bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of globalization on economic sophistication in selected African countries
Authors: Nguea Stéphane Mbiankeu , Fotio Hervé Kaffo , Baida Louise Angèle 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis research investigates the effects of globalization on economic sophistication for 27 African countries over the 1996–2017 period by employing Driscoll and Kraay standard errors and system generalized method of moments. We find that globalization enhances economic sophistication. Accounting for the dimensions of globalization, the results show that economic, social, and political globalization matter for enhancing economic sophistication. Furthermore, the decomposition of economic and social globalization indicates that financial globalization, trade openness, and FDI enhance economic sophistication, whereas Internet usage negatively affects economic sophistication. Policies to sustain the global integration pathway can enhance the diversity and sophistication of products in African countries.
Institutional Change and International Entrepreneurship after the War in Ukraine
Authors: Zahra Shaker A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRecently, the US and its allies have mobilized long‐standing international institutions to sanction Russia and repel its war in Ukraine. This mobilization is likely to change the world order, with long‐term effects on the birth, survival and growth of international new ventures. However, these effects will vary across different regions of the world.
Effects of Medicare eligibility and enrollment at age 65 years on the use of high‐value and low‐value care
Authors: Park Sungchul , Wadhera Rishi K. , Jung Jeah 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of Medicare eligibility and enrollment on the use of high‐value and low‐value care services.Data Sources/Study SettingThe 2002–2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.Study DesignWe employed a regression discontinuity design, which exploits the discontinuity in eligibility for Medicare at age 65 and compares individuals just before and after age 65. Our primary outcomes included the use of high‐value care services (eight services) and low‐value care services (seven services). To examine the effects of Medicare eligibility, we conducted a regression discontinuity analysis. To examine the effects of Medicare enrollment, we used the discontinuity in the probability of having Medicare coverage around the age eligibility cutoff and conducted an instrumental variable analysis.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsN/A.Principal FindingsMedicare eligibility and enrollment led to statistically significant increases in the use of only two high‐value services: cholesterol measurement [2.1 percentage points (95%: 0.4–3.7) (2.2% relative change) and 2.4 percentage points (95%: 0.4–4.4)] and receipt of the influenza vaccine [3.0 percentage points (95%: 0.3–5.6) (6.0% relative change) and 3.6 percentage points (95%: 0.4–6.8)]. Medicare eligibility and enrollment led to statistically significant increases in the use of two low‐value services: antibiotics for acute upper respiratory infections [6.9 percentage points (95% CI: 0.8–13.0) (24.0% relative change) and 8.2 percentage points (95% CI: 0.8–15.5)] and radiographs for back pain [4.6 percentage points (95% CI: 0.1–9.2) (36.8% relative change) and 6.2 percentage points (95% CI: 0.1–12.3)]. However, there was no significant change in the use of other high‐value and low‐value care services.ConclusionMedicare eligibility and enrollment at age 65 years led to increases in the use of some high‐value and low‐value care services, but there were no changes in the use of the majority of other services. Policymakers should consider refining the Medicare program to enhance the value of care delivered.
Hyposphagma, positional asphyxia, and acute intoxication with psychoactive substances
Authors: Živković Vladimir , Leković Aleksa , Nikolić Slobodan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHyposphagma or subconjunctival hemorrhage is extensive confluent bleeding located between the conjunctiva and episclera. It can develop after trauma or the Valsalva maneuver and hemorrhagic diathesis and vascular diseases, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes are the predisposing causes. It may also appear as part of the so‐called congestion syndrome of the face and neck in crush or mechanical asphyxia and ligature strangulation, as well as in head‐down positional asphyxia. We present two cases of heavily intoxicated individuals who were both, at the time of death, in the position with their trunks bent at the waist over their thighs and their heads down between the legs. They both had severe facial congestion with pronounced hyposphagma. The formation of extensive subconjunctival bleeding or hyposphagma resulted in hemodynamic dysregulation, a consequence of the head‐down position, with a decreased venous return of blood to the heart. Since it requires preserved circulation, this finding cannot be considered solely as a mere postmortem phenomenon. Thus, in the presented cases, and especially in other cases where the blood level of psychoactive substances alone may be insufficient to explain the death, positional asphyxia, including the head‐down position, could be considered a contributing cause. In such cases, hyposphagma could prove to be a valuable marker of positional asphyxia.
Iran, China and the Persian Gulf: An unfolding engagement
Authors: Shariatinia Mohsen , Kermani Hamed A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSince the ancient Persian empires, Iran has been the key local actor in the Persian Gulf. In the modern era in particular, it has been engaged in periodic struggles for power with the great powers in this region. Therefore, it would be crucial to ask how Iran would evaluate China's increasing engagement in the Persian Gulf, especially its close ties with Iran's archrivals. As history suggests, Iran's relations with great powers in the Persian Gulf, coupled with the dynamics of transition in the international system, may be the most critical factors shaping the Sino–Iranian relations in the Persian Gulf. These two factors shape the emerging Iranian perception of China's presence in the region in three areas. Geostrategically, Iran views China's increasing presence in the Persian Gulf as a new window of opportunity to alleviate its security dilemma. Although Iranian leaders have concerns about military cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, they trust that China could be a new balancing force against the United States. In the geoeconomic sphere, Iran seeks cooperation with China in two areas to overcome its regional rivals, that is, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates: it wants to become China's number one trading partner in the region and participate as much as possible in China's energy security. Finally, in terms of connectivity and transit, Iranian leaders hope to define their zones of influence in Iraq and Syria as the main route for the Belt and Road Initiative.
Evaluation of 99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT imaging on angiogenesis in animal models of lung cancer
Authors: Wu Yongkun , Wang Yufei , Yang Zheng , Teng Chuanhui , Guo Zhanlin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe main purpose of the study was to evaluate the activity and selectivity of 99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT in order to detect the neovascularization of A549 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumors, and clarify the relationship among tumor vasculature, hypoxia and cell proliferation in the tumor microenvironment.MethodsWe established a subcutaneous tumor model, and used 99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT when the average tumor size reached 0.3–0.5 cm3. The mice were anesthetized and sacrificed and the tumors were completely removed for frozen section analysis. We subsequently evaluated the status of neovascularization, hypoxia, as well as cell proliferation via immunofluorescence staining (IF) by detecting CD31, pimonidazole and EdU, respectively.ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.88, p < 0.05) between the microvascular density (41.20 ± 18.60) and tumor to nontumor ratio (T/M), which was based on the value of 99mTc‐3PRGD2 (4.20 ± 1.33); meanwhile, no significance (r = −0.16, p > 0.05) was found between the T/M and hypoxic area (116.71 ± 9.36). Neovascular proliferation was particularly vigorous in the parenchymal region of the tumor, while the cells around the cavity were generally hypoxic. 99mTC‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT was more specific than 18F‐FDG PET‐CT in detecting malignant tumors.ConclusionBoth 99mTC‐3PRGD2 and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT can be used for the detection of malignant tumors, but the specificity and accuracy of 99mTC‐3PRGD2 are better. The subcutaneous tumors showed a heterogeneous microenvironment as a result of neovascularization, a high proliferation rate of cancer cells as well as subsequent hypoxia, while most of the hypoxic areas appeared around the cavities of the vessels.
Deep reinforcement learning for conservation decisions
Authors: Lapeyrolerie Marcus , Chapman Melissa S. , Norman Kari E. A. , Boettiger Carl 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Can machine learning help us make better decisions about a changing planet? In this paper, we illustrate and discuss the potential of a promising corner of machine learning known as deep reinforcement learning (RL) to help tackle the most challenging conservation decision problems. We provide a conceptual and technical introduction to deep RL as well as annotated code so that researchers can adopt, evaluate and extend these approaches.

RL explicitly focuses on designing an agent who interacts with an environment that is dynamic and uncertain. Deep RL is the subfield of RL that incorporates deep neural networks into the agent. We train deep RL agents to solve sequential decision‐making problems in setting fisheries quotas and managing ecological tipping points.

We show that a deep RL agent is able to learn a nearly optimal solution for the fisheries management problem. For the tipping point problem, we show that a deep RL agent can outperform a sensible rule‐of‐thumb strategy.

Our results demonstrate that deep RL has the potential to solve challenging decision problems in conservation. While this potential may be compelling, the challenges involved in successfully deploying RL‐based management to realistic scenarios are formidable—the required expertise and computational cost may place these applications beyond the reach of all but large, international technology firms. Ecologists must establish a better understanding of how these algorithms work and fail if we are to realize this potential and avoid the pitfalls such a transition would bring. We ultimately set forth a research framework based on well‐posed, public challenges so that ecologists and computer scientists can collaborate towards solving hard decision‐making problems in conservation.
Guided endodontics of calcified canals: The drilling path of rotary systems and intracanal dentin wear
Authors: Pires Cassiano Ricardo Ferreira , Souza‐Gabriel Aline Evangelista , Pelozo Laís Lima , Cruz‐Filho Antônio Miranda , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião , Silva Ricardo Gariba 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the drilling path (mm) and the dentin wear (mm3) of two instruments used during guided endodontic access. Twenty mandibular incisors with calcified canals were selected using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and fixed in articulated models. Preoperative CBCT scans were performed in combination with intraoral scanning, and the images were reconstructed in the Blue Sky Bio software for access planning and printing the guides. The access cavity was drilled with 1.0‐mm‐diameter bur (DSP) and 0.8‐mm‐diameter bur (Munce). Postoperative CBCT was performed, and the images obtained preoperative and postoperative were superimposed for the analyses. Data were analysed by a t‐test and linear regression (α = 0.05). No difference was found in the drilling path (p = 0.422). However, the Munce bur had higher dentin wear than the DSP bur (p = 0.011). A positive linear correlation (R2 = 0.859) was found between the factors.
Necrocapitalism in the Gig Economy: The Case of Platform Food Couriers in Australia
Authors: Orr Will , Henne Kathryn , Lee Ashlin , Harb Jenna Imad , Alphonso Franz Carneiro 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAlthough recent deaths of multiple couriers on the road have raised awareness of the dangers of on‐demand food delivery, there remains limited government regulation of the industry in many jurisdictions. In this article, we argue that the labour conditions of platform couriers in Australia constitute a case of necrocapitalism (Banerjee), a contemporary form of accumulation through which organisational structures harness the power of debilitation and death for economic gain. After contextualising food delivery within the Australian gig economy, our analysis underscores how necropower operates through courier labour. We illustrate three dimensions: how this form of labour entails corporeal risks and harms; how these harms are heightened by platform infrastructures; and how strategic regulatory inaction maintains necropolitical orders. The article concludes with a reflection on how this contemporary example of necrocapitalism illuminates intersecting vectors of domination underpinning the logics and practices of platform governance.
The impact of diagnosed fetal anomaly, diagnostic severity and prognostic ambiguity on parental depression and traumatic stress: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Oftedal Aurora , Bekkhus Mona , Haugen Guttorm Nils , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi , Kaasen Anne 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe detection of a fetal anomaly during routine obstetric ultrasound is a potentially traumatic experience. The aim of this study is to examine longitudinally the impact of diagnosis of fetal anomaly on symptoms of depression and traumatic stress among mothers and fathers, and to examine how variations in psychological adjustment relate to diagnostic severity and prognostic ambiguity.Material and methodsIn this prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary perinatal referral center, 81 mothers and 69 fathers with ultrasound findings of fetal anomaly completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Impact of Events Scale (IES) at four time points in pregnancy (T1–T4) and 6 weeks after birth (T5). We compared this with depression and traumatic stress in a sample of non‐affected parents (n = 110 mothers, 98 fathers).ResultsLinear mixed effects models indicated that parents who received a diagnosis of fetal anomaly experienced higher levels of depression and traumatic stress over time, compared with non‐affected parents. Depression: mean difference mothers = 4.46 ± 0.47, fathers = 2.80 ± 0.42. Traumatic stress: mean difference mothers = 20.04 ± 2.13, fathers = 12.66 ± 1.74. Parents with a more severe diagnosis experienced elevated symptoms compared with parents with a less severe diagnosis. Among mothers, prognostic ambiguity and changes in the anticipated diagnosis after birth were also associated with increased distress, regardless of whether the change was for the better or worse.ConclusionsDiagnosis of fetal anomaly increases risk of depression and traumatic stress in expectant mothers and fathers, both acutely and over time.
Characterization of left atrial assist device implantation: Early results of ex vivo anatomical assessment
Authors: Miyagi Chihiro , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Miyamoto Takuma , Kuban Barry D. , Starling Randall C. , Karimov Jamshid H. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe left atrial assist device (LAAD) is a novel pump that was developed specifically for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The device is surgically implanted in the mitral position. This study aimed to characterize the various device‐fitting configurations in the mitral annular position.MethodsRapidly prototyped LAAD models (n = 5) were fabricated with five different driveline configurations: (A) annulus level/intra‐cuff running; (B) supra‐cuff/below coronary sinus (CS); (C) infra‐cuff; (D) supra‐annulus/supra‐CS; (E) left ventricular free wall level. The 3D‐printed models were implanted in extracted fresh porcine hearts (80–100 kg, adult, healthy porcine) and the proximity of anatomical structures between the driveline and CS and coronary artery (CA) were measured.ResultsAll five device configurations were evaluated for fitting. For the purpose of preventing blood clot formation around the driveline, the mitral annulus (MA) as a driveline pass‐way (configuration A) has been considered advantageous with the current device, in that the driveline exposure to blood has been avoided. The CS does not exist at exactly the same level as the MA, and there is less risk of injuring it than using the left atrial free wall. However, there is an inevitable risk of damaging the CA, so careful visual inspection before inserting the driveline is needed.ConclusionsSeveral options of driveline exteriorization were demonstrated, and the safety of each configuration was evaluated. Using the MA as a pathway for the driveline exit is considered to be a reasonable and safe method.
A simple and reliable adult uncuffed endotracheal tube for combined forceps and cryoprobe biopsy during bronchoscopy
Authors: Tao Meimei , Wang Xinxia , Sun Qian , Li Hui , Zou Hang , Zhu Guangfa 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionCombined forceps and cryoprobe biopsy during bronchoscopy are increasingly used. However, the adult standard cuffed endotracheal tube (SCETT) is can be limited by general anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade. An adult uncuffed endotracheal tube (UCETT) might provide simple and safe airway support in stable patients during forceps and cryoprobe biopsy under spontaneous respiration.MethodsA retrospective review of stable patients undergoing forceps and cryoprobe biopsy was performed. They were divided into a UCETT group (N = 33) and a SCETT group (N = 27). The primary technical outcome was the successful intubation and completion of bronchoscopy. The primary safety outcome was the incidence of desaturation events. Recovery time and side effects were also recorded.ResultsUCETTs and SCETTs were successfully inserted, and bronchoscopic procedures were completed in all patients. Only 3/33 (9.1%) patients in the UCETT group exhibited a drop of SPO2 < 90% during the bronchoscopy, compared to 2/27 (7.4%) patients in the SCETT group (P = 0.545). Patients recovered faster in the UCETT group than those in the SCETT group. Major bleeding, laryngospasm and major arrhythmias did not occur in either group. Incidences of sinus tachycardia, incidences of vomiting, minor and moderate bleeding and premature atrial contractions were not significantly different between the two groups. Nausea occurred in 5/33 (15.2%) patients in the UCETT group, compared to 11/27 (40.7%) in the SCETT group.ConclusionThis study suggests that UCETT under spontaneous respiration can provide satisfactory airway support and a shorter recovery time in stable patients; thus, it may be an option to assist forceps and cryoprobe biopsy.
Case of recurrent superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor
Authors: Salah Haneen T. , D'Ardis Julieta A. , Baek Donghwa , Duran Juanita , Schwartz Mary R. , Ayala Alberto G. , Ro Jae Y. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSuperficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor (SCPFT) is a recently described rare superficial mesenchymal tumor. SCPFT has a distinctive morphologic appearance, marked by significant nuclear pleomorphism, low mitotic rate, and diffuse CD34 positivity. SCPFT is underdiagnosed because of its rarity and misdiagnosis as sarcoma, with very few reported cases of local recurrence or metastasis. Recognition and awareness of SCPFT are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate clinical management. We describe here the case of a 37‐year‐old male who presented with a right calf mass diagnosed as SCPFT with subsequent local recurrence of the tumor.
A rare case of primary cutaneous malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor and review of the literature
Authors: Cornell Georgeanne , Jiang Betty , Ghaferi Jessical 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA 77‐year‐old female presented with a 6‐month history of a 2‐cm pink exophytic tumor on the right anterior shin, which had grown rapidly and began to bleed over the last 4 weeks. A shave biopsy showed a dermal proliferation of epithelioid spindled cells, arranged in nests and trabeculae associated with thin‐walled capillary vessels. The cells showed pleomorphic nuclei with vacuolated nuclear chromatin and occasional prominent nucleoli. Mitotic figures (7/10 high‐power fields [HPFs]), including atypical forms, were present in the specimen. Immunohistochemical staining was negative for SOX10 and stained positive for MiTF. The histopathologic findings were consistent with a malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). A malignant PEComa is a rare entity of mesenchymal‐derived cells with both melanocytic and myocytic differentiation. A PEComa is considered to be malignant by fulfilling two of the following criteria: size greater than 5 cm, vascular invasion, necrosis, mitotic figures greater than 1 per 50 HPF, infiltrative growth pattern, high nuclear grade, and hypercellularity. PEComas show immunohistochemical positivity to myocytic markers such as SMA, pan‐muscle actin, muscle myosin, calponin, and h‐caldesmon as well as melanocytic markers such as HMB‐45, Melan‐A, tyrosinase, and MiTF.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a virtual reality simulation for preclinical local anaesthesia dental education
Authors: McAlpin Elizabeth , Levine Marci , Brenner Corinne , Opazo Cristian , Bathini Savitha , Choi Seung Jae (Vince) , Louisville Meredith , Grandhi Uttam 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionTraditional manikin training has limitations that virtual reality can address. This study investigated the effectiveness of two part‐task training simulation methods, a virtual reality (VR Sim) vs a plastic manikin (PM Sim), on learning outcomes for local anaesthesia skills for second‐year pre‐clinical dental students.MethodsIn an experimental study, 58 second‐year students were randomly assigned to one of two groups, VR Sim or PM Sim. Both groups completed the same pre‐post survey. The VR Sim group practiced with a VR simulation, completed a built‐in treatment test and a transfer test with a live person, and was evaluated by an expert teaching assistant (TA) with a rubric. The PM Sim group practiced with a plastic manikin and completed a treatment test on the same manikin evaluated by a TA, followed by the same transfer test with a live person and evaluated by a TA with a rubric.ResultsCovering knowledge and skills in the delivery of local anaesthesia, mean final transfer test scores were statistically significantly higher for the PM Sim compared to VR Sim, F(1, 57) = 9.719, p = .003 with effect size, η2p = 0.148. Scores on respective treatment tests were similar to final transfer test scores for each group suggesting differences were localised to the practice methods. Pre‐survey results indicated participants had low prior experience with VR technology.ConclusionWhilst outcomes showed higher results for plastic manikin tutor training over the VR training method, they are complementary. As students practice more with the technology and the VR simulation they may improve further. Likewise, as the technology for haptics with VR improves beyond hand controllers so may the experience and learning of this skill for students.