Helices Emerged? Metaphors, Project Titles, and Empirical Research
Authors: Lawton Smith Helen , Leydesdorff Loet 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In the original Triple Helix model (Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff 1995), the three “helices” of Universities, Industry and Government and the (3-way) interactions among and between them were proposed as a basis for looking at how entrepreneurship comes into being. Since the original article, other “helix-based” models have been proposed. Some vary the triple and others propose higher numbers of helix – with 4 and 5as the most typical extensions. In the article “Triple, Quadruple, and Higher-Order Helices: Historical phenomena and (neo-)evolutionary models,” Leydesdorff and Lawton Smith (2022) developed an Information-Theory based approach to look more formally at the need for higher-order helices.
In the case of two helices, processes of mutual shaping can generate historical trajectories that could have been otherwise: other options providing possible states, which have not yet historically been realized (Petersen et al., 2016). Adding a third helix makes a substantive change from an information point of view: a Triple Helix model is not just the sum of three sets of 2-way interactions. However, once this number has been reached further additions can be decomposed into sets of triads (Batagelj et al., 2014; Simmel, 1902). This leads to the suggestion that higher-dimensional helix structures potentially add little to discourse.
Four (sets of) authors were asked by the Editors of the Triple Helix to respond to Leydesdorff and Lawton Smith (2022). Many insightful and interesting points were raised including convenience, presentation and the need to allow a more unified theory model. These are discussed in this article’s “responses to just criticism” (Shostakovich, 1937). It continues the debate on triple and higher-order helices by summarising and responding to the points made by those commentators. What may be the status of triple and/or higher-order helices?
Rule of Law: a Fundamental Concept Without a Coherent Meaning
Authors: Cejie Katia 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The concept “rule of law” is used worldwide. However, the meaning of the concept varies, depending on several factors such as geography and history. This article provides a brief overview of how the concept is understood in the Swedish and Chinese legal contexts, by defining its different characteristics. The research confirms that the concept, which originates from the West, is used and perceived quite differently in the two countries. In fact, the use of different terminology, law-state thinking and socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, confirm the differences in understanding.
Home Medication Regimens Increase in Complexity After Admission for Fall in the Older Trauma Patient
Authors: Stanley Samuel P. , DeMario Belinda S. , Beel Kevin T. , Lee Michelle S. , Petitt Jordan C. , Brown Laura R. , Tseng Esther S. , Ho Vanessa P. 
Published: July 2022

Background Hospitalization for the older trauma patient is an opportunity to assess polypharmacy. We hypothesized that medication regimen complexity (RxCS) and pain medication prescriptions (PRxs) would increase in older home-going patients admitted for a fall. Methods We retrospectively chart reviewed patients ≥45 years old admitted for a fall at a level 1 trauma center who were discharged home with full medication documentation. RxCS was compared pre-admission and post-discharge with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; opioid and non-opioid PRxs were compared with Fisher’s exact test, α = .05. Results 103 patients met inclusion criteria; 58% were ≥65 years old. RxCS (9 [.5-13] to 11 [4.5-15], P < .01) increased on discharge. Opioid PRx rates increased significantly in all age groups. Non-opioid PRx rates increased significantly for patients <65 but not for patients ≥65. Conclusions Admission for a fall was associated with increases in RxCS, while PRx changes were age-dependent. Providers should recognize that admissions for older patients who fall after trauma are underutilized opportunities to address polypharmacy in high-risk patients.
Emotional contagion behavior in a group of young girls in a secondary school in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Gouveia Lίdia , Mandlate Flávio , Ziebold Carolina , Fumo Wilza , Mabunda Dirceu , Lovero Kathryn L , Fumo Afonso Mazine Tiago , Santos Palmira dos , Palha António Pacheco , Mocumbi Ana Olga , Oquendo Maria A , Wainberg Milton L , Duarte Cristiane S , Mari Jair J 
Published: July 2022

Background: Emotional Contagion Behavior (ECB), the synchronized expression of emotional symptoms among members of a group, has been observed globally. In Mozambique, there have been numerous reports of ECB in recent years. Since 2010 several girls from a secondary school in Maputo City, Mozambique exhibited ECB which involved repeated fainting spells, sometimes including verbal aggression and threats to colleagues and teachers. We conducted a study to analyze sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with ECB. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 154 females aged from 16 to 24 years old. We considered emotional contagion behavior as repeated fainting spells, sometimes including verbal aggression and threats to others (colleagues and teachers). Participants responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Scale, and the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models analyzed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with EBC. Results: Among study participants, 57 presented ECB and 97 did not. The likelihood of ECB was higher among those with previous history of ECB (OR = 8.28, 95% CI [2.51, 27.30]; p ⩽ .001) and extroverted personality profile (OR = 1.15, 95% CI [1.01, 1.30]; p = .038). Having a romantic relationship was related to lower likelihood of having ECB (OR = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.19]; p = .001). Conclusions: These results suggest that ECB may repeat over time and be related to challenges pertaining to personality development, the presence of sexual life, and close relationships with peers faced by adolescent girls.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Recent Incarceration Among People With HIV, United States, 2015-2017
Authors: Reyes Jovanni V. , Myles Ranell L. , Luo Qingwei , Beer Linda , Burton Deron C. 
Published: July 2022

Objectives: We examined sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with previous incarceration among people with diagnosed HIV to inform HIV care efforts for this population. Methods: We used 2015-2017 data from a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of US adults with diagnosed HIV (N = 11 739). We computed weighted percentages and 95% CIs to compare the characteristics of people with HIV incarcerated in the past 12 months (ie, recently) with people with HIV not recently incarcerated. We used adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with predicted marginal means to examine associations between selected factors and incarceration status. Results: Adults with HIV who were recently incarcerated, when compared with those who were not, were more likely to be aged 18-29 years (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.51), non-Hispanic Black (PR = 1.39), less educated (<high school diploma; PR = 1.41), unemployed (PR = 1.32), or living at or below the federal poverty level (PR = 1.64); to have recently experienced homelessness (PR = 4.56); and to have recently used drugs (PR = 1.68). Clinically, they were more likely to have been diagnosed with HIV in the past 5 years (aPR = 1.26), have lower CD4 counts (aPR = 1.45), have recently used the emergency department (aPR = 1.15), and have experienced severe anxiety (aPR = 1.50) and less likely to be retained in care, be recently virally suppressed, or have sustained viral suppression. Conclusions: Among people with HIV, recent incarceration was associated with increased health risks and worse health outcomes. Pre- and postrelease linkage-to-care interventions and reentry services might improve the health of recently incarcerated people with HIV.
An Examination of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Based on Classroom Distancing in Schools With Other Preventive Measures in Place—Missouri, January–March 2021
Authors: Donovan Catherine V. , Worrell Mary Claire , Steinberg Jonathan , Montgomery Brock K. , Young Randall , Richardson Gabriele , Dawson Patrick , Dinh Thu Ha , Botkin Natalie , Fitzpatrick Tammy , Fields Amanda , Rains Catherine M. , Fritz Stephanie , Malone Sara , Tong Suxiang , Mooney Jon , Newland Jason G. , Barrios Lisa C. , Neatherlin John C. , Salzer Johanna S. ,   and the Missouri School Measurement Team
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Classroom layout plays a central role in maintaining physical distancing as part of a multicomponent prevention strategy for safe in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a school investigation to assess layouts and physical distancing in classroom settings with and without in-school SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Methods: We assessed, measured, and mapped 90 K-12 (kindergarten through grade 12) classrooms in 3 Missouri public school districts during January–March 2021, prior to widespread prevalence of the Delta variant; distances between students, teachers, and people with COVID-19 and their contacts were analyzed. We used whole-genome sequencing to further evaluate potential transmission events. Results: The investigation evaluated the classrooms of 34 students and staff members who were potentially infectious with COVID-19 in a classroom. Of 42 close contacts (15 tested) who sat within 3 ft of possibly infectious people, 1 (2%) probable transmission event occurred (from a symptomatic student with a longer exposure period [5 days]); of 122 contacts (23 tested) who sat more than 3 ft away from possibly infectious people with shorter exposure periods, no transmission events occurred. Conclusions: Reduced student physical distancing is one component of mitigation strategies that can allow for increased classroom capacity and support in-person learning. In the pre–Delta variant period, limited physical distancing (<6 ft) among students in K-12 schools was not associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
The effects of ideal standards and parental approval on mate choice among emerging adults
Authors: Guvensoy Ipek , Erdem Gizem 
Published: July 2022

The current study examines how ideal standards and parental approval interplay in the decision to marry via three consecutive studies among Turkish emerging adults. The first study explored desirable traits for a potential spouse, and participants ( N = 309) rated and rank-ordered 56 traits. Findings revealed that trustworthiness, honesty, and loyalty were the most desired traits. Informed by the first study’s findings, we designed vignettes, tested their validity via three pilot studies, and finalized scenarios for the experimental study. In Study 2 ( N = 331), we recruited highly liberal (secular) emerging adults and randomly assigned them to one of the four experimental conditions (2x2 design; ideal standards high vs. low, parents approve vs. disapprove). Each participant read a vignette about a potential partner and responded whether they would be willing to marry that person (yes or no). Analysis revealed that participants were 13.93 times [ CI (6.40, 30.32)] more willing to marry a partner who met ideal standards and 4.24 times [ CI (1.93, 9.30)] more willing if the parents approved the partner. Study 3 replicated Study 2 with a conservative sample, using the same experimental design and vignettes. We recruited participants through theology departments and online religious groups ( N = 484). Main effects of both having an ideal partner [ OR = 5.00, CI (2.62, 9.54)] and parental approval [ OR = 4.00, CI (2.12, 7.53)] were significant as well as the interaction term [ OR= 7.38, CI (2.32, 23.51)]. The current study highlights the importance of parental approval and ideal standards on marriage decisions among secular and conservative emerging adults.
Heart surgery and simultaneous carotid endarterectomy – 10-years single-center experience
Authors: Gerfer Stephen , Ivanov Borko , Krasivskyi Ihor , Djordjevic Ilija , Gaisendrees Christopher , Avgeridou Soi , Kuhn-Régnier Ferdinand , Mader Navid , Rahmanian Parwis , Kröner Axel , Kuhn Elmar , Wahlers Thorsten 
Published: July 2022

Background Patients with coronary artery heart disease frequently suffer concomitant carotid vascular disease and are at high perioperative risk for neurological adverse events. Several concepts regarding the timing and modality of carotid revascularization are controversially discussed in patients with heart disease. Current guidelines recommendations on myocardial revascularization recommend a concomitant carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) or 50–99% grade of the carotid stenosis. Our study aimed to analyze early outcome parameters of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but also including concomitant heart valve surgery and simultaneous CEA. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 111 patients from our institutional database undergoing heart surgery with CABG or heart-valve surgery between 2010 and 2020 with concomitant carotid surgery due to significant carotid stenosis. Results Patients undergoing heart and simultaneous carotid surgery were 77 ± 8.0 years of age with a body mass index of 28 ± 1.7 kg/m2 and a mean EuroSCORE II of 6.5 ± 2.3. Most patients (61%) had a smoking history and arterial hypertension (97%). The preoperative mean grade of internal carotid stenosis was 87 ± 4.2%, 13% of patients suffered from internal carotid artery stenosis on both sites. In total, 4.5% of patients had previously undergone internal carotid artery intervention before and 6.3% had a history of stroke with a persistent neurologic disorder in 1.8%, 8.9% of cases had prior TIA. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 6.3% and postoperative neurologic events occurred with 7.2% TIA and 4.5% of disabling stroke. Conclusion Within the reported patient population of coronary artery heart disease and significant internal carotid stenosis, a one-time approach with CABG or heart-valve surgery and CEA is safe and feasible as justified by clinical and neurological postoperative outcomes.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: The impact of cannulation strategy on survival
Authors: Alhijab Fatimah A , Tantawy Tarek M , Ismail Huda H , AlBarrak Mohammed , Adam Adam I , Belghith Makhlouf , Hassan Essam , Pragliola Claudio , Albabtain Monirah A , Arafat Amr A 
Published: July 2022

Background The optimal venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) cannulation strategy in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is still debatable. Studies evaluating the effect of cannulation strategy on long-term survival are scarce. Objectives We investigated the impact of central versus peripheral cannulation strategy for ECMO insertion on hospital outcomes and survival in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients. Methods This retrospective study involved 101 patients who had either central or peripheral ECMO due to postcardiotomy shock between June 2009 and December 2020. Study endpoints were limb ischemia, bleeding, blood transfusion, wound infection, and overall survival. Results Eighty-four patients received central (c) ECMO, and 17 patients had peripheral (p) ECMO. In the group of pECMO, limb ischemia was significantly higher (5 [29.41%] vs 6 [7.14%]; p = .01). Other endpoints were similar in both groups. Thirty-day mortality was nonsignificantly different between both cohorts (cECMO 34 [41.67%] vs pECMO 10 [58.82%]; p = .29). However, overall survival was better with cECMO (Log-rank p = .02). Patients’ age [HR: 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02–1.06); p = .001], pECMO [HR: 1.98 (95% CI: 1.11–3.55), p = .002] and presence of infective endocarditis [HR: 3.54 (95% CI: 1.52–8.24), p = .03] were significant predictors of overall mortality. Conclusions Peripheral ECMO was associated with an increased risk of limb ischemia; however, bleeding, blood transfusion, infection, and 30-day mortality were comparable to central ECMO. Central cannulation was associated with a better 1-year survival rate. Therefore, central cannulation might be the preferred strategy for patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.
Lung transplantation in an 18-month-old with donor specific antibodies – The use of intraoperative, targeted plasma exchange
Authors: Issitt Richard , Shetty Pooja , Crook Richard , Cross Nigel , Henwood Sophie , Broadhead Michael , Spencer Helen , Aurora Paul , Gupta Arun , Kallon Delordson , Fenton Matthew , Muthialu Nagarajan 
Published: July 2022

Background: Sensitised patients undergoing Human Leukocyte Antigen-incompatible transplantation are at increased risk of hyperacute rejection and may be predisposed to antibody-mediated rejection, chronic lung allograft dysfunction and higher mortality. Case: We present a case of primary lung transplantation in the setting of late identification of donor specific antibodies treated with intraoperative target plasma exchange. The patient was treated with fresh human plasma to a final volume of 1.5 times the patient’s systemic circulation. From a pre-transplant mean fluorescence intensity of 5002, donor-specific antibodies were undetectable following plasma exchange on single antigen bead assay. Conclusions: This method represents a potential desensitisation technique for use in the intraoperative period.
Relationship Between Preoperative NT-proBNP and Postoperative Adverse Events in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Beyazal Osman Fehmi , Kervan Ümit , Karahan Mehmet , Kocabeyoğlu Sinan Sabit , Sert Doğan Emre , Temizhan Ahmet , Demirkan Burcu , Akdi Mustafa , Konşuk Ünlü Hande , Çatav Zeki 
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of preoperative NT-proBNP values with postoperative adverse events in patient left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Method: Forty-six patients (35 males; mean age 49.4 ± 12.9 years) who underwent LVAD implantation between 2016 and 2018 were evaluated in this study. The analysis was made on the relationship between preoperative NT-proBNP and mortality, postoperative right ventricular failure (RVF), postoperative drainage, duration of intubation, and intensive care unit stay, was examined. The optimal NT-proBNP cut-off values for predicting mortality were determined using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the patients were divided into two groups according to the specified cut-off point. Result: Median NT-proBNP was higher in patients who died, had postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and early RVF. The median NT-proBNP was 11,103 pg/ml in patients with IABP, and 2943 pg/ml in patients without IABP, and the difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.002). The cut-off point for NT-proBNP was found to be 1725.5 pg/ml (Sensitivity:0.929, Specificity:0.688). Accordingly, when the patients were divided into two groups and analyzed, no statistically significant difference was found between preoperative NT-proBNP below or above 1725.5 and postoperative adverse events. There was no statistically significant correlation between preoperative NT-proBNP and postoperative drainage, duration of intubation time, and duration of ICU stay ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Routine monitoring of preoperative NT-proBNP and comparison with postoperative values are important in terms of patient selection, the timing of surgery, follow-up of postoperative adverse events, and improving outcomes in VAD patients.