bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goodbye and thank you from the editor
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2022

When I became editor of The Successful Registrar in June 2006, I wasn't exactly sure what a registrar does. I had fond memories of the registrar at my undergraduate university. He was the guy you went to when you were having a really bad day. He would make you a cup of tea and tell you that you could handle whatever the problem was, and beyond that, you were absolutely awesome in every way. I had some vague idea his job description was broader than making tea and encouraging students, but I never worried much about it.
Learn from the leadership of U.S. presidents
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: October 2022

While in Dallas recently, I had some time to kill before my flight back to Atlanta. Just down the street from Love Field Airport is the Southern Methodist University campus, which hosts the George W. Bush Presidential Center. I'd never been to a presidential library before and decided to venture inside.
Focus on student‐centered strategies to enhance value of college
Authors: Felix Elliot
Published: October 2022

College is where students forge their identities, find their communities, chart the course of their careers, and learn the knowledge and skills to succeed. With tuition rising and student loan debt looming, the pandemic brought the question of the value of higher education to the forefront for students, parents, and institutions.
Support students by being approachable, upholding integrity
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2022

“Doing what I can to help students get to the end of the line in terms of graduating” — that's the passion that guides Reginald Garçon, Ed.D., Registrar at Washington Adventist University. That means minimizing any hiccups students might encounter and even educating faculty if that's what needs to be done.
Perceptions of the impact of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice on the careers of its graduates
Authors: Holdsworth Evan , Tulloch John S. P. , McGowan Catherine M.
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the perceived effect of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) on its graduates, with respect to career advancement, professional practice and contentment with work in the veterinary industry.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey of CertAVP graduates was performed, utilising descriptive analysis of Likert scales, logistic regression of demographic variable associations with key outcomes and free‐text analysis.

Results

The majority (89%) of the 103 respondents felt that the CertAVP led to improvements in professional practice, 56% felt it had helped advance their career and 55% stated it had improved their contentment with work in the veterinary industry. The CertAVP was perceived to improve evidence‐based practice, clinical governance, intellectual satisfaction and encourage lifelong learning, but was not perceived to improve work–life balance.

Limitation

Due to potential response bias, this study may not represent the wider population.

Conclusion

Despite respondents reporting career advancement, this was only reflected in mentorship and managing more complex cases; respondents neither felt that the CertAVP resulted in promotion, a pay rise or new leadership roles, nor did it afford greater flexibility in their working schedule.
Women in limnology: From a historical perspective to a present‐day evaluation
Authors: Catalán Núria , Anton‐Pardo Maria , Freixa Anna , Rodríguez‐Lozano Pablo , Bartrons Mireia , Bernal Susana , Genua‐Olmedo Ana , Mendoza‐Lera Clara , Onandía Gabriela , Benito Xavier , Sánchez‐Montoya María Mar , Cañedo‐Argüelles Iglesias Miguel , Pastor Ada , Lupon Anna
Published: October 2022

Research in limnology is nurtured by the work of many fascinating and passionate women, who have contributed enormously to our understanding of inland waters. Female limnologists have promoted and established the bases of our knowledge about inland waters and fostered the need of protecting the values of those ecosystems. However, on numerous occasions, their contribution to the advancement of limnology has not been duly recognized. Here, we review the presence of women in limnology through the history of the discipline: from the pioneers who contributed to the origins to present day' developments. We aim at visibilizing those scientists and establish them as role models. We also analyze in a simple and illustrative way the current situation of women in limnology, the scientific barriers they must deal with, and their future prospects. Multiple aspects fostering the visibility of a scientist, such as their presence in conferences, awards, or representation in societal or editorial boards show a significant gap, with none of those aspects showing a similar visibility of women and men in limnology. This article raises awareness of the obstacles that women in limnology faced and still face, and encourages to embrace models of leadership, scientific management, and assessment of research performance far from those commonly established.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Methods

Water and Life > Methods
The roles of climate and alternative prey in explaining 142 years of declining willow ptarmigan hunting yield
Authors: Hjeljord Olav , Loe Leif Egil
Published: October 2022

Long time series are important because they extend back to an era when animal populations were less influenced by habitat loss and climate change. Annual fluctuations in harvest yields are good proxies for large changes in population size and may reveal underlying ecological processes. From a variety of sources, we built a 142‐year long time series representing the mean daily catch (CPUE) of willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus in southeastern Norway. CPUE decreased over the 142 years, from approximately 35 birds shot per day in early years to around two in the last years. There were three periods in the time series: a first period with 3–5 year cycles of high peaks and low troughs (1872–1900), a short second period with similarly high peaks, variable depth of troughs and variable cyclicity (1901–1916), and a third long period with much lower peaks and faded cycles (1917–2013). Yearly variation in CPUE was best explained by an interacting effect of small rodent peak years and period, with a reduced positive effect of rodents in the last period, and a positive effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation index in spring and early summer. None of the weather variables with significant time trends explained any variation in CPUE and we could therefore not attribute the decline in CPUE directly to climate change. We postulate that a long‐term dampening of the amplitude in small rodent cycles combined with an increase in red fox numbers, have increased predation on alternative prey like ptarmigan, and prevented the populations from reaching their earlier peaks. Even though the present population of willow ptarmigan is only a fraction of what it was in former days, we recommend light hunting to motivate for monitoring and to keep public attention on the bird.
Countering the Narratives of Destruction: Textual Evidence and the Tradition of Heritage Preservation in Islam
Authors: Olaniyan Azeez , Bello Akeem O.
Published: October 2022

The relationship between Islam and cultural heritage preservation continually comes under scrutiny. This is because of vicious attacks on heritage and artefacts by groups laying claim to Islamic tenets and texts to justify their action. Thus, under this pretext, heritage sites and cultural actors and icons, are eliminated. Why is this so? What is the position of Islam on heritage preservation? How can the narratives of destruction be countered? This chapter interrogates these questions. It argues that the narratives of destruction derive from poor interpretations of the texts and traditions of Islam in respect of cultural heritage. Several monuments in the Islamic world also predate the establishment of Islam. The study brings out textual facts and traditions to counter the narratives of violent elements such as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al-Qaida, Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
50 Years World Heritage Convention: Founding Idea(s) and Implementation – Reflections on Important Developments Over Time
Authors: Ringbeck Birgitta
Published: October 2022

The World Heritage Convention has the highest ratification rate in the world. Not only quantitatively, but also conceptually and politically, the World Heritage programme can be regarded as a great success. Based on the principle of equality of all cultures and societies, it combines the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage; regardless of state borders, the preservation of these unique properties should be secured by international cooperation and assistance. This programme is not static, but rather evolves with what we continually redefine as heritage from different technical and political perspectives. Even if the members of the World Heritage Committee do not always advocate for the conservation principles of the Convention, the annual Committee meeting has become the heritage forum for the global community and has proven to be a viable platform for the safeguarding of heritage.
Historic Gardens as a Cultural Task: Climate Adaptation Strategies and Understanding of Nature
Authors: Rohde Michael
Published: October 2022

The cultivation and preservation of gardens, parks and cultural landscapes as fine art have been expressions of culture for millennia and are becoming essential tasks of cultural property protection in times of climate change. This is because the visible effects of climate change are increasingly threatening the historical aesthetics and current uses of historic gardens. Strategies for climate adaptation require not only thorough and networked experiential knowledge in the field of conservation and restoration sciences but also specific and interdisciplinary research expertise. Gardens as cultural assets must become scientific model laboratories to understand cultivation and conservation as essential cultural tasks of our societies. These challenges must lead to a new understanding of nature that initiates and perpetuates a responsible, humane sense of life through the gardens.
The Highest Mountain in the Shadow of Climate Change: Managing Tourism and Conservation in a World Heritage Site: Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Authors: Bhatta Sushma , Boustead Robin , Luger Kurt
Published: October 2022

The unique diversity of the world’s highest flora and fauna is a sacred landscape for the resident Sherpa communities, but climate change has been casting a threatening shadow over World Heritage Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) National Park (SNP) for years, causing rapid and pronounced impacts. Tourism is a key driver to the local economy but is exacerbating the impacts of climate change. Through extensive community and individual surveys in major villages, combined with a wealth of data from other studies, we focus on how the impacts of climate change and tourism development can be countered by measures at the local level. We identified two sources of conflict that need to be addressed: (1) conflict between tourism businesses and park management and (2) a lack of awareness of the need for an overarching conservation strategy among residents and stakeholders. To solve these issues, site management needs considerable enforcement and support from the State Party.
Technological Change – Risk or Opportunity for UNESCO World Heritage?
Authors: Siegmund Alexander , Prodan Anca Claudia
Published: October 2022

This chapter provides reflections on the consequences of technological change in relation to World Heritage properties. While technological change is a core means of human adaptation and survival, it becomes a risk if the pace is too fast. This has increasingly affected societies worldwide since the industrial revolution, resulting in many negative consequences for people and the environment. Technological change is also associated with positive developments, such as those brought about by digital technology. Insights into both risks and opportunities are given in this chapter, and they are illustrated with examples, such as mining and digital geomedia. Technological change appears as a double-edged sword, but there is currently no methodology for assessing its consequences for World Heritage properties. Therefore, the chapter turns to lessons learnt from the Historic Urban Landscape approach, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, and from impact assessment methods. While these provide useful inspiration and a basis for further reflection, the chapter concludes by emphasizing the necessity of a methodology for assessing the impacts of technological change on World Heritage properties against the background of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Geoheritage to Support Heritage Authorities: Research Case Studies on Maya Archaeological Sites
Authors: Hernández Mario , De Maeyer Philippe , Zwartjes Luc , Castillo Antonio Benavides
Published: October 2022

Since the adoption of the World Heritage Convention (1972), modern technologies have significantly changed the way our society behaves and operates, with an increased demand for energy, fast and reliable communications, etc. Some modern technologies might contribute to negative impacts on heritage sites, e.g. through climate change and/or excessive tourism; however, modern digital technologies can also be extremely beneficial for heritage activities. In this paper, we focus on how modern digital geo-science and geo-technology can support heritage authorities’ daily work. We introduce herein the concept of digital Geoheritage, which can help heritage authorities to discover and understand the enormous benefits that geomatics can provide for their daily heritage activities. This research case, implemented through an interdisciplinary scientific approach, originally aimed to support the preservation, restoration and management of a cultural heritage site; however, it was later expanded to also support archaeological research, stability risk assessment, planning, design, education, dissemination and promotion. The use of digital geo-sciences for the benefit of the local Maya communities living around a heritage site is also illustrated. Our objective, within the current book, was to present a paper that is oriented toward heritage authorities, and, therefore, technical language has been avoided.
The Commodification of World Heritage: A Marxist Introduction
Authors: Schmitt Thomas M.
Published: October 2022

The commodification of World Heritage potentially takes place in various contexts or “markets”, such as tourism markets, media markets, but also in the sessions of the World Heritage Committee as an inscription market. Loosely following Marxian categories, but based on a broader range of scholars, for example, from philosophical anthropology, several problem areas in the commodification of World Heritage can be distinguished: first, exploitation (e.g. of a World Heritage title, heritage values or of the environment of a site), second, alienation (of residents and visitors towards a site, or between residents of a site and its visitors) and, third, a possible “fetishism” around the title. The article offers a systematic conceptual approach for the analysis of commodification phenomena related to heritage and especially the World Heritage system.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention and Global Governance
Authors: Bernecker Roland , Franceschini Nicole
Published: October 2022

The World Heritage Convention is increasingly exposed to criticism mainly due to its “infection by politics”. The transforming dynamics of the World Heritage system reflect broader transformations in global governance. As an international organization, UNESCO does not escape the continuous weakening of multilateralism. States parties to the 1972 convention are getting used to dealing with it mainly as a proxy for power and international conflict (Meskell). The global narrative of World Heritage is slowly being corrupted. The authors argue that in order to understand developments in the World Heritage system we need to acquire a broader perception of the transformations in international relations, and to make the best use of the still emerging concept of global governance.
Shared Responsibility – A Guiding Principle of the World Heritage Convention – Perception – Implementation – Future
Authors: Albert Marie-Theres
Published: October 2022

Responsibility is a central category required for the protection of human heritage. But what does responsibility mean for the protection of our heritage today? Who was and is responsible for which form of responsibility, and how is it communicated? These central questions are derived from the theoretical basis of Hans Jonas’ approach to our ethical responsibility for the consequences of technological development and Max Weber’s approach to our political responsibility, which arises from the role of the state as a legitimised system of rule. Last but not least, reference is made to Hannah Arendt, who argues for individual human responsibility based on human morality. For the learning of responsibility and its implementation, reference is made to education on the basis of international conventions.
World Heritage and Reconciliation
Authors: Ringbeck Birgitta
Published: October 2022

The series of World Heritage sites that have been attacked demonstrates that the reconstruction of cultural properties after conflicts and crises is more than the rebuilding and restoration of material and substance; ideally, it is a recovery process regaining social cohesion and cultural identity, which leads to reconciliation in post-trauma societies. If this succeeds, reconstruction is a value and an attribute for authenticity. Thus, the World Heritage program contributes to the constitutional mandate of UNESCO and to reconciliation and peace as a central mission.
Coloniality, Natural World Heritage and Indigenous Peoples: A Critical Analysis of World Heritage Cultural Governance
Authors: Fogarty Irene
Published: October 2022

This essay analyses synergies and antagonisms of World Heritage cultural governance in respect of Indigenous peoples’ participation and rights. In tandem with recognition of nature-culture interlinkages, the World Heritage Committee has demonstrated a growing concern with rights-based approaches, moving Indigenous peoples’ rights to a more normative position in the Convention’s implementation. However, the Convention follows a Statist approach and adheres to a Eurocentric conceptualisation of nature, reproduced through World Heritage cultural governance. These issues can result in power asymmetries, coloniality of knowledge and the relegation of Indigenous peoples’ worldviews and rights.
Towards Socio-material Research Approaches in Language Education
Authors: Ennser-Kananen Johanna , Saarinen Taina
Published: October 2022

This chapter outlines the socio-material framing of the book that it opens. We situate this volume materially not only in the discipline of applied linguistics and language education, but also in the long tradition of applied language studies at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and the community there. In doing so, the book builds on the authors’ roots in social constructionist thought and explicates why an orientation towards new materialism may be useful for a consideration of equity issues in language education. Socio-materialism fosters a critical, transformative perspective and encourages an ontological ethical grounding of research, thus providing a starting point for research that implicates (but yet decenters) the role of the researchers. Having conducted the work presented in this book in a community of applied linguists has also made us aware of the material role of the community and its scholars in the process; not just as a vessel of knowledge, but as a part of an assemblage.
Changes in Language Assessment Through the Lens of New Materialism
Authors: Huhta Ari , Boivin Nettie
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, we analyze English tests that are part of two computerised assessment systems, the Finnish Matriculation Examination and the Danish National Tests. Language assessment is a fruitful field to explore from the perspective of materiality, to better understand what materialities exist in modern language tests and how students interact with such systems. Within the assessment and test-taking space, material objects exist that are imbued with political values and force test-takers to perform in specific ways. We explore what new materialism has to offer for interpreting current trends in language assessment and to what extent these perspectives allow for new insights to emerge. We describe the changes in language assessment concerning material developments and focus on the aspects of computerization that pertain to formal tests and examinations. Computerization has increased human-computer interaction during the assessment process, as well as automated analysis and scoring of test-takers’ responses. This implies that the computerized system assumes some degree of agency.
The Ideal Learner as Envisioned by Can Do Statements and Grammar Revisions: How Textbook Agency Is Constructed
Authors: Saarinen Taina , Huhta Ari
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, we analyse the features of textbooks that enable and facilitate their role as material agents in the classroom. Rather than analyse the ways textbooks are used in interaction with humans, we analyse the elements in the textbook itself that facilitate intra-action and the ensuing material agency. Based on a discursive analysis of self-assessment in one textbook and discussing that construct against the Finnish national core curriculum and previous research, we present an ‘ideal imaginary’ of classroom activities as construed in the textbook. This helps us understand the textbooks in their pedagogical ergonomics; i.e. as socio-material in the classroom. We conclude by discussing the ideological nature of the textbooks not only as describing, but materially constructing a learner agency that understands learning both as constructivist and behaviourist. This merging of pedagogic ideals promotes a particular kind of disciplined behaviour to the extent that learner behaviour and learning are inseparably intertwined.
Forschungsfragen
Authors: Stenzel Thomas
Published: October 2022

Die vorliegende Arbeit verfolgt im Wesentlichen drei Forschungsinteressen, die an dieser Stelle grob vorgestellt werden sollen. Eine Verfeinerung der einzelnen Fragen wird in den entsprechenden Kapiteln vorgenommen.
Design der Intervention
Authors: Stenzel Thomas
Published: October 2022

In diesem Kapitel wird die Interventionsmaßnahme in ihrer ursprünglichen, theoriebasierten Form beschrieben. Zunächst werden jedoch in Abschnitt 4.1 verschiedene Ansätze des Design Research präsentiert. Abschnitt 4.2 gibt dann einen kurzen Überblick über den zyklischen Ablauf der Intervention. Nachdem in Abschnitt 4.3 die Rahmenbedingungen der Maßnahme vorgestellt wurden, folgt in Abschnitt 4.4 die Entwicklung des ersten Zyklus der Intervention, die auf den in Abschnitt 2.4 beschriebenen theoretischen Überlegungen basiert. Abschnitt 4.5 beschäftigt sich mit der Schulung der an der Intervention beteiligten Tutoren. Da die in Kapitel 5 dargelegte qualitative Forschung Einfluss auf die Weiterentwicklung der Maßnahme hat, wird diese, und damit die vorerst letzte Version der Intervention, erst in Kapitel 6 beschrieben. Am Ende dieses Kapitels gibt es eine kurze Zuammenfassung der Maßnahme (Abschnitt 4.6).
Evaluation of drug interactions of saxagliptin with sildenafil in healthy volunteers
Authors: Mansour Rania Y. , ElBorolossy Radwa , Shaheen Sara M. , Sabri Nagwa A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sildenafil a CYP3A4 substrate and inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics and safety of saxagliptin.

Methods

Eighteen healthy volunteers were recruited in sequential; single-center study to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of saxagliptin and sildenafil, and (AUC0-∞), (AUC0-t); Cmax; tmax; t½, ke; ka were measured using validated LC–MS/MS method. Therapeutic doses were given as follows: Sildenafil 50 mg single dose on day one, then washout period from day two till day eight. Saxagliptin 5 mg once/day was given from day 9 till day 12; then on day 13, the two drugs were co-administered. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected on days 1 and 13 for sildenafil and on days 12 and 13 for saxagliptin.

Results

Saxagliptin ratios of T/R and 90% CI were 132.1% (122.7–142.3) for AUC0–t, and 167.6% (154.6–181.8) for Cmax. On the other hand, sildenafil pharmacokinetics were not affected. Gmax changed from 93.7 mg/dl to 95.6 mg/dl (P > 0.001) and AUCg0-t from 512.8 ng.h/ml to 532.75 ng.h/ml (P > 0.001) after co-administration of both drugs.

Conclusion

Sildenafil significantly affected the pharmacokinetic parameters of saxagliptin when co-administered.

Registration

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under identifier number: [NCT04170790] in November 2019.
Dopamine/BDNF loss underscores narcosis cognitive impairment in divers: a proof of concept in a dry condition
Authors: Bosco Gerardo , Giacon Tommaso Antonio , Paolocci Nazareno , Vezzoli Alessandra , Noce Cinzia Della , Paganini Matteo , Agrimi Jacopo , Garetto Giacomo , Cialoni Danilo , D’Alessandro Natalie , Camporesi Enrico M. , Mrakic-Sposta Simona
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Divers can experience cognitive impairment due to inert gas narcosis (IGN) at depth. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rules neuronal connectivity/metabolism to maintain cognitive function and protect tissues against oxidative stress (OxS). Dopamine and glutamate enhance BDNF bioavailability. Thus, we hypothesized that lower circulating BDNF levels (via lessened dopamine and/or glutamate release) underpin IGN in divers, while testing if BDNF loss is associated with increased OxS.

Methods

To mimic IGN, we administered a deep narcosis test via a dry dive test (DDT) at 48 msw in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber to six well-trained divers. We collected: (1) saliva samples before DDT (T0), 25 msw (descending, T1), 48 msw (depth, T2), 25 msw (ascending, T3), 10 min after decompression (T4) to dopamine and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; (2) blood and urine samples at T0 and T4 for OxS too. We administered cognitive tests at T0, T2, and re-evaluated the divers at T4.

Results

At 48 msw, all subjects experienced IGN, as revealed by the cognitive test failure. Dopamine and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reached a nadir at T2 when ROS emission was maximal. At decompression (T4), a marked drop of BDNF/glutamate content was evidenced, coinciding with a persisting decline in dopamine and cognitive capacity.

Conclusions

Divers encounter IGN at – 48 msw, exhibiting a marked loss in circulating dopamine levels, likely accounting for BDNF-dependent impairment of mental capacity and heightened OxS. The decline in dopamine and BDNF appears to persist at decompression; thus, boosting dopamine/BDNF signaling via pharmacological or other intervention types might attenuate IGN in deep dives.
Tree-ring-based seasonal temperature reconstructions and ecological implications of recent warming on oak forest health in the Zagros Mountains, Iran
Authors: Arsalani Mohsen , Grießinger Jussi , Bräuning Achim
Published: October 2022

Abrupt changes in temperature have especially strong impacts on fragile ecosystems located in semi-arid regions. In this study, we analyzed tree-ring widths (TRW) of Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirensvar.horizontalis) in the Zagros Mountains, Iran. Furthermore, we separately measured earlywood width (EWW) and latewood width (LWW) of Persian oak (Quercus brantiiLindl.) to examine if intra-annual resolution of tree-ring parameters ofQ. brantiitree rings can be used as high-resolution paleoclimate proxies. Climate-growth relationships revealed that mean monthly maximum temperatures (Tmax) are a dominant factor determining radial tree growth and negatively affect both oak and cypress in the Zagros Mountains. Accordingly, we reconstructed two different seasonal windows of past Tmax variability, namely, January–March and June–August over the periods 1860–2015 and 1560–2015, respectively. Regime shift detection identified twelve warm and nine cold significant regime shifts in our summer Tmax reconstructions. The longest hot summer period occurred in the twentieth century, and two warm regime shifts occurred in 1999 and 2008. The highest values of the warm summer regime shift index occurred in 2008, which coincided with fungal pathogen attacks and insect outbreak of the oak leaf roller moth (Tortrix viridana L.) in the Zagros oak woodlands. Interestingly, we found common warm and cold periods in historic climate variability between the summer and winter Tmax reconstructions. Warm and cold regime shifts occurred simultaneously from 1955 to 2015, and significant regional warm summer and winter regime shifts have occurred between 2008 and 2015. The winter and summer Tmax reconstructions show high spatial correlations with large areas in West Asia, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean region. Our results strengthen initial studies on past climate variability in Iran and contribute to an enhanced understanding of past temperature variability in West Asia.
DHA inhibits invasion and metastasis in NSCLC cells by interfering with CCL18/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Hai-qing , Huang Yu-meng , Li Jing , Tang Xu-dong , Chen Ran , Wang Yan , Ren Jing , Dai Qiu-qin , Lan Liu-bo , Chen Jiang-yan , Li Xiang-yong
Published: October 2022

Omega-3 has been proposed as an antitumor substance that suppresses the growth and metastasis of multiple types of tumor cells, including lung cancer, but the specific mechanisms involved remain obscure. Our previous studies showed that the expression of chemokine ligand 18 was related to the migration and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. Here, we aim to explore whether omega-3 inhibits invasion and metastasis of NSCLC by regulating the expression of CCL18. The expression of CCL18, metastasis- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes at mRNA and protein levels in NSCLC cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The metastatic and invasive capability of NSCLC cells were evaluated by scratch wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Our results showed that the level of CCL18 is positively associated with metastatic ability of NSCLC cells. Docosahexaenoic acid, an important long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 (n−3) fatty acid, significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells, and concomitantly downregulated the expression of metastasis- and EMT-related genes and p-STAT3 signaling pathway. Additionally, we found that DHA inhibited CCL18 expression in lung cancer cells, while overexpression of CCL18 effectively reversed DHA-mediated downregulation in the expression of metastasis- and EMT-related genes and p-STAT3 signaling as well as DHA-mediated inhibitory effect on metastasis and invasion of NSCLC cells. DHA inhibits NSCLC cell invasion and metastasis possibly through targeted inhibition of CCL18/ STAT3 signaling pathway and EMT process.
The European Central Bank’s Ethical Rules
Authors: Hansen Arne , Meyer Dirk
Published: October 2022

The study analyses the private securities transactions at the US Federal Reserve that have been made public since late 2021 and are worthy of criticism. It is shown by way of example that under the current applicable rules of conduct for the European Central Bank’s Governing Council members, such questionable transactions would neither be reported nor prohibited. The important goal of avoiding even the appearance of personal insider benefits and interest-driven monetary policy decisions is thus not achieved. In this respect, the rules of conduct for the members of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council require urgent revision even after they were recently adapted.
Euro Conditionality Hinges on Positive Convergence
Authors: Marcussen Michala
Published: October 2022

The present cocktail of a bleak economic outlook combined with high inflation and rising interest rates has raised questions as to whether a new euro debt crisis might emerge. Euro area sovereign spreads have widened, but not to “unwarranted” levels, unlike the situation that prevailed during the European debt crisis. A replay of the funding fears, which drove the euro area debt crisis a decade ago, seems unlikely today with the extensive toolkit now in place.
Enhancing suspension vibration reduction by diagonal inerter
Authors: Yang Meng , Luo Xingjiu , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Ding Hu , Chen Liqun
Published: October 2022

The diagonal inerter is integrated into a suspension vibration reduction system (SVRS). The dynamic model of the SVRS with diagonal inerter and damping is established. The dynamic model is of strong geometric nonlinearity. The retaining non-linearity up to cubic terms is validated under impact excitation. The conditions omitting the static deformation are determined. The effects of the diagonal inerter on the vibration reduction performance of the SVRS are explored under impact and random excitations. The vibration reduction performance of the proposed SVRS with both diagonal inerter and damping is better than that of either the SVRS without them or the SVRS with the diagonal damping only.
Teaching computational thinking using scenario-based learning tools
Authors: Zitouniatis Athanasios , Lazarinis Fotis , Kanellopoulos Dimitris
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a scenario-based learning (SBL) methodology for teaching Computational Thinking (CT). The presented scenario includes educational material that teaches the basic concepts of a Python course for beginners. The scenario allows the educator to utilize a combination of tools and services and follow a mind map. Moreover, it presents a story through steps which the Generation Z students can follow to learn, understand, and test their acquired knowledge on the Python programming language while engaging in non-coding-related topics such as the history of coding and coding ethics. The proposed SBL methodology allows teachers of CT to familiarize themselves with a series of tools (e.g., Twine, Kahoot!, Repl.it, Discord, and Gather.town) so as to facilitate Gen Z students to learn in synchronous and asynchronous educational environments. The SBL methodology was assessed by using a variety of inspection methods depending on the scope of the individual using the method (e.g., the effectiveness of the tools for the educator, the ease of use, and the interest generated by a Gen X student). The assessment results were quite encouraging.
The Assouad spectrum of Kleinian limit sets and Patterson–Sullivan measure
Authors: Fraser Jonathan M. , Stuart Liam
Published: October 2022

The Assouad dimension of the limit set of a geometrically finite Kleinian group with parabolics may exceed the Hausdorff and box dimensions. The Assouadspectrumis a continuously parametrised family of dimensions which ‘interpolates’ between the box and Assouad dimensions of a fractal set. It is designed to reveal more subtle geometric information than the box and Assouad dimensions considered in isolation. We conduct a detailed analysis of the Assouad spectrum of limit sets of geometrically finite Kleinian groups and the associated Patterson–Sullivan measure. Our analysis reveals several novel features, such as interplay between horoballs of different rank not seen by the box or Assouad dimensions.
Separating bichromatic point sets in the plane by restricted orientation convex hulls
Authors: Alegría Carlos , Orden David , Seara Carlos , Urrutia Jorge
Published: October 2022

We explore the separability of point sets in the plane by a restricted-orientation convex hull, which is an orientation-dependent, possibly disconnected, and non-convex enclosing shape that generalizes the convex hull. Let R and B be two disjoint sets of red and blue points in the plane, and $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
be a set of $$k\ge 2$$

k
≥
2

lines passing through the origin. We study the problem of computing the set of orientations of the lines of $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
for which the $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
-convex hull of R contains no points of B. For $$k=2$$

k
=
2

orthogonal lines we have the rectilinear convex hull. In optimal $$O(n\log n)$$

O
(
n
log
n
)

time and O(n) space, $$n = \vert R \vert + \vert B \vert $$

n
=
|
R
|
+
|
B
|

, we compute the set of rotation angles such that, after simultaneously rotating the lines of $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
around the origin in the same direction, the rectilinear convex hull of R contains no points of B. We generalize this result to the case where $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
is formed by $$k \ge 2$$

k
≥
2

lines with arbitrary orientations. In the counter-clockwise circular order of the lines of $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
, let $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

be the angle required to clockwise rotate the ith line so it coincides with its successor. We solve the problem in this case in $$O({1}/{\Theta }\cdot N \log N)$$

O
(
1
/
Θ
·
N
log
N
)

time and $$O({1}/{\Theta }\cdot N)$$

O
(
1
/
Θ
·
N
)

space, where $$\Theta = \min \{ \alpha _1,\ldots ,\alpha _k \}$$

Θ
=
min
{

α
1

,
…
,

α
k

}

and $$N=\max \{k,\vert R \vert + \vert B \vert \}$$

N
=
max
{
k
,
|
R
|
+
|
B
|
}

. We finally consider the case in which $$\mathcal {O}$$
O
is formed by $$k=2$$

k
=
2

lines, one of the lines is fixed, and the second line rotates by an angle that goes from 0 to $$\pi $$
π
. We show that this last case can also be solved in optimal $$O(n\log n)$$

O
(
n
log
n
)

time and O(n) space, where $$n = \vert R \vert + \vert B \vert $$

n
=
|
R
|
+
|
B
|

.
Dirac operator spectrum in tubes and layers with a zigzag-type boundary
Authors: Exner Pavel , Holzmann Markus
Published: October 2022

We derive a number of spectral results for Dirac operators in geometrically nontrivial regions in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$

R

2

and $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

of tube or layer shapes with a zigzag-type boundary using the corresponding properties of the Dirichlet Laplacian.
The phenotypic and genetic effects of drought-induced stress on apical growth, ring width, wood density and biomass in white spruce seedlings
Authors: Soro André , Lenz Patrick , Roussel Jean-Romain , Larochelle François , Bousquet Jean , Achim Alexis
Published: October 2022

Forest plantations play an important role in maintaining a supply of high-quality timber from managed forest. With an expected increase in the prevalence of drought in some forested areas, climate change increases concerns about future seedling growth. A promising approach to promote the suitability of plantation seedlings to current and future climate would be to use variation in growth and wood traits of trees under drought as selection criteria in tree breeding programs, especially at a young stage when they are most vulnerable to drought. We evaluated the genetic control of the growth and wood density response of white spruce clonal seedlings submitted to various drought conditions in a greenhouse experiment. By varying the watering treatment of 600 two year-old seedlings from 25 clones, we simulated three levels of drought-induced stress during two growing seasons. Apical and radial growth decreased markedly as the intensity of drought increased, whereas wood density tended to increase. We also developed a woody biomass index composed of wood density and ring area, which was observed to decrease slightly with increasing drought. There was important variation in all traits among clones and heritability tended to decrease with the intensity and duration of drought-induced stress, mainly for wood density and radial growth. However, the heritability of apical growth tended to increase under drought conditions. Our results show that the response of young white spruce clones to drought is highly variable, and together with the significant levels of heritability noted, the results indicate that multi-trait genetic selection for drought stress response at a young age could represent a promising approach to increase resilience to drought.
How scientists interpret and address funding criteria: value creation and undesirable side effects
Authors: O’Kane Conor , Zhang Jing A. , Haar Jarrod , Cunningham James A.
Published: October 2022

Scientists and funding bodies are interdependent actors involved in an ongoing two-way signalling interaction; however, we lack insight on the social mechanisms underpinning this interaction. To address this issue, we examine how successfully funded scientists interpret and address criteria set by the funding body to maximise their chances of funding success. We also consider the possible adverse side effects that can arise from scientists’ competitive efforts to address these criteria. Our findings identify a portfolio of funding criteria—research feasibility, research alignment and team credentials—that scientists address when preparing grant applications. Effectively addressing these criteria enhances the prospects of funding success and value creation. However, we also find that scientists can over-address funding criteria, which is counterproductive and yields undesirable side effects. Our research therefore makes an important distinction between the possibilities for value creation and the value creation frictions that can unintentionally arise based on how grant-submitting scientists interpret and address the criteria signalled by the funding body. Our research has implications for policymakers, funding bodies and scientists which we also discuss.
Correlations Among High School Students' Beliefs about Conspiracy, Authoritarianism, and Scientific Literacy
Authors: Synak Nikola , Šabíková Nikola , Masaryk Radomír
Published: October 2022

Studies consistently show the social impact of spreading epistemologically unfounded beliefs (or ‘conspiracy beliefs’), including negative effects on public health. The present study identified correlations among epistemologically unfounded beliefs, authoritarianism, and scientific literacy in a representative sample of 303 Slovak secondary school students, using the Epistemologically Unfounded Beliefs Scale, Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale, and Scientific Reasoning Scale. Statistical analysis confirmed significant correlations among the three variables. The findings suggest that increasing scientific literacy could simultaneously reduce authoritarianism and epistemologically unfounded beliefs in secondary school students.
‘Immediate access … everywhere you go’: a Grounded Theory Study of How Smartphone Betting Can Facilitate Harmful Sports Betting Behaviours Amongst Young Adults
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Thorne Hannah , Russell Alex M. T. , Newall Philip W. S. , Lole Lisa , Rockloff Matthew , Browne Matthew , Greer Nancy , Tulloch Catherine
Published: October 2022

This study explored how the use of smartphones can influence sports betting by young adults, compared to using computers and land-based betting facilities. Interviews with 33 Australians aged 18–29 years, who bet regularly on sports, esports, and/or fantasy sports, were analysed using adaptive grounded theory. Seven major themes related to platform functionality, sourcing betting information, physical accessibility, financial accessibility, social influences, privacy, and marketing. The grounded theory model depicts how features of smartphones, online gambling, and betting apps combine in smartphone betting to provide instantaneous access to betting, anywhere and at any time, to facilitate harmful betting behaviours. These behaviours included increased betting participation, frequency and expenditure, placing a wider variety of bets, impulsive and spontaneous betting, placing riskier bets with longer odds, chasing losses, and acting on social encouragement to bet. These findings can inform harm minimisation measures, regulation, and policy.
Numerical evaluation of enhanced green infrastructures for mitigating urban heat in a desert urban setting
Authors: Mohammed Afifa , Khan Ansar , Santamouris Mattheos
Published: October 2022

The cities of desert climates are anticipated to recognize a synergy of urban heat island (UHI) and severe heat waves during summertime. To improve the urban thermal environment, the present study aims quantitatively explore a strategically designed network of vegetation patches called green infrastructure (GI) in subtropical desert cities such as Dubai. To achieve a more comfortable temperature environment, we built and simulated four GI situations with higher GI fractions, GI25, GI50, GI75, and GI100. Using a mesoscale urban model, the mosaic approach is utilized to test potential thermal improvement and urban climate impact, and a portion of each urban grid cell in the model domain is altered with various species of urban vegetation patches by 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The daily peak reduction in ambient temperature at 17:00LT is similar to 0.0168 °C per unit of GI increase when compared to the untreated scenario; however, the maximum anticipated daytime summer temperature decline for GI25, GI50, GI75, and GI100 is 0.6 °C, 1.1 °C, 1.4 °C, and 1.7 °C, respectively. The associated reduction in nighttime ambient temperature per unit increase in the GI is 0.0432 °C, with a maximum temperature drop of around 2.4 °C for the GI100 scenario. Increased GI reduces the height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) by up to 468 m, which might lead to greater pollution concentrations. While GI-based cooling has a significant influence on delayed sea breeze and humidity, it may raise the risk of heat discomfort in the indoor building environment. This study adds to our understanding of the potential for GI mitigation as well as the seasonal impact of developing GIs on the desert urban boundary layer.
Differences in Olivo-Cerebellar Circuit and Cerebellar Network Connectivity in Essential Tremor: a Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Sharifi Sarvi , Buijink Arthur W. G. , Luft Frauke , Scheijbeler Elliz P. , Potters Wouter V. , van Wingen Guido , Heida Tjitske , Bour Lo J. , van Rootselaar Anne-Fleur
Published: October 2022

The olivo-cerebellar circuit is thought to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of essential tremor (ET). Whether olivo-cerebellar circuit dysfunction is also present at rest, in the absence of clinical tremor and linked voluntary movement, remains unclear. Assessing this network in detail with fMRI is challenging, considering the brainstem is close to major arteries and pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid–filled spaces obscuring signals of interest. Here, we used methods tailored to the analysis of infratentorial structures. We hypothesize that the olivo-cerebellar circuit shows altered intra-network connectivity at rest and decreased functional coupling with other parts of the motor network in ET. In 17 ET patients and 19 healthy controls, we investigated using resting state fMRI intracerebellar functional and effective connectivity on a dedicated cerebellar atlas. With independent component analysis, we investigated data-driven cerebellar motor network activations during rest. Finally, whole-brain connectivity of cerebellar motor structures was investigated using identified components. In ET, olivo-cerebellar pathways show decreased functional connectivity compared with healthy controls. Effective connectivity analysis showed an increased inhibitory influence of the dentate nucleus towards the inferior olive. Cerebellar independent component analyses showed motor resting state networks are less strongly connected to the cerebral cortex compared to controls. Our results indicate the olivo-cerebellar circuit to be affected at rest. Also, the cerebellum is “disconnected” from the rest of the motor network. Aberrant activity, generated within the olivo-cerebellar circuit could, during action, spread towards other parts of the motor circuit and potentially underlie the characteristic tremor of this patient group.
German Romance VII Ulrich Fuetrer Iban
Authors: Fuetrer Ulrich
Published: October 2022

First ever English
translation, with facing edition, of an important medieval
German Arthurian romance.