bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scientific research training programme for teaching biomedical students to identify the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Fu Jiafang , Zhang Peipei , Yin Xunzhe , Zhu Lingjia , Zong Gongli , Zhong Chuanqing , Cao Guangxiang
Published: November 2024

Worldwide prevalence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria is rapidly increasing, and the education of undergraduates and graduates about antibiotic resistance and its associated horizontal gene transfer is critical in the general effort to confront the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, a deeper understanding of antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer was achieved by biomedical undergraduate students through a scientific research programme. The enthusiasm of students to participate in the training programme was very high, and results revealed that each student could identify the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element from the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MER1 genome. Each student could also draw the phylogenetic relationship of the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element. In addition, students proved the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from S. maltophilia MER1 to Escherichia coli strain 25DN through conjugation and PCR assays. Each group of students was able to obtain the expected results, indicating that the outcome of the scientific research programme was highly reproducible. This programme improved the theoretical knowledge about antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer and the research skills of biomedical sciences students. Through this programme, students learned that antibiotic resistance genes can be horizontally transferred among different bacteria, laying a solid foundation for students to value the importance of the appropriate use of antibiotics in their future work and life.
Seven Years of Monitoring the Development of an Oyster Reef Living Shoreline
Authors: Shinn Jenny P. , Bredes Amy , Bushek David , Kerr Laura , Kreeger Danielle , McCulloch Danielle , Miller Jon , Moody Joshua , Rothermel Ella , Zito-Livingston Adrianna
Published: November 2024

The implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS), including living shorelines, to mitigate estuarine habitat loss is increasing at a pace exceeding the evaluation of their long-term success. Constructed oyster reefs (CORs) made of shell, concrete, stone, and other materials are one living shoreline tactic that is widely utilized, yet few studies have been conducted to understand the development of CORs within the context of both physical and ecological parameters over longer time scales (4 + years). A COR-based living shoreline project at the Gandy’s Beach Preserve (GBP) in Delaware Bay, NJ, USA, had dual goals of coastal protection and habitat provisioning, which prompted the development of a goal-driven monitoring framework to track project objectives. Methods were developed to quantify the following multi-disciplinary metrics over 7 years: elevations of CORs, waves (height, period, and direction), shoreline elevations, change in extent of vegetation patches, oyster density and size, nekton richness and community composition, and horseshoe crab impingement. The CORs met most of their habitat provisioning objectives as they were colonized by a multi-generational population of shellfish and created habitat for nekton, while posing negligible hazards to horseshoe crabs. However, none of the coastal protection objectives was fully achieved including material stability, wave attenuation, and sediment elevation increase. Results highlight the value of longer-term monitoring to understand performance and the need to match the scale and type of NbS tactic(s) with both the scale of the landscape and the site-specific hydrodynamic conditions to meet project goals.
Multiphase flow and reactive transport benchmark for radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Samper Javier , Mon Alba , Ahusborde Etienne , Yu Han , Narkuniene Asta , Hokr Milan , Montenegro Luis , Amaziane Brahim , El Ossmani Mustapha , Xu Tianfu , Yuan Yilong , Šembera Jan , Poskas Gintautas
Published: November 2024

Compacted bentonite is part of the multi-barrier system of radioactive waste repositories. The assessment of the long-term performance of the barrier requires using reactive transport models. Here we present a multiphase flow and reactive transport benchmark for radioactive waste disposal. The numerical model deals with a 1D column of unsaturated bentonite through which water, dry air and $${\hbox {CO}_{2{(g)}}}$$

CO

2

(
g
)

may flow and with the following reactions; aqueous complexation, calcite and gypsum dissolution/precipitation, cation exchange and gas dissolution. INVERSE-FADES-CORE V2, $$\hbox {DuMu}^X$$

DuMu
X

, TOUGHREACT and iCP were benchmarked with 6 test cases of increasing complexity, starting with conservative tracer transport under variably unsaturated conditions and ending with water flow, gas diffusion, minerals and cation exchange. The solutions of all codes exhibit similar trends. Small discrepancies are found in conservative tracer transport due to differences in hydrodynamic dispersion. Computed $${\hbox {CO}_{2{(g)}}}$$

CO

2

(
g
)

pressures agree when a sufficiently refined grid is used. Small discrepancies in $${\hbox {CO}_{2{(g)}}}$$

CO

2

(
g
)

and pH are found near the no-flow boundary at early times which vanish later. Discrepancies are due differences in the formulations used for gas flow at nearly water-saturated conditions. Computed $${\hbox {CO}_{2{(g)}}}$$

CO

2

(
g
)

pressures show a fluctuation between $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

and $$10^{-3}$$

10

-
3

years which slows down the in-diffusion of $${\hbox {CO}_{2{(g)}}}$$

CO

2

(
g
)

. This fluctuation is associated with chemical reactions involving $${\hbox {CO}_{2}}$$

CO
2

. There are discrepancies in solute concentrations due to differences in the Debye–Hückel (DH) formulation. They are overcome when all codes use the same DH formulation. The results of this benchmark will contribute to increase the confidence on multiphase reactive transport models for radioactive waste disposal.
Unleash the power of values: how to conduct better science and cultivate thriving research groups
Authors: Schoenle Laura A. , O’Brien Caleb , Brousseau Jennifer , Wendler Amber
Published: November 2024

It is undesirable — and perhaps impossible — for scientific research to be value-free. In fact, scientists can enhance their research and build more engaged, motivated, and well-functioning research groups by reflecting on their values and intentionally embedding values into all aspects of their research (e.g., choice of research question, funding sources, methodology). Here, we posit that values shape the scientific process and interpersonal dynamics within research groups. We then provide concrete steps to embed values into research by using tools such as values statements, mentoring expectations agreements, and lab handbooks. Finally, we provide a framework for culture-building activities that can encourage productive and fulfilling interactions among all research group members.
Effects of Late-Passage Small Umbilical Cord–Derived Fast Proliferating Cells on Tenocytes from Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears under an Interleukin 1β-Induced Tendinopathic Environment
Authors: Lee Ah-Young , Park Ju-Young , Hwang Sam Joongwon , Jang Kwi-Hoon , Jo Chris Hyunchul
Published: November 2024

Background

Tendinopathy is a chronic tendon disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may lose effectiveness with extensive culturing. Previous research introduced “small umbilical cord–derived fast proliferating cells” (smumf cells), isolated using a novel minimal cube explant method. These cells maintained their MSC characteristics through long-term culture. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of late-passage smumf cells at P10 on tenocytes derived from degenerative rotator cuff tears in a tendinopathic environment.

Methods

The mRNA expression with respect to aging of MSCs and secretion of growth factors (GFs) by smumf cells at P10 were measured. mRNA and protein synthesis in tenocytes with respect to the tenocyte phenotype, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix- degradation enzymes were measured. The inflammatory signal pathways involving nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in tenocytes were also investigated. The proliferative response of degenerative tenocytes to co-culture with smumf cells over 7 days in varying IL-1β induced tendinopathic environments was investigated.

Results

smumf cells at P10 showed no signs of aging compared to those at P3. smumf cells at P10, secreting 2,043 pg/ml of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), showed a 1.88-fold (p = .002) increase in HGF secretion in a tendinopathic environment. Degenerative tenocytes co-cultured with smumf cells showed significantly increased protein expression levels of collagen type I (Col I) and the Col I/III ratio by 1.46-fold (p < .001) and 1.66-fold (p < .001), respectively. The smumf cells at P10 reduced both mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, and -13 in tenocytes and attenuated NF-κB (phosphorylated IκBα/IκBα and phosphorylated p65/p65) and MAPK (phosphorylated p38/p38 and phosphorylated JNK/JNK) pathways activated by IL-1β. Removal of IL-1β from the co-culture accelerated the growth of tenocytes by 1.42-fold (p < .001). Removal of IL-1β accelerated tenocyte growth in co-cultures.

Conculsion

Late-passage smumf cells exert anti-inflammatory effects on tenocytes derived from degenerative rotator cuff tears under a tendinopathic environment, primarily through the secretion of growth factors (GFs).
Tribocorrosion Performance and Cytotoxicity of Additive Manufactured CoCrMo: A Benchmark Against Wrought CoCrMo
Authors: Nothnagel Rosa Maria , Vukonic Leonarda , Bauer Christoph , Váradi Tímea , Linhardt Paul , Franek Friedrich , Nehrer Stefan , Rodríguez Ripoll Manel
Published: November 2024

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has increasingly gained attention as a tool for the fabrication of complex biomedical components, due to the flexibility of the technique for accounting to the patient individuality. Additive manufacturing techniques, like laser beam melting, often result in highly anisotropic microstructures that greatly differ from those obtained in conventionally manufactured alloys. This study evaluates the potential of AM manufactured CoCrMo for body implants as an alternative to the wrought CoCrMo, especially considering tribocorrosion performance in buffered fluid. Its biocompatibility is also assessed via in-vitro cytotoxicity assays. The results show that both materials have a comparable tribocorrosion performance, independently of the manufacturing process, despite their radically different initial microstructure. This results from the microstructural convergence arising from the plastic deformation imparted by sliding motion. While the initially elongated grains of the AM CoCrMo tend to grain refinement, the microstructure of the wrought CoCrMo undergoes grain coarsening, resulting in a similar final grain size detected after the tribocorrosion experiments. The addition of albumin to the phosphate buffer testing fluid, simulating body fluid applications, reduces the grain refinement, particularly under constant 0.21 V, due to lower shear stresses caused by the lower coefficient of friction. Therefore, the initial dissimilarity found in the untested microstructure between the materials does not affect the wear rate nor lead to an increased metal release. As the cytotoxicity is neither impaired by the manufacturing process, the use of AM CoCrMo could be recommended on those biomedical applications requiring wear resistance in body fluid environment.
Variety of General Position Problems in Graphs
Authors: Tian Jing , Klavžar Sandi
Published: November 2024

Let X be a vertex subset of a graph G. Then $$u, v\in V(G)$$

u
,
v
∈
V
(
G
)

are X-positionable if $$V(P)\cap X \subseteq \{u,v\}$$

V
(
P
)
∩
X
⊆
{
u
,
v
}

holds for any shortest u, v-path P. If each two vertices from X are X-positionable, then X is a general position set. The general position number of G is the cardinality of a largest general position set of G and has been already well investigated. In this paper a variety of general position problems is introduced based on which natural pairs of vertices are required to be X-positionable. This yields the total (resp. dual, outer) general position number. It is proved that the total general position sets coincide with sets of simplicial vertices, and that the outer general position sets coincide with sets of mutually maximally distant vertices. It is shown that a general position set is a dual general position set if and only if its complement is convex. Several sufficient conditions are presented that guarantee that a given graph has no dual general position set. The total general position number, the outer general position number, and the dual general position number of arbitrary Cartesian products are determined.
Für eine grundlegende Reform des öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunks
Authors: Feld Lars , Fuest Clemens , Haucap Justus , Schweitzer Heike , Wieland Volker , Wigger Berthold
Published: November 2024

Der öffentlich-rechtliche Rundfunk (ÖRR) steht zu Recht in der Kritik. Mit dem technologischen Fortschritt und einem vielfältigen Medienangebot aus öffentlich-rechtlichen und privaten Sendern, dem Internet, diversen Streaming-Diensten und sozialen Medien haben die Rezipienten ihr Nutzungsverhalten stark verändert. Zudem schwindet die normative Rechtfertigung und gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz des ÖRR, der für kostenintensive Ausgaben sowie eine zu unausgewogene und zuweilen verzerrte Berichterstattung kritisiert wird. Auf Basis einer Analyse des 3. und 4. Medienänderungsstaatsvertrags entwickelt der Kronberger Kreis acht konkrete Reformschritte zur Stärkung der Governance des ÖRR. Eine Umsetzung dieser Reformempfehlungen würde dazu beitragen, einen möglichst hohen gesellschaftlichen Mehrwert durch den ÖRR und das zur Verfügung stehende Beitragsaufkommen zu generieren. Dadurch ließen sich nicht nur die Kosten des ÖRR senken, sondern auch seine Akzeptanz in der Bevölkerung stärken – und damit die Integrationsfunktion, die der ÖRR erfüllen soll.
Wie groß ist die Gefahr eines Fachkräftemangels in Zukunftsberufen?
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Storm Eduard
Published: November 2024

Die digitale und ökologische Transformation verändert die Arbeitsnachfrage sowie die geforderten Kompetenzen auf dem Arbeitsmarkt. Dieses Papier untersucht die resultierende Gefahr eines Fachkräftemangels in zehn Zukunftsberufen und fünf deutschen Metropolregionen. Erstens wird die Entwicklung der Beschäftigung mittels administrativer Daten untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich ein überdurchschnittliches Beschäftigungswachstum in Zukunftsberufen, besonders in digitalen Berufen wie der Softwareentwicklung oder grünen Berufen wie der Ver- und Entsorgung. Zweitens werden mit Hilfe von Online-Stellenanzeigen die Höhe der Arbeitsnachfrage nach Beschäftigten sowie die Nachfrage nach digitalen und grünen Kompetenzen innerhalb der Zukunftsberufe untersucht. Diese Analysen weisen auf unterschiedliche regionale Bewältigungsstrategien hin: Während digitale Berufe eine gleichmäßig hohe Nachfrage aufweisen, bestehen in grünen Berufen erhebliche regionale Unterschiede. Drittens zeigt eine Untersuchung des Arbeitsangebots aus dem tertiären und dualen Bildungssystem, dass das Arbeitsangebot, insbesondere in MINT-Fächern und dualen Ausbildungsberufen, hinter der wachsenden Nachfrage zurückbleibt. Abschließend wird erörtert, in welchen Berufen und Regionen zukünftig ein starker Fachkräftemangel zu erwarten ist und welche Maßnahmen zur Bewältigung dieser Herausforderung geeignet erscheinen.
Value adding bioconversion of residues and byproducts—a logistics challenge
Authors: Rudi Andreas , Schönrock Sonja , Laudensack Wolfgang , Schultmann Frank , Ulber Roland , Holtmann Dirk
Published: November 2024

Global developments such as climate change, a growing world population and the depletion of fossil resources make the sustainable use of biogenic resources in chemical production inevitable. This would also provide a final product with a higher added value than just utilizing the raw materials for applications in energy generation. In recent years, many researchers have shown that e.g., grass clippings, carrots and potato peels can be biotechnologically converted into high-value chemicals thereby increasing resource efficiency. A particular challenge, however, is the decentralized production of such biogenic raw materials as well as degradation affecting the composition and quality within short periods of time. Therefore, appropriate logistics concepts must be developed and evaluated to economically valorize biogenic raw materials. Such concepts differ significantly in terms of material utilization for the production of chemicals, composting or energetic valorization. This overview presents relevant examples of the conversion of biogenic residues into chemicals investigating basic logistic concepts and highlighting major challenges along bio-based value chains.
EU digital law and the digital platform economy—an inquiry into the co-evolution of law and technology
Authors: Eckardt Martina
Published: November 2024

EU digital policy is currently one of the most ambitious and far-reaching endeavors to regulate the digital economy. Online platforms in multisided markets with digital ecosystems lie at the heart of digital technologies and business models. Among others, they pose new challenges with regard to the abuse of a dominant market position, thus ultimately reducing competition and innovation. This paper outlines an evolutionary approach to the co-evolution of law and technology with collective cognitive constructs and wealth effects as essential drivers (Eckardt (2001, 2008). It is then applied to the evolution of EU law in this field. After an overview of the evolution from telecommunication monopolies to the current digital platform economy, a case study presents firstly the Google Search (Shopping) case (2010–2024). Based on traditional EU competition law, it resulted in gradual judge-made legal innovation. It also generated new knowledge about the shortcomings of the ex post approach of EU competition law when applying it to the digital platform economy. As a consequence, secondly, the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (2020 onwards) as a radical statutory innovation is discussed. The DMA introduced a novel ex ante regulation for large online platforms to overcome the problems of traditional EU competition law. Finally, the paper reflects on the impact of wealth effects and the (co-evolving) cognitive constructs of the relevant players as drivers in this current example of the co-evolution of law and technology. The paper concludes with an outlook on further areas of empirical and conceptual research that can provide a better understanding of the co-evolution of law and technology and allow for better policies in regard to disruptive technological innovation.
Principles for Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Ceramic Dental Implants in Japan
Authors: Hara Tomoya , Sato Yuchi , Tanishiro Hiroyuki , Tamaki Yukimichi , Baba Shunsuke , Hirose Eiichi , Yoshida Bunsaku , Watanabe Kiyoshi , Nishikawa Genki , Okuda Daiju , Murakami Madoka , Niwa Yuki , Kondoh Masuo
Published: November 2024

Recent progress in materials chemistry has resulted in the development of several ceramic materials that are now being used in dental implants. The advantages of ceramic materials over conventional metallic materials are that they do not induce allergic reactions in individuals with metal allergies, they do not interfere with magnetic resonance imaging, and they provide improved esthetics. In addition, some ceramic materials are tougher than metallic materials and less brittle. However, despite these advantages, few ceramic dental implant materials are currently approved for use in Japan. In FY2022, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan commissioned a project called the “Project for the Development of a Guideline for the Evaluation of Ceramic Dental Implants,” the goal of which was to consider how best to facilitate swift clinical development and approval of emerging ceramic dental implant materials. At a meeting of experts from professional societies, related industry organizations, and government agencies, the issues related to evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ceramic implant were discussed. Here, we summarize the outcomes of that meeting as a set of principles for the premarketing evaluation of ceramic dental implant materials in Japan.
A case study of Japanese teachers’ self-reflection on elementary English lessons
Authors: Anggrainy Stella , Matsumiya Nagako , Watanabe Takumi
Published: November 2024

Since 2020, English has become a compulsory subject in Japanese elementary schools, and grade three to six teachers need to teach English despite their limited knowledge of English teaching. Most teacher training programs are transmitting styles and do not always meet the difficulties of individual teachers in English teaching. This research focuses on teacher self-reflection as an alternative to support teachers’ self-development in addition to training programs. Two Japanese elementary school teachers reflected their English lessons and how their possible selves shaped their future lessons. They recorded and reflected six lessons from a textbook unit and recorded another six lessons from a different unit. The recorded lessons were transcribed, and the reflections were coded to generate theories that revealed their possible selves. Their explanations for reflection and validation were obtained from interviews. One teacher’s Ought-to self shaped his future team-teaching practices with the assistant language teacher. The other teacher’s Ideal self modified her routine activities to meet her ideal duration for the activities. The teacher participants’ self-reflection revealed their possible selves, which served as a basis to modify their future English lessons to meet their ideals. This study recommends that this mechanism of individual reflective practice be encouraged as part of the teacher development program in addition to the existing teacher training.
The transformative power of networking in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Fritzen Barbara , Salvia Amanda Lange , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Vasconcelos Claudio R. P.
Published: November 2024

Networks can help implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a variety of ways. They can facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources among organisations, enabling them to more effectively implement the SDGs. They can also help spread awareness on the SDGs and encourage people to take action. Networks can also assist coordinate collaborations between different organisations to support the SDGs implementation, especially in the academic sector. This study aims to fill the literature gap in assessing the transformative power of sustainability networking and reports on a worldwide analysis of the international networks which are believed to have been playing a significant role in the implementation of the SDGs in higher education. A concise online questionnaire was designed and administered to experts via an expert database mailing list and social networks, and collected 153 responses from 37 countries. This was complemented by an assessment of a set of case studies, where 5 major sustainability networks—ESSSR, IUSDRP, SDSN, AASHE and Copernicus Alliance—were evaluated in respect of their scope, target groups, types of activities and contributions to the SDGs. The results have highlighted the fact that, whereas assessed networks are very active, there is still a perceived need for more concerted actions to allow these networks to become more engaged in the implementation of the SDGs. This study suggests some specific actions which may foster a greater collaboration among networks in order to maximise the impact of their sustainability initiatives. The process of networking contributes to the advancement of sustainability and is closely related with contributions to policy, economic development and society, as well as particularly to SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals. This study supports the role of networking, while indicating the need for greater collaboration among networks in order to maximise the impact of their initiatives and their transformative power.
Perceptions and challenges of technological use in teaching among late-career teachers: a case study in Cambodia
Authors: Pen Sonita , Morrell Patricia D.
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic created a huge demand in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning. Teachers are believed to be a main influencer in a student’s learning, so it is important to have a deep insight of teachers’ perceptions of ICT integration in teaching and the problems they have been facing in ICT integration. However, little has been known about these aspects, especially regarding late-career teachers in Cambodia. This study investigated late-career teachers' perceptions and barriers to incorporating technology into teaching practices at an urban high school to shed light on possible solutions and appropriate methods to encourage the use of ICT in teaching. Six late-career teachers teaching various subjects at a public high school located in the capital city of Cambodia served as the interview sample. The outcome indicates that the general view and sentiment of late-career teachers toward the use of ICT were positive. Late-career teachers’ use of ICT in teaching were found to be hindered by first-order, second-order, and third-order barriers. Recognizing the limited sample, suggestions to encourage ICT use are offered.
Characteristic of PM2.5 concentration and source apportionment during winter in Seosan, Korea
Authors: Won Soo Ran , Lee Kwangyul , Song Mijung , Kim Changhyuk , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Lee Ji Yi
Published: November 2024

Seosan is a concentrated industrial complex in the midwestern region of Korea. A study was conducted from December 2020 to January 2021, measuring PM2.5 and chemical components in Seosan using online instruments every hour. The concentration of PM2.5 during the winter season was 31.4±17.8 μg/m3, exceeding the national ambient air quality standard of Korea. The mass fraction of organic matter, elemental carbon, three major ions, five minor ions, crustal elements, and trace elements in PM2.5 accounted for 24.5%, 4.36%, 32.0%, 2.82%, 4.11%, and 5.17% of the total PM2.5 mass concentration, respectively. Source identification was conducted using positive matrix factorization modeling, revealing eight sources of PM2.5: Secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA), vehicle exhaust, industry, coal combustion, biomass burning/incinerator, oil combustion, soil, and aged sea salt. Source contributions varied during high pollution episodes (HPE), with SIA dominating in HPE1 and soil and aged sea salt in HPE2. The potential source contribution function and conditional probability function were utilized to estimate the potential local and regional emission areas for the identified sources. In Seosan, vehicle exhaust and biomass burning/incinerator were primarily influenced by local sources. SIA, industry, and oil combustion sources were significantly affected by short-range transport from eastern China. Soil and aged sea salt, which exhibited high contributions during HPE2, were associated with long-range transport from Inner Mongolia. Coal combustion was attributed to both local sources, particularly large industrial complexes near Seosan, and long-range transport from Northeast China and Inner Mongolia.

Graphical Abstract
Reinforcement learning-adaptive fault-tolerant IGC method for a class of aircraft with non-affine characteristics and multiple uncertainties
Authors: Wang Z. , Hao Y. T. , Liu J. L. , Bai Y. F. , Yu D. X.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a brand-new adaptive fault-tolerant non-affine integrated guidance and control method based on reinforcement learning is proposed for a class of skid-to-turn (STT) missile. Firstly, considering the non-affine characteristics of the missile, a new non-affine integrated guidance and control (NAIGC) design model is constructed. For the NAIGC system, an adaptive expansion integral system is introduced to address the issue of challenging control brought on by the non-affine form of the control signal. Subsequently, the hyperbolic tangent function and adaptive boundary estimation are utilised to lessen the jitter due to disturbances in the control system and the deviation caused by actuator failures while taking into account the uncertainty in the NAIGC system. Importantly, actor-critic is introduced into the control framework, where the actor network aims to deal with the multiple uncertainties of the subsystem and generate the control input based on the critic results. Eventually, not only is the stability of the NAIGC closed-loop system demonstrated using Lyapunov theory, but also the validity and superiority of the method are verified by numerical simulations.
Identifying and developing the roles of private business actors in international regime complexes
Authors: Hopkins Maisie , van Erp Judith
Published: November 2024

Business actors play increasingly important roles in global governance and international regulation. This paper considers how regime complexity influences the roles of businesses and impacts opportunities for business influence on international regulatory regimes. We conducted a scoping literature review of 243 articles from the International Regime Complexity (IRC) theory literature to explore if and how complexity affects the roles of businesses and their influence on international regulation. We found that complexity presents opportunities for businesses to regime shift and exploit knowledge asymmetry in order to influence international regulation. Further, IRC theory illustrates how the roles of businesses interact and leverage one another in order to create better opportunities for influence in specific international regulatory regimes. This paper contributes to IRC theory by building on the existing non-state actor discussions and offering specific theorization of business behavior, thus starting to bridge the gap between the empirical and theoretical understanding. Second, it contributes to existing discussions in business and politics literature by developing existing knowledge on the roles of businesses in global governance to better reflect the added dimension of complexity.
The Ethicality of Welfare Crowdfunding in the Context of the Neoliberal Welfare State: A Rawlsian Perspective
Authors: Moysidou Krystallia , Fotaki Marianna
Published: November 2024

Despite crowdfunding platforms’ growing involvement in financing welfare, related ethical issues have received little scholarly attention. To address this gap, we focus on GoFundMe, the leading welfare crowdfunding platform in the US, to examine whether it facilitates the establishment of a just society that democratizes access to funding. Informed by Rawls’s ethics, we conduct a comprehensive analysis, arguing that GoFundMe’s modus operandi merits criticism. We advance three interrelated arguments for why GoFundMe is morally problematic. First, it distributes information and primary goods unfairly, perpetuating inequalities that disadvantage the most vulnerable. Second, it uses narratives that may distract public attention from systemic flaws in welfare provision, potentially reducing social pressure for institutional reform. Third, its emphasis on individual choice and responsibility may contribute to momentum for neoliberal policymaking. We show why scholars, policymakers, and platforms should engage in debate about regulating welfare crowdfunding activities to improve their ethicality.
The Effect of After-Hours Resection on the Outcomes in Patients with High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Dhillon Karan , Rizzuto Michael A. , Fatehi Mostafa , Makarenko Serge
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The “weekend effect” is the finding that patients presenting for medical care outside of regular working hours tend to have worse outcomes. There is a paucity of literature in the neuro-oncology space exploring this effect. We investigated the extent of resection and complication rates in patients undergoing after-hours high-grade glioma resection.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on patients with high-grade glioma requiring emergent surgery between January 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023. After hours was defined as surgical resection on the weekend and/or evening (>50% of surgical time between 1630 and 0659). These patients were matched to patients undergoing resection during regular working hours. Groups were compared on the basis of the extent of resection, postoperative complications and 6-month mortality rate.

Results:

A total of 38 patients were included in this study (19 after hours, 19 regular hours). There was no significant difference in age, sex, tumor grade and tumor size between the two groups (all p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the extent of resection between the groups (p = 0.7442). There was no significant difference in the rate of intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, reoperation and death at 6 months between the groups (all p > 0.05). Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the regular hours group (p = 0.0278). There was no significant difference in the total operative time (p = 0.0643) and length of stay (p = 0.0601).

Conclusions:

After-hours high-grade glioma surgery has similar outcomes to regular-hours surgery for lesions not requiring specialized functional mapping.
Arbitral Award of Oct. 3, 1899 (Guy. v. Venez.) (Provisional Measures) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Harris Callista
Published: November 2024

On December 1, 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a unanimous order on provisional measures in Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) (Provisional Measures Order). The ICJ indicated two provisional measures. It ordered first that, pending a final decision in the case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails in the relevant disputed territory (the current situation being that Guyana administers and exercises control over the territory) and, second, that both states shall refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute before the ICJ.
Scraping of a viscoplastic fluid to model mountain building
Authors: Ribinskas Elvinas , Ball Thomasina V. , Penney Camilla E. , Neufeld Jerome A.
Published: November 2024

We present a thin-film viscoplastic fluid model of a mountain range, where a uniform fluid layer is deformed by a vertical backstop moving at constant speed. This represents a simplification of the geometry in subduction zones, where an overlying tectonic plate scrapes sediments off the underthrusting plate, thereby forming an accretionary wedge. By using a viscoplastic rheology, we aim to generalise Newtonian models that capture the effective viscous behaviour of rock at large length scales. The model system is characterised by the dimensionless Bingham number, which is the ratio of the yield stress to characteristic shear stress. At low and high Bingham numbers and at early and late times the system is found to be asymptotically self-similar, which we confirm by solving the governing equations numerically. In addition, we test the high-Bingham-number results experimentally using ultrasound gel as the working fluid. The experiments reproduce many features of the theoretically predicted behaviour. The size of the observed wedge grows in the manner predicted, and the fluid surface profile is found to collapse to a universal shape. The viscoplastic fluid wedge exhibits features of both viscous continuum and Coulomb models of accretionary wedges, suggesting that a viscoplastic rheology may provide quantitative insights into the dynamics of real accretionary wedges found in convergent tectonic settings.
Does it Harm Science to Suppress Dissenting Evidence?
Authors: Coates Matthew
Published: November 2024

There has been increased attention on how scientific communities should respond to spurious dissent. One proposed method is to hide such dissent by preventing its publication. To investigate this, I computationally model the epistemic effects of hiding dissenting evidence on scientific communities. I find that it is typically epistemically harmful to hide dissent, even when there exists an agent purposefully producing biased dissent. However, hiding dissent also allows for quicker correct epistemic consensus among scientists. Quicker consensus may be important when policy decisions must be made quickly, such as during a pandemic, suggesting times when hiding dissent may be useful.
A New Condition for Agglomeration in Bayesian Confirmation
Authors: Koscholke Jakob
Published: November 2024

Bayesian confirmation does not generally agglomerate over conjunction. That is, whenever a piece of evidence

$E$

confirms two hypotheses

${H_1}$

and

${H_2}$

individually, it does not follow that

$E$

also confirms them conjunctively. Here, I present a condition under which the latter does follow from the former. But this new condition reveals a surprising fact: Bayesian confirmation agglomerates over conjunction whenever the evidence in question also confirms that both target hypotheses are false.
The selective geography of volcanism in oral traditions
Authors: Franks Leigh , Nunn Patrick D. , McCallum Adrian
Published: November 2024

Oral traditions describing details of ancient volcanic eruptions and their effects survive throughout the inhabited world. Many such eruptions, especially those having catastrophic environmental and societal consequences, proved sufficiently memorable to form the basis of enduring oral traditions. Using global databases, we identified 2306 such eruptions from 477 inhabited locations that occurred before the start of the Common Era (CE) and are therefore likely to have been the subject of oral traditions. Of these, we selected 20 events (‘remembered’ Holocene eruptions) for which there are extant oral (-derived) traditions that demonstrate how such traditions can reveal details of past volcanism that often are undetectable by retrodictive geoscientific enquiry. We also selected 20 events (‘forgotten’ Holocene eruptions) about which no oral traditions are known and discuss the possible reasons for this. Such oral traditions, while often challenging for conventionally trained geoscientists to interpret, are valuable yet largely overlooked sources of information about the nature and effects of Holocene volcanism that can usefully complement geoscientific enquiry. In particular, we identified locations where memories of such volcanism appear ‘forgotten’ in the hope that scientists might focus their attention on revealing, identifying, and analyzing local traditions.
The Distribution of Land in Luxembourg (1766–1872): Family-Level Wealth Persistence in the Midst of Institutional Change
Authors: Schifano Sonia , Paccoud Antoine
Published: November 2024

The paper analyzes family-level wealth inequality and social mobility in Dudelange (Luxembourg) over five generations between 1766 and 1872, a period that saw the end of feudal social relations. While the integration of Luxembourg into the French revolutionary regime produced a reduction in the Gini coefficient for the ownership of land, the social mobility analysis reveals a relative stability of family positions within the land-wealth distribution throughout the period. This shows that family-level transmission mechanisms limit social mobility and strongly advantage those with ancestors owning property wealth, even when there are significant changes in the organization of property relations.
Beneath the surface: co-habitation of recruits of the land crab Johngarthia lagostoma and its relevance for conservation on oceanic islands
Authors: Pinheiro Marcelo Antonio Amaro , Dias-Silva Isabella , Kriegler Nicholas , Santana William , João Marcio Camargo Araujo
Published: November 2024

Gecarcinid crabs have their life cycles in antagonistic scenarios, with their larvae developing in the sea and the juvenile/adult phases occurring on land. Adults migrate from land to sea to release their larvae, which return to land upon reaching the megalopa stage. Recruitment and early instar traits in gecarcinids crabs remain unknown, leading to some species lacking age-specific information. Despite massive recruitment observed in some insular gecarcinid species (e.g. Gecarcoidea natalis), recruits are generally expected to be few and exhibit cryptic behaviour, potentially occupying the burrows of conspecifics. We evaluated whether recruits of Johngarthia lagostoma on Trindade Island, Brazil, co-inhabit larger conspecific burrows, analysing this occurrence and examining their growth patterns, density, and body size across different lunar phases. Johngarthia lagostoma recruits inhabit conspecific burrows, either abandoned or occupied by adult crabs, but always with leaves stored in the inner chamber. Recruits in co-inhabiting behaviour reach a maximum carapace width of 7.3 mm, and after that, they are likely detected by the adults and possibly cannibalized or leave burrows naturally. During the full moon, the higher density and smaller size of recruits were recorded, indicating a recruitment lunar phase. It is crucial to ascertain the prevalence of co-inhabitation behaviours in other land crab species to expand the knowledge about recruitment patterns in these key community species.
‘If one knows what is to come’: ethics, audience and eschatology in Pindar’s Olympian 2
Authors: Spelman Henry
Published: November 2024

This essay uses one difficult sentence from Pindar’s Olympian 2 as a jumping-off point to address larger issues about the relationship between literature and belief. Section II tackles Pindar’s judgement of the dead (56–60) and argues that this passage is better understood as an instance of unusual particle usage rather than as an elliptical expression of recondite doctrine. Here the posthumous fate of humanity is decided on the grounds of ethical conduct. Section III discusses the unfinished conditional beginning in line 56 and probes the connection between eschatological knowledge and pragmatic action. Scholars have focused on the unusual details of Pindar’s eschatology, but its overarching practical thrust is to reinforce a conventional ethic. Section IV examines the knowledge of the future mentioned in line 56 and other gestures towards privileged knowledge. Scholars have considered Olympian 2 an ‘intimate’ text intended for a select audience, but there is reason to think that this epinician aimed at a panhellenic reception. Combining motifs from various sources, Pindar creates a unique vision of the afterlife that is capable of transcending doctrinal labels and appealing to many. Section V briefly concludes by considering how this poem works as both a victory ode and a religious text. Pindar’s ode is not a ‘corrupt paraphrase’ of anything else; the text creates a world of its own and inscribes core epinician values into the very architecture of the cosmos.
Roadmap to Innovation of HTA Methods (IHTAM): insights from three case studies of quantitative methods
Authors: Jiu Li , Wang Junfeng , Versteeg Jan-Willem , Zhang Yingying , Liu Lifang , Somolinos-Simón Francisco Javier , Tapia-Galisteo Jose , García-Sáez Gema , Hogervorst Milou A. , Li Xinyu , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Goettsch Wim G.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

A conceptual framework, called Innovation of Health Technology Assessment Methods (IHTAM), has been developed to facilitate the understanding of how to innovate methods of health technology assessment (HTA). However, the framework applicability has not been evaluated in practice. Hence, we aimed to explore framework applicability in three cases of method innovation that are part of the HTx project and to develop a roadmap to improve framework applicability.

Methods

The IHTAM framework was applied to three cases of innovating HTA methods. We collected feedback from case study leaders and consortium members after a training session, an approximately 1-year follow-up of periodic case study meetings, and a general assembly meeting where innovation progresses of the three cases were reported through surveys and interviews. Feedback was then summarized using an open-coding technique.

Results

According to feedback, the framework provided a structured way of deliberation and helped to improve collaboration among HTA stakeholders. However, framework applicability could be improved if it was complemented by a roadmap with a loop structure to provide tailored guidance for different cases, and with items to elaborate actions to be taken by stakeholders. Accordingly, a 48-item roadmap was developed.

Conclusions

The IHTAM framework was generally applicable to the three case studies. A roadmap, with loop structure and actionable items, could complement the framework, and may provide HTA stakeholders with tailored guidance on developing new methods. To further examine the framework applicability, we recommend stakeholders to apply the IHTAM framework and its roadmap in future practice.
Politicizing belonging: Community formation at the Late Preclassic Maya hamlet of Dos Ceibas
Authors: Eberl Markus , Inomata Takeshi , Triadan Daniela , Vela González Claudia Marie , Corado María de los Ángeles
Published: November 2024

People are often assumed to expand existing mechanisms—kinship in particular—to include others when they form communities. These models (con)fuse similarity with sameness, as we argue based on Husserl's concept of empathy. People recognize others without overlooking differences. They form community by negotiating belonging. We ask how individuals materialize community, how they create unity in a political process, and how they employ bordering and bonding social interactions. Our case study is Dos Ceibas, a Late Preclassic (350 b.c. to a.d. 250) Maya hamlet in the Petexbatun region. The North Plaza originated as a residential group—possibly of the hamlet's founder—and was transformed over multiple construction episodes into a public and ceremonial place. By a.d. 250, Dos Ceibas consisted of a small pyramid overlooking a plaza and two likely residential buildings. Its growth pattern sets the North Plaza apart from nearby Group MP16 and magnified internal differences. At the same time, Dos Ceibas's pyramid and plaza were likely communal constructions that project a shared community identity. The comparison with contemporary settlements nearby identifies distinct settlement layouts and suggests localized community identities.
The effect of textual and textual-pictorial glosses on incidental vocabulary learning in mobile-assisted listening
Authors: Shahipanah Arman , Khajavy Gholam Hassan , Elahi Shirvan Majid
Published: November 2024

This study investigated how multimedia glossing affects incidental vocabulary learning from a listening task on mobile devices. A total of 118 English language learners were asked to listen to a story with 25 glossed target words on their mobile phones. In order to examine the effects of different types of glossing, participants were divided into four groups with access to four glosses during their listening: L1 textual, L2 textual, L1 textual and pictorial, and L2 textual and pictorial. Two vocabulary tests (i.e. definition-supply test and meaning-recognition test) were administrated immediately after treatment and two weeks later to measure vocabulary gain for target words. The results indicated that participants who had access to L1 textual and pictorial glosses had significantly higher vocabulary gains than other conditions, especially in meaning-recall word knowledge. Finally, a detailed discussion of the findings was provided to explain the results based on the theoretical framework of the study.