Search

This article examines two grain embargoes the United States implemented against the Soviet Union in 1975 and 1980. Following the economic and political disruptions of the 1970s, and the insecurity these events created for the country, US leaders envisioned grain as a resource power. By controlling access to these commodities, the United States could influence the behaviour of other countries and help restore confidence in its foreign policy. Both embargoes failed to achieve these goals and instead demonstrated the limits of economic coercion in a market system and how domestic politics could impact diplomacy through the reaction of US farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the resources and capabilities that determine firm-level adjustments after a sudden unexpected closure of a major export market. We focus on the effects of the 2014 Russian embargo on Western food exporters using the example of Estonian firms. The paper applies a novel multimethod approach consisting of Study I quantifying the embargo effect on the trade diversion of firms that had exported embargoed goods to Russia, and Study II conducting a multiple case study into three dairy exporters highly affected by the embargo. Study I employs a difference-in-difference model with matched exporters of embargoed goods as treatment. Study II builds on extensive document analysis that serves as input for interviews with the CEOs of the sample dairy firms. We find that pre-shock productivity is on average a good predictor of post-shock firm trade diversion (Study I), however, we specify that the key firm-level resources and capabilities necessary for successful post-shock adjustments might not be reflected in the standard quantitative productivity level measures (Study II). We conclude that key firm-level resources and capabilities for embargo-resilience are the quality of exporting experience, competitive product-market matching, absorptive capacity, and managerial vision and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the construction of autobiographical discourse in Ramón Gómez de la Serna's book "Automoribundia." It delves into themes of death, identity, and the ethical responsibility of the narrator. The author emphasizes the importance of truth and authenticity in the autobiographical genre, while acknowledging the fluid nature of identity. The article also discusses Gómez de la Serna's writing style, influences, and his exploration of solitude and rejection of wealth and ambition. Additionally, it touches on his relationship with objects, women, and his political affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

with acquired spinal cord injuries. The findings suggest that preoperative counseling should address realistic expectations and potential challenges specific to each patient population. [Extracted from the article]

This document contains translations of article abstracts in Spanish and Chinese. The first abstract discusses worker empowerment and alternative models of socialism, arguing that a market socialist model provides the best framework for empowering workers during a transition to a more solid planning regime. The second abstract explores the political economy of disability and the nursing home industry in the United States, suggesting that the capture of young disabled individuals in nursing homes is a result of their absorption by the industry due to capitalist exploitation and segregation. The third abstract examines the concept of reification as an ecological critique, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of reification to illuminate the political transition towards ecosocialism. The final abstract analyzes W.E.B. Du Bois' positive engagement with Marxist dialectics in his work, emphasizing the importance of understanding his contributions within the Marxist tradition. [Extracted from the article]

The United States now acknowledges that it made a mistake in supporting China's accession to the WTO in 2001. According to the United States, China has not lived up to its WTO commitments to adopt free markets but has exploited its WTO membership to pursue its mercantilist goals and has now become the largest exporter in the world, dwarfing its nearest competitors. Not only has the WTO been powerless to convince China to fulfil its WTO commitments but what is even more galling to the United States is that the WTO has enabled China's ascent by stymieing the United States' use of venerable trade law remedies to challenge China. These frustrations led the United States to cripple the WTO Appellate Body in 2019 with the result that all WTO obligations are now in effect unenforceable. The major advantage to the United States is that it now has a free hand to deal with China without regard to WTO rules. The United States is now using forceful new measures such as punitive tariffs, trade embargoes, and industrial subsidies that are of dubious WTO legality to constrain China. Any revival of the WTO dispute settlement system will threaten the ability of the United States to continue using these bold new measures. For this reason, the United States will not support any proposed resuscitation of the WTO dispute settlement system that is not also accompanied by reforms in the WTO dealing with China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the role of BIAs in the promotion of trade across the Cold War divide during the 1950s, when the creation of a new political and economic ensemble in Western Europe intertwined with the re-elaboration of imperialist entanglements and the emergence of Socialist economies. The focus on everyday business practice allows us to identify the nature and the purpose of these BIAs, revealing a great variety of logics, but a unifying interest: creating a new role for their national economies in China's nascent economic progress. In the absence of full diplomatic relations, these organisations were identified in many cases as main reference points by the Chinese authorities and were, thus, in a privileged position to change the image of West European countries from colonisers into viable partners at a time when the PRC was shaping a new national narrative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Selva" recounts the author's personal journey through the Amazon rainforest with her partner Diego. The author expresses a deep admiration for the abundant plant life and diverse wildlife found in the jungle. During her exploration, she encounters a manatee and its calf, which prompts her to reflect on her own desire to have children in the future. The author also expresses a profound appreciation for the rain, which brings her a sense of liberation and happiness. The article concludes with the author reflecting on her experience and finding contentment. The text describes a personal experience of the narrator in a jungle campsite. They describe the beauty of the sunset, the sounds of nature, and the intoxicating fragrance of orchids. The narrator feels a sense of spiritual awakening and a newfound appreciation for life. They are drawn to the moon reflecting in the water and feel a strong connection to nature. The narrator decides to swim in the river and eventually transforms into a manatee, feeling a sense of freedom and belonging in the water. They embrace their new form and leave behind their human memories. The text ends with the narrator being joined by other male manatees, who recognize and accept them. [Extracted from the article]

The article analyzes the history of the formation of the concept of coercive economic measures (economic sanctions) in the legal aspects. The work presents the author’s periodization of the development of the concept of economic restrictions, taking into account the nature of the economic measures applied by the initiating state in a specific period of history and the degree of their effectiveness. It is concluded that the First World War has become the key catalyst for the development of the concept of economic pressure on unfriendly powers, which was legally enshrined in Art. 16 of the Covenant of the League of Nations. Subsequently, the evolution of the system of collective security fundamentally changed the role of economic sanctions. The author considers the problematics of legality and effectiveness of economic sanctions in different historical periods, provides modern examples of sanctions and assess their efficiency. The author concluded that sanctions revealed their economic potential in each new period and eventually became the primary means to compliance with international law.

This article provides information on post-pulmonary embolism syndrome (post-PE), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPH), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It explains that post-PE refers to patients who continue to experience breathing difficulties and decreased quality of life despite receiving treatment. CTEPH is a condition where patients have persistent difficulty breathing without blood clots in the pulmonary arteries, while CTEPH is the most severe form characterized by permanent obstructions and high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. The article discusses the prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic tests for these conditions, as well as treatment options such as anticoagulants, surgery, endovascular therapy, and medication. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive care and provides resources for patients with pulmonary hypertension. [Extracted from the article]

This document contains three abstracts from the PM & R: Journal of Injury, Function & Rehabilitation. The first abstract discusses the impact of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) on survival and neurological and functional outcomes in individuals with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that concomitant TBI did not significantly affect survival or outcomes after SCI. The second abstract explores the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in improving functionality after SCI compared to traditional in-person rehabilitation. The study found that tele-rehabilitation provided similar improvements in mobility and functional outcomes as traditional rehabilitation when patients were provided with appropriate support and equipment. The third abstract examines the use of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) in adults with mild TBI. The study found that individuals with TBI had a higher rate of exercise intolerance compared to uninjured controls, indicating the potential utility of the BCTT in assessing tolerance to exercise in this population. [Extracted from the article]

This document contains summaries of three articles related to physical medicine and rehabilitation. The first article discusses the improvement of walking ability in women with vertebral compression fractures. The second article examines musculoskeletal symptoms in adolescents receiving homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third article analyzes current practice trends in physical medicine and rehabilitation. [Extracted from the article]

Originalist proponents of a tougher nondelegation doctrine confront the many broad delegations that Congress enacted in the 1790s by claiming that each fell into some exceptional category to which the original nondelegation doctrine was inapplicable or weakly applicable, one being foreign affairs. There is lively debate on whether the founding generation actually recognized an exception to nondelegation principles for foreign affairs. This Article, commissioned for a symposium on “The Statutory Foreign Affairs Presidency,” intervenes in the debate by examining the Embargo Authorization Act of 1794, which empowered the President to lay an embargo on all ships in U.S. ports (and/or other classes of ships) if “the public safety shall so require,” for the upcoming five-month congressional recess. This was a delegation of remarkable power over the U.S. economy, which at the time depended heavily on maritime transport. An examination of the Act undermines the idea that there existed a foreign-affairs exception to cover it. Originalist proponents of a tougher nondelegation doctrine claim the doctrine was meant to protect private individual rights of liberty and property, yet Americans in the late 1700s lived in an economy that was more dependent on foreign commerce than it has ever been since, in which a five-month international embargo could be disastrous for private business nationwide. In this context, an “exception” for foreign affairs would be strange, turning economic reality on its head. Furthermore, the Act itself flouted any objective or even workable distinction between the foreign and the domestic. The Act’s unqualified use of the term “embargo” authorized the President to prohibit the departure of all ships, not only those sailing to foreign ports but also to other U.S. ports in the coastwise trade, which was then the main channel of U.S. domestic commerce. And even if the President were to impose an embargo aimed mainly at international maritime trade, preventing evasion of such a restriction required regulation of the coastwise trade—regulation that contemporaries apparently understood the Act to authorize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological evidence from the Nanhai No.1 shipwreck provides tangible evidence for the study of maritime trade during the Song Dynasty, revealing the presence of a significant amount of smuggled metal in the cargo, suggesting possible involvement in smuggling activities. Merchants may have used tactics such as under-reporting and clandestine transportation of prohibited items to evade supervision, thus engaging in the illicit trade of metal materials and artifacts banned by the Song government on the international market. Valuations of the goods recovered from Nanhai No.1 indicate that the value of iron and silver exceeds that of porcelain, while the value of gold objects and currency exceeds that of porcelain by one-third. Research also suggests a possible shift in the model of maritime trade during the Song Dynasty, from government-led to merchant-led, with a gradual weakening of government supervision and control over trade. This change may be related to reforms in trade organization and the government leniency toward prohibited activities. Despite repeated government bans, smuggling of metal goods continued throughout the Song Dynasty, with no significant reduction in the scale of the metal trade due to the profit-seeking behavior of private merchants, highlighting the inadequacy of government control over illegal smuggling activities. This complex interplay between economic gain, national security, private interests and government control had profound implications for China, the broader South China Sea region and beyond, while the outflow of metal artifacts also facilitated the exchange of goods, technology and culture between China and the aforementioned regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Currently trade sanctions are drastically affecting world commerce, economies, industries, companies, and potentially the well-being of individuals around the world. Even global peace is threatened by the growing frictions among major countries. The question we explore is how politically motivated economic sanctions affect commercial interactions within targeted countries. We focus on the case of American economic sanctions of the last half century. To the task we apply findings regarding negotiation processes and outcomes between more than 1200 experienced businesspeople in twenty-one cultural regions and countries around the world. Economic outcomes in intracultural buyer-seller negotiation simulations were found to be lower in the six cultural regions on which the United States has applied broadly comprehensive sanctions. We conclude that this “hidden” damage done can hurt international cooperation well beyond the period of the sanctions. The scope and relevance of the work is very broad, connecting concepts and theories from political science, economics, trade, anthropology, marketing science, negotiation, and, of course, business ethics. Our findings are useful for theorists, policy makers and managers of firms considering market entry to recently sanctioned countries. Specific guidance for amelioration of the negative and largely unintended consequences of sanctions on target countries are provided.

When most people hear the word "sanctions," they think of formal economic and political punishments leveled at rogue regimes, like the US trade embargo against Iran, or the threatened expulsion of Hungary from the European Union. Both kinds of sanctions have been leveled against Russia since its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. But the past eight months have also brought a different sanctions strategy to the fore: one aimed at stigmatizing the individuals close to Putin's regime, in hopes of shattering elite support and encouraging revolt. These sanctions, which have led to the freezing and seizure of Russian oligarchs' assets in the West, have prompted the first murmurs of public dissent by Russian oligarchs in nearly two decades. The sanctions have consequently been effective in destabilizing Putin's authority, cracking the façade of control that has previously deterred attempts to topple him. This article explains the sociological dynamics of this strategy, and how stigma can be effective even where legal and economic punishments fail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives A 2021 safety alert restricted endovascular gelfoam use in Australia and resulted in an embargo on gelfoam sales to Interventional Radiology departments. This study aimed to show that gelfoam is safe in a population of trauma patients with pelvic injury, and discuss the basis of the recent controversies. Methods Retrospective cohort study was conducted between 1 January 2010 and 21 May 2021 for the patients who underwent gelfoam embolization for pelvic arterial haemorrhage. Primary outcome was the rate of adverse events related to intravascular gelfoam administration. Results Inclusion criteria met in 50 patients, comprising 58% males median age 59.9 years, and median injury severity score 31. There were 0 complications related to gelfoam use and 100% technical success. Thirty-five patients (70%) received a non-targeted embolization approach. All-cause mortality was observed in 5 patients (10%), unrelated to gelfoam. Conclusions Gelfoam is a safe and effective embolic agent in pelvic trauma. Patients are in urgent need of universal on-label registration of endovascular gelfoam products, as it is life-saving in major haemorrhage after trauma. Advances in knowledge Endovascular gelfoam is mandatory for a high-quality trauma service, and this study shows that it is safe to use intentionally in the endovascular space. Companies should work with interventional radiologists, sharing and collaborating to ensure positive outcomes for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains summaries of three research articles related to different topics. The first article discusses the functional outcomes of children with cerebral palsy after surgical interventions and a stay in a rehabilitation hospital. The study found that children with higher scores on the WeeFIM scale tended to have spastic diplegia, a longer length of stay, and higher admission scores. The second article examines the validity of a scale for measuring activity avoidance related to fear of falling in lower limb prosthesis users. The study found that the modified mSAFE scale showed evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, and a shorter 6-item scale was found to be appropriate. The third article investigates the effects of different taping methods on alignment, pain, and function in individuals with patellofemoral pain. The study found that both McConnell patellar taping and femoral rotational taping improved functionality, but had different effects on patellofemoral alignment. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Qatar, a wealthy country with an open economy has limited arable land. To meet its domestic food demand, the country heavily relies on food imports. Additionally, the over three year-long economic embargo enforced by regional neighbors and the covariate shock of the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the country's vulnerability to food insecurity and potential for structural breaks in macroeconomic data. The purpose of this paper is to examine short- and long-run determinants of Qatar's imports of aggregate food, meats, dairy and cereals in the presence of structural breaks. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use 24 years of food imports, gross domestic product (GDP) and consumer price index (CPI) data obtained from Qatar's Planning and Statistics Authority. They use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration framework and Chambers and Pope's exact nonlinear aggregation approach. Findings: Unit root tests in the presence of structural breaks reveal a mixture of I (1) and I (0) variables for which standard cointegration techniques do not apply. The authors found evidence of a significant long-run relationship between structural changes and food imports in Qatar. Impulse response functions indicate full adjustments within three-quarters of a year in the event of an exogenous shock to imports. Research limitations/implications: An exogenous shock of one standard deviation on this variable would reduce Qatar's food imports by about 2.5% during the first period but recover after the third period. Originality/value: The failure of past aggregate food demand studies to go beyond standard unit root testing creates considerable doubt about the accuracy of their elasticity estimates. The authors avoid that to provide more credible findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that Spain has failed to comply with Directive 91/676 on the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The European Commission filed a complaint against Spain for various violations, including the failure to designate vulnerable zones and the lack of measures to reduce nitrate pollution. The Court found that Spain had not designated vulnerable zones in three out of seven regions and had not taken appropriate measures to reduce nitrate pollution in several regions. The judgment confirms the significant contribution of agricultural nitrates to water pollution and the requirement for the Commission to demonstrate a lack of improvement in water quality. [Extracted from the article]

This document summarizes a court case in Navarra, Spain, regarding the authorization of a wind energy project. The court ruled in favor of the regional government, stating that the project was not illegally divided and that the government had the authority to approve it. The court also dismissed concerns about the impact on bird species and protected areas. The court concluded that the wind farms should be considered as separate projects but acknowledged their shared infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a summary of a court case, specifically the Supreme Court's ruling on March 12, 2024, regarding urban planning and environmental evaluation. The case involved a dispute over the approval of a Special Plan for the Logistics Activities Zone (ZAL) of the Port of Valencia in Spain. The court determined that the plan should have undergone a more comprehensive environmental evaluation process, rather than a simplified one. However, the court also considered the specific circumstances of the case, including the fact that the land had already been developed and integrated into the urban fabric. The ruling highlights the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into urban planning decisions. [Extracted from the article]

The Tribunal Constitucional has issued a ruling on the Andalusian Law on Territorial and Urban Planning (LISTA), which deals with urban planning in Andalusia, Spain. The court rejected several claims against the law, stating that they did not hinder the legislative process. However, the court did find certain provisions of the law to be unconstitutional, including a comment allowing residential construction in rural areas and the exclusion of mining activities from municipal urban planning permits. The court also clarified that certain uses, such as renewable energy and mining, can be considered ordinary in non-protected rural areas. The ruling addresses various aspects of the law and its impact on environmental protection and local autonomy. [Extracted from the article]

A primary goal of arms embargoes is to mitigate the humanitarian effects of conflict within target states by restricting access to foreign weaponry. Within this study, we investigate how embargoed governments adapt their violent strategies in response to restrictions on arms imports. We theorize that arms embargoes that undermine governments' military strength may inadvertently increase their reliance on civilian repression as an alternative approach to countering domestic threats. However, we expect that targeted governments' ability to acquire weapons from non-participating or non-compliant suppliers will have a mitigating effect. A global examination of the effects of arms embargoes between 1989 and 2004 supports our argument and also suggests that both the levels of arms received and who supplies them matter. Our findings suggest that policymakers who employ arms embargoes should consider increased violence against civilians as a potential unintended consequence and closely monitor target governments' use of repression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

intervenida: los relatos de Bernardo Vega". El ensayo analiza la escritura de Vega y su impacto en la historia y la literatura, destacando la importancia de sus memorias que integran la experiencia inmigrante y desafían las convenciones literarias y de autoría. También reflexiona sobre la relevancia contemporánea de estos relatos en los estudios culturales y críticos. El artículo habla sobre las memorias de Vega y su importancia para la comunidad puertorriqueña en Estados Unidos, desafiando las fronteras nacionales y creando nuevos relatos de inmigrantes. Se destaca la importancia de preservar la herencia cultural de la colonia inmigrante en Nueva York. El autor, Bernardo Vega, realiza una labor de investigación histórica sobre el elemento hispánico y puertorriqueño en Nueva York en el siglo XIX. También se menciona la relación problemática de Vega con su nuevo entorno y cómo se adapta a la vida en la ciudad. Además, se resalta la importancia de la transmisión oral de la historia y la cultura a través del personaje del Tío Antonio. El texto presenta la historia y las memorias de Bernardo Vega, un inmigrante puertorriqueño que llegó a Nueva York antes de la gran emigración a los centros urbanos e industriales. A través de sus textos, Vega desafía la exclusividad de la letra como índice de jerarquización social y democratiza la voz del lector y la oratoria de los agitadores. Sus escritos son retóricas acumulativas que narran eventos sin distinguir entre los grandes y los pequeños, formando parte de un saber sin fronteras y asistemático. Vega defiende la importancia de los afanes intelectuales y las tareas de cultura en la historia y los méritos de un pueblo. Aunque sus textos pueden parecer anacrónicos, permiten visibilizar la complejidad social y cultural de las comunidades de inmigrantes y otras violencias que aún demandan justicia. Además, se plantea la pregunta de cómo autorizar la escritura de un obrero inmigrante y hacer literatura de su voz y sus experiencias. El texto presenta una concepción marxista convencional que identifica al sujeto de la emancipación con una figura social producida por el desarrollo económico capitalista. Sin embargo, Rancière argumenta que esto no es suficiente y que el corazón de la subjetivación histórica proletaria es la capacidad de discutir y decidir sobre los asuntos de la comunidad. Se destaca la importancia de la igualdad como presupuesto inicial y se menciona la jerarquía existente entre los obreros ilustrados y los obreros manuales o de campo. Además, se habla de la hibridez de la escena pedagógica del taller y la importancia de la escritura del Manuscrito como evento y resistencia a las normativas de la buena literatura. El texto analiza el relato de Bernardo Vega en sus memorias y en su manuscrito, destacando la forma en que se presenta como un transmisor fiel pero no confiable. Se menciona la reticencia de Vega a revelar detalles personales y cómo esto contrasta con las convenciones del género autobiográfico. Se destaca la importancia del personaje de Bernardo Farallón en tercera persona en el manuscrito, así como la presencia de múltiples relatos y voces narrativas. También se menciona la correspondencia entre Vega y Jesús Colón, y se cuestiona la autenticidad y la temporalidad de los textos. Se reflexiona sobre la singularidad de la escritura de Vega y su relación con la cultura y la política. Se destaca la yuxtaposición de genealogías y cronotopos en el manuscrito, así como la repetición de temas y personajes. Se menciona la relación entre la ley y la justicia, y se destaca la importancia de la bandera de Puerto Rico y las memorias de un inmigrante como imágenes indelebles. La revista Op. Cit. presenta un ensayo sobre las memorias de Bernardo Vega, tituladas "La familia intervenida: los relatos de Bernardo Vega". [Extracted from the article]

Este artículo analiza la pobreza, la exclusión social y la desigualdad en Gipuzkoa, partiendo de los resultados de la 4.a Encuesta de Pobreza y Exclusión Social de Gipuzkoa. La mayor parte de los indicadores relacionados con la pobreza, la exclusión social y la desigualdad han mejorado en los últimos cuatro años, en línea con lo ocurrido en nuestro entorno y con la mejora de los indicadores económicos y laborales. Sin embargo, se han producido retrocesos en indicadores como la tasa de pobreza severa y la efectividad de las transferencias sociales. Las situaciones de pobreza y exclusión siguen afectando de forma desproporcionada a determinados grupos sociodemográficos, especialmente a las personas de nacionalidad extranjera y a la población infantil y juvenil. En términos comparativos, Gipuzkoa mantiene una situación muy positiva en el contexto autonómico, estatal y europeo en lo que se refiere a la mayor parte de los indicadores de pobreza y exclusión, aunque no para todos los grupos poblacionales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains translations of article abstracts in Spanish and Chinese. The first abstract discusses three Marxist lessons for the history and philosophy of science in the 21st century, emphasizing the relationship between practice and theory in knowledge production, the connection between social relations, technologies, and scientific abstractions, and the role of modern science in capitalist modes of production. The second abstract explores the political economy of digital technology, highlighting how the rapid development and widespread use of digital machinery have transformed labor cooperation and been used as tools of exploitation and domination. The third abstract focuses on China's poverty alleviation policies, emphasizing the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party in poverty reduction efforts and the need for the integration of vulnerable populations into socioeconomic reproduction. The final abstract examines the reproductive role of working-class soldiers in capitalist society, highlighting their contribution to the reproduction of capitalist social relations and the challenges of resolving the contradictions between the state and the working class. [Extracted from the article]

We test the predictions of recent theoretical studies of the impact of sanctions on the exchange rate. We build a database of exchange rates and sanctions spanning 1914–45 – an era when both large and small economies were targeted by multilateral sanction packages, facilitating comparisons with today's Russian war episode. We estimate the dynamic response of the exchange rate in a panel of sanction episodes at weekly frequency using local projections, conditioning on the type of sanctions taken. We tease out mechanisms through which sanctions affect the exchange rate by estimating their effects on macroeconomic variables plausibly acting as transmission channels. Our estimates suggest that import restrictions, export restrictions, asset freezes and trade embargoes lead to exchange rate effects consistent with theory, though the precision of the measured effects varies across sanction type. These findings suggest that recent models of the effects of sanctions on the exchange rate do not just match developments in today's specific Russia episode but have broader applicability. It follows that the direction of exchange rate movements is not an adequate metric of the success or failure of sanctions but a reflection of the type and scale of the measures taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the journal "La Granja, de Ciencias de la Vida" discussing the concept of sustainability and its importance in global development. The editorial highlights the need for a balance between economic, social, and environmental factors in order to achieve sustainable development. It also acknowledges the challenges faced in implementing sustainable practices, particularly in organizations that rely on the exploitation of the environment. The document concludes by introducing several scientific articles that explore different aspects of sustainable development. Another editorial from the same journal briefly mentions a study on the positive effects of regulations on eco-innovation and sustainable performance in the automotive manufacturing industry in Mexico. The editorial also highlights other articles in the journal, including research on glaciers in the Andes, landslide susceptibility analysis, bovine mastitis, and beneficial bacteria for maize cultivation. The editorial emphasizes the importance of scientific research and the role of journals in disseminating knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

The lower Colorado River has experienced extensive loss of riparian vegetation due to dams and other human activity. Sigmodon arizonae plenus (Colorado River cotton rat) is an isolated subspecies that only occurs along the lower Colorado River. The habitat and population demographics of S. a. plenus were quantified using a capture–mark–recapture technique. Permanent trapping grids were established at three sites with Colorado River cotton rats present, which included the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve, CA, Cibola Nature Trail, AZ, and Pintail Slough, AZ. Habitat was quantified horizontally and vertically within 1 m3 surrounding every trap station 4 times across 2 years. Individual recapture histories were used to model the survival, capture probability, and population size of Colorado River cotton rats over 5 trapping occasions spanning 4 years. Program Mark was used to model population demographic parameters using the Robust model. Population sizes (as estimated by capture–mark–recapture methods) were highly variable within and among the three sites. The Palo Verde Ecological Reserve population initially increased then decreased in size. The Cibola Nature Trail population began large and decreased overtime. At the beginning of the study, 20 individuals occupied Pintail Slough. No Colorado River cotton rats were captured at Pintail during the last occasion. We documented site differences in vegetation composition and cover; however, no statistical differences within site use were revealed. In general, the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve had the highest vertical cover estimates, followed by the Cibola Nature Trail and Pintail Slough. Reasonable estimates for demographic data were not possible for most occasions because of a steady drop in trap success throughout the study. The limitations of these data are discussed, along with their utility in restoration efforts. La parte baja del río Colorado ha experimentado una gran pérdida de vegetación ribereña debido a las represas y otras actividades humanas. Sigmodon arizonae plenus (rata de algodón del río Colorado) es una subespecie aislada que solo se encuentra a lo largo de la parte baja del río Colorado. El hábitat y demografía de la población de S. a. plenus se cuantificaron utilizando una técnica de captura–marca–recaptura a lo largo de la parte inferior del Río Colorado. Se establecieron trampas de captura permanentes en tres sitios. El hábitat se cuantificó horizontal y verticalmente dentro de 1 metro cúbico rodeando cada estación de trampa 4 veces a lo largo de 2 años. Se utilizaron historias de recaptura individuales para modelar la supervivencia, la probabilidad de captura y el tamanó de la población de ratas algodoneras del Río Colorado en cinco ocasiones de captura que abarcan 4 años. Se utilizó el Programa Mark para modelar los parámetros demográficos de población utilizando un modelo Robusto. Los tamaños de población (estimados por métodos de captura–marca–recaptura) fueron muy variables dentro y entre los tres sitios. La población de la Reserva Ecológica Palo Verde inicialmente aumentó y luego disminuyó en tamaño. La población de Cibola Nature Trail comenzó a crecer y disminuyó con el tiempo. Al inicio del estudio, 20 individuos ocuparon el sitio de Pintail. No se capturaron ratas algodoneras del Río Colorado en Pintail durante la última ocasión. Documentamos las diferencias del sitio en la composición y cobertura de la vegetación; sin embargo, no se revelaron diferencias estadísticas dentro del uso del sitio. En general, la Reserva Ecológica Palo Verde Ecological tuvo las estimaciones de cobertura vertical más altas, seguidas por Cibola Nature Trail y Pintail. Las estimaciones razonables de los datos demográficos no fueron posibles en la mayoría de las ocasiones debido a una caída constante en el éxito de las trampas a lo largo del estudio. Se discuten las limitaciones de estos datos, junto con su utilidad en los esfuerzos de restauración. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoses can destroy Apis mellifera hives. Bee biology and physiology determine distribution and abundance of their parasites; however, geographic and environmental factors constrain the frequency and intensity of interaction. This census evaluated the occurrence of Varroa destructor and Nosema spp. in temperate and semiarid ecoregions at Michoacán. Samples were collected from 54 hives from the temperate ecoregion and 50 from the semiarid ecoregion. Varroa destructor was in 18.5% of colonies in the temperate ecoregion, with average infestation of 0.5% and was in 94% in the semiarid ecoregion, average of 5.0%. Nosema spp. was in 43.4% of colonies at the temperate ecoregion, with an average of 24,383,019 spores per bee, and 19.1% of colonies at the semiarid ecoregion with an average of 433,333.33 spores per bee. V. destructor was more in the semiarid ecoregion. Nosema spp. was more in the temperate ecoregion, an inverse pattern of infestation. Los parásitos pueden destruir las colmenas de Apis mellifera. La biología y fisiología de la abeja determina la distribución y abundancia de sus parásitos; sin embargo los factores geográficos y ambientales limitan la frecuencia e intensidad de la interacción. Este censo evaluó la ocurrencia de Varroa destructor y Nosema spp. en ecorregiones templadas y semiáridas de Michoacán. Las muestras fueron colectadas de 54 colmenas en la ecorregión templada y de 50 en la ecorregión semiárida. Varroa destructor estuvo en 18.5% de las colonias en la ecorregión templada, con un promedio de infestación de 0.5% y de 94% en la ecorregión semiárida, con un promedio de 5.0%. Nosema spp. fue de 43.4% de las colonias en la ecorregión templada, con un promedio de 24,383,019 esporas por abeja, y 19.1% de colonias en la ecorregión semiárida con un promedio de 433,333.33 esporas por abeja. V. destructor fue mayor en la ecorregión semiárida. Nosema spp. fue mayor en la ecorregión templada, un patrón inverso de infestación. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History shows that wars can be enormously disruptive of economic activity, especially international trade, national income, and global economic welfare. This article analyzes the impact on the European regions the Russian invasion of Ukraine using the largest and most updated multiregional input‐output model for Europe. Two shocks, trade and inflation, and four alternative scenarios are simulated. The scenarios are considered regarding the number of countries applying a trade embargo, the exemption of oil and gas, and the potential trade diversions with third countries such as China. We obtained a significant fall in GDP (−1.7%), 3.7 m lost jobs and 3% raise over the prewar inflation rate. For trade shock, large indirect effects are obtained, indicating the high relevance of the sectors and countries exposed to the war and the sanctions. The republics of the former Soviet Union, as well as the satellite countries of the former communism, face the harshest adverse impacts. This work shows the importance of breaking Russia's colonial economic ties to the countries in Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "Bailando con moscas" by Antonio Fontdevila. Fontdevila is a renowned geneticist and evolutionary biologist who has focused on studying the evolution of cactophilic species of the Drosophila genus. The book, published by Editorial Menoscuarto, consists of 10 chapters and an epilogue, covering topics such as the author's scientific career, his travels to collect samples of flies, and the importance of Drosophila as a model species. The reviewer praises the book for its engaging and informative content, written in a clear and accessible language. They also highlight the author's extensive fieldwork and the diverse range of information covered in the book. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends the book to both scientists and general readers. [Extracted from the article]

In Israel, Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) were considered primarily a wintering species with documented sporadic breeding. However, by the turn of the last century, it had become an increasingly numerous breeding species in the northern and central parts of the country. Based on the analysis of nest numbers in the Judea region, we determined that the population increased by at least 22% each year between 2003 and 2008, from 28 known nests in 2003 to 118 in 2008. We believe our study was conducted during the initial years for the Long-eared Owl population expansion in the region. We found that birds nesting in more-urban areas produced fewer offspring per brood than birds in more rural areas. We also found that nestlings from more-urban areas, exposed to artificial light at night, fledged earlier than birds from wild areas. The rapid growth in the numbers of nesting Long-eared Owls in the Judea region was likely due, at least in part, to the species' adaptation to urban areas. En Israel, Asio otus fue consideraba principalmente como una especie migratoria invernal, con registros esporádicos de reproducción. Sin embargo, a partir del siglo 21, se convirtió en una especie reproductora cada vez más numerosa en en norte y centro del país. Basándonos en el análisis de números de nidos en la región de Judea, determinamos que la población aumentó al menos un 22% cada año entre 2003 y 2008, pasando de 28 nidos conocidos en 2003 a 118 en 2008. Creemos que nuestro estudio se llevó a cabo durante los primeros años de la expansión de la población de A. otus en la región. Descubrimos que las aves que anidaban en áreas más urbanas produjeron menos crías por nidada que las aves en áreas más rurales. También encontramos que los polluelos de áreas más urbanas, expuestos a la luz artificial por la noche, emplumaban antes que las aves de áreas silvestres. El rápido crecimiento en el número de individuos de A. otus que anidaban en la región de Judea probablemente se debió, al menos en parte, a la adaptación de la especie a áreas urbanas. [Traducción del equipo editorial] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of arms embargoes on the economic performance of major international defense companies. The direction of this effect is not immediately clear as it relies on the embargo evading opportunities by exporting companies on the one hand and the stringency of enforcement by the sending state on the other. The main findings in this study indicate that the total revenues of a defense company significantly drop after the introduction of an arms embargo. As a result, the net profits of these companies are under downward pressure when the number of arms embargoes increases globally. It turns out that the ability of a firm to effectively mitigate the negative consequences of an embargo is both related to firm-specific particularities, such as the degree of diversification, as well as, country differences. For instance, the negative effect appears, in particular, to be present in countries with a strong rule of law or effective control of corruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains four abstracts from the PM & R: Journal of Injury, Function & Rehabilitation. The first abstract discusses the use of electromyography with needle (EMG) as a complementary tool to improve the accuracy of manual muscle testing (PMM) in determining muscle grades 0 and 1. The second abstract explores the impact of physical and occupational therapy in intensive care units (ICUs) on patient mobility, self-care, and hospital stay duration. The third abstract examines the functional outcomes of patients who receive combined rehabilitation in a hospital-based rehabilitation center and a specialized nursing facility. The fourth abstract identifies risk factors for readmission to intensive care units for patients with amputations after hospital-based rehabilitation. According to the results of this study, specific rehabilitation plans may be required for amputee patients with certain risk factors to reduce rehospitalization in the intensive care unit. The study examined gender differences in prosthetic-related outcomes among veterans with lower extremity amputations. Contrary to the hypothesis, there were no statistically significant gender differences in satisfaction with prosthetic services, prosthetic fit, satisfaction with prosthetics, daily prosthetic use, or type of amputation. The study suggests that minimal differences may be due in part to receiving care from the integrated Amputation Care System. [Extracted from the article]

RESUMEN: La obra de César Aira destila monstruosidad, en parte porque está repleta de personajes monstruosos. Fieles a su naturaleza nómada, los monstruos de Aira deambulan por sus novelas independientemente del género, exhibiendo su naturaleza nómada y convirtiéndose así en uno de los pocos elementos invariables de una obra en constante transformación. César Aira prefiere omitir cualquier referencia a los horrores del pasado; sin embargo, es posible que los traumas de la historia argentina se filtren en sus novelas a través de sus monstruos. Estos monstruos tienden a cambiar la narrativa, que generalmente comienza de manera realista pero gradualmente nos lleva hacia el surrealismo que dialoga con la filosofía del absurdo. A continuación, se explora el concepto de monstruosidad y su presencia en la literatura de César Aira, seguido de un análisis de la monstruosidad desde la perspectiva del absurdo. The work of César Aira oozes monstrosity, partly because it is full of monstrous characters. Faithful to their nomadic nature, Aira's monsters stroll about his novels independently of the genre, showing off their nomadic nature, and thus become one of the only invariable elements of a work in a constant state of transformation. César Aira prefers to omit any reference to the horrors of the past: however, it is possible that the traumas of Argentina's history seep into his novels through his monsters. These monsters tend to shift the narrative, which typically begins in a realistic manner but gradually leads us towards a surrealism that engages with the philosophy of the absurd. Here, the concept of monstrosity is explored, together with its presence in César Aira's literature, followed by an analysis of monstrosity from the perspective of the absurd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "Balance of Power" by Eric Monnet. The book discusses the role of central banks and their impact on democracies. Monnet argues for the importance of the "Ph.D. standard," which is the control of interest rates and paper currency by economists with Ph.D. degrees. He suggests that central banks should continue their interventionist methods, protect bond markets, address climate change, and maintain the welfare state. Monnet also supports the idea of a digital currency issued by central banks but opposes privately issued cryptocurrencies. The article raises questions about the effectiveness of central banks and their role in economic crises. [Extracted from the article]