bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the Effect of Stimulus Parameters on the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential and on Neural Health Estimates
Authors: Brochier Tim , McKay Colette M. , Carlyon Robert P.
Published: October 2020

Variations in the condition of the neural population along the length of the cochlea can degrade the spectral and temporal representation of sounds conveyed by CIs, thereby limiting speech perception. One measurement that has been proposed as an estimate of neural survival (the number of remaining functional neurons) or neural health (the health of those remaining neurons) is the effect of stimulation parameters, such as the interphase gap (IPG), on the amplitude growth function (AGF) of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP). The extent to which such measures reflect neural factors, rather than non-neural factors (e.g. electrode orientation, electrode-modiolus distance, and impedance), depends crucially upon how the AGF data are analysed. However, there is currently no consensus in the literature for the correct method to interpret changes in the ECAP AGF due to changes in stimulation parameters. We present a simple theoretical model for the effect of IPG on ECAP AGFs, along with a re-analysis of both animal and human data that measured the IPG effect. Both the theoretical model and the re-analysis of the animal data suggest that the IPG effect on ECAP AGF slope (IPG slope effect), measured using either a linear or logarithmic input-output scale, does not successfully control for the effects of non-neural factors. Both the model and the data suggest that the appropriate method to estimate neural health is by measuring the IPG offset effect, defined as the dB offset between the linear portions of ECAP AGFs for two stimuli differing only in IPG.
Tariff scheme choice
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu , Laksanapanyakul Nuttawut , Yoshimi Taiyo
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the determinants of the probability that an exporter chooses between a most-favored nation (MFN) scheme and multiple regional trade agreement (RTA) schemes. We estimate a discrete choice model using transaction-level import data for Thailand in 2014. We find that RTA schemes are more likely to be chosen, given a larger transaction value. Among RTA schemes, the ones with less restrictive rules of origin or lower tariff rates are more likely to be selected. We also conduct simulation analysis to provide quantitative policy implications.
Diffusion in nanopores: inspecting the grounds
Authors: Kärger Jörg , Ruthven Douglas M. , Valiullin Rustem
Published: October 2020

This paper provides a general overview of the phenomenon of guest diffusion in nanoporous materials. It introduces the different types of diffusion measurement that can be performed under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in either single- or multicomponent systems. In the technological application of nanoporous materials for mass separation and catalytic conversion diffusion often has a significant impact on the overall rate of the process and is quite commonly rate controlling. Diffusion enhancement is therefore often a major goal in the manufacture of catalysts and adsorbents.
Correction to: Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Ebelt Henning , Domagala Thomas , Offhaus Alexandra , Wiora Matthias , Schwenzky Andreas , Hoyme Matthias , Anacker Jelena , Röhl Peter
Published: October 2020

The article “Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure.”
Contests and unethical behavior in organizations: a review and synthesis of the empirical literature
Authors: Piest Simon , Schreck Philipp
Published: October 2020

Contests are widely used in business contexts because they are believed to increase the effort and performance levels of employees. One negative aspect of contests is that they may provide incentives for unethical behavior aimed at improving one’s own position relative to that of competitors. It is therefore important to understand how companies should design contests so as to reduce unethical behavior without reducing the positive effects of contests on employee effort. Research from the social and behavioral sciences can offer relevant insights on this question, as in those fields competition is a subject of sustained academic interest. The aim of this review is to offer a systematic account of the growing literature on contests and unethical behavior and shed light on why and when contests among employees may lead to unethical behavior. To this aim, we also develop a framework for organizing the vast, multi-disciplinary literature in a structured and integrative manner. Through this endeavor, our review identifies several directions for future research.
Effect of Ternary Basicity of Iron Ore-Fluxed Pellets on Melting and Softening Properties in a Blast Furnace
Authors: Silva Fábio R. , Lemos Leandro R. , de Freitas Nogueira Paulo , Bressan Marcelo
Published: October 2020

The cohesive zone is a region of low permeability in a blast furnace. This study shows the impact of the chemical composition of pellets on the metallurgical processes occurring in this region during the iron ore reduction process. Sixteen pellets containing varying contents of MgO, CaO, and SiO2 were investigated. The results indicate that increasing the MgO content of pellets improves their high-temperature properties; e.g., reduction degree and softening temperature. Modern equipment was used to replicate the phenomena that occur in the cohesive zone to measure the softening temperature, pressure drop, and the reduction degree of pellets at elevated temperatures and different pellet basicities. These experimental results were used to develop mathematical correlations between parameters related to high-temperature properties and the ternary basicity of the pellets ((CaO + MgO)/SiO2). Defining such relationships will facilitate evaluating the effects of pellet chemical composition on blast furnace processes.
“THIS ISN’T ME!”: The Role of Age-Related Self- and User Images for Robot Acceptance by Elders
Authors: Dudek Melanie , Baisch Stefanie , Knopf Monika , Kolling Thorsten
Published: October 2020

Although companion-type robots are already commercially available, little interest has been taken in identifying reasons for inter-individual differences in their acceptance. Elders’ age-related perceptions of both their own self (self-image) and of the general older robot user (user image) could play a relevant role in this context. Since little is known to date about elders’ companion-type robot user image, it is one aim of this study to investigate its age-related facets, concentrating on possibly stigmatizing perceptions of elder robot users. The study also addresses the association between elders’ age-related self-image and robot acceptance: Is the association independent of the user image or not? To investigate these research questions, N = 28 adults aged 63 years and older were introduced to the companion-type robot Pleo. Afterwards, several markers of robot acceptance were assessed. Actual and ideal self- and subjective robot user image were assessed by a study-specific semantic differential on the stereotype dimensions of warmth and competence. Results show that participants tended to stigmatize elder robot users. The self-images were not directly related to robot acceptance, but affected it in the context of the user image. A higher fit between self- and user image was associated with higher perceived usefulness, social acceptance, and intention to use the robot. To conclude, elders’ subjective interpretations of new technologies play a relevant role for their acceptance. Together with elders’ individual self-images, they need to be considered in both robot development and implementation. Future research should consider that associations between user characteristics and robot acceptance by elders can be complex and easily overlooked.
The 2020 US Presidential Election and the Transatlantic Relationship Under Stress
Authors: Viola Lora Anne
Published: October 2020

President Trump has created turmoil in the transatlantic relationship. Biden has taken a conciliatory tone towards allies and promised to return the US to multilateral cooperation as president. But the transatlantic relationship will never return to its heyday. Three long-term trends will shape the future of US foreign policy and the transatlantic relationship: the global shift in the distribution of power, and especially what the US-China rivalry means for Europe; the US’ ambivalence towards multilateralism and why it will likely endure; and changing domestic coalitions within the US that might be a harbinger of a foreign policy revolution.
Re-evaluation of the taxonomic and systematic status of “Halitherium” antillense Matthew, 1916 (Mammalia, Sirenia)
Authors: Voss Manja
Published: October 2020

Halitherium antillense Matthew, 1916 was established on a left mandibular fragment and two vertebrae from late Oligocene deposits of Puerto Rico. This species was only provisionally referred to the genus Halitherium and its taxonomic status and systematic affinities remained doubtful. In the course of the revision of the Halitherium-species complex and the meanwhile invalid generic name “Halitherium”, the holotype, and only known specimen, is re-investigated. A number of morphological characters usually diagnostic in sirenians are determined. However, the holotype material of “H.” antillense is not informative enough and, as such, neither can be assigned to any known species nor is it possible to define a taxon that can be clearly distinguished from other species. Unlike other, now revised species originally grouped under “Halitherium”, the establishment of a new taxonomic combination for “H.” antillense is not possible. As a nomenclatural consequence, the name “H.” antillense is only applicable to a single specimen, the holotype, and declared as a nomen dubium.
Scientific Perspectivism and psychiatric diagnoses: respecting history and constraining relativism
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: October 2020

Historians and sociologists of psychiatry often claim that psychiatric diagnoses are discontinuous. That is, a particular diagnoses will be described in one way in one era and described quite differently in a different era. Historians and sociologists often draw epistemic consequences from such discontinuities, claiming that truth is pluralistic, provisional and historicised. These arguments do not readily fit in with how analytical philosophers of science approach scientific realism. I show how the pessimistic meta induction does not capture the point which historians and sociologists are making but scientific perspectivism seems to capture their point much better. I then highlight conceptual innovations which scientific perspectivists add. They demarcate between truth and objective reality, they specify which type of truth they endorse and they put down constraints on possible truths. This blocks an anything goes relativism which historians and sociologists can be in danger of falling into. I highlight my argument by discussing a discontinuous episode in the history of autism. I discuss three aspects of this discontinuity and show how scientific perspectivism can portray each aspect as non-trivially true. My argument shows that we can be scientific realists about autism even if we can formulate notions of autism in quite different ways.
Agroecological principles and elements and their implications for transitioning to sustainable food systems. A review
Authors: Wezel Alexander , Herren Barbara Gemmill , Kerr Rachel Bezner , Barrios Edmundo , Gonçalves André Luiz Rodrigues , Sinclair Fergus
Published: October 2020

There is consensus that the global food system is not delivering good nutrition for all and is causing environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, such that a profound transformation is needed to meet the challenges of persistent malnutrition and rural poverty, aggravated by the growing consequences of climate change. Agroecological approaches have gained prominence in scientific, agricultural and political discourse in recent years, suggesting pathways to transform agricultural and food systems that address these issues. Here we present an extensive literature review of concepts, definitions and principles of agroecology, and their historical evolution, considering the three manifestations of agroecology as a science, a set of practices and a social movement; and relate them to the recent dialogue establishing a set of ten iconic elements of agroecology that have emerged from a global multi-stakeholder consultation and synthesis process. Based on this, a consolidated list of principles is developed and discussed in the context of presenting transition pathways to more sustainable food systems. The major outcomes of this paper are as follows. (1) Definition of 13 consolidated agroecological principles: recycling; input reduction; soil health; animal health; biodiversity; synergy; economic diversification; co-creation of knowledge; social values and diets; fairness; connectivity; land and natural resource governance; participation. (2) Confirmation that these principles are well aligned and complementary to the 10 elements of agroecology developed by FAO but articulate requirements of soil and animal health more explicitly and distinguish between biodiversity and economic diversification. (3) Clarification that application of these generic principles can generate diverse pathways for incremental and transformational change towards more sustainable farming and food systems. (4) Identification of four key entry points associated with the elements: diversity; circular and solidarity economy; co-creation and sharing of knowledge; and, responsible governance to enable plausible pathways of transformative change towards sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Enhanced Potassium-Ion Storage of the 3D Carbon Superstructure by Manipulating the Nitrogen-Doped Species and Morphology
Authors: Li Yanhua , Xiao Kui , Huang Cong , Wang Jin , Gao Ming , Hu Aiping , Tang Qunli , Fan Binbin , Xu Yali , Chen Xiaohua
Published: October 2020

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are attractive for grid-scale energy storage due to the abundant potassium resource and high energy density. The key to achieving high-performance and large-scale energy storage technology lies in seeking eco-efficient synthetic processes to the design of suitable anode materials. Herein, a spherical sponge-like carbon superstructure (NCS) assembled by 2D nanosheets is rationally and efficiently designed for K+ storage. The optimized NCS electrode exhibits an outstanding rate capability, high reversible specific capacity (250 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 300 cycles), and promising cycling performance (205 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 2000 cycles). The superior performance can be attributed to the unique robust spherical structure and 3D electrical transfer network together with nitrogen-rich nanosheets. Moreover, the regulation of the nitrogen doping types and morphology of NCS-5 is also discussed in detail based on the experiments results and density functional theory calculations. This strategy for manipulating the structure and properties of 3D materials is expected to meet the grand challenges for advanced carbon materials as high-performance PIB anodes in practical applications.
Defect Engineering on Carbon-Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Xue Dongping , Xia Huicong , Yan Wenfu , Zhang Jianan , Mu Shichun
Published: October 2020

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction (ECR) has become one of the main methods to close the broken carbon cycle and temporarily store renewable energy, but there are still some problems such as poor stability, low activity, and selectivity. While the most promising strategy to improve ECR activity is to develop electrocatalysts with low cost, high activity, and long-term stability. Recently, defective carbon-based nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention due to the unbalanced electron distribution and electronic structural distortion caused by the defects on the carbon materials. Here, the present review mainly summarizes the latest research progress of the construction of the diverse types of defects (intrinsic carbon defects, heteroatom doping defects, metal atomic sites, and edges detects) for carbon materials in ECR, and unveil the structure–activity relationship and its catalytic mechanism. The current challenges and opportunities faced by high-performance carbon materials in ECR are discussed, as well as possible future solutions. It can be believed that this review can provide some inspiration for the future of development of high-performance ECR catalysts.
The existence of supersingular curves of genus 4 in arbitrary characteristic
Authors: Kudo Momonari , Harashita Shushi , Senda Hayato
Published: October 2020

We prove that there exists a supersingular nonsingular curve of genus 4 in arbitrary characteristic $$p>0$$

p
>
0

. For $$p>3$$

p
>
3

we shall prove that the desingularization of a certain fiber product over $$\mathbf{P }^1$$

P

1

of two supersingular elliptic curves is supersingular.
Energy in Growth Accounting and the Aggregation of Capital and Output
Authors: Kümmel Reiner , Lindenberger Dietmar
Published: October 2020

We review the physical aggregation of value added and capital in terms of work performance and information processing and its relation to the deflated monetary time series of output and capital. In growth accounting it complements the time series of labor and energy, measured in hours worked per year and kilowatt-hours consumed per year, respectively. This aggregation is the conceptual basis on which those energy-dependent production functions have been constructed that reproduce economic growth of major industrial countries in the 20th century with small residuals and output elasticities that are for energy much larger and for labor much smaller than the cost shares of these factors. Accounting for growth in such a way, which deviates from that of mainstream economics, may serve as a first step towards integrating the First and the Second Law of Thermodynamics into economics.
Bioinspired Musculoskeletal Model-based Soft Wrist Exoskeleton for Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Li Ning , Yang Tie , Yang Yang , Yu Peng , Xue Xiujuan , Zhao Xingang , Song Guoli , Elhajj Imad H. , Wang Wenxue , Xi Ning , Liu Lianqing
Published: October 2020

Exoskeleton robots have demonstrated the potential to rehabilitate stroke dyskinesia. Unfortunately, poor human-machine physiological coupling causes unexpected damage to human of muscles and joints. Moreover, inferior humanoid kinematics control would restrict human natural kinematics. Failing to deal with these problems results in bottlenecks and hinders its application. In this paper, the simplified muscle model and muscle-liked kinematics model were proposed, based on which a soft wrist exoskeleton was established to realize natural human interaction. Firstly, we simplified the redundant muscular system related to the wrist joint from ten muscles to four, so as to realize the human-robot physiological coupling. Then, according to the above human-like musculoskeletal model, the humanoid distributed kinematics control was established to achieve the two DOFs coupling kinematics of the wrist. The results show that the wearer of an exoskeleton could reduce muscle activation and joint force by 43.3% and 35.6%, respectively. Additionally, the humanoid motion trajectories similarity of the robot reached 91.5%. Stroke patients could recover 90.3% of natural motion ability to satisfy for most daily activities. This work provides a fundamental understanding on human-machine physiological coupling and humanoid kinematics control of the exoskeleton robots for reducing the post-stroke complications.
The vorticity equations in a half plane with measures as initial data
Authors: Abe Ken
Published: October 2020

We consider the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations subject to the Dirichlet boundary condition in a half plane for initial vorticity with finite measures. We study local well-posedness of the associated vorticity equations for measures with a small pure point part and global well-posedness for measures with a small total variation. Our construction is based on an

L^{1}

-estimate of a solution operator for the vorticity equations associated with the Stokes equations.
A game of alignment: Collective behavior of multi-species
Authors: He Siming , Tadmor Eitan
Published: October 2020

We study the (hydro-)dynamics of multi-species driven by alignment. What distinguishes the different species is the protocol of their interaction with the rest of the crowd: the collective motion is described by different
communication kernels
,

\phi _{\alpha \beta }

, between the crowds in species
α
and
β
. We show that flocking of the overall crowd emerges provided the communication array between species forms a
connected graph
. In particular, the crowd within each species need
not
interact with its own kind, i.e.,

\phi _{\alpha \alpha } = 0

; different species which are engaged in such ‘game’ of alignment require a connecting path for propagation of information which will lead to the flocking of overall crowd. The same methodology applies to multi-species aggregation dynamics governed by first-order alignment: connectivity implies concentration around an emerging consensus.
Postoperative analgesic efficacy of caudal tramadol added to bupivacaine compared to bupivacaine alone for pediatric elective infra umbilical surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, a prospective cohort study
Authors: Angasa Dugo , Haddis Lidya , gashaw Amanu , Zemedkun Abebayehu , Gobena Negeso
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Caudal epidural analgesia is one of the most popular reliable, safe and commonly performed regional blocks in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal and lower limb surgery. Various adjuvants such as opioids or α2 agonists are being used to improve the quality and duration of caudal analgesia. Addition of Tramadol to local anesthetics has been noted to prolong the duration of analgesia after surgery.

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of adding caudal tramadol to bupivacine for post operative analgesia in pediatric infraumblical surgery.

Method:

Hospital based prospective cohort study design was employed. Comparison of two mean with equal sample size formula for two independent cohort was used to get sample size of 56 children's whose age is 1–14 years' old that undergone elective Infraumbilical surgery received caudal block with bupivacaine alone or with tramadol added. A systemic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Postoperatively severity of pain either by FLACC/NRS, time to analgesic request and analgesic consumption were evaluated at 1st, 2nd,4th,8th,12th and 24th hrs. Pain severity, first analgesia request time and analgesic consumption were assessed using Mann–Whitney U test for 24 h. Chi-square test was used to assess homogenous categorical independent variables between the two groups and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statically significant.

Result:

Tramadol with bupivacaine has prolonged postoperative analgesia with a median duration of 14 h compared to 5 h in bupivacaine alone. Moreover, total Paracetamol analgesic consumption was lower in tramadol group with a median total dose of 250 mg compared with 437.5 mg in bupivacaine group with statistically significant difference within 24 h (p < 0.018). Also, reduced the pain score in tramadol group, being statically significant at 4th, 8th and12th hours.

Conclusion:

Caudal tramadol with bupivacaine decrease postoperative pain severity, total analgesic consumption and prolong the duration of analgesia. Based on our finding we recommend the use of caudal tramadol with bupivacaine is effective for postoperative analgesia.

Highlights:
Potential clinically significant life-threatening drug–drug interactions of lopinavir and ritonavir used in the treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Biswas Mohitosh
Published: October 2020

Potential clinically significant life-threatening drug–drug interactions (DDIs) of lopinavir (LPV) and ritonavir (RTV) used in the treatment of COVID-19 is not systematically reviewed. It was aimed to identify severe DDI pairs of LPV/RTV from international resources predicted to cause life-threatening adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Severe DDI pairs predicted to cause life-threatening ADRs were identified from the FDA and Liverpool COVID-19 prescribing information of LPV/RTV. In total, 62 severe DDI pairs were identified from the FDA and Liverpool COVID-19 resources predicted to cause life-threatening ADRs in patients with COVID-19. Of these, seven unique DDI pairs (11.3%; 95% CI 3%–19%) were identified from the FDA only whereas 45 unique DDI pairs (72.6%; 95% CI 61%–84%) were identified from the Liverpool COVID-19 drug interactions resource. Of interest, only 10 DDI pairs (16.1%; 95% CI 7%–25%) were recognized by both of these drug interaction resources. Clinicians should not entirely rely on any individual DDI resource for checking life threatening ADRs of LPV/RTV in patients with COVID-19.
Embodied Indigenous knowledges protecting and privileging Indigenous peoples' ways of knowing, being and doing in undergraduate nursing education
Authors: Drummond Ali
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In the era of Indigenising the academy, health disciplines like nursing are required to teach Indigenous peoples' health, history and culture in their undergraduate programmes in order to meet national accreditation standards. This inclusion of Indigenous peoples' perspectives within nursing education towards registration thus qualifies respective Indigenous perspectives as legitimate parts of the Australian nursing profession's scope of practice, which may sound like a reason to celebrate. However, caution should be exercised. Indigenous and Western knowledge systems are incommensurable. The practice of defining Indigenous perspectives for placements within curricula could be likened to extractive colonialism. Thus, the commodifying of Indigenous perspectives in creating competitive education products is problematic. As a Meriam and Wuthathi man who grew up in the Zenadth Kes (Torres Straits) now living and working on Turrbul and Yuggera country, and as a nurse academic, being immersed in this space of contentions is my reality. In order to enhance the education preparation of nursing students I teach, while simultaneously protect my embodied Indigenous knowledges and the Indigenous perspectives included in the curricula I teach, I privilege Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in my teaching practice. This yarn is about my experience in this cultural interface.
RAMSEY-LIKE THEOREMS AND MODULI OF COMPUTATION
Authors: PATEY LUDOVIC
Published: October 2020

Ramsey’s theorem asserts that every k-coloring of
$[\omega ]^n$
admits an infinite monochromatic set. Whenever
$n \geq 3$
, there exists a computable k-coloring of
$[\omega ]^n$
whose solutions compute the halting set. On the other hand, for every computable k-coloring of
$[\omega ]^2$
and every noncomputable set C, there is an infinite monochromatic set H such that
$C \not \leq _T H$
. The latter property is known as cone avoidance.

In this article, we design a natural class of Ramsey-like theorems encompassing many statements studied in reverse mathematics. We prove that this class admits a maximal statement satisfying cone avoidance and use it as a criterion to re-obtain many existing proofs of cone avoidance. This maximal statement asserts the existence, for every k-coloring of
$[\omega ]^n$
, of an infinite subdomain
$H \subseteq \omega $
over which the coloring depends only on the sparsity of its elements. This confirms the intuition that Ramsey-like theorems compute Turing degrees only through the sparsity of its solutions.
How responsive is Trade Adjustment Assistance?
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Pelc Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

How responsive is the US’ Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to the labor dislocation that results from trade integration? Recent findings suggest that the world's most ambitious trade adjustment program barely responds to import shocks, and that the shortfall is made up by disability insurance and early retirement. This holds considerable implications: TAA offers a lens onto the central question of whether developed democracies can effectively redistribute the gains from international economic integration. We take a closer look at these results. Using petition-level data over a 20-year period, we find that TAA is between 1.7 and 3.3 times more responsive than current estimates suggest. Yet the news is not all good. As we show, the responsiveness of TAA has decreased considerably since the 1990s, just as developed democracies started facing increasing pushback against liberalization. This shortfall, in turn, has political consequences: areas where TAA has been least responsive were also more likely to shift toward voting for Trump in the 2016 Presidential election. Our findings speak to the considerable challenge governments face in aiding workers “left behind” by liberalization.
Pre-weaning adaptation responses in piglets fed milk replacer with gradually increasing amounts of wheat
Authors: Amdi Charlotte , Pedersen Marie Louise M. , Klaaborg Joanna , Myhill Laura J. , Engelsmann Maiken N. , Williams Andrew R. , Thymann Thomas
Published: October 2020

Hyperprolific sows rear more piglets than they have teats, and to accommodate this, milk replacers are often offered as a supplement. Milk replacers are based on bovine milk, yet components of vegetable origin are often added. This may reduce growth, but could also accelerate maturational changes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of feeding piglets a milk replacer with gradually increasing levels of wheat flour on growth, gut enzyme activity and immune function compared with a diet based entirely on bovine milk. The hypothesis tested was that adding a starch component (wheat flour) induces maturation of the mucosa as measured by higher digestive activity and improved integrity and immunity of the small intestines (SI). To test this hypothesis, piglets were removed from the sow at day 3 and fed either a pure milk replacer diet (MILK) or from day 11 a milk replacer diet with increasing levels of wheat (WHEAT). The WHEAT piglets had an increased enzyme activity of maltase and sucrase in the proximal part of the SI compared with the MILK group. There were no differences in gut morphology, histopathology and gene expression between the groups. In conclusion, the pigs given a milk replacer with added wheat displayed immunological and gut mucosal enzyme maturational changes, indicatory of adaptation towards a vegetable-based diet. This was not associated with any clinical complications, and future studies are needed to show whether this could improve responses in the subsequent weaning process.
Population genetics of the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys in the early phase of invasion in South Tyrol (Northern Italy)
Authors: Schuler Hannes , Elsler David , Fischnaller Stefanie
Published: October 2020

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is one of the most harmful invasive species in the world. Native to East Asia, this insect was introduced into North America in the 1990s and into Europe in the 2000s where it subsequently established and spread across the continent. Previous population genetic studies determined the invasion pathways at continental and national levels. However, information on the dynamics on a small-scale is currently scarce. Here we study the genetic diversity and population dynamics of H. halys in South Tyrol, a region in Northern Italy, since its arrival to its widespread establishment over a period of four years. By haplotyping 162 individuals from ten populations (including six previously published individuals) we found a high haplotype diversity in most populations with an increasing diversity across the different years. Most haplotypes were previously found in other regions of Northern Italy, providing evidence for migration from neighboring regions. However, the presence of four previously undescribed haplotypes as well as a haplotype previously found exclusively in Greece highlights additional long-distance dispersal across the continent. Phylogenetic analysis of the haplotypes found in South Tyrol showed that the majority of haplotypes clustered with haplotypes predominantly found in Japan. This suggests a potential recent introduction of H. halys individuals from Japan into Europe, and thus an additional invasion pathway that was previously unidentified.
Differential sensitivity to the acute psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol associated with its differential acute effects on glial function and cortisol
Authors: Colizzi Marco , Weltens Nathalie , Lythgoe David J , Williams Steve CR , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: October 2020

Background

Cannabis use has been associated with psychosis through exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), its key psychoactive ingredient. Although preclinical and human evidence suggests that Δ9-THC acutely modulates glial function and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, whether differential sensitivity to the acute psychotomimetic effects of Δ9-THC is associated with differential effects of Δ9-THC on glial function and HPA-axis response has never been tested.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study investigated whether sensitivity to the psychotomimetic effects of Δ9-THC moderates the acute effects of a single Δ9-THC dose (1.19 mg/2 ml) on myo-inositol levels, a surrogate marker of glia, in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), and circadian cortisol levels, the key neuroendocrine marker of the HPA-axis, in a set of 16 healthy participants (seven males) with modest previous cannabis exposure.

Results

The Δ9-THC-induced change in ACC myo-inositol levels differed significantly between those sensitive to (Δ9-THC minus placebo;M= −0.251,s.d.= 1.242) and those not sensitive (M= 1.615,s.d.= 1.753) to the psychotomimetic effects of the drug (t(14) = 2.459,p= 0.028). Further, the Δ9-THC-induced change in cortisol levels over the study period (baseline minus 2.5 h post-drug injection) differed significantly between those sensitive to (Δ9-THC minus placebo;M= −275.4,s.d.= 207.519) and those not sensitive (M= 74.2,s.d.= 209.281) to the psychotomimetic effects of the drug (t(13) = 3.068,p= 0.009). Specifically, Δ9-THC exposure lowered ACC myo-inositol levels and disrupted the physiological diurnal cortisol decrease only in those subjects developing transient psychosis-like symptoms.

Conclusions

The interindividual differences in transient psychosis-like effects of Δ9-THC are the result of its differential impact on glial function and stress response.
On the incompatibility of God's knowledge of particulars and the doctrine of divine immutability: towards a reform in Islamic theology
Authors: AZADEGAN EBRAHIM
Published: October 2020

Affirming that divine knowledge of occurrent changes among particulars is incompatible with the doctrine of divine immutability, this article seeks to resolve this tension by denying the latter. Reviewing this long-running debate, I first formalize the exchange between al-Ghazālī and Avicenna on this topic, and then set out the ways in which contemporary Sadrāean philosophers have tried to resolve the incompatibility. I argue that none of the cited Sadrāean attempts to resolve the incompatibility between divine omniscience and immutability is successful. Then, by reference to certain principles drawn from Shia theology, I indicate how one might seek to reject the dogma of divine immutability. I conclude that by emancipating ourselves from that dogma, new horizons could be opened for Islamic philosophy, free from traditional Hellenistic constraints.
Research into practice: Teaching notetaking to L2 students
Authors: Siegel Joseph
Published: October 2020

This paper reviews and discusses research on notetaking during academic listening conducted in both first (L1) and second language (L2) contexts and is organized into two main categories: research that is beginning to impact English for academic purposes (EAP) classrooms and that which has yet to make an impact on EAP, but should. Overall, I assert that, while some relevant research on notetaking is reaching EAP classrooms, there is an abundance of knowledge from L1 contexts as well as a number of unexplored areas that have potential to improve instruction and student ability. Throughout the paper, I hypothesize why certain research findings are not being applied in classrooms. In concluding, I provide suggestions for how researchers and teachers might further support colleagues in applying research findings.
A CALL FOR CAUTIOUS INTERPRETATION OF META-ANALYTIC REVIEWS
Authors: Boers Frank , Bryfonski Lara , Faez Farahnaz , McKay Todd
Published: October 2020

Meta-analytic reviews collect available empirical studies on a specified domain and calculate the average effect of a factor. Educators as well as researchers exploring a new domain of inquiry may rely on the conclusions from meta-analytic reviews rather than reading multiple primary studies. This article calls for caution in this regard because the outcome of a meta-analysis is determined by how effect sizes are calculated, how factors are defined, and how studies are selected for inclusion. Three recently published meta-analyses are reexamined to illustrate these issues. The first illustrates the risk of conflating effect sizes from studies with different design features; the second illustrates problems with delineating the variable of interest, with implications for cause-effect relations; and the third illustrates the challenge of determining the eligibility of candidate studies. Replication attempts yield outcomes that differ from the three original meta-analyses, suggesting also that conclusions drawn from meta-analyses need to be interpreted cautiously.
EFFECTS OF MULTITALKER INPUT AND INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD ON THE DIMENSION-BASED STATISTICAL LEARNING OF SYLLABLE-TONE COMBINATIONS
Authors: Wiener Seth , Ito Kiwako , Speer Shari R.
Published: October 2020

To test the effects of talker variability and explicit instruction on the statistical learning of lexical tone, 80 monolingual English listeners were taught an artificial language that mimicked Mandarin’s asymmetric distribution of syllable-tone co-occurrences. Training stimuli consisted of either speech from one talker or speech from four talkers. Participants were either never instructed or explicitly taught associations between phonemes (CVs), tones, and nonce symbols across four consecutive days. Learning was assessed by the accuracy of mouse clicks and eye movements to visual nonce symbols. Critical trials induced competition between the target symbol, which matched the acoustic input, and a competitor symbol that had a statistically more probable tone (but mismatched the acoustic input). Eye fixations indicated that participants were sensitive to syllable-tone co-occurrence probabilities even without explicit instruction of tone. The degree to which statistical knowledge was used to recognize words appeared to increase when participants processed more variable speech.
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF PHONETIC SYMBOLS AND KEYWORDS AS LABELS FOR PERCEPTUAL TRAINING
Authors: Fouz-González Jonás , Mompean Jose A.
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the potential of phonetic symbols and keywords as response labels for perceptual training of L2 sounds. Seventy-one Spanish learners of English were assigned to three groups: symbols, keywords, and control. Students in the symbols and keywords groups followed a 4-week High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) program based on identification tasks. The target aspects addressed were eight English vowels that tend to be problematic for Spanish EFL learners (/iː ɪ æ ʌ ɜː e ɒ ɔː/). Training stimuli consisted of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) nonwords featuring these vowels on a range of phonetic contexts. Overall, the results revealed significant differences between the perception gains made by the two experimental groups, which performed similarly, and the control group. Both experimental groups were able to transfer gains to untrained nonwords, and to untrained voices. Moreover, gains were maintained over time. Improvements were also made in real words, especially by the symbols group, although no significant differences were found between groups. The results suggest that both phonetic symbols and keywords are effective labels for perceptual training and the creation/consolidation of perceptual sound categories. The study offers further evidence of the effectiveness of HVPT for pronunciation training as well as implications for perceptual training studies and language teaching.
Investigating differences between traditional (paper bag) ordering and online ordering from primary school canteens: a cross-sectional study comparing menu, usage and lunch order characteristics
Authors: Leonard Alecia , Delaney Tessa , Seward Kirsty , Zoetemeyer Rachel , Lamont Hannah , Sutherland Rachel , Reilly Kathryn , Lecathelinais Christophe , Wyse Rebecca
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To assess differences between traditional paper bag ordering and online ordering from primary school canteens in terms of menu, usage and lunch order characteristics.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

New South Wales (NSW) primary schools that offered both paper bag and online canteen ordering.

Participants:

Students (aged 5–12 years) with a lunch order on the day of the observation.

Results:

Across the six school canteens, 59–90 % of all available items were listed on both the online and paper menus, with no significant differences in the nutritional quality (‘Everyday’/‘Occasional’) or nutritional content (kJ/saturated fat/sugar/sodium) of menu items. In total, 387 student lunch orders were placed, containing 776 menu items. Most orders (68 %) were placed online. There were no significant differences between order modality in the quantity of items ordered or the cost of orders, or the nutritional quality of orders based on the classification system of the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy (‘Everyday’/’Occasional’). However, nutritional analysis revealed that paper bag orders contained 222 fewer kJ than online orders (P= 0·001), 0·65 g less saturated fat (P= 0·04) and 4·7 g less sugar (P< 0·001).

Conclusions:

Online canteens are commonly used to order canteen lunches for primary school children. This is the first study to investigate differences between traditional paper bag ordering and online ordering in this setting. Given the rapid increase in the use of online ordering systems in schools and other food settings and their potential to deliver public health nutrition interventions, additional research is warranted to further investigate differences in ordering modalities.
Dietary sodium and potassium intake: knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards dietary salt intake among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Saje Semira Mitiku , Endris Bilal Shikur , Nagasa Bikila , Ashebir Genet , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The present study aimed to estimate the consumption of Na and K and to assess salt-related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Estimates of Na and K intake were made using repeated multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall as well as using random urine. The usual intake of Na and K from the 24-h dietary recall was determined using the National Cancer Institute methodology. Estimated 24-h Na and K excretion was calculated using International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure and Tanaka formula.

Settings:

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.

Participants:

Individuals aged 20 years and above residing in the city.

Result:

The mean Na and K intake estimated using the diet recall data was 3·0 (0·9) g/d and 1·9 (0·6) g/d, respectively. Based on the urine analysis, the estimated mean Na and K intakes were 3·3 (0·7) g/d and 1·9 (0·4) g/d, respectively. Moreover, the analysis showed that the mean Na:K ratio was 2·5 (1·4). The daily intake of K was below the recommended amount for all study participants. More than 98 % and 90 % of participants had an excess intake of Na and Na:K ratio, respectively.

Conclusion:

We found a high prevalence of inadequate K intake as well as excess intake of Na resulting in an increased prevalence of excess Na:K ratio. Thus, interventions targeting to decrease Na intake and to increase K intake are needed.
The Cost of Participating while Poor and Black: Toward a Theory of Collective Participatory Debt
Authors: Nuamah Sally A.
Published: October 2020

How do resource-poor Black populations participate in the policy process? And what are the interpretive impacts of their participation? Using multiyear qualitative data on mass school closures in two large U.S. cities—in which nearly 90% of the population targeted were Black and low-income—I investigate how 1) the school district and local organizations provide resources for those affected to participate in the policy process; 2) affected participants interpret their engagement as contributing positively to the development of civic skills and perceptions of internal efficacy but negatively to their perceptions of politics, policy, and future participation; and that 3) these negative attitudes persist even among those who secure success in fighting the policy. I conceptualize this last phenomenon as indicative of “collective participatory debt” and raise serious questions about the utility of participating while poor and Black in American democracy.
Economic freedom and antisemitism
Authors: Berggren Niclas , Nilsson Therese
Published: October 2020

We examine how variation in antisemitism across countries can be explained by economic freedom. We propose two mechanisms. First, the more economic freedom, the greater the scope of market activities. If people perceive Jews as particularly skilful at doing business at the expense of others, a greater reliance on markets can increase antisemitism. Second, a key type of institution undergirding the market is an effective and fair legal system, or the rule of law. The stronger the rule of law, the smaller the risk for exploitative behaviour, and the less hostile people will be towards groups seen as exploiters. If Jews are seen as such, more economic freedom reduces antisemitism. We use the ADL Global 100 survey of antisemitic attitudes and relate them, for up to 106 countries, to the Economic Freedom of the World index and its five areas. Our empirical findings confirm the two predictions: The more economic openness, the more antisemitism; and the stronger the rule of law, the less antisemitism. These findings indicate a complex relationship between markets and attitudes towards Jews.