bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Ca in Ni-Ca/Fumed-SiO2 Catalysts for CO2 Catalytic Conversion to Methane
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Aheed Ali , Ebrahimi Parisa , Yuda Afdhal , Al-Marri Mohammed J. , Kumar Anand , Ali Mohammed , Saad H. S.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the role of calcium in facilitating the carbon dioxide methanation reaction over nickel supported on fumed-SiO2 catalysts. The wet impregnation method was used to prepare Ni/fumed-SiO2 catalysts with three different Ca loadings for CO2 conversion. As part of the investigation into the effects of Ca concentration and reaction conditions on the structural and morphological properties of the catalysts, various techniques including XRD, BET, SEM, TPR and TEM were used for both fresh and used catalyst samples. The findings showed that the addition of 0.5% Ca increases the catalyst reducibility, promotes dispersion of Ni sites on the surface of fumed SiO2 support and prevents the metal from agglomerating. Evaluation of catalytic results showed that the performance of 10%Ni-0.5Ca/fumed-SiO2 was superior to the other tested catalysts, with CO2 conversion and CH4 yield of 76% and ~ 40% at 650 °C, respectively.
Molecular detection of lumpy skin disease virus in naturally infected cattle and buffaloes: unveiling the role of tick vectors in disease spread
Authors: Zeedan Gamil S. G. , Abdalhamed Abeer M. , Allam Ahmad M. , Abdel-Shafy Sobhy
Published: October 2024

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease that affects cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, causing considerable economic losses in the animal sector. This study aimed to investigate the recent outbreak of LSDV in cattle and buffaloes and evaluate the potential role of the hard tick Rhipicephalus annulatus in their transmission through isolation and molecular characterization by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR) assays. A total of 50 skin biopsies (cattle n = 30, buffaloes n = 20), 110 nasal swabs (cattle n = 76, buffaloes n = 44), and 129 blood samples (cattle n = 84, buffaloes n = 45) were collected. In addition, 145 hard ticks of different stages were collected from cattle and buffaloes of different breeds and ages in different governorates in Egypt from November 2021 to June 2022. Multiplex PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR) assays based on SYBR Green and targets (P32, VP32, G protein, and viral fusion protein) were used. We identified positive results in 17 out of 30 cattle skin biopsies (56.6%), 1 out of 7 buffalo skin scabs (14.3%), and 5 out of 45 buffalo blood samples (11.11%) using mPCR and RT-qPCR methods. We successfully isolated LSDV from hard ticks and cattle infested with ticks and exhibited characteristic signs of LSD on the chorioallantois membrane (CAM) of specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE). The isolates were confirmed by multiplex PCR and RT-qPCR. The cyclic threshold (Ct) with correlation-slandered curve values of rt-qPCR ranging from 10.2 to 36.5 showed the amount of LSDV-DNA in different samples. The study's findings demonstrated the widespread circulation of LSDV in both cattle and buffaloes in Egypt and provided strong evidence that hard ticks R. annulatus play a role in the transmission of LSDV in susceptible animals.
Sustainable use of coffee roasting by-products: development of high value-added gummy candies
Authors: Boninsegna Miriam Arianna , Cilea Iolanda , Piscopo Amalia , De Bruno Alessandra , Poiana Marco
Published: October 2024

The sustainable utilization of production wastes in the agri-food sector is an increasing challenge. This work aims to evaluate the applicability of coffee silverskin, the main by-product of coffee roasting, in the formulation of gummy candies. Firstly, the experimental plan envisaged the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from coffee silverskin. The influence of different concentrations of coffee silverskin extract (1%, 2%, and 4%) was then evaluated on chemical, physical, microbiological, structural, and sensory gummy candies characteristics for 120 storage days. Candies formulated without coffee silverskin extract were used as control. The results up to 120 days of storage revealed the higher quality of gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract not only for their bioactive content, ranging from 147.9 to 161.1 mg GAE Kg -1 of phenolic compounds, but also for their antioxidant activity, with values at the end of storage of 15.06, 30.25, 31.50 and 28.20 µmol TE g-1 respectively in control and gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract. Moreover, all the candies enriched with silverskin coffee extract showed better physical and sensory characteristics compared to the control taste. The results show that the proposed use of silver coffee skin improves and preserves the quality of gummy candies and then be employed as an ingredient to improve the quality of confectionery products.
A novel route to produce metal or ceramic parts in space: local debinding and sintering of powdered filaments
Authors: Ortega Varela de Seijas Manuel , Bardenhagen Andreas , Rohr Thomas , Stoll Enrico
Published: October 2024

In-space manufacturing of polymer feedstocks has already been shown using the widely investigated filament extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Yet, polymers are only a small piece of the puzzle, and there is a growing demand to locally source metal and ceramic parts. In this manuscript, we propose a cost-effective method for in-orbit manufacturing of metal and ceramic multi-material components using highly packed powdered filaments, which need to be shaped, debinded, and sintered in sequential steps. Traditional debinding and sintering of material extrusion (MEX) AM parts are known to be time-consuming and require complex post-processing, often involving toxic debinding agents. To overcome this, a low-intensity infrared diode laser and an induction heater are coupled to a hybrid MEX system to allow full processing in situ, within the same volume. The results show that the main binder matrix can be removed across the 3D volume of the part via laser ablation of the polymeric mass, even for multi-material metal–ceramic composites. The sintered geometries further densify efficiently within the bulk due to the high-energy concentration of the induction sintering treatment, providing short processing times. Debinding and sintering locally, in the same machine, offer a simple and effective way to produce space hardware in situ, avoiding the use of consumables or part transportation to bulky equipment.
Exploring the Probiotic Potential of Bacteroides spp. Within One Health Paradigm
Authors: Tufail Muhammad Aammar , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: October 2024

Probiotics are pivotal in maintaining or restoring the balance of human intestinal microbiota, a crucial factor in mitigating diseases and preserving the host’s health. Exploration into Bacteroides spp. reveals substantial promise in their development as next-generation probiotics due to their profound interaction with host immune cells and capability to regulate the microbiome’s metabolism by significantly impacting metabolite production. These beneficial bacteria exhibit potential in ameliorating various health issues such as intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, behavioral disorders, and even cancer. Though it’s important to note that a high percentage of them are as well opportunistic pathogens, posing risks under certain conditions. Studies highlight their role in modifying immune responses and improving health conditions by regulating lymphocytes, controlling metabolism, and preventing inflammation and cancer. The safety and efficacy of Bacteroides strains are currently under scrutiny by the European Commission for authorization in food processing, marking a significant step towards their commercialization. The recent advancements in bacterial isolation and sequencing methodologies, coupled with the integration of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs) binning from metagenomics data, continue to unveil the potential of Bacteroides spp., aiding in the broader understanding and application of these novel probiotics in health and disease management.
Feynman diagrams: visualization of phenomena and diagrammatic representation
Authors: Forgione Marco
Published: October 2024

I will argue that the development of Feynman diagrams came from the physicist’s capacity of visualizing phenomena and that such visualization-skill contributed to the forming of a narrative explanation in the sense of Wise (2011) and Morgan (2001). The second part of the paper explores the extent to which Feynman diagrams can be considered as weak representations of quantum phenomena. I will review some of the most common arguments in support of the instrumentalist view and I will suggest that a form of weak representation that does not imply ontological commitment can be applied to the diagrams. Such a form of weak representation will be characterized as non-denotative, intentional, and as conveying a physical interpretation through narrative explanations.
Reproducibility of operating potentials for a C12A7 electride plasma-based cathode with constant keeper current control
Authors: Drobny Christian , Tajmar Martin
Published: October 2024

Hollow Cathodes are fundamental components for electric propulsion systems. In recent publications, the performance of a planar C12A7 electride cathode has been presented with promising results. This includes the endurance operation of the cathode, the heaterless ignition cycling, and the general performance mapping over a wide range of parameters. The present publication will add to these publications, presenting results of only one defined set of discharge parameters, allowing a statistical evaluation of repeated discharge operations. Overall, exceptable repeatability of the performance could be evaluated, confirming the overall performance trends observed in previous campaigns. The cathode was operated in self-heating mode using krypton as propellant in a current range of 100 mA to 600 mA. A discharge potential of 30 V with a slight increase for lower discharge currents is reported. Furthermore, means to reduce the variation in the test results by increasing the keeper current have been identified.
From trade-off to synergy: how nutrient status modulates plant resistance to herbivorous insects?
Authors: Li Zhi-Xing , Tan Jin-Fang , Yao Nan , Xie Ruo-Han
Published: October 2024

The principle of the “growth-defense trade-off” governs how plants adjust their growth and defensive strategies in response to external factors, impacting interactions among plants, herbivorous insects, and their natural enemies. Mineral nutrients are crucial in modulating plant growth and development through their bottom-up effects. Emerging evidence has revealed complex regulatory networks that link mineral nutrients to plant defense responses, influencing the delicate balance between growth and defense against herbivores. This review aims to summarize recent advances that elucidate the impact of nutrient availability on plant defense responses. Particularly, we focus on how nutrient status shapes plant resistance to herbivores, delving into the molecular mechanisms underlying this physiological process. Moreover, the interplay between mineral nutrients and various herbivore defense mechanisms, including physical protection, plant hormone signaling, defensive metabolite production, and volatile organic compound emissions that deter herbivores or attract their natural enemies, are discussed. This comprehensive review sets the stage for future investigations into the intricate crosstalk between nutrient signaling and plant defense responses, which serves as a central mechanism to guide sustainable pest management approaches, thereby promoting balanced agroecosystem health and enhancing plant ecosystem productivity and resilience.
Repulsive guidance molecules b (RGMb): molecular mechanism, function and role in diseases
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jiang Yijing , Zhang Zijian , Li Shilin , Fan Haowen , Gu Jinhua , Mao Renfang , Xu Xiaohong
Published: October 2024

Repulsive guidance molecule b (RGMb), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored member of the RGM family, is initially identified as a co-receptor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in the nervous system. The expression of RGMb is transcriptionally regulated by dorsal root ganglion 11 (DRG11), which is a transcription factor expressed in embryonic DRG and dorsal horn neurons and plays an important role in the development of sensory circuits. RGMb is involved in important physiological processes such as embryonic development, immune response, intercellular adhesion and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, RGMb is mainly involved in the regulation of RGMb–neogenin–Rho and BMP signalling pathways. The recent discovery of programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2)–RGMb binding reveals that the cell signalling network and functional regulation centred on RGMb are extremely complex. The latest report suggests that down-regulation of the PD-L2–RGMb pathway in the gut microbiota promotes an anti-tumour immune response, which defines a potentially effective immune strategy. However, the biological function of RGMb in a variety of human diseases has not been fully determined, and will remain an active research field. This article reviews the properties and functions of RGMb, focusing on its role under various physiological and pathological conditions.
Vorticity skewness of finite-amplitude rapidly rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Fu Hao , Sun Shiwei
Published: October 2024

Rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection denotes the convection between a warm plate and a cold plate in a rotating environment. It is a classic model for understanding convective vortices in the atmosphere and ocean. The influence of background rotation on fluid inertia breaks the symmetry between cyclones and anticyclones. Such a symmetry breaking could be represented by vorticity skewness, which still lacks a systematic theory. Rapidly rotating convection with stress-free boundaries and unit Prandtl number is a convenient starting point. The investigation starts from the convective onset stage, where the vortices grow stationarily. Asymptotic analysis shows that the volumetric vorticity skewness

$S$

is produced by the interaction between the

$n=0,1$

and

$n=1,2$

vertical eigenmodes. The

$n=0$

(barotropic) mode contributes positively to

$S$

mainly by stretching the vertical relative vorticity, an ageostrophic effect. The

$n=2$

mode makes a minor negative contribution to

$S$

by preferentially intensifying the outflow over the inflow, a non-hydrostatic effect. The theory predicts

$S$

to be proportional to the global Rossby number defined with the volumetric standard deviation of vorticity,

${Ro_g}$

. The proportional factor does not depend on the Rayleigh and Ekman numbers, agreeing with direct numerical simulations. Then the system enters the equilibrium stage. The stretching of vertical vorticity still contributes to

$S$

dominantly. At

${Ro_g}\gtrsim 0.5$

, the emergent unsteady flow significantly suppresses the asymmetry between the inflow and outflow strength, and weakens its influence on

$S$

.
Mass transfer during drop impact on a thin film
Authors: Osama Muhammad , Deegan Robert D. , Agbaglah G. Gilou
Published: October 2024

We conducted an axisymmetric numerical study of drop impact on a thin film of the same liquid in order to generate maps identifying the fluid elements in the drop and film that are transferred to the corolla during impact. We find that mass contribution from the drop comes from a surprisingly thin surface layer on the drop, and furthermore, that the shape of this layer in the drop and the film scales with film thickness, not the Weber number and Reynolds number as one might expect. The maps could be used to tailor drop composition for applications such as coatings or encapsulations.
Promoting healthful and diverse eating behaviours through an extracurricular culinary skills intervention in Philadelphia
Authors: Kearney Matthew D. , Maheu Arlene R. , Booth Madalyn , Newberg Andrew B. , Cronholm Peter F. , Ayubcha Soussan
Published: October 2024

In the current study we evaluated an afterschool nutrition education programme, called Vetri Cooking Lab (VCL), for promoting healthy and diverse eating habits among at-risk children in the Greater Philadelphia area. To understand potential programme impacts, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of survey data collected before and after participation in VCL. Main study included cooking confidence, cooking knowledge, changes in dietary consumption behaviours, and changes in vegetable preferences. Participants included students in grades 3–11 enrolled in VCL during the 2018–19 school year at VCL sites (n = 60) throughout Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ. Eligible participants completed surveys both before and after participating in the programme. We found that students’ confidence and knowledge increased (P < 0.001) after the cooking intervention. Knowledge and confidence were positively associated (r = 0.55; P < 0.001). Confidence was correlated with consumption behaviour changes (r = 0.18; P = 0.022). Confidence was positively associated with consumption changes in both our adjusted (OR = 1.81; P < 0.001) and unadjusted models (aOR = 1.88; P = 0.013). Compared to Black students, White students were more likely to report consumption changes (aOR = 5.83; P = 0.013). Hispanic/Latino participants and participants who spoke Spanish had nearly three times higher odds of consumption behaviour changes (Hispanic/Latino OR = 2.55; P = 0.007; Spanish OR = 3.04; P = 0.005). Student age and gender were not associated with behaviour changes. Our research demonstrates that programmes integrating practical cooking skills education along with nutrition, food, and cooking education can improve confidence and knowledge about healthy food choices amongst children driving an overall improvement in children’s eating habits.
The k-core in percolated dense graph sequences
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Chakraborty Suman , Zhang Xin
Published: October 2024

We determine the order of the k-core in a large class of dense graph sequences. Let
$G_n$
be a sequence of undirected, n-vertex graphs with edge weights
$\{a^n_{i,j}\}_{i,j \in [n]}$
that converges to a graphon
$W\colon[0,1]^2 \to [0,+\infty)$
in the cut metric. Keeping an edge (i,j) of
$G_n$
with probability
${a^n_{i,j}}/{n}$
independently, we obtain a sequence of random graphs
$G_n({1}/{n})$
. Using a branching process and the theory of dense graph limits, under mild assumptions we obtain the order of the k-core of random graphs
$G_n({1}/{n})$
. Our result can also be used to obtain the threshold of appearance of a k-core of order n.
Strengthening mainstream consensus? The effect of radical right populist parties on the defense policies of left parties
Authors: Matsunaga Miku , Winzen Thomas
Published: October 2024

We study how the electoral success of radical right populist parties (RRPPs) affects mainstream parties' defense policy positions. The success of RRPPs threatens the credibility of established left-wing parties with coalition and international partners due to substantive overlap between their and RRPPs' defense-skeptical position. We argue that left parties adopt more assertive defense positions to distinguish themselves from RRPPs, thus increasing mainstream consensus on defense policy. Examining 27 European countries between the end of the Cold War and Russia's occupation of Crimea (1990–2013), we test this argument based on a regression discontinuity design around electoral thresholds for obtaining parliamentary seats. We find that, in response to RRPP success, left parties adopt more assertive defense policy positions, whereas center-right parties stand their ground. This study yields evidence for an adversarial response to the radical right, often thought to have lost out to accommodation, and for mechanisms other than electoral incentives, in a highly consequential domain.
FROBENIUS–SCHUR INDICATORS FOR PROJECTIVE CHARACTERS WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: HIGGS R. J.
Published: October 2024

Let

$\alpha $

be a complex valued

$2$

-cocycle of finite order of a finite group

$G.$

The nth Frobenius–Schur indicator of an irreducible

$\alpha $

-character of G is defined and its properties are investigated. The indicator is interpreted in general for

$n =2$

and it is shown that it can be used to determine whether an irreducible

$\alpha $

-character is real-valued under the assumption that the order of

$\alpha $

and its cohomology class are both

$2$

. A formula, involving the real

$\alpha $

-regular conjugacy classes of

$G,$

is found to count the number of real-valued irreducible

$\alpha $

-characters of G under the additional assumption that these characters are class functions.
Characterizing English Preposing in PP constructions
Authors: Potts Christopher
Published: October 2024

The English Preposing in PP construction (PiPP; e.g., Happy though/as we were) is extremely rare but displays an intricate set of stable syntactic properties. How do people become proficient with this construction despite such limited evidence? It is tempting to posit innate learning mechanisms, but present-day large language models seem to learn to represent PiPPs as well, even though such models employ only very general learning mechanisms and experience very few instances of the construction during training. This suggests an alternative hypothesis on which knowledge of more frequent constructions helps shape knowledge of PiPPs. I seek to make this idea precise using model-theoretic syntax (MTS). In MTS, a grammar is essentially a set of constraints on forms. In this context, PiPPs can be seen as arising from a mix of construction-specific and general-purpose constraints, all of which seem inferable from general linguistic experience.
Parents and the Challenge of Children
Authors: Angers William P.
Published: October 2024

Too many children present problems fraught with danger these days. One has only to pick up the newspapers or listen to the news to appreciate the seriousness and. scope of the child-adult conflict as well as its far-reaching consequences. Indeed, it is not uncommon to read of parents and teachers being beaten, injured or killed. Conflicts and tensions between adults and children are becoming too much the rule rather than the exception.

All kinds of explanations have been offered for the misbehaviour and misdeeds. Some say the attitude on the part of children is caused by the influence of comic books. Others claim it is lack of adult discipline at home and school. Some lay the blame to a decline of ethical and moral values as religion loses its grasp on people and has lost its significance to the modern mind. Still others say the reason is due to lack of respect for authority which stems from home and school situations.
Superspreading of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis of event attack rates and individual transmission patterns
Authors: McKee Clifton D. , Yu Emma X. , Garcia Andrés , Jackson Jules , Koyuncu Aybüke , Rose Sophie , Azman Andrew S. , Lobner Katie , Sacks Emma , Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Gurley Emily S.
Published: October 2024

SARS-CoV-2 superspreading occurs when transmission is highly efficient and/or an individual infects many others, contributing to rapid spread. To better quantify heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly superspreading, we performed a systematic review of transmission events with data on secondary attack rates or contact tracing of individual index cases published before September 2021 prior to the emergence of variants of concern and widespread vaccination. We reviewed 592 distinct events and 9,883 index cases from 491 papers. A meta-analysis of secondary attack rates identified substantial heterogeneity across 12 chosen event types/settings, with the highest transmission (25–35%) in co-living situations including households, nursing homes, and other congregate housing. Among index cases, 67% reported zero secondary cases and only 3% (287) infected >5 secondary cases (“superspreaders”). Index case demographic data were limited, with only 55% of individuals reporting age, sex, symptoms, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle threshold values, or total contacts. With the data available, we identified a higher percentage of superspreaders among symptomatic individuals, individuals aged 49–64 years, and individuals with over 100 total contacts. Addressing gaps in the literature regarding transmission events and contact tracing is needed to properly explain the heterogeneity in transmission and facilitate control efforts for SARS-CoV-2 and other infections.
Modelling contrast and feature inventory: the nature of [web] in French Sign Language
Authors: Mertz Justine , Geraci Carlo
Published: October 2024

Feature-based models of sign language use distinctive features to describe the phonological structure of signs. We use near-minimal pairs and phonological phenomena like productivity and neutralisation in French Sign Language to show that the feature [web], which refers to the webbing part of the fingers, should be (re)introduced into the list of phonologically active features. In discussing potential cases of [web] in other sign languages and the impact on the shape of phonological inventories, we first offer an account of [web] in terms of a location feature in line with most traditional feature-geometry models. We then offer some speculations on why a more uniform characterisation of [web] and the features in the same subclass in terms of the orientation type results in more economical models.
Oxygen saturation measurement in cyanotic heart disease with the Apple watch
Authors: Weis Angelika , Leroy Martin , Jux Christian , Rupp Stefan , Backhoff David
Published: October 2024

Background:

Accurate measurement of transcutaneous oxygen saturation is important for the assessment of cyanosis in CHD. Aim of this study was the evaluation of a supplementary transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurement with an Apple watch® in children with cyanotic heart disease.

Material and methods:

During a six-minute walk test, measurement of transcutaneous oxygen saturation was performed simultaneously with an Oximeter (Nellcor, Medtronic, USA) and an Apple watch® Series 7 (Apple inc, USA) in 36 children with cyanotic heart disease.

Results:

Median age was 9.2 (IQR 5.7–13.8) years. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurement with the Apple watch® was possible in 35/36 and 34/36 subjects before and after six-minute walk test. Children, in whom Apple watch® measurement was not possible, had a transcutaneous oxygen saturation < 85% on oximeter. Before six-minute walk test, median transcutaneous oxygen saturation was 93 (IQR 91–97) % measured by oximeter and 95 (IQR 93–96) % by the Apple watch®. After a median walking distance of 437 (IQR 360–487) m, transcutaneous oxygen saturation dropped to 92 (IQR 88–95, p < 0.001) % by oximeter and to 94 (IQR 90–96, p = 0.013) % measured with the Apple watch®.

Conclusion:

In children with mild cyanosis measurement of transcutaneous oxygen saturation with an Apple watch® showed only valid results if transcutaneous oxygen saturation was > 85%, with higher values being measured with the smart watch. In children with moderate or severe cyanosis transcutaneous oxygen saturation, measurement with the Apple watch® was not reliable and cannot be recommended to monitor oxygen saturation at home.
The problem of complex legislation
Authors: Crawford Lisa Burton
Published: October 2024

It has long been said that legislation ought to be knowable: accessible, comprehensible, and so forth. This is often described as an essential element of the rule of law. But in many legal systems, legislation has become so voluminous and complex that few people know its content. Rather than admit that the rule of law has been compromised, some scholars take legislative complexity as a provocation to rethink what the rule of law requires—and conclude that, for various reasons, the rule of law can prevail even if legislation is not reasonably knowable to the people. This article responds to this line of scholarship and defends the orthodox position that the public ought to be able to understand legislation, or at least reasonably so. That is necessary to enable people to plan their lives in a way that properly reflects the role of legislation in contemporary administrative states.
Beyond Legislative Intent
Authors: Levenbook Barbara Baum
Published: October 2024

There is a widely held view that legislative intention determines the meaning of a statute. The focus of this article is meaning in the sense of full linguistic content, which may not be the same as legal content. Linguistic intentionalism appears to have its greatest appeal when a statute has a partly implied linguistic meaning. It seems natural to suppose that the part of the meaning that is implied by the explicit wording in the statute is determined by an intention of the legislature—roughly, what the legislature intended to imply. The purpose of this article is to present some new reasons to doubt linguistic intentionalism and to offer an alternative for a particular kind of implied statutory meaning that some philosophers of language call implicitures. Rather than legislative intention, the meaning of implicitures is metaphysically determined by intention-free pragmatic linguistic norms, the grasp of which is part of the language competence of ordinary law subjects. The use of these norms, in combination with certain facts about background social practices and other conventions, generates implicitures that may be inconsistent with actual communicative intentions. These intention-free pragmatic norms, and the implicitures they generate, are explanatorily prior to the fact—if there is such a fact—of what impliciture it is reasonable to infer that the enacting legislature (or the legislators collectively) intended. Reference to legislative linguistic intention (actual or reasonably imputed) is thus explanatorily inert.
Vulnerability and Critical Human Security in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond in the UK and South Korea
Authors: Kennett Patrricia , Lee Suyeon , Kwon Huck-ju , Lutz Ryan
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic destabilised the political, social, and economic life of countries as it spread around the world. It posed multiple threats to individuals, societies, and across different domains of life, highlighting their intersectionality and uneven impacts. The paper focuses on the UK and South Korea, countries which took very different paths in framing and addressing the crisis. It draws on secondary data and an integrated critical human security and state capacity approach to compare how state responses, institutional capacity, and the mobilisation of policy instruments themselves construct constellations of insecurity which intersect with human security and vulnerability. It will demonstrate the structural constraints that have continued to shape vulnerability and the dynamics of human security and insecurity in turbulent times.
Toward sustainable food consumption: an indicator framework for a food provisioning sustainable consumption corridor (SCC)
Authors: Kendall Sarah S. , Dillman Kevin J. , Davíðsdóttir Brynhildur , Heinonen Jukka
Published: October 2024

Non-technical summary

Growth in resource consumption and associated environmental degradation threatens food systems, with millions of people living in hunger globally, demonstrating the need for greater socio-ecological efficiency in food provisioning. This paper considers how sustainable consumption can ensure that human needs with regards to food provisioning (food security) are met within globally sustainable limits. It follows a sectoral approach to sustainable consumption corridors (SCCs), to develop an indicator framework for a food provisioning systems SCC.

Technical summary

Bridging social and ecological evaluations of sustainability in food systems has proved to be a challenge, illustrating the need for indicator sets which link environmental impacts and social achievement within a single framework. This work aims to fill that research gap by considering how the sustainable consumption corridor (SCC) framework can be used to examine the socio-ecological efficiency of food provisioning systems and developing a comprehensive SCC framework for food provisioning. The framework uses domains to define the minimum level of consumption needed to meet human needs (social foundation [SF]) and the maximum level of environmental impact the earth system can tolerate (ecological ceiling [EC]) while sustainably meeting those needs. It does so through the production of an indicator set for food provisioning systems that gives indicators and thresholds for the EC and SF domains within a single framework. This output is followed by a discussion of how this global SCC framework could be altered for use in different contexts, and suggestions for how such a framework could inform consumption linked sustainability policy.

Social-media summary

This work puts forth a sustainable consumption corridor framework to evaluate if food provisioning systems are meeting human needs within sustainable limits.
Economic and non-economic loss and damage: a harmful dichotomy?
Authors: van Schie Douwe , Jackson Guy , Serdeczny Olivia , van der Geest Kees
Published: October 2024

Non-technical summary

Loss and damage is treated as comprising separate ‘economic’ and ‘non-economic’ dimensions in research and policy. While this has contributed to greater awareness and visibility of non-economic values, our empirical insights show that the two are inextricably linked and that research aimed at informing policy must be better attuned to the multifaceted and cascading nature of loss and damage.

Technical summary

In research and policy, climate-related loss and damage is commonly categorized as either ‘economic’ or ‘non-economic’. One clear benefit of this dichotomy is that it has raised people's awareness of the often under-discussed intangible loss and damage. However, empirical research shows that these two categories are inextricably linked. Indeed, ‘economic’ and ‘non-economic’ loss and damage often overlap, with items that are valued in monetary terms also having non-monetary significance. For example, the loss of a home due to flooding is not only a financial loss but can also have a profound impact on identity and well-being. Moreover, ‘economic’ loss and damage can cascade into ‘non-economic’ loss and damage, and vice versa. For example, when a household incurs economic losses due to drought, this may prevent their children from attending school, which has long-term financial consequences. We argue that rather than dichotomizing loss and damage, recognizing that it is multidimensional, interwoven, and evolving over time will open up new avenues for research that better reflect reality and can therefore better inform policies to address loss and damage.

Social media

This comment shows how economic and non-economic loss and damage are linked, which has important policy implications.
Bacteria as potential biocontrol agents for managing purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica) in grain sorghum
Authors: Osman Nadia Yasseen , Ahmad-Hamdani Muhammad Saiful , Oslan Siti Nurbaya , Zulperi Dzarifah Mohamed , Mohd Hashim Amalia , Saidi Noor Baity
Published: October 2024

Purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth.], a highly destructive parasitic weed, poses a significant threat to sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivation. This hemiparasitic plant intrudes its root system into the host plant, leading to substantial yield losses, particularly in susceptible genotypes. In the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions, the biocontrol approach has gained attention as a potential management strategy for Striga. In this study, 13 bacterial strains belonging to the genera Bacillus, Gluconobacter, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces were investigated in vitro for their efficiency in controlling the early-stage development of Striga. Among the tested strains, Streptomyces morookaensis NRRL B-12429 demonstrated significant inhibition of Striga seed germination and radicle elongation at 54.36% and 61.84%, respectively, when applied to preconditioned seeds with a synthetic germination stimulant. The effect of S. morookaensis on the inhibition of Striga seed germination was more pronounced in the presence of the host plant, sorghum, at 62.35%. However, biopriming of sorghum seeds with S. morookaensis did not enhance the inhibitory effects on Striga seed germination but resulted in a greater reduction in radicle elongation at 74.64% compared with non-primed seeds. Additionally, the biopriming with S. morookaensis promoted the growth of shoots and roots of germinating sorghum, regardless of the presence of Striga seeds. These findings highlight the potential of S. morookaensis strain NRRL B-12429 as a viable candidate for biocontrol agent applications in sorghum cultivation. Further exploration and investigation of its biocontrol capabilities can provide valuable insights for sustainable management practices against Striga infestations.
Die Rolle sozialer Kompetenzen für die soziale Integration in der Primarstufe
Authors: Hank Corinna , Kluge Jacquelin , Huber Christian , Nicolay Philipp , Spilles Markus , Krull Johanna
Published: October 2024

Zusammenfassung: Soziale Kompetenzen spielen eine zentrale Rolle für die erfolgreiche Bewältigung sozialer Interaktionen und die Gestaltung von Beziehungen. Im Rahmen des social skills deficit model wird angenommen, dass mangelnde soziale Kompetenzen zu einer verminderten sozialen Integration führen. Eine gezielte Förderung sozialer Kompetenzen könnte somit sozialer Ausgrenzung entgegenwirken. Bisher scheinen soziale Kompetenztrainings noch nicht ausreichend gewinnbringend zur Förderung sozialer Integration beizutragen. Dieser Beitrag fokussiert die Frage, welche sozialen Teilkompetenzen besonders mit sozialer Integration zusammenhängen, um gezielte Fördermaßnahmen ableiten zu können. Mithilfe von 876 Schülerinnen und Schülern (48% weiblich; MAlter = 9.20 Jahre; SDAlter= 0.85) konnten latente Profilanalysen zeigen, dass Lernende sich in Bezug auf das Niveau ihrer sozialen Kompetenzen unterscheiden, nicht jedoch in dem Profil der Teilkompetenzen. Mehrebenenanalytisch ergab sich zudem eine höhere Relevanz der Teilkompetenzen Soziale Initiative und Verantwortungsbewusstsein aus den Social Skill Improvement System Rating Scales für die soziale Integration. Die Befunde werden vor dem Hintergrund praktischer Implikationen beleuchtet.
Positive Effects of Two Interventions to Reduce Stress in Students of Different Courses of Study
Authors: Krüger Mathias , Reintges Julia , Christiane Pütz Anja , Röhr-Sendlmeier Una M.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Background: Students report high levels of stress. Aim: Investigation of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and meditation interventions to reduce stress in students of psychology and dentistry. Method: In longitudinal control group comparisons, 262 students were divided into five groups: cognitive-behavioral training (IGcogPsy: n = 59 psychology; IGcogDent: n = 41 dentistry), mindfulness-based meditation (IGmedPsy: n = 63 psychology), measurement controls (CGPsy: n = 57 psychology; CGDent: n = 42 dentistry). 126 psychology students (IGcogPsy: n = 43; IGmedPsy: n = 47; CGPsy: n = 36) took follow-up tests 6 months after training. Results: ANCOVAs with repeated measurement factor (interactions group/time t1 to t2; co-variates: terms studied, gender, the stress in addition to studies) and contrasts over pairwise differences (alpha-error accumulation correction applied) showed stronger improvements for all IGs compared to CGs in coping strategies, self-efficacy, and learning strategies. IGcogPsy also improved more in test anxiety, and IGcogDent in test anxiety, trait and state anxiety. IGcogPsy and IGmedPsy reduced stress symptoms. At follow-up (simultaneous ANCOVAs t1, t2, t3; contrasts), more favorable development in test anxiety and some learning strategies resulted in both IGcogPsy and IGmedPsy compared to CGPsy. Limitations: Controls received feedback on concentration development but no alternative intervention. Confounding by self-selection cannot be ruled out. Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral intervention had comprehensive impacts on all areas under investigation for both psychology and dental students; meditation was effective primarily in areas not directly related to action. Both interventions evoked some long-term effects.
Optimizing ExoMars Rover Remote Sensing Multispectral Science II: Choosing and Using Multispectral Filters for Dynamic Planetary Surface Exploration With Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Stabbins R. B. , Grindrod P. M. , Motaghian S. , Allender E. J. , Cousins C. R.
Published: October 2024

In this paper we address two problems associated with data‐limited dynamic spacecraft exploration: data‐prioritization for transmission, and data‐reduction for interpretation, in the context of ESA ExoMars rover multispectral imaging. We present and explore a strategy for selecting and combining subsets of spectral channels captured from the ExoMars Panoramic Camera, and attempt to seek hematite against a background of phyllosilicates and basalts as a test case scenario, anticipated from orbital studies of the rover landing site. We compute all available dimension reductions on the material reflectance spectra afforded by 4 spectral parameter types, and consider all possible paired combinations of these. We then find the optimal linear combination of each pair whilst evaluating the resultant target‐vs.‐background separation in terms of the Fisher Ratio and classification accuracy, using Linear Discriminant Analysis. We find ∼50,000 spectral parameter combinations with a classification accuracy >95% that use 6‐or‐less filters, and that the highest accuracy score is 99.6% using 6 filters, but that an accuracy of >99% can still be achieved with 2 filters. We find that when the more computationally efficient Fisher Ratio is used to rank the combinations, the highest accuracy is 99.1% using 4 filters, and 95.1% when limited to 2 filters. These findings are applicable to the task of time‐constrained planning of multispectral observations, and to the evaluation and cross‐comparison of multispectral imaging systems at specific material discrimination tasks.
Learning About Sea Level Rise Uncertainty Improves Coastal Adaptation Decisions
Authors: Völz Vanessa , Hinkel Jochen , Kupfer Sunna , MacPherson Leigh R. , Wulff Norrby Carl Jacob
Published: October 2024

Adaptive decision‐making allows decision‐makers to plan long‐term coastal infrastructure under uncertain sea level rise projections. To date, economic assessments of adaptive decision‐making that take into account future learning about sea level rise uncertainty are rare and the existing ones have relied on simple quantification of future learning not validated against sea level science. To address this gap, we develop an economic adaptive decision‐making framework that takes into account future learning about sea level rise uncertainty and apply it to a coastal case study in Lübeck, Germany, to answer the question of how adaptation to sea level rise can be improved through adaptive adaptation pathways as opposed to non‐adaptive pathways. To address this question, we use a Markov decision process to formulate the stochastic optimization problem. We quantify future learning about sea level rise uncertainty through sea level rise learning scenarios based on and validated against the latest scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Our case study results show that the city of Lübeck is currently under‐protected against storm surges and that immediate adaptation actions are advisable in the face of future sea level rise. We find that adaptive adaptation pathways, in contrast to non‐adaptive pathways, generate sea level rise thresholds for adaptation actions that are similar across climate change scenarios and can reduce expected costs up to 1.8%.
The Florida Current May Be Slowing Down, but Not by Much
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: October 2024

A needed correction to a widely used data set reduced scientists’ estimates of how ocean circulation has weakened.
Re‐Evaluating Water Column Reoxygenation During the End Permian Mass Extinction
Authors: Yang F. , Li S. , An K. Y. , Bond D. P. G. , Ao R. , Wu X. B. , Ma L. L. , Sun Y. D.
Published: October 2024

Ocean anoxia is considered a key driver of the end‐Permian mass extinction (EPME). However, it is much debated whether there was an ocean reoxygenation phase during, and in the aftermath, of the EPME. Evidence for ocean reoxygenation is often inferred from the absence of framboidal pyrite in some boundary marine sediments (termed the “framboid gap”). To reconstruct ocean redox evolution across the EPME, we investigated the carbon isotopic, sedimentological, and redox records of the Ruichang and Ehtan sections in South China. These documents two negative δ13Ccarb excursions and the development of anoxia associated with deepening leading up to the Permian‐Triassic boundary. Above the level at which most siliceous organisms became extinct, pyrite framboid and iron proxies indicate that water column redox conditions were predominantly oxygenated but sporadically anoxic/ferruginous [non‐sulfidic, free Fe(II) in the water] at Ruichang, while ferruginous conditions were more widely developed at Ehtan. These contrasting redox states are characteristic of a dynamic ocean redox landscape in the extinction interval. The “framboid gap” is seen in strata deposited under both oxic and ferruginous conditions, suggesting that the availability of decomposable organic matter for sulfate reduction additionally controlled framboid genesis. Our data confirm that oxygenated conditions were developed in some deep water basins during the EPME.
Multi‐Decadal Dynamics of Global Rainfall Interception and Their Drivers
Authors: Zhong Feng , Jiang Shanhu , Koppa Akash , Ren Liliang , Liu Yi , Wang Menghao , Miralles Diego G.
Published: October 2024

Rainfall interception loss (Ei) is a difficult to study and poorly understood flux compared to transpiration and soil evaporation. The influence of climate and vegetation on Ei is not well known at continental‐to‐global and annual‐to‐decadal scales. Here, we use a long‐term multi‐product approach to examine the global trends in Ei, and further utilize a recently developed and validated dataset to isolate the relative contributions of precipitation, vegetation and evaporative demand. At decadal timescales, increasing Ei is largely driven by global vegetation greening through an increase in the intercepting surface and storage capacity, while its inter‐annual variations are mainly controlled by changes in precipitation, largely related to El Niño/Southern Oscillation. Increasing evaporative demand, driven by atmospheric warming, also positively contributes to the global rise in Ei. This study provides new perspectives for further understanding the impacts of climate change on the terrestrial hydrological cycle.
Creep on the Argentine Precordillera Décollement Following the 2015 Illapel, Chile, Earthquake: Implications for Andean Seismotectonics
Authors: Figueroa M. A. , Sobrero F. S. , Gómez D. D. , Smalley R. , Bevis M. G. , Griffith W. A. , Caccamise D. J. , Kendrick E. C.
Published: October 2024

The Central and South‐Central Andes form a “two‐sided” mountain belt bounded by distinct zones of convergence in the forearc and backarc flanks. Previous geodetic interseismic deformation studies found that the forearc to backarc velocity field is better explained when elastic models allow reverse aseismic slip on the Andes eastern‐flank décollement faults. Here, we extend the earlier interpretation of interseismic motion and argue that normal aseismic creep of the Precordillera décollement is required to explain backarc Global Navigation Satellite System displacements during the co‐ and early postseismic phases of the 2015 Illapel, Chile, earthquake. This model significantly reduces the previously reported overlap between coseismic slip and afterslip on the megathrust of this earthquake, consistent with the expectation that these slip modes are spatially partitioned. These findings have direct implications for estimating recurrence interval and slip rate, and for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis on both sides of the orogen.