bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Method Comparative Analysis of Hydroclimatic Trends and Variability in Dry Creek Catchment, South Australia
Authors: Andualem Tesfa Gebrie , Hewa Guna A. , Boland John , Peters Stefan , Myers Baden R.
Published: April 2024

The trend and variability of hydroclimatic variables over time are apparent in seasonal creeks, especially those located in urbanized areas. Understanding hydro-climatic trends in urban areas is crucial for the sustainable management of water resources and the environment. This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal variability and trends of hydroclimate variables as well as the potential connection between rainfall and streamflow in Dry Creek catchment, South Australia. The trend-free pre-whitening Mann–Kendall (TFPW-MK) test and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) were utilized to examine the monotonic and nonmonotonic trends, respectively, and multiple statistical tests were employed to examine the change points in the hydroclimatic time series. Sen’s slope, Simple Linear Regression (SLR), and ITA were used as alternative approaches to assess the magnitudes of change and overcome the limitations in the underlying assumptions of the various methodologies. The variability in the hydroclimate time series was estimated using several indices, such as the coefficient of variation, seasonality indices, flashiness index, and mean zero flow index. The analyses revealed important findings, notably the high variability of rainfall and streamflow during dry periods. Streamflow displayed greater variability compared to rainfall, with high CV values recorded both seasonally and annually. Furthermore, there was a significant upward trend in seasonal rainfall during winter. Additionally, the maximum and mean temperatures demonstrated a statistically significant increase, which can be attributed to global warming and significant urbanization in the catchment area. Comparative analysis has confirmed that the ITA has superior detection capabilities for nonmonotonic trends, outperforming other methods. It excels at presenting graphical representations that accurately depict trends, effectively differentiating between low, medium, and high values. The strong relationship between rainfall and streamflow demonstrated by the Tanh curve suggests that rainfall is the most reliable predictor of streamflow. The outcomes of this investigation are expected to support local governmental organizations and decision-makers in comprehending the spatial and temporal features of rainfall, as well as its correlation with streamflow. This information will further assist in developing flood and drought mitigation strategies backed by empirical evidence.

Graphical Abstract
Thinking about spiking neural P systems: some theories, tools, and research topics
Authors: Cabarle Francis George C.
Published: April 2024

The present work focuses on three notions about spiking neural P systems (SN P systems), namely normal forms, homogeneous systems, and software tools for easy access and visual simulation of such systems. The three notions are presented in general and specific ways: their backgrounds and motivations, with detailed and up to date results. The aim of the work is to outline many results on these notions, mainly for research and pedagogy. SN P systems with normal or homogeneous forms, having many biological and computing inspirations, have much to contribute in the opinion of the author to membrane computing at least. The software we here mention aims to support both learning and research of such systems. We provide a brief survey of results in chronological order, using a unified notation to aid in more detailed comparisons of results. Lastly, we provide a list of open problems or research topics on the three notions and related areas, with the hope to further extend the theory and applications of SN P systems.
The artificial production of viral-like particles in Nicotiana benthamiana suggests the pro-assembly role of the Cannabis cryptic virus RdRP
Authors: Miotti N. , Dall’Ara M. , Baldo D. , Passera A. , Casati P. , Ratti C.
Published: April 2024

The partitivirids feature an icosahedral protein coating accommodating both their dsRNA genome and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). This signifies that transcription and replication activities of the viral polymerase occur within the capsid, emphasizing that the viral cycle relies on polymerase incorporation. Particles lacking RdRP are defective and hence non-infectious. Encapsidation and replication are intricately linked for dsRNA viruses, to the extent that, for many of these, such as the cystovirids, the RdRP serves a dual role as a transcriptase/replicase and a pro-assembly factor, ensuring structural stability and overall capsid integrity. This work investigates if RdRP has a similar role within the capsid of Cannabis cryptic virus (CanCV), a betapartitivirus affecting Cannabis sativa. Utilizing reverse genetics in Nicotiana benthamiana, we conclusively established that RdRP expression is indispensable for CanCV’s virus-like particle formation. This study enhances our understanding of CanCV encapsidation, with RdRP serving a pivotal role as a pro-assembly factor. These preliminary findings contribute to the knowledge of viral assembly within the Partitiviridae family.
Cropping system support in downy mildew control in basil in organic farming: a two-year open field experiment
Authors: La Placa L , Cornali S , Bertinaria F , Rossetti A , Marchini M , Reggiani R , Battilani P
Published: April 2024

Basil Downy Mildew (BDM), caused by the oomycete Peronospora belbahrii, is a major issue for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) production worldwide. Currently, the disease is mainly controlled by chemical fungicides, but the development of populations of the pathogen which are resistant to the most widely used compounds is leading to the research of alternative crop protection strategies. Therefore, in this paper, some cropping variables were tested in a field trial conducted in two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) in Northern Italy in organic farming conditions, with the overall objective to optimize basil productivity and quality and limit BDM occurrence. These include two basil varieties, two sowing densities (dense, 30 kg/ha, and sparse, 15 kg/ha), and two irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler). A higher incidence and severity of BDM in 2022 compared to 2021 was observed, mainly due to the different climatic conditions that occurred in the two years. Year 2022 was characterized by high temperatures and repeated drought phenomena that led to basil stress and BDM severe outbreak. Moreover, variety 1 (considered resistant to P. belbahrii) was confirmed to be completely resistant in 2021 but it was found to be susceptible the following year, with disease incidence and severity comparable to variety 2 (medium susceptible). No differences were detected in terms of BDM occurrence and crop yield between the two sowing densities (mean of 58.4% and 26.6% of BDM incidence and severity, respectively; mean yield 1.4 kg/m2), while it emerged that drip irrigation can be useful in reducing BDM (−23.1% BDM severity). Therefore, this study suggests that the crop protection strategies tested, even if not definitive solutions, can significantly contribute to manage BDM more effectively, while preserving basil productivity and quality.
Examining the emergence of a learning collaborative: a framework to support complex program implementation
Authors: Karikari Isaac , Walton Betty , Ludeker-Seibert Kristen , Riley Kathy
Published: April 2024

To address unmet behavioral health needs of children and youth, the system of care (SOC) philosophy was developed and evolved into a framework to support community-based coordinated networks that provide an array of effective services and supports. There is limited elaboration of the actual implementation processes and intricacies of SOC development, particularly, in terms of the roles of local SOC coordinators (local coordinators). Limited published research has addressed the necessary knowledge and roles of local coordinators, and the theoretical underpinnings and structure of their learning, skill development, and capacity building. Utilizing an archival approach and reflexive thematic analysis, this qualitative study examined records of three forums involving 50 local SOC coordinators (11% male, 89% female, 93% white, ages between 27 and 66 years) between 2017 and 2018. The analysis revealed varying levels of experience, knowledge, and skills, and uncovered several SOC development strategies utilized by coordinators. The study illustrates the inception of a learning collaborative that served as a bridge and implementation driver for SOC development and socio-professional support for local coordinators. The findings provide an empirical base and emerging framework for SOC coordinators’ training and professional development. The value of learning collaboratives in facilitating exposure to a diverse knowledge base and the importance of fostering supportive spaces for coordinators as they strive to develop SOCs are evident. Incorporating supportive learning collaboratives for local change agents could be a dynamic strategy to support the effective implementation of system-wide changes or enhancements in behavioral health services.
Adoption of environmental technologies in the hotel industry: development of sustainable intelligence and pro-environmental behavior
Authors: Adeel Huma Bano , Sabir Raja Irfan , Shahnawaz Muhammad , Zafran Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Innovative environmental technologies such as solar energy, hydroelectricity, waste-to-energy, and rainwater reuse sources have the potential to completely transform the modern world to reduce climate change and dependency on fossil fuels. This study aims to investigate the role of environmental innovative technologies on customers' experiences of hotels with a mediating role of sustainable intelligence. The study theorizes that environmental innovative technologies enhance customers ‘experience and attitude towards hotels. The innovation diffusion theory is utilized as a main theoretical framework to address the research problem. The data was collected from tourists/visitors at top hotels with a usable sample size of 222 respondents. Survey results reveal that innovative technologies in the context of Environmental Responsibility and Economic Responsibility have a significant influence on Pro-Environmental Behaviour with the full mediating role of Sustainable Intelligence. These findings have important implications when implementing innovative technologies in the tourism industry to (1) improve customer satisfaction, experience, and attitude towards the hotels and destinations; (2) provide guidelines in tourism development policy and marketing; (3) help government agencies to effectively use pro-environmental technologies to change consumer attitude. After the investigation, some intriguing theoretical and practical conclusions have been made.
Improving Indigenous health equity within the emergency department: a global review of interventions
Authors: Marchand Tyara , Squires Kaitlyn , Daodu Oluwatomilayo , Brindle Mary E.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Indigenous health equity interventions situated within emergency care settings remain underexplored, despite their potential to influence patient care satisfaction and empowerment. This study aimed to systematically review and identify Indigenous equity interventions and their outcomes within acute care settings, which can potentially be utilized to improve equity within Canadian healthcare for Indigenous patients.

Methods

A database search was completed of Medline, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus and CINAHL from inception to April 2023. For inclusion in the review, articles were interventional and encompassed program descriptions, evaluations, or theoretical frameworks within acute care settings for Indigenous patients. We evaluated the methodological quality using both the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and the Ways Tried and True framework.

Results

Our literature search generated 122 publications. 11 articles were selected for full-text review, with five included in the final analysis. Two focusing on Canadian First Nations populations and three on Aboriginal Australians. The main intervention strategies included cultural safety training, integration of Indigenous knowledge into care models, optimizing waiting-room environments, and emphasizing sustainable evaluation methodologies. The quality of the interventions was varied, with the most promising studies including Indigenous perspectives and partnerships with local Indigenous organizations.

Conclusions

Acute care settings, serving as the primary point of access to health care for many Indigenous populations, are well-positioned to implement health equity interventions such as cultural safety training, Indigenous knowledge integration, and optimization of waiting room environments, combined with sustainable evaluation methods. Participatory discussions with Indigenous communities are needed to advance this area of research and determine which interventions are relevant and appropriate for their local context.
Cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of interior floor material alternatives in Egypt
Authors: Ali Ahmed AbdelMonteleb M.
Published: April 2024

The building materials sector has a major environmental impact and is one of the main causes of environmental degradation in the construction industry. An Environmental Impact Assessment of several interior floor material options, such as ceramic, marble, and parquet tiles, is conducted in this study using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Due to the shortage of LCA applications in Egypt and the unavailability of the inventory database for the materials industries, the study uses a case study of a new city in Egypt to assess the environmental effects of various floor materials. The LCA approach uses SimaPro software V9.50 and its integrated Ecoinvent database V3.0 to define the objective and scope, conduct an inventory analysis, evaluate the impact, and interpret the results. According to the LCA findings, ceramic tiles, followed by marble tiles and parquet tiles, have the lowest negative environmental impacts. Regarding the singles score, results (midpoint method) have revealed that the marble tiles have hit the highest adverse environmental impacts by 2.24 pt, followed by parquet by 1.21 pt, and finally, the ceramic tiles by 0.594 pt. The global warming potential of ceramic tiles is 0.539 kg CO2, which is less than 74% of the global warming potential of marble tiles (2.01 kg CO2). The non-renewable energy impact of the marble tiles is (38.70 Mj primary), which is higher by 78% of the non-renewable energy of ceramic (8.46 Mj primary). Finally, the human health impact has recorded the highest numbers in the marble industry by 1.12E−5 DALY, which means the marble industry needs a high amount of energy. Ultimately, the findings of this study can potentially improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of construction projects by assisting decision-makers in selecting and applying environmentally friendly building materials.
Existence of a Class of Doubly Perturbed Stochastic Functional Differential Equations with Poisson Jumps
Authors: Mao Mingzhi , He Xuyang
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we use successive approximations and Picard iterative method to establish the existence and uniqueness of mild solution for a class of doubly perturbed impulsive neutral stochastic functional differential equations with Poisson jumps in Hilbert spaces. An example of a doubly perturbed stochastic differential equation with delays is given to illustrate our main results.
Ricci Solitons on Riemannian Hypersurfaces Arising from Closed Conformal Vector Fields in Riemannian and Lorentzian Manifolds
Authors: Alshehri Norah , Guediri Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates Ricci solitons on Riemannian hypersurfaces in both Riemannian and Lorentzian manifolds. We provide conditions under which a Riemannian hypersurface, exhibiting specific properties related to a closed conformal vector field of the ambiant manifold, forms a Ricci soliton structure. The characterization involves a delicate balance between geometric quantities and the behavior of the conformal vector field, particularly its tangential component. We extend the analysis to ambient manifolds with constant sectional curvature and establish that, under a simple condition, the hypersurface becomes totally umbilical, implying constant mean curvature and sectional curvature. For compact hypersurfaces, we further characterize the nature of the Ricci soliton.
Biomarkers of oxidative stress and bioaccumulation of trace metals in waterbirds from different rice fields systems
Authors: Bergmann Fabiane Borba , Leitemperger Jossiele Wesz , Jorge Marianna Basso , da Cunha Amaral Hugo Leonardo , Bianchini Adalto , Loro Vania Lucio , Guadagnin Demetrio Luis
Published: April 2024

We compared trace metal concentrations (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu) in feathers and biomarkers in muscle and liver tissue of waterbirds from organic and conventional irrigated rice farms in South Brazil. Cu and Pb concentrations were higher in waterbirds from conventional farms, whereas Cd and Zn levels were elevated in organic farms. Birds foraging in organic farms exhibited lower CAT and SOD activity and higher NPSH, LPO, and PC concentrations compared to those in conventional farms. Higher Cu and Pb concentrations were associated with elevated SOD and CAT activity, more prevalent in birds frequenting conventional farms. Conversely, birds with higher Cd and Zn concentrations showed increased NPSH, LPO, and PC levels and were more common in organic farms. Our study underscores complex differences in trace metal accumulation and oxidative stress biomarkers among waterbirds in organic and conventional rice crops.
Need for structured conservation inputs: a geospatial approach for habitat prioritization to restrict disturbance regime in the protected areas of the Western Himalayan region
Authors: Mondal Tamali , Bhatt Dinesh Chandra , Krishnamurthy Ramesh
Published: April 2024

The population boom increases land-use requirements, and shrinking regions are available to preserve natural biodiversity. Unfortunately, scientific knowledge does not seem to have and might never get a correct solution to how much territory will be sufficient for satisfying the various biodiversity conservation goals. Prioritization of habitat, primarily for threatened species, is a critical management challenge. Habitat management efforts are gradually being performed over broader geographic regions, emphasizing the necessity of spatial and strategic prioritization. Habitat prioritization is a technique popular for identifying critical areas needing conservation initiatives. To develop a strategic conservation framework, key issues must be identified based on the ground knowledge and present land use status, which are difficult to gather for highly rough terrain areas. Incorporating spatial data sets thus helps to get the desired knowledge of the site on a large scale. This study used a grid-based multicriteria approach to create a spatial conservation management framework for the Rajaji-Corbett landscape (RCL) in Northern India. A grid-based prioritization assessment was conducted to identify priority areas for the RCL, keeping invasive species and fire as significant threats. The indicators or criteria were selected by looking at present vital concerns in the landscape. We took 20 indicators for our multicriteria assessment for landscape prioritization of RCL using 2 × 2 km grids for the evaluation and classified them according to low, medium, and high priority areas using Arc GIS Pro. The results identified 931 sq. km area of this landscape needs immediate management interventions where frequent fire incidents and presence of invasive species are high. RCL is well known for its biodiversity wealth and assemblage of various wildlife populations.
Shakespeare and Nonhuman Intelligence
Authors: Warren-Crow Heather
Published: April 2024

The Infinite Monkey Theorem is an idea frequently encountered in mass market science books, discourse on Intelligent Design, and debates on the merits of writing produced by chatbots. According to the Theorem, an infinite number of typing monkeys will eventually generate the works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare and Nonhuman Intelligence is a metaphysical analysis of the Bard's function in the Theorem in various contexts over the past century. Beginning with early-twentieth century astrophysics and ending with twenty-first century AI, it traces the emergence of Shakespeare as the embattled figure of writing in the age of machine learning, bioinformatics, and other alleged crimes against the human organism. In an argument that pays close attention to computer programs that instantiate the Theorem, including one by biologist Richard Dawkins, and to references in publications on Intelligent Design, it argues that Shakespeare performs as an interface between the human and our Others: animal, god, machine.
Maximisation the autonomous flight performance of unmanned helicopter using BSO algorithm
Authors: Konar M. , Arık Hatipoğlu S.
Published: April 2024

The usage areas of rotary or fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have become very widespread with technological developments. For this reason, UAV designs differ in terms of aerodynamic design, flight performance and endurance depending on the intended use. In this study, maximising of the autonomous flight performance of the unmanned helicopter produced at Erciyes University using an optimisation algorithm is discussed. For this purpose, the input parameters of the dynamic model are chosen as blade length, blade mass density, blade chord width and blade twist angle of the unmanned helicopter and the proportional, integral, derivative gain coefficients of the lateral axis of the autopilot. The output parameters of the dynamic model are selected as settling time, rise time and maximum overshoot, which are autonomous performance parameters. The dynamic model consisting of helicopter and autopilot parameters is integrated into the back-tracking search optimisation (BSO) algorithm as an objective function. In the optimization process, where mean squared error (MSE) is used as the performance criterion, optimum input and output values were determined. Thus, helicopter and autopilot parameters, which are among the factors affecting autonomous performance, are taken into account with equal importance and simultaneously. Simulations show that the obtained values are satisfactory. With this approach based on the optimisation method, complex and time-consuming dynamic model calculations are reduced, time and cost are saved, and practicality is achieved in applications. Therefore, this approach can be an innovative and alternative method to improve UAV designs and increase flight performance compared to classical methods.
Optimism in International Human Rights Law Scholarship
Authors: Çalı Başak
Published: April 2024

As a field of practice, international human rights law (IHRL) is in constant motion. The four books under review explore the legal, political, and civic dynamics that continuously shape and reshape this vibrant area of law. In this Essay, I underscore two important trends in contemporary IHRL scholarship that these books highlight. First, these works share a strong emphasis on agency, understood as human action that makes a difference in the world, be it the agency of individuals, domestic civil society organizations, transnational organizations, or courts. Highlighting agency, rather than overarching political, economic, and social structures, in turn shifts the attention from human rights law and doctrine “in the books” to an understanding of human rights law as a purposive and dynamic practice.
Paulin Hountondji: The Struggle for Meaning and the Struggle for Action
Authors: Etoke Nathalie
Published: April 2024

Paulin Hountondji is an essential figure in the literary and philosophical world of Africa. Rereading The Struggle for Meaning: Reflections on Philosophy, Culture, and Democracy in Africa allowed me to rediscover a man whose theoretical work is indissociable from action. Conscious of the dangers of sterile speculation and above all passionate about improving Africans’ conditions of existence, Hountondji develops a way of thinking that leads to action. My reflection foregrounds the priorities of a philosopher whose ultimate aim is human flourishing and the coming of freedom to the continent.
Quantifying seasonal to multi-decadal signals in coastal water quality using high- and low-frequency time series data
Authors: Brahmey Emma I. , McGlathery Karen J. , Doney Scott C.
Published: April 2024

To inform water quality monitoring techniques and modeling at coastal research sites, this study investigated seasonality and trends in coastal lagoons on the eastern shore of Virginia, USA. Seasonality was quantified with harmonic analysis of low-frequency time-series, approximately 30 years of quarterly sampled data at thirteen mainland, lagoon, and ocean inlet sites, along with 4–6 years of high-frequency, 15-min resolution sonde data at two mainland sites. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) seasonality were dominated by annual harmonics, while salinity and chlorophyll-a exhibited mixed annual and semi-annual harmonics. Mainland sites had larger seasonal amplitudes and higher peak summer values for temperature, chlorophyll-a and AOU, likely from longer water residence times, shallower waters, and proximity to marshes and uplands. Based on the statistical subsampling of high-frequency data, one to several decades of low-frequency data (at quarterly sampling) were needed to quantify the climatological seasonal cycle within specified confidence intervals. Statistically significant decadal warming and increasing chlorophyll-a concentrations were found at a sub-set of mainland sites, with no distinct geographic patterns for other water quality trends. The analysis highlighted challenges in detecting long-term trends in coastal water quality at sites sampled at low frequency with large seasonal and interannual variability.
A Longitudinal Study of Hospital Safety From Disasters in Kermanshah Province, Iran: Insights for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Ghanbari Vahid , Hidari Yaghob , Salari Nader , Balikuddembe Joseph Kimuli , Rahimi Ehsan , Rostamnia Leili
Published: April 2024

Objective:

The Hospital Safety Index (HSI) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was adopted by most countries to evaluate the safety of hospitals against disasters. This study aimed to assess the status of hospital safety from disasters between 2016 and 2022 in Kermanshah province in Iran.

Methods:

This is a retrospective longitudinal study which investigated HSI data from 23 hospitals. Data were gathered by Farsi Hospital Safety Index (FHSI) and analyzed with a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

The risk of hydro-meteorological (from 43.1 to 32.7) and biological hazards (51.3 to 35.5) significantly decreased. Although structural safety remained constant (from 67.8 to 70.1), nonstructural (from 51.5 to 71.2), and functional (from 47.1 to 71.2) safety scores increased significantly over study period.

Conclusions:

The findings revealed hospitals safety in Kermanshah province gradually improved. However, the health-care stakeholders should pay the necessary attention to improving the structural safety of hospitals.
Investigation of Three Different UV-C Irradiation Schemes for Bacterial Decontamination of FFP2 Masks to Make Them Reusable
Authors: Vaupel Franziska , Fengler Ingo , Mutters Nico T. , Scheid Patrick , Sib Esther , Weppler Ruth , Döhla Manuel
Published: April 2024

The effect of filtering face piece grade 2 (FFP2) masks for infection prevention is essential in health care systems; however, it depends on supply chains. Efficient methods to reprocess FFP2 masks may be needed in disasters. Therefore, different UV-C irradiation schemes for bacterial decontamination of used FFP2 masks were investigated.

Seventy-eight masks were irradiated with UV light for durations between 3 and 120 seconds and subsequently analyzed for the presence of viable bacteria on the inside. Ten masks served as the control group. Irradiation on the inside of the masks reduced bacteria in proportion to the dose, with an almost complete decontamination after 30 seconds. Outside irradiation reduced the quantity of colonies without time-dependent effects. Both sides of irradiation for a cumulated 30 seconds or more showed almost complete decontamination.

Overall, this study suggests that standardized UV irradiation schemes with treatment to both sides might be an efficient and effective method for FFP2 mask decontamination in times of insufficient supplies.
Carl Schmitt and Ossip Flechtheim at Nuremberg: A Crossroads for International Justice and Intellectual History
Authors: Gordon Gregory S. , Mitchell Ryan Martinez
Published: April 2024

Should theoretical discourse supporting state crimes be protected as free speech or prosecuted as atrocity speech? The relationship between Neo-Hobbesian Nazi collaborator Carl Schmitt and progressive Futurology founder Ossip Flechtheim provides a fascinating framework for exploring that question. In 1933, Schmitt rejected Flechtheim as a PhD student, on antisemitic grounds. Meanwhile, becoming Nazism’s “Crown Jurist,” he helped force Jewish lawyers, including Flechtheim, into exile. Post-war, Flechtheim, now on the US Nuremberg prosecution staff, arrested Schmitt. Through Flechtheim’s experience, this article explores how Schmitt’s prosecution, within a contemplated “Propaganda and Education Case” (PEC), might have determined how to treat atrocity-complicit academic propagandists. It chronicles how the PEC/Schmitt case collapsed when Flechtheim’s investigation was curtailed due to resource constraints, equivocal precedent, and prosecutor Robert Kempner’s botched interrogations. Nonetheless, Flechtheim contributed to the Ministries Trial conviction of propagandist Otto Dietrich. The article concludes by juxtaposing that case with Schmitt’s near-prosecution to contemplate norms for charging theorists laying needed groundwork for atrocity, via sufficiently proximate speech, even absent direct incitement. Such an international justice future would mirror immediate post-Cold War intellectual developments, which vindicated Flechtheim’s vision, not Schmitt’s. Exploring this topic is timely, as Russian academic discourse has enabled/fueled Ukraine’s invasion and related atrocities.
Autonomous large-eddy simulations of turbulence using eddy viscosity derived from the subgrid-scale similarity stress tensor
Authors: Domaradzki J.A.
Published: April 2024

A previously developed method for large-eddy simulations (LES), based on spectral eddy-viscosity models, is generalised to the physical space representation. The method estimates the subgrid-scale (SGS) energy transfer using a similarity-type model expression for the SGS tensor obtained using Gaussian filtering of velocity fields advanced in the simulations. Following steps for the spectral space representation, the SGS transfer in the physical space is used to obtain a spatially varying eddy viscosity at each time step in LES. The computed eddy viscosity is employed to model the SGS stress tensor in the familiar Boussinesq form for use in LES. The method is tested in LES of isotropic turbulence at high Reynolds numbers where the inertial range dynamics is expected and for lower Reynolds number decaying turbulence under conditions of the classical Comte-Bellot and Corrsin experiments. In both cases the agreement with reference data is very good and the SGS transfer computed for the proposed eddy-viscosity model is highly correlated with the transfer computed for the similarity-type stress tensor.
Migration of confined micro-swimmers subject to anisotropic diffusion
Authors: Guan Mingyang , Jiang Weiquan , Tao Luoyi , Chen Guoqian , Lee Joseph H.W.
Published: April 2024

Shear-induced migration of elongated micro-swimmers exhibiting anisotropic Brownian diffusion at a population scale is investigated analytically in this work. We analyse the steady motion of confined ellipsoidal micro-swimmers subject to coupled diffusion in a general setting within a continuum homogenisation framework, as an extension of existing studies on macro-transport processes, by allowing for the direct coupling of convection and diffusion in local and global spaces. The analytical solutions are validated successfully by comparison with numerical results from Monte Carlo simulations. Subsequently, we demonstrate from the probability perspective that symmetric actuation does not yield net vertical polarisation in a horizontal flow, unless non-spherical shapes, external fields or direct coupling effects are harnessed to generate steady locomotion. Coupled diffusivities modify remarkably the drift velocity and vertical migration of motile micro-swimmers exposed to fluid shear. The interplay between stochastic swimming and preferential alignment could explain the diverse concentration and orientation distributions, including rheological formations of depletion layers, centreline focusing and surface accumulation. Results of the analytical study shed light on unravelling peculiar self-propulsion strategies and dispersion dynamics in active-matter systems, with implications for various transport problems arising from the fluctuating shape, size and other external or inter-particle interactions of swimmers in confined environments.
Religion as Liberal Politics
Authors: Adenitire John Olusegun
Published: April 2024

US and UK courts define religion as a belief system dealing with existential concerns, which is separable from politics, and need not be theistic. Where does this concept of religion come from? Some scholars trace it to the advent of the Protestant Reformation when religion became a matter of competing theological propositions. My analysis of both John Calvin and Roger Williams shows that those Protestant thinkers emphasized the view that religion is essentially a belief system. However, Protestantism cannot explain all of the features of the US and UK concept of religion. It is because of the liberal belief in individual rights and in popular sovereignty that early liberals like Roger Williams and contemporary courts embrace the separability of religion from politics. These courts also reject the view that religion is necessarily theistic given their liberal commitment to treating citizens that subscribe to certain non-theistic ideologies as equal citizens to citizens with theistic ideologies.
Determinants of the adoption of fungus-resistant grapevines: Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Zachmann Lucca , McCallum Chloe , Finger Robert
Published: April 2024

The adoption of fungus-resistant grapevines may be a key strategy for substantially reducing fungicide use in pesticide-intensive viticulture. In a representative survey conducted among 436 grapevine growers in Switzerland, we elicited growers’ expected share of land devoted to fungus-resistant varieties in ten years. More specifically, using regression analyses, we explore the main predictors behind the stated adoption intentions. We find that one-third of new plantings in the next decade will be fungus-resistant varieties. As a result, the expected share of land devoted to fungus-resistant varieties in ten years is 27.4% (compared to 10.2% in 2022), thus increasing by 169%. Farmer- and farm characteristics explain most of the adoption dynamics, especially growers’ beneficial health perceptions about fungus-resistant varieties, which correlate positively with their expected land share devoted to these varieties. Moreover, non-organic grapevine growers are particularly likely to increase their land devoted to these varieties. These findings have important implications for agricultural policy and industry in Europe and elsewhere, facilitating the expected plantation increase using a policy mix tailored to farmer- and farm-level characteristics.
Developments in event conceptualisation and event integration in language and mind
Authors: Hohenstein Jill , Kou Xinyan , Soroli Efstathia
Published: April 2024

This essay is the introduction to the Special Issue ‘Events in language and mind: Theoretical and empirical advances in the event integration theory’. We first review Leonard Talmy’s event integration theory in addition to some critiques of this framework. Following this, we point to some empirical research inspired by this framework, which explores the interaction between language and cognition. We then briefly introduce the papers in this volume and discuss their contributions to the event integration framework. We conclude with some limitations, questions and future directions.
Dietary inflammatory index is associated with severe depression in older adults with stroke: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Wang Yubin , Xie Xia , Gao Yuan , Zhang Yurong
Published: April 2024

Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of stroke and depression. We aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and depression in American adults with stroke. Adults with stroke were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2018 in the USA. The DII was obtained from a 24-h dietary recall interview for each individual. Multivariate regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between DII and depression in adults with stroke. The mean age of the 1239 participants was 63·85 years (50·20 % women), and the prevalence of depression was 18·26 %. DII showed a linear and positive association with severe depression in adults with stroke (OR 1·359; 95 % CI 1·021, 1·810; P for non-linearity = 0·493). Compared with those in the lowest tertile of the DII, adults with stroke in the third tertile of the DII had a 3·222-fold higher risk of severe depression (OR 3·222; 95 % CI 1·150, 9·026). In the stratified analyses, the association between DII score and severe depression was more significant in older adults (P for interaction = 0·010) but NS with respect to sex (P for interaction = 0·184) or smoking status (P for interaction = 0·396). No significant association was found between DII and moderate-to-moderately severe depression in adults with stroke. In conclusion, an increase in DII score was associated with a higher likelihood of severe depression in older adults with stroke.
The mediating role of health behaviors in the association between depression, anxiety and cancer incidence: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Kuan-Yu , van Tuijl Lonneke , Basten Maartje , Rijnhart Judith J. M. , de Graeff Alexander , Dekker Joost , Geerlings Mirjam I. , Hoogendoorn Adriaan , Ranchor Adelita V. , Vermeulen Roel , Portengen Lützen , Voogd Adri C. , Abell Jessica , Awadalla Philip , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Bjerkeset Ottar , Boyd Andy , Cui Yunsong , Frank Philipp , Galenkamp Henrike , Garssen Bert , Hellingman Sean , Hollander Monika , Huisman Martijn , Huss Anke , Keats Melanie R. , Kok Almar A. L. , Krokstad Steinar , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Luik Annemarie I. , Noisel Nolwenn , Payette Yves , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Picavet Susan , Rissanen Ina , Roest Annelieke M. , Rosmalen Judith G. M. , Ruiter Rikje , Schoevers Robert A. , Soave David , Spaan Mandy , Steptoe Andrew , Stronks Karien , Sund Erik R. , Sweeney Ellen , Teyhan Alison , Twait Emma L. , van der Willik Kimberly D. , Lamers Femke
Published: April 2024

Background

Although behavioral mechanisms in the association among depression, anxiety, and cancer are plausible, few studies have empirically studied mediation by health behaviors. We aimed to examine the mediating role of several health behaviors in the associations among depression, anxiety, and the incidence of various cancer types (overall, breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, smoking-related, and alcohol-related cancers).

Methods

Two-stage individual participant data meta-analyses were performed based on 18 cohorts within the Psychosocial Factors and Cancer Incidence consortium that had a measure of depression or anxiety (N = 319 613, cancer incidence = 25 803). Health behaviors included smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol use, body mass index (BMI), sedentary behavior, and sleep duration and quality. In stage one, path-specific regression estimates were obtained in each cohort. In stage two, cohort-specific estimates were pooled using random-effects multivariate meta-analysis, and natural indirect effects (i.e. mediating effects) were calculated as hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

Smoking (HRs range 1.04–1.10) and physical inactivity (HRs range 1.01–1.02) significantly mediated the associations among depression, anxiety, and lung cancer. Smoking was also a mediator for smoking-related cancers (HRs range 1.03–1.06). There was mediation by health behaviors, especially smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and a higher BMI, in the associations among depression, anxiety, and overall cancer or other types of cancer, but effects were small (HRs generally below 1.01).

Conclusions

Smoking constitutes a mediating pathway linking depression and anxiety to lung cancer and smoking-related cancers. Our findings underline the importance of smoking cessation interventions for persons with depression or anxiety.
Key Learnings from ‘Seniors of Canada’: A Community Project Aimed to Disrupt Ageism
Authors: Hatzifilalithis Stephanie , Weldrick Rachel , Harvey Kelsey
Published: April 2024

Visual representations of aging have historically relied upon binarized clichés: idealized youthfulness versus frailty and illness. To challenge these oversimplified depictions, graduate students developed a community outreach project titled ‘Seniors of Canada’. The aim of this project was twofold: (1) share images and stories of people in later life; and (2) challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes of aging. In this note, we outline the prevailing discourse of what aging ‘looks like’, how we collected stories and images, and implications for knowledge mobilization and research in Canada. This article highlights insights gained since the inception of the project, including three key learnings: (1) Building bridges across academia and community, (2) Intergenerational connection and digital tools, and (3) The power of visual storytelling. We provide a practical overview of a successful knowledge mobilization/community outreach project and showcase the power of bridging academia and community for social change.
Framing Later Life Vulnerability during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Content Analysis of Newspaper Coverage in Canada and the United States
Authors: Penning Margaret J. , Browning Sean D. , Haq Kazi Sabrina , Kidd Bodhin
Published: April 2024

This study explores vulnerability narratives used in relation to older adults and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-method content analysis was conducted of 391 articles published in two major newspapers in Canada and the USA during the first wave of the pandemic. The findings indicated that during the early months of the pandemic, limited attention was directed towards its impact on older adults or other ‘vulnerable’ subpopulations in both countries. Where evident, intrinsic (individual-level) risk factors were most consistently used to frame the vulnerability of older adults. In contrast, vulnerability was more likely to be framed as structural with regard to other subpopulations (e.g., ethno-racial minorities). These narratives also differed somewhat in Canadian and US newspapers. The framing of older adults as intrinsically vulnerable reflects ageist stereotypes and promotes downstream policy interventions. Greater attention is needed to the role of structural factors in influencing pandemic-related outcomes among older adults.
Habitat restoration to conserve the Little Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus nanus on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Authors: Anchundia David J. , Green Rhys , Pike Courtney L. , Gutiérrez George , Pibaque Peter , Chango Rafael , Sevilla Christian , Fessl Birgit , Tebbich Sabine
Published: April 2024

The endemic Little Vermilion Flycatcher (LVF) Pyrocephalus nanus has suffered a drastic decline on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, where it was common 30 years ago. Currently, fewer than 40 individuals remain in the last remnants of natural humid forest in the Galapagos National Park on the island. This small population has low reproductive success, which is contributing to its decline in Santa Cruz. Previous studies have identified Avian Vampire Fly Philornis downsi parasitism, changes in food sources, and habitat alteration as threats to this species. In Santa Cruz, invasive plants may strongly affect the reproductive success of LVF because they limit accessibility to prey near the ground, the preferred foraging niche of these birds. Since 2019, we restored the vegetation in seven plots of 1 ha each by removing invasive blackberry plants and other introduced plant species. In all nests that reached late incubation, we also reduced the number of Avian Vampire Fly larvae. In this study, we compared foraging and perch height, pair formation, incubation time, and reproductive success between managed and unmanaged areas. As predicted, we found significantly lower foraging height and perch height in 2021 in managed areas compared with unmanaged areas. In 2020, the daily failure rate (DFR) of nests in the egg stage did not differ between management types; however, in 2021, the DFR in the egg stage was significantly lower in managed areas than in unmanaged areas. The DFR during the nestling stage was similar between managed and unmanaged areas in 2020, but in 2021, only nests in managed areas reached the nestling stage. Females brooded significantly more during the incubation phase in managed areas. Additionally, we found significantly higher reproductive success in managed areas compared with unmanaged areas in 2021, but not in 2020. Habitat restoration is a long-term process and these findings suggest that habitat management positively affects this small population in the long term.
Turán problems in pseudorandom graphs
Authors: Liu Xizhi , Mubayi Dhruv , Munhá Correia David
Published: April 2024

Given a graph
$F$
, we consider the problem of determining the densest possible pseudorandom graph that contains no copy of
$F$
. We provide an embedding procedure that improves a general result of Conlon, Fox, and Zhao which gives an upper bound on the density. In particular, our result implies that optimally pseudorandom graphs with density greater than
$n^{-1/3}$
must contain a copy of the Peterson graph, while the previous best result gives the bound
$n^{-1/4}$
. Moreover, we conjecture that the exponent
$1/3$
in our bound is tight. We also construct the densest known pseudorandom
$K_{2,3}$
-free graphs that are also triangle-free. Finally, we give a different proof for the densest known construction of clique-free pseudorandom graphs due to Bishnoi, Ihringer, and Pepe that they have no large clique.