bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping cultural ecosystem services in mountain forests using mobile phone data
Authors: Ciesielski Mariusz , Kamińska Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

The aim of the work was to determine the spatial distribution of activity in the forest on the area of the Forest Promotional Complex “Sudety Zachodnie” using mobile phone data. The study identified the sites with the highest (hot spot) and lowest (cold spot) use. Habitat, stand, demographic, topographic and spatial factors affecting the distribution of activity were also analyzed. Two approaches were applied in our research: global and local Moran’s coefficients, and a machine learning technique, Boosted Regression Trees. The results show that 11,503,320 visits to forest areas were recorded in the “Sudety Zachodnie” in 2019. The most popular season for activities was winter, and the least popular was spring. Using global and local Moran’s I coefficients, three small hot clusters of activity and one large cold cluster were identified. Locations with high values with similar neighbours (hot-spots) were most often visited forest areas, averaging almost 200,000 visits over 2019. Significantly fewer visits were recorded in cold-spots, the average number of visits to these areas was about 4,500. The value of global Moran’s I was equal to 0.54 and proved significant positive spatial autocorrelation. Results of Boosted Regression Trees modeling of visits in forest, using tree stand habitat and spatial factors accurately explained 76% of randomly selected input data. The variables that had the greatest effect on the distribution of activities were the density of hiking and biking trails and diversity of topography. The methodology presented in this article allows delineation of Cultural Ecosystem Services hot spots in forest areas based on mobile phone data. It also allows the identification of factors that may influence the distribution of visits in forests. Such data are important for managing forest areas and adapting forest management to the needs of society while maintaining ecosystem stability.
Positive Program Evaluation and Health Maintenance among Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients Following a 6-Week Pilot Program
Authors: McIntosh Sydney , Hayes Madison , Barr-Porter Makenzie L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Despite lifestyle changes and medication therapies, weight loss is difficult to maintain. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective route for significant weight reduction. However, post-operation there are limited opportunities to support weight loss maintenance. The following study aimed to pilot test a 6-week, 6-session nutrition and support program for post-MBS surgery patients.

Materials and Methods

A 6-week post-MBS pilot nutrition and support program was developed to test feasibility and acceptability. Participants completed a baseline survey that included demographics, weight changes, success post-surgery, and self-efficacy of leading a healthy lifestyle. Weight change, percent total weight loss, self-efficacy, and program evaluation measures were assessed.

Results

Participants (n = 18) were recruited from a local MBS clinic, predominately female (88.9%), non-Hispanic white (94.4%), received sleeve gastrectomy surgery (100%), and were 2–3 years post-operation (44.4%). Eight of the 18 participants attended the in-person sessions, serving as the intervention group. Both weight loss over and behavioral variables remained stable for both groups across the 6 weeks with no significant differences from pre to post program (p > 0.05). For program evaluation, intervention participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with 10 of 11 program satisfaction measures.

Conclusion

Following the program, weight loss was maintained among both intervention and control groups. Intervention feedback indicated that the program’s approach to provide nutrition education and support was successful and acceptable. Future enhancement of the intervention should include a broader multidisciplinary approach, longer intervention period, and intentional recruitment of participants with a weight regain.

Graphical Abstract
Palmitic Acid Induces Posttranslational Modifications of Tau Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Epitopes and Increases Intraneuronal Tau Levels
Authors: García-Cruz Valeria Melissa , Arias Clorinda
Published: January 2024

Metabolic diseases derived from an unhealthy lifestyle have been linked with an increased risk for developing cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although high consumption of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid (PA) has been associated with the development of obesity and type II diabetes, the mechanisms connecting elevated neuronal PA levels and increased AD marker expression remain unclear. Among other effects, PA induces insulin resistance, increases intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and reduces the NAD+/NADH ratio, resulting in decreased activity of the deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in neurons. These mechanisms may affect signaling pathways that impact the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of the tau protein. To analyze the role played by PA in inducing the phosphorylation and acetylation of tau, we examined PTM changes in human tau in differentiated neurons from human neuroblastoma cells. We found changes in the phosphorylation state of several AD-related sites, namely, S199/202 and S214, that were mediated by a mechanism associated with the dysregulated activity of the kinases GSK3β and mTOR. PA also increased the acetylation of residue K280 and elevated total tau level after long exposure time. These findings provide information about the mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids cause tau PTMs that are similar to those observed in association with AD biochemical changes.

Graphical Abstract
Walking and non-motorized vehicle use in adolescents: the role of neighborhood environment perceptions across urbanization levels
Authors: Klos Leon , Fiedler Janis , Nigg Carina , Niessner Claudia , Wäsche Hagen , Woll Alexander
Published: January 2024

Promoting active travel is key to achieving the sustainable development goals of sustainable communities, climate action, and health and well-being. Walking and non-motorized vehicle use (e.g., cycling, longboarding) are influenced by the perceptions of the neighborhood environment. However, most evidence is limited to studies conducted in urban areas. This study aims to assess the relationship between perceived environment and walking as well as non-motorized vehicle use stratified across different levels of urbanicity in adolescents in Germany. Cross-sectional data of 3976 adolescents aged 11–17 (51% female) from the nationwide Motorik-Modul Longitudinal Study in Germany were used. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, neighborhood environment perceptions, duration of walking, and non-motorized vehicle use were assessed via questionnaire. Separate cumulative link mixed models were calculated to analyze the relationships between environment perceptions and walking as well as non-motorized vehicle use across rural areas, small towns, medium-sized towns, and cities. The presence of public sports facilities was related to both walking and non-motorized vehicle use across urbanicity levels. Relationships with other aspects of the perceived environment, such as traffic safety concerns and walking or cycling infrastructure, were more context-specific meaning that associations differed based on active travel mode and urbanicity level. Additionally, non-motorized vehicle use differed considerably across sample points. To conclude, when creating active and sustainable environments for active travel, it is crucial to target specific travel modes and take the urbanicity and regional context into account.
Efficiency of Low-Carbon Finance: Its Interrelationships with Industry and Macroeconomic Environment
Authors: Antunes Jorge , Hadi-Vencheh Abdollah , Jamshidi Ali , Tan Yong , Wanke Peter
Published: January 2024

This study contributes to the literature by addressing the relevance of low-carbon finance efficiency and making significant contributions. We employ a simple weighted linear programming (LP) approach to estimate efficiency and compute entity scores with minimal optimization background, enhancing accessibility. Our study investigates interrelationships among the factors of production and outputs in estimating the efficiency of low-carbon finance, including financial index (renewable energy investment), renewable electricity output, renewable production, financial risk index, GDP, and research and development expenses, using the stochastic structural relationship programming (SSRP) model. Analyzing China, India, Brazil, and the USA, our findings show that China and the USA outperform other countries in low-carbon finance efficiency. This sheds light on comparative performance and variations across different contexts. A minimal initial overall renewable production plays an important role for the countries with lower financial indices to improve, while those with high indices should increase their focus on the energy sector. We identify a spillover effect of renewable production on financial index and financial risk index, emphasizing the positive relationship between renewable energy investments and overall financial outcomes. Integrating renewable energy initiatives into financial strategies brings potential benefits. This study significantly contributes to the literature on low-carbon finance efficiency, offering vital policy implications for sustainable finance and renewable energy sectors.
Returnee Scholars’ Academic Reintegration into Chinese Regional Universities: the Role of Transnational Capital
Authors: Li Hanwei , Xing Xin , Zuo Bing
Published: January 2024

When Chinese scholars who have obtained doctoral degrees or have undertaken research visits abroad return to work in China, they bring with them transferable experiences, knowledge, and skills acquired overseas. However, they also face challenges with academic reintegration. This study, through 18 semi-structured interviews with returnee scholars, examines the academic reintegration processes of these individuals at Chinese regional universities, focusing on the impact of transnational capital on their reintegration. It highlights the challenges that returnee scholars encounter, such as insufficient resources or a lack of academic infrastructure, and demonstrates how transnational capital can serve as a valuable asset for academic reintegration. This article advocates for a contextualized understanding of the academic reintegration process that considers how the scholars’ personal attributes and the environments of their home institutions either facilitate or impede transnational knowledge production. Our findings have implications for the development of policies by the Chinese government and regional universities to support the reintegration of returnee scholars.
A Bibliometric Study About the Rural Creative Class: Proposal of a Conceptual Framework and Future Agenda
Authors: Rodrigues Margarida , Oliveira Cidália , MárioFranco  , Daniel Ana
Published: January 2024

This study aims to carry out scientific and bibliometric mapping of the rural creative class. It analyses 57 articles retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database and resorts to bibliographic coupling using VOSviewer software to identify the main lines of research on this theme, before advancing new topics for future research. The results identify and classify the prevailing theoretical foci in this domain as follows: (i) Florida’s theory and rural areas; and (ii) Urban growth and the creative class. The main contribution of this study lies in showing the need to understand the effective operationalization of Florida’s model in rural areas, as a way to raise their sustained economic growth. In addition, network theory is necessary if used to explain the bridge between rural creativity and the place’s social capital. A conceptual framework is proposed for the development of rural or sparsely populated areas, presenting the challenge of its application by political decision-makers, as well as trend topics for a future agenda.
Another computer-assisted proof of unimodality of solutions for Proudman–Johnson equation
Authors: Watanabe Yoshitaka , Miyaji Tomoyuki
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a computer-assisted proof of the existence and unimodality of steady-state solutions for the Proudman–Johnson equation which is representative of two-dimensional fluid flow. The proposed approach is based on an infinite-dimensional fixed-point theorem with interval arithmetic, and is another proof by Miyaji and Okamoto (Jpn J Ind Appl Math 36:287–298, 2019). Verification results show the validity of both proofs.
A birds-eye-view on CRISPR-Cas system in agriculture
Authors: Ghoshal Basudev
Published: January 2024

Targeted genome editing by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat- CRISPR-associated (CRISPR-Cas) system has revolutionized basic and translational plant research. There is widespread use of CRISPR-Cas technology which has the potential to address challenges like food insecurity and climate crisis. Crops with improved traits (e.g., higher yield, drought tolerant) that would take several years to generate can now be developed at a much reduced time, drastically expediting the availability of the crops for release in the market. However, several factors are involved in successfully applying the CRISPR-Cas system in agriculture and the widespread adoption and acceptability of genome-edited products that involve multiple institutions and people from different spheres of society. Besides the scientific and legal intricacies of releasing CRISPR-edited crops, “public perception” equally matters in successfully deploying the technology and its products. “Lack of” or “overwhelming” information can both affect the success of the CRISPR-Cas system in translational agriculture research. A bird’s-eye-view of the CRISPR-Cas genome editing tool for people from different strata of society is essential for the wide acceptability of genome-edited crops. This review provides a general overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, the concept of technology development, challenges, and regulations involved in translational research.

Graphical abstract
Geometric Mean Type of Proportional Reduction in Variation Measure for Two-Way Contingency Tables
Authors: Urasaki Wataru , Wada Yuki , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Tahata Kouji , Tomizawa Sadao
Published: January 2024

Traditional analysis of two-way contingency tables with explanatory and response variables focuses on the independence of two variables. However, if the variables do not show independence or a clear relationship, the analysis shifts to the degree of association. Various measures have been proposed to calculate the degree of association. One is the proportional reduction in variation (PRV) measure. This measure describes the PRV from the marginal distribution to the conditional distribution of the response variable. Although conventional PRV measures can assess the association of the entire contingency table, they cannot accurately assess the association for each explanatory variable. In this paper, we propose a geometric mean type of PRV (geoPRV) measure, which aims to sensitively capture the association of each explanatory variable to the response variable. Our approach uses a geometric mean, and enabling analysis without underestimating the values when the cells in the contingency table are partially biased. The geoPRV measure can be constructed using any function that satisfies specific conditions. This approach has practical advantages, and in special cases, conventional PRV measures can be expressed as geometric mean types.
Fuzzy inference system using genetic algorithm and pattern search for predicting roof fall rate in underground coal mines
Authors: Sahu Ayush , Sinha Satish , Banka Haider
Published: January 2024

One of the most dangerous safety hazard in underground coal mines is roof falls during retreat mining. Roof falls may cause life-threatening and non-fatal injuries to miners and impede mining and transportation operations. As a result, a reliable roof fall prediction model is essential to tackle such challenges. Different parameters that substantially impact roof falls are ill-defined and intangible, making this an uncertain and challenging research issue. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assembled a national database of roof performance from 37 coal mines to explore the factors contributing to roof falls. Data acquired for 37 mines is limited due to several restrictions, which increased the likelihood of incompleteness. Fuzzy logic is a technique for coping with ambiguity, incompleteness, and uncertainty. Therefore, In this paper, the fuzzy inference method is presented, which employs a genetic algorithm to create fuzzy rules based on 109 records of roof fall data and pattern search to refine the membership functions of parameters. The performance of the deployed model is evaluated using statistical measures such as the Root-Mean-Square Error , Mean-Absolute-Error, and coefficient of determination ($$R_2$$

R
2

). Based on these criteria, the suggested model outperforms the existing models to precisely predict roof fall rates using fewer fuzzy rules.
A novel evaluation method of natural gas hydrate saturation in reservoirs based on the equivalent medium theory
Authors: Zhang Qiangui , Li Quanshan , Fan Xiangyu , Chen Yufei , Wang Zhaoxiang , Yao Bowei , Wei Na , Zhao Jun
Published: January 2024

Natural gas hydrate saturation (NGHS) in reservoirs is one of the critical parameters for evaluating natural gas hydrate resource reserves. Current widely-accepted evaluation methods developed for evaluating conventional natural gas saturation in reservoirs, to some extents, are not sufficient enough to obtain accurate predicted results. In light of the equivalent medium theory, the natural gas hydrate is regarded as the fluid (Mode A) when NGHS is relatively low, while it is regarded as the rock matrix (Mode B) when NGHS is high. Two mathematical model are then developed for evaluating NGHS at Mode A and B. Experimental verification shows that R2 of the predicted results based upon the proposed model is 0.968, and the average absolute relative error percentage is 8.90%. The error of the predicted results gradually decreases with increasing NGHS, whereas increases with increasing confining pressure. In addition, the proposed model has been applied to the 142.9–147.7 m well section of Well DK-1 in the permafrost region, Qilian Mountains. The results show that the error of the predicted results is less than 13.92%, with its average error being 10.51%. The predicted value gradually increases with its error decreasing as the depth continues to increase, which is consistent with the change behavior of measured data. NGHS evaluation method proposed in this paper fully considers the occurrence form of natural gas hydrate in reservoirs. The model parameters are easy to determine and the predicted results are reliable.
Post-earthquake fire risk and loss assessment in urban areas
Authors: Vitorino Hugo , Khiali Vahid , Rodrigues Hugo
Published: January 2024

Post-earthquake fire (PEF) poses a significant threat to urban structures and may contribute to the collapse of seismically damaged buildings as well as result in catastrophic human casualties and loss of properties. There is some attention of the researchers to further study the impact of PEF risk in urban buildings and its socio-economical aspects on urban life. However, the nature of such phenomenon has not yet been fully understood in depth and many aspects are still unknown. In this paper, a review of the state-of-the-art of the previous PEF events, PEF risk estimation, fire ignition models and probabilistic loss assessment are presented. This work aims to present the main observations regarding the PEF events in history and give a review of the studies that were developed to better understand the PEF phenomenon. It is also presented some mitigation measures that could be helpful to reduce or prevent post-earthquake fires.
Exploring the link between basic ICT competence beliefs and technology use for student teachers and teachers: A use of bifactor exploratory structural equation models
Authors: Rubach Charlott , Quast Jennifer , Porsch Raphaela , Arndt Mona
Published: January 2024

Basic ICT competence beliefs consist of a range of competence dimensions, including communication and collaboration and safety and security. Yet, unclear is if (student) teachers need to overall feel competence in using technology, or is feeling competent in specific competence dimensions sufficient for the use of technology. This study addressed this research lack and examined (a) basic ICT competence beliefs and technology use in different stages of teacher education and (b) the association between basic ICT competence beliefs and various hardware and software used. Data included 338 teachers and 343 student teachers from Germany and were analyzed using bifactor exploratory structural equation models. These models allow us to simultaneously account for general basic ICT competence beliefs (G-Factor) and specific basic ICT competence beliefs (S-Factors). The study found that teachers, on average, reported higher basic ICT competence beliefs than student teachers. For both student teachers and teachers, the use of wikis and forum was linked to higher general ICT competence beliefs. The use of LMS was linked to basic ICT competence beliefs in safety and security and problem solving. The study also identified unique links in both groups, such as wiki and weblog use being linked to higher general ICT competence beliefs for teachers. In various teacher education phases, we can emphasize the need to promote basic ICT competence beliefs to empower teachers in the digital transformation. By interpreting these results, however, it should be noted that our analysis only focused on utilizing particular hardware and software; replications of findings are also needed.
A Versatile Model for Clustered and Highly Correlated Multivariate Data
Authors: Zhang Yingjuan , Einbeck Jochen
Published: January 2024

For the analysis of multivariate data with an approximately one-dimensional latent structure, it is suggested to model this latent variable by a random effect, allowing for the use of mixed model methodology for dimension reduction purposes. We implement this idea through the mixture-based approach for the estimation of random effect models, hence conveniently enabling clustering of observations along the latent linear subspace, and derive the estimators required for the ensuing EM algorithm under several error variance parameterizations. A simulation study is conducted, and several important inferential problems, including clustering, projection, ranking, regression on covariates, and regression of an external response on the predicted latent variable, are considered and illustrated by real data examples.
Digital humanities in the era of digital reproducibility: towards a fairest and post-computational framework
Authors: Joyeux-Prunel Béatrice
Published: January 2024

Reproducibility has become a requirement in the hard sciences, and its adoption is gradually extending to the digital humanities. The FAIR criteria and the publication of data papers are both indicative of this trend. However, the question that arises is whether the strict prerequisites of digital reproducibility serve only to exclude digital humanities from broader humanities scholarship. Instead of adopting a binary approach, an alternative method acknowledges the unique features of the objects, inquiries, and techniques of the humanities, including digital humanities, as well as the social and historical contexts in which the concept of reproducibility has developed in the human sciences. In the first part of this paper, I propose to examine the historical and disciplinary context in which the concept of reproducibility has developed within the human sciences, and the disciplinary struggles involved in this process, especially for art history and literature studies. In the second part, I will explore the question of reproducibility through two art history research projects that utilize various computational methods. I argue that issues of corpus, method, and interpretation cannot be separated, rendering a procedural definition of reproducibility impractical. Consequently, I propose the adoption of ‘post-computational reproducibility’, which is based on FAIREST criteria as far as digital corpora are concerned (FAIR + Ethics and Expertise, Source mention + Time-Stamp), but extended to include further sources that confirm computational results with other non-computational methodologies.
Classification of Brain Tumors: A Comparative Approach of Shallow and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Montoya Sebastián Felipe Álvarez , Rojas Alix E. , Vásquez Luis Fernando Niño
Published: January 2024

Brain tumors can be generated anywhere in the brain, with an extensive size range and morphology that makes it challenging to identify and classify. Classifying brain tumors is essential for developing personalized treatment plans. Different types of brain tumors have different responses to treatment, and an accurate classification can help medical professionals develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Therefore, this case study aimed to classify T1-weighted contrast-enhanced images of three types of tumors through various approaches, from shallow neural networks to fine-tuning deep neural networks trained. Comparing shallow and deep neural network approaches could help to understand the trade-offs between their performance, interoperability, interpretability, benefits, limitations, scopes, and overall, choosing the best method for a given problem.
Cubic elasticity of porous materials produced by additive manufacturing: experimental analyses, numerical and mean-field modelling
Authors: Kowalczyk-Gajewska Katarzyna , Maj Michał , Bieniek Kamil , Majewski Michał , Opiela Kamil C. , Zieliński Tomasz G.
Published: January 2024

Although the elastic properties of porous materials depend mainly on the volume fraction of pores, the details of pore distribution within the material representative volume are also important and may be the subject of optimisation. To study their effect, experimental analyses were performed on samples made of a polymer material with a predefined distribution of spherical voids, but with various porosities due to different pore sizes. Three types of pore distribution with cubic symmetry were considered and the results of experimental analyses were confronted with mean-field estimates and numerical calculations. The mean-field ‘cluster’ model is used in which the mutual interactions between each of the two pores in the predefined volume are considered. As a result, the geometry of pore distribution is reflected in the anisotropic effective properties. The samples were produced using a 3D printing technique and tested in the regime of small strain to assess the elastic stiffness. The digital image correlation method was used to measure material response under compression. As a reference, the solid samples were also 3D printed and tested to evaluate the polymer matrix stiffness. The anisotropy of the elastic response of porous samples related to the arrangement of voids was assessed. Young’s moduli measured for the additively manufactured samples complied satisfactorily with modelling predictions for low and moderate pore sizes, while only qualitatively for larger porosities. Thus, the low-cost additive manufacturing techniques may be considered rather as preliminary tools to prototype porous materials and test mean-field approaches, while for the quantitative and detailed model validation, more accurate additive printing techniques should be considered. Research paves the way for using these computationally efficient models in optimising the microstructure of heterogeneous materials and composites.
To be forgotten or to be fair: unveiling fairness implications of machine unlearning methods
Authors: Zhang Dawen , Pan Shidong , Hoang Thong , Xing Zhenchang , Staples Mark , Xu Xiwei , Yao Lina , Lu Qinghua , Zhu Liming
Published: January 2024

The right to be forgotten (RTBF) allows individuals to request the removal of personal information from online platforms. Researchers have proposed machine unlearning algorithms as a solution for erasing specific data from trained models to support RTBF. However, these methods modify how data are fed into the model and how training is done, which may subsequently compromise AI ethics from the fairness perspective. To help AI practitioners make responsible decisions when adopting these unlearning methods, we present the first study on machine unlearning methods to reveal their fairness implications. We designed and conducted experiments on two typical machine unlearning methods (SISA and AmnesiacML) along with a retraining method (ORTR) as baseline using three fairness datasets under three different deletion strategies. Results show that non-uniform data deletion with the variant of SISA leads to better fairness compared to ORTR and AmnesiacML, while initial training and uniform data deletion do not necessarily affect the fairness of all three methods. This research can help practitioners make informed decisions when implementing RTBF solutions that consider potential trade-offs on fairness.
Answer Agnostic Question Generation in Bangla Language
Authors: Fahad Abdur Rahman , Al Nahian Nazme , Islam Md Ahanaf , Rahman Rashedur M.
Published: January 2024

Question generation (QG) from a given context paragraph is a demanding task in natural language processing for its practical applications and prospects in various fields. Several studies have been conducted on QG in high-resource languages like English, however, very few have been done on resource-poor languages like Arabic and Bangla. In this work, we propose a finetuning method for QG that uses pre-trained transformer-based language models to generate questions from a given context paragraph in Bangla. Our approach is based on the idea that a transformer-based language model can be used to learn the relationships between words and phrases in a context paragraph which allows the models to generate questions that are both relevant and grammatically correct. We finetuned three different transformer models: (1) BanglaT5, (2) mT5-base, (3) BanglaGPT2, and demonstrated their capabilities using two different data formatting techniques: (1) AQL—All Question Per Line, (2) OQL—One Question Per Line, making it a total of six different variations of QG models. For each of these variants, six different decoding algorithms: (1) Greedy search, (2) Beam search, (3) Random Sampling, (4) Top K sampling, (5) Top- p Sampling, 6) a combination of Top K and Top-p Sampling were used to generate questions from the test dataset. For evaluation of the quality of questions generated using different models and decoding techniques, we also fine-tuned another transformer model BanglaBert on two custom datasets of our own and created two question classifier (QC) models that check the relevancy and Grammatical correctness of the questions generated by our QG models. The QC models showed test accuracy of 88.54% and 95.76% in the case of correctness and relevancy checks, respectively. Our results show that among all the variants of the QG, the mT5 OQL approach and beam decoding algorithm outperformed all the other ones in terms of relevancy (77%) and correctness (96%) with 36.60 Bleu_4, 48.98 METEOR, and 63.38 ROUGE-L scores.
The regulatory quality in the light of environmental, social and governance framework at world level
Authors: Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Angelo
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the determinants of Regulatory Quality-RQ for 193 countries in the period 2011–2020.The database used is the World Bank's Environmental, Social, and Governance-ESG dataset. The analysis was conducted through usage of Ordinary Least Squares OLS, Panel Data with Fixed Effects and Panel Data with Random Effects. Results show that the variables that have the most positive impact on RQ, among others, are “GHG Net Emission”, “Mean Drought Index”, and “Heat Index” while the variables that have the most negative impact on RQ are among others “Renewable Energy Consumption”, “Voice and Accountability” and “Rule of Law”. Furthermore, the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Elbow Method has been applied and five clusters were found. In adjunct, eight machine learning algorithms have been confronted to predict the value of RQ. Results show that the best predictor is Polynomial Regression. The predictive level of RQ for the analysed countries is expected to diminish of − 1.29%. In the end, a alysis with the Euclidean distance is discussed.
The Jacobite Duchess
Authors: Nolan Frances
Published: January 2024

Frances Jennings, elder sister of Sarah, duchess of Marlborough, had an interesting and eventful life, most notably as the influential wife of Richard Talbot, earl of Tyrconnell, Catholic viceroy of Ireland under James II. Born circa 1649 into a Hertfordshire gentry family, she was a noted beauty at the Restoration court. There, she met and married George Hamilton, a Catholic officer who, after 1667, served in Louis XIV's army. In Paris, Frances raised three daughters, converted to Catholicism, and became an active member of the English Catholic émigré community. Following Hamilton's death, she remarried to Richard Talbot. As vicereine of Ireland, Frances helped re-establish Catholic hegemony, assisting in the foundation of convents and re-consecration of Christ Church cathedral. During the Williamite-Jacobite War in Ireland (1689-91), Frances fled to James II's exiled court in France. In 1691, she received word that her husband, now Jacobite duke of Tyrconnell, had died. Attainted for high treason, she used the Marlboroughs' influence to recover her Irish estates. In 1708, she returned to Dublin, where she died in 1731. Highlighting Frances's political manoeuvrings, religious identity and deep family attachments, this book portrays a complex and contested figure, a woman who acted on multiple stages, in diverse roles, challenging expectations of rank, gender, and 'nationality' in unexpected ways.
The distributional impact of FEMA’s community rating system
Authors: Brent Daniel A. , Ren Yongwang , Wrenn Douglas H.
Published: January 2024

Community Rating System (CRS) incentivizes investments in risk reduction above NFIP standards using discounts on insurance premiums. These discounts are cross-subsidized by increasing premiums in non-CRS communities. We examine the distribution of these subsidies and find that redistribution does occur, but the gains and losses are not economically large with 95% of households gaining or losing no more than 0.3% of household income. We also examine their relationship with other community characteristics and find that the strongest predictor of premium reductions is the underlying flood risk level within the community. Thus, CRS appears to reduce the cost of living in the riskier communities.
How cy pres promotes transdisciplinary convergence science: an academic health center for women’s cardiovascular and brain health
Authors: Villablanca Amparo , Dugger Brittany N. , Nuthikattu Saivageethi , Chauhan Joohi , Cheung Samson , Chuah Chen-Nee , Garrison Siedah L. , Milenkovic Dragan , Norman Jennifer E. , Oliveira Luca Cerny , Smith Bridgette P. , Brown Susan D.
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is largely preventable, and the leading cause of death for men and women. Though women have increased life expectancy compared to men, there are marked sex disparities in prevalence and risk of CVD-associated mortality and dementia. Yet, the basis for these and female-male differences is not completely understood. It is increasingly recognized that heart and brain health represent a lifetime of exposures to shared risk factors (including obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension) that compromise cerebrovascular health. We describe the process and resources for establishing a new research Center for Women’s Cardiovascular and Brain Health at the University of California, Davis as a model for: (1) use of the cy pres principle for funding science to improve health; (2) transdisciplinary collaboration to leapfrog progress in a convergence science approach that acknowledges and addresses social determinants of health; and (3) training the next generation of diverse researchers. This may serve as a blueprint for future Centers in academic health institutions, as the cy pres mechanism for funding research is a unique mechanism to leverage residual legal settlement funds to catalyze the pace of scientific discovery, maximize innovation, and promote health equity in addressing society’s most vexing health problems.
Echericetus novellusn. gen. n. sp. (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Eomysticetidae), an Oligocene baleen whale from Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Cisneros Atzcalli Ehécatl , Schwennicke Tobias , Rochín-Bañaga Heriberto , Tsai Cheng-Hsiu
Published: January 2024

Among the several evolutionary lineages of the baleen whales (Mysticeti), the eomysticetids are an ancient successful family that retain possibly nonfunctional teeth and functional baleen, a transitional stage between toothed and baleen-assisted filter-feeding mysticetes. The patchy fossil record leaves gaps in eomysticetid paleobiology interpretations, but their diversity and widespread geographical distribution can be a relevant proxy to understanding the evolution of crown Mysticeti. Here we describe a new baleen whale,Echericetus novellusn. gen. n. sp., from the Oligocene of Mexico (slightly older than 27.95 million years ago). This new taxon has morphological features that show its affinity to Eomysticetidae, such as the intertemporal region longer than wide, the elongate and oval temporal fossa, and a well-developed and lobate coronoid process of the mandible. Similarly, our cladistic analyses confirm the inclusion ofEchericetusin the Eomysticetidae.Echericetusreinforces our notion of the eomysticetid diversity and disparity. Geographically, the existence ofEchericetusfrom Mexico also indicates that eomysticetid inhabited subtropical regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Last, our discovery of a new eomysticetid from the Oligocene of Mexico provides new insights into the distribution patterns and habitat use of Eomysticetidae, essential to further explain the demise of this transitional lineage between toothed and baleen-bearing whales.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/00cfc802-e2da-465c-9bb6-59347be00164
A new species of Urocleidoides Mizelle & Price 1964 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasite of Hemiodus orthonops Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903 (Hemiodontidae) from the upper Paraná River floodplain
Authors: Hasuike W.T. , Scorsim B. , Arjona I.S. , Bellay S. , de Oliveira A. V. , Takemoto R.M.
Published: January 2024

During the study of ectoparasites (Platyhelminthes) of fish in the floodplain of the Upper Paraná River - Brazil, a new species of Urocleidoides, present in the gill filaments of Hemiodus orthonops (Hemiodontidae), is described using morphological description and molecular data from the mitochondrial region of cytochrome c oxidase, subunit 1 (COI) and the partial region of the 28S rDNA gene. Urocleidoides luquei n. sp. differs from all its congeners by the presence of a filament that joins the accessory piece to the base of the male copulatory organ and resembles U. paradoxus and U. surianoae. Phylogenetic analyses using molecular data revealed that U. luquei n. sp. forms a paraphyletic group concerning the other Urocleidoides species. In this way, as well as contributing to the description of a new species, we seek to encourage and contribute to the increase in research using integrative taxonomy, thus making it possible to elucidate some unresolved questions about the genus Urocleidoides.
Soft institutions in Arctic governance—who does what?
Authors: Steinveg Beate , Rottem Svein Vigeland , Andreeva Serafima
Published: January 2024

The linkages between the Arctic and the rest of the world have become more profound and the region is increasingly attracting attention, also from non-Arctic state actors. Parallel to this development, the discussion about the future Arctic is taking place in various arenas, forums and among an increasing number of actors with interest in the region. At a time of high tension in international relations, and an increased likelihood of spill-over to Arctic cooperation, issues of governance of the Arctic region are potentially at stake. This makes it important that scholars are accurate in their analyses; confusing the mandate, responsibilities and purposes of different arenas for cooperation can be unfortunate. This article finds support in the literature on regime complexes and aims to show and analyse the differences between three key players in the Arctic: the Arctic Council, Arctic Frontiers and the Arctic Circle Assembly. In addition to exploring their differences, we ask what role these entities play in shaping policy in and for the Arctic. From mapping out the mandates, roles and responsibilities of the Arctic Council, Arctic Frontiers and Arctic Circle Assembly, and by nuancing their formal and informal aspects, we aim to contribute to clarifying misunderstandings regarding their functions and positions vis-à-vis each other.
Minding Creation: response to critics
Authors: Leidenhag Joanna
Published: January 2024

In this article, I reply to four responses published in this journal to my bookMinding Creation: Theological Panpsychism and the Doctrine of Creation. Two of these responses, by Christa L. McKirland and Eugene Fuimaono, and by Tim Miller and Thomas Jay Oord, are largely appreciative and propose future engagement with theological anthropology, indigenous perspectives, process metaphysics, and the doctrine of the incarnation. The other two responses, by Andrei Buckareff and Philip Goff, offer critical engagement on arguments I made regarding the relationship between panpsychism, naturalism, and theism.
Original sin, control, and divine blame: some critical reflections on the moderate doctrine of original sin
Authors: Visala Aku , Vainio Olli-Pekka
Published: January 2024

This article examines a construal of the doctrine of original sin which affirms the cognitive corruption of human faculties but denies that humans carry original guilt for Adam's fall or for cognitive corruption. All humans require Christ's atonement, because they either inevitably commit at least one sin or are rejected by God for other reasons. We go on to identify three problems with this account. The first problem is the ‘inevitability’ of sinning. Here, the defender is forced either to accept a compatibilist analysis of responsibility or provide a libertarian-friendly analysis of ‘inevitability’. The latter option contradicts the Augustinian contention that it is impossible for sinners to lead a life of virtue and holiness. The second problem has to do with the mechanics of the cognitive effects of sin. The cognitive effects of original sin make it very difficult or inevitable for humans to perform meritorious actions and very easy or inevitable for them to commit sinful actions. If the sinner's degree of control over her sinful actions is so low, it seems that she does not deserve divine blame and punishment for failing to commit meritorious actions. Finally, we raised some problems regarding the fate of the non-culpable sinners.
Integration Referendums as Expressions of Constituent Power: Ireland as a Case Study
Authors: Daly Eoin
Published: January 2024

Referendums are usually conceptualized as expressing “constituent power” in obvious settings of constitutional foundation and rupture. However, I argue that if constituent power can be understood as “active” and relational within a political order—and not merely present in political foundings—then it is arguably present in “routine” referendums that have a function neither of foundation nor rupture, but rather of integration, and particularly in the sense of identity formation or consolidation.
Fire‐Induced Carbon Loss and Tree Mortality in Siberian Larch Forests
Authors: Webb Elizabeth E. , Alexander Heather D. , Paulson Alison K. , Loranty Michael M. , DeMarco Jennie , Talucci Anna C. , Spektor Valentin , Zimov Nikita , Lichstein Jeremy W.
Published: January 2024

Climate change is intensifying the fire regime across Siberia, with the potential to alter carbon combustion and post‐fire carbon re‐accumulation trajectories. Few field‐based estimates of fire severity (e.g., carbon combustion and tree mortality) exist in Siberian larch forests (Larix spp.), which limits our ability to project how an intensified fire regime will affect regional and global climate feedbacks. Here, we present field‐based estimates of fire‐induced tree mortality and carbon loss in eastern Siberian larch forests. Our results suggest that fires in this region result in high tree mortality (means of 83% and 76% at Arctic and subarctic sites, respectively). In both absolute and relative terms, aboveground carbon loss following fire is higher in Siberian larch forests than in North America, but belowground carbon loss is considerably lower. This suggests fundamental differences in wildfire behavior and carbon dynamics between dominant vegetation types across the boreal biome.
Estuarine Exchange Flow in the Salish Sea
Authors: MacCready Parker , Geyer W. Rockwell
Published: January 2024

The Salish Sea is a large, fjordal estuarine system opening onto the northeast Pacific Ocean. It develops a strong estuarine exchange flow that draws in nutrients from the ocean and flushes the system on timescales of several months. It is difficult to apply existing dynamical theories of estuarine circulation there because of the extreme bathymetric complexity. A realistic numerical model of the system was manipulated to have stronger and weaker tides to explore the sensitivity of the exchange flow to tides. This sensitivity was explored over two timescales: annual means and the spring‐neap. Two theories for the estuarine exchange flow are: (a) “gravitational circulation” where exchange is driven by the baroclinic pressure gradient due to along‐channel salinity variation, and (b) “tidal pumping” where tidal advection combined with flow separation forces the exchange. Past observations suggested gravitational circulation was of leading importance in the Salish Sea. We find here that the exchange flow increases with stronger tides, particularly in annual averages, suggesting it is controlled by tidal pumping. However, the landward salt transport due to the exchange flow decreases with stronger tides because greater mixing decreases the salinity difference between incoming and outgoing water. These results may be characteristic of estuarine systems that have rough topography and strong tides.