bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-aided selection of CPT-based transformation models using field monitoring data from a specific project
Authors: Tian Hua-Ming , Wang Yu , Shi Chao
Published: December 2024

Transformation models have been widely used in geotechnical engineering to relate data from lab or field tests (e.g., cone penetration tests, CPT) to design parameters required in geotechnical analysis and design. Proper selection of transformation models is crucial but challenging for accurate prediction of geotechnical responses (e.g., reclamation-induced settlement) in practice. This study proposes a general machine learning framework that accommodates a wide variety of existing CPT-based transformation models and uses field monitoring data (e.g., settlement data observed from a specific project) to select suitable transformation models for improving prediction of spatiotemporally varying reclamation-induced settlement. The proposed approach takes advantage of sparse dictionary learning (SDL) and achieves prediction of settlement by a linear weighted sum of dictionary atoms that are constructed using outputs from finite element models (FEM) of reclamation-induced consolidation. Input parameters of the FEM models are determined using existing transformation models in literature. A transformation model database that relates multiple soil consolidation parameters with CPT data is also compiled for consolidation analysis and dictionary construction in SDL. The proposed approach is illustrated using a real reclamation project in Hong Kong. Results show that the proposed approach provides an effective and transparent vehicle to leverage existing abundant transformation models, identify appropriate transformation models using field monitoring data, and improve prediction of spatiotemporally varying reclamation-induced settlement, with greatly reduced prediction uncertainty. The transformation model selection and settlement prediction are also improved continuously as more field monitoring data are obtained.
Dynamiken des Klimakonflikts: Eskalation, Gegeneskalation und De-Eskalation seit Fridays for Future und der Letzten Generation
Authors: August Vincent
Published: December 2024

Der Konflikt um die politische Reaktion auf den Klimawandel ist trotz weiterer Krisen präsent geblieben. Da sich das Konfliktgeschehen weiterentwickelt, bedarf die Forschung ständiger Aktualisierungen. Zugleich fokussiert sie sich zurzeit stark auf die Bewegungsseite, oft auf einzelne Protestgruppen. In diesem Artikel wird demgegenüber eine konflikttheoretische Perspektive vorgeschlagen, die die Analyse kategorial ausweitet. Dadurch werden drei maßgebliche Beiträge geleistet: Erstens wird die Entwicklungsdynamik des Konflikts im Zeitverlauf über mehrere Gruppen hinweg rekonstruiert und auf Mechanismen der Eskalation und De-Eskalation zurückgeführt (Organisation und Exhaustion von Solidarität, Allianzen, Ressourcen). Zweitens zeigt der Beitrag eine konflikttheoretisch erwartbare Gegeneskalation auf, die für den Konfliktverlauf entscheidend ist. Vor dem Hintergrund von (Gegen‑)Eskalation und De-Eskalation werden drittens Verhältnis und Strategiewechsel von Gruppierungen wie Fridays for Future und Letzter Generation diskutiert. Insgesamt plädiert der explorative Beitrag für eine breitere Analyse der Konfliktkonstellationen und -dynamiken, exploriert die Entwicklung von 2018 bis zum Jahreswechsel 2023/2024 anhand einer umfänglichen Dokumentensammlung und zeigt neue Forschungsrichtungen auf. Die Konflikttheorie bietet dabei einen Rahmen, der mehrere Ebenen einbezieht und zudem die Forschung zu Protesten und climate obstruction ins Gespräch bringen kann.
Editorial: Topical Collection “Ethical and Societal Implications of AgeTech”
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni , Sixsmith Andrew
Published: December 2024

AgeTech refers to a growing sector that is advancing the use of technologies, such as information and communication technologies (ICTs), mobile technologies, robotics, wearables and smart home systems to enhance the lives of older adults. Although AgeTech can be seen as an opportunity for empowering older people and enhance their overall quality of life, crucial ethical issues have to be addressed. The articles in this topical collection focus on these and other ethical questions, particularly in respect to key emerging technologies of AI and robotics. The overall aim is to explore the multifaceted ethical landscape of emerging AgeTech and to provide frameworks and strategies for ethically-appropriate technologies that support the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults.
Technological Remedies for Social Problems: Defining and Demarcating Techno-Fixes and Techno-Solutionism
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug , Selinger Evan
Published: December 2024

Can technology resolve social problems by reducing them to engineering challenges? In the 1960s, Alvin Weinberg answered yes, popularizing the term “techno-fix” in the process. The concept was immediately criticized and over time evolved into a disparaging term—a synonym for unrealistic technological proposals and their advocates. As the debate progressed, skepticism grew to include condemnation of a related term: “techno-solutionism.” Despite extensive criticism, both “techno-fix” and “techno-solutionism” remain ill-defined concepts. In this article, we provide more precise definitions and clearly distinguish between techno-fixes and techno-solutionism through conceptual engineering. By refining these concepts, we aim to advance the discussion and lay the groundwork for more productive analyses of the role of technology in solving social problems.
Autopsy characteristics of deaths due to pulmonary thromboembolism in northern and western denmark: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Christensen Martin Roest , Larsen Annesofie Bjerrum , Boel Lene Warner Thorup
Published: December 2024

Because pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has an inherent high risk of sudden and unexpected death, this condition is a classic entity in forensic casework. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics surrounding deaths from PTE. We conducted a retrospective study from 2010 to 2019 at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Aarhus, Denmark. We recorded demographic characteristics, risk factors, comorbidities, and autopsy findings, including BMI. Furthermore, we contextualized the role of forensic autopsy in terms of determining the correct cause of death (COD).

Among the 3,572 autopsies, 58 had PTE as the main COD (1.6%), whereas only 0.3% of the deaths in the Danish COD registry were attributed to PTE in the same period. The decedents had a mean age of 52 years (range 19–87), and although the majority had preexisting comorbidities, approximately one-third died suddenly and unexpectedly. Additionally, more than half (35/58) of the decedents died in an out-of-hospital setting, and only a few of these (6/35) reported symptoms prior to death, underscoring the insidiousness of the condition. We identified a mean BMI of 32.7 among the decedents, with more than half of them (30/58) having a BMI ≥ 30.

In conclusion, obesity is a major risk factor for fatal PTE. The blurred clinical presentation of PTE underscores the importance of an autopsy to determine the correct COD, and with an increased autopsy rate, the true prevalence may well be higher.
Who thinks the media is hostile?! An examination of individual differences predicting the hostile media effect concerning news media coverage of individuals with a migratory background in Germany
Authors: Sindermann Cornelia
Published: December 2024

The present study explores individual differences related to the perception of the media coverage of immigrants as biased. Building on previous research, relations with the extremity in preexisting attitudes toward immigrants and in affective ratings of non-immigrants versus immigrants are examined. Additionally, the present study extends previous work by investigating dogmatism and intellectual humility, including their potential moderating roles on the relations of extremity in attitudes and affective ratings with perceived media bias. A sample of N = 212 (59% men) individuals from the general German population completed self-reports on their preexisting attitudes and affective ratings, as well as dogmatism and intellectual humility online. Moreover, participants rated their perception of news media coverage of immigrants as biased against their views. Results indicate that particularly more extreme negative attitudes toward immigrants and affective ratings favoring non-immigrants relative to immigrants are positively associated with perceiving the media coverage of immigrants as biased. No robust relations of dogmatism, intellectual humility, or their interactions with the extremity scores with perceived media bias were found. These findings underline the importance of negative extremity in (out) group-related attitudes and affect in perceiving the media coverage as biased. New approaches investigating media perceptions from a group-related perspective are discussed.
Data-Driven Framework for the Techno-Economic Assessment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Pyrolysis
Authors: Okolie Jude A. , Moradi Keon , Rogachuk Brooke E. , Narra Bala Nagaraju , Ogbaga Chukwuma C. , Okoye Patrick U. , Adeleke Adekunle A.
Published: December 2024

The aviation sector plays a vital role in global transportation, economic growth, and social integration. However, its rapid expansion has led to increased emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provides a promising solution by offering a clean-burning, renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel. SAF can be produced through various processes and feedstocks, significantly reducing the aviation industry’s environmental footprint. Fast pyrolysis (FP) presents a cost-effective and scalable approach for SAF production due to its low-cost feedstocks, rapid reaction times, and simpler technology. However, estimating the economic viability of FP for SAF production is complex and labor-intensive, requiring detailed process models and numerous assumptions. Furthermore, determining the relationship between feedstock properties and the minimum selling price (MSP) of the fuel can be challenging. To address these challenges, this study developed a data-driven framework for the preliminary estimation of SAF's MSP from FP. Synthetic data was generated using Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE), and hyperparameter optimization was performed using Grid Search to enhance model accuracy and predictions. Five surrogate models were evaluated: linear regression, gradient boost regression (GBR), random forest (RF), extreme boost regression (XGBoost), and elastic net. Among these, GBR and RF showed the most promise, based on metrics such as R2, RMSE, and MAE for both original and synthetic datasets. Specifically, GBR achieved a Train R2 of 0.9999 and a Test R2 of 0.9277, while RF recorded Train and Test R2 scores of 0.9789 and 0.9255, respectively. The use of data from the VAE further improved model accuracy. Additionally, a publicly accessible graphical user interface was developed, enabling researchers to estimate the MSP of SAF based on biomass properties, plant capacity, and location.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Facilitates Susceptibility to Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Lin Xiaomin , Lin Chun , Li Xin , Yao Fen , Guo Xiaoling , Wang Meimei , Zeng Mi , Yuan Yumeng , Xie Qingdong , Huang Xudong , Jiao Xiaoyang
Published: December 2024

To study the role of intestinal flora in the development of bloodstream infections (BSIs). 42 patients and 19 healthy controls (HCs) were screened into the study and their intestinal flora was measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterial diversity was significantly lower in the BSI group compared with that in the HCs (P < 0.001), and beta diversity was significantly differentiated between the two groups (PERMANOVA, P = 0.001). The four keystone species [Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, and Enterococcus (LDA > 4)] differed significantly between the two groups. Dysbiosis of fecal microbial ecology is a common condition present in patients with BSI. The proliferation of certain pathogens or reduction of SCFA-producing bacteria would cause susceptibility to BSI.
Identity Experiences, Group Consciousness, and Collective Action Among Bisexual Individuals: An Investigation of Identity-Based Pathways That Facilitate and Constrain Collective Action Through Multiple Levels of Influence
Authors: Hung Fei Nga , Chan Randolph C. H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Social identity has been recognized as a central factor explaining participation in collective action. Previous studies have predominantly focused on collective action within sexual minority groups as a whole. However, there is a need to explore the specific experiences of bisexual individuals who face distinct challenges due to monosexism. Currently, limited research has been conducted to understand the underlying mechanism that connects bisexual identity experiences to engagement in collective action. The present study examined group consciousness at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels as a mediating mechanism between various aspects of bisexual identity experiences and collective action among bisexual individuals.

Methods

A total of 162 individuals who identified as bisexual completed the questionnaire on bisexual identity experiences (i.e., illegitimacy of bisexuality, anticipated binegativity, internalized binegativity, and identity affirmation), group consciousness, and collective action.

Results

The results revealed that anticipated binegativity and internalized binegativity were associated with collective action through commitment to social justice, whereas anticipated binegativity and identity affirmation were related to collective action through community connectedness. Moreover, illegitimacy of bisexuality was linked to different identity experiences, which in turn contributed to participation in collective action through group consciousness.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

This study offers empirical evidence highlighting the significance of group consciousness as a fundamental process that mobilizes collective action within the bisexual community. These results have important implications for clinical, educational, and community practices aimed at fostering bisexual group consciousness and reducing stigma associated with bisexuality.
Positive Outcomes of Long-Term Relationship Satisfaction Trajectories in Stable Romantic Couples: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Roth Michelle , Landolt Selina A. , Nussbeck Fridtjof W. , Weitkamp Katharina , Bodenmann Guy
Published: December 2024

Growing evidence challenges the longstanding assumption of a universal decline in relationship satisfaction for all couples by demonstrating variability in the change. However, knowledge about how differential long-term trajectories of relationship satisfaction are associated with positive individual functioning is lacking. Using dyadic latent class growth analysis, we studied long-term trajectories of relationship satisfaction of N = 300 mixed-gender couples over 10 years and examined positive outcomes in latent subgroups. At the final assessment, partners reported on positive outcomes, specifically affect, mental health, and life satisfaction. Depending on their subgroup membership, couples systematically differed: Couples in the subgroup with high initial and relatively stable relationship satisfaction reported the most favorable outcomes—more positive affect, better mental health, and higher life satisfaction—as compared to subgroups with declining and/or lower relationship satisfaction. The findings show the importance of considering the variability in long-term relationship satisfaction trajectories and point to their relevance for positive functioning.
Meromorphic functions that share three limit values with their derivatives
Authors: Sauer Andreas
Published: December 2024

Let f be a transcendental meromorphic function in the complex plane. We prove that if f and $$f'$$

f
′

share three finite limit values, then f and $$f'$$

f
′

share all limit values. If f is entire, two finite shared limit values with $$f'$$

f
′

give the same conclusion.
Neonatal diabetes due to KCNJ11 pathogenic variant and its associated late risks
Authors: Gaidamaviciene Gabija , Traberg Rasa , Mockeviciene Giedre , Aldakauskiene Ilona
Published: December 2024

Neonatal diabetes, characterized by hyperglycemia within the first 6 months of life, is a rare disorder primarily caused by monogenic mutations, exhibiting diverse clinical manifestations. KCNJ11 and ABCC8 pathogenic variants account for most permanent neonatal diabetes cases. We report a case of a 2-day-old presenting with hyperglycemia and later diagnosed with a KCNJ11 pathogenic variant. The male newborn was born in the 35th week of pregnancy. Capillary glucose levels started to rise at the 36th hour of life. A continuous infusion of insulin was started at the 96th hour of life. The need for insulin remained constant. Genetic analysis confirmed a heterozygous pathogenic KCNJ11 gene variant NM_000525.4:c.175G > A p.(Val59Met) via Sanger sequencing (conducted at The Exeter Genomics Laboratory). This variant is associated with neonatal diabetes and a high likelihood of DEND (developmental delay, epilepsy, neonatal diabetes) syndrome. Glibenclamide therapy was started at the age of 57 days. Follow-up visits with the neurology and endocrinology teams showed good glycemic control with glibenclamide, a slight delay in motor development, and no epilepsy. Despite the rarity of genetic neonatal diabetes, it should be considered in infants with persistent hyperglycemia. In some cases, diabetes can be successfully managed with oral sulphonylurea agents, so rapid genetic testing and initiation of appropriate medication are extremely important because they significantly improve quality of life as well as general outcomes.
Deep Learning Algorithm for Optimized Sensor Data Fusion in Fault Diagnosis and Tolerance
Authors: Elhoseny M. , Rao Deepak Dasaratha , Veerasamy Bala Dhandayuthapani , Alduaiji Noha , Shreyas J. , Shukla Piyush Kumar
Published: December 2024

Environmental perception is one of the key technologies to realize autonomous vehicles. The fault diagnosis process involves identifying the fault that occurred or the cause of the out-of-control condition. Here, the major objective is to locate problems in detection by analysing previous data or sequential patterns of data that cause failure. This study evaluates the use of deep learning for improved sensor data fusion in fault identification and tolerance using the KITTI dataset. The input video from the dataset has been transformed to frames through median filtering. Next, feature extraction is applied to a preprocessed image, resulting in the fusion of sensor data. Data fusion is then carried out utilizing an enhanced RPN (region proposal network). The enhanced RPN also has a loss function (object detection loss, bounding box loss and target classification loss), an estimate of ROI and feature extraction network (FEN). Through the use of the COOT connected blue monkey optimization (CCBMO) model, the weight of the optimally enhanced RPN is established. Next, using global non-maximum suppression with both global and local confidence, fault identification and tolerance are carried out. From the analysis, it clearly shows that proposed method accomplished better results in terms of accuracy, precision and specificity of 97.78%, 93.76% and 93.43%, respectively, when compared with various conventional models with respect to diverse performance measures.
Newton–Cotes quadrature formula, 3/8 rule, and Boole’s rule integration of the Current minus the Short-Circuit Current, to obtain the Co-Content function and photovoltaic device parameters with more precision, in the case of constant percentage noise
Authors: Rangel-Kuoppa Victor-Tapio
Published: December 2024

In this article, the Newton–Cotes quadrature formula, the 3/8 rule, and the Boole’s rule integration techniques are used to integrate the Current minus the Short-Circuit Current, to obtain a more accurate Co-Content function, and from this one, deduce with more accuracy the photovoltaic device parameters, namely, the Shunt Resistance, the Series Resistance, the Ideality Factor, the Saturation Current, and the Light Current, compared with the usually used trapezoidal integration technique. Less than 5% error (in some cases 1% or smaller) can be obtained on the extracted photovoltaic device parameters, for 31 measured points per volt, or less, in case the percentage noise is <0.05%.
Characterizing and sourcing metal air contamination coupling concentrations and lead isotopes from moss biomonitoring in urban cemeteries
Authors: Widory David , Meyer Caroline , Leblond Sébastien , Plasencia Sánchez Edson , Lequy Emeline , Morera-Gómez Yasser
Published: December 2024

Populations are constantly exposed to airborne metals, in particular in urban areas. Despite their proven links to health issues, their origin and fate are still subject to debate. Bioindicators, by taking up and cumulating atmospheric metals over time, have been widely used to proxy environmental quality over large areas, at various time scales. Using the example of the Paris region, we investigated the potential for the Grimmia pulvinata moss species to both characterize air metal contamination and to identify its main sources. To this end, we coupled metal/metalloid (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn) concentrations and Pb isotope ratios from samples collected in cemeteries in the city and its suburbs. Metal enrichment factors ranged between 2 and 10 for As, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sr, V, between 50 and 100 for Cu, Pb and Zn and > 100 for Cd and Sb, indicating a dominant anthropogenic origin. Principal component analysis showed that 3 principal components explained 89% of the metal variations: (i) European atmospheric background, (ii) regional urban sources, and (iii) resuspension of regional soils. This was corroborated by Pb isotope ratios, whose variations were modelled by a ternary mixing that considered the same 3 emission sources. Using a MixSIAR isotope model, we reveal that the European atmospheric background contributes slightly (< ~ 5%) and that within 20 km of the city center bioindicators are mostly impacted by urban sources (contributions: 50–80%). Samples collected > 20 km show almost equal contributions of the endmembers representing urban activities and agricultural soil resuspension.
The Sacred Force of Star Wars Jedi
Authors: Bainbridge William Sims
Published: December 2024

As secularization threatens the stability of traditional religions, Star Wars provides a case study of how key functions of religion may transfer to innovative organizations and subcultures that challenge conventional definitions of faith, sacredness, and revival. This Element therefore examines the vast community of fans, especially gamers, who have turned Star Wars into a parareligion, providing them with a sense of the meaning of life and offering psychological compensators for human problems. The research methods include ethnography, participant observation, census of roles played by gaming participants, and recommender system statistics. The Element also shows the genetic connections between Star Wars and its predecessors in science fiction. Investigating the Star Wars fandom phenomenon – which involves hundreds of thousands of people – illustrates how audience cults and client cults evolve. Ultimately, Star Wars remains culturally and economically significant as we approach completion of its first half-century.
History of science, religion and the ‘big picture’
Authors: Qidwai Sarah
Published: December 2024

The academic subfields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’ have witnessed significant developments in recent decades. Despite historians discrediting outdated narratives, persistent ideas within the public sphere prompt the need for a comprehensive ‘big picture’. This paper examines the historiographical developments in the fields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’, emphasizing the necessity for a ‘big picture’ that acknowledges the intricate histories of these areas. It traces the evolution of both fields, challenging the ‘conflict thesis’ and the ‘Golden Age’ narrative, and advocating for interdisciplinary perspectives that are global. This paper aims to advocate for an approach defining ‘science’ and ‘religion’ within their temporal and geographical contexts, to foster a deeper understanding of their intertwined histories.
Joining Hands to Manage Transboundary Crises: A Comparative Evaluation of Policy Collaboration for Epidemic Prevention in China during SARS and COVID-19
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhang Qiannian , Huang Qi , Mao Qingduo
Published: December 2024

Increasing transboundary crises necessitate the development of crisis management capabilities that transcend boundaries. In such situations, inter-governmental and cross-functional collaboration has become a common practice to address the complexities of governance challenges. This study employs Social Network Analysis to examine the structure, function, and evolution of policy collaboration networks in China in response to COVID-19 and SARS. Since the SARS outbreak, China has embraced a collaborative governance approach, considering the transboundary nature of COVID-19. This approach has led to the involvement of numerous specialized organizations engaged in economic and social development, contributing to the establishment of a larger and more loosely connected collaboration network. While the health department bears the primary responsibility for coordinating public health emergency management, diverse organizations with social governance and economic management functions have also emerged as key actors, providing crucial anti-epidemic information, knowledge, and resources to address this significant cross-border crisis.
Building futures literacy: Nudging civil servants to cope with uncertainties and threats
Authors: Heng Yee-Kuang
Published: December 2024

Threat perception in international relations has received much academic attention and continues to do so. Other contributions to this special section on how leaders feel security dangers or perceive threats with radical uncertainty are closely intertwined with this article’s focus on threats that are vague and not immediately perceptible. Humans possess a capacity for thinking about and imagining the future known as prospection. Faced with threatening futures, can governments prepare their civil servants to systematically manage uncertainties and anticipate dangers? Drawing on empirical data from interviews with foresight practitioners in the United Kingdom and Singapore, this article examines how governments are nudging civil servants to deploy futures techniques as part of threat perception.
Tammarītu, “king of Ḫidalu,” Tammarītu, “king of Elam”
Authors: Sharifi Saeideh
Published: December 2024

The reign of Tammarītu is one of the most enigmatic parts of Neo-Elamite history because documents have attested that two individuals with that name but two different titles, “king of Ḫidalu” and “king of Elam,” played significant roles in the historical events. The lack of dates in many documents complicates establishing a secure chronology and attributing events to Tammarītu, king of Ḫidalu, or Tammarītu II/Tammarītu, king of Elam. Scholars generally agree that the documents in which Tammarītu is called “king of Elam” cannot be attributed to Tammarītu, king of Ḫidalu. However, a comparison of Ashurbanipal's annals with other available documents does not support this viewpoint.
Laboratory study of the breaking and energy distribution of internal solitary waves over a ridge
Authors: Guo Yulin , Chen Xu , Li Qun , Meng Jing
Published: December 2024

The breaking and energy distribution of mode-1 depression internal solitary wave interactions with Gaussian ridges are examined through laboratory experiments. A series of processes, such as shoaling, breaking, transmission and reflection, are captured completely by measuring the velocity field in a large region. It is found that the maximum interface descent (

$a_{max}$

) during wave shoaling is an important parameter for diagnosing the type of wave–ridge interaction and energy distribution. The wave breaking on the ridge depends on the modified blockage parameter

$\zeta _m$

, the ratio of the sum of the upper layer depth and

$a_{max}$

to the water depth at the top of the ridge. As

$\zeta _m$

increases, the interaction type transitions from no breaking to plunging and mixed plunging–collapsing breaking. Within the scope of this experiment, the energy distribution can be characterized solely by

$\zeta _m$

. The transmission energy decreases monotonically with increasing

$\zeta _m$

, and there is a linear relationship between

$\zeta _m^2$

and the reflection coefficient. The value of

$a_{max}$

can be determined from the basic initial parameters of the experiment. Based on the incident wave parameters, the depth of the upper and lower layers, and the topographic parameters, two new simple methods for predicting

$a_{max}$

on the ridge are proposed.
Advocacy campaigns and gender bias in media coverage of elections
Authors: Gessler Theresa , Gilardi Fabrizio , Kubli Maël
Published: December 2024

An unresolved aspect of women's underrepresentation in politics is the media portrayal of female candidates. This paper studies how advocacy campaigns may affect potential bias, leveraging the 2019 Swiss federal elections, which were shaped by two nation-wide, cross-party campaigns advocating for gender equality. The empirical analysis compares the 2015 and 2019 election campaigns, relying on an original dataset of the mentions that all candidates (over 3,700 respectively 4,600) received in over 2.2 million news articles. The analysis produces three main results. First, although in both elections male candidates received more media attention than female candidates did, the gender gap was significantly smaller in 2019 than in 2015. Second, in both elections, male and female candidates tended to be mentioned in conjunction with gender-stereotypical topics. Third, the gender gap in media attention before and after a key women's rights event was similar to that between the corresponding periods in 2015. These findings suggest that the differences observed between 2015 and 2019 are linked to the political campaign at large rather than to a specific event, despite its historical dimensions. The results contribute to the understanding of how advocacy campaigns can change bias in media coverage and, methodologically, to measuring and understanding gendered media coverage of politics.
A unified understanding of the human mind — a neuroethical perspective
Authors: Carrara Alberto
Published: December 2024

This article, titled “A Unified Understanding of the Human Mind - A Neuroethical Perspective,” examines the evolution of the concept of the human mind in Western thought and its integration with neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, and relational dimensions. The author explores how the understanding of the mind has changed over time, influenced by shifts in philosophical paradigms, scientific advancements, and societal perspectives. The article traces the historical development of the mind’s concept, starting from ancient Greece, through influential thinkers like Plato and René Descartes, and progressing to contemporary perspectives. It highlights various philosophical and scientific approaches, including structuralism, functionalism, empiricism, and associationism, which have shaped our understanding of the mind. The article also delves into contemporary integration, where advancements in neuroimaging and the rise of holistic approaches offer a more nuanced understanding of the human mind. The author emphasizes the importance of the relational dimension and the interconnectedness of mental processes, the brain, and the external environment. This integrated perspective can benefit psychiatric treatment and psychological assessments by fostering a holistic approach to mental health. In conclusion, the article advocates for a multidimensional perspective that bridges subjective and objective aspects of human experience, offering promise for theoretical knowledge and practical applications in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience.
Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in clinical and non-clinical populations: a systematic review
Authors: Carpita Barbara , Nardi Benedetta , Bonelli Chiara , Pronestì Cristiana , Tognini Valeria , Cremone Ivan Mirko , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: December 2024

Objective

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by the pursuit of extreme dietary purity due to an exaggerated focus on food quality that could ultimately lead to a new kind of eating disorder. Even though researchers have tried to reach a univocal description of ON, to this date, there is no consensus on its diagnostic criteria, making it considerably more difficult to develop a valid questionnaire for assessing the symptoms of ON and to assess its actual prevalence. The aim of this review was to evaluate and gather scientific evidence about the prevalence of ON in both clinical and non-clinical adult populations, using the main validated scale for ON evaluation.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were reviewed to identify studies in accordance with PRISMA guidelines; at the end of the selection process, 62 studies were included.

Results

Prevalence rates of ON vary greatly due to the differences in psychometric qualities of the tools used and the socio-cultural norms of the countries, with the lowest being obtained with the Dusseldorf orthorexic scale (DOS) (2.6% up to 36.7% in cancer survivor women) and the BOS-T (12.8% up to 34.7%), the greatest variability concerning the two thresholds of the ORTO-15 (14.6% with the >35 threshold and up to 86% with the >40 threshold) and the higher score being reported with the ORTO-11 in post-partum women (87.7%).

Conclusions

Additional research is necessary to support the development of a thorough, sensitive, and valid questionnaire for assessing the symptoms of ON.
The aspectual entailments of telicity markers in German: evidence from non-native and native speakers
Authors: Oliveira Duarte
Published: December 2024

In German, it has been shown that the semantic entailments associated with telicity markers are acquired early and that speakers will turn to semantic–pragmatic principles to determine whether an overt culmination is cancellable (e.g., van Hout, 1998, 2008; Richter & van Hout, 2013; Schulz & Penner, 2002; Schulz & Ose, 2008). Here, we test the interpretation of three types of telicity markers by Portuguese L2 speakers of German, as well as Portuguese–German bilinguals and German monolinguals. A Bayesian analysis shows that Portuguese L2 speakers of German have difficulty processing telicity with resultative particles but show target-like performances with bounded DPs and adjectival markers. Our analysis also shows that bilingual and monolingual speakers display no substantial differences in their understanding of telicity entailments, albeit with some variability regarding particle markers. I argue that the existing variation may be due to effects of lexical knowledge and transparency.
Humanity on the final frontier: Challenges in applying international humanitarian law to modern military space operations
Authors: Kuplic G. Blair , Sawmiller Jonathan
Published: December 2024

This article provides the personal perspectives of US military operational attorneys and analyzes three significant challenges in applying international humanitarian law (IHL) to modern military space operations: the lack of clear standards for assessing when IHL rules govern particular military activities in outer space; the challenges of effectively distinguishing between civilian objects and military objectives when targeting space systems; and the difficulties of applying IHL rules of proportionality when attacking space systems. To address these challenges, the article argues that States should take steps to develop non-binding norms for military space operations that contribute to broader understanding of States’ views on how IHL applies in space.
In the Interest of Millennials? Exploring Generational Representation in US State Legislatures
Authors: Rouse Stella M. , Hunt Charles , Barth Jay
Published: December 2024

The literature on representation has shown that those who reflect the characteristics, traits, and/or experiences of a group (descriptive representation) are more likely to represent that group’s interests (substantive representation). In this paper, we argue that questions about representation should be considered with regard to generational identity. Drawing upon research that shows the importance of the Millennial Generation identity for understanding Millennials’ attitudes and policy preferences, we look at whether this identity matters for the legislative representation of group interests by examining bill sponsorship activity in 31 state legislatures. Our results tentatively support the expectation that the Millennial generation identity conditions the sponsorship of Millennial interest bills. Millennial legislators are more likely than non-Millennial legislators to sponsor bills that disproportionately impact their group members. This result is observed among both Democrat and Republican legislators, but at different magnitudes and for different issue priorities. These findings suggest that the Millennial generation identity is a meaningful determinant of legislative behavior, even when examined alongside partisanship.
The Mechanism of Scale Selection for Mixed Rossby‐Gravity Waves in the Upper Troposphere and the Upper Stratosphere
Authors: Mahó S. I. , Žagar N. , Lunkeit F. , Vasylkevych S.
Published: December 2024

Mixed Rossby‐gravity (MRG) waves play a significant role in tropical variability. Their kinetic energy spectra exhibit maximal amplitudes at synoptic scales in the upper troposphere and at planetary scales in the upper stratosphere. The mechanism for different scale selection in the two regions has remained elusive. Here, we use a spherical barotropic model with the background zonal wind profiles derived from ERA5 reanalysis to show that the recently introduced MRG wave excitation mechanism wave‐mean flow interactions produces MRG waves with the observed scale properties in the two regions. Simulations with idealized zonal jets show that the jet position determines the MRG scale selection: the closer the jet to the equator, the smaller the scale of the excited MRG waves. Therefore, midlatitude jets, such as found in the upper stratosphere, support the excitation of planetary‐scale MRG waves.
Manifestations of Strong IMF‐By on the Equatorial Ionospheric Electrodynamics During 10 May 2024 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Vichare Geeta , Bagiya Mala S.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the effects of east‐west component of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF‐By) on the equatorial ionospheric electrodynamics is challenging due to the complex response caused by the simultaneous occurrence of multiple mechanisms during disturbed times. The extreme geomagnetic storm on 10 May 2024 caused by multiple‐ICME interactions accompanied with unprecedented IMF‐By magnitudes and its polarity, changed from west to east by 130 nT during northward IMF‐Bz turning. The ground ionosonde observations of h’F from near‐equatorial locations, along with the latitudinal profiles of plasma densities from Swarm satellites reveal the first observational evidence of the impact of strong IMF‐By near the dusk‐terminator (17–19.5 LT), causing strong dawn‐to‐dusk ionospheric electric fields during northward IMF‐Bz. This electric field produces large uplift of the ionospheric plasma near equator and subsequent super‐fountain effect near the dusk. The combined effect of increased IMF‐By amplitudes and viscous terms might have resulted into the enhanced coupling of solar wind with the magnetosphere.
Diagnosing Excessive Subsidence Across the Southeast Atlantic in the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) During ORACLES‐1
Authors: Collow Allison , Das Sampa , Colarco Peter R. , da Silva Arlindo M. , Miller Mark , Arnold Nathan
Published: December 2024

Complicated by seasonal transport of biomass burning aerosol plumes primarily overlaying the marine stratocumulus‐to‐cumulus transition, the complexity of the atmosphere over the southeast Atlantic Ocean is difficult to represent in models. Biases with respect to the height of the aerosol plume and excessive subsidence have previously been documented in MERRA‐2. This paper further diagnoses these biases, and addresses the unreasonable subsidence over the southeast Atlantic region currently simulated by the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model during the first deployment of the ORACLES campaign in September 2016. Our study is based on model simulations where the meteorological state is constrained by the GEOS‐based MERRA‐2 reanalysis, as well as by ERA5, using the so‐called replay technique. Free running simulations with the GEOS model show excessive subsidence that begins over land such that aerosol transported by the easterly jet reaches a strip of complex terrain and is forced downward; a similar behavior can be found in the MERRA‐2 reanalysis. This excessive subsidence has been somewhat reduced by improved parameterizations found in recent versions of the GEOS model. However, any replay constrained by MERRA‐2 meteorology, even those based on recent versions of GEOS, suffer from the same excessive subsidence. An additional set of simulations in which the GEOS model was free‐running was used to quantify the role of aerosol itself in adjusting the profile of vertical motion. While self‐lofting of biomass burning aerosol reduces the subsidence over the ocean, the magnitude of its impact is only a fraction of the bias in MERRA‐2.
Evaluating Proton Intensities for the SMILE Mission
Authors: Mischel Simon , Kronberg Elena A. , Escoubet C. P.
Published: December 2024

This study introduces five linear regression models developed to accurately predict proton intensities in the critical energy range of 92.2–159.7 keV. To achieve this task we utilized 14 years of data sourced from the Cluster's RAPID experiment and NASA's OMNI database. This data was then aligned with the Solar wind‐Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission's trajectory, to increase model accuracy in the relevant regions. Our approach diverges from existing methodologies by offering a user‐friendly model that doesn't require specialized software, making it accessible for broader applications in satellite mission planning and risk assessment. The research segregates the data set into four distinct regions, each analyzed for proton intensity dynamics. In the outer regions (YGSE) there is a pronounced dependence on radial distance and solar wind speed. In contrast, the inner regions (YGSE) demonstrate a significant dependence of proton intensities on the absolute value of the z‐coordinate and the magnetic field line topology. Our models achieved a Spearman correlation ranging from 0.57 to 0.72 on the test set, indicating good predictive capabilities. The findings emphasize the role of regional characteristics in space weather prediction and underscore the potential for tailored approaches in future research.
Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion inhibits CLIP1-mediated TIRAP ubiquitination via TFPI2 to reduce ischemia‒reperfusion injury of the fatty liver
Authors: Yue Pengpeng , Lv Xiaoyan , Cao Hankun , Zou Yongkang , You Jian , Luo Jun , Lu Zhongshan , Chen Hao , Liu Zhongzhong , Zhong Zibiao , Xiong Yan , Fan Xiaoli , Ye Qifa
Published: December 2024

The use of fatty livers in liver transplantation has emerged as a crucial strategy to expand the pool of donor livers; however, fatty livers are more sensitive to ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI). Excessive congenital inflammatory responses are crucial in IRI. Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) is a novel organ preservation technique that may improve marginal donor liver quality by reducing the inflammatory response. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI2) and CAP-Gly domain-containing linker protein 1 (CLIP1) exhibit modulatory effects on the inflammatory response. However, the underlying mechanisms of HOPE in fatty liver and the effects of TFPI2 and CLIP1 in fatty liver IRI remain unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the impact of HOPE on the inflammatory response in a rat model of fatty liver IRI and the mechanisms of action of TFPI2 and CLIP1. HOPE significantly reduces liver injury, especially the inflammatory response, and alleviates damage to hepatocytes and endothelial cells. Mechanistically, HOPE exerts its effects by inhibiting TFPI2, and CLIP1 can rescue the damaging effects of TFPI2. Moreover, HOPE promoted the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adapter protein (TIRAP) by regulating the binding of R24 of the KD1 domain of TFPI2 with CLIP1, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and reducing IRI. Furthermore, TFPI2 expression increased and CLIP1 expression decreased following cold ischemia in human fatty livers. Overall, our results suggest that targeting the inflammatory response by modulating the TFPI2/CLIP1/TIRAP signaling pathway via HOPE represents a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate IRI during fatty liver transplantation.
IL33-induced neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) mediate a positive feedback loop for synovial inflammation and NET amplification in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tang Jifeng , Xia Jinfang , Gao Huali , Jiang Renquan , Xiao Lianbo , Sheng Huiming , Lin Jinpiao
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the mechanisms driving the induction and sustained presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the synovial microenvironment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Synovial tissue and fluid samples were collected from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA), and NET levels and cytokine concentrations were measured using a cytometric bead array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ability of interleukin-33 (IL-33) to induce NET formation was evaluated using quantitative assays, immunofluorescence staining, live-cell imaging, and electron microscopy. Coincubation experiments of NETs with fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were conducted, and a modified Transwell migration assay was designed to assess neutrophil migration. The role of IL-33 and NETs in RA progression was further investigated using a collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model. The results revealed an increase in NETs and IL-33 levels in the synovial fluid of RA patients, with a significant positive correlation between them. NET formation assays confirmed that IL-33 activates neutrophils to produce NETs and that neutrophils from RA patients exhibit increased responsiveness to IL-33 stimulation. Both in vitro and in vivo evidence has demonstrated that NETs stimulate FLSs to secrete IL-33 and the chemokine CXCL8 via Toll-like receptor 9, promoting further neutrophil recruitment and increasing NET production within the RA synovium. This study reveals a novel positive feedback loop involving NETs and FLSs that is mediated by IL-33 that increases NET accumulation in RA. Targeting IL-33 or NET formation and amplification may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing RA.