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In recent years, some scholars of international politics have argued for the need to integrate the use of visual media into our understanding of global politics. In this respect, film (or movies) represents an effective media of communicating powerful ideas and political worldviews through a smorgasbord of sound and sensory experiences. This essay seeks to draw on the theoretical insights of scholars of visual international politics to analyze the ongoing geopolitical conflict between the United States and China. It will do so by examining two box-office hits in the West and China, namely, the Avengers and Wolf Warrior. Through a study of some of the key storylines in these films, this essay seeks to flesh out the differences in Sino-Western conceptions of patriotism, good and evil, and salvation. It argues that these differences are not just a matter of aesthetic preferences, but reflect more fundamental ideas and political worldviews salient in the thinking of China and the West., Author(s): Benjamin Tze Ern Ho [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.59025.3b, 0000 0001 2224 0361, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, , Singapore, Singapore [Displayed Quote]'This is the [...]

Using micro-level thermostat data from 27,000 U.S. households, we analyze how home heating/cooling decisions respond to weather. Responses are greater for extreme heat than for extreme cold and persist for at least 30 days after exposure, due in part to transaction costs but also to changes in intrinsic preferences. Failure to understand habit can lead us to overestimate the impact of short-term policy nudges but underestimate the long-run impact of small changes. Higher frequency estimates of how behavior responds to weather improve our understanding of climate adaptation as climate change affects not only mean temperatures but also variances. (JEL C55, D03, Q4), I. INTRODUCTION Economics typically presumes that people make active and conscious decisions toward some utility maximizing goal. However, many of our daily decisions are made implicitly, following habitual rules. Active [...]

Osmidrosis is a condition characterized by malodorous sweat production in the armpits that often necessitates surgical intervention with tie-over bandages in the axillary area. Standard tie-over bandages may cause skin compression-related complications, such as bruising and skin erosion. To address this issue, we developed a novel technique using a modified protective sleeve. We conducted an observational study involving 60 patients undergoing axillary osmidrosis surgery and divided them into groups. In the experimental group we used a novel technique that included using a modified protective sleeve secured with 4-0 silk sutures. In the control group we used standard tie-over bandages. We created the protective sleeve from the tail of a 3 mL syringe by drilling holes on both sides and securing it onto a 10 mm-wide Penrose drain. We threaded sutures through the holes and provided padding between the sutures and the skin. We assessed primary outcomes of bruising and skin breakdown at eight anchoring sites. We found that using the novel protective sleeve significantly reduced skin complications. Compared with standard bandages, the incidence of bruising was reduced by 83.33% (i.e., 16.7% vs 70%). The incidence of skin erosion was reduced by 75% (10% vs 40%). Notably, the control group exhibited delayed complications, such as hypertrophic scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Multiplex cytometric bead assay (CBA) have a number of advantages over ELISA for antibody testing, but little information is available on standardization and validation of antibody CBA to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens. The present study was set to determine optimal parameters for multiplex testing of antibodies to P. falciparum antigens, and to compare results of multiplex CBA to ELISA. Methods Antibodies to ten recombinant P. falciparum antigens were measured by CBA and ELISA in samples from 30 individuals from a malaria endemic area of Kenya and compared to known positive and negative control plasma samples. Optimal antigen amounts, monoplex vs multiplex testing, plasma dilution, optimal buffer, number of beads required were assessed for CBA testing, and results from CBA vs. ELISA testing were compared. Results Optimal amounts for CBA antibody testing differed according to antigen. Results for monoplex CBA testing correlated strongly with multiplex testing for all antigens (r = 0.88-0.99, P values from