bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Bee Colony for Affine and Perspective Template Matching
Authors: Sato Junya , Yamada Takayoshi , Ito Kazuaki , Akashi Takuya
Published: January 2022

In this study, the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm was improved to achieve higher accuracy than the latest method in affine (6 DoF) and perspective (8 DoF) template matching. Inheritance of crossover probability and new mutation strategies that improve exploitation are introduced to employed and onlooker bees. In addition, a scout bee that requires no hyperparameters is proposed. Through experiments and quantitative evaluation, we confirmed that the improved ABC achieves more accurate matching and shorter processing time than the latest method based on differential evolution. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multimodal Literacies: Fertile Ground for Equity, Inclusion, and Connection
Authors: Watts‐Taffe Susan
Published: January 2022

This article explores the potential of multimodal literacies to support a more equitable, inclusive approach to literacy instruction. Approaching multimodal literacies with an asset‐based stance toward students with respect to culture, language, and dis/ability, multimodal literacies can support the enactment of culturally relevant pedagogy as well as inclusive teaching and learning. The article discusses intersections between multimodal literacies, culturally relevant pedagogies, and inclusive teaching practices associated with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), both conceptually and through practical examples drawn from the literature. Four themes from the examples are discussed: teacher learning, student learning, collaborating, and connecting. Questions are provided to guide teachers as they consider their own multimodal literacies instruction.
Evaluation of dietary Perilla frutescens seed on performance and carcass quality in finishing castrated male Songliao black pigs
Authors: Xia Ji Qiao , He XinMiao , Wang Lan , Wang Liang , Zhang Dong Ji , Wang Ji Feng , Liu Di
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Perilla frutescens seed (PFS) on growth performance, blood profiles, meat quality and meat nutrient characteristics in finishing castrated male Songliao black pigs.

Methods

A total of 80 castrated male Songliao black pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 84.1 ± 2.1 kg were used in a 75 days feeding trial. All pigs were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; PFS3.0, basal diet + 3.0% of PFS; PFS6.0, basal diet + 6.0% of PFS and PFS9.0, basal diet + 9.0% of PFS.

Results

As a result of this experiment, dietary supplementation of PFS improved the growth performance parameters, blood albumin and blood lipid parameters. Whereas, on FBW, average daily feed intake and average daily gain there showed a non‐dose‐dependent manner that pigs in PFS9.0 had lowest performance compared with other two PFS treatments. Furthermore, meat colour of yellowness, pH, cook meat rate, moisture, crude protein and crude fat were increased by PFS addition. However, lower growth performance was observed in PFS9.0 group. As well as, dietary inclusion of PFS also alters the meat amino acid composition and meat fatty acids composition. Particularly, umami amino acid contents and polyunsaturated fatty acid were all enhanced by PFS addition.

Conclusions

In summary, dietary supplementation of PFS have beneficial effects on the performance and meat quality and nutritional values in Songliao black pigs.
Novel mono‐ and multi‐strain probiotics supplementation modulates growth, intestinal microflora composition and haemato‐biochemical parameters in broiler chickens
Authors: Reuben Rine Christopher , Sarkar Shovon Lal , Ibnat Habiba , Roy Pravas Chandra , Jahid Iqbal Kabir
Published: January 2022

Background

The reduction of antimicrobial usage in food‐producing animals necessitates the intense search for novel alternatives, including new probiotic strains with more effective properties in improving growth performance and curtailing diseases in animals.

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of novel mono‐ and multi‐strain probiotics on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota and haemato‐biochemical parameters of broilers.

Methods

A total of 160 one‐day‐old Cobb 500 broilers were divided into eight treatment groups with two replicates consisting of (1) basal diet (negative control), (2) basal diet with antibiotic, colistin sulphate, (3) basal diet with commercial probiotic, PROMAX® (positive control), (4) basal diet with Pediococcus acidilactici I5, (5) basal diet with P. pentosaceus I13, (6) basal diet with Enterococcus faecium C14, (7) basal diet with Lactobacillus plantarum C16 and (8) basal diet with the combination of all the four probiotic strains. Birds were kept for 35 days and through oral gavage, 1 ml of 108 study probiotic strains administered on days 3–6, 14 and 18.

Results

Supplementation with P. pentosaceus I13, L. plantarum C16 or multi‐strain probiotics significantly (p < 0.05) improved the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio with decrease in feed intake and intestinal Enterobacteria counts. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, total white blood cells, platelets counts and a lowered (p < 0.05) total cholesterol and glucose levels in multi‐strains probiotic supplemented birds.

Conclusion

The supplementation with novel multi‐strain probiotics improved growth, intestinal health and haemato‐biochemical parameters in broilers and could be used as suitable antibiotic alternatives.
Validity and utility of Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP): III. Emotional dysfunction superspectrum
Authors: Watson David , Levin‐Aspenson Holly F. , Waszczuk Monika A. , Conway Christopher C. , Dalgleish Tim , Dretsch Michael N. , Eaton Nicholas R. , Forbes Miriam K. , Forbush Kelsie T. , Hobbs Kelsey A. , Michelini Giorgia , Nelson Brady D. , Sellbom Martin , Slade Tim , South Susan C. , Sunderland Matthew , Waldman Irwin , Witthöft Michael , Wright Aidan G.C. , Kotov Roman , Krueger Robert F. ,   HiTOP Utility Workgroup
Published: January 2022

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a quantitative nosological system that addresses shortcomings of traditional mental disorder diagnoses, including arbitrary boundaries between psychopathology and normality, frequent disorder co‐occurrence, substantial heterogeneity within disorders, and diagnostic unreliability over time and across clinicians. This paper reviews evidence on the validity and utility of the internalizing and somatoform spectra of HiTOP, which together provide support for an emotional dysfunction superspectrum. These spectra are composed of homogeneous symptom and maladaptive trait dimensions currently subsumed within multiple diagnostic classes, including depressive, anxiety, trauma‐related, eating, bipolar, and somatic symptom disorders, as well as sexual dysfunction and aspects of personality disorders. Dimensions falling within the emotional dysfunction superspectrum are broadly linked to individual differences in negative affect/neuroticism. Extensive evidence establishes that dimensions falling within the superspectrum share genetic diatheses, environmental risk factors, cognitive and affective difficulties, neural substrates and biomarkers, childhood temperamental antecedents, and treatment response. The structure of these validators mirrors the quantitative structure of the superspectrum, with some correlates more specific to internalizing or somatoform conditions, and others common to both, thereby underlining the hierarchical structure of the domain. Compared to traditional diagnoses, the internalizing and somatoform spectra demonstrated substantially improved utility: greater reliability, larger explanatory and predictive power, and greater clinical applicability. Validated measures are currently available to implement the HiTOP system in practice, which can make diagnostic classification more useful, both in research and in the clinic.
Hepatitis B und C: Mechanismen der virusinduzierten Leberpathogenese und Tumorentstehung
Authors: Glitscher Mirco , Hildt Eberhard , Bender Daniela
Published: January 2022

Die Hepatitisviren B und C (HBV, HCV) sind weltweit die relevantesten viralen Auslöser einer chronischen Hepatitis (Leberentzündung). Derzeit leiden weltweit mehr als 250 Mio. Menschen an einer chronischen HBV-Infektion, jährlich versterben 0,8 Mio. an den Folgen. Von einer chronischen HCV-Infektion sind ca. 70 Mio. Menschen betroffen, es versterben ca. 1 Mio. im Jahr. Bisher steht nur für HBV eine zugelassene Impfung zur Verfügung. Chronische Infektionen mit HBV und HCV gehen mit einem erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Leberfibrose, einer Leberzirrhose und eines hepatozellulären Karzinoms (HCC) einher.

Diese Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt Mechanismen der HBV- und HCV-assoziierten Pathogenese. Im Vordergrund stehen dabei die Wechselwirkung der chronischen Infektion mit intrazellulären Signaltransduktionswegen, mit einzelnen Stoffwechselwegen, insbesondere dem Lipidmetabolismus, die Fibrose- und Zirrhoseentstehung im Laufe der chronischen Infektion sowie Mechanismen der virusinduzierten HCC-Entstehung.

Trotz großer Fortschritte in der Charakterisierung der viralen Lebenszyklen und der Entwicklung robuster antiviraler Strategien bleiben Herausforderungen bestehen: u. a. die Gewinnung eines noch besseren Verständnisses der Mechanismen, die zur Entwicklung der virusassoziierten Pathogenese beitragen, sowie die Erforschung der Relevanz verschiedener Genotypen für Unterschiede in der Pathogenese.
Effect of chamfer width and chamfer angle on tool wear in slot milling
Authors: Tatar Kourosh , Svenningsson Inge
Published: January 2022

The tool geometry is generally of great significance in metal cutting performance. The response surface method was used to optimize chamfer geometry to achieve reliable and minimum tool wear in slot milling. Models were developed for edge chipping, rake wear, and flank wear. The adequacy of the models was verified using analysis of variance at a 95% confidence level. Each response was optimized individually, and the multiple responses were optimized simultaneously using the desirability function approach. The Monte Carlo simulation method was applied to tolerance analysis. All milling tests were conducted at dry conditions; the chamfer width and the chamfer angle varied between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, and 10 and 30°, respectively. Optimal chamfer geometry for minimizing chipping and rake wear was small chamfer width and chamfer angle. The flank wear reached the minimum value for the tool with 0.18 mm chamfer width and 10° chamfer angle. The obtained composite model predicted good edge strength and minimum overall wear when the chamfer was 0.1 mm wide at a 10° angle. Thermal cracks were observed on the tools. They were small on the edges with the finest and least negative chamfer but were more significant on the more negative and greater chamfer. A great chamfer width and chamfer angle also resulted in insufficient chip evacuation. The results show how the edge geometry affects the tool’s reliability and wear and may help manufacturers minimize tool cost and downtime.
Another Record: Ocean Warming Continues through 2021 despite La Niña Conditions
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Abraham John , Trenberth Kevin E. , Fasullo John , Boyer Tim , Mann Michael E. , Zhu Jiang , Wang Fan , Locarnini Ricardo , Li Yuanlong , Zhang Bin , Tan Zhetao , Yu Fujiang , Wan Liying , Chen Xingrong , Song Xiangzhou , Liu Yulong , Reseghetti Franco , Simoncelli Simona , Gouretski Viktor , Chen Gengxin , Mishonov Alexey , Reagan Jim
Published: January 2022

The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities traps heat within the climate system and increases ocean heat content (OHC). Here, we provide the first analysis of recent OHC changes through 2021 from two international groups. The world ocean, in 2021, was the hottest ever recorded by humans, and the 2021 annual OHC value is even higher than last year’s record value by 14 ± 11 ZJ (1 zetta J = 1021 J) using the IAP/CAS dataset and by 16 ± 10 ZJ using NCEI/NOAA dataset. The long-term ocean warming is larger in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans than in other regions and is mainly attributed, via climate model simulations, to an increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. The year-to-year variation of OHC is primarily tied to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In the seven maritime domains of the Indian, Tropical Atlantic, North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific, North Pacific, Southern oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea, robust warming is observed but with distinct inter-annual to decadal variability. Four out of seven domains showed record-high heat content in 2021. The anomalous global and regional ocean warming established in this study should be incorporated into climate risk assessments, adaptation, and mitigation.
COVID-19 health policy evaluation: integrating health and economic perspectives with a data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Klumpp Matthias , Loske Dominic , Bicciato Silvio
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge to humankind. To improve the knowledge regarding relevant, efficient and effective COVID-19 measures in health policy, this paper applies a multi-criteria evaluation approach with population, health care, and economic datasets from 19 countries within the OECD. The comparative investigation was based on a Data Envelopment Analysis approach as an efficiency measurement method. Results indicate that on the one hand, factors like population size, population density, and country development stage, did not play a major role in successful pandemic management. On the other hand, pre-pandemic healthcare system policies were decisive. Healthcare systems with a primary care orientation and a high proportion of primary care doctors compared to specialists were found to be more efficient than systems with a medium level of resources that were partly financed through public funding and characterized by a high level of access regulation. Roughly two weeks after the introduction of ad hoc measures, e.g., lockdowns and quarantine policies, we did not observe a direct impact on country-level healthcare efficiency, while delayed lockdowns led to significantly lower efficiency levels during the first COVID-19 wave in 2020. From an economic perspective, strategies without general lockdowns were identified as a more efficient strategy than the full lockdown strategy. Additionally, governmental support of short-term work is promising. Improving the efficiency of COVID-19 countermeasures is crucial in saving as many lives as possible with limited resources.
Photosystem II antenna modules CP43 and CP47 do not form a stable ‘no reaction centre complex’ in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Bečková Martina , Sobotka Roman , Komenda Josef
Published: January 2022

The repair of photosystem II is a key mechanism that keeps the light reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis functional. During this process, the PSII central subunit D1 is replaced with a newly synthesized copy while the neighbouring CP43 antenna with adjacent small subunits (CP43 module) is transiently detached. When the D2 protein is also damaged, it is degraded together with D1 leaving both the CP43 module and the second PSII antenna module CP47 unassembled. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the released CP43 and CP47 modules have been recently suggested to form a so-called no reaction centre complex (NRC). However, the data supporting the presence of NRC can also be interpreted as a co-migration of CP43 and CP47 modules during electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation without forming a mutual complex. To address the existence of NRC, we analysed Synechocystis PSII mutants accumulating one or both unassembled antenna modules as well as Synechocystis wild-type cells stressed with high light. The obtained results were not compatible with the existence of a stable NRC since each unassembled module was present as a separate protein complex with a mutually similar electrophoretic mobility regardless of the presence of the second module. The non-existence of NRC was further supported by isolation of the His-tagged CP43 and CP47 modules from strains lacking either D1 or D2 and their migration patterns on native gels.
Foliar Application of Fungicides Registered Against Late Blight Influences Main Potato Tuber Diseases and Key Quantitative Characteristics of Tubers
Authors: Sedlák Petr , Sedláková Vladimíra , Doležal Petr , Baštová Petra , Vašek Jakub , Hausvater Ervín
Published: January 2022

Adequate integrated management of potato leaf diseases can have an influence on pathogens which are challenging to control and cause main potato tuber diseases. Deriving from this hypothesis, an experiment was designed to evaluate the efficacy of foliar application of twelve fungicides on late blight in tubers, common scab, black scurf and silver scurf. In the period of 2013 to 2017, the fungicides were equally applied six times in registered doses during the growing seasons. Eight tuber disease indicators and eight yield characteristics were then evaluated in harvested tuber samples. Significant differences were found among the fungicides used. In comparison to the negative control (n. c.), the application of Infinito, Ranman Top and Revus Top reduced the quantity of tubers infected by late blight by 72% on average. The incidence of common scab increased by 65% of n. c. under the effect of copper oxychloride, while an average reduction by 19% of n. c. was observed with the use of Acrobat MZ WG, Curzate Gold and Consento. The occurrence of silver scurf was significantly enhanced by Curzate Gold and Consento (105% of n. c.), while it was suppressed by Revus Top and Revus (85% of n. c.). All fungicides were ineffective on black scurf yet had a positive influence on the potato yield and quality, with the choice of fungicide having a great impact on the quality of tubers. The application of any safe fungicide is important, especially in years similar to 2015, which was the most devastating recent year for potato production in terms of structural changes in yield of tubers.
EEG–EMG coupling as a hybrid method for steering detection in car driving settings
Authors: Vecchiato Giovanni , Del Vecchio Maria , Ambeck-Madsen Jonas , Ascari Luca , Avanzini Pietro
Published: January 2022

Understanding mental processes in complex human behavior is a key issue in driving, representing a milestone for developing user-centered assistive driving devices. Here, we propose a hybrid method based on electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) signatures to distinguish left and right steering in driving scenarios. Twenty-four participants took part in the experiment consisting of recordings of 128-channel EEG and EMG activity from deltoids and forearm extensors in non-ecological and ecological steering tasks. Specifically, we identified the EEG mu rhythm modulation correlates with motor preparation of self-paced steering actions in the non-ecological task, while the concurrent EMG activity of the left (right) deltoids correlates with right (left) steering. Consequently, we exploited the mu rhythm de-synchronization resulting from the non-ecological task to detect the steering side using cross-correlation analysis with the ecological EMG signals. Results returned significant cross-correlation values showing the coupling between the non-ecological EEG feature and the muscular activity collected in ecological driving conditions. Moreover, such cross-correlation patterns discriminate the steering side earlier relative to the single EMG signal. This hybrid system overcomes the limitation of the EEG signals collected in ecological settings such as low reliability, accuracy, and adaptability, thus adding to the EMG the characteristic predictive power of the cerebral data. These results prove how it is possible to complement different physiological signals to control the level of assistance needed by the driver.
Nexus approach and environmental resource governance in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Kimengsi Jude Ndzifon , Owusu Raphael , Balgah Roland Azibo
Published: January 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is replete with significant environmental resources including forests, water, land, and energy; although its transition to a bio-resource economy is yet to be actualized. Consequently, there are limited socio-economic gains from resource valorization. These challenges which stall progress towards the attainment of several interlinked sustainable development goals, are rooted, among others in resource governance defects. Furthermore, the persistence of knowledge fragmentation on resource governance shades possibilities for an in-depth theorizing of the nexus approach. In this light, two questions beg for answers: (i) To what extent are governance indicators captured in empirical studies on the nexus approach in SSA? (ii) What questions and approaches should inform future research on the nexus approach in SSA? To answer these questions, this paper systematically reviews 100 peer-reviewed articles (with 154 cases) that address governance questions in nexus studies within the broad framework of bioeconomy transitioning in SSA. Using the PROFOR analytical framework, our analysis reveals the following: (1) Although sub-regional variations exist in the application of nexus thinking, the overall emphasis in SSA is on first-level resource transformation. (2) With only 5% of studies explicitly mentioning the nexus approach, there is a strong indication for nexus thinking to be prioritized in future research. (3) While efficiency is the most recurrent in the literature (69%), its assurance in resource nexus and transformation is insignificant. (4) Interlinked questions of equity, participation, transparency, and conflict management have not been sufficiently addressed in studies on the nexus approach. The paper suggests an urgent need for in-depth, multi-country, and interdisciplinary research on these governance parameters in the nexus approach, as prerequisite to advancing the science–policy intercourse in nexus thinking in SSA.
piRNA/PIWI Protein Complex as a Potential Biomarker in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Abdelhamid Rehab F. , Ogawa Kotaro , Beck Goichi , Ikenaka Kensuke , Takeuchi Eriko , Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Jinno Jyunki , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Baba Kousuke , Nagai Yoshitaka , Okada Yukinori , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo , Mochizuki Hideki , Nagano Seiichi
Published: January 2022

The pathological hallmark of the majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases is the mislocalization and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), an RNA-binding protein. Several studies have attributed disease processes of ALS to abnormal RNA metabolism. However, dysregulated biogenesis of RNA, especially non-coding RNA (ncRNA), is poorly understood. To resolve it, RNA-Seq, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the pyramidal tract of the medulla oblongata of sporadic ALS (sALS) and control postmortem brain samples. Here, we report perturbation of ncRNA biogenesis in PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) in several sALS brain samples associated with TDP-43 pathology. In addition, we confirmed the dysregulation of two PIWI homologs, PIWI-like-mediated gene silencing 1 (PIWIL1) and PIWIL4, which bind to piRNAs to regulate their expression. PIWIL1 was mislocalized and co-localized with TDP-43 in motor neurons of sporadic ALS lumbar cords. Our results imply that dysregulation of piRNA, PIWIL1, and PIWIL4 is linked to pathogenesis of ALS. Based on these results, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of ALS.
The ridge-to-reef approach on Cicia Island, Fiji
Authors: Fache Elodie , Pauwels Simonne
Published: January 2022

Many Pacific countries and territories embrace an officially recognized ‘ridge-to-reef’ approach to environmental management. This is the case of Fiji, where the Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030, led by Conservation International, aims for integrated natural resource management across 335 895 km2. This area includes Cicia Island, which deserves particular attention since, years before the design of the Lau Seascape Strategy, its population developed its own informal ridge-to-reef scheme, involving a combination of certified organic agriculture and locally managed marine closures. Based on 1 month of ethnographic fieldwork, this paper presents this scheme and highlights local perception and conceptualization of its positive effects on both the land and the sea. These reflect the iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) concept of vanua, which intrinsically connects the health of the land, the sea, and their (human and non-human) dwellers, while stressing the importance of addressing land-sea processes and management efforts beyond an ecological perspective, i.e. through an engagement with the iTaukei relational ontology.
Building community resilience in a context of climate change: The role of social capital
Authors: Carmen Esther , Fazey Ioan , Ross Helen , Bedinger Melissa , Smith Fiona M. , Prager Katrin , McClymont Kerri , Morrison David
Published: January 2022

Social capital is considered important for resilience across social levels, including communities, yet insights are scattered across disciplines. This meta-synthesis of 187 studies examines conceptual and empirical understandings of how social capital relates to resilience, identifying implications for community resilience and climate change practice. Different conceptualisations are highlighted, yet also limited focus on underlying dimensions of social capital and proactive types of resilience for engaging with the complex climate change challenge. Empirical insights show that structural and socio-cultural aspects of social capital, multiple other factors and formal actors are all important for shaping the role of social capital for guiding resilience outcomes. Thus, finding ways to work with these different elements is important. Greater attention on how and why outcomes emerge, interactions between factors, approaches of formal actors and different socio-cultural dimensions will advance understandings about how to nurture social capital for resilience in the context of climate change.
Attentiveness to Early Warning Drought Information: Implications for Policy Support and Climate Risk Reduction in Ghana
Authors: Tindan Peter Dok , Appiah Divine Odame , Segbefia Alexander Yao
Published: January 2022

Successful drought planning is dependent on the generation of timely and accurate early warning information. Yet there is little evidence to explain the extent to which crop farmers pay attention to and assimilate early warning drought information that aids in the policy formulation in support of drought risk reduction. A socioecological survey, using a structured questionnaire administered to 426 crop farming households, was carried out in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, Ghana. The data analytic techniques used were frequency tables, relative importance index, and multinomial logistics embedded in SPSS v.20 software. The results show that crop farmers predominantly rely on agricultural extension officers for early warning drought information, with an estimated 78% of them paying little to very much attention to the information. The likelihood ratio Chi-square test showed that there is a significant improvement in fit as X2 (20) = 96.792, p < 0.000. Household status, average monthly income, and age were the significant predictors for crop farmers paying no attention at all to early warning drought information, while household status was the only significant factor among those paying a little attention. The drive to build a climate-resilient society with effective early warning centers across Ghana will receive 60% lower support from crop farmers paying no to a little attention as compared to farmers paying very much attention to early warning drought information. Broader stakeholder engagements should be carried out to harness inclusive support from crop farmers to build a climate-resilient society in Ghana.
The influence of attachment style on interpersonal learning in substance use psychotherapy groups
Authors: Skentzos Melina , Naeli Anissa , Hronis Anastasia
Published: January 2022

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are prevalent, long-term conditions, commonly treated via group intervention. Additionally, interpersonal learning (IL) is a therapeutic factor unique to group treatment programs, which has been associated with successful group therapy outcomes. While previous research has suggested attachment styles may predict experiences of IL within groups, research in this area is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate if attachment style impacts IL, within SUD group treatment programs and specifically, if anxious and avoidant attachment styles influence IL. Participants (N = 38) were recruited voluntarily from an outpatient SUD open group therapy program at a private mental health hospital in Sydney. All participants completed paper-based self-report questionnaires to assess attachment style and IL. Two separate Multiple Linear Regressions (MLRs) revealed anxious attachment was not a significant predictor of IL and avoidant attachment was a significant, negative predictor of IL. Additionally, thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed themes and behaviours which may improve IL. Thus, future directions and implications of the study’s findings indicate the need to conduct additional research into members attachment-based needs to enhance SUD group treatment outcomes.
Legal Fictions in Private Law
Authors: Shmilovits Liron
Published: January 2022

Legal fictions are falsehoods that the law knowingly relies on. It is the most bizarre feature of our legal system; we know something is false, and we still assume it. But why do we rely on blatant falsehood? What are the implications of doing so? Should we continue to use fictions, and, if not, what is the alternative? Legal Fictions in Private Law answers these questions in an accessible and engaging manner, looking at the history of fictions, the theory of fictions, and current fictions from a practical perspective. It proposes a solution to what to do about fictions going forward, and how to decide whether they should be accepted or rejected. It addresses the latest literature and deals with the law in detail. This book is a comprehensive analysis of legal fictions in private law and a blueprint for reform.
International Theatre Festivals and Twenty-First-Century Interculturalism
Authors: Knowles Ric
Published: January 2022

Ric Knowles' study is a politically urgent, erudite intervention into the ecology of theatre and performance festivals in an international context. Since the 1990s there has been an exponential increase in the number and type of festivals taking place around the world. Events that used merely to be events are now 'festivalized': structured, marketed, and promoted in ways that stress urban centres as tourist destinations and “creative cities” as targets of corporate enterprise. Ric Knowles examines the structure, content, and impact of international festivals that draw upon and represent multiple cultures and the roles they play in one of the most urgent processes of our times: intercultural negotiation and exchange. Covering a vast geographical sweep and exploring festival models both new and ancient, the work sets compelling new standards of practice for post-pandemic festivals.
Ethical Constructivism
Authors: Bagnoli Carla
Published: January 2022

Ethical constructivism holds that truths about the relation between rationality, morality, and agency are best understood as constructed by correct reasoning, rather than discovered or invented. Unlike other metaphors used in metaethics, construction brings to light the generative and dynamic dimension of practical reason. On the resultant picture, practical reasoning is not only productive but also self-transforming, and socially empowering. The main task of this volume is to illustrate how constructivism has substantially modified and expanded the agenda of metaethics by refocusing on rational agency and its constitutive principles. In particular, this volume identifies, compares and discusses the prospects and failures of the main strands of constructivism regarding the powers of reason in responding to the challenges of contingency. While Kantian, Humean, Aristotelian, and Hegelian theories sharply differ in their constructivist strategies, they provide compelling accounts of the rational articulation required for an inclusive and unified ethical community.
Displaced sentential complements to nouns in German
Authors: Blümel Andreas
Published: January 2022

This article makes the novel observation that in German, CPs functioning as complements to nouns can appear to the left of their associated DP-internal gap position. It surveys the phenomenon and, based on a number of diagnostics, argues that the noun complement clause exhibits properties as if its surface position is movement-derived. Based on parallel observations in PP-extraction from DP, I show that the same constraints on movement applymoduloconstruction-specific properties of DPs with a noun complement clause. The findings buttress previous approaches to extraction from DPs that highlight differentiating and controlling lexical factors. Given the delicacy of the judgments involved in this phenomenon, the article is mostly devoted to laying out its descriptive properties. Tentative suggestions as to an analysis are offered in the end.
The role of data in sustainability assessment of urban mobility policies
Authors: Liu Xu , Dijk Marc
Published: January 2022

Data have played a role in urban mobility policy planning for decades, especially in forecasting demand, but much less in policy evaluations and assessments. The surge in availability and openness of (big) data in the last decade seems to provide new opportunities to meet demand for evidence-based policymaking. This paper reviews how different types of data are employed in assessments published in academic journals by analyzing 74 cases. Our review finds that (a) academic literature has currently provided limited insight in new data developments in policy practice; (b) research shows that the new types of big data provide new opportunities for evidence-based policy-making; however, (c) they cannot replace traditional data usage (surveys and statistics). Instead, combining big data with survey and Geographic Information System data in ex-ante assessments, as well as in developing decision support tools, is found to be the most effective. This could help policymakers not only to get much more insight from policy assessments, but also to help avoid the limitations of one certain type of data. Finally, current research projects are rather data supply-driven. Future research should engage with policy practitioners to reveal best practices, constraints, and potential of more demand-driven data use in mobility policy assessments in practice.
From Poisons to Antidotes: Algorithms as Democracy Boosters
Authors: Cavaliere Paolo , Romeo Graziella
Published: January 2022

Under what conditions can artificial intelligence contribute to political processes without undermining their legitimacy? Thanks to the ever-growing availability of data and the increasing power of decision-making algorithms, the future of political institutions is unlikely to be anything similar to what we have known throughout the last century, possibly with parliaments deprived of their traditional authority and public decision-making processes largely unaccountable. This paper discusses and challenges these concerns by suggesting a theoretical framework under which algorithmic decision-making is compatible with democracy and, most relevantly, can offer a viable solution to counter the rise of populist rhetoric in the governance arena. Such a framework is based on three pillars: (1) understanding the civic issues that are subjected to automated decision-making; (2) controlling the issues that are assigned to AI; and (3) evaluating and challenging the outputs of algorithmic decision-making.
Support Party Strategies on Important Policy Issues: Results from Swedish Minority Governments
Authors: Müller Melanie
Published: January 2022

The survival of minority governments depends on support from non-cabinet parties that strive to safeguard government stability while also fulfilling their accountability to the electorate. This article argues that non-cabinet parties' propensity to support the government depends on their desire to uphold distinctiveness when accountability is at stake. This even applies to opposition parties that are officially committed to minority government support and, as a trade-off, receive policy pay-offs. By analysing opposition party voting in 23 years of Swedish minority governments (1991–2018), the article suggests that ideologically distant support parties are more likely to oppose the government on their core issues since compromise would involve too-large concessions. These results question our understanding of support party pay-offs as a trade-off for minority government support and highlight the rationality of entering a support agreement, which gives the support party a certain degree of policy influence while also keeping a distinct party profile.
Differences in the transient responses of individual glaciers: a case study of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, USA
Authors: Christian John Erich , Whorton Erin , Carnahan Evan , Koutnik Michelle , Roe Gerard
Published: January 2022

Mountain glaciers have response times that govern retreat due to anthropogenic climate change. We use geometric attributes to estimate individual response times for 383 glaciers in the Cascade mountain range of Washington State, USA. Approximately 90% of estimated response times are between 10 and 60 years, with many large glaciers on the short end of this distribution. A simple model of glacier dynamics shows that this range of response times entails consequential differences in recent and ongoing glacier changes: glaciers with decadal response times have nearly kept pace with anthropogenic warming, but those with multi-decadal response times are far from equilibrium, and their additional committed retreat stands well beyond natural variability. These differences have implications for changes in glacier runoff. A simple calculation highlights that transient peaks in area-integrated melt, either at the onset of forcing or due to variations in forcing, depend on the glacier's response time and degree of disequilibrium. We conclude that differences in individual response times should be considered when assessing the state of a population of glaciers and modeling their future response. These differences in response can arise simply from a range of different glacier geometries, and the same basic principles can be expected in other regions as well.
Social Media and Press Freedom
Authors: Kocak Korhan , Kıbrıs Özgür
Published: January 2022

As internet penetration rapidly expanded throughout the world, press freedom and government accountability improved in some countries but backslid in others. We propose a formal model that provides a mechanism that explains the observed divergent paths of countries. We argue that increased access to social media makes partial capture, where governments allow limited freedom of the press, an untenable strategy. By amplifying the influence of small traditional media outlets, higher internet access increases both the costs of capture and the risk that a critical mass of citizens will become informed and overturn the incumbent. Depending on the incentives to retain office, greater internet access thus either forces an incumbent to extend capture to small outlets, further undermining press freedom; or relieve pressure from others. We relate our findings to the cases of Turkey and Tunisia.
A Critical Assessment of Pertinent Locus Standi Features of the Derivative Remedy under Zimbabwe's New Companies and Other Business Entities Act
Authors: Hamadziripi Friedrich , Osode Patrick C
Published: January 2022

The importance and contribution of derivative litigation to the effectiveness and credibility of a jurisdiction's corporate governance system is indisputable. There is a positive correlation between good corporate governance practices, which include shareholders’ rights, and investors’ return on their investments. On the one hand, an overly pro-shareholder derivative scheme is vulnerable to abuse and results in unnecessary interference with company management. This may, in turn, discourage directors from entrepreneurial risk-taking and undermine enterprise efficiency. On the other hand, a complex and ineffective system of derivative litigation protects errant directors and decreases investor confidence. This article is a critical assessment of Zimbabwe's recently adopted statutory derivative remedy. The analysis focuses on five locus standi-related aspects of the new statutory derivative regime. The article highlights some major weaknesses within Zimbabwe's statutory remedy and proposes pertinent legislative amendments.
Ex vivo development of Phasmarhabditis spp. associated with terrestrial molluscs
Authors: Pieterse A. , Haukeland S. , Půža V. , Ross J.L. , Malan A.P.
Published: January 2022

The success of Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Schneider) Andrássy (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) as a biological control agent of molluscs has led to a worldwide interest in phasmarhabditids. However, scant information is available on the lifecycle development of species within the genus. In the current study, the development of P. hermaphrodita, Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Phasmarhabditis bohemica and Phasmarhabditis kenyaensis were studied using ex vivo cultures, in order to improve our understanding of their biology. Infective juveniles (IJs) of each species were added to 1 g of defrosted homogenized slug cadavers of Deroceras invadens and the development monitored after inoculated IJ recovery, over a period of eight–ten days. The results demonstrated that P. bohemica had the shortest development cycle and that it was able to produce first-generation IJs after eight days, while P. hermaphrodita, P. papillosa and P. kenyaensis took ten days to form a new cohort of IJs. However, from the perspective of mass rearing, P. hermaphrodita has an advantage over the other species in that it is capable of forming self-fertilizing hermaphrodites, whereas both males and females are required for the reproduction of P. papillosa, P. bohemica and P. kenyaensis. The results of the study contribute to the knowledge of the biology of the genus and will help to establish the in vitro liquid cultures of different species of the genus.
Psychosocial factors that distinguish between men and women who have suicidal thoughts and attempt suicide: findings from a national probability sample of adults
Authors: Richardson Cara , Robb Kathryn A. , McManus Sally , O'Connor Rory C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Previous research has highlighted the importance of understanding which psychosocial factors distinguish between those with suicide thoughts compared to those who attempt suicide. This study aims to investigate these distinguishing factors further within an ideation-to-action framework and to explore sex differences in suicide risk.

Methods

Participants (n = 7546, aged 16+) were from the cross-sectional Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS; 2014) of England. Face-to-face and self-completion questionnaires assessed lifetime suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempts, demographic characteristics, life experiences, social support, health and mental illness. Multinomial logistic regression examined factors differentiating between those with suicidal ideation only and suicide attempt histories (with or without suicidal ideation) in men and women.

Results

Overall men were less likely to report suicidal thoughts and attempts, compared to females. More factors differentiated between suicidal thoughts and attempts in women compared to in men; these included hospital admission for mental illness, below degree level qualifications, being single and childhood adversity. In men, factors which significantly differentiated between suicidal thoughts and attempts included self-report of professional diagnosis of mental illness and childhood adversity. Higher levels of social support were associated with being in the suicidal thoughts group v. in the attempts group in men.

Conclusion

This study identified some key differences between men and women in factors associated with suicide attempts compared to suicidal thoughts. The findings support the use of the ideation-to-action framework to investigate sex differences in suicidal behaviour. Future research should examine the extent to which these factors are associated with suicide risk over time.
BALLCOURT REPRESENTATIONS IN QUIECHAPA, OAXACA, MEXICO: RITUAL OFFERING, FERTILITY, AND LIFE
Authors: Badillo Alex Elvis
Published: January 2022

During an archaeological survey in the municipality of San Pedro Mártir Quiechapa, Oaxaca, Mexico, archaeologists from the Proyecto Arqueológico de Quiechapa (PAQuie) encountered and documented a number of carved stone elements. Of particular interest are the 30 representations of ballcourts carved into natural rock outcrops at two sites in the region. This is the highest density in which this type of ballcourt representation occurs throughout Mesoamerica. After their initial discovery, members of PAQuie documented the carved stone ballcourts using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, a quick and affordable technique to collect 3D spatial, quantitative, and visual data of stone carvings.

In this article, I report on the carved stone ballcourt representations documented in the Quiechapa region and offer some preliminary interpretations. I first provide some description of the broader archaeological context in which the carvings were found. Then I describe the methods used to record the stone carvings, followed by a presentation of the data. Finally, in dialogue with extant literature, I explore some possibilities as to why these carved stone ballcourt representations were created, how they may have been used, and what they may symbolize.
Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections during Disasters in the Absence and Presence of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sugimura Mana , Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Yumiya Yui , Taji Akihiro , Kishita Eisaku , Tsurugi Yoko , Kiwaki Koji , Wakai Akinori , Kondo Hisayoshi , Akahoshi Kouki , Chishima Kayoko , Toyokuni Yoshiki , Koido Yuichi , Kubo Tatsuhiko
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Japan recently experienced two major heavy rain disasters: the West Japan heavy rain disaster in July 2018 and the Kumamoto heavy rain disaster in July 2020. Between the occurrences of these two disasters, Japan began experiencing the wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, providing a unique opportunity to compare the incidence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) between the two disaster responses under distinct conditions.

Sources for Information:

The data were collected by using the standard disaster medical reporting system used in Japan, so-called the Japan-Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (J-SPEED), which reports number and types of patients treated by Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs). Data for ARI were extracted from daily aggregated data on the J-SPEED form and the frequency of ARI in two disasters was compared.

Observation:

Acute respiratory infection in the West Japan heavy rain that occurred in the absence of COVID-19 and in the Kumamoto heavy rain that occurred in the presence of COVID-19 were responsible for 5.4% and 1.2% of the total consultation, respectively (P <.001).

Analysis of Observation and Conclusion:

Between the occurrence of these two disasters, Japan implemented COVID-19 preventive measures on a personal and organizational level, such as wearing masks, disinfecting hands, maintaining social distance, improving room ventilation, and screening people who entered evacuation centers by using hygiene management checklists. By following the basic prevention measures stated above, ARI can be significantly reduced during a disaster.