bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China–Africa Multifaceted Collaboration
Authors: Yigit Sureyya
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides an overview of Chinese collaborations with Africa. These endeavours are multifaceted, with political conditionality absent in the relationship. China has become a source of international cooperation due to its strong international presence. China can play a major role as a partner in south–south cooperation even though China is not familiar with the notion of development cooperation policy as its independent policy. Whilst it pursues five strategic interests in Africa, China has made significant strides in improving education, supporting medicine and health, constructing infrastructure, and increasing humanitarian assistance.
China–Africa Collaboration in Digital Technology: Present and Future Challenges
Authors: Tang Mingfeng , Liu Xiaomeng , Muchie Mammo , Baskaran Angathevar
Published: October 2024

Digital technologies have brought fundamental changes in our work, lifestyle and behaviours. Many digital companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Baidu, Tencent and Ant Financial Corp. are able to create digital services or products to consumers. The increasing contribution of digital technologies to world GDP makes digital knowledge economy become a leading driver of the current world economy. However, many developing and less developing countries have not prepared well for embracing digital knowledge economy. How these countries catch up is of great importance for building common destiny community for all humanity. This chapter aims to use inclusive development theory and make case studies to explore how China collaborates with Africa in digital technologies and helps Africa to solve digital technology-based problems. We used secondary data and selected cases of digital Chinese companies like Huawei and Alibaba to analyse how these Chinese companies help Africa to develop digital infrastructure, digital education, digital commerce and digital finance. This chapter provides a new lens to understand the present status, challenges and future of China–Africa collaboration in digital technologies.
China–Africa Collaboration in the Health Sector Under the Epidemic of COVID-19
Authors: He Yizhou
Published: October 2024

Africa is considered one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of the response to infectious diseases, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, no responsive and effective health system has been widely established in Africa, leading to public health safety being a tricky and urgent matter that needs to be solved. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China–Africa community has a shared future in a wide range of fields, the public health is no exception being a crucial part of China–Africa collaboration. To solve the difficulties of African local people in accessing medical treatment during the pandemic, China has been providing medical assistance to promote the African region’s health systems. Although fruitful results have been achieved after China’s engagement, the effectiveness in helping Africa’s health sector needs a long way to go. This chapter tries to explore the China–Africa collaboration in the health sector through evidence-based practices. By examining China’s effectiveness in medical assistance to African countries, this study finds that though China supports Africa in the health sector, the follow-up management and operation often have been neglected. Thus, through analysis, this study is conducted to identify the potential challenges that need to be improved further and applied practicable recommendations for China–Africa collaboration in the health sector.
Public Perception of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Africa and the Impact of COVID-19: Based on a Study of Africans
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Xuanzhen
Published: October 2024

Against the backdrop of the global health crisis, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been playing a vital role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, thus making itself better understood in African countries. This study was conducted among Africans to explore their perception and attitudes towards TCM in the context of the coronavirus, to better understand its image in the eyes of Africans. To put forward some constructive suggestions for the internationalization of TCM, we conducted a questionnaire survey and tried to understand their choices about TCM, their preference for pharmaceutical services, the promotion of TCM, and how COVID-19 changed their perception of it.
The Role of China and Western Countries in the Economic Globalization of Africa: Who is Behind the Recent Economic Renaissance of Africa?
Authors: Mulat Addis Kassahun , Balkew Rahel Belete
Published: October 2024

This study utilized a growth model and econometric panel data analysis from two categories of mineral and agricultural exporting African countries to and from China and the West using EVIEWS 7.1 software. Although both China and the West have positively contributed to African GDP growth, (a) China's FDI is more significant than OECD-FDI and the effect is stronger for the Mineral exporters. (b) the share of OECD’s exports and imports is higher than China but declining sharply. (c) OCED’s Aid has more significant effect than the Chinese for both categories. Both OECD and China are important to fasten economic growth. However, the Chinese influence is rising sharply and displacing the West. Without them, still there would be growth, but it is much slower. Therefore, African countries need to design strategies to seize the opportunities available from both China and the Western countries.
The Impact of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment on the Productivity Growth in the Ethiopian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Muhaba Aragaw Mulu
Published: October 2024

This study provides a new empirical model on the relationship between Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) and the total factor productivity growth using panel data for a subset of 24 groups of the Ethiopian manufacturing sector between 2011 and 2016. Our results suggest both positive and negative effects from Chinese and other countries’ FDI through the growth of value addition to domestic firms. Especially, the impact of Chinese investments on TFP is positive and statistically significant regardless of the considerable technology level classification. As for the other countries’ investments, the impact is negative and statistically significant. The FDI impact on TFP is transmitted to local firms through demonstration and competition effects at a moderate level. But the negative impact of other countries’ investment in TFP is in the scope of medium and high-level technology. Finally, it is concluded that the technology gap is a critical factor among the other determinants of FDI.
China–Africa S&T Relationship: Selected Cases of Learning and Technology Transfer
Authors: Patra Swapan Kumar , Muchie Mammo
Published: October 2024

There is a need to undertake comprehensive, analytical, reflective, descriptive, and critical research on the China–Africa relationship in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) by including spheres in agriculture, manufacturing and services. The fourth industrial revolution is changing the STI collaboration and competition globally. How digital STI is impacting on the China–Africa relations need to be explored and examined. STI has played a major role by applying technology transfer in industry, agriculture, economy, social, infrastructure, trading, and education spheres. Technology transfer in the history of China–Africa relations has not been systematically researched. The information is spread with the views that are not backed with suitable empirical evidence. Technology transfer from industry, government, universities, and programs on China–Africa exchanges is to be done with full evidence and not opinions with negative messages that continue to spread. The evidence-based technology transfer research must be used to generate policy learning both to China and Africa to develop mutually beneficial relationship that can serve as a model for the rest of the world. This paper provides an overview of the technology transfer question in China–Africa relations with examples of technology transfers by China to different actors in Africa with recommendation to undertake further research.
From Joint Research Project (JRP) to Joint Research Center (JRC): A 10-Years Cooperation in Efficient Utilization of Mineral Resources
Authors: Zhu Yangge , Han Long , Zhang Da , Zhang Dan , Gao Xiyu , Song Zhenguo , Liu Chongjun , Wang Guoqiang , Xiong Wei , Zhao Qingchao , Zhang Xingrong , Wang Jun , Liu Yafei , Chen Yanbin , Song Tao , Zhang Bangsheng
Published: October 2024

The global mineral resource development field is facing with common problems such as increasing mining depth, declining resource quality, tightening environmental constraints, and increasing security challenges. The development and utilization technology of mineral resources is in urgent need of innovation. As leading mining countries, starting from the joint research project (JRP) to the establishment of the China–South Africa Joint Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Mineral Resources (JRC), China and South Africa have cooperated in depth for over 10 years and made fruitful achievements. The fields of cooperation involve mining, mineral processing, automatic control of mineral processing, comprehensive utilization of tailings, waste catalyst recovery and lithium-ion battery materials. With support of Chinese and South African governments, the two sides jointly held over 10 academic seminars, exchanged more than 20 visiting scientists, introduced 7 South African experts to work in China, and were authorized dozens of patents.
Hall-like behaviour of higher rank Chern-Simons theory of fractons
Authors: Bertolini Erica , Blasi Alberto , Maggiore Nicola , Shaikh Daniel Sacco
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fracton phases of matter constitute an interesting point of contact between condensed matter and high-energy physics. The limited mobility property of fracton quasi-particles finds applications in many different contexts, including quantum information, spin liquids, elasticity, hydrodynamics, gravity and holography. In this paper we adopt a field theoretical approach to investigate the three dimensional action of a rank-2 symmetric tensor field invariant under the covariant fracton symmetry. The theory appears as a non-topological higher rank generalization of the ordinary Chern-Simons model, depending only on the traceless part of the tensor gauge field. After defining a field strength, a rank-2 traceless “electric” field and a “magnetic” vector field are identified, in analogy with the standard Chern-Simons ones. Once matter is introduced, a Hall-like behaviour with fractonic features emerges. In particular, our model shows a Hall-like dipole current, together with a vectorial “flux-attachment” relation for dipoles. This gives a possible starting point for a fracton-vortex duality. A gauge-fixing term is then introduced, from which propagators are computed and the counting of the degrees of freedom is performed. Finally, the energy-momentum tensor is shown to be conserved and the integrated energy density is proved to be zero, which reminds the topological nature of the standard Chern-Simons model.
Exact two-loop amplitudes for Higgs plus jet production with a cubic Higgs self-coupling
Authors: Haisch Ulrich , Niggetiedt Marco
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We compute the corrections to the two-loop amplitudes for gg → h, gg → hg, qg → hq, and $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

→ hg due to a modified cubic Higgs self-coupling. The exact dependence on the Higgs and top-quark masses across the entire 2 → 2 phase space is determined by numerically solving a system of differential equations for the relevant master integrals. The calculated amplitudes are crucial for evaluating the impact of the considered corrections on exclusive pp → hj production at the hadronic event level. As an application, we calculate the non-universal, kinematic-dependent cubic Higgs self-coupling corrections to the Higgs-boson transverse momentum distribution in gluon-gluon fusion Higgs production for arbitrary values of the transverse momentum.
Symmetry fractionalization and duality defects in Maxwell theory
Authors: Kan Naoto , Kawabata Kohki , Wada Hiroki
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We consider Maxwell theory on a non-spin manifold. Depending on the choice of statistics for line operators, there are three non-anomalous theories and one anomalous theory with different symmetry fractionalizations. We establish the gauging maps that connect the non-anomalous theories by coupling them to a discrete gauge theory. We also construct topological interfaces associated with SL(2, ℤ) duality and gauging of electric and magnetic one-form symmetries. Finally, by stacking the topological interfaces, we compose various kinds of duality defects, which lead to non-invertible symmetries of non-spin Maxwell theories.
Baby universe operators in the ETH matrix model of double-scaled SYK
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We consider the baby universe operator $$ {\mathcal{B}}_a $$

B
a

in the double-scaled SYK (DSSYK) model, which creates a baby universe of size a. We find that $$ {\mathcal{B}}_a $$

B
a

is written in terms of the transfer matrix T, and vice versa. In particular, the identity operator on the chord Hilbert space is expanded as a linear combination of $$ {\mathcal{B}}_a $$

B
a

, which implies that the disk partition function of DSSYK is written as a linear combination of trumpets. We also find that the thermofield double state of DSSYK is generated by a pair of baby universe operators, which corresponds to a double trumpet. This can be thought of as a concrete realization of the idea of ER=EPR.
A framework for generalizing toric inequalities for holographic entanglement entropy
Authors: Bao Ning , Furuya Keiichiro , Naskar Joydeep
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We conjecture a multi-parameter generalization of the toric inequalities of [1]. We then extend their proof methods for the generalized toric inequalities in two ways. The first extension constructs the graph corresponding to the toric inequalities and the generalized toric conjectures by tiling the Euclidean space. An entanglement wedge nesting relation then determines the geometric structure of the tiles. In the second extension, we exploit the cyclic nature of the inequalities and conjectures to construct cycle graphs. Then, the graph can be obtained using graph Cartesian products of cycle graphs. In addition, we define a set of knots on the graph by following [1]. These graphs with knots then imply the validity of their associated inequality. We study the case where the graph can be decomposed into disjoint unions of torii. Under the specific case, we explore and prove the conjectures for some ranges of parameters. We also discuss ways to explore the conjectured inequalities whose corresponding geometries are d-dimensional torii (d > 2).
Fermion masses and mixings in the supersymmetric Pati-Salam landscape from Intersecting D6-Branes
Authors: Sabir Mudassar , Mansha Adeel , Li Tianjun , Wang Zhi-Wei
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Recently, the complete landscape of three-family supersymmetric Pati-Salam models from intersecting D6-branes on a type IIA $$ {\mathbbm{T}}^6/\left({\mathbb{Z}}_2\times {\mathbb{Z}}_2\right) $$

T
6

/

ℤ
2

×

ℤ
2

orientifold has been enumerated consisting of 33 independent models with distinct gauge coupling relations at the string scale. Here, we study the phenomenology of all such models by providing the detailed particle spectra and the analysis of the possible 3-point and the 4-point Yukawa interactions in order to accommodate all standard-model fermion masses and mixings. We find that only 17 models contain viable Yukawa textures to explain quarks masses, charged-leptons’ masses, neutrino-masses, quarks’ mixings and leptons’ mixings. These viable models split into four classes, viz. a single model with 3 Higgs fields from the bulk and sixteen models with either 6, 9 or 12 Higgs from the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 sector. The models perform successively better with the increasing number of Higgs pairs. Remarkably, the class of models with 12 Higgs naturally predicts the Dirac-type neutrino masses in normal ordering consistent with both the experimental constraints as well as the bounds from the swampland program.
Trace element and isotope composition of calcite, apatite, and zircon associated with magmatic sulfide globules
Authors: Cherdantseva Maria , Fiorentini Marco L. , Fisher Christopher M. , Kemp Antony I. S. , Martin Laure A. J. , Aleshin Matvei , Roberts Malcolm P.
Published: October 2024

The formation of volatile-rich phases in magmatic sulfide systems has been interpreted at least in six different ways. The most popular model attributes their origin to secondary processes, mostly due to the presence of serpentine, chlorite, phlogopite, amphibole, and calcite. While chlorite and serpentine are likely to form as alteration products, the other volatile-rich minerals have the potential to originate in a range of ways, including by primary magmatic processes. Based on mineralogical and petrological studies, it was recently suggested that volatile- and incompatible element-rich halos around sulfide globules may form due to the interaction between three immiscible liquids: silicate, carbonate, and sulfide. This hypothesis was confirmed by experimental data revealing the systematic envelopment of sulfide globules by carbonate melt, indicating their mutual affinity. In this study, we present data on isotopic signatures and trace element distributions of three minerals commonly found in spatial association with sulfides—calcite, apatite, and zircon—to address the question of the source and nature of volatiles and other incompatible elements involved in the formation of the halos. Here we compare our new hypothesis with all the previously proposed explanations to show if they can be consistent with obtained results. Our findings indicate that both mantle and crustal sources play a role in the formation of volatile- and incompatible element-rich halos, strongly correlating with sulfur isotope data previously reported for the sulfide globules in the same intrusions. This correlation confirms the shared origin of sulfides, carbonate and fluids during ore-forming processes, ruling out the secondary origin of volatile-rich phases. The isotope and trace element signatures support the newly proposed hypothesis that volatile- and incompatible element-rich halos could have been formed due to the interaction of immiscible sulfide, carbonate, and silicate melts. The volatile-rich carbonate melt could be sourced from the mantle or it could be added from the crust. Regardless of the origin, carbonate melt and sulfide liquid both immiscible with mafic magma tend to stick to each other resulting in the formation of volatile- and incompatible element-rich halos commonly documented in magmatic sulfide deposits.
Paenibacillus as a Biocontrol Agent for Fungal Phytopathogens: Is P. polymyxa the Only One Worth Attention?
Authors: Dobrzyński Jakub , Naziębło Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

Control of fungal phytopathogens is a significant challenge in modern agriculture. The widespread use of chemical fungicides to control these pathogens often leads to environmental and food contamination. An eco-friendly alternative that can help reduce reliance on these chemicals is plant growth–promoting bacteria (PGPB), particularly those of the genus Paenibacillus, which appear to be highly effective. The review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on the potential of Paenibacillus spp. as fungal biocontrol agents, identify knowledge gaps, and answer whether other species of the genus Paenibacillus, in addition to Paenibacillus polymyxa, can also be effective biocontrol agents. Paenibacillus spp. can combat plant phytopathogens through various mechanisms, including the production of lipopeptides (such as fusaricidin, paenimyxin, and pelgipeptin), the induction of systemic resistance (ISR), hydrolytic enzymes (chitinase, cellulase, and glucanase), and volatile organic compounds. These properties enable Paenibacillus strains to suppress the growth of fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea, or Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Notably, several strains of Paenibacillus, including P. polymyxa, P. illinoisensis KJA-424, P. lentimorbus B-30488, and P. elgii JCK1400, have demonstrated efficacy in controlling fungal diseases in plants. Importantly, many formulations with Paenibacillus strains have already been patented, and some are commercially available, but most of them contain only P. polymyxa. Nevertheless, considering the data presented in this review, we believe that other strains from the Paenibacillus genus (besides P. polymyxa) will also be commercialized and used in plant protection in the future. Importantly, there is still limited information regarding their impact on the native microbiota, particularly from the metataxonomic and metagenomic perspectives. Expanding knowledge in this area could enhance the effectiveness of biocontrol agents containing Paenibacillus spp., ensuring safe and sustainable use of biological fungicides.
Reliability, reference values and factors related to maximum bite force measured by the Innobyte system in healthy adults with natural dentitions
Authors: Ustrell-Barral Mireia , Zamora-Olave Carla , Khoury-Ribas Laura , Rovira-Lastra Bernat , Martinez-Gomis Jordi
Published: October 2024

Objectives

We aimed to determine the predictors of maximum bite force (MBF), as measured with the Innobyte system, and to assess the reliability and reference values for MBF in young adults with natural dentitions.

Methods

This cross-sectional test–retest study included 101 dental students with natural dentitions. Participants had their dental occlusion examined and completed three questionnaires: the Temporomandibular disorders Pain Screener, Oral Behavior Checklist, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale. Body mass index and muscle mass percentage were determined, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. The MBF was measured with Innobyte, with reliability assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, expressing reference values as MBF percentiles. Bivariate tests and multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient for the MBF was 0.90, with 10th to 90th percentiles of 487–876 N for females and 529–1003 N for males. A positive relationship existed between the MBF and male sex, muscle mass percentage, overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism. Stepwise regression showed that overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism had the greatest effect on the MBF, explaining 27% of the variation.

Conclusions

This study provides reference values for MBF when using the Innobyte system and shows excellent reliability. Overbite, general strength, and self-reported bruxism appear to be important predictors of MBF.

Clinical relevance

Innobyte is a reliable device that can be used to measure MBF bilaterally. Self-reported bruxism is associated with an 8%–10% increase in MBF.
Metabolic impact of low dose IL-2 therapy for primary Sjögren’s Syndrome in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Feng Ruiling , Xiao Xian , Wang Yifan , Huang Bo , Chen Jiali , Cheng Gong , Jin Yuebo
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Low-dose interleukin 2 (Ld-IL2) is increasingly being explored as an immune-modulating treatment for autoimmune diseases which mainly affect T cell subsets. This study investigates the metabolic effects of Ld-IL2 therapy in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Method

A total of 60 patients were recruited to conduct a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Of these patients, 50% (30/60) received Ld-IL2 therapy along with standard treatment for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up. The effectiveness was evaluated by Sjögren's Tool for Assessing Response (STAR). An untargeted analysis was performed to profile hydrophilic metabolites.

Results

Metabolic profiling revealed significant alterations post-treatment, notably in metabolites like acetyl-CoA, ascorbic acid, and glutathione, which are beneficial in managing autoimmune diseases. In addition, the levels of metabolite accumulation were correlated with variations in immune cell subsets (p < 0.05), particularly Tregs. Moreover, patients exhibiting a specific metabolic profile, including lower serum levels of isoleucine, ADP, Thymidine 5'-triphosphate, and other metabolites, had a high response rate (91.7%-98.6%), as indicated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Ld-IL2 therapy influences metabolic pathways in pSS, offering insights into the systemic effects of Ld-IL2 therapy beyond immune modulation.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02464319.

Key Points• Metabolic alteration in pSS is significantly associated with Ld-IL2 therapy.• Metabolic changes correlate with variations in immune cell subsets, particularly Tregs.• Metabolic profiling could be a valuable tool in guiding Ld-IL2 therapy choices for pSS patients.
Molecular detection of Staphylococcus aureus in urine in patients with S. aureus bacteremia: an exploratory study
Authors: Schuler Franziska , Kaasch Achim J. , Schaumburg Frieder
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with a 90-day mortality of 28–34%. Many SAB-patients (7.8–39%) have a secondary S. aureus bacteriuria (SABU) mainly without symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Due to high morbidity and mortality, there is an interest in rapid detection of S. aureus bacteremia. Here, we compared a rapid nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) with conventional culture to detect S. aureus in urine and to identify cases with increased risk for SAB.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we assessed urine samples (mid-stream, clean catch and catheter urine) of patients with SAB and bacteremia other than SAB (non-SAB). Urine samples were collected ± 3 days to the collection of the positive blood culture and were cultured on a set of selective and non-selective agar plates. NAAT was performed using a commercial test (Xpert® SA Nasal Complete G3, Cepheid) from a sterile swab soaked in urine.

Results

We included samples from 100 patients (68% male, median age: 67.4 years) with SAB and 20 patients (75% male, median age: 65.84 years) with non-SAB. The sensitivity of detecting SAB from urine samples was 47% (specificity: 90%) for NAAT, when applying a Ct-value of ≤ 37.4 for positive results. Urine culture had a sensitivity of 25% and a specificity of 95%. Molecular and culture methods showed a moderate agreement (80%, Cohens kappa: 0.55).

Conclusion

NAAT from urine has a higher sensitivity than culture in patients with SAB and could potentially identify cases with increased risk for SAB. Future studies should investigate whether this characteristic could translate into a clinical benefit through rapid detection of SAB.
Spatial distribution of corrosion products from a bridge pier
Authors: Ikani Nima , Pu Jaan H. , Cooke Kavian O. , Mai Vuong , Pandey Manish , Wood Alastair
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the spatial distribution of corrosion by-products by a bridge pier within a conductive medium. An electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used to investigate an uncoated metallic bridge pier submerged in static distilled water. An equivalent circuit model, derived from EIS results, served as the foundation for the study. Further, the role of diffusion was analysed, considering its significance in characterising the transfer of particles from the pier into the surrounding water. This exploration revealed the complex interaction between the diffusion processes of various corrosion by-products as a function of distance. In addition, by evaluating the spatial distribution of iron (II) corrosion by-products and modelling nanoparticle diffusion, the research examined the impact of diffusion and concentration on corrosion particle transmission. The findings, analysed via Nyquist and Bode plots, demonstrate significant differences between theoretical and empirical diffusion coefficients. Results indicated that under natural corrosion conditions, the primary product of the corrosion reaction, iron (II), disperses into the medium when oxidation occurs. The elevated resistivity due to the presence of iron (II) underscores the diffusion effect, leading to corrosion product precipitation and reaching saturation level. Additionally, the results demonstrated ideal values for the diffusion coefficient, which are crucial for advanced corrosion modelling. The results emphasised the need for empirical data to improve corrosion prediction models and informed maintenance strategies for submerged structures.
Positive Mental Health Promotion: State of the Field and Next Steps
Authors: Hill Taylor G. , Terashima Mikiko
Published: October 2024

This commentary proposes a step forward in advancing the field of Positive Mental Health Promotion (PMHP). PMHP has the potential to dramatically change the way research informs interventions (e.g., community-level programing) and to create a greater impact on population mental health, but has been slow to come to fruition. This may be because the term mental health is used inconsistently across studies, which blurs the distinction between mental health and mental ill-health. Consequently, many programs have instead aimed to improve individual-level positive feelings only or only measured a reduction in mental ill-health. Standardized measurement can help bridge this research-practice gap.
Research on assessing and enhancing indoor thermal and air conditions within typical elementary school classrooms in southern China
Authors: Sun Yicheng , Ando Wataru , Kojima Shoichi , Nakaohkubo Kazuaki
Published: October 2024

The thermal design of buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions must meet the requirements of thermal insulation in summer and heat preservation in winter. As a vital component of national compulsory education, primary schools must create a good indoor thermal environment for classrooms, which is particularly important for students. Due to the lack of construction standards and limited research on Chinese regions with hot summers and cold winters, policymakers have no comprehensive and efficient approach to creating optimal indoor thermal conditions in primary school classrooms. Therefore, based on the climate conditions of hot summer and cold winter areas, this study conducted field surveys in primary and secondary schools in hot summer and cold winter areas, summarized and analyzed the current situation of the surveyed classrooms and users' subjective evaluation of the indoor thermal environment of classrooms, and summarized the current hot summer and cold winter conditions. Problems in classrooms in primary and secondary schools in the region are clarified, and the research direction of construction strategies is clarified. The study found that most of the school hours in summer and winter were in a poor indoor thermal environment without refrigeration equipment. This study adjusted the school leaving time to 17:20 in summer and 17:00 in winter by adjusting the school leaving time to reduce the time of adverse thermal environment.
The outrage heuristic
Authors: Sunstein Cass R.
Published: October 2024

Many moral judgments are rooted in the outrage heuristic. In making such judgments about certain personal injury cases, people's judgments are both predictable and widely shared. With respect to outrage (on a bounded scale of one to six) and punitive intent (also on a bounded scale of one to six), the judgments of one group of six people, or 12 people, nicely predict the judgements of other groups of six people, or 12 people. Moreover, outrage judgments are highly predictive of punitive intentions. Because of their use of the outrage heuristic, people are intuitive retributivists. People care about deterrence, but they do not think in terms of optimal deterrence. Because outrage is category-specific, those who use the outrage heuristic are likely to produce patterns that they would themselves reject, if only they were to see them. Because people are intuitive retributivists, they reject some of the most common and central understandings in economic and utilitarian theory. To the extent that a system of criminal justice depends on the moral psychology of ordinary people, it is likely to operate on the basis of the outrage heuristic and will, from the utilitarian point of view, end up making serious and systematic errors.
Video Enhanced Didactic Instruction for Mass Casualty Triage
Authors: Berk Joshua , Schwartz James , Garcia Oscar , Givens Melissa
Published: October 2024

Objectives

High-Fidelity training in triage for Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) is resource intensive and therefore limited in frequency despite knowing that this skill degrades with time. Didactic classroom materials offer a non-resource-intensive introduction to foundational concepts, but the extent to which it can prepare providers for real world scenarios is limited. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective training alternative, but in its infancy of development and accessibility. To bridge the gap between these modalities, we propose a video-enhanced method to didactic training.

Methods

During Uniformed Service University’s (USU) annual Operation Bushmaster field exercise we produced video footage of individual casualties along with multiple casualty scenes consisting of several 5-15 second videos capturing various elements of a primary survey.

Results

The videos offer a higher-fidelity alternative to written casualty descriptions allowing the learner to visually process casualty presentation that is more representative of reality. The video segments facilitate thinking through specific points in the decision-making process for triage and life saving interventions.

Conclusions

Video enhanced didactic training offers a bridge between written didactic training and exercise or VR training for MCI triage skills acquisition and sustainment. Assessment and validation of this training methodology with various MCI responders is recommended.
Issues of Safety Confirmation for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Experience of a Flood Disaster in Kumamoto, Japan
Authors: Wakui Tomoko , Ohtsuka Rika , Awata Shuichi
Published: October 2024

Objective

Prompt safety confirmations before and after a disaster are key to reducing risks in disasters among older adults. This study aims to reveal issues in contacting fragile older adults once flood disaster strikes to ensure a sustainable safety net.

Methods

Focus group interviews were conducted in three municipalities of Kumamoto, Japan, which experienced a flood disaster in July 2020, with nine care managers, nurses, and center directors of community-based integrated support centers in August 2023.

Results

Communication records of support and lists of older adults requiring support in regular operations were useful, and the safety of those on the lists was first confirmed immediately after the disaster struck. However, confirmation of safety of those who did not rely regularly on public services, those who lived alone, and older couples, was delayed and their safety was determined by their neighbors’ reports.

Conclusions

Prompt safety confirmation system in the event of a disaster is required for, in particular, fragile older adults who do not rely on public services, which lead to early support intervention.
Exploring Ragdoll Physics in Crowd Disaster Simulation
Authors: Chang Alexander H , Ting Aedan , Hsu Edbert B
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study explores the feasibility of applying ragdoll physics, a procedural animation, and related game-engine technologies to create real-time simulations for investigating crowd disasters.

Methods

We harnessed the power of the Unity Game Engine to develop real-time simulation for the dynamics of a crowd disaster with rendering of scene objects and user interface (UI) elements. Humanoid agents with trigger colliders were linked to color schemes representing impact forces sustained with lethal thresholds ranging from 500 to 550 pounds force for males and 450 to 500 pounds force for females. The simulation enables users to manipulate parameters such as population, crowd density, directional movement and forces applied.

Results

Our simulation showcases an animated real-time depiction of a crowd disaster and enables visualization of casualties, both injured and dead, based upon a quantitative evaluation of the forces sustained.

Conclusions

Utilization of the Unity Game Engine for the development of visually-engaging real-time crowd disaster simulation has promising outcomes. This novel approach for modeling and analysis of crowd dynamics may provide valuable insights with applications in mass gatherings, crowd management, safety, and preparedness.
The War in Ukraine: The Deterrent Effect of Weaponized Interdependence
Authors: Kulakevich Tatsiana
Published: October 2024

This article examines Putin’s expectations prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and seeks to answer the following question: Why did Russia invade Ukraine regardless of the West’s threats of severe economic penalties raising the cost of an attack? I argue that the confidence in Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine, despite his awareness that the stakes could go well beyond the borders of Ukraine and increase the cost of war for the Kremlin, was based on Putin’s calculations that the West would be reluctant to change or substantially displace established rich-get-richer economic structures and would not apply high costs on the Kremlin for military aggression against Ukraine in case of a successful blitzkrieg campaign. By utilizing an extended deterrence game analysis, the article demonstrates how Russia, Ukraine, and the West interacted in decision-making, taking into account the reactions and choices of the other players, and adds to the current body of knowledge by introducing an expanded approach to deterrence strategy based on economic interdependence and the scale of the anticipated conflict.
Inside Vladimir Putin’s Hall of Mirrors: How the Kremlin’s Miscalculation of Western Resolve Emboldened Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Polianskii Mikhail
Published: October 2024

Why did Vladimir Putin order the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, despite numerous warnings from Western countries about the consequences of such an action? This article argues that misperceptions about having the upper hand vis-à-vis Western countries, formed and proliferated among the Russian leadership, emboldened the Kremlin to launch the military invasion of Ukraine, assuming that the West would stand down in the face of the attack. Based on a detailed analysis of Russian elites’ discourse through the theoretical lens of interdependence studies, this study demonstrates that Putin miscalculated Western resolve largely because of two key misperceptions. First, Putin’s elites were convinced that the West was asymmetrically dependent on Russia, viewing it as a strategic resource that would tie the hands of Western and EU countries, eventually making them accept the outcome of the war. Second, the Kremlin believed that Ukraine occupied a secondary role in Western interests that would further limit the West’s involvement in the conflict, as it would not risk exposing its dependence on Moscow for the sake of an issue that, in the Kremlin’s eyes, was marginal to European and American security.
Association between nutritional status indices and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in older adults: insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018
Authors: Chai Haisheng , Gao Sicheng , Dai Yaoyao , Dai Jinhua , Zhao Gang , Zhu Junfeng
Published: October 2024

While previous studies have identified a relationship between dietary intake and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the influence of overall nutritional status on NAFLD development has not been thoroughly investigated. This study sought to explore the association between different nutritional status indicators and NAFLD among the older adults. Nutritional status was evaluated using controlling nutritional status (CONUT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and nutritional risk index (GNRI), while NAFLD was identified based on a controlled attenuation parameter ≥ 285 dB/m, measured using transient elastography. The analysis included multivariate regression, receiver operating characteristic analysis, eXtreme Gradient Boosting and subgroup analysis to investigate the relationships between nutritional status indices and NAFLD. The study enrolled 1409 participants for the main analysis, with an NAFLD prevalence of 44·7 %. After accounting for potential confounders, a positive association between PNI and NAFLD was observed. Participants in the third and fourth quartiles of PNI showed increased odds of NAFLD compared with the lowest quartile (Q3: OR = 1·45, 95 % CI (1·03, 2·05); Q4: OR = 2·27, 95 % CI (1·59, 3·24)). Similarly, higher GNRI quartiles were significantly associated with greater odds of NAFLD (Q4 v. Q1: aOR = 1·84; 95 % CI (1·28, 2·65)). Conversely, higher CONUT values were linked to a reduced prevalence of NAFLD (OR = 0·65, 95 % CI (0·48, 0·87)). This study highlights that suboptimal nutritional status, indicating overnutrition as evaluated by PNI, GNRI and CONUT, is positively linked with the risk of NAFLD in individuals aged 50 years and above.
Greek history
Authors: Vlassopoulos Kostas
Published: October 2024

The new paradigm of ancient economic history that has dominated the last twenty years is based on New Institutional Economics; its key concepts are growth and transaction costs. It has succeeded in proving that the ancient economies were not static and in documenting the significance of ancient markets; but by excising labour, slavery, and exploitation from discussion, the conceptual limits of this paradigm are becoming apparent to more and more people. The volume edited by John Weisweiler on debt in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East is solid evidence that an alternative, non-neoliberal, paradigm is currently in the process of formation.1 The book is obviously an attempt to assess the validity of David Graeber's blockbuster book on debt for the study of ancient economic and social history.2 As with the volume on citizenship presented below, the fact that this collection of twelve essays ranges temporally from the archaic period to the early middle ages and includes Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern societies is an excellent illustration of a growing and encouraging trend in our discipline. This is a highly stimulating volume. The essays explore: the nexus between coinage, slavery, and warfare in various ancient societies; how quantified social obligations colonized various social, political, and intellectual fields; and whether Graeber's concept of the Axial Age is valuable for the study of ancient history. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Graeber's model seems to fit best the world of ancient empires (Roman, late Roman, and Sassanian), but seems to make less sense for the world of Greek poleis. This illustrates, yet again, the need for Greek historians to think seriously about the peculiarities of the Greek world and the appropriate comparisons.
Reception
Authors: Easterbrook Rhiannon
Published: October 2024

Following their 2013 monograph, Helen of Troy. Beauty, Myth, Devastation, Ruby Blondell delivers a study on screen representations of Helen in the USA, ranging from The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927), via Star Trek, Hollywood epics, and Xena: Warrior Princess, to Helen of Troy (2003).1 Blondell takes a rounded approach to their investigation, looking at different strands in the ancient tradition and analysing numerous factors related to the production and reception of the case studies.
First genetic characterisation and phylogenetic position of Aplectana hylambatis (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae), infecting Pithecopus azureus (Anura: Hylidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: dos Santos P.S. , Silva I.C.O. , Ferreira V.L. , Tavares L.E.R. , Paiva F. , Pereira F. B.
Published: October 2024

Aplectana hylambatis (Baylis, 1927) is a widespread nematode in South America that infects different species of anurans from different families. Although the morphology of this species shows intraspecific variations and is well studied, A. hylambatis does not have genetic characterisation. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide the first genetic characterisation of this parasite, based on 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, as well as to evaluate its phylogenetic position in the family Cosmocercidae. The present specimens showed no major morphological variations and were assigned to A. hylambatis mainly based on the shape of spicules and the presence of mamelon-like structures slightly anterior to the vulva. The genetic characterisation confirmed the close relationship between A. hylambatis and other cosmocercids, and the 28S sequences were more informative for phylogenetic reconstruction, especially for those relationships at higher and intermediate levels. Aplectana hylmabatis was in a basal position within a clade formed by other congeners and species of Cosmocerca. The geographic origin may have influence in the divergence process of Aplectana spp. and genus was non-monophyletic and closely related to Cosmocerca, similar to previous findings. The present results will be useful for future studies on the phylogeny of Cosmocercidae, since several genera and species in this family still lack genetic characterisation. Furthermore, the 28S sequences can be useful in genetic studies of A. hylambatis populations, since this species appears to have phenotypic variations.
An interview with Richard Swinburne
Authors: Baker-Hytch Max
Published: October 2024

This article is part of Religious Studies’ new initiative to publish a series of interviews with distinguished philosophers of religion. Each interview explores the personal and academic background of the interviewee and discusses their core philosophical views. The aim is to inspire students and scholars and to provide an overview of some of the most important works developed by contemporary philosophers of religion. In the first interview, Max Baker-Hytch interviews Richard Swinburne, covering such topics as his upbringing, his days as a student in Oxford in the 1950s, and his views on natural theology, the problem of evil, and the mind-body problem.
A brotherhood of nations: Imagining the nation-based order during the Springtime of Nations (1848)
Authors: Duhé Arthur
Published: October 2024

Much like nations, the nation-based order and the domestic and international hierarchies it produces are imagined. Benedict Anderson and scholars in Historical International Relations have frequently approached nationalism and nations as a horizontal division of the world. By contrast, this article explores the imagined hierarchies within and between nations during the 1848 Springtime of Nations. Through an examination of fraternal images found in a variety of textual and visual sources, I investigate how the European national imaginary of 1848 translated into the nation-based order and its corresponding domestic and international hierarchies. The collapse of the 1848 Revolutions brought about a crisis in the national imaginary. The revolutionary fraternity was co-opted in a distorted form by dynastic regimes and opposed by socialists advocating for the international brotherhood of workers. The Springtime of Nations, with its successes and failures, was a pivotal chapter in creating, shaping, legitimising, and challenging the nascent nation-based order.