bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability criteria for positive semigroups on ordered Banach spaces
Authors: Glück Jochen , Mironchenko Andrii
Published: December 2024

We consider generators of positive $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroups and, more generally, resolvent positive operators A on ordered Banach spaces and seek for conditions ensuring the negativity of their spectral bound $$s(A)$$

s
(
A
)

. Our main result characterizes $$s(A) < 0$$

s
(
A
)
<
0

in terms of so-called small-gain conditions that describe the behaviour of Ax for positive vectors x. This is new even in case that the underlying space is an $$L^p$$

L
p

-space or a space of continuous functions. We also demonstrate that it becomes considerably easier to characterize the property $$s(A) < 0$$

s
(
A
)
<
0

if the cone of the underlying Banach space has non-empty interior or if the essential spectral bound of A is negative. To treat the latter case, we discuss a counterpart of a Krein–Rutman theorem for resolvent positive operators. When A is the generator of a positive $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroup, our results can be interpreted as stability results for the semigroup, and as such, they complement similar results recently proved for the discrete-time case. In the same vein, we prove a Collatz–Wielandt type formula and a logarithmic formula for the spectral bound of generators of positive semigroups.
Potentially traumatic events and the association with hazardous alcohol use in 19,128 middle aged and elderly adults: the Tromsø Study 2015–2016
Authors: Husberg-Bru Vendela , Hopstock Laila A. , Thimm Jens C. , Lid Torgeir Gilje , Rognmo Kamilla , Wang Catharina Elisabeth Arfwedson , Gustavson Kristin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim was to examine the association between a wide range of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) experienced in childhood, adulthood or both, and hazardous alcohol use, including the relationship between the total sum of PTEs and hazardous alcohol use in middle aged and elderly adults. Previous studies have predominantly focused on childhood PTEs or isolated PTEs and more severe alcohol problems, little focus has been given to middle aged and elderly adults with hazardous alcohol use and PTE experiences.

Methods

We used logistic regression analysis to study the relation between a broad range of PTEs and hazardous alcohol defined by the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) in 19,128 women and men aged 40 years and above participating in the seventh survey of the Norwegian population-based Tromsø Study in 2015–2016. Alcohol abstainers were excluded from the analyses.

Results

Experience of violence, sexual abuse, bullying, painful or frightening medical and dental treatments, and serious illness or accident by a loved one were associated with higher odds for hazardous alcohol use. Further, there were higher odds of hazardous alcohol use per additional experienced PTE (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.20–1.25, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

PTEs were prevalent among participants who had a hazardous alcohol use. Also, most of the PTEs occurring in childhood, adulthood or both were independently related to hazardous alcohol use. Moreover, the findings indicate an association in the relationship between the number of PTEs and hazardous alcohol use.
Quantum Reference Frames, Measurement Schemes and the Type of Local Algebras in Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Fewster Christopher J. , Janssen Daan W. , Loveridge Leon Deryck , Rejzner Kasia , Waldron James
Published: December 2024

We develop an operational framework, combining relativistic quantum measurement theory with quantum reference frames (QRFs), in which local measurements of a quantum field on a background with symmetries are performed relative to a QRF. This yields a joint algebra of quantum-field and reference-frame observables that is invariant under the natural action of the group of spacetime isometries. For the appropriate class of quantum reference frames, this algebra is parameterised in terms of crossed products. Provided that the quantum field has good thermal properties (expressed by the existence of a KMS state at some nonzero temperature), one can use modular theory to show that the invariant algebra admits a semifinite trace. If furthermore the quantum reference frame has good thermal behaviour (expressed in terms of the properties of a KMS weight) at the same temperature, this trace is finite. We give precise conditions for the invariant algebra of physical observables to be a type

$$\text {II}_1$$

II
1

factor. Our results build upon recent work of Chandrasekaran et al. (J High Energy Phys 2023(2): 1–56, 2023. arXiv:2206.10780), providing both a significant mathematical generalisation of these findings and a refined operational understanding of their model.
Optimizing prone CT use for suspected interstitial lung abnormalities
Authors: Song Jiyoung , Chae Kum Ju , Lee Jong Eun , Yanagawa Masahiro , Chung Jonathan H. , Lynch David A. , Jang Myoung-Jin , Goo Jin Mo , Yoon Soon Ho
Published: December 2024

Objectives

We investigated whether supine chest CT alone suffices for diagnosing ILAs, thereby reducing the need for prone chest CT.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent prone chest CT for suspected ILAs from January 2021 to July 2023, with matching supine CT within 1 year, were retrospectively evaluated. Five multinational thoracic radiologists independently rated ILA suspicion and fibrosis scores (1 to 5-point) and ILA extent (1–100%) using supine CT first, then combined supine-prone CT after a 1-month washout. We categorized ILA suspicion and fibrosis scores into four diagnostic groups; normal, non-fibrotic, indeterminate-type, and fibrotic ILAs. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of ILA suspicion scores, inter-reader agreement on diagnostic categories, and intra-reader/inter-reader reliability for ILA extent were evaluated.

Results

This study included 69 patients (mean age 67.2 ± 7.2 years; 36 women), with 23 age- and sex-matched patients in each group: normal, non-fibrotic ILAs, and fibrotic ILAs. The pooled AUC for ILA suspicion and inter-reader agreement on diagnostic categories improved for non-fibrotic ILAs with prone CT (AUC 0.76 to 0.92, p < 0.001; Fleiss kappa 0.25 to 0.51, p = 0.004), but not for fibrotic ILAs (AUC 0.94 to 0.99, p = 0.06; Fleiss kappa 0.63 to 0.72, p = 0.08). ILA extent was 1–2% smaller with prone CT for both ILA types (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

For fibrotic ILAs, supine CT alone exhibited substantial diagnostic accuracy and inter-reader agreement, while the diagnosis of non-fibrotic ILAs benefited from adding prone CT. Supine CT alone slightly overestimated extent regardless of ILA type.

Key Points

QuestionProne CT is recommended when interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are suspected on supine CT, but its benefits remain underexplored.

FindingsSupine CT alone sufficed for diagnosing fibrotic ILAs, while prone CT improved non-fibrotic ILA diagnosis and reduced extent overestimation for both types.

Clinical relevanceOmitting prone CT reduces extra time, space, and radiation exposure without compromising the diagnosis of fibrotic ILAs, which have higher rates of progression and mortality risks, enhancing patient comfort and simplifying patient management.
Can surface landmarks help us identify the gibson interval during surgical hip dislocation: a study of 617 hips
Authors: Franken Veerle , Blümel Stefan , Schwab Joseph M. , Tannast Moritz
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The Gibson approach, used in hip-preserving surgery, is intermuscular and develops the space anteriorly to the gluteus maximus. Reliable anatomical landmarks for the development of this interval do not exist, but the interval is marked by perforating vessels (PV) of the inferior gluteal artery. The aim of this study was to provide reference values for the relationship between palpable anatomical landmarks on the femur/pelvis and the anterior border of the gluteus maximus using CT scans of the proximal femur.

Materials and methods

Single center retrospective study of 617 hips who underwent a CT-scan of the pelvis/femur. We defined 5 anatomical markers on the pelvis and proximal femur and measured the distance of the anterior border of the gluteus maximus in relation to the marker, which was either anterior or posterior. The amount PV’s and it’s location relative to the innominate tubercle were measured in the coronal plane. For each landmark we compared these subgroups: male vs female, age < 40 vs ≥ 40, categorical age (< 20; 20–40; 40–60; > 60), and categorical femoral torsion (< 10°; 10°–25°; 25°–35°; > 35°).

Results

Mean location of the parameters A-E was at − 8.1 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.8 cm, 1.3 cm and 0.4 cm. Parameters B, C, and D were more posterior in the age ≥ 40 group. Parameters A–E were significantly more posterior in the age > 60 group. Parameters A and E were significantly more anterior in females than in males. 50% of the PV are found between 5 and 9 cm proximal to the innominate tubercle. No statistically significant differences were noted in the location of any of the perforating vessels in the different subgroups.

Conclusion

The Gibson interval is located more anteriorly in female patients and patients under 40 years of age. It is located more posteriorly in patients over 60 years of age. In addition, the interval moves anteriorly with increasing femoral torsion, most notably in patients with very high femoral torsion (> 35°).
The intrapelvic approach to the acetabulum
Authors: Gänsslen Axel , Staresinic Mario , Krappinger Dietmar , Lindahl Jan
Published: December 2024

The today well accepted intrapelvic approach for acetabular and pelvic ring injury fixation was first described by Hirvensalo and Lindahl in 1993 followed by a more detailed description by Cole and Bolhofner in 1994. Compared to the well-known ilioinguinal approach, described by Letournel, this approach allows an intrapelvic view to the medial acetabulum, while using the ilioinguinal approach a more superior, extrapelvic view, is dissected to the area of the acetabulum. Several names have been used to describe the new intrapelvic approach with increasing usage, mainly ilio-anterior approach, extended Pfannenstiel approach, Stoppa-approach, Rives-Stoppa approach, modified Stoppa approach and recently anterior intrapelvic approach. Especially names including “Stoppa”, based on the French surgeon Rene Stoppa, an inguinal hernia surgeon, have been discussed. In contrast to the presently used intrapelvic approach, the original the Rives-Stoppa approach refers to a sublay-retromuscular technique, which places a mesh posterior to the rectus muscle and anterior to the posterior rectus sheath without dissecting along the upper pubic ramus. Thus, intrapelvic approach is not a Rives-Stoppa approach. The Cheatle-Henry approach, another inguinal hernia approach, refers best to the presently used intrapelvic approach. Discussing the anatomy and the different dissections, this approach allows anteromedial access to the anterior column and a direct view from inside the true pelvis to the quadrilateral plate and medial side of the posterior column. Thus, we favor to use the term “Intrapelvic Approach”.
Medial meniscus posterior root tears with advanced osteoarthritis or subchondral insufficiency fracture are good indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at a minimum 2-year follow-up
Authors: Kawada Koki , Yokoyama Yusuke , Okazaki Yuki , Tamura Masanori , Ozaki Toshifumi , Furumatsu Takayuki
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in the presence and absence of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) have not been compared. This study compared the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing UKA with and without MMPRTs.

Materials and methods

This study analyzed 68 patients. The presence or absence of MMPRTs was evaluated using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Patient characteristics, clinical scores before surgery and at the final evaluation, and imaging findings were compared between patients with and without MMPRTs. Multiple regression analysis was conducted on postoperative visual analog scale (VAS)-pain scores.

Results

MMPRTs were present in 64.7% (44/68) of patients. Patients with MMPRTs were significantly younger (67.8 ± 8.2 vs. 75.0 ± 7.1 years, p < 0.001) and had a shorter duration from the development of symptoms to the time of surgery than those without (6.8 ± 8.4 vs. 36.1 ± 38.9 months, p < 0.001). Component placement or lower-limb alignment did not significantly differ between the groups. Preoperative clinical scores were not significantly different between the groups; however, patients with MMPRTs showed significantly better postoperative VAS-pain scores than those without (10.0 ± 9.0 vs. 28.2 ± 26.0 points, p = 0.026). Multiple regression analysis of postoperative VAS-pain scores revealed the significant effect of duration from the development of symptoms to the time of surgery (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing UKA with MMPRTs were younger with less radiographic osteoarthritic changes compared to those without MMPRTs, and their postoperative VAS-pain scores were significantly superior. The duration from the development of symptoms to the time of surgery significantly influenced postoperative pain in patients undergoing UKA.
Oculomotor nerve palsy recovery following microsurgery vs. endovascular treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms: a comparative meta-analysis of short- and long-term outcomes
Authors: Abo Kasem Rahim , Cunningham Conor , Elawady Sameh Samir , Sowlat Mohammad Mahdi , Babool Sofia , Hulou Saad , Hubbard Zachary , Orscelik Atakan , Musmar Basel , Spiotta Alejandro M.
Published: December 2024

Recent advancements in endovascular treatment (EVT) and different views on optimal management for posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) highlight a need to compare recovery timelines between microsurgery and EVT; heterogeneous outcomes and influencing factors may also affect results. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The extracted data encompassed patient demographics, details on treatment modalities and timing, and characteristics of PComA aneurysms ONP caused by either unruptured or ruptured aneurysms. The primary outcome was ONP favorable recovery, defined as the resolution of admission symptoms, except for subtle ptosis and mild pupillary asymmetry. We used random effect models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and pool prevalence with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, microsurgical clipping of PComA aneurysms demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of ONP recovery compared to EVT at 1,3,6, and 12 months follow-up. However, recovery rates were comparable in long-term follow-up [18 months: (0.87 vs. 0.64, P-value = 0.36); ≥24 months: (0.86 vs. 0.72 P-Value = 0.26)]. The recovery outcomes for early treatment were similar when assessed during the 6-month follow-up (0.75 vs. 0.56, P-value = 0.07). Our findings suggest microsurgery leads to prompt ONP recovery from PComA aneurysms, while EVT shows potential for delayed favorable recovery; both treatments yield short-term recovery when administered early. A case-by-case approach is recommended, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of patient factors in relation to the immediate and sustained effects of each treatment.
Efficacy of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for castration-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer: a retrospective analysis in a Japanese cohort
Authors: Taga Minekatsu , Sasaki Takeshi , Higashi Shinichiro , Kimura Shoichi , Sawada Atsuro , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Inoue Takahiro , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Terada Naoki
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for treating castration-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer in Japanese patients, focusing on the effects on time to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

This retrospective muti-institutional analysis included 332 patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in Japan between 2018 and 2023. The patients were categorized into two groups: patients receiving ADT combined with ARSI (ARSI group) and those receiving ADT alone or with bicalutamide (ADT group). Data on demographics, treatments, and outcomes were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method with propensity score matching.

Results

We found an increasing trend in ARSI use over time. The median time to CRPC was significantly longer in the ARSI group than in the ADT group (47.1 vs. 15.2 months, p < 0.001); however, no significant differences in OS were observed before or after propensity score matching. The 1-year-survival rate of patients in the ARSI group tended to be higher than that of patients in the ADT group in subgroups with high tumor volume (96.1% vs. 85.0%) and high Gleason grade (98.1% vs. 85.9%).

Conclusions

Adding ARSI to ADT extended the time to CRPC but did not significantly affect OS. However, it potentially suppressed the short-term risk of death in high-risk subgroups. This study highlights the need for further research to explore the characteristics of Japanese patients with metastatic prostate cancer in whom upfront ARSIs are effective.
Thompson sampling-based recursive block elimination for dynamic assignment under limited budget in pure-exploration
Authors: Parambath Shameem Puthiya , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Alfahad Saleh Abdullah M.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate Thompson sampling-based sequential block elimination approaches for dynamic assignment problems in a pure-exploration Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) setting with limited budget constraints. The problem can be considered as a bandit game-play between the environment and a decision-maker in a metric space. Many instances of problems in fields such as e-commerce, logistics, mobility management, data management and operations research can be framed as dynamic assignment problems with budget constraints. Given an l-dimensional action space representing l variants of an entity and a budget for exploring the action space, the optimal dynamic assignment problem refers to the task of identifying the values to be assigned to different variants of the entity that maximizes the total reward by utilizing at most the given budget of rounds of play. We contribute a class of block elimination-based MAB algorithms specifically designed for the dynamic assignment problem with limited budget. Our algorithms begin by discretizing the continuous action space into a finite set of discrete actions, then proceed with a recursive block elimination procedure to remove sub-optimal actions. The elimination is carried out by calculating confidence bounds over blocks of actions. We explore two different confidence bound estimation techniques. We perform comprehensive experiments on two problem instances from distributed data management and logistics. Our results showcase that our approach yields a lower misidentification probability (i.e., the probability of recommending a non-optimal action) compared to state-of-the-art elimination-based pure-exploration MAB algorithms.
Should automated vehicles communicate their state or intent? Effects of eHMI activations and non-activations on pedestrians’ trust formation and crossing behavior
Authors: Eisele Daniel , Kraus Johannes , Schlemer Magdalena Maria , Petzoldt Tibor
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been a debate on whether automated vehicles (AVs) should be equipped with novel external human–machine interfaces (eHMIs). Many studies have demonstrated how eHMIs influence pedestrians’ attitudes (e.g., trust in AVs) and behavior when they activate (e.g., encourage crossing by lighting up). However, very little attention has been paid to their effects when they do not activate (e.g., discourage crossing by not lighting up). We conducted a video-based laboratory study with a mixed design to explore the potential of two different eHMI messages to facilitate pedestrian-AV interactions by means of activating or not activating. Our participants watched videos of an approaching AV equipped with either a state eHMI (“I am braking”) or intent eHMI (“I intend to yield to you”) from the perspective of a pedestrian about to cross the road. They indicated when they would initiate crossing and repeatedly rated their trust in the AV. Our results show that the activation of both the state and intent eHMI was effective in communicating the AV’s intent to yield and both eHMIs drew attention to a failure to yield when they did not activate. However, the two eHMIs differed in their potential to mislead pedestrians, as decelerations accompanied by the activation of the state eHMI were repeatedly misinterpreted as an intention to yield. Despite this, user experience ratings did not differ between the eHMIs. Following a failure to yield, trust declined sharply. In subsequent trials, crossing behavior recovered quickly, while trust took longer to recover.
Maternal health and child socio-emotional development: findings from the growing up in New Zealand study
Authors: Huang Yanshu , Silva-Goncalves Juliana , Lam Jack , Baxter Janeen
Published: December 2024

We study the influence of maternal chronic illness and disability on the socio-emotional development of children across early to mid-childhood using the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Controlling for a host of relevant maternal, household and child characteristics, our results show a negative link between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes at eight years of age. At earlier ages, the evidence of a relationship between maternal health and child socio-emotional outcomes is weaker. We also find that maternal parenting style and depression mediate the relationship between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes. Specifically, parenting style mediates the relationship between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes in early childhood, at age 2, but not at age 5, and for boys after commencement of formal education, at age 8. In contrast, maternal depression consistently mediates the relationship between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes from early to mid-childhood, and for both boys and girls. Our findings stress the need to better understand both direct and indirect effects of maternal health on the formation of skills in childhood that influence future life chances.
Generic skills development in European liberal arts and sciences programs: a student perspective
Authors: Dekker Teun J.
Published: December 2024

European advocates of Liberal Arts and Sciences education often claim that this educational model is highly effective at teaching students a range of generic, transferable, or 21st-century skills, which are thought to be vital for success in the labour market of the future. However, there is little empirical research into whether and how these programs do so. This paper examines how European Liberal Arts and Sciences students experience how their programs teach them generic skills. It is based on a significant number of interviews with students from a range of programs across Europe. It concludes that a multidisciplinary curriculum with significant freedom of choice, active student-centred pedagogy with open assessment, and an emphasis on academic community are experienced as key features that foster the development of generic skills. This finding both confirms and expands the current theoretical understanding of generic skills acquisition, as well as yielding several suggestions for how other programs might teach these skills better.
Transformative science–policy interfacing: the case of biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Sarkki Simo , Young Juliette C. , Vandewalle Marie , Heikkinen Hannu I. , Norum Roger , Stenseke Marie , Nesshöver Carsten , Wittmer Heidi
Published: December 2024

Science–policy interfaces (SPI), such as IPCC and IPBES, are key mechanisms by which scientists can contribute to policy making to tackle socio-environmental problems. To capture recent and ongoing developments, we examine the evolution of global and European SPI landscapes in the biodiversity domain grounding a novel concept of “transformative science–policy interfacing”, which is a collective effort to enable fundamental societal change by enhancing connectivity between co-production of knowledge and policy implementation. We consider that transformative science–policy interfacing is not in conflict with, but rather extends the currently prevailing co-production paradigm into directions that rethink the relationships between science, SPI, and policy. It shifts the balance of knowledge co-production from “making sense together” towards “enabling transformative change”. It employs the Science & Technology Studies concept of “co-production of science and social order” by focusing on orchestration of the science–policy interface landscape with a normative agenda leaning towards transformative change. Based on the overview of the evolution of SPI landscape in global and European biodiversity domains, we identify and discuss eight key directions for transformative science–policy interfacing. Further work will be needed to test whether the development towards transformative science–policy interfacing can be observed also in domains beyond environmental topics.
Another philosophical look at twistor theory
Authors: Gajic Gregor , Lilani Nikesh , Read James
Published: December 2024

Despite its being one of Roger Penrose’s greatest contributions to spacetime physics, there is a dearth of philosophical literature on twistor theory. The one exception to this is Bain (2006)—but although excellent, there remains much to be said on the foundations and philosophy of twistor theory. In this article, we (a) present for philosophers an introduction to twistor theory, (b) consider how the spacetime–twistor correspondence interacts with the philosophical literature on theoretical equivalence, and (c) explore the bearing which twistor theory might have on philosophical issues such as the status of dynamics, the geometrisation of physics, spacetime ontology, the emergence of spacetime, and symmetry-to-reality inferences. We close with an elaboration of a variety of further opportunities for philosophical investigation into twistor theory.
Achieving sustainable environment through climate smart irrigation management: a call from an emerging economy
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Naseem Warda , Muneer Saqib , Bhatti Saad Mahmood , Butt Rehan Sohail , Naveed Rana Tahir
Published: December 2024

South Asia, the home of 23% population of the world, is adversely affected by climate change, global warming, floods, hurricanes and heat waves. Pakistan, as a member country of South Asia, is the 5th country in the world which is most vulnerable to climatic changes. The country has faced many challenges including deaths of 9989 individuals, economic loss of worth $ 3.8 billion, and more than 150 unexpected weathers during last two decades. Global climate index also mentioned that Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change will rise even further in coming years. Pollution from agriculture sector is believed to be the largest significant contributor for this situation that accounts for 41% of total pollution. The above stats paint a bleak picture of future for the country and calls for emergency measures, to be taken on war like footings, if future climatic impact is to be minimized. With this background, we argue that climate smart agriculture (CSA) may be a strategic option that can help the country for improving agricultural productivity and income, as well as building resilience to climate change and environmental management. The present research study highlights the importance of CSA in the context of an emerging economy like Pakistan and suggests some strategic considerations for policy makers in order to improve the current environmental situation, mainly caused by widespread pollution in the country.
Generation Z's appetite for traditional food: unveiling the interplay of sustainability values as higher order construct and food influencers in Indonesia
Authors: Kristia Kristia , Kovács Sándor , Erdey László
Published: December 2024

Promoting traditional food consumption has the potential to accelerate the achievement of sustainable goals since these foods are generally produced with natural local ingredients, are affordable and widely available, support local economies, and suit the tastes of many young Indonesians. This study aims to examine the unique interplay between sustainability value of traditional food as a higher-order construct, food influencer, hedonic attitude, utilitarian attitude and interest in traditional food consumption among Generation Z Indonesians within the framework of Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) and Value-Attitude-Behaviour (V-A-B) theories. This study analysed 1,292 valid questionnaire responses using Partial Least Squares Path Modelling through SMART-PLS 4 software. The results showed that despite having a significant influence, sustainability value and food influencers have a minimal effect on promoting traditional food consumption. Notably, the utilitarian attitude had a more prominent mediating effect than the hedonic attitude. To optimise the sustainable impact of traditional food consumption, policymakers are advised to educate young people more about the positive environmental impact of these foods through food influencers and other educational institutions. They should also collaborate with traditional food producers to carry out sustainable production but maintain their cost efficiency in production so that they can still provide meals that are affordable, satiating, and nutritious, following the utilitarian preferences of young consumers.
Meaningfulness, feasibility, and usability of quality-of-care measures for maternal and infant health: A structured mixed-methods review
Authors: Theis Ryan P. , Mkuu Rahma S. , Marmol Hannah , Silva Lauren , Reeder Callie , Bahorski Jessica , Smith Erica , Smulian John C. , Wen Tony S. , Redinger Amanda , Blake Tabresha , Shenkman Elizabeth A. , Lemas Dominick J.
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

Improving access to and quality of maternal and infant healthcare are important leverage points to address worsening maternal and infant health disparities in the USA. This study evaluates the comprehensiveness of existing maternal and infant quality-of-care measures to identify aspects of quality that need greater attention in quality measurement.

Study design:

We conducted a structured, team-based qualitative review of 88 maternal and infant health measures indexed by the National Quality Forum (NQF), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). We assessed discrete elements relevant to meaningfulness, feasibility, and usability following AHRQ National Quality Strategy (NQS) criteria, with input from researcher, clinician, and citizen scientist investigators. Descriptive statistics on coded measures were calculated using SPSS.

Results:

The most common AHRQ NQS priorities addressed were mortality (60%) and safety (48%). Average scores across elements were 59% for feasibility, 61% for practice usability, and 31% for policy usability. Fewer measures addressed coordination, affordability, or patient engagement in the postpartum period. Only 23% of measures were endorsed by NQF, only 17% of measures had publicly available benchmarks, and only 14% had specifications updated in the year prior to review.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study can inform the specification of a comprehensive, updated system for maternal and infant quality-of-care evaluation and can facilitate the development of new quality-of-care measures that address underrepresented maternal and infant health issues.
Política de clases y confianza en los sindicatos en América Latina
Authors: Pérez-Ahumada Pablo , Carrasco Kevin
Published: December 2024

En este artículo, estudiamos qué factores individuales y contextuales explican la confianza en los sindicatos latinoamericanos. Utilizando datos de Latinobarómetro (2018–2020), mostramos que la confianza en los sindicatos es mayor entre personas de clase trabajadora y clase media asalariada, así como entre quienes se identifican con la izquierda y confían más en las instituciones políticas. A nivel contextual, la confianza es mayor en países neo-desarrollistas (por ejemplo, Brasil y Uruguay) y menor en países capitalistas tercerizados (por ejemplo, México y países centroamericanos). Contrario a nuestra hipótesis, también encontramos que la confianza en los sindicatos es alta en Chile (un país liberal-rentista con sindicatos débiles) y baja en algunos países redistributivo-rentistas (Venezuela) y neo-desarrollistas (Argentina). Para explicar estos resultados, analizamos cómo la confianza en los sindicatos depende de aspectos contextuales como la informalidad laboral, el desempleo, la inflación, el poder de los partidos de izquierda y el nivel de movilización social.
Luminescence and radiocarbon chronology of Bhagatrav: A Sorath Harappan camp site in South Gujarat
Authors: Kanungo Alok Kumar , Kaushal Rahul Kumar , Bhushan Ravi , Chauhan Naveen , Kharakwal Jeewan Singh , Ansari Shahida
Published: December 2024

Excavation at the site of Bhagatrav yielded four layers of cultural deposits: the lowermost being the Sorath Harappan, the upper two are medieval, and layer three caps the Sorath Harappan layer. A horn-deity painted dish was found in a stratified context at the lowest level. The medieval deposit includes turquoise glazed and celadon wares, followed by an abundance of Monochrome Glazed Ware, which is otherwise known as Khambhat ware. The date of the Sorath Harappan layer of the site, the time and space of the horn-deity motif in the Harappan world, and the date of Khambhat ware have long been subjects of discussion. With the help of a series of absolute dating (radiocarbon and luminescence), this paper attempts to place the site, horn-deity motif, and the Khambhat ware in the cultural chronology of Gujarat.
Unforgotten shadows: exploring the dynamics of Biafra agitation in south-east Nigeria
Authors: Obi-Ani Ngozika Anthonia
Published: December 2024

Since 2015, the south-eastern region of Nigeria has experienced sporadic outbursts of aggression spearheaded by Biafran separatist agitators. However, the latter part of the 2010s has witnessed a marked increase in the fervent endeavours of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) activists within the same area as they passionately pursue their aspirations for self-determination. Central to their approach is enforcing a compulsory weekly ‘sit-at-home’ policy, effectively establishing a quasi-sovereign enclave within the region. The prevalence of social media has provided a prominent platform for propagating secessionist sentiments. IPOB also advocates vigilante justice against individuals who dare to flout the mandated Monday sit-at-home order. An alarming manifestation of this stance can be gleaned from a tweet containing a chilling threat: ‘[I]f you come out, we will kill you, hang your head, and upload it.’ In response to these developments, the Nigerian state has assumed a resolute stance, taking action to proscribe IPOB and declaring any social gatherings of south-eastern youths a ‘state of exception’. As this article examines IPOB’s sit-at-home directive and the escalating focus on fear and retribution against transgressors in the south-eastern region, it adopts a comprehensive methodology that integrates oral interviews, focus group discussions, analysis of newspaper editorials, books and journal articles, and the tracking of relevant online hashtags for the purpose of data generation and analysis. Adopting securitization theory, this article offers an interpretative lens to comprehend the intricate issues at stake.
Crossroads: leprosy, Igbo cosmology and cultural worldviews
Authors: Eze Odinaka Kingsley
Published: December 2024

This research examines the continuity and changes in Igbo thoughts on leprosy by exploring Igbo cosmology and its relationship with Christian and colonial ideas about the disease. The perception of leprosy in precolonial Igboland reveals a shocking similarity with the later Judeo-Christian identity and the perception of leprosy that dominated the area during colonialism. It argues that colonial and Christian missionary ideas did not radically transform the perceptions of leprosy in south-eastern Nigeria. Instead, what happened was merely an adaptation and continuity of prevailing thoughts about the disease. Using oral evidence, archival materials and existing anthropological works on Igbo worldviews and cosmology, this research shows the changes in the colonial socio-cultural knowledge of leprosy. After careful analysis, it concludes that, while colonial medicine and the missionaries’ idea of leprosy healed leprosy sufferers and transformed their identity, most Igbo people continued conceptualizing the disease as an aberration and maintained the stigmatization of sufferers.
EXIT RIGHTS, SEAMLESS BORDERS AND THE NEW CARCERAL STATE
Authors: Macklin Audrey
Published: December 2024

The human right to leave any country protects an intrinsic interest in free movement and is also a vital pre-condition to seeking asylum. The right to leave attracts little academic interest, but it is quietly being eroded. Exit restrictions in States of origin or transit have become an instrument of extraterritorial migration control for European Union Member States seeking to prevent the arrival of unwanted migrants. This article first explores the revival of exit restrictions, focusing on agreements between European destination States and select African States of departure. It argues that the adoption of exit restrictions from one State to prevent entry to another creates the paradox of seamless borders, where regulation of exit and entry are harmonized and fused to serve the singular objective of preventing entry to the destination State. The article further argues that the political and discursive coupling of anti-smuggling and search-and-rescue regimes occlude the rights-violating character of exit restrictions and enables breach of the right to leave to hide in plain sight. Additionally, current approaches to jurisdiction and State responsibility in regional and international courts render the prospect of destination State liability uncertain in circumstances where the destination State does not exercise legal and physical control over enforcement. The article draws on ‘crimmigration’ and border criminology literature to identify the common element of carcerality that connects confinement of migrants to the territory of departure States with migrant detention inside the territory. Beyond lamenting the erosion of exit rights, the article concludes by querying whether the erosion of the right to leave is symptomatic of a larger trend toward the regulation of mobility itself.
Legal Imperatives for the Implementation of Energy Auctions in Nigeria
Authors: Nwangwu George , Nwankwo Chidebe Matthew
Published: December 2024

With the passage of the Climate Change Act, and to help meet its net zero obligations by 2060, Nigeria must transition from its dependence on fossil fuel energy sources to renewable energy. This will involve the procurement of large amounts of renewable energy by the government. In the past, procurement of power from the government-owned bulk trader has been chaotic, with no discernible strategy, and it is doubtful whether the government or Nigeria's citizens have derived value for money from the process. This article suggests a transition from the current, mostly unsolicited, proposal system to energy auctions, as the authors believe that this will help the country achieve low prices for renewable energy. The article also examines polices that have been implemented in other countries to drive energy auctions, with a view to applying relatable practices to the Nigerian exercise.
Nitrogen nutrition for cotton in a semi-arid environment
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Abbas Ghulam , Tariq Muhammad , Fatima Zartash , Wahab Ahmad Abdul , Ahmed Mukhtar , Wilkerson Carol Jo , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) is the most significant nutrient affecting crop growth and development for all types of crops, except legumes. The goal of this study was to optimize the N level for cotton grown in a semi-arid environment to enhance growth and development, determine N status, and increase seed cotton yield and biomass. Two independent field experiments each three years in duration were conducted, from 2007 to 2009 (Exp.-I) and 2018 to 2020 (Exp.-II). Experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The N treatments in Exp.-I were comprised of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N/ha, while treatments in Exp.-II were comprised of 0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg N/ha. A wide range of data sets for cotton traits were recorded, including canopy height, leaf area index, the N status of the leaf and stem, seed cotton yield and time-series biomass data. The higher N rates 240 and 280 kg N/ha performed better for all these traits. However, the highest leaf N contents were recorded for 210 kg N/ha. Based on these results, it is suggested that under semi-arid conditions, slightly higher rates than optimum or recommended N rates could be applied as a strategy by cotton growers for a higher seed cotton yield. The findings of this study may also increase profitability in other cotton-growing areas that have similar weather conditions.
Epidemiology and transmission patterns of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis within a One Health framework in rural areas of Eastern Algeria
Authors: Maxamhud Sadiya , Reghaissia Nassiba , Laatamna AbdElKarim , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: December 2024

Gastrointestinal infections constitute a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, caused by various pathogens. Among these, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are noteworthy due to their zoonotic potential. In Algeria, molecular epidemiological data on cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are limited. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to examine the transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis in various households. A total of 216 samples were collected from the rural Guelma and Souk Ahras provinces, located in the eastern part of Algeria. These included human and animal faeces, as well as water and soil samples. DNA was extracted, followed by nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene to detect Cryptosporidium spp., while the gp60 gene was amplified for subtyping. Detection of G. duodenalis was performed by qPCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene, followed by amplification of tpi, bg and gdh genes for genotyping and subtyping. Several Cryptosporidium species, including C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni and C. parvum, were identified in human, animal and environmental samples. The zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIaA17G2R1 was detected in human, animal and soil samples. Giardia duodenalis assemblage B was detected in a human sample, while assemblage E was found in cattle and sheep. The current investigation underscores the importance of the One Health approach in addressing issues related to intestinal parasites, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and control measures in rural settings.
GESTURES, ACTIONS AND PLAY IN BJÖRN HEILE'S 3 × 10 MUSICAL ACTIONS FOR THREE SOCIALLY DISTANCED PERFORMERS
Authors: Campbell Edward , Souza Jonathan De , Jensenius Alexander Refsum
Published: December 2024

Björn Heile's 3 × 10 Musical Actions for Three Socially Distanced Performers features frequent changes in musical material, playing style and instrumental combinations. Throughout a series of short sections, the performers play, sing, speak, conduct and move around, following instructions that appear on tablets. This article reflects on audiences’ experiences of the work and on musical actions more generally. We consider musical actions as short, coherent motion chunks and distinguish between several types of action that appear in the piece: gestures (communicative actions, with or without sound), reactions (where a player responds to another) and interactions (where players mutually coordinate). The musicians’ individual and collective actions create a sense of play: on the one hand, they seem free and depart from standard concert conventions; on the other hand, they seem to be following a set of rules, even if these rules are not explained to the audience. As such, we approach the piece via theories of play and relate it to earlier modernist musical games. Ultimately, 3 × 10 Musical Actions emphasises several aspects of musical actions, as social, functional, expressive, playful and embodied.
OF EMBODIED MUSICAL SPACES AND THEIR CREATIVE AMBIGUITY
Authors: Iddon Martin , Jan Oli , MacDonald Raymond , Schiavio Andrea
Published: December 2024

Some musics and musical situations seem to invite the audience to participate; others insist that the audience should absorb the events of performance in rapt attention. A slippage between such distinctions can also arise: a moment where an audience might be uncertain as to whether joining in is desired or welcome. In an examination of such a moment of uncertainty or surprise, at the close of Raymond MacDonald's Stolen in a Dreamland Heist (2021), we suggest that such events point towards and perform the particular creative spaces and spacing effects that arise in musical events in ways which draw attention to the affective bodily relationships between performers and auditors. The article takes the form of its own nested dialogue: an interview with the composer forms its central portion, framed within theoretical examination both of that critical moment within performance and the reflections on it the interview reveals.
Happy to chat? Understanding older people’s attitudes and experiences of talking to strangers
Authors: Yen Dorothy A. , Cappellini Benedetta , Jen Ming-yao , Victor Christina
Published: December 2024

Extant literature shows that small conversations with strangers can help improve individuals’ wellbeing while reducing feelings of loneliness. Nevertheless, previous studies on talking to strangers tend to focus on young participants in controlled experimental settings, leaving a gap in understanding older adults’ experiences and their likelihood of adopting talking to strangers as part of their daily healthy ageing practices. Considering the problem of worsened social isolation and loneliness among older people during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more important to include them in the promotion of social inclusion through micro-conversations with strangers. To understand older adults’ attitudes and experiences of talking to strangers, this study interviewed 19 older people based on their trial of talking to strangers over a three-month period. Findings reveal that their willingness and confidence varied by age and gender, with retired individuals being more active in engaging with strangers. Time constraints and lack of self-efficacy were identified as barriers, particularly among those still working or with caregiving responsibilities. Rather than personal gains, the act of kindness towards others was emphasised as the key motive. These insights are valuable for policy makers and organisations supporting older people’s wellbeing, highlighting the potential for older individuals to serve as conversation initiators, promoting mutual kindness and wellbeing in communities.