Contemporary Measures Research Articles

Living Flat: Stories from Women of Color After Mastectomy.

There remain persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction for breast cancer. Yet, patient-reported outcomes and advocacy efforts around living flat overwhelmingly have focused on white women. We sought to characterize the lived experiences among women of color living flat after mastectomy for breast cancer. Our community-partnered study included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire followed by semistructured interviews. Using an interview guide designed in an interdisciplinary manner, we explored themes related to culture and community after mastectomy. Women ≥ 18 years old who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction for breast cancer were included. Interviews were performed by formally trained community-based research fellows and conducted virtually over video conferencing, recorded, and transcribed. Data were analyzed on NVivo using an integrated (inductive and deductive) team-based approach. The final cohort included 20 women, 60% identified as Black, 20% as Asian, 10% as multiracial, 5% as Latina, and 5% as white. Key concepts included: (a) cancer stigma, (b) privacy around breasts, (c) finding support through shared experiences, (d) sacrifice of breast for life/health, (e) spirituality, (f) patients' familial roles and relationship to breast, and (g) societal expectations. Women described the intersection of cancer stigma and privacy around breasts influencing knowledge of family history and support during cancer treatment. Among women of color, breast cancer stigma and spirituality are key contributors to quality of life after mastectomy without breast reconstruction, domains not routinely included in contemporary patient-reported outcome measures. Representation of diverse experiences is critical to achieving equity.

The Court of Justice in Staatsanwaltschaft Berlin v. M.N. (EncroChat): From cross-border, data-driven police investigations to evidence admissibility

The ruling of the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) in Case C-670/22 Staatsanwaltschaft Berlin v. M.N. addresses the realities of data-driven police investigations in the light of the Directive 2014/41/EU on the European Investigation Order (EIO Directive). In particular, it examines the cross-border, digital investigation of the encrypted communication network EncroChat and the use and sharing of intercepted telecommunication data in criminal proceedings. In doing so, the CJEU offers clarifications as to the interpretation of the term ‘issuing authority’ under the EIO Directive and the proportionality requirements for issuing an EIO, taking into account its prior jurisprudence on the implications of access to traffic and location data for the private life of the persons concerned. More importantly, this CJEU ruling takes a stand on admissibility of intercepted data as evidence in criminal proceedings, considering the technical complexity of contemporary investigation measures and the secrecy of said police methods. Overall, although this judgment seems to hold no great surprises regarding the interpretation of the EIO Directive's provisions, it underscores the important role of the national legislator and national courts in striking the right balance between rearing the rewards of data-driven policing and safeguarding defence rights.

Associations between historical and contemporary measures of structural racism and leukocyte telomere length: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BackgroundWe assessed the link between two manifestations of structural racism—historical redlining and contemporary racial residential segregation—and baseline and 10-year changes in leukocyte telomere length (LTL). MethodsWe used data on Black and Hispanic/Latinx participants from Exams I and V of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Stress Ancillary Study (N = 741, age range = 45–84 years). LTL was defined as the ratio of telomeric DNA to a single copy gene (T/S), and 10-year changes were adjusted for regression to the mean. We used 1930s Home Owners' Loan Corporation maps to assign three historical redlining grades (A&B: best/still desirable, C: declining, D: hazardous/redlined) to participants’ neighborhoods (census-tracts) at baseline. The Getis-Ord Gi∗ statistic was used to evaluate census-tract level baseline residential segregation (low/moderate/high). ResultsIn mixed-effects regression models accounting for neighborhood clustering, individual characteristics, and current neighborhood environments, those living in highly segregated Black neighborhoods had 0.08 shorter baseline LTL (95% CI: −0.13, −0.04), than those residing in the least segregated neighborhoods. We did not find a relationship between residing in segregated neighborhoods and 10-year LTL changes, and associations between residing in historically redlined neighborhoods and both baseline LTL and 10-year changes in LTL were null. Across discriminatory disinvestment trajectories examined, individuals residing in highly segregated but non-redlined neighborhoods had 0.6 shorter baseline LTL than individuals residing in non-redlined neighborhoods with low/moderate segregation (95% CI: −0.12, −0.01). ConclusionsOur results highlight the impact of racial segregation on cellular aging and underscore the need to ameliorate structural inequities within segregated neighborhoods.

A travel time matrix data set for the Helsinki region 2023 that is sensitive to time, mode and interpersonal differences, and uses open data and novel open-source software

Travel times between different locations form the basis for most contemporary measures of spatial accessibility. Travel times allow to estimate the potential for interaction between people and places, and is therefore a vital measure for understanding the functioning, sustainability, and equity of cities. Here, we provide an open travel time matrix dataset that describes travel times between the centroids of all cells in a grid (N = 13,132) covering the metropolitan area of Helsinki, Finland. The travel times recorded in the dataset follow a door-to-door approach that provides comparable travel times for walking, cycling, public transport and car journeys, including all legs of each trip by each mode, such as the walk to a bus stop, or the search for a parking spot. We used the r5py Python package, that we developed specifically for this computation. The data are sensitive to diurnal variations and to variations between people (e.g. slow and fast walking speed). We validated the data against the Google Directions API and present use cases from a planning practice. The five key principles that guided the data set design and production – comparability, simplicity, reproducibility, transferability, and sensitivity to temporal and interpersonal variations – ensure that urban and transport planners, business and researchers alike can use the data in a wide range of applications.

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program audit of contemporary perioperative care for radical cystectomy.

To examine the impact of increased compliance to contemporary perioperative care measures, as outlined by enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we captured patients undergoing RC between 2019 and 2021. We identified five perioperative care measures: regional anaesthesia block, thromboembolism prophylaxis, ≤24 h perioperative antibiotic administration, absence of bowel preparation, and early oral diet. We stratified patients by the number of measures utilised (one to five). Statistical endpoints included 30-day complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and optimal RC outcome. Optimal RC outcome was defined as absence of any postoperative complication, re-operation, prolonged LOS (75th percentile, 8 days) with no readmission. Multivariable regressions with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess the association between use of contemporary perioperative care measures and outcomes. Of the 3702 patients who underwent RC, 73 (2%), 417 (11%), 1010 (27%), 1454 (39%), and 748 (20%) received one, two, three, four, and five interventions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased perioperative care measures were associated with lower odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 99% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.73), and shorter LOS (β -0.82, 99% CI -0.99 to -0.65). Furthermore, patients with increased compliance to contemporary care measures had increased odds of an optimal outcome (OR 1.38, 99% CI 1.26-1.51). Among the measures we assessed, greater adherence yielded improved postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing RC. Our work supports the efficacy of ERAS protocols in reducing the morbidity associated with RC.

Changes in paranasal sinus volumes, temporal bone pneumatization, internal acoustic canal and olfactory cleft dimensions over the centuries: a comparison of skulls from different epochs in Anatolia

ObjectivesInvestigating changes in temporal bone pneumatization (TBP) and paranasal sinus volumes (PSV) across different eras may help understanding not only changes in skull anatomy but also pathophysiology of chronic otitis media and sinusitis, respectively, which are common health problems.MethodsEight skulls from the second century AD, 20 skulls were from the 10th–11th centuries AD, 20 skulls from the 16th–19th centuries AD, and 60 contemporary skulls were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Using computerized tomography (CT) scans, the PSV were calculated by multiplying the height, width, and antero-posterior distance of the sinuses. TBP was divided into three types. Internal acoustic canal (IAC) length and width, and olfactory cleft (OC) width were measured.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between the paranasal sinus (frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid) volumes between the groups. However, TBP decreased statistically significantly over time on both sides of the skulls (p = 0.001). The contemporary IAC and OC measures were found to be significantly lower on both sides compared to the skulls from the other three eras (p < 0.001 for both).ConclusionsAlthough no significant change was observed in PSV, decreases were evident in TBP, OC width and IAC length and width over time. It appears a fair inference that changes in size of OC and IAC might be another indication of the fact that olfaction and hearing were more vital for survival in old eras. Since we do not know incidence of chronic ear problems in old eras, we cannot speculate outcome of increased TBP in terms of developing chronic ear diseases. On the contrary, increased TBP was likely to play a protective role in traumas in old ears. Additionally, the environmental influences may be crucial role in the development of paranasal sinuses.

Streptomyces sp. MUM 195J: A Promising Probiotic for Controlling Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infection in Aquaculture

Aquaculture is gaining prominence in meeting the increasing global food demand. However, persistent episodes of pathogenic infections have greatly affected production and incurred substantial financial losses to the industry. Regrettably, there is a lack of effective contemporary therapeutic measures to control infectious diseases in aquaculture. The repercussions of antimicrobial resistance have underscored the drawbacks of the contemporary practice of relying solely on antibiotics in disease control. The aquaculture industry needs a safer, environmentally viable, and economically efficient means for disease management. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mangrove-derived Streptomyces sp. probiotics in controlling Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. In vitro screenings were undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory activity of five Streptomyces sp. isolates. Subsequently, a series of in vivo trials was conducted, with the Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae as the animal model. Following that, molecular analyses were employed to examine the changes in gene expression. In essence, Streptomyces sp. MUM 195J emerges as a promising probiotic strain that demonstrates a strong inhibitory effect against V. parahaemolyticus. Its application as a feed additive elevates the survival rate of M. rosenbergii threefold, thus demonstrating efficacy at par with florfenicol antibiotic when challenged with the V. parahaemolyticus pathogen. Besides, Streptomyces sp. MUM 195J elevated the growth rate of M. rosenbergii by 17%. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that probiotic supplementation elevated the immune function of the animal. Additionally, Streptomyces sp. MUM 195J demonstrates the potential to ameliorate the quality of the rearing water.

Historical Structural Racism in the Built Environment and Physical Health among Residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Historical structural racism in the built environment contributes to health inequities, yet to date, research has almost exclusively focused on racist policy of redlining. We expand upon this conceptualization of historical structural racism by examining the potential associations of probable blockbusting, urban renewal, and proximity to displacement from freeway construction, along with redlining, to multiple contemporary health measures. Analyses linked historical structural racism, measured continuously at the census-tract level using archival data sources, to present-day residents' physical health measures drawn from publicly accessible records for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Outcome measures included average life expectancy and the percentage of residents reporting hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, smoking, insufficient sleep, sedentary behavior, and no health insurance coverage. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine separate and additive associations between structural racism and physical health measures. Redlining, probable blockbusting, and urban renewal were associated with shorter life expectancy and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, risky health behaviors, and residents lacking health insurance coverage. Probable blockbusting and urban renewal had the most consistent correlations with all 8 health measures, while freeway displacement was not reliably associated with health. Additive models explained a greater proportion of variance in health than any individual structural racism measure alone. Moreover, probable blockbusting and urban renewal accounted for relatively more variance in health compared to redlining, suggesting that research should consider these other measures in addition to redlining. These preliminary correlational findings underscore the importance of considering multiple aspects of historical structural racism in relation to current health inequities and serve as a starting point for additional research.

Towards Gender Harmony Dataset: Gender Beliefs and Gender Stereotypes in 62 Countries.

The Towards Gender Harmony (TGH) project began in September 2018 with over 160 scholars who formed an international consortium to collect data from 62 countries across six continents. Our overarching goal was to analyze contemporary perceptions of masculinity and femininity using quantitative and qualitative methods, marking a groundbreaking effort in social science research. The data collection took place between January 2018 and February 2020, and involved undergraduate students who completed a series of randomized scales and the data was collected through the SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics platforms, with paper surveys being used in rare cases. All the measures used in the project were translated into 22 languages. The dataset contains 33,313 observations and 286 variables, including contemporary measures of gendered self-views, attitudes, and stereotypes, as well as relevant demographic data. The TGH dataset, linked with accessible country-level data, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of gender relations worldwide, allowing for multilevel analyses and examination of how gendered self-views and attitudes are linked to behavioral intentions and demographic variables.

A Comprehensive Review of Proximal Humerus Fractures: From Epidemiology to Treatment Strategies.

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate landscape of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs), exploring their epidemiology, historical evolution, contemporary classification systems, treatment strategies, and outcome measures. PHFs present a complex orthopedic challenge, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their multifaceted dimensions. Despite their clinical significance, PHFs remain relatively understudied in population-based epidemiology. This review critically examines existing literature to uncover the incidence, prevalence, and demographic patterns associated with these fractures. A foundational understanding of the epidemiological landscape is crucial for effective preventive strategies and optimized fracture management. Tracing back to historical records, the review explores the evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PHFs. From ancient treatment modalities documented on the Edwin Smith papyrus to contemporary X-ray-based classifications such as Neer and AO/OTA, a historical context is provided to understand the journey of managing these fractures. Navigating through a spectrum of treatment strategies, the review contrasts nonoperative approaches with various surgical interventions. The challenges and outcomes associated with conservative management are juxtaposed against methods like open reduction internal fixation and tension band osteosynthesis. Evidence synthesis guides clinicians in making informed decisions based on patient characteristics and fracture complexities. Central to assessing PHF management are patient-reported outcome measures. The review explores the significance of instruments such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Constant-Murley score in evaluating treatment success. The shift toward subjective measures is discussed, considering their correlation with patient experiences and the concept of minimal clinically important difference. The impact of demographic factors, including age and gender, on PHFs is scrutinized. The association between these fractures and osteoporosis is highlighted, emphasizing the crucial role of bone health in fracture prevention and management. Through this comprehensive exploration, the review provides a robust foundation for understanding, evaluating, and advancing the management strategies for PHFs. The synthesis of historical perspectives, contemporary classifications, and treatment modalities serves as a valuable resource for the orthopedic community, fostering improved clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Active Measures Concept Deconstruction Through the Lenses of Information Influence

This study deconstructs the concept of active measures through the prism of information influence. It understands it as sophisticated methods of influencing public opinion and political decisions, originally used by the Soviet Union and now adapted to cyberspace by the Russian Federation. In the analysis, the concept is contrasted with the general abstraction of information influence. This helps to better understand the proximity of active measures to similar concepts. We conclude that abstractions of information influence are also valid for conceptual understanding and practical examples of contemporary Russian active measures. Active measures are subsidiary to information influence, serving as tactical means to achieve the latter's strategic goals. Furthermore, the author states that the information environment is the operational theatre for active operations, cyber operations can be its manifestation, information operations support as a key component of a broader information operations strategy, and psychological operations are its critical element.

Safety and Security Risk Assessments in Cyber Physical Space

As technological advancements continue to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, the integration of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) has become pervasive in critical infrastructure, industrial processes, and daily life. This research paper explores the multifaceted landscape of Cyber-Physical Systems Security, addressing the intricate challenges and emerging threats posed by the convergence of the digital and physical realms. The study investigates the vulnerabilities inherent in CPS, encompassing critical infrastructure systems, industrial control systems, and interconnected smart devices. Additionally, the paper examines contemporary security measures, risk mitigation strategies, and the role of advanced technologies in fortifying Cyber-Physical Systems against malicious cyber threats. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing frameworks and real-world case studies, this research aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of Cyber-Physical Systems in our interconnected and technology-driven society. The findings of this research are anticipated to inform cybersecurity practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike, fostering a more resilient and secure foundation for the future of Cyber-Physical Systems.

Shifting the Redlining Paradigm: The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation Maps and the Construction of Urban Racial Inequality

While it is important to recognize the racist roots of contemporary urban conditions and Black disadvantage, the focus on the HOLC redlining maps of the late 1930s, which have become a staple of both research and popular literature, is misplaced. Despite statistical associations between the maps and contemporary measures of racialized disadvantage, extensive research has found no evidence to support a connection between them. Instead, the Second Great Migration and white flight, both acting in the context of the exclusion of Black buyers from the growing suburbs, led to the spatial and economic bifurcation of urban Black populations within cities and the reconfiguration of the formerly predominately white-ethnic redlined areas as segregated areas of concentrated Black poverty. It is that migratory process, rather than any public or private actions based on the maps, which, while racist, principally reflected underlying housing and economic conditions, that account for the associations found in the literature. Today, while redlined areas still tend often to be concentrated poverty areas, the great majority of poor Black households live outside those areas. A focus on the HOLC maps as a driver of contemporary inequities and disadvantage is both poor history and a poor starting point for policies to address today’s persistent racialized inequities.

Safety and Effectiveness of the High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin HEART Pathway in Patients With Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The HEART Pathway (History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors, Troponin) can be used with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin to risk stratify emergency department patients with possible acute coronary syndrome. However, data on whether a high-sensitivity HEART Pathway (hs-HP) are safe and effective is lacking. An interrupted time series study was conducted at 5 North Carolina sites in 26 126 adult emergency department patients being investigated for possible acute coronary syndrome and without ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were accrued into 16-month preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts with a 6-month wash-in phase. Preimplementation (January 2019 to April 2020), the traditional HEART Pathway was used with 0- and 3-hour contemporary troponin measures (Siemens). In the postimplementation period (November 2020 to February 2022), a modified hs-HP was used with 0- and 2-hour high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (Beckman Coulter) measures. The primary safety and effectiveness outcomes were 30-day all-cause death or myocardial infarction and 30-day hospitalizations. These outcomes and early discharge rate (emergency department discharge without stress testing or coronary angiography) were determined from health records and death index data. Outcomes were compared preimplementation versus postimplementation using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. Preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts included 12 317 and 13 809 patients, respectively, of them 52.7% (13 767/26 126) were female with a median age of 54 years (interquartile range, 42-66). Rates of 30-day death or MI were 6.8% (945/13 809) postimplementation and 7.7% (948/12 317) preimplementation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.90-1.11]). hs-HP implementation was associated with 19.9% (95% CI, 18.7%-21.1%) higher early discharges (post versus pre: 63.6% versus 43.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.22 [95% CI, 2.10-2.35]). The hs-HP was also associated with 16.1% (95% CI, 14.9%-17.3%) lower 30-day hospitalizations (postimplementation versus preimplementation, 31.4% versus 47.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.48-0.54]). Among early discharge patients, death or myocardial infarction occurred in 0.5% (41/8780) postimplementation versus 0.4% (22/5383) preimplementation (P=0.61). hs-HP implementation is associated with increased early discharges without increasing adverse events. These findings support the use of a modified hs-HP to improve chest pain care.

Do Psychopathic Traits, Sexual Victimisation Experiences and Emotional Intelligence Predict Attitudes Towards Rape? Examining the Psychosocial correlates of Rape Myth Beliefs among a cross-sectional community sample

Vast research has sought to better understand the origins and development of rape myth beliefs given the problematic influence of such misconceptions throughout global societies and criminal justice pathways. The current research aims to build on this body of literature by examining the contribution that psychopathic personality traits (affective responsiveness, cognitive responsiveness, interpersonal manipulation, egocentricity) and emotional intelligence may have upon rape myth beliefs. Furthermore, this study will investigate the extent to which sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, education), and prior experience of sexual victimisation, contribute to variance in rape myth acceptance scores. In total 251 participants (M Age = 31.66) completed an online, self-report questionnaire which included contemporary measures of psychopathy and rape myth acceptance, never previously tested in combination. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicate that egocentricity, age, and gender were significantly associated with rape myth beliefs. Emotional intelligence, as well as affective and interpersonal traits of psychopathy, were not directly related with rape mythology. Findings are interpreted alongside previous research, where we suggest there is an urgent need for larger, nationally representative samples, systematically recruited from the general population to help clarify uncertainty in existing literature emerging from small-scale opportunistic datasets.

The Impact of Mobile Broadband and Internet Bandwidth on Human Development—A Comparative Analysis of Developing and Developed Countries

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on human development in developing and developed countries, measured by the human development index (HDI). The analysis relies on new and contemporary measures of ICT, namely mobile broadband and internet bandwidth, which have only recently become available for many countries. Using data from 180 sample countries over the period 2010–2017, the system GMM estimates suggest that the impact of ICT on human development depends on the country’s development stage and the respective telecommunication service. Mobile broadband drives human development in developing countries, while developed countries gain from increasing internet bandwidth. Further analysis reveals that the positive effects in developing countries are due to improvements in health and education. In contrast, in developed countries, this progress is attributable to positive effects on income.

Programmatic quality measures: a new model to promote surgical quality.

Health care performance metrics are offered predominantly in terms of outcomes, processes, or structural components of health care delivery. However, measurement is limited by variability in data sources, definitions, and workarounds. The American College of Surgeons has recently developed a new type of performance metric known as a "programmatic measure". These metrics align structures, processes, and outcomes to better coordinate quality measurement with support of frontline care teams. In this multifaceted way, these measures differ from current "single" measures such as targeting surgical site infection. The thematic focus of these measures and alignment of structure-resource components to support processes and outcomes also sets these measures apart from contemporary composite measures. Importantly, structural elements of these measures reflect minimum resources required for patient care, addressing staffing and resource barriers felt by local institutions in addressing numerous existing quality metrics. These metrics will streamline quality reporting to improve care navigation for patients. Clinicians will find more appropriately aligned goals and responsibilities, resulting in increased teamwork and communication. These measures are designed to address the current burdens of overabundant metrics, priority misalignment, and low resources in a patient-centric fashion to better align health care quality and measurement.

Light in the Horizon: A Perspective on Photodynamic Therapy

Dental treatment, in general, has been associated with fear and anxiety. The prospect of undergoing a painful experience compels many prospective patients to postpone his/her dental appointment. A previous occurrence of the distressful event has often left patients traumatized. Repeated visits for follow-up treatments also serve as a deterrent for seeking dental consultation. Alternative methods need exploration to mitigate such inconveniences. Photodynamic therapy is emerging as an extension of dental therapeutic options with the benefits of improved treatment outcomes and patient acceptability. The present narrative review explores its applications in general dentistry and highlights its potential in the periodontal discipline. Being minimally invasive, it offers promise in pain-free management of dental conditions, particularly infections. It has relevance in managing oral mucosal lesions, periodontitis, and dental caries. Current evidence suggests photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant to contemporary measures of dental rehabilitation.

Associations between recent land use history and urban forest composition

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Sustaining healthy urban forests is increasingly relevant to this population given the wide range of economic, ecological, and social benefits that urban forests provide. Yet forests in cities grow in sites that are fragmented, with frequent disturbance, altered soils, and complex land use history, which can lead to the degradation of forest conditions and the benefits they provide. We measured forest composition and structure in 1124 plots across 53 parks in New York City’s (NYC) 2,497-ha natural area forests and uplands. To better understand the factors responsible for their current condition, we documented historical land use in each plot using aerial imagery going back 90 years, quantified edge effects using remote sensing, and field-measured contemporary disturbances, soil characteristics and light. In the last 90 years, the majority of contemporary natural areas in NYC have recolonized from farmland, built, landscaped lawn, and open field cover-types to forests (from a mean of 37% to 76% forest cover). Areas previously documented as having human land use (e.g. arable agriculture), now have double the amount of invasive species cover compared to sites that were forested or natural areas in the last 90 years. Contemporary measures of forest edge, light, and soil pH have a stronger association with native species basal area, species richness, and invasive species cover, but have an additive effect with measures of historical land cover and local site-level disturbances. We find that a history of non-forest cover, in combination with high soil pH and edge adjacency, was associated with the most invaded contemporary forests. Overall, it appears that a non-forest land use history may be a precursor to altered environmental conditions, making it an important lens upon which to understand forest succession more broadly in complex human-dominated forests, like those in New York City.

A Review of India Approaches to Cooperative Compliance in Light of the International Tax Practice and the OECD Framework

The OECD provides a framework for co-operative compliance. To the OECD-Forum on Tax Administration questionnaires covering the years 2018 and 2019, India responded that its international tax practice is in line with the OECD’s framework. This paper reviews select features of the Indian tax system that are in line with the response. The paper looks at contemporary tax compliance measures such as faceless assessments and dispute resolution that promote cooperative compliance. While it is seen that there have been recent policy innovations to promote cooperative compliance in India, the responses are not based on any structured cooperative compliance approach as that described by the OECD. It is observed that there are in fact some missing elements as many of the initiatives such as the large taxpayers’ unit that ticked many boxes but are no longer in operation. Finally, the paper identifies that single point of contact in the administration, opportunity to clear the past before joining a cooperative compliance framework and internal control framework are initiatives that can boost cooperative compliance in India. Cooperative Compliance, OECD, corporate governance, internal controls, tax control framework, tax certainty, tax assurance, India, tax reform, dispute resolution