bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work Motivation Is Not Generational but Depends on Age and Period
Authors: Schröder Martin
Published: November 2023

Many argue that work motivation varies with year of birth, suggesting the utility of generational labels such as Z, Y, X, or Baby Boomer. This article tests this generational hypothesis by using multilevel regressions with data from 584,217 individuals sampled by the Integrated Values Survey in 113 countries over more than 30 years. The results show that the importance of work first increases and then decreases with an individual’s age and that the importance of work tends to decrease for everyone with the passing of historical time. These age and period effects make later-born generations seem work averse, while birth year and thus generational membership hardly explain work motivation after accounting for age and period effects. The article also tests whether ten other work-related attitudes can be explained through generational membership. The results suggest that the historical time period and an individual’s life course explain work motivation and work attitudes better than generational membership. This life course and historical explanation is suggested as an alternative to the generational hypothesis of work motivation and attitudes that prevails in much of the literature.
Innovative chaotic dragon fractal (ChDrFr) shapes for efficient encryption applications: a new highly secure image encryption algorithm
Authors: Mohammed Amira G. , El-Khamy Said E.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the generation of new dragon fractal shapes with chaotic iteration parameters is introduced as the main component of a new efficient approach for different cryptographic applications. This process involves applying a chaotic map, which is considered the initiator pattern, to generate different chaotic dragon fractal (ChDrFr) shapes in lieu of lines (which are classically used to generate dragon fractals). This is the new concept of this paper. The used chaotic maps are sensitive to their initial conditions and are characterized by randomness; hence, the resulting scheme is highly secure. As the resulting ChDrFr shapes have sparse structures, the spaces are packed with random values generated from another 5D hyper chaotic map. For encryption applications based on the substitution approach, one of the five generated ChFrDr shapes can be used to construct a chaotic fractal (ChFr) S-Box, while the other four ChDrFr shapes can be used for diffusion purposes. As an application to these new ChDrFr shapes and the ChFr S-Box, we introduce in this paper a new highly secure image encryption algorithm. A Henon chaotic map is used as the initiator of the ChDrFr shapes. The integer wavelet transform (IWT) is used to generate an approximation and three detail sub-bands for the original image. As the approximation sub-band contains a considerable amount of information about the original image, the above-described ChFr S-Box is used as a replacement for each pixel’s value in this sub-band. Then, the resultant substituted image is diffused with one of the generated ChFrDr shapes. The other three ChDrFr shapes are XORed with the details sub-images. Numerical simulation is applied to ensure the efficacy of encrypted images against different attacks. In particular, the correlation coefficient between the initial and the generated images is shown to be nearly zero. Moreover, tests reveal that the information entropy of the encrypted images and UACI were close to their optimum values. The properties of the newly proposed ChDrFr-based encryption algorithm are compared to the ones obtained by other encryption algorithms, and the results prove the superiority of this newly proposed algorithm to other types of encryption methods.
Is digitalization a source of innovation? Exploring the role of digital diffusion in SME innovation performance
Authors: Hassan Sohaib S. , Meisner Konrad , Krause Kevin , Bzhalava Levan , Moog Petra
Published: November 2023

Drawing on strategic management theory, this study examines the relationship between digitalization and innovation performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We hypothesize that SMEs with higher levels of digital diffusion have higher innovation performance, and that absorptive capacity moderates this relationship. To test this relationship, we use a sample of 1100 German SMEs from the Mannheim Innovation Panel of the Centre for European Economic Research. The results of the multinomial and multivariate probit estimations show that digital diffusion is a significant positive trigger of innovation in SMEs. We also find that absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between digital diffusion and innovation only in the case of product innovation and not for any other type of innovation. Finally, we discuss the implications of our study for research and practice.
Characterization of direct oral anticoagulants use in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Yang Claire , Khan Fatima , MacDonald Courtney , Guglielmo Julie , Lo Mimi , Young Rebecca , Banez Marisela Tan , Huang Lily , Nguyen Rosalyn , Kang Stephen , Saunders Ila M.
Published: November 2023

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment are of interest in oncology due to ease of administration and lack of need for therapeutic monitoring compared to other anticoagulants. Data supporting their use in patients with hematologic malignancies post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) are limited. The purpose of the study is to characterize DOAC use in HCT patients. This multicenter, retrospective cohort analysis included allogeneic and autologous HCT recipients. The primary outcome was major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB)/minor bleeding and VTE recurrence. Of 126 patients, 91 (72.2%) patients received an autologous HCT, and 35 (27.8%) patients received an allo-HCT. No major bleeding occurred in either transplant recipient groups. In autologous HCT recipients, CRNMB/minor bleeding occurred in four (4.4%) patients and VTE recurrence occurred in one (1.1%) patient. For allogeneic HCT recipients, CRNMB/minor bleeding occurred in five (14.3%) patients and VTE recurrence occurred in two (5.7%) patients. For patients that experienced a CRNMB, five (100%) of the allogeneic HCT and two (50%) of the autologous HCT recipients were thrombocytopenic at the time of bleeding. Only 38.5% of patients who experienced a drug-drug interaction requiring DOAC dose adjustment received the appropriate dose adjustment. DOACs were associated with low rates of recurrent VTE and no major bleeding events, similar to published data on DOAC use in the general cancer patient population. This suggests that DOACs may be safe therapeutic options with proactive management of drug interactions and careful monitoring for bleeding events, especially in the allogeneic HCT population where minor bleeding rates were slightly higher.
Managing Digital Transformation for Social Good in Non-Profit Organizations: The Case of The Felix Project Zeroing Hunger in London
Authors: Jong Cindy Li Ken , Ganzaroli Andrea
Published: November 2023

The societal value of non-profit organizations (NPOs) and the enabling aspect of digital transformations (DTs) pinpoint these as cornerstones in our running after sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, applying DT to NPOs foreshadows outstanding but untapped opportunities to enhance our capacity to meet those goals. This paper shed light on those opportunities by exploring the DT of a food redistribution charity which commits to reach zero hunger in London, the United Kingdom. Our results not only highlight the importance of studying DT in the setting of sustainable-oriented NPOs but also reveal the key role of leadership, entrepreneurship, agile management, co-creation, user-friendliness, and building a data-driven learning culture to strengthen its impact.
Key CT and MRI findings of drug-associated hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Goshima Satoshi
Published: November 2023

Obtaining an imaging diagnosis of various hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders caused by certain drugs can often be challenging. Familiarity with these conditions may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management. This review aimed to describe the imaging findings of drug-associated hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders and identify suggestions for obtaining a correct diagnosis. We focused on relatively common disorders or those that can present with characteristic imaging findings, such as drug-induced acute hepatitis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, focal nodular hyperplasia-like lesions, hepatocellular adenoma, pseudocirrhosis, chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis, amiodarone deposition in the liver, secondary iron overload, drug-induced pancreatitis, pancreatic enlargement after epoprostenol therapy, ceftriaxone-associated gallbladder pseudolithiasis, immune-related adverse events, and methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders.
Evaluation of Geosites from the Perspective of Geopark Management: the Example of Proposed Zemplín Geopark
Authors: Molokáč Mário , Babicová Zdenka , Pachinger Patrik , Kornecká Enikő
Published: November 2023

Recently, geotourism has enriched the range of tourism products with its relatively new attraction—geoparks. In addition to high-quality management, geoparks must also offer excellent geological attractions (geosites). Several scientific works dealt with the geoheritage management and geosite evaluation procedure. The paper evaluates geosites from the geopark management point of view while considering the needs of such geoparks. Using newly created methodology, we have selected the limiting criteria that indicate the usability of geosites in the geopark. The management and the methodology above were tested at the proposed Zemplín geopark. The results indicate the importance of such an evaluation throughout all the phases of the geopark creation process.
Trend of Developing Aqueous Liquid and Gel Electrolytes for Sustainable, Safe, and High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ji Donghwan , Kim Jaeyun
Published: November 2023

Current lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) rely on organic liquid electrolytes that pose significant risks due to their flammability and toxicity. The potential for environmental pollution and explosions resulting from battery damage or fracture is a critical concern. Water-based (aqueous) electrolytes have been receiving attention as an alternative to organic electrolytes. However, a narrow electrochemical-stability window, water decomposition, and the consequent low battery operating voltage and energy density hinder the practical use of aqueous electrolytes. Therefore, developing novel aqueous electrolytes for sustainable, safe, high-performance LIBs remains challenging. This Review first commences by summarizing the roles and requirements of electrolytes–separators and then delineates the progression of aqueous electrolytes for LIBs, encompassing aqueous liquid and gel electrolyte development trends along with detailed principles of the electrolytes. These aqueous electrolytes are progressed based on strategies using superconcentrated salts, concentrated diluents, polymer additives, polymer networks, and artificial passivation layers, which are used for suppressing water decomposition and widening the electrochemical stability window of water of the electrolytes. In addition, this Review discusses potential strategies for the implementation of aqueous Li-metal batteries with improved electrolyte–electrode interfaces. A comprehensive understanding of each strategy in the aqueous system will assist in the design of an aqueous electrolyte and the development of sustainable and safe high-performance batteries.
Statistical decision theory respecting stochastic dominance
Authors: Manski Charles F. , Tetenov Aleksey
Published: November 2023

The statistical decision theory pioneered by (Wald, Statistical decision functions, Wiley, 1950) has used state-dependent mean loss (risk) to measure the performance of statistical decision functions across potential samples. We think it evident that evaluation of performance should respect stochastic dominance, but we do not see a compelling reason to focus exclusively on mean loss. We think it instructive to also measure performance by other functionals that respect stochastic dominance, such as quantiles of the distribution of loss. This paper develops general principles and illustrative applications for statistical decision theory respecting stochastic dominance. We modify the Wald definition of admissibility to an analogous concept of stochastic dominance (SD) admissibility, which uses stochastic dominance rather than mean sampling performance to compare alternative decision rules. We study SD admissibility in two relatively simple classes of decision problems that arise in treatment choice. We reevaluate the relationship between the MLE, James–Stein, and James–Stein positive part estimators from the perspective of SD admissibility. We consider alternative criteria for choice among SD-admissible rules. We juxtapose traditional criteria based on risk, regret, or Bayes risk with analogous ones based on quantiles of state-dependent sampling distributions or the Bayes distribution of loss.
Effects of Sustainable Business Networks on the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemicals in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muzamwese Tawanda Collins
Published: November 2023

Despite the formulation of policy frameworks and awareness on hazardous chemical management, practical implementation at organisational level remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. Participation in inter-organisational networks has been shown to have a catalytic role in some contexts. Sustainable business networks such as the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) have undertaken programmes to promote safe chemical management and chemical leasing. This research paper assesses the effects of sustainable business networks on circular economy (CE) through implementation of safe chemical management and chemical leasing programmes in Zimbabwe. The research paper is based on forty (40) companies drawn from the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors in Zimbabwe. A total of 50% of the companies assessed were selected because they participated in the safe chemical management programme called responsible production toolkit training and chemical leasing training during the period of 2018 to 2023, whilst the other 50% selected were not participants in any chemical management initiative to provide a comparison group to enable causal inferences. The study employed direct observation of chemical management practices, interviews with key informants and content analysis. Barriers and challenges identified included high chemical intensity, higher proportion of chemical accidents, inadequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of clear policies on chemical management, lack of adequate technical capacity on chemical management, use of foreign languages in some material safety data sheets (MSDS), incompatible chemical storage practices, lack of proper labelling of chemicals, inadequate implementation of chemical compatibility charts and inadequate documentation of successful case studies. Implementation of chemical risk assessment increased from 20 to 70% due to network participation. Chemical inventorying implementation increased from 15 to 50% amongst firms that participated in safe chemical management programmes. Chemical labelling practices increased from 55 to 85% due to increased participation in network-induced chemical management programmes. Chemical leasing implementation remained largely unchanged even with access to training. We conclude that network participation enhanced chemical management practices due to the implementation of the responsible production toolkit. However, the impact of network participation on adoption of chemical leasing is low in Zimbabwe due to external contextual factors such as policy, perception, legal and financial barriers.
Know, comply, and live: the implications of protocols for COVID-19 management in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Amoah Anthony
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing compliance with COVID-19 preventive management strategies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To address the lack of national data associated with this study, a comprehensive cross-sectional panel dataset by GeoPoll, encompassing 12 SSA countries, is used. The study employs a novel index and a cross-sectional pooled logit econometric regression with predicted margins to identify the determinants of behavioural responses to COVID-19 management strategies. The findings reveal that demographic factors, institutional measures, and country-specific characteristics significantly impact compliance with COVID-19 management strategies in SSA. Additionally, a gender analysis of disaggregated COVID-19 pandemic management protocols revealed that females exhibit different compliance behaviours compared to males, specifically in relation to public transport, hygiene practices, handwashing, and social distancing. However, no significant gender differences are observed in behaviours such as avoiding public places and working from home. Surprisingly, the composite index, which measures overall compliance with all protocols, does not demonstrate any gender differences. Based on the findings, policies aimed at enhancing compliance should consider demographic, institutional, and country-specific factors while also accounting for gender differences in specific compliance behaviours.
Evaluating associations between late intensive care admission and mortality, intensive care days, and organ dysfunctions: a secondary analysis of data from the EPOCH cluster randomized trial
Authors: Joffe Ari R. , Dryden-Palmer Karen , Shadkowski Leah , Frndova Helena , Nadkarni Vinay , Tomlinson George , Parshuram Christopher ,   for the EPOCH Investigators
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To determine whether late admission to pediatric intensive care (ICU) from hospital wards is associated with patient outcomes.

Methods

Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from an international multicenter cluster-randomized trial. Clinical deterioration events with urgent ICU admission were defined as late if the Children’s Resuscitation Intensity Scale was > 2 (indicating critical care interventions started from 12 h pre- to 1 h post-urgent ICU admission). The association of late admission with primary outcomes (ICU and hospital mortality) was estimated using logistically generalized estimating equation models adjusted for PIM2 probability of death.

Results

There were 2979 clinical deterioration events in 2502 patients, including 620 (20.8%) late ICU admissions. ICU mortality of the last urgent ICU admission was 15.4% for late compared to 4.5% for non-late ICU admission (PIM-adjusted OR (95%CI) 1.63 (1.14, 2.33), p < 0.01). Hospital mortality was 19.7% in late compared to 6.0% for non-late urgent ICU admission (PIM-adjusted OR 1.56 (1.12, 2.16), p < 0.01). Late ICU admissions accounted for 20.9% of clinical deterioration events, and 90/179 (50.2.0%) of ICU and 103/222 (46.4%) of hospital deaths after clinical deterioration events. Secondary outcomes associated with late ICU admission included longer ICU stay (2.3 days, p = 0.02), more ventilation days (407/1000 ICU days, p < 0.0001), and more frequent treatment with dialysis, inhaled nitric oxide, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Late ICU admission from hospital wards was associated with higher ICU and hospital mortality, greater use of ICU technologies, and longer ICU stays. How to prevent late ICU admission and its consequences requires further study.
Handbook of the International Phonetic Association
Authors: International Phonetic Association
Published: November 2023

This book is a comprehensive guide to the International Phonetic Alphabet, whose aim is to provide a universally agreed system of notation for the sounds of languages, and which has been widely used for over a century. The Handbook presents the basics of phonetic analysis so that the principles underlying the Alphabet can be readily understood, and gives examples of the use of each of the phonetic symbols. The application of the Alphabet is then demonstrated in nearly 30 'Illustrations' - concise analyses of the sound systems of a range of languages, each of them accompanied by a phonetic transcription of a passage of speech. The Handbook also includes the 'Extensions' to the Alphabet, covering speech sounds beyond the sound-systems of languages, and a listing of the internationally agreed computer codings for phonetic symbols. It is an essential reference work for all those involved in the analysis of speech.
Antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa: a survey of healthcare workers in academic and nonacademic hospitals
Authors: Reddy Kessendri , Ramsamy Yogandree , Swe Swe-Han Khine , Nana Trusha , Black Marianne , Kolojane Molebogeng , Chibabhai Vindana
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) facilitate appropriate antimicrobial use and require contextualization for optimal functioning. We aimed to investigate perceptions of and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ASPs among healthcare workers in academic and nonacademic hospitals.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Three academic (Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Tygerberg) and three nonacademic hospitals (Leratong, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial, and Paarl) in South Africa from January to June 2022.

Participants:

Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Methods:

Voluntary questionnaire using Google Forms, encompassing AMR, ASPs, and selected discipline-specific components.

Results:

Participants comprised 79 doctors (50 academic), 178 nurses (169 academic), and 21 pharmacists (18 academic) and were female predominant. AMR was a problem in academic hospitals (74.7% vs 51.2%, p 0.004); 73.5% overall reported inappropriate antimicrobial use as a major contributor. Adequate education on antimicrobials occurred in only 36.4% overall. Microbiological testing guided therapy more often in nonacademic settings (80.0% vs 50.2%, p <0.001). In both settings, antimicrobial availability drove selection in 48.2%. Overall, ASPs improved patient care (89.8%) and reduced antimicrobial use (86.9%), although felt to override prescriber autonomy in academic settings (29.4% vs 7.5%, p 0.007), mainly among nurses. Only 50.2% reported successful local ASPs. A minority of pharmacists (20.0%) reported sufficient hospital support for ASPs. Education, involvement of infection control staff, and inclusion of nurses in ASPs were most impactful on AMR.

Conclusion:

Selected healthcare worker perspectives differ by category and setting and can be targeted to improve ASPs. Further studies should target a higher number of clinical staff in both settings.
Households’ readiness and community-based organisations’ role in flood management: The case of Freetown City’s coastal area
Authors: Turay Bashiru , Gbetuwa Sheku , Turay Alieu
Published: November 2023

Flooding is a well-known extreme climate event affecting coastal settlements around the world. It is the principal climate-related disaster encountered by residents of Portee and Rukupa, coastal slums in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The impacts of floods in these slums have been exacerbated by the lack of effective control measures to address the disaster. One reason for this ineffectiveness is a lack of information about how households are ready to manage floods and the roles of community-based organisations (CBOs) in these events. Given this concern, this study examines household readiness and CBOs’ roles in flood management in Portee and Rokupa using observation, purposive, and snowball sampling techniques to study 204 households and 12 CBOs. The results show that flood-related information in the community is mostly shared verbally among residents. In addition, most households claimed not to have received support amidst flood events, whereas CBOs within the area claimed the opposite. As such, we recommend that future studies look at household perceptions of vulnerability and willingness to take risk-reduction actions. This study encourages community members to strengthen inter-community and organisational learning, feedback, and support systems and adopt a “no wait on the government principle” for flood management.
Encoding the Enforcement of Safety Standards into Smart Robots to Harness Their Computing Sophistication and Collaborative Potential: A Legal Risk Assessment for European Union Policymakers
Authors: Vecellio Segate Riccardo , Daly Angela
Published: November 2023

Until robots and humans mostly worked in fast-paced and yet separate environments, occupational health and safety (OHS) rules could address workers’ safety largely independently from robotic conduct. This is no longer the case: collaborative robots (cobots) working alongside humans warrant the design of policies ensuring the safety of both humans and robots at once, within shared spaces and upon delivery of cooperative workflows. Within the European Union (EU), the applicable regulatory framework stands at the intersection between international industry standards and legislation at the EU as well as Member State level. Not only do current standards and laws fail to satisfactorily attend to the physical and mental health challenges prompted by human–robot interaction (HRI), but they exhibit important gaps in relation to smart cobots (“SmaCobs”) more specifically. In fact, SmaCobs combine the black-box unforeseeability afforded by machine learning with more general HRI-associated risks, towards increasingly complex, mobile and interconnected operational interfaces and production chains. Against this backdrop, based on productivity and health motivations, we urge the encoding of the enforcement of OHS policies directly into SmaCobs. First, SmaCobs could harness the sophistication of quantum computing to adapt a tangled normative architecture in a responsive manner to the contingent needs of each situation. Second, entrusting them with OHS enforcement vis-à-vis both themselves and humans may paradoxically prove safer as well as more cost-effective than for humans to do so. This scenario raises profound legal, ethical and somewhat philosophical concerns around SmaCobs’ legal personality, the apportionment of liability and algorithmic explainability. The first systematic proposal to tackle such questions is henceforth formulated. For the EU, we propose that this is achieved through a new binding OHS Regulation aimed at the SmaCobs age.
The ethics of species extinctions
Authors: Wienhues Anna , Baard Patrik , Donoso Alfonso , Oksanen Markku
Published: November 2023

This review provides an overview of the ethics of extinctions with a focus on the Western analytical environmental ethics literature. It thereby gives special attention to the possible philosophical grounds for Michael Soulé’s assertion that the untimely ‘extinction of populations and species is bad’. Illustrating such debates in environmental ethics, the guiding question for this review concerns why – or when – anthropogenic extinctions are bad or wrong, which also includes the question of when that might not be the case (i.e. which extinctions are even desirable). After providing an explanation of the disciplinary perspective taken (section “Introduction”), the concept of extinction and its history within that literature are introduced (section “Understanding extinction”). Then, in section “Why (or when) might anthropogenic extinctions be morally problematic?”, different reasons for why anthropogenic extinctions might be morally problematic are presented based on the loss of species’ value, harm to nonhuman individuals, the loss of valuable biological variety and duties to future generations. This section concludes by also considering cases where anthropogenic extinctions might be justified. Section “How to respond to extinctions?” then addresses a selection of topics concerning risks and de-extinction technologies. Finally, the section on “Extinction studies” introduces other viewpoints on the ethics of extinction from the extinction studies literature, followed by the “Conclusion”.
Hydrogen gas and the gut microbiota are potential biomarkers for the development of experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Fujiki Yuta , Tanaka Takahisa , Yakabe Kyosuke , Seki Natsumi , Akiyama Masahiro , Uchida Ken , Kim Yun-Gi
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease characterised by repeated relapses and remissions and a high recurrence rate even after symptom resolution. The primary method for IBD diagnosis is endoscopy; however, this method is expensive, invasive, and cumbersome to use serially. Therefore, more convenient and non-invasive methods for IBD diagnosis are needed. In this study, we aimed to identify biological gas markers for the development of gut inflammation. Using dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse models, five biological gases were analysed to identify predictive markers for the development of gut inflammation. Additionally, the correlation between the changes in gas composition, gut microbiota, and inflammatory markers was assessed. The hydrogen (H2) level was found to be negatively correlated with the level of lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a gut inflammation biomarker, and weight loss due to DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, gut microbes belonging to the Rikenellaceae and Akkermansiaceae families were positively correlated with LCN2 levels and weight loss, whereas Tannerellaceae abundance was negatively correlated with LCN2 level and weight loss and positively correlated with H2 levels. This study provides new insights for IBD diagnosis; the H2 levels in biological gases are a potential biomarker for intestinal inflammation, and specific gut microbes are associated with H2 level changes.
Legal Strategies at the Governance Precipice: Transnational Lawyers in the European Union’s Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010–2012)
Authors: Haagensen Nicholas
Published: November 2023

How do transnational lawyers valorize their expertise in a political and economic crisis? This article argues that knowing how transnational lawyers valorize their expertise is critical to understanding how transnational law evolves and affects society, especially when existing legal frameworks prove to be inadequate and novel practices must pave new paths. Using the acute phase of the Eurozone crisis between 2010 and 2012 as an empirical case, I examine how European Union (EU) legal agents constructed a framework that accommodated the uncertainty of governing a crisis while also mediating the contentious politics between EU Member States. The analysis shows that as intergovernmental bargaining dominates Eurozone crisis governance, EU legal advisors intervene to reconcile these bargains with the EU legal order using novel practices that simultaneously valorize their legal expertise. These practices in effect engender a high degree of interdependence and interconnection between the EU legal order and several intergovernmental arrangements—especially the European Stability Mechanism—leading to the creation of a unique form of EU governance: semi-intergovernmentalism. This article contributes to debates on legal globalization by empirically examining how transnational legal agents valorize their expertise through strategies directed at defending their autonomy while protecting the normative coherence of their transnational legal order: the EU.
A little less conversation: How existing governance can strengthen the future global plastics treaty
Authors: Maes Thomas , Wienrich Nicole , Weiand Laura , Cowan Emily
Published: November 2023

The growing plastic production, the lack of their waste management, and fragmented regulatory responses have increased their abundance in the environment. Plastic pollution has created significant environmental concerns leading to planetary boundary threats. As a result, an increasing number of governments and non-state actors have begun negotiations on a legally binding treaty to cover the full-life-cycle of plastics by 2024. While the negotiations were mandated at the United Nations Environment Assembly 5.2 in March of 2022, how the new agreement would link to existing governance bodies addressing plastic pollution at the global, regional, national and local levels requires careful consideration. This analysis examines the main multi-level governance structures in place to govern plastics while highlighting their principal roles as well as shortcomings and gaps. It then explores ways a new global agreement could complement existing governance structures without imposing and duplicating the work of previous agreements.
THE DIFFERENCE ANALOGUE OF THE TUMURA–HAYMAN–CLUNIE THEOREM
Authors: FANG MINGLIANG , LI HUI , YAO XIAO
Published: November 2023

We prove a difference analogue of the celebrated Tumura–Hayman–Clunie theorem. Let f be a transcendental entire function, let c be a nonzero constant and let n be a positive integer. If f and
$\Delta _c^n f$
omit zero in the whole complex plane, then either
$f(z)=\exp (h_1(z)+C_1 z)$
, where
$h_1$
is an entire function of period c and
$\exp (C_1 c)\neq 1$
, or
$f(z)=\exp (h_2(z)+C_2 z)$
, where
$h_2$
is an entire function of period
$2c$
and
$C_2$
satisfies
$$ \begin{align*} \bigg(\frac{1+\exp(C_2c)}{1-\exp(C_2 c)}\bigg)^{2n}=1. \end{align*} $$
AN ALGEBRAIC INTERPRETATION OF THE SUPER CATALAN NUMBERS
Authors: LIMANTA KEVIN
Published: November 2023

We extend the notion of polynomial integration over an arbitrary circle C in the Euclidean geometry over general fields
$\mathbb {F}$
of characteristic zero as a normalised
$\mathbb {F}$
-linear functional on
$\mathbb {F}[\alpha _1, \alpha _2]$
that maps polynomials that evaluate to zero on C to zero and is
$\mathrm {SO}(2,\mathbb {F})$
-invariant. This allows us to not only build a purely algebraic integration theory in an elementary way, but also give the super Catalan numbers
$$ \begin{align*} S(m,n) = \frac{(2m)!(2n)!}{m!n!(m+n)!} \end{align*} $$

an algebraic interpretation in terms of values of this algebraic integral over some circle applied to the monomials
$\alpha _1^{2m}\alpha _2^{2n}$
.
Causal effects of dietary habits on COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalisation and severity: a comprehensive Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Wang Ningning , Wang Congjie , Chen Xiaoqing , Chen Sai , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the causal effect of dietary habits on COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalisation and severity. We used data from a large-scale diet dataset and the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative to estimate causal relationships using Mendelian randomisation. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis. For COVID-19 susceptibility, IVW estimates indicated that milk (OR: 0·82; 95 % CI (0·68, 0·98); P = 0·032), unsalted peanut (OR: 0·53; 95 % CI (0·35, 0·82); P = 0·004), beef (OR: 0·59; 95 % CI (0·41, 0·84); P = 0·004), pork (OR: 0·63; 95 % CI (0·42, 0·93); P = 0·022) and processed meat (OR: 0·76; 95 % CI (0·63, 0·92); P = 0·005) were causally associated with reduced COVID-19 susceptibility, while coffee (OR: 1·23; 95 % CI (1·04, 1·45); P = 0·017) and tea (OR: 1·17; 95 % CI (1·05, 1·31); P = 0·006) were causally associated with increased risk. For COVID-19 hospitalisation, beef (OR: 0·51; 95 % CI (0·26, 0·98); P = 0·042) showed negative correlations, while tea (OR: 1·54; 95 % CI (1·16, 2·04); P = 0·003), dried fruit (OR: 2·08; 95 % CI (1·37, 3·15); P = 0·001) and red wine (OR: 2·35; 95 % CI (1·29, 4·27); P = 0·005) showed positive correlations. For COVID-19 severity, coffee (OR: 2·16; 95 % CI (1·25, 3·76); P = 0·006), dried fruit (OR: 1·98; 95 % CI (1·16, 3·37); P = 0·012) and red wine (OR: 2·84; 95 % CI (1·21, 6·68); P = 0·017) showed an increased risk. These findings were confirmed to be robust through sensitivity analyses. Our findings established a causal relationship between dietary habits and COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalisation and severity.
Carotenoids in maternal and cord blood, breast milk and their association with maternal dietary intake: a longitudinal study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Sun Anran , Tian Luojia , Xiong Xiaoying , Kuchan Matthew , Dai Xinyao , Sun Hanxiao , Wang He , Li Xiang , Zhang Lishi , Zhao Yanrong , Chen Jinyao , Mao Yingyi , Li Xiaomeng
Published: November 2023

Carotenoids are important bioactive substances in breast milk, the profile of which is seldom studied. This study aimed to explore the profile of carotenoids in breast milk and maternal/cord plasma of healthy mother–neonate pairs in Shanghai, China, and their correlation with dietary intake. Maternal blood, umbilical cord blood and breast milk samples from five lactation stages (colostrum, transitional milk and early-, mid- and late-term mature milk) were collected. Carotenoid levels were analysed by HPLC. Carotenoid levels in breast milk changed as lactation progressed (P< 0·001).β-Carotene was the primary carotenoid in colostrum. Lutein accounted for approximately 50 % of total carotenoids in transitional milk, mature milk and cord blood. Positive correlations were observed between five carotenoids in umbilical cord blood and maternal blood (Pall < 0·001).β-Carotene levels were also correlated between maternal plasma and three stages of breast milk (r= 0·605,P< 0·001;r= 0·456,P= 0·011,r= 0·446;P= 0·013, respectively). Dietary carotenoid intakes of lactating mothers also differed across lactation stages, although no correlation with breast milk concentrations was found. These findings suggest the importance of exploring the transport mechanism of carotenoids between mothers and infants and help guide the development of formulas for Chinese infants as well as the nutritional diets of lactating mothers.
HELLENISTIC WAR-ELEPHANTS AND THE USE OF ALCOHOL BEFORE BATTLE
Authors: Gerrard Silvannen R.
Published: November 2023

This article assesses whether Hellenistic war-elephants were given alcohol before battle. First recorded in 1 Maccabees’ account of the battle of Beth-Zechariah (162b.c.e.), this unusual detail is supported by the later comments of Aelian and Philes of Ephesus. The idea also recalls a failed Ptolemaic attempt to punish the Jews in 3 Maccabees and in Josephus, and resonates with a longstanding association of elephants and alcohol in popular thought. Unfortunately, despite the recent rise in scholarly interest on war-elephants, this issue remains overlooked. This article reassesses the complexities of our sources and the practicalities of Hellenistic battles. Adopting a comparative approach to contemporary Indian material for this practice, it considers the prevalence of elephants in musth in the Indian epics, alongside the etymological link between this condition and Sanskrit concepts of drunkenness. It argues that this connection may have prompted the idea of giving elephants alcohol before battle, despite its unlikeliness as a standard feature of elephant warfare.
Externalising migration control in Niger: the humanitarian–security nexus and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Authors: de Blasis Fabio , Pitzalis Silvia
Published: November 2023

The article investigates the role of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the global migration regime against the backdrop of the European Union (EU) border externalisation process in Niger. Over the last few years, UN agencies have been considered an essential component of the EU strategy to prevent irregular migrants from reaching Europe. Drawing on qualitative research and ethnographic fieldwork, combining empirical observation with critical analysis, we explore the ‘humanitarian–security nexus’ by focusing on the IOM's ‘humanitarian borderwork’ under the financial umbrella of the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (ETFA). While the results of purely securitarian measures in Niger may have been ‘disappointing’, the outsourcing of migration management through IOM balances the interests of the Nigerien government and the EU. By focusing on IOM humanitarian operations and assisted voluntary returns and reintegration (AVRR) programmes, the article shows the further expansion of European humanitarian borders into the heart of the Sahel, highlighting new interdiction practices, hidden forms of deportation, side effects and contestation from below.
The contribution of citizen science in the surveillance of wildlife and related arthropods
Authors: Sgroi Giovanni , D'Alessio Nicola , Vada Rachele , Ferroglio Ezio , Vicente Joaquin , Veneziano Vincenzo
Published: November 2023

Environmental and anthropogenic factors may significantly affect the diffusion of wild animals, enhancing the interface of human–wildlife interactions and driving the spread of pathogens and vector-borne diseases between animals and humans. However, in the last decade, the involvement of citizens in scientific research (the so-called citizen science approach, henceforth abbreviated as CS) provided a network of large-scale and cost-effective surveillance programmes of wildlife populations and their related arthropod species. Therefore, this review aims to illustrate different methods and tools used in CS studies, by arguing the main advantages and considering the limitations of this approach. The CS approach has proven to be an effective method for establishing density and distribution of several wild animal species, in urban, peri-urban and rural environments, as well a source of information regarding vector–host associations between arthropods and wildlife. Extensive efforts are recommended to motivate citizens to be involved in scientific projects to improve both their and our knowledge of the ecology and diseases of wildlife. Following the One Health paradigm, collaborative and multidisciplinary models for the surveillance of wildlife and related arthropod species should be further developed by harnessing the potentiality of the CS approach.
Issues of equity and inclusion in Virtual Exchange
Authors: O'Dowd Robert
Published: November 2023

The increasing recognition of the limitations of physical mobility programs has led Foreign Language departments to consider online approaches such as Virtual Exchange (VE) and Blended Mobility as alternatives in international education. These online approaches have the potential to promote inclusion and diversity by providing opportunities for student cohorts who are unable to participate in traditional mobility programs. However, there are still challenges and barriers that need to be addressed, related to foreign language competence, digitalization, and structural gaps in educational systems. In this paper, I review the arguments and the evidence for and against the belief that VE can be a force for greater inclusion in international learning, before going on to explore the issue of equity of engagement in VE projects.
The processing advantage of multiword sequences: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yi Wei , Zhong Yanlu
Published: November 2023

This meta-analysis synthesized 35 English studies (130 effect sizes, N = 1,981) that employed online tasks to investigate the processing of multiword sequences (MWSs). We examined (a) to what extent MWSs enjoy a processing advantage over novel word combinations; (b) how such a processing advantage is moderated by statistical regularities (i.e., phrasal frequency, association strength), MWS type, and explicitness of experimental tasks; and (c) whether such moderating patterns differ between L1 speakers and L2 speakers. The results confirmed the processing advantage for most subtypes of MWSs, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium. For L1 speakers and L2 speakers, the processing advantage of MWSs was found across the continuum of phrasal frequency and association strength and varied. Interestingly, task explicitness moderated the processing advantage of MWSs but only for L2 speakers. Taken together, our results shed light on the understanding of MWSs as well as directions for future research.
Operational Dilemmas and Cadre Education and Training at a County Party School in China
Authors: Ottervik Mattias , Wang Haoyu , Li Zhen
Published: November 2023

Since the 18th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in November 2012, the Party school system has been subject to several reforms. How well these reforms have been implemented in lower-level Party schools has received little attention because access is difficult to obtain. We conducted on-site investigations, interviews with cadres and surveys of trainees at a county/district-level Party school in an economically typical city and county. Our findings show that operational dilemmas lead to the perfunctory implementation of policy that is substantively deficient. These operational dilemmas are likely to be found in varying degrees in other county/district Party schools. Our finding that cadre education and training policy is implemented in a pro forma manner suggests that cadres may not be receiving the ideological education and practical training intended for them by the centre.
Job Preferences and Outcomes for China's College Graduates
Authors: Li Hongbin , Meng Lingsheng , Xiong Yanyan , Cook Sinclair L.
Published: November 2023

Despite private enterprises dominating China's labour market, college-educated workers are still highly concentrated in the state sector. Using data from the Chinese College Student Survey, we find that 64 per cent of students in the sample expressed a strong preference for state sector employment. We also identify several factors associated with receiving job offers from the state sector, including being male, holding urban hukou status, being a member of the CCP, performing well on standardized tests, attending elite universities and having higher household income or high-status parental backgrounds. These findings suggest that despite China's economic transition, the private sector may still struggle to attract highly educated workers.
Exponence and the functional load of grammatical tone in Gyeli
Authors: Grimm Nadine
Published: November 2023

Grammatical tone (GT) can be the sole exponent or a co-exponent of grammatical meaning (Hyman 2012; Rolle 2018), but there has been little discussion of how they distribute within a single language. In this article, I explore the relationship between tonal and segmental materials in Gyeli (Bantu A801, Cameroon), adopting a property-driven approach to phonological typology (Plank 2001; Hyman 2009). Gyeli has eight GTs in simple predicates, which serve as sole exponents of tense, aspect, mood and polarity distinctions and object-marking. When GT is a co-exponent accompanied by segmental material, for example, in auxiliary constructions, the information that the tonal component contributes to the meaning is insufficient to distinguish between grammatical categories: its functional load is weak. The decrease in functional load is correlated with an increase in length of a segmental co-exponent. This can be explained by the tonal cophonologies of segmental morphemes and their different GT dominance types.