bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anorexia nervosa as a disorder of the subcortical–cortical interoceptive-self
Authors: Lucherini Angeletti Lorenzo , Innocenti Matteo , Felciai Federica , Ruggeri Emanuele , Cassioli Emanuele , Rossi Eleonora , Rotella Francesco , Castellini Giovanni , Stanghellini Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Northoff Georg 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by a diminished capacity in perceiving the physiological correlates of interoceptive sensations, namely bodily self-consciousness. Given the neural division of self-processing into interoceptive-, exteroceptive- and mental-self, we hypothesize neural deficits in the interoceptive-processing regions in AN.

Methods
To prove this, we reviewed resting state (rs), task and rest-task studies in AN literature.

Results
Neuronal data demonstrate the following in AN: (i) decreased rs-functional connectivity (rsFC) of subcortical–cortical midline structures (SCMS); (ii) reduced rsFC between medial (default-mode network/DMN and salience network/SN) and lateral (executive-control network/ECN) cortical regions; (iii) decreased rsFC in mainly the regions of the interoceptive-self; (iv) altered activity with overall increased activity in response to sensory/body image stimuli, especially in the regions of the interoceptive-self; (v) lack of a clear task-related distinction between own’s and others’ body image.

Conclusion
These data may indicate that rs-hypoconnectivity between SCMS, as neural correlate of a reduced intero-exteroceptive integration resulting in self-objectification, might be linked to overall increased activity in interoceptive regions during sensory/body image stimuli in AN, engendering an “anxious bodily self.”

Level of evidence
I: Systematic review.
Genetics and Epigenetics of Manganese Toxicity
Authors: Lindner Sabrina , Lucchini Roberto , Broberg Karin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose of Review
At elevated levels, the essential element manganese (Mn) is neurotoxic and increasing evidence indicates that environmental Mn exposure early in life negatively affects neurodevelopment. In this review, we describe how underlying genetics may confer susceptibility to elevated Mn concentrations and how the epigenetic effects of Mn may explain the association between Mn exposure early in life and its toxic effects later in life.

Recent Findings
Common polymorphisms in the Mn transporter genes SLC30A10 and SLC39A8 seem to have a large impact on intracellular Mn levels and, in turn, neurotoxicity. Genetic variation in iron regulatory genes may to lesser extent also influence Mn levels and toxicity. Recent studies on Mn and epigenetic mechanisms indicate that Mn-related changes in DNA methylation occur early in life. One human and two animal studies found persistent changes from in utero exposure to Mn but whether these changes have functional effects remains unknown.

Summary
Genetics seems to play a major role in susceptibility to Mn toxicity and should therefore be considered in risk assessment. Mn appears to interfere with epigenetic processes, potentially leading to persistent changes in developmental programming, which warrants further study.
Who is the biological patient? A new gradational and dynamic model for one health medicine
Authors: Friedman Yael 
Published: November 2022

AbstractOne Health medicine aims to improve health by focusing on the relations between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. However, One Health does not provide a clear idea of these relations, which are still represented as conceptually separated and not as one health, as the name implies. Inspired by holobiont research, I suggest a new model and conceptual framework for One Health that expands the notion of the biological patient by providing a gradational and dynamic understanding of environments, patients, and their relations. This new model conceptualizes humans and non-humans, individual organisms, and collectives, as belonging to one system that allows for more or less inclusive understandings of patients. As such, it resolves the conceptual tensions of different One Health approaches and supports the implementation of One Health as an interdisciplinary research field.
Biological activity of tannins extracts from processed Camellia sinensis (black and green tea), Vicia faba and Urtica dioica and Allium cepa essential oil on three economic insects
Authors: El-Aswad Ahmed F. , Aisu Justus , Khalifa Mohamed H. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNowadays to move toward a more sustainable agriculture, use of pesticide alternatives that have positive effects and play critical roles toward reducing the use of pesticides should be used. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to analyze the bioactivity of tannins isolated from urtica weed leaves (U), bean hull (B), black tea (BT) and green tea (GT) against larvae of cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) using food mixing technique and essential oil isolated from onion against larvae of cotton leafworm, adults of rice weevil and houseflies using fumigation technique. The results showed that during the first week of treatment, tannins extracted from U had the strongest antifeedant activity with an EC50 of 33.034 μg/g followed by tannins extracted from B (EC50 = 47.839 μg/g). In the second and third week, tannins isolated from B depicted highest antifeedant activity (EC50 = 37.733 and 84.828, respectively). Furthermore, the isolated tannins induced notable larval growth inhibition on S littoralis. On the other hand, mortality percentage of onion essential oil on tested insects clearly increased with both increased concentration and exposure time. The LC50 (μg/cm3) at 30 min reflected that the essential oil had a greater toxicity to cotton leafworm with a LC50 = 2.15 μg/cm3 while least toxic to house flies (LC50 = 16.09). The repellency action based on LT50 values was seen to be highly effective in houseflies (LT50 = 1.85 min). The results demonstrated that tannins and essential oil could be applicable in the management of insect pests to decrease ecologically detrimental effects of synthetic insecticides.
Confidence Levels or Degrees of Sentience?
Authors: Veit Walter 
Published: November 2022

AbstractI applaud recent improvements upon previous guidelines for the assessment of pain in non-human species and the application of their framework towards decapod crustaceans. Rather than constituting a mere intermediate solution between the scientific difficulty of settling questions of animal consciousness and the need for a framework for the purposes of animal welfare legislation, I will argue that the longer lists of criteria for animal sentience should make us realize that animal sentience is a multi-dimensional phenomenon that must be studied with a plethora of methods in order to assess its diversity across the tree of life.
Why is Communicating the Circular Bioeconomy so Challenging?
Authors: Giurca Alexandru 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The circular bioeconomy concept has been around for years now, yet despite increased efforts to popularize it, the concept has so far gained little public attention. Communicating this concept effectively, therefore, poses an important challenge. This commentary synthesizes what is known, presumed, and still unknown about how to effectively communicate about the circular bioeconomy. It postulates that the circular bioeconomy communication challenge appears due to three main reasons: (i) one rooted in differing conceptualizations and competing discourses; (ii) one rooted in normativity; and (iii) due to several knowledge gaps in the communication process. These postulations are backed by examples from the growing body of social-scientific literature on the topic. Finally, it provides a series of lessons learned and some suggestions for future research on circular bioeconomy communication. The insights provided here are useful for environmental communications, and the society and technology scientific communities, as well as for policymakers, practitioners, and communication experts interested in effectively communicating the circular bioeconomy.
Age/BMI is a Stronger Predictor of Death in COVID-19 Patients than Age Alone: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al Balwi Wala , Al Turki Maha , Memish Ziad A. , Fakhoury Hana M. A. , Al Balwi Mohammed , Hajeer Ali H. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age and BMI on the risk of death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A cohort of 206 Saudi COVID-19 patients was included in this study. Data on age, BMI, hospitalization, comorbidities, and death were collected and analyzed. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. Out of the 206 studied patients, 28 died. Hypertension, cardiac disease, and hospital admission were predictors of death in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Moreover, age was a significant predictor of death, while increased BMI seemed to be protective at an older age. Therefore, a new score was suggested taking into consideration both factors, namely age/BMI score. Although older age was associated with death in univariate (OR, 1.09 [95% CI 1.05–1.12], p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (OR, 1.05 [95% CI 1.02–1.09], p = 0.004), a higher age/BMI score was a stronger predictor of death than age alone, in both univariate (OR 4.42 [95% CI 2.50–7.80], p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (OR 3.11 [95% CI 1.66–5.82], p < 0.001). Several factors appear to contribute to the risk of COVID-19 death. Interestingly, our new age/BMI score seems to carry a higher risk of death than age alone. This new score will be designated as the Hajeer score. Since this is a small cohort study, we recommend investigating this score in a larger cohort.
Institutional Quality and Intra-Regional Trade Flows: Evidence from ECOWAS
Authors: Oshota Sebil Olalekan , Wahab Bashir Adelowo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSince institutional quality can either create or destroy incentives for individuals to engage in trade, it has become a source of worry to policymakers, as it can limit both intra- and extra-regional trade. Based on this, we empirically analyzed the extent to which national institutional quality affects bilateral trade flows in ECOWAS based on a gravity model for the period from 2000 to 2018. Specifically, the study employs the negative binomial pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator (NBPML). The results reveal that institutional variables with both aggregated and disaggregated measures of the quality of institutions have a significant and positive impact on trade flows in ECOWAS and on its sub-samples, WAEMU and WAMZ. The results further indicate that for both importing and exporting countries, reduced corruption, effective rule of law, and effective government coincide with more trade among member countries. The degree of regional integration is an important determinant of intra-ECOWAS trade, as are GDP, GDP per capita, common language, and landlockedness.
Scoping the Potential for a Digital Led Recovery from COVID-19 in Africa
Authors: Banga Rashmi , Banga Karishma 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we analyse the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Africa's trade in digitizable products, digitally deliverable services (DDSs), and e-commerce, and we outline the challenges of a digitally led recovery from the pandemic for African countries. The analysis is based on macro- and micro-level data and a review of extant literature. We find that almost 60% of the global exports of digital products in 2020 originated from the EU, with another 16% from North America. Africa's share in global exports of digital products, by contrast, was less than 1%. In the case of intra-Africa trade, exports of digital products are concentrated in just a few countries. Online supply in services is found to be more resilient to negative shocks from the pandemic compared to other modes of supply. We also find that e-commerce has important potential for economic recovery, but that its impact in Africa is constrained by high internet costs, weaknesses in postal services and capacities, cross-border trade costs, and lags in electronic infrastructure and digital payment systems. Based on the results of the study, we propose policies at the national, regional, and international levels to leverage digital trade for post-COVID recovery in Africa.
Exporters in Africa: What Role for Trade Costs?
Authors: Afonso Helena , Vergara Sebastian 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the role of trade costs for exporter dynamics in Africa. In comparison to exporters from other regions, African exporting firms are fewer, smaller, and relatively less diversified in terms of products and destinations. African countries also display the highest rates of entry, exit, and turnover of exporting firms, exporting products, and export destinations. This suggests that Africa’s exporting activity is volatile and subject to much experimentation, with exporters facing difficulties maintaining trade relationships. The analysis also confirms that trade costs are a crucial factor in explaining exporter performance in Africa vis-à-vis other regions, but also among African countries. Trade costs play a disproportionate role in affecting the size of new exporters and the survival of exporters in Africa. Also, trade cost differences across African countries are a relevant factor in explaining the lower market diversification of exporters from landlocked countries. A key implication is that the African Continental Free Trade Area can bring many benefits in terms of export flows and destination markets. Yet, without strengthening productive capacities, the diversification of export products will likely remain limited.
Effects of Flibanserin on Subdomain Scores of the Female Sexual Function Index in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Simon James A. , Clayton Anita H. , Goldstein Irwin , Kingsberg Sheryl A. , Shapiro Marla , Patel Sejal , Kim Noel N. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionFlibanserin treatment increases sexual desire and satisfying sexual events while decreasing distress in certain women diagnosed with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Additional aspects of sexual function and the time course of response have not been fully characterized.AimTo evaluate changes in sexual function assessed by the subdomains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women with HSDD treated with flibanserin.MethodsFSFI data pooled from 3 pivotal flibanserin trials in premenopausal women (flibanserin = 1,165; placebo = 1,203) and FSFI data from one complete flibanserin trial in postmenopausal women (flibanserin = 432; placebo = 463) were subjected to post-hoc analyses. For each FSFI subdomain, least squares mean change from baseline was calculated at each assessment visit (treatment weeks 4, 8, 16, 24) and treatment groups were compared using analysis of covariance. Standardized effect size (Cohen's d) was also determined for each FSFI subdomain.Main Outcome MeasureChanges from baseline in FSFI subdomains.ResultsCompared to placebo, both premenopausal (P &lt; .02) and postmenopausal (P &lt; .045) patients in the flibanserin group reported significantly greater increases over baseline in the FSFI subdomain scores of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. In premenopausal patients, significant improvements were observed at the first assessment of response (week 4) and were maintained through week 24. In postmenopausal patients, significant improvements were observed at week 4 for desire and arousal, while significant improvements in lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction were observed at week 8. At week 24, excluding the pain subdomain, standardized effect sizes ranged from 0.18 to 0.28 in the premenopausal cohort and 0.12 to 0.29 in the postmenopausal cohort. In both pre- and postmenopausal patients, improvements in pain were smaller and largely undifferentiated between treatment groups.Clinical ImplicationsWhile variations in time to response should be taken into consideration, on average, the beneficial impact of flibanserin on overall sexual function occurs within the first month of treatment. The data also suggest that the response to flibanserin is sustained for the duration of treatment.Strengths and LimitationsSexual function assessments were performed in a large cohort of 2,368 premenopausal women and 895 postmenopausal women. However, the FSFI assesses changes over a 1-month period and time points earlier than 4 weeks could not be assessed.ConclusionThese analyses suggest that assessment of benefit of flibanserin in HSDD should include improvements across all domains of sexual function, not only desire.
Science for Governing Japan's Population
Authors: Homei Aya 
Published: November 2022

Twenty-first-century Japan is known for the world's most aged population. Faced with this challenge, Japan has been a pioneer in using science to find ways of managing a declining birth rate. Science for Governing Japan's Population considers the question of why these population phenomena have been seen as problematic. What roles have population experts played in turning this demographic trend into a government concern? Aya Homei examines the medico-scientific fields around the notion of population that developed in Japan from the 1860s to the 1960s, analyzing the role of the population experts in the government's effort to manage its population. She argues that the formation of population sciences in modern Japan had a symbiotic relationship with the development of the neologism, 'population' (jinkō), and with the transformation of Japan into a modern sovereign power. Through this history, Homei unpacks assumptions about links between population, sovereignty, and science. This title is also available as Open Access.
ANALYSIS OF RADIOCARBON DISTRIBUTION IN THE EUTROPHIC LAKE FISH ASSEMBLAGE USING STABLE C, N, S ISOTOPES
Authors: Barisevičiūtė Rūta , Rakauskas Vytautas , Virbickas Tomas , Ežerinskis Žilvinas , Šapolaitė Justina , Remeikis Vidmantas 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTThe carbon isotope distribution and its relationship with stable N and S isotope ratio values were investigated within a fish assemblage from the shallow lake Tapeliai, which is constantly affected by inflows of 14C depleted water from the surrounding watershed mires. The “conventional” radiocarbon age within the fish from this lake varied from 119 to 693 yr. The 14C/12C and δ13C values correlated significantly (r=0.85 p<0.001), which is not typical in lakes of the temperate zone. There were no observed statistical differences (Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA tests) in the 14C/12C values among different fish species. The radiocarbon dating values and 15N/14N measurements did not correlate. The radiocarbon measurement values also did not correlate with δ34S, however, the distribution of these isotopes in carp (119 yr and 1.3‰, respectively) and roach (344 yr and 4.5‰, respectively) indicated that fish may include allochthonous food sources in their diet.
International Influences on the Survival of Territorial Non-state Actors
Authors: Kenwick Michael R. , Lemke Douglas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTerritorial contenders are political entities that control populated territories but lack recognition as sovereigns. They pose existential threats to their host states by reshaping recognized borders and generating zones of contested authority. States have strong incentives to eliminate them, and yet they persist—developing countries host an average of three territorial contenders within their borders. Understanding why territorial contenders survive and how they die is a critical puzzle in the study of state making. International forces offer important, if overlooked, explanations for these seemingly domestic processes. First, we argue that international rivals perpetuate the existence of territorial contenders by undermining a state's ability to reintegrate them through peaceful negotiations or by force. Secondly, the international human rights treaty regime provides a mechanism by which territorial contenders can galvanize support from potential allies, increasing a state's willingness and ability to resolve these disputes through peaceful reintegration processes.
Erasure at Home, Erasure in the World: Armenian History in Turkey (and Beyond) and Non-Discourses on Modern Political Conflict
Authors: Goshgarian Rachel 
Published: November 2022

On October 16, 2020, the Los Angeles Review of Books published a powerful letter about the war on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) that was signed by scholars who are considered to be among those most actively engaged in postcolonial theory and political activism, including Tariq Ali, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Noam Chomsky, Amitav Ghosh, and Cornel West. This letter read:
Before the ravages brought in by World War I and the 20th century, Azeris and Armenians in the area lived in the kind of conflictual coexistence with which we are acquainted in the multiethnic parts of the world. We are asking now not only for an agreement to a ceasefire but an insistence on the preservation of that ceasefire and protection for the Armenian minority in its efforts toward self-determination. We hope, in the long run, with the participation of all international institutions of justice, that the democratic will of the ethnic Armenians of the area can be acknowledged.2Yet scholars who specialize in the history of Turkey, the Ottoman Empire, and the Middle East were remarkably silent about this war that will have long-term effects on the small Republic of Armenia (population three million) and the relationships it will be able to maintain with its neighbors, in particular the Republic of Azerbaijan (population ten million) and the Republic of Turkey (population eighty-four million). The latter two countries’ militaries jointly attacked the unilaterally recognized, independent Armenian enclave of Artsakh (population 150,000) during a global pandemic, with help from paid Syrian mercenaries and Turkish military technology.
‘Resilience without development’ in a remote rural West African community: the case of Kayima, Sierra Leone
Authors: Binns Tony , Bateman Jerram 
Published: November 2022

AbstractRelatively few longitudinal studies have been undertaken of change and development among rural communities in Africa. Drawing on field-based research conducted over almost five decades, the article examines the shocks and adaptive strategies experienced in the remote rural community of Kayima in north-eastern Sierra Leone. In coping with both external and internal shocks and displaying a remarkable level of resilience, there has however been very little improvement in community livelihoods, and it is suggested that it is a case of ‘resilience without development’. It is likely that the findings of the study could have wider relevance among rural communities elsewhere in Africa.
Actors, bricolage, and translation in education policy: a case study from Ghana
Authors: Boakye Paul Acheampong , Béland Daniel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDue to the centrality of education to economic growth and social development, successive governments in post-colonial Ghana have implemented policies to improve the quality of education in the country. In line with this, Ghana embarked on its first major education reform in 1987 under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government. While several studies have been conducted to explain this reform, these studies have largely been descriptive and theoretically, have over relied on the conditionality thesis. Our study draws on ideational literature and research interviews to offer an alternative explanation of the 1987 reform. Drawing extensively on the ideational concepts of bricolage and translation and focusing on the actors using these two mechanisms, the study argues that, while exogenous forces did impact the 1987 reform, it was mainly driven by endogenous factors featuring both path dependent and departing changes.