bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and differential counts of blood cells as important health indicators in the olm, Proteus anguinus
Authors: Gredar Tajda , Šarac Andrea , Prša Patrik , Fišer Žiga , Kostanjšek Rok , Bizjak Mali Lilijana
Published: August 2024

Haematological investigation is an important component of stress and immune response assessment and holds great potential for evaluating amphibian welfare. The olm (Proteus anguinus) is a neotenic, cave-dwelling salamander endemic to the Dinaric Karst and classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. The aim of the present study was to gain basic knowledge about the haematology of this endangered species and to establish reference values of leucocyte differential counts. Blood smears were obtained from recently captured animals and compared to smears from the same animals in long-term captivity (up to five years). The elongated erythrocytes are nucleated and are among the largest in vertebrates, which is also reflected in their lower concentration per millilitre of blood. The circulating blood can contain mitotically active, immature erythrocytes (erythroblasts), indicating that erythrocytes of the olm can undergo proliferation and maturation in circulating blood. Olms show a typical urodele leucocyte profile, with lymphocytes predominating, followed by neutrophils, although the proportion of lymphocytes is higher than in other urodeles. Eosinophil and monocyte counts were relatively low, while basophils were nearly absent. We found no statistically significant differences in leucocyte counts or in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio neither between recently captured olms and same animals during captivity nor between the sexes, except for lower neutrophil count in captive females. Thus, no differences in stress levels between recently captured olms and captive olms were detected via haematological investigations. The significance of these results is discussed in the context of detecting stress and immune responses in olms.
Revisiting CPJ 1.23 (P.Tebt. 3.1.817)
Authors: Kugler Robert
Published: August 2024

CPJ 1.23, a second-century BCE contract between two Jews for an interest-free loan secured with a house, briefly stirred interest for the possibility that it shows Jews observing their law in the Hellenistic diaspora. Most regard that as unlikely though, and the text has since languished in obscurity among scholars of Hellenistic Judaism. This article reexamines the text in its proper juridical context—in comparison with other loan contracts from Greco-Roman Egypt—to show that it uses the form for a hypothecated loan to arrange the sale of a house which gives the seller the opportunity to reclaim it within a year of sale according to Leviticus 25:29–30. The article also places this reading of CPJ 1.23 alongside other evidence for Jews using their ancestral norms in handling property matters in Hellenistic Egypt to outline a hypothesis regarding the purpose of this tendency in Ptolemaic-era Jewish legal reasoning.
The “Inversed Declarations” of Acceptance of the Compulsory Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice
Authors: Travan Federico
Published: August 2024

Among the 74 existing Declarations of acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, three have the characteristics of “inversed declarations”. They are the Declarations of Egypt (1957), Equatorial Guinea (2017), and Iran (2023). Far from determining a general acceptance of the Court’s jurisdiction (possibly subject to reservations), these three Declarations entail the recognition of the jurisdiction of the Court only in relation to specific subject matters, which are explicitly mentioned in the Declarations. The article constitutes the first analytical study of the problems posed by this kind of declarations. It considers their legal nature, the problem of their validity, and the impact that their use can have on the function of the optional clause. Finally, it outlines some possible remedies, at the disposal of States and the Court, to neutralise the abuses deriving from the practice of filing inversed declarations.
The International Criminal Court’s New Creatures: Post-preliminary Examination Cooperation Agreements
Authors: Martini Pauline , Arévalo-Ramírez Walter , Olasolo Héctor
Published: August 2024

The article examines a recent practice of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The practice consists in the adoption of a cooperation agreement following the closing of a preliminary examination, with the Head of State of the concerned country. It was initiated after the closing of Situation in Colombia in October 2021, and repeated after the closing of Situation in Guinea in September 2022. In the absence of a legal basis allowing for the conclusion of such “post-preliminary examination cooperation agreements” in the Rome Statute framework, the article analyses their legal nature, as it is a necessary step to determine their validity under international law and capacity to generate binding obligations upon their parties.
Seaworthiness and Protecting the Ocean: Maritime Remote Inspection Technologies
Authors: Johansson Tafsir Matin , Pastra Aspasia , Mejia Maximo Q
Published: August 2024

For the purpose of context, this article highlights some of the thorny challenges in relation to deploying remote inspection techniques (RIT) for verifying vessel-seaworthiness adhering to the prescriptive tenets of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982. RIT-interventions offer added value by completing traditional inspection procedures in an expeditious manner. Notwithstanding, the challenges bolster hindrances questioning the trajectory of RIT-led inspections as well as overall innovation in that domain. To address the issue, the article offers a contemporary overview, enabling a limited forensic projection through a comparative analysis of umbrella regulation versus self-regulation for RIT governance. This contribution is intended to enrich the scholarly discourse on technology-based regulatory approaches for improved ocean governance.
The Cost of Neglecting the Sargasso Sea
Authors: Sapsford Fae
Published: August 2024

The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) contains the terms ‘stewardship’ and ‘inherent value’ in reference to the protection of ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Both terms are situated in specific ethical contexts that give rise to different approaches to valuing, and ultimately protecting, ecosystems. The Sargasso Sea Commission is a useful case study for the application of stewardship and inherent value in the protection of ocean ABNJ, as it combines science, ecosystem valuation, and stakeholder engagement to achieve conservation outcomes.
Collaboration in Healthcare: Implications of Data Sharing for Secondary Use in the European Union
Authors: Kertesz Fanni
Published: August 2024

The European healthcare sector is transforming toward patient-centred and value-based healthcare delivery. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation aims to unlock the potential of health data by establishing a single market for its primary and secondary use. This paper examines the legal challenges associated with the secondary use of health data within the EHDS and offers recommendations for improvement. Key issues include the compatibility between the EHDS and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), barriers to cross-border data sharing, and intellectual property concerns. Resolving these challenges is essential for realising the full potential of health data and advancing healthcare research and innovation within the EU.
Global Economic Governance between Deadlock and Informality
Authors: Geck Angela , Rüland Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Power shifts leading to heightened conflict and negotiation deadlocks, as well as growing institutional fragmentation and informality, constitute major challenges for global economic governance. The three books reviewed in this article provide innovative and unique explanations for these developments, through the lens of Southern countries (Shaffer and Narlikar) as well as the industrialized West (Roger). While the studies by Narlikar and Shaffer highlight changes in the negotiation strategies and the legal capacities of poor countries and emerging powers, Roger develops a theory explaining why economically advanced Western democracies increasingly rely on informal institutions. The article examines how and in what ways the three books complement conventional wisdom in economics, International Political Economy (IPE) and International Relations (IR) literature on global economic governance. It discusses the books’ contributions to the theorizing of global (economic) governance, the advancements towards a Global IR (and IPE), the changing power relations in global economic institutions, the domestic and the transnational dimensions of global economic governance, and the role of informality in the design of global economic fora. The conclusion summarizes the main insights offered about the current crises of multilateralism and delineates avenues for future research.
The Portrayal of Sub-Saharan Migrants in the Moroccan Daily Press: The Cases of Aujourd’hui le Maroc and Assabah
Authors: El Yousfi Younes , El Kirat El Allame Yamina
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study is to analyse Arabic and French news articles published in the two Moroccan daily newspapers, Aujourd’hui le Maroc and Assabah, from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018, using content analysis. The study addresses three research questions: (1) how does Moroccan media portray sub-Saharan migrants both textually and visually? (2) What type of narratives does Moroccan mainstream media circulate about sub-Saharan migrants? (3) How are sub-Saharan migrants framed by the two newspapers? The study is based on mass communication framing theory. Twenty-five articles were selected for the textual analysis and 12 headline images were chosen for the visual analysis. The content analysis findings revealed five frames: administration, border security, criminality, economic-social integration, and vulnerability and victimisation.
Only the Powerless Pay Tax: A Historical Review of Tax Evasion and Avoidance in Southern Nigeria, 1900–2022
Authors: Afolabi Abiodun S.
Published: August 2024

Tax evasion and avoidance have remained fundamental reasons for the gradual pace of development of Nigeria’s economy since the inception of colonial rule. This study examines the issues of tax evasion and avoidance in Nigeria, and the role of the government, the citizens and the enabling laws in the under-development of the Nigerian economy. To present credible evidence around the focus of the research, the study adopts historical research methods considering both secondary sources (textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles and newspaper reports) and primary sources (archival materials and oral interviews). The eventual findings of the paper indicate that some Nigerian groups frequently avoid paying their proportionate share of tax. The paper further finds that although tax reduction can help to reduce the incidence of tax evasion, resource-poor people frequently pay higher taxes than the wealthy, who commonly find ways to avoid paying their fair share of taxes; and also that tax officials manipulate tax rates in favour of rich clients. The study therefore concludes that tax evasion and avoidance will be mitigated if policymakers ensure that taxation is less arbitrary and burdensome.
How Russia’s Presence in Africa Is Impacting the West
Authors: Waliyullahi Abimbola Damilola , Ademuyiwa Akin , Olusola Omotade Kayode , Oluwafemi Adeola
Published: August 2024

This article explores Russia’s influence in Africa, which poses a significant challenge to the West. In recent years, Moscow has gained momentum on the continent, becoming a formidable rival to Western powers. It has formed strategic alliances with key African nations, solidifying its foothold. Many African countries now see Russia as an alternative to Western partners. To establish this influence, Moscow prioritises military and economic partnerships, offering trade, investments and security assistance in exchange for political support. The West has been slow to respond, either preoccupied with domestic issues or disengaged from Africa, allowing Russia to gain the upper hand. The implications of Russia’s African influence are far-reaching, posing a significant challenge to Western interests. This situation could escalate geopolitical tensions and potentially lead to conflict with the West. We aim to explore Russia’s motives and its impacts on African nations, shedding light on how they affect Western interests.
Cryptocurrencies and Virtual Assets in Mauritius: A Critical Assessment of the Legal Framework
Authors: Mahadew Bhavna , Anben Mauree Saravanen
Published: August 2024

The goal of this study on the legal framework for virtual assets in Mauritius is to find any gaps in the legislation, come up with solutions to close such gaps, and improve the existing legal framework for virtual assets. The article concentrates on the provisions of the Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services (vaitos) Act 2021, which seeks to control the market for cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets in Mauritius. Selected countries were studied in order to discover the various techniques used with regard to regulatory challenges. Although Mauritius passed a comprehensive law on the issue, we find that the Financial Services Commission, the country’s regulatory authority, lacks the necessary tools to effectively oversee cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets. The integration of virtual asset services with African nations is also lacking.
Agrobiodiversity Use for Better Diet Quality: A Community-Based, Participatory Approach Case from Western Kenya
Authors: Boedecker Julia
Published: August 2024

Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face malnutrition and a low level of dietary diversity despite often living in areas endowed with high agrobiodiversity. In Western Kenya (Vihiga County), malnutrition occurs despite it being a highly biodiverse area with several options for diversifying diets. The main purpose of this thesis is to assess the potential of biodiversity to improve diet quality in a sample from Vihiga County1. We approached this objective using a variety of indicators which were retrieved by (i) a correlation study on the association of agrobiodiversity with diet quality, (ii) an intervention study on the effectiveness of a participatory approach to improving diet quality through agrobiodiversity use, (iii) a qualitative study following up on the intervention study by exploring pathways to improving diets and (iv) a literature review on dietary assessment methods for neglected underutilised species (nus). This thesis highlights the importance of studying the full scope of agrobiodiversity, including on-farm biodiversity, food consumption, perceptions and pathways to diverse diets. Nutrition must be seen in the context of ecosystems that determine our agriculture and nutrition in the long term. The transition to more sustainable and equitable food systems requires greater participation from the people who produce our food and nurture biodiversity.
Towards the International Unification of Maritime Law on Recognition and Enforcement of Judicial Sales of Ships
Authors: Zournatzi Christina
Published: August 2024

The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted on 7 December 2022 the ‘United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships’ known as the ‘Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sales of Ships’. The European Union as Regional Economic Integration Organization signed the Convention in New York on 14th March 2024. In recent years the need to have an instrument that establish generally accepted rules on foreign judicial sales of ships and its international recognition has become essential, as there was no domestic or international law on this specific subject. National barriers of a procedural nature between the States left room for legal uncertainty on the amount of sale proceeds that could be achieved for a ship at a judicial sale. In this paper is emphasised how the need for a close harmonisation between the applicable laws has brought to the adoption of the Convention on international recognition of foreign judicial sales of ships in a way which provides clarity and resolves the issues identified to date. This paper includes a comparative overview of selected national frameworks and international instruments on the judicial sale of ships.
Cultivating Belonging for Self and Others in Learning Spaces During the Pandemic
Authors: Borkoski Carey , Roos Brianne , Naidoo Keshrie , Mitchell Lisa
Published: August 2024

When people belong, they feel valued and respected as their authentic selves. Belonging can occur individually, as in belonging to oneself, and in groups, where people belong among others. Belonging to both self and others contributes to feelings of security and safety, and belonging is related to students’ success in school. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of belonging in education during the covid-19 pandemic. Professionals in education, including faculty and administrators in K-12 and higher education, non-profit leaders, and parents, were guests on a podcast about belonging, which used a semi-structured interview approach. The episodes, which yielded rich qualitative data collected in real-time as the pandemic progressed, were transcribed, and systematically analyzed using three cycles of inductive coding. Participants described belonging as fundamental and critical to development, and they shared how they prioritized and fostered belonging in their varied learning spaces. The four categories that emerged from the study, definition of belonging, concerted effort, person-centered, and tools of belonging, connect to tell the story of participants’ experiences of belonging in education through the pandemic, and offer theoretical and practical insights about the intentional cultivation of belonging.
Passive Tracer Dispersion by Idealized Flows across Rossby Numbers
Authors: Sirohi Madhav , Thomas Jim
Published: August 2024

In this work, we compare and contrast the phenomenological changes in passive tracer dispersion at asymptotically small to O(1) Rossby numbers using idealized two-dimensional flows generated by a two-vertical-mode model. With increasing flow Rossby numbers, we find that the forward flux of tracer variance increases monotonically and the tracer variance spectra show severe depletion of the tracer field, indicating enhanced stirring of the tracer by higher Rossby number flows. On examining the physical structure of the tracer flux and its connection to strain- and vorticity-dominant regions in the flow, we find that a major share of the tracer flux is located in high-shear, strain-dominant regions between coherent vortices at low Rossby numbers, while at higher Rossby numbers, the tracer flux is primarily located in vorticity-dominant regions that are composed of fragmented bits of vorticity. The tracer field is anticorrelated with the tracer flux, i.e., tracer variance is higher in physical regions where tracer flux is lower and vice versa. Our results highlight multiple anisotropic features of submesoscales that enhance tracer dispersion at O(1) Rossby numbers and emphasize the need to take these into account while developing parameterizations for large-scale models.
A Comparison of Thunderstorm Identification Methods
Authors: Shield Stephen A. , Houston Adam L.
Published: August 2024

Climatological analysis of thunderstorm occurrence is important since thunderstorms have far-reaching societal impacts. Historically, the majority of thunderstorm-related climatologies have focused on Eulerian frames of reference resulting in thunderstorm day or lightning density summaries. However, a Lagrangian frame of reference is required to answer more in-depth questions such as spatial distribution and variability in thunderstorm initiation. Lagrangian approaches generally utilize object identification and tracking algorithms with tracks then classified as being a thunderstorm or not. Prior methods for thunderstorm identification have been based on classification criteria such as radar reflectivity thresholds, a combination of radar reflectivity thresholds and temporal longevity thresholds, or a combination of radar reflectivity and cloud-to-ground lightning occurrence. However, a comparison of different methods and an evaluation of their accuracy have not been documented in the peer-reviewed literature. This study examines the impact of thunderstorm identification methodology choice. Differences in three thunderstorm identification methodologies are examined over the central plains of the United States during an 11-yr study period. Results show that there is a sensitivity to methodological choice with differences in the number of candidate thunderstorms classified as thunderstorms, as well as the resulting spatial pattern of thunderstorms. Additionally, this study provides insight into the accuracy of each method via a multiyear comparison of each method to regional lightning mapping array total lightning detections where significant differences were observed between methods with the method incorporating cloud-to-ground lightning data providing the best performance metrics.

Significance Statement

Previous research has utilized a variety of criteria to identify thunderstorms in order to generate datasets of thunderstorm occurrence. This study directly compares commonly used criteria, demonstrating that the choice of thunderstorm identification criteria impacts the composition and accuracy of resulting datasets of thunderstorm occurrence.
Hitting the Reset Button: Ceremonial Use of Peyote and Experiences of Personal Change
Authors: Copes Heith , Hochstetler Andy , Ragland Jared , Hendricks Peter S.
Published: August 2024

Our aim is to understand how those who use peyote in a naturalistic setting discuss it changed their lives and to what they attribute this change. To do this, we draw on data from a photo-ethnography of people who attended peyote ceremonies in rural Northcentral Alabama. Broadly, we found that participants discussed four core areas of change: reduced drug and alcohol misuse, new perspectives on life, improved mental health, and improved physical health. The duration of the experienced change varied for each type of change. Participants attributed change to improved ability to endure challenges, rewiring of the brain, and connecting with spiritual selves. Findings give insights into how people experience and make sense of change from peyote. In addition, the findings suggest specific areas of research for those interested in clinical and therapeutic settings relating to peyote in particular, and psychedelics in general.
“I Can Combine Those Things to be a Superhero” a Qualitative Study of the Motivations for High-Risk Polysubstance Use
Authors: Bunting Amanda M. , Fawole Adetayo , Griffin Brittany , Lee Joshua D. , Oser Carrie B. , McNeely Jennifer
Published: August 2024

The current study aimed to understand motivations of high-risk polysubstance use. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in New York City with 20 individuals with frequent recent polysubstance use. Two analysts coded the interviews (κ = 93.97). Five themes related to motivation for polysubstance use were found: (1) balance, prolong, or enhance effects, (2) self-medicate physical ailments, (3) cope with emotional distress, (4) drug-induced cravings, and (5) responding to social contexts. Individuals reported simultaneous or sequential co-use to balance, prolong or enhance a ‘high’ (theme 1). Participants engaged in polysubstance use to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, to induce sleep and self-medicate physical pain (theme 2) and to provide relief from emotional distress (theme 3). Other themes included drug-induced cravings (theme 4) and responding to social contexts (theme 5) including both social situations and economic availability. Motivations for polysubstance use may provide important insight into harm reduction and treatment settings solutions.
Analytical methods for the determination of xylazine in pharmaceutical, clinical and forensic matrices – A review
Authors: Kumar Sachil , Gayakwad Hemi , Baggi Tulsidas R
Published: August 2024

Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary anaesthetic tranquillizer that is not licensed for human use, has been linked to an increase in overdose fatalities worldwide. The study delves into the forensic aspects of xylazine usage, emphasizing on chemical, clinical and toxicological analyses of drug seizures, bodily fluids and tissues. It advocates for validated analytical methods for determining xylazine. This study provides supporting material to pave the path for the usage and development of relevant and verified alternative screening and confirmation methods for laboratories. Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed were searched for relevant articles and case reports in relation to xylazine misuse and established analytical methods for forensic investigation until April 2023. A total of 79 articles were evaluated, and 40 publications met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent xylazine exposures recorded were incidental and intentional misuse/abuse. Common symptoms upon presentation were hypotension, bradycardia, drowsiness and lethargy, although mortality was less prevalent. Solid-phase extraction and liquid–liquid extraction are two extensively used sample preparation techniques. These techniques are used to extract desired analytes from complex matrices. Several analytical techniques have been stated, including GC–MS, LC–MS/MS, HPLC–DAD and others. The analytical procedures used are determined by the matrices involved, the amount of xylazine present, interfering compounds, the degree of precision required and the laboratory infrastructure. In the present context, the LC–MS/MS methods are preferred as the gold standard. In the near future, many analytical techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, PSI-MS, immuno-analytical techniques and SERRS may show significant potential.
Effects of Motor Learning on Corticospinal Tract Excitability During Motor Imagery
Authors: Takenaka Yuma , Tomisaki Yuka , Hirose Ittetsu , Sugawara Kenichi
Published: August 2024

We aimed to examine the effects of motor performance improvements produced by practice on corticospinal tract excitability during motor imagery (MI) of identical movements. Participants performed a motor task with no guidelines displayed on the monitor (performance test); the participants only imagined performing the task without performing the movement (MI test), and the participants performed the power output and then adjusted it (exercise). The output force conditions were 20, 40, and 60% of the maximum voluntary contraction, and the objective was for 21 participants to learn each output force condition. The outcome of the performance test was calculated as the difference between the actual motor output and the target. During the MI test, we applied a single transcranial magnetic stimulation during imagery, assessed the corticospinal tract excitability of the right first dorsal interosseous by motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, and recorded the vividness of the MI in each trial. We evaluated performance and MI before practice (Pre-test), after 150 practice sessions (Post-test 1), and after another 150 practice sessions (Post-test 2). The MEP amplitude was significantly reduced at Post-test 2 compared to Pre-test. The vividness of the MI improved with practice. Corticospinal tract excitability during MI decreased as motor performance improved. Thus, actual motor practice was also reflected in the MI of the exercise. Performance improvement was accompanied by a decrease in redundant activity, enhancing the efficiency and appropriateness of the exercise.
Dynamic Evolution Analysis of Cryptocurrency Market: A Network Science Study
Authors: Mardan Maziar , Khosravipour Ida
Published: August 2024

In this article, network analysis has been employed to study the dynamic evolution of the cryptocurrency market from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2024. This approach facilitates an in-depth exploration of the market’s response to several major events during this period, including the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the bankruptcy of FTX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The study focuses on analysing key network characteristics of the cryptocurrency market, namely: (a) degree centrality, (b) betweenness centrality, (c) clustering coefficient and (d) average path length. Additionally, we explore the co-movements within the market, categorising cryptocurrencies into functional groups for a comparative analysis. This approach enables us to examine shifts in the cryptocurrency network topology, providing insights into how different groups of cryptocurrencies interact with and influence each other. Through this network analysis, we aim to shed light on the intricate interrelationships among cryptocurrencies. The findings of this study are intended to provide investors with valuable insights, potentially guiding the development of more informed and strategic diversification strategies in the dynamic and evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency market.

JEL Codes: G11, G12, D85
The Holy Spirit as “the Gift” in Charles Nyamiti's Trinitarian Theology: A Pentecostal-Lutheran Dialogical Perspective
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J. , Vähäkangas Mika
Published: August 2024

This article starts from the theology of the Tanzanian-born Charles Nyamiti (1931–2020), as one of the most creative in his generation of African theologians. Nyamiti proposed that ancestral veneration is a foundational human relationship which reflects divine realities. Thus, he proposed an understanding of the Trinity where the Father is the Ancestor, the Son is the Descendant, and the Holy Spirit is the mutual Oblation connecting the two. Because an ancestor does not exist as an ancestor without sacred ritual communication, the Holy Spirit becomes thus absolutely necessary for the Godhead. We maintain that Nyamiti's ancestral approach describes an African logic of gift-giving. Translating his theological contribution into gift-language preserves the theological insights while solving some of the logical problems with the ancestral imaginary, such as how the Father who never died is supposed to be the Ancestor. Through gift-language, Nyamiti's theological insights, which are based on African relational ontologies, become more readily applicable in World Christianity and have potential to transform ecumenism into a vibrant and inclusive embodied pneumatic action for abundant life. In other words, Nyamiti's theological heritage invites theologians to envision Christian faith beyond the confines of Hellenistic-based philosophy.
Towards an entrepreneurial judgement theory: Building the cognitive microfoundations of entrepreneurial judgement
Authors: Packard Mark D , Bylund Per L
Published: August 2024

We advance the judgement-based approach at the foundational level to establish cognitive microfoundations and boundary conditions as a formal theory of entrepreneurship – entrepreneurial judgement theory (EJT). We build upon philosophy’s concept of intentionality to define and conceptualise judgement as the determination and instigation of intentions. Entrepreneurship begins when, through entrepreneurial judgement, intentions are turned entrepreneurial, that is, towards the pursuit of new economic value, and ends when those intentions are turned away again. We elaborate the dynamics of this process, which includes cascading judgements across nested intentions. We conclude by distinguishing EJT from its close relative, entrepreneurial action theory, and by connecting entrepreneurial judgement more explicitly to contemporary psychology research.
From ecocide to ecocentrism: Conceptualising environmental victimhood at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Killean Rachel , Newton Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

In 2021, an Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide launched what they described as a ‘practical and effective definition of the crime of ecocide’. The Panel expressed their hope that the ‘proposed definition might serve as the basis of consideration for an amendment to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court’. The proposed crime differs from the majority of those currently codified in the Rome Statute in that it adopts an ‘ecocentric’ understanding of harm, meaning damage to the natural environment alone is sufficient as the basis for the crime. In this article, we extend this ecocentric perspective to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC’s) victim participation and reparation regime. Drawing on emerging ecocentric legal movements, including the recognition of territories as victims of armed conflict, international rights of nature movements, environmental restorative justice, and existing juridical practice on repairing environmental harm, we consider the environmentally reparative possibilities of recognising the environment itself as a victim of a crime, with accompanying rights to participation, representation, and reparation. We argue that such recognition may enable more holistic repair in the aftermath of atrocity and could therefore be a valuable development both alongside and in the absence of a new crime of ecocide.
Cerebral blood flow alterations and host genetic association in individuals with long COVID: A transcriptomic-neuroimaging study
Authors: Wang Yao , Yang Ziwei , Zheng Xiumei , Liang Xiao , Wu Lin , Wu Chengsi , Dai Jiankun , Cao Yuan , Li Meng , Zhou Fuqing
Published: August 2024

Neuroimaging studies have indicated that altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) was associated with the long-term symptoms of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as “long COVID”. COVID-19 and long COVID were found to be strongly associated with host gene expression. Nevertheless, the relationships between altered CBF, clinical symptoms, and gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear in individuals with long COVID. This study aimed to explore the genetic mechanisms of CBF abnormalities in individuals with long COVID by transcriptomic-neuroimaging spatial association. Lower CBF in the left frontal-temporal gyrus was associated with higher fatigue and worse cognition in individuals with long COVID. This CBF pattern was spatially associated with the expression of 2,178 genes, which were enriched in the molecular functions and biological pathways of COVID-19. Our study suggested that lower CBF is associated with persistent clinical symptoms in long COVID individuals, possibly as a consequence of the complex interactions among multiple COVID-19-related genes, which contributes to our understanding of the impact of adverse CNS outcomes and the trajectory of development to long COVID.
Digital geographies 1: Reality bytes
Authors: Maalsen Sophia
Published: August 2024

This report is intended to provide a foundation to debates which illustrate how geographers have approached the challenge of understanding something variously invisible and immaterial as the digital and its impacts on the production of space. Thus, this first report will focus on how geographers conceptualise digitally produced and mediated spaces. It will trace the way we have understood digital spaces from grappling with the dichotomies of online and offline, real and the virtual, to grounding them materially, rendering them visible, and to more recent shifts about their affective orientations.
Data Accuracy Matters: Improving Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Crash Predictions through Inventory Verification
Authors: Zhao Li , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Khattak Aemal J.
Published: August 2024

Highway-rail grade crossing (HRGC) crash prediction models’ effectiveness hinges on the input data accuracy and precision. This paper investigates the impact of inaccurate HRGC inventory data on the modeling of HRGC crashes. Specifically, the research explores data gaps by obtaining samples of Federal Railroad Administration rail crossing inventory data. These inventory data were checked for accuracy by visiting the rail crossings and comparing the inventory elements to their field conditions. Any inaccurate records were corrected; the process created an accurate inventory of the rail crossings under consideration. The corrected inventory data was subsequently used for crash predictions using the U.S. Department of Transportation accident prediction formula (U.S. DOT APF), released in 2020. To fit for the U.S. DOT APF, the corrected inventory data from Nebraska was used for the case 1 study, which applied a multiple imputation algorithm to augment the empirical data to verify improvements in the model’s goodness of fit. The results showed that the adjusted Akaike information criterion (AIC) improved from 1,074 to 1,068 when only 7% of the total inventory dataset was corrected, and to 813 assuming all verified corrected data obtained through data imputation. In case 2, the filtered inventory data from four Midwest states (i.e., Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska) were utilized to address data stratification issues in the U.S. DOT APF. Results showed that the adjusted AIC improved from 1,442 to 1,431 when the latest annual average daily traffic data and properly stratified variables (i.e., road surface, traffic control) were included in the U.S. DOT APF. The findings emphasize the need for regular HRGC inventory data verification and improved data-updating processes for more accurate HRGC crash predictions.
Enhanced performance of recycled polyethylene-integrated trilayer low-density polyethylene/linear low-density polyethylene heat-shrink films for brick packaging: A comprehensive study
Authors: Daoudi Hamza , Semlali Fatima-Zahra , Kassab Zineb , Ablouh El-Houssaine , Sadek Mohammed , Achaby Mounir EL
Published: August 2024

Recycling is a waste-management method, but it may also be considered as one modern example of putting the notion of industrial ecology into practice, whereas in a natural ecosystem, waste is absent and only products are occurring. Therefore, this study engaged within the identical framework which concerns investigating recycled plastic granulates that came from non-compliant polyethylene (PE) products as industrial waste and their reinsertion into the production lines of a trilayered heat shrink film. Firstly, the investigation started with the attribution of 2 types of recycled polyethylene (RPE1 and RPE2) then each type of these granulates was added to the trilayered film’s core layer. Whereby the preparation of two witness samples and targeting four weight charges of RPE substitution (10, 30, 50, and 70 wt%), respectively, for RPE1 and RPE2. The as-produced specimens were then examined for their behaviour during the blow film extrusion process. Dynamomechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus at machine direction (MD), were improved significantly from 173 MPa to 200 MPa by adding 50 wt% of RPE to the core layer correlated with increased shrinkability from 74 to 80%, as well as the colour appearance of the finished product has been evaluated. Nonetheless, these samples have been exposed to accelerated weathering and re-evaluated mechanically. It was found that the coupling between the RPE and virgin PE has resulted in an accelerated degradation effect on the dynamomechanical of the aged trilayered film.
Impact of Antecedent and Organizational Differences on Nurse–Social Worker Collaboration in a Retirement and Assisted Living Community with Skilled Nursing Care
Authors: Kilaberia Tina R. , Apgar Dawn , Kennedy Teri , Wu Bei , Padgett Deborah K.
Published: August 2024

Nurse–social worker collaborative interactions in long-term care settings have received limited attention. This qualitative thematic study of 23 participants (11 social workers and 12 nurses) at an urban retirement and assisted living community explores experiences of collaborative work. Two themes of contrasts in responding to resident complexity and contrasts in peer-to-peer work highlight four subthemes reflecting: (a) social workers’ orientation toward resident self-determination, requisite care, and advocacy; (b) nurses’ orientation toward resident safety, tasks, and clinical outcomes; (c) social workers’ devalued professional identity; and (d) nurses’ attribution of collaborative challenges to individuals. Social workers showed greater openness toward working with nurses and viewed nurses as close partners. Nurses showed greater separation from social workers and non-clinical peers and maintained a greater intraprofessional focus. Whereas challenges may stem from antecedent disciplinary training nurses and social workers receive, organizational triggers related to residents’ care and associated decision-making exacerbate them. Interprofessional education may strengthen collaboration.
Technophobia Mediates the Associations Between Age, Education Level, and Readiness to Adopt New (Health) Technology Among Aging Adults
Authors: Smrke Urška , Špes Tanja , Mlakar Izidor , Musil Bojan , Plohl Nejc
Published: August 2024

Current research on technophobia and readiness to adopt new technology in the aging population is often limited to the context of specific technologies and treats technophobia as a unidimensional construct. In this study, we investigate the role of demographic variables and various aspects of technophobia in determining Slovenian aging adults’ readiness to adopt new technology. Partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that age and educational level generally significantly predicted technophobia and indirectly contributed to readiness to adopt new technology via the human versus machine ambiguity dimension of technophobia. Moreover, age and human versus machine ambiguity were significant direct negative predictors of readiness to adopt new technology. Findings obtained specifically in the health sub-domain were similar. Our results have important implications for addressing the low adoption of new technology among aging adults as they provide guidance on whom should be targeted with interventions and which aspects need to be addressed.
Isolated Cervical Cord Infarct in a Neonate
Authors: Yang Kristen M. , Garcia Mekka R. , Segal Devorah
Published: August 2024

Cases of isolated spinal cord ischemia resulting in symptoms in neonates are rare, and there are even fewer reported cases in atraumatic births. We present a case of a presumed isolated cervical cord ischemic injury, discuss differentials to consider when evaluating a neonatal spinal cord injury, and highlight the difficulties of diagnosing a spinal cord infarction.
Bupropion in Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Authors: Kneebusch Jamie , Farhadian Sanaz
Published: August 2024

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) frequently occur together. Serotonergic agents are preferred medications to treat PTSD, while bupropion is reserved due to limited evidence. Ongoing studies suggest bupropion may be effective for treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Investigators aimed to evaluate if bupropion would confer benefit to patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition diagnoses for PTSD and MUD compared to traditional pharmacotherapy. Methods: This report describes four patients with comorbid PTSD and MUD who had a positive response to medication regimens containing bupropion compared to non-bupropion regimens for their trauma symptoms. Investigators were able to compare this to a control group of 41 patients receiving serotonergic agents alone. Case Report: PTSD checklist-civilian scores at time of medication initiation, site discharge, and post-discharge in the bupropion and non-bupropion group were 77, 35, and 29, compared to 51 ± 15, 52 ± 20 and 53 ± 10, respectively. Rates of relapse, average time to relapse, and hospital utilization in the bupropion vs non-bupropion group were 25.0% vs 48.8%, 107 days vs 210 ± 191 days, and 0% vs 29.3%, respectively. Discussion: Use of bupropion showed a greater reduction in PTSD symptom severity and a lower frequency of methamphetamine relapse and hospital utilization. Though missing data limited inclusion of patients in all outcomes, quantitative data suggests benefit with bupropion in comorbid PTSD and MUD. Conclusion: This case series suggests the potential for earlier initiation of bupropion treatment in those with PTSD who have comorbid MUD.
Factors influencing use of eHealth services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Katsaliaki Korina
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The rapid advancement of information and communication technologies has made eHealth applications increasingly available and accessible. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for remote health service provision. This research aims to explore the usage, perceptions, and knowledge of eHealth interventions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 (during the pandemic) and 2023 (post-pandemic) using a structured questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). The survey, conducted in Greece, included 638 participants in total (277 in 2021 and 361 in 2023). Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the factors influencing eHealth adoption.

Results

The findings indicate a slight increase in positive perceptions of eHealth usefulness, intention to use, and actual usage over the 2 years. However, concerns remain regarding the ease of use and eHealth literacy. eHealth literacy significantly predicts the perceived usefulness and ease of use of eHealth services, both of which predict the intention to use them. Additionally, higher education levels are positively associated with eHealth literacy, while older age is negatively associated with ease of use. Gender did not significantly impact these factors. These findings were consistent across both surveys.

Conclusions

Policy-makers should focus on simplifying eHealth services, removing technical barriers, and enhancing the population’s eHealth literacy to promote wider adoption of eHealth services.
Optimizing sample length for fault diagnosis of clutch systems using deep learning and vibration analysis
Authors: Chakrapani Ganjikunta , Venkatesh Sridharan Naveen , Mahanta Tapan Kumar , Lakshmaiya Natrayan , Sugumaran Vaithiyanathan
Published: August 2024

Clutches are prone to failure owing to extended heat exposure and high levels of abrasion during power transfer. Internal damage, downtime, and permanent transmission system lock-up all can result from these faults. To detect and diagnose these faults, this study employs the deep learning approach. Vibration signals were obtained from a test rig that was exposed to various clutch conditions at various loads. The amount of data points (signal length) when collecting vibration signals from a test rig can have a significant effect on the accuracy of results. A shorter sample length can lead to an increased uncertainty in the results, while a longer sample length can lead to more accurate results. A longer sample length also increases the computational complexity of the diagnosis process, which can lead to longer execution times. In this study vibration signals were collected for various sample lengths to find the optimal sample length for systemic clutch fault diagnostics. The collected vibration signals are analyzed and transformed into vibration plots that serve as input to the deep learning pretrained network. VGG-16 model was considered for this study to diagnose the clutch system faults. Based on the outcomes, the optimal sample length for the no load condition was identified as 4000, while for the 5-kg load and 10-kg load conditions 3000 sample length was suggested for fault diagnosis of the clutch system.