bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super delayed phase imaging in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI: investigating factors contributing to improved liver contrast
Authors: Kobayashi Tomohiro , Kozaka Kazuto , Matsubara Takashi , Yokka Akira , Igarashi Saya , Kitao Azusa , Yoneda Norihide , Okuda Miho , Gabata Toshifumi , Matsui Osamu , Kobayashi Satoshi
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess whether extended delayed phase imaging, performed after gadoxetic acid administration for 60–120 min (termed as super delayed phase [SDP]), improves liver contrast and nodule visibility in patients with chronic liver disease and to identify predictors for contrast enhancement.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 116 patients with chronic liver disease were selected from 6933 gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI examinations, which included SDP images. The liver-to-spleen contrast (LSC) was quantitatively evaluated, and factors influencing the improvement of LSC were analyzed. By comparing the standard hepatobiliary phase images at 20 min post-contrast (HBP20) with SDP images, nodule visibility was evaluated by two readers who were blinded to the study.

Results

SDP significantly enhanced LSC (SDP: 1.81 ± 0.48 vs HBP20: 1.50 ± 0.34, p < 0.001) and improved nodule visibility in patients with initially poor LSC. Total bilirubin levels and visible biliary excretion during HBP20 are predictors of LSC enhancement. Furthermore, nodule visibility scores significantly increased in the group with poor initial contrast (Reader 1: from 2.92 ± 1.57 to 3.79 ± 1.44; Reader 2: from 2.34 ± 1.42 to 3.36 ± 1.57, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SDP enhanced liver contrast and nodule detection in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly in those with impaired liver function. Total bilirubin levels and visible biliary excretion during HBP20 are useful predictors of improvement. This technique may improve the diagnostic utility of MRI for hepatocarcinogenesis in cirrhotic nodules, specifically for detecting precursors of hepatocellular carcinoma, in cirrhotic patients with compromised liver function.

Key Points

QuestionIn gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, inadequate liver contrast can occur in patients with impaired liver function, potentially limiting the diagnostic value of the examination.

FindingsSDP images improved liver parenchymal signal intensity and visibility of hepatocellular carcinoma, even in cases with impaired liver function.

Clinical relevanceThe addition of SDP imaging in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI improves liver contrast and early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with impaired liver function, such as Child–Pugh B or C, aiding in making appropriate treatment decisions.

Graphical Abstract
Skull base osteomyelitis: HBO as a therapeutic concept Effects on clinical and radiological results
Authors: Simon Miriam , Dreyer Sven , Joost Insa , Rubbert Christian , Schipper Jörg , Kristin Julia
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease. It usually occurs as a complication of severe otitis externa or infection in the nasopharynx, often in immunocompromised patients. The therapeutic strategy is complex, patient-specific and requires interdisciplinary cooperation.

Material and method

A retrospective evaluation of all patients with skull base osteomyelitis at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University Hospital Duesseldorf from 2006 to 2023 was carried out. It was investigated which factors, in addition to treatment regimens (antibiotic therapy with i.v./oral antibiotics, surgical debridement and HBO therapy) have an influence on the clinical, laboratory and morphological outcome of the patients.

Results

A total of 42 patients who received interdisciplinary treatment in our clinic were included in the study, of whom 71.4% were male and 28.6% female. The tissue samples showed an inflammatory process, with detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 68.4% of patients. A total of 61.9% of patients presented cranial nerve deficits, most frequently facial nerve palsy. A total of 66.7% of patients received HBO therapy. Of these, n = 20/23 patients (87%) with HBO improved and achieved regression in the follow-up imaging.

Known patient-specific factors were confirmed and HBO was emphasized as an important component of the multimodal therapy concept. HBO appears to be justified and should continue to be included in the treatment regimen in the future. For this reason, patients with SBO should be sent to a center that offers HBO therapy.
Maximal oxygen uptake, pulmonary function and walking economy are not impaired in patients diagnosed with long COVID
Authors: Berg O. K. , Aagård N. , Helgerud J. , Brobakken M. F. , Hoff J. , Wang E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 may result in the development of new symptoms, known as long COVID, a few months after the original infection.

Purpose

It is elusive to what extent physical capacity in patients diagnosed with long COVID is impacted.

Methods

We compared maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), one of the single most important factors for cardiovascular health and mortality, expired lung volumes and air flow, oxygen cost of walking and 6-min-walking-test (6MWT), in 20 patients diagnosed with long COVID (11 males and 9 females; 44 ± 16 years (SD); 26.7 ± 3.8BMI, duration of acute phase 1.7 ± 1.2 weeks, tested 4 ± 3 months after long COVID diagnosis) with 20 healthy age and sex matched controls (11 males and 9 females; 44 ± 16 years; 25.9 ± 4.0BMI).

Results

Long COVID patients had a V̇O2max of 41.4 ± 16.2 mL∙kg−1∙min−1(men) and 38.2 ± 7.5 (women) and this was not different from controls. Similarly, mean spirometry measures in the patient group (VC; FVC; FEV1; FEV1/FVC) were also not different (85–106%) from predicted healthy values. Finally, inclined treadmill (5%, 4 km∙h−1) walking economy was not different between the groups (long COVID: 15.2 ± 1.1 mL∙kg−1∙min−1; controls: 15.2 ± 1.2 mL∙kg−1∙min−1), while the 6MWT revealed a difference (long COVID: 606 ± 118 m; controls: 685 ± 85 m; p = 0.036).

Conclusion

V̇O2max, oxygen cost of walking, and spirometry measurements did not appear to be impaired in patients diagnosed with long COVID with a prior mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection. The typical outcomes in these essential factors for health and longevity implies that while long COVID can present with a range of symptoms, caution should be made when attributing these symptoms directly to compromised pulmonary function or V̇O2max.
Murine typhus as the leading cause of non-focalized fever in the Canary Islands
Authors: Vélez-Tobarias M. , Torres-Vega AM. , Carmelo E. , Morais-Martín J. , Pérez JA. , Gonzalo-Hernández C. , Clot G. , Ascaso-Terrén C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose and methods

This prospective study aims to diagnose the etiology of non-focalized fever lasting between 5 and 28 days in the islands of La Palma and El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) during 2021, using serology and PCR.

Results

The etiological profile described in this study aligns with that of fever of intermediate duration (FID), with zoonoses being the primary cause. Murine typhus (MT) is identified as the leading cause, followed by Q fever (QF). The incidence of MT is the highest reported nationally and comparable to the highest in Europe, with 39.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in La Palma and 79.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in El Hierro. Q fever, known to be endemic to the Canary Islands, presents incidences of 26.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in La Palma and 15.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in El Hierro. MT shows no gender differences and has a homogeneous geographical distribution. In contrast, QF is more prevalent in men and has a heterogeneous geographical distribution.

Conclusions

The high incidence of MT found in both urban and peri-urban areas is particularly noteworthy. Its potential connection with climate change and/or the growth of the reservoir population in the Canary Islands remains unknown. MT's similarity to QF in terms of clinical signs and treatment, coupled with the absence of a specific protocol for early diagnosis, may have contributed to its underdiagnosis. MT can lead to significant health concerns, including risk of hospitalization, complications, and even death. Therefore, the registration of cases for epidemiological control is deemed essential.
Sentinel fracture: the necessity of improved post-fracture care
Authors: Kerschan-Schindl Katharina , Widhalm Harald , Pataraia Anna , Nicolakis Peter , Frossard Martin , Keilani Mohammad , Mickel Michael , Hajdu Stefan , Crevenna Richard
Published: November 2024

Fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, place a significant burden on affected individuals and impose substantial economic costs. A fragility fracture implies an imminent elevated risk for subsequent fractures, particularly in the short term. Therefore, osteoporosis must be addressed in the event of a sentinel fracture, if not already previously treated. Regardless of whether the fracture is treated conservatively or surgically, post-fracture care is particularly important. Early mobilization followed by fall risk assessment and the initiation of adequate bone-specific medication are essential milestones in preventing subsequent fractures. Monitoring patients increases adherence to bone-specific medication and fall prevention strategies. Comprehensive post-fracture care is important and should be performed by a multidisciplinary team. Coordinated care models, such as the fracture liaison service (FLS), have shown enhancements in the initiation of and adherence to secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Despite recommendations by several guidelines including that published by the Austrian Society for Bone and Mineral Research, only one fracture liaison service has been implemented in Austria.
Going Around in Circles
Authors: Kooi Barteld
Published: November 2024

This paper tries to reconcile the clash between argumentation theory and formal logic regarding circular arguments, which are regarded as the fallacy of begging the question by the former, and a benign and useful inference pattern by the latter. This paper provides a formal system which can represent circular arguments found in the literature. The formal system makes it possible to distinguish two ways in which arguments can be circular. The first type of circularity, which is vicious, is when an argument is based on an inference step which is (indirectly) supported by that inference step itself. The second kind of circularity, which is benign, occurs when one of the premises is the same proposition as the conclusion. The first type of circularity implies the second type of circularity, but not the other way round. This distinction is in line with other approaches to circular arguments. Analyzing selected examples from the literature shows the value of the formal system.
Immunotherapy for leptomeningeal disease from solid tumors: current clinical outcomes and future opportunities
Authors: Smith Eleanor C. , Mott Bryan T , Douglas Emily , Tatter Stephen B. , Watabe Kounosuke
Published: November 2024

Leptomeningeal disease is a debilitating, late-stage form of metastatic cancer disseminated within the cerebrospinal fluid, subarachnoid space, and leptomeninges, leading to significant neurological morbidity and mortality. As systemic cancer treatments improve, rates of leptomeningeal disease have increased, yet prognosis remains exceedingly poor. A wide range of treatment modalities have been trialed; however, no standard of care has been established. Additionally, many clinical trials exclude patients with leptomeningeal disease, limiting available prospective data. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of immunotherapy for leptomeningeal disease from solid tumors including systemic and intrathecal therapies, as well as combined therapy regimens. Our review indicates a continued deficiency in the current prospective literature and highlights ongoing research regarding the leptomeningeal immune microenvironment, which will be critical in directing future study of leptomeningeal disease treatment. Currently, the efficacy of immunotherapies on leptomeningeal disease appears limited, and further prospective research is needed to draw significant conclusions. However, recent advancement in understanding the leptomeningeal microenvironment points to potential efficacy of novel immunotherapies targeting the innate immune system, and further study is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments in this subpopulation of patients.
International mobility after the PhD: exploring the characteristics and early labour market outcomes of UK doctoral graduates
Authors: Dias Lopes Alice , Hancock Sally
Published: November 2024

While the mobility patterns of first-degree students and graduates have been extensively researched, there is limited understanding of the international mobility of doctoral graduates. This article examines the early outbound mobility of UK domiciled doctoral graduates. Informed by human capital and signalling theory, we analyse the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey (n = 28,535), to consider whether mobility (1) differs by graduates’ socio-demographic background and PhD programme characteristics and (2) is associated with different early labour market outcomes. We find that individual socio-demographic background and PhD programme characteristics have a statistically significant effect on international mobility 6 months after graduation. International mobility is significantly higher among Oxbridge and STEM doctoral graduates. We observe a small positive association between international mobility and PhD graduates' salary. International mobility after the PhD is highly associated with the probability of securing an academic and research role or a postdoctoral contract. Our findings are consistent with existing research on scientific careers which identifies a ‘mover’s advantage’. We propose that international mobility can be framed as a human capital investment that enables self-advancement within the competition for research employment. The norms of the knowledge economy and global science reward doctoral graduates with international experience, which acts as a positive signal of productive capability. Our insights are germane to a variety of stakeholders concerned with continuing doctoral expansion and indicate the scientific and economic importance of ensuring equitable access to mobility opportunities.
Effect of Au-deposited ceramic nanoparticles on SAC305/Cu solder joints
Authors: Plevachuk Yuriy , Poverzhuk Viktor , Švec Sr Peter , Švec Peter , Orovcik Lubomir , Bajana Otto
Published: November 2024

This work considers ways to increase the stability of solder joints in a wide range of temperatures, which are extremely important in microelectronic devices. For this purpose, the effects of adding nanosized ceramic admixtures Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, and ZrO2 coated by Au into the Sn–3.5Ag–0.5Cu lead-free solder alloys on the microstructure and shear strength of the joints between the nanocomposite solder and a copper substrate were studied both at room temperature, as well as after a two-month exposure at sub-zero temperatures. The uncoated and Au-deposited ceramic nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, and EDS elemental analysis reflected their distribution in the solder material. The microstructure analysis of the solder joints was carried out using the scanning electron microscope. The push-off experimental method was applied for determination of the shear strength, one of the most important mechanical properties of soldered joints. The obtained experimental results indicate that addition of the nanosized ceramic admixtures sputtered with gold to the basic solder matrix leads to a decrease in the growth rate of intermetallic layers in the soldered joints. The result is an improvement in the shear strength of these joints. Similar studies conducted after samples were kept for 2 months at 253 K (− 20 °C) did not lead to a significant deterioration of shear strength, which indicates their suitability to be used for soldering parts of microelectronic devices operating not only at room and elevated temperatures but also at sub-zero temperature range.
Income Fluctuations and Subjective Well-being: The Mediating Effects of Occupational Switching and Remittances
Authors: Tokhirov Azizbek
Published: November 2024

Does money bring happiness? To answer this question, I study the consequences of income fluctuations caused by commodity price changes on well-being patterns in regions specializing in export agriculture. Using nationally representative survey data in a difference-in-differences framework, I investigate the effects of the 2010/11 short-term increase in the global price of cotton. I demonstrate that it can be viewed as a positive income shock for the cotton-producing communities of Tajikistan. The main results indicate that the net subjective well-being effects of the cotton price increase are negative: exposure to the shock at the aggregate level is associated with a notable decrease in the reported levels of financial and life satisfaction. To explain this paradox, I consider split sample analyses, which suggest that the shock led to within-community occupational sorting and that its well-being effects are negative among households that were in the agriculture sector before the shock and barely positive for newly become farmers. Observing the increasing volume of remittances in the world and their significance to the economy of Tajikistan, I also study how remittances affect the relationship between income volatility and happiness. Further estimations reveal that family remittances are not significantly affected by and can partially mediate the negative effects of short-term income changes. The mediating effects of remittances only affect financial satisfaction, suggesting that a mere compensation of losses does not fully restore the quality of life.
Study of Wine Grape Pomaces from Different Vintages Regarding Their Use as Reliable Sustainable Antioxidants in Biobased Poly(Butylene Succinate)
Authors: Hiller Benedikt T. , Schübel Lea , Rennert Mirko , Krieg David , Nase Michael , Puch Florian
Published: November 2024

Biopolyesters such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) show great potential to be used as biobased alternatives to conventional petroleum-based polyolefins. To access technical applications, biobased materials are mostly stabilized using conventional additives, which impair their biobased character. Wine grape pomace (WP), a largely unused, low-value by-product of winemaking, shows great potential to improve the thermo-oxidative stability. Since WP is a natural material, annual variations must be considered for its use as stabilizing bio-filler on an industrial scale. This study investigates the impact of annual variations of WP on the stabilizing effects in PBS. WP of two different varieties and three vintages were studied. The composition and properties of the native by-products were analyzed, and WP-based functional fillers were prepared by industrial mill-drying. The bio-fillers obtained were analyzed regarding their physical, thermal, biochemical, and antioxidant properties and blended into PBS with filler contents up to 20 wt.-% by twin-screw extrusion. The biocomposites’ thermal and thermo-oxidative properties were investigated subsequently. All WP varieties and vintages increased the thermo-oxidative stability of PBS by at least 24% at a filler content of 3 wt.-%, demonstrating the potential of WP as a reliable stabilizer. However, the maximum stabilization effect achieved varied slightly. The results of this study showed that minor differences in the bio-filler properties can be related to meteorological data, while the antioxidant activity, pH, and fat content could be used as bioanalytical indicators to evaluate the thermo-oxidative stabilization effects of WP-based functional fillers to enable reliable industrial applications of WP as a polymer stabilizer.
Evolution of flood protection levels and flood vulnerability in Europe since 1950 estimated with vine-copula models
Authors: Paprotny Dominik , ’t Hart Cornelis Marcel Pieter , Morales-Nápoles Oswaldo
Published: November 2024

The magnitude of flood impacts is regulated not only by hydrometeorological hazard and exposure, but also flood protection levels (primarily from structural flood defenses) and vulnerability (relative loss at given intensity of hazard). Here, we infer the variation of protection levels and vulnerability from data on historical riverine, coastal, and compound floods and associated impacts obtained from the HANZE database, in 42 European countries over the period 1950–2020. We contrast actual damaging floods, which imply flood protection was locally inadequate, with modelled potential floods, i.e. events that were hydrologically extreme but did not lead to significant impacts, which imply that flood protection was sufficient to prevent losses. Further, we compare the reported magnitude of impacts (fatalities, population affected, and economic losses) with potential impacts computed with depth-damage functions. We finally derive the spatial and temporal drivers of both flood protection and vulnerability through a multivariate statistical analysis. We apply vine-copulas to derive the best predictors out of a set of candidate variables, including hydrological parameters of floods, exposure to floods, socioeconomic development, and governance indicators. Our results show that riverine flood protection levels are much lower than assumed in previous pan-European studies. North-western Europe is shown to have better riverine protection than the south and east, while the divide is not so clear for coastal protection. By contrast, many parts of western Europe have relatively high vulnerability, with lowest value observed in central and northern Europe. Still, a strong decline in flood vulnerability over time is also observed for all three indicators of relative losses, suggesting improved flood adaptation. Flood protection levels have also improved since 1950, particularly for coastal floods.
Agricultural droughts and under-five mortality in Côte d’Ivoire: Differential impacts across social and demographic groups
Authors: Andriano Liliana
Published: November 2024

Little research explores how climate extremes affect early childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, despite great vulnerability to both climate extremes and high rates of early childhood mortality. Although there have been substantial improvements in early childhood mortality in recent decades, climate change threatens to offset this progress. Focusing on the case of Côte d’Ivoire, I combine individual-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys with high-resolution climate data to investigate how and when in-utero exposure to severe agricultural droughts influences early childhood mortality. I find that in-utero exposure to severe agricultural droughts increases the probability of under-five mortality, and most recent droughts seem to exert the greatest impact. I also find that boys and children born into families with little to no formal education are highly vulnerable to drought exposure during gestation. Maternal education mitigates the negative impact of droughts on under-five survival, regardless of urban or rural residence, suggesting that its protective effects may be linked to specific knowledge, behaviours, and practices that highly educated mothers employ rather than their living environment. These findings carry important lessons for policymakers, emphasising the need for policies that enhance educational opportunities for parents and develop targeted interventions for boys and children from families with little formal education.
Speed of pro-market reforms and entrepreneurial innovation
Authors: Fuentelsaz Lucio , González Consuelo , González Minerva
Published: November 2024

This paper examines how pro-market reforms affect entrepreneurial innovation through the lens of the dynamic institution-based view of the firm. We propose that the speed at which changes occur has a positive influence on entrepreneurial innovation. Additionally, we hypothesize that, in highly uncertain environments, entrepreneurs with higher levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and those who have recently entered the market are better equipped to respond in terms of innovation. To test our hypotheses, we conduct a multilevel, cross-country analysis using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for the period 2009–2018, focusing on individual-level measures of entrepreneurial behavior. Our findings largely support our hypotheses, indicating that a high speed of pro-market reforms has a positive effect on entrepreneurial innovation. Furthermore, this relationship is partially mediated by entrepreneurial self-efficacy and is more pronounced among new entrepreneurs compared to established ones.
Ambiguity attitudes of individuals and groups in gain and loss domains
Authors: Minnich Aljoscha , Lange Andreas
Published: November 2024

This study measures the differences in ambiguity attitudes of groups and individuals in the gain and loss domains. We elicit ambiguity aversion and ambiguity-generated insensitivity for natural temperature events. We do not find significant differences between individuals and groups in our main sample, yet higher ambiguity aversion and ambiguity-generated insensitivity result for groups in the gain domain when constraining the sample to groups and individuals with a better understanding of the experiment. The group effect on the ambiguity-generated insensitivity is sign-dependent.
Adaptable Accelerometer Signal Processing Pipelines for Smartphone based Evenness Estimation
Authors: Münke Friedrich Rieken , Schenk Manuel , Murr Sandra , Reischl Markus
Published: November 2024

Evenness is an essential indicator of road quality. Accelerometer sensors in smartphones offer an accessible and cost-efficient solution for monitoring road evenness. However, the accelerometer signal from smartphones is influenced by various internal and external factors beyond the road’s actual evenness. External factors, in particular, can introduce systematic bias due to differences in vehicle suspension or smartphone mounting methods. In this study, we investigate specific external factors affecting windshield-mounted smartphones and propose a method to automatically adapt accelerometer processing pipelines, improving robustness against such external influences.
Insurance, legal, and financial hardships of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors—a systematic review
Authors: Ospelt Martina , Holmer Pauline , Tinner Eva Maria , Mader Luzius , Hendriks Manya , Michel Gisela , Kälin Sonja , Roser Katharina
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS) experience medical and psychosocial adverse effects. Attention widens to include issues such as socio-bureaucratic hardships. This systematic review synthesized the available evidence on insurance, legal, and financial hardships to better understand the broader picture of socio-bureaucratic hardships as distinct but interrelated types of hardships.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted for publications related to childhood and adolescent cancer; survivors; and insurance, legal, and financial hardships. Narrative data synthesis was performed on the extracted data.

Results

This review included N = 58 publications, originating from 14 different countries, most from the last decade (n = 39). We found that a considerable proportion of CACS experience insurance and financial hardships, including foregoing medical care due to financial constraints, problems paying medical bills, and difficulties accessing loans or insurances. Legal hardships, such as workplace discrimination, were less frequently investigated and reported.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the many interrelated socio-bureaucratic hardships faced by CACS. It is important that these hardships are not underestimated or neglected. Our findings can serve as a basis for enhancing and expanding supportive care services and help inform collaborative efforts from research, policy, and practice.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This review emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the socio-bureaucratic challenges that extend beyond medical care. Survivors should be informed about available options and be aware of their legal rights to identify instances of injustice and seek appropriate support.
Open Strategic Autonomy in EU Trade Policy
Authors: Weiß Wolfgang , Furculita Cornelia
Published: November 2024

This book analyses whether the recent reorientation of EU trade policy towards stronger enforcement and more robust representation of interests, resulting in a series of new or amended legislative tools, is in conformity with the EU's international commitments, particularly WTO, FTA, environmental, and general international law, and with its multilateralist stance and underlying constitutional obligations. The analysis is also set against the consequences that would flow from within the EU legal order, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the external and internal constraints on trade policy that the EU should respect, as well as the leeway it enjoys. In case of potential tensions, it submits changes that would better balance the EU's new ambitions and international obligations. Furthermore, the book looks beyond the possible legal repercussions to consider the broader political implications of these instruments on the credibility of the EU's commitment to multilateralism and international law.
External Validity and Evidence Accumulation
Authors: Slough Tara , Tyson Scott A.
Published: November 2024

The accumulation of empirical evidence that has been collected in multiple contexts, places, and times requires a more comprehensive understanding of empirical research than is typically required for interpreting the findings from individual studies. We advance a novel conceptual framework where causal mechanisms are central to characterizing social phenomena that transcend context, place, or time. We distinguish various concepts of external validity, all of which characterize the relationship between the effects produced by mechanisms in different settings. Approaches to evidence accumulation require careful consideration of cross-study features, including theoretical considerations that link constituent studies and measurement considerations about how phenomena are quantifed. Our main theoretical contribution is developing uniting principles that constitute the qualitative and quantitative assumptions that form the basis for a quantitative relationship between constituent studies. We then apply our framework to three approaches to studying general social phenomena: meta-analysis, replication, and extrapolation.
Topics in Public Administration
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Zhang Jiasheng , Chandra Yanto
Published: November 2024

This inductive examination of the topics in the public administration literature using computational social science and corpus linguistics (17 journals, N=12,760 articles, 1991–2019) reveals a new landscape of public administration topics, changes in topics over time and their distribution: • Topic modelling of the stock of the whole corpus identifies 50 topics: the top ten topics included health care, federal government, performance management, environmental regulation, HRM and networks and accounted for just over a third of scholarship between 1991–2019. • Focal topics identified in individual journals identified similarities with popular topics in the whole corpus – networks, health care, HRM – and less frequently examined topics including gender and diversity and partnerships. • Analysis of topics over time shows a substantial flow in topics moving from a country and practice focus in the early stages of our study period to concepts such as governance, networks and citizens in the late stages (2015–2019).
Connective Creativity
Authors: Choi-Fitzpatrick Austin , Hoople Gordon
Published: November 2024

The story we often tell about artists is fiction. We tend to imagine the starving artists toiling alone in their studio when, in fact, creativity and imagination are often relational and communal. Through interviews with artistic collectives and first-hand experience building large scale installations in public spaces and at art events like Burning Man, Choi-Fitzpatrick and Hoople take the reader behind the scenes of a rather different art world. Connective Creativity leverages these experiences to reveal what artists can teach us about collaboration and teamwork and focuses in particular on the importance of embracing playfulness, cultivating a bias for action, and nurturing a shared identity. This Element concludes with an invitation to apply lessons from the arts to promote connective creativity across all our endeavors, especially to the puzzle of how we can foster more connective creativity with other minds, including other artificial actors.
Hypertranslation
Authors: Claramonte Mª Carmen África Vidal , Lee Tong King
Published: November 2024

Hypertranslation refers to a vast and virtual field of mobile relations comprising the interplay of signs across languages, modes, and media. In hypertranslation, the notions of source/target, directionality, and authenticity are set in perpetual flow and flux, resulting in a many-to-many interactive dynamic. Using illustrations drawn from a wide range of literary and artistic experiments, this Element proposes hypertranslation as a theoretical lens on the heterogeneous, remediational, extrapolative, and networked nature of cultural and knowledge production, particularly in cyberspace. It considers how developments in artificial intelligence have led to an expansion in intersemiotic potentialities and the liquidation of imagined boundaries. Exploring the translational aspects of our altered semiotic ecology, where the production, circulation, consumption, and recycling of memes extend beyond human intellect and creativity, this Element positions hypertranslation as a fundamental condition of contemporary posthuman communication in Web 5.0 and beyond.
Personal Identity and the Self
Authors: Madden Rory
Published: November 2024

What are we? What owns our thoughts and experiences? Are we anything at all? After an introduction, Section 2 assesses a 'no-bearer' theory of experience, and the 'no-self' contention that self-representations are about no real entity, before introducing a positive hypothesis about the objects of our self-representations: the 'animalist' claim that we are biological organisms. Section 3 discusses the classic challenge to animalism that brain transplantation is something we could survive but no animal could survive. This challenge introduces positive alternatives to animalism, as well as animalist responses, including one which questions the assumption that psychology is irrelevant to organism persistence. Section 4 surveys a 'thinking parts' problem and conjoined twinning and commisurotomy, also considered problematic for animalism. The interpretation of these cases revisits questions about bearers of experience, objects of self-representation, and the relation of biology and psychology. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Handling shift and irregularities in data through sequential ellipsoidal partitioning
Authors: Niranjan Ranjani , Rao Sachit
Published: November 2024

Data irregularities, namely small disjuncts, class skew, imbalance, and outliers significantly affect the performance of classifiers. Another challenge posed to classifiers is when new unlabelled data have different characteristics than the training data; this change is termed as a data shift. In this paper, we focus on identifying small disjuncts and dataset shift using the supervised classifier, sequential ellipsoidal partitioning classifier (SEP-C). This method iteratively partitions the dataset into minimum-volume ellipsoids that contain points of the same label, based on the idea of Reduced Convex Hulls. By allowing an ellipsoid that contains points of one label to contain a few points of the other, such small disjuncts may be identified. Similarly, if new points are accommodated only by expanding one or more of the ellipsoids, then shifts in data can be identified. Small disjuncts are distribution-based irregularities that may be considered as being rare but more error-prone than large disjuncts. Eliminating small disjuncts by removal or pruning is seen to affect the learning of the classifier adversely. Dataset shifts have been identified using Bayesian methods, use of confidence scores, and thresholds—these require prior knowledge of the distributions or heuristics. SEP-C is agnostic of the underlying data distributions, uses a single hyperparameter, and as ellipsoidal partitions are generated, well-known statistical tests can be performed to detect shifts in data; it is also applicable as a supervised classifier when the datasets are highly skewed and imbalanced. We demonstrate the performance of SEP-C with UCI, MNIST handwritten digit image, and synthetically generated datasets.
Parametric Fourier and Mellin transforms of power-constructible functions
Authors: Cluckers Raf , Comte Georges , Servi Tamara
Published: November 2024

We enrich the class of power-constructible functions, introduced in [CCRS23], to a class

$\mathcal {C}^{\mathcal {M,F}}$

of algebras of functions which contains all complex powers of subanalytic functions and their parametric Mellin and Fourier transforms, and which is stable under parametric integration. By describing a set of generators of a special prepared form, we deduce information on the asymptotics and on the loci of integrability of the functions of

$\mathcal {C}^{\mathcal {M,F}}$

. We furthermore identify a subclass

$\mathcal {C}^{\mathbb {C},\mathcal {F}}$

of

$\mathcal {C}^{\mathcal {M,F}}$

, which is the smallest class containing all power-constructible functions and stable under parametric Fourier transforms and right-composition with subanalytic maps. This class is also stable under parametric integration, under taking pointwise and

$\text {L}^p$

-limits and under parametric Fourier-Plancherel transforms. Finally, we give a full asymptotic expansion in the power-logarithmic scale, uniformly in the parameters, for functions in

$\mathcal {C}^{\mathbb {C},\mathcal {F}}$

.
Food assistance use barriers, facilitators, and recommendations: insights from a qualitative study of racially and ethnically diverse parents
Authors: Hazzard Vivienne M. , Kunin-Batson Alicia S. , Trofholz Amanda C. , Noser Amy E. , de Brito Junia N. , Pitera Rosabella T. , Berge Jerica M.
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to utilising a range of food assistance resources as reported by parents living with or at risk for food insecurity (FI), as well as parents’ recommendations for improving utilisation of these resources. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews about parents’ perspectives on interventions to address FI were analysed using a hybrid deductive/inductive thematic approach. Parents were drawn from the larger Family Matters longitudinal cohort study (N = 1,307), which was recruited from primary care clinics in Minnesota. Forty racially and ethnically diverse parents (Mage = 38.5 years; 97.5% mothers; 85% parents of colour) were recruited by food security level, with ten parents representing each level (i.e. high, marginal, low, very low). Six overarching qualitative themes were identified, which indicated the importance of (1) comfort level seeking assistance; (2) routine screening to assess need; (3) advertising, referrals, and outreach; (4) adequacy of policies and programmes to address need; (5) resource proximity and delivery; and (6) acceptability of foods/benefits provided. With some exceptions, these themes were generally represented from more than one angle (i.e. as barriers, facilitators, recommendations) and raised as relevant across different types of assistance (e.g. federal food assistance programmes, food pantries) and different settings (e.g. schools, healthcare). This study identified key factors influencing food assistance utilisation across multiple dimensions of access. These factors—which range from psychosocial to logistical in nature—should be considered in efforts to expand the reach of food assistance programmes and, in turn, improve food security among families.
Competing interpretations of international law: Law and politics in the war crimes trials of Nationalist China, 1946–1949
Authors: Chu Ming-hsi
Published: November 2024

This article challenges the prevailing view that after the Second World War, the war crime trials of Nationalist China were guided by the principle of ‘leniency and promptness’. This study reveals that the Ministry of National Defense (MND), the entity responsible for formulating war crime laws, had a desire for vengeance and sought to appropriate international law to bolster China’s hegemonic position. In contrast, the Chinese Supreme Court judges, influenced by their commitment to fostering a civilized state, interpreted the law in alignment with international norms, thereby curbing the MND’s vindictive intentions. As a result, the MND and the judiciary emerged as competing interpreters of international law.

The study compares China’s War Criminal Trial Act of 1946 (WCTA) with the Nuremberg Charter, the Hague Conventions, and the legislation of other Allied states. When compared to similar legislative texts, the WCTA has the following distinctions: 1) it has an expansive scope, 2) it adopts a stricter liability, 3) it asserts extraterritorial rights for overseas Chinese, and 4) it promotes Chinese nationalism by encompassing racially Chinese as eligible victims of crimes against humanity.

In contrast, the Judicial Yuan, which was responsible for unifying legal interpretation, limited the scope of the WCTA, hindered its promotion of Chinese nationalism, and restrained the political revenge on Taiwanese people by interpreting the WCTA per international law. This article traces the background of the Supreme Court judges making these decisions and demonstrates how their vision of ‘pursuing a civilized state’ triumphed over the MND’s impetus for vengeance.
Effects of Music Listening on Cognition and Affective State in Older Adults
Authors: Sella Enrico , Vincenzi Margherita , Carbone Elena , Schellenberg E. Glenn , Lima César , Toffalini Enrico , Borella Erika
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether and how music listening impacts cognition and affect in healthy older adults, specifically considering the emotional connotations of music (happy- or sad-sounding music) and its presentation modality (background or prior to the tasks). Based on the PRISMA guidelines and preregistering in PROSPERO (CRD42022366520), we searched the Scopus, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Out of 2,675 articles, 27 met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized findings on cognition (23 studies) revealed an uncertain influence of music type and presentation modalities on memory outcomes. In contrast, happy-sounding music seems to support executive functioning (2 out of 4) and processing speed (1), when presented in the background, and facilitate language processes (2 out of 3), when given prior to the task. However, the high heterogeneity and inconsistency in the music type and presentation modalities, as well as in the cognitive outcomes considered, prevented us from drawing clear conclusions on the effect of music listening on older adults’ cognition. For affective outcomes, a narrative synthesis of the findings on mood (12 studies) and arousal (7 studies) outcomes showed that, regardless of music presentation modality, happy- and sad-sounding music increase or decrease mood/valence and arousal, respectively. Results from meta-analysis showed no significant cognitive benefits from music listening (SMD = 0.09, [95% CI: −0.17, 0.35], p = 0.51) and suggest a positive effect of happy-sounding music on arousal (SMD = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.74], p = 0.005), but not on valence (SMD = 0.79 [95% CI: −0.25, 1.84], p = 0.14). The methodological shortcomings of the extant literature call upon the need for further studies adopting more rigorous and consistent approaches that better elucidate the potential benefits of music listening on cognitive and affective outcomes among older adults.
The Impact of Prior True or False Information on Personality Trait Judgment Accuracy
Authors: Gibson Jacob R. , Letzring Tera D.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: How does information about personality learned prior to an observation affect the accuracy of personality judgments? 151 judges were given true, false, or no information about a target’s personality and then watched a recorded interview and judged the Big Five personality traits. Compared to judges without prior information, judges given true information had greater distinctive accuracy, and judges given false information had lower distinctive accuracy and normativity. These results highlight the importance of using reliable and accurate sources of information when forming impressions of others.
Convective Growth of Auroral Arcs Through the Feedback Instability in a Dipole Geometry
Authors: Sakaki T. , Watanabe T.‐H. , Maeyama S.
Published: November 2024

Auroral dynamics in the magnetosphere‐ionosphere (M‐I) coupling system with the dipole magnetic field is investigated by means of a novel simulation code developed with flux coordinates where a set of the reduced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and the two‐fluid equations for the M‐I coupling system is numerically solved. The linear simulations of the feedback instability reveal that a wave packet of auroral arcs propagating in the north‐south direction is amplified through the feedback instability, and that the convective growth of auroral structures with enhancement of the ionospheric density and the field aligned current ceases because of the latitudinal dependence of the field line length. These properties are elucidated in terms of the local dispersion relation of the feedback instability for fixed real frequencies.
Ebb‐Dominant Mixing Increases the Seaward Sediment Flux in a Stratified Estuary
Authors: Niesten I. , Huismans Y. , Hoitink A. J. F.
Published: November 2024

Intratidal variability in stratification, referred to as internal tidal asymmetry, affects the residual sediment flux of an estuary by altering sediment transport differently during ebb and flood. Although earlier studies suggest that flood‐dominant mixing increases the residual landward sediment flux, the role of ebb‐dominant mixing remains largely unknown. Based on field data, we investigate the mechanisms that cause ebb‐dominant mixing and its effect on the residual sediment flux in a stratified estuarine channel. Observations based on two tidal cycles show that the pycnocline remains largely intact during flood. Vertical mixing during flood is inhibited by a strong fresh water outflow, confining landward transport of suspended sediment to the bottom layer. During ebb, the pycnocline height decreases until it interacts with the bottom boundary layer, resulting in enhanced vertical mixing and sediment transport extending further to the surface. Thus, ebb‐dominant mixing increases the residual sediment flux in seaward direction. The long ebb period in combination with limited bed sediment availability further contributes to the residual ebb‐flux. This is noteworthy since a long ebb duration corresponds to flood dominance, which is often associated with a landward residual sediment flux. Although our data represent average conditions and cannot readily be extrapolated to different forcing conditions, we conclude that asymmetries in vertical mixing considerably affect the residual sediment flux under average conditions.