bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zimbabwe, Marechera, Veit-Wild
Authors: Chidora Tanaka
Published: July 2024

In this article, I explore the following relationships: the relationship between Dambudzo Marechera and Rhodesia/whiteness, Dambudzo Marechera and Zimbabwe, Dambudzo Marechera and Flora Veit-Wild, Zimbabwe and Europe/Britain, and the relationship between Zimbabwean critics and Flora Veit-Wild. These relationships are all examples of the complex conditions that shaped Marechera’s writings and their reception, and Veit-Wild’s writings (about Marechera) and their reception among Zimbabwean and African readers. Using these relationships, I want to propose a reading of Marechera and Veit-Wild’s works, together with a reading of their critics’ responses, informed by the concept of mistrust. I argue that the mistrust stems from Africa/Zimbabwe’s colonial relationship with Europe/Britain, a coloniality that continued even after independence. Thereafter, the good that Europe could bring to Africa, or Britain to Zimbabwe, or Veit-Wild to Marechera began to be regarded with suspicion and mistrust because (post)colonial relations were [still] predominantly meant to benefit the coloniser. Marechera’s writings are fraught with that kind of mistrust. However, Marechera takes the mistrust further and is suspicious of the vision of Zimbabwe that he believes is anchored on an elitist foundation, itself a product of a vanguard that had become ‘white.’ Marechera’s readers suspect him of being European because of his ‘European’ style of writing and perceived lack of commitment to the African/Zimbabwean cause. In the same vein, the readers are suspicious of Marechera’s relationship with Veit-Wild and suspect her of gaining, just as a colonialist, from her relationship with Marechera. Utilising Marechera’s writings and interviews, Veit-Wild’s They Called You Dambudzo and critical works on these writings, I argue that reading Zimbabwe, Marechera and Veit-Wild is like reading three biographies of mistrust.
Lebanon’s Endemic Power-Sharing Dilemmas and their Manifestation in the Beirut Blast
Authors: Thomsen Alessandra
Published: July 2024

This article examines how Lebanon’s power-sharing arrangements, embedded within the politics of sectarianism, entrench “recurring dilemmas” that undermine political change, reform, and accountability. The three dilemmas uncovered in this article include the propensity of Lebanon’s power-sharing system to political deadlock, its institutionalization of impunity, as well as its veritable disconnect from grassroots demands. This article focuses on the case of the Beirut blast and demonstrates how the tragedy represents a microcosm of the convergence of these power-sharing dilemmas. The analysis highlights the limitations of Lebanon’s power-sharing system. It suggests that as long as the current sectarian power-sharing system remains in place, the system’s endemic dilemmas will continue to manifest and preclude meaningful reform, effective policy making and justice.
From China Lobby Activists to Blue Team Neoconservatives: The Evolution of the gop’s Views on Taiwan Since 1949
Authors: Willadsen Brandon
Published: July 2024

During the 1990s, American neoconservatives grew concerned over a burgeoning People’s Republic of China (prc) threatening the newly democratic government of Taiwan. They wanted the United States to bolster Taiwan’s standing in the international community, commit to defend the island, end strategic ambiguity, and prevent further entrenchment of the prc into international organizations. Some went as far as advocating for diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and Taiwanese independence. Neoconservatives frequently employed Wilsonian rhetoric to shore up support for Taiwan. Despite this liberal veneer, their foreign policy positions and thinking built on the approach of such groups as the China Lobby and New Right. This article’s analysis of neoconservative viewpoints on U.S. policy toward Taiwan shows how the neoconservatives in the United States evolved from earlier conservative positions, rather than injecting liberalism into gop foreign policy positions on Taiwan and the prc.
Variable Contrast in Border Uruguayan Spanish /b/
Authors: Gradoville Michael , Waltermire Mark , Engelhardt Julie
Published: July 2024

This study addresses variation in the realization of intervocalic /b/ in the Spanish of Rivera, Uruguay, a border community that is bilingual in Portuguese and Spanish. While Spanish has one phoneme that corresponds to the graphemes ⟨b⟩ and ⟨v⟩, which is normally realized as an approximant or deleted intervocalically, Portuguese contrasts a voiced bilabial stop phoneme /b/ with a voiced labiodental fricative phoneme /v/. Sociolinguistic interviews from 40 native speakers of Riverense Spanish were analyzed acoustically using a consonant-vowel intensity ratio as a correlate of the degree of constriction in the realization of intervocalic /b/. Results indicate that speakers that use more Portuguese are more likely to contrast degree of constriction in words with Portuguese /b/ and /v/ cognates. Speakers that primarily use Spanish, on the other hand, contrast constriction based on orthography, a phenomenon that has been called “pedantic v” and “orthographic loyalty” in other Spanish varieties.
Layers of Lexical Borrowing in Long-Term Contact Rooted among Ancient Crops from Mali’s Bandiagara Region
Authors: Hantgan Abbie
Published: July 2024

In this research, the People and Plants method illuminates language interactions in Eastern Mali’s Bandiagara Region. Home to six linguistic groups, the Bandiagara Escarpment has sheltered two populations for at least 800 years, though their pre-cliff origins are unclear. Historical empires might have driven them to this defensible terrain, with fertile lands anchoring them. Notably, evidence points to early pearl millet domestication not far from here, a Sahelian staple, around 5,000 years ago. Examining current plant-related lexemes across local languages and contrasting with distant, unrelated languages offers insights into older forms. Merging these findings with external data depicts language contact layers. Modern Bandiagara residents, likely with pre-existing botanical knowledge, may have been influenced by the ‘Mande Expansion’ and its vast West African trade routes.
Chinese Buddhist Translations as a Locus of Grammatical Interference
Authors: Barchi Francesco
Published: July 2024

Chinese Buddhist translations are an outstanding source of information on Middle Chinese. In the last three decades, Buddhist Chinese has increasingly gained the attention of historical linguists interested in the linguistic peculiarities of the Chinese sutras. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the unusual grammatical features occurring in Buddhist translations, which have been described either as vernacular elements surfacing in the language of the translations or as the product of grammatical interference with the Indic source-texts. This paper aims to provide a concise theoretical framework for the phenomenon of grammatical interference through Chinese Buddhist translations, arguing that the vernacular hypothesis appears to be more tenable.
Decolonizing Bioarchaeology in Sudan
Authors: Schrader Sarah A. , Fushiya Tomomi , Saad Mohamed , Mohamed El Hassan Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Bioarchaeology, as a subdiscipline, has begun confronting its colonial origins and discussing how to incorporate stakeholders and ethically move forward. Here, we frame this discussion within the context of Sudan and Ancient Nubia. We argue that first we must acknowledge the sordid history of the discipline and then actively take steps to dismantle continuing systems of racism, sexism, and western-centered biases. We begin by discussing the history of the excavation, analysis, and treatment of human skeletal remains from early excavations through to current projects. We then turn to an examination of how we can further decolonize bioarchaeology in Sudan. This will certainly involve working closely with local communities and the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, as well as a reconsideration of decision-making processes. We are working towards a best care practices document, detailing guidelines for the curation and analysis of human skeletal remains.
CARICOM as the Coordination Mechanism for Caribbean Small Island Developing States Participating in the Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations
Authors: Ambrose Kristal K.
Published: July 2024

The specific processes involved in the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) role as a coordination mechanism for its Member States, composed of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), participating in multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) negotiations are sparsely documented within academic literature. CARICOM Member States have increasingly suffered from the transboundary movement and deposition of plastic litter on their coastlines. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) convened in November 2022 to develop an international legally binding instrument to manage plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Known as the global plastics treaty, Caribbean SIDS face inequities in their ability to adequately prepare and participate in this negotiation forum. CARICOM’s history of addressing environmental issues, notably through its participation in MEAs, has positioned CARICOM as a significant negotiating bloc in MEA meetings. This study classifies CARICOM’s systematic coordination processes for preparing its Member States for MEA negotiations and assesses opportunities, challenges and limitations for CARICOM to serve as the coordination mechanism for preparing its Member States for the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations.
A Commentary on the BBNJ Agreement Using the History of the Making of UNCLOS and Its Implementation Agreements
Authors: Dalaker Kristine Elfrida
Published: July 2024

In the wake of the recent adoption of the BBNJ Agreement, the commentary has focused on the final agreed text of the Agreement. This commentary takes a different approach and considers the BBNJ Agreement within the broader context of UNCLOS and its implementation agreements, namely, the Part XI Agreement and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, given that when the BBNJ Agreement enters into force, it will take its place as the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS. As the point of departure, this commentary uses the work and words of one of the key architects of the UNCLOS regime, the late Ambassador Satya Nandan, as a historical lens through which to comment on the BBNJ Agreement. This commentary considers how the BBNJ Agreement was influenced by the history of the making of UNCLOS and its implementation agreements, how that history may inform the BBNJ Agreement’s entry into force, and how the BBNJ Agreement may further develop the UNCLOS regime. This commentary concludes that the making of the BBNJ Agreement is not only a continuation of that shared history—but that the BBNJ Agreement “rhymes” with that history in such a way that progresses the law of the sea.
A Commentary and Critique on Progress in Ocean and Climate Change Action at Recent COP Meetings
Authors: Ricketts Peter J. , Olutoke Dotun
Published: July 2024

The ocean was finally recognized within the formal UN climate change negotiations at COP 25 in 2019. This result was due to a decades long multinational, collaborative effort spearheaded by the Global Ocean Forum under the inspired leadership of Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain. This article describes some of the major events leading up to COP 25 and the developments in ocean-climate change activities at the following two COP meetings in Glasgow, Scotland (COP 26) and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP 27). Observations about each of the COP meetings are presented, and successes and failures are identified along the way. In particular, the importance of the formal dialogues on ocean and climate change are assessed, and the urgency of translating hopes and aspirations into real climate action for the ocean is highlighted in preparation for the COP 28 in Dubai in 2023.
Conceptualizing Mi’kmaw Aboriginal and Treaty-Based Fisheries: Legal Constructs or Value-Based Way of Life?
Authors: Denny Shelley K. , Fanning Lucia M.
Published: July 2024

Indigenous peoples’ resurgence to use their own ways, laws, and political and intellectual traditions is becoming synonymous with fisheries governance in Canada. On the east coast, a Mi’kmaw perspective was garnered to enhance understanding of the Mi’kmaq image of their fisheries based on Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish to inform governance design. Using semi-structured interviews exploring governance challenges and opportunities with Mi’kmaw participants and desktop research, an image of the Mi’kmaw fisheries was derived. Based on content analysis of the transcripts, historical, legal, and current perspectives of Aboriginal and treaty rights-based fisheries, Mi’kmaq fisheries is described as one that supports the individual’s and collective’s physical, spiritual, cultural, and economic needs yet is self-governed, ethical, shared, responsible, conservative, respectful, and intermittent. This image of the Mi’kmaw fisheries was found to conflict with the current fisheries image held by the federal government and thus requires a shift of federal understanding of the role of the legal and historic interdependency as one fishery. Such understandings would require changes to federal policy to reflect an integrated understanding and image of the Mi’kmaw Aboriginal and treaty rights-based fisheries.
Regulatory Obsolescence in the Technological Age: Analyzing whether Autonomous Vessels Have Sovereign Immunity at Sea
Authors: Bemelen Benjamin J.
Published: July 2024

In 2016, an American autonomous underwater glider was seized by the Chinese navy in the South China Sea. The United States considered this a hostile act as the glider was sovereign immune. The Chinese maintained they were merely detaining an unknown craft to properly identify it. The glider was subsequently returned to the United States. Despite this incident ending somewhat peacefully, the issues that led to and stem from it are far from resolved. Was China right in detaining an unidentified object? Or was the United States right asserting that all craft are covered by sovereign immunity if so declared? Can autonomous vessels even have sovereign immunity? These issues are symptomatic of the technological age and the struggle of law to keep pace with constant advancements: new types of vessels do not fit neatly into the definitions of current international law, putting them in regulatory limbo. If not addressed, this could lead to an escalated incident in the future. This article considers the challenges of classifying autonomous vessels under international law, the function of sovereign immunity at sea, and whether it can apply to autonomous vessels. It will also consider potential methods for clarifying the issue at law.
Addressing Environmental Protection Gaps in Sino-African Bilateral Investment Treaties
Authors: Andemariam Senai W. , Berhe Isaias T. , Gebrezgabiher Henok G.
Published: July 2024

This article examines the scope and depth of environmental protection in Sino-African BITs. Chinese investment in Africa and the steps taken to include or enhance environmental concerns in these Sino-African treaties are comparatively discussed to show that they are generally as inadequate as other investment treaties to provide the necessary protection. Lessons drawn from the coverage of environmental provisions in nearly 125 BITs, some involving African states, are presented to give context to the key argument in this article. Written in the context of the ‘Africanization’ of international investment law, this article argues, taking into account Africa’s overall capacity as well as the amount of Chinese investment in Africa and its environmental impact, that this concern is best addressed through the adoption of aggressive national reform processes that are built into regional and finally a continental policy for ensuring sustainable development and environmental protection in relation to investments in Africa.
Inter-State Human Rights Disputes
Authors: Lawry-White Merryl
Published: July 2024

This paper maps the factors that States consider when deciding whether to raise inter-State disputes to an international dispute resolution body. It focuses particularly on these factors in the context of human rights disputes, including whether such disputes will be brought before the mechanisms provided for under the universal human rights treaties, and notably conciliation commissions. While traditionally negotiation has been seen as the most appropriate way to resolve inter-State disputes, there are times that human rights disputes may benefit from a different approach. It discusses (i) the general trend to negotiate or mediate disputes; (ii) the importance of taking a contextual perspective; (iii) the patchwork of international norms; (iv) key legal and factual considerations; (v) choice of mechanism/process; and (vi) palatability of the potential dispute resolution options. The paper concludes by providing a roadmap for States deciding whether to commence an international dispute and which forum to choose.
Inter-State Complaints under the African Human Rights System: a Breeze of Change?
Authors: Viljoen Frans
Published: July 2024

An inter-state procedure is provided for explicitly in the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on which the African regional human rights system is based, but the mechanism remains underused. Exploring the question why such a small number of inter-state cases have been submitted under the Africa system, the article points to the influence of a general culture of non-intervention and a preference for non-confrontational dispute mechanisms among African States; the existence of alternative channels to resolve cases involving massive or widespread violations cases; African States have over the years placed growing confidence in the icj; the delays associated with the drc decision; and a pervasive ignorance of inter-state complaints processes under the African system. To overcome some of these impediments, the article notes, inter-states cases may be masked as cases brought by individuals or ngo s whose interests overlap with those of States.
Greed is Good: A Look at the Mercantile World of Third/Ninth Century Baghdad
Authors: Marmer David
Published: July 2024

According to an anecdote in al-Tanūkhī’s Nishwār al-Muḥāḍara, a merchant by the name of Ibn Abī ʿAwf (d.297/910) realized every capitalist’s fantasy: he monopolized the market for olive oil in the Abbasid capital of Baghdad, and manipulated market prices for immense personal profit. By examining a series of related anecdotes, this article poses several questions regarding Baghdadi society: What was Ibn Abī ʿAwf’s background? What was the source of his capital, and what social relations did he develop in order to become a prominent merchant? What financial tools were available to him in his mercantile activity? What social norms governed the pursuit of profit? And what sources can we mine for analyzing such socio-economic norms? We will see that the financial world of third/ninth century Baghdad had a variety of tools for debt financing; that an ambitious merchant needed to maneuver a complex web of relationships in order to succeed; and that contemporary sources reflect an ambivalent attitude — a grudging appreciation but also discomfort — with the pursuit of profit.
Choosing perennial plants for extensive green roofs in a semi-arid climate
Authors: Rottenberg Aaron
Published: July 2024

The main challenge in establishing and maintaining shallow, extensive (non-irrigated) green roofs in semi-arid climate is plant selection. The chosen species should cover the roof and remain green all-year round and at the same time to survive the long, hot and dry summer in this harsh microhabitat. Three perennial species were selected for the present study conducted on a green roof at Haifa University, Israel: Sedum sediforme, Carpobrotus edulis and Portulacaria afra. These succulents were planted in non-irrigated plots, in a 17 cm deep substrate that consisted a mixture of 90% perlite and 10% compost. All three species have survived two consecutive summers and manifested notable spreading ability. Their groundcover area has increased between 3-5 times during the 18 months monitoring period of this study. These results suggest that they are suitable for the design of extensive green roofs in the semi-arid areas of Israel. Two additional species Aptenia cardifolia and Malephora crocea showed varying results, but nevertheless should be regarded as reasonable candidates. In contrast, ten other perennial plant species that were tested in the same conditions did not survive the dry summer. The results suggest, that a main factor of extensive green roofs design in semi-arid areas is species selection, namely identifying, choosing and monitoring of the fittest plant species for this harsh microhabitat.
Tablets (Du) and Passages (Zhang): the Material Conditions for the Formation of Early Short Passage Texts
Authors: Xu Jianwei
Published: July 2024

Several studies have addressed the question of whether the people of early China wrote with thin bamboo strips held in their hands or whether they wrote with the support of flat desks. However, scholars have not addressed the distinction between jian (bamboo strips) and larger du (wooden tablets) in everyday writing. In early China, tablets would be held in the hand to write, while strips would be laid flat on a writing desk. Tablets were the main medium of everyday writing during the period spanning the pre-Qin and Western and Eastern Han dynasties. In the drafting of various literary texts, taking court records, and taking classroom notes, tablets were the primary writing medium. Among written materials from before the Western Han dynasty, duan zhang (short passages) were the most common style of writing, and most texts were composed of short passages. Among the early Chinese manuscripts that have been unearthed, short passages are also very common. However, almost no one has raised the question of why a documentary system dominated by short passages was formed in the pre-Qin and Western and Eastern Han dynasties period. The number of characters that a writing tablet can accommodate essentially coincides with the number of characters in short passages in early Chinese manuscripts. In view of its wide use, I propose that the formation of the short passage form was potentially influenced by the material writing medium of the tablet.
Exploring the suitability of Hermetia illucens meal in Clarias magur catfish: effect on growth, physiology and flesh quality
Authors: Thomas A.J. , Khogen Singh S. , Debbarma R. , Angom J. , Waikhom G. , Patel A.B. , Biswas P.
Published: July 2024

The effect of substituting Hermetia illucens (HI) meal for fish meal (FM) on the growth performance, survival rate, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity, immunological function, and flesh quality of Clarias magur (average weight = 3.3 ± 0.05 g) is investigated in this work. Four iso-nitrogenous diets with 35% crude protein were formulated, each with varying levels of HI substitution: HI25%, HI50%, HI75%, and HI100%, then compared to a control diet (HI0%). Following a 90-day experiment, it was observed that the growth performance and feed efficiency were significantly improved at the 50% level (). However, the control group exhibited greater levels of digestive enzymes, specifically protease and lipase activity. The fish’s health status remained unaffected by the substitution of fishmeal, while the 50% HI group showed significant improvements. The high levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, as well as the metabolic product MDA, suggested enhanced antioxidant activity in the groups that received HI inclusion. However, as the substitution level reached 100%, the quality of the flesh decreased, as indicated by increased lipid and adhesiveness, as well as decreased L* and WI (). The findings of the study suggest that HI larvae can replace FM in diet of C. magur. Overall, at 50% level of HI larvae meal inclusion in diet, better growth and immune function was evident, but it does lead to a decrease in flesh quality. This study enhances the existing knowledge on substituting fish meal with insect meal in catfish that are of regional importance. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for additional investigation to examine the underlying mechanisms employing biotechnological approaches.
A bibliographic account on entomophagy in India: past records, recent trends and future prospects (1945-2023)
Authors: Bhadra P. , Muni N. , Borah S. , Chakravorty J.
Published: July 2024

The use of insects as’ food and feed’ is rapidly increasing due to global population growth and rising food demands. Over the past few decades, this immediate popularity of edible insects has led to a substantial upsurge in research publications on edible insects. The present study aimed to bibliographically analyze the status of work done on edible insects throughout India and provide its comprehensive review. Articles published from 1945 to December 2023 were retrieved from Scopus and non-Scopus databases using web search engines like Google Scholar and PubMed using keywords such as ‘entomophagy,’ ‘food insects,’ and ‘edible insects.’ These were then analyzed based on publication category, leading authors and publishers, active states, and journals. Between 1945 and 2023, 219 articles on entomophagy in India were published by Indian authors. This analysis highlights the historical inclusion of insects in Indian diets, particularly among ethnic communities in the North-East Region (NER), and identifies key researchers advancing this field. The findings indicate that India has the potential to become a hub for insect supplement manufacturing. Current research shows a unidirectional focus, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration among Indian researchers to drive further progress. This study serves as a pioneering effort in performing a bibliographic analysis of publications on edible insects in India and assessing the progress this practice has made in terms of consumer acceptance and its future development as a promising food resource.
A study on the differences in edible insect taxonomy groups habitually consumed by people in different regions of China
Authors: Qian Y. , Fometu S.S. , Ma L. , Zhao M. , Wu G.
Published: July 2024

A combination of questionnaires and field research was employed to investigate the types, characteristics, preferences, and socio-cultural of insect consumption among diverse groups across various regions of China, with particular emphasis on the types and characteristics of insects consumed in different localities. Findings indicated notable differences in the edible insect preferences among populations in distinct geographical areas. The insect taxonomic groups frequently consumed in China are primarily Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Coleoptera – examples of such insects include locusts and domestic silkworm pupae. People in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and other regions consume bamboo worms, wasp pupae, and other insects. Insect farming, including yellow mealworms, is prominent in Shandong Province. In the three northeastern provinces, people frequently consume silkworm pupae, ants, and dragonflies. In Yunnan and Guizhou, people preferred bamboo worms and wasp pupae. Deep-frying and stir-frying emerged as the predominant cooking methods for edible insects, while newer approaches like barbecue are becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, our research highlighted that several factors, such as local customs, regional traditions, and economic conditions, shape individuals’ perspectives on edible insects.
Re-Framing (South) African Youth Ministry
Authors: Aziz Garth
Published: July 2024

Youth ministry, as understood in an African context, is predominantly informed, and guided by a Western/European philosophy and hegemony. African youth ministry, it seems, is struggling to break away from the hegemony of the developed world, a hegemony that is not always compatible with the developing world (Africa, in this instance) and that also fails to deal with its problems. There has been renewed energy shown by the youth on the African continent, calling for a decolonial conversation, which, ideally, should also include theology and youth ministry. The #feesmustfall and #rhodesmustfall campaigns in South Africa have proven that the youth in the developing world remain a dominant voice for justice and transformation in spheres controlled by the adult community, those who are traditionally in power and who hold a philosophy that is often vastly different from the youth and the world that they inhabit. In a sense, one can argue that the actions in the calling for justice and transformation of the youth are indeed prophetic. This article will argue that the youth from emerging nations, such as those in Africa, have the agency to make a profound difference in (public) areas where there is injustice, thus offering a message of hope. This means of agency amongst the youth in the public domain is an expression of how youth ministry should not restrict itself to the clerical and ecclesial domains, but also how they ought to act in the public domain in applying public practical theology. Furthermore, this article argues, as a public practical theology, there is a need to build a theological theory, which is local and distinct from the Western/European context, to further the prophetic actions of the youth. The twofold aim of this article will be achieved through a theoretical approach with reflections on contemporary actions of, particularly, South African youth.
Youth Ministry as a Third Ecclesial Logic?
Authors: Norheim Bård , Sandsmark Astrid , Rystad Linn Sæbø , Tveitereid Knut
Published: July 2024

This article presents the main findings of a three-year-long research project (2020–2023) on post-confirmation leadership training in the Church of Norway. One of the project’s key findings was that the practice of leadership training is characterized by experiences of ambiguity. Interestingly, the interactive and relational learning and development of faith within the practice are both challenged and promoted by these complex traits of ambiguity. For those who participate in leadership training, their faith and relationship with the church seem to be strengthened by the richness of the practice. Drawing on the findings from this research project and engaging other relevant research and theory on youth ministry, the article explores how experiences and patterns of ambiguity may be negotiated in a youth ministry context. With the help of pedagogical and theological theory, it further discusses dilemmas and possibilities pertaining to youth ministry`s situatedness between intentionality and institutionality, suggesting that youth ministry may operate as a sort of strategic, third ecclesial logic.
China: 2023 Revision to China’s Marine Environment Protection Law: Interpretations and Implications
Authors: Shi Yubing , Zhuang Yuan
Published: July 2024

On 24 October 2023, the 6th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress published the newly revised Marine Environment Protection Law of the People’s Republic China (“2023 Revised China’s mepl”), which became effective on 1 January 2024. Compared with the previous version, the 2023 Revised China’s mepl mainly involves four changes. Firstly, the 2023 Revised China’s mepl clarifies the legislative purpose and basic principles; secondly, it further strengthens the government’s supervision and control over the marine environment; thirdly, it improves the system design of marine environmental management; fourthly, it incorporates stricter legal liability for violations. It is expected that the 2023 Revised China’s mepl will not only help China address many environmental problems and fulfill its legal obligations under treaties with respect to the marine environment, but also contribute to the advancement of global ocean governance. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that further efforts are necessary to achieve the legislative objectives of the 2023 Revised China’s mepl.
Improving Labour Laws in Ghana: An Analysis of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Authors: Kwarteng Abdul Hamid , Bawa Joseph , Koduah Ken Kwaku Tweneboah
Published: July 2024

Collective bargaining agreements are the internationally recognised tool used to create a peaceful platform for employers and employees to come to the negotiation table and address their concerns peacefully. However, the Ghanaian labour setting is charaterised by constant agitations between employers and their employees, hence the concern of the study. The research methodology used in this article is qualitative, using specific research tools such as the descriptive method, dialectical materialism, analytical, and synthesis method. The findings of the article reveal that the Ghanaian labour laws contained in the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) on collective bargaining agreements are defective mostly in its formulation, execution, and application. Among other defects, the Labour Act 2003 is too vague with no clear timelines. In this regard, the study recommends effective solutions on how to deal with these defective laws so as to ensure a cordial relationship between these two labour parties in Ghana.
Fifty Years After
Authors: Giraudier Elodie
Published: July 2024

Chile experienced an unprecedented crisis in the early 1970s and some civilian groups started supporting a “military solution” which occurred on September 11, 1973. Parallels between 1970s Chile and 2020s United States can be drawn in terms of democratic tradition, polarization, private armed groups, and middle-class support of democracy. While the South American country experienced a democratic breakdown in South America, the process is ongoing in the North. This article discusses analogies between both countries and explains which lessons can be learned to protect the U.S. democracy.
“The Mother of All Collapses”
Authors: Orsag Mark Andrew , McKinney Amanda
Published: July 2024

Utilizing the complex systems scholarship of Ugo Bardi as well as potentially informative, but always imprecise, historical analogy, this article examines the unraveling of the Roman Empire. In Bardi’s view, this “Mother of All Collapses” is a potentially powerful warning for our twenty-first-century globalized planet. Our work situates a key collapse “tipping point” for Ancient Rome’s Mare Nostrum (Our Sea)-centered civilization at “The Alexander Moment”—the assassination of Emperor Alexander Severus in 235 CE. Ancient and modern analogues and potential key differences, in terms of both exacerbating and dampening types of interacting feedback, are identified and analyzed.
The Gender of Race
Authors: Renault Matthieu , Elston-Leadbetter Lily
Published: July 2024

This article reveals the influence Simone de Beauvoir’s writings had on Frantz Fanon, even though Fanon never cites Beauvoir’s views and even seems to try hard to hide any intellectual lineage with Beauvoir. Clarifying the motives of this “disappearance” is necessary not only for understanding Fanon’s oeuvre, but also for appreciating the connections between, which are also a co-emergence of, feminism and anticolonialism-antiracism in the years following World War II.
مكتبة جابر بن حيّان: نقل المعرفة العلميّة-الفلسفيّة العتيقة المتأخّرة (وابتكارها) في أعمال جابر بن حيّان
Authors: كابيزوني ليوناردو
Published: July 2024

المستخلص

‫أنتجت جماعة الكيميائيّين الشيعة المقترنين باسم جابر بن حيّان مجموعة مهمّة من الأعمال التي عادةً ما تنسبها الدارسات إلى القرن الرابع/العاشر. يُذكر فيها، في كثير من الأحيان، كتّاب وأعمال من التراث الفلسفيّ في العصور العتيقة المتأخّرة، ويُنسب إليهم اهتمام خاصّ بالكيمياء. وقد بيّن العمل الإبداعيّ لبول كراوس (Paul Kraus) أنّ هذه الأعمال منسوبةٌ لغير أصحابها أو مسروقة، ولكن يبدو أنّها أوجدت نظامًا مرجعيًّا موثوقًا به لأولئك الذين يعملون في الوسط الكيميائيّ حينها، نظامًا قادرًا على ضمان سلطة البنيات النظريّة التي تنادي بها الجماعة الجابريّة. تسعى هذه الورقة إلى تحليل الديناميكيّات الثقافيّة الكامنة وراء تداول النصوص المزيّفة وفهمها، وذلك عن طريق دراسة الرسائل الخاصّة بموضوع يجمع بين الطموحات العلميّة للجماعة الجابريّة والتزامهم السياسيّ الدينيّ الشيعيّ، وهو التوليد الاصطناعيّ. في الواقع، إنّ الهدف الجابريّ هو ابتكار مخلوق مخبريّ ناموسيِّ الطباع قادر على ملء فراغ الإمام المغيّب. وتركّز الورقة على كتاب النواميس المنسوب إلى أفلاطون، وعلى فرفوريوس وغيره من المرجعيّات اليونانيّة القديمة، وكيفيّة تمثيلهم أساسًا فلسفيًّا-علميًّا صالحًا وموثوقًا ضمن الرؤية المعرفيّة الجابريّة التي تصوّر الكيمياء في خدمة مشروع سياسيّ مسيانيّ.‬
Some Observations on the ‘Ambulatory’ Nature of the Normal Baseline
Authors: Soons Alfred
Published: July 2024

From the start of the discussion about the implications of sea level rise for the entitlements of coastal States to maritime jurisdictional zones, the question of the interpretation of Art. 5 unclos (and the corresponding rule of customary international law) on the ‘normal’ baseline of the territorial sea became an essential element of the debate. The then generally accepted interpretation of Art. 5 assumed that this normal baseline, viz., the low-water line along the coast, when physically moving as a result of sea level rise, would have the effect of also moving the outer limits of the maritime zones. This interpretation became known as the ‘ambulatory’ baseline, and was inter alia adopted by the ila Committee on Baselines in the Law of the Sea and the ila Committee on Sea Level Rise and International law.

However, this interpretation has recently been challenged by a few authors, as well as, more importantly, by some States. This contribution briefly examines State practice, and concludes that the normal baseline of the territorial sea is indeed ‘ambulatory’ under the current law as reflected in Art. 5 unclos. However, a significant change in the interpretation (and application) of this provision is developing in State practice, to the effect that coastal States affected by sea level rise should be allowed to maintain their current normal baselines, as determined in accordance with the provisions of unclos, notwithstanding future changes to the low-water line.

If this changed interpretation is not also reflected in a change of the text of Art. 5 (which would involve an amendment of unclos under its articles 312 or 313), we may be witnessing an example of tacit amendment (modification) of a treaty provision by subsequent practice. At the same time the relevant rule of customary international law would then be changed as well.
Dispute Settlement Provisions in the Agreement for Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: July 2024

This article explores the dispute settlement provisions of the New Agreement for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction (the bbnj Agreement). The history of the discussions behind many of the key features of article 60, are explained. These included whether to allow compulsory dispute settlement, exclusions from jurisdiction and how non-Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (unclos) would be covered. The article concludes with some possible issues that may arise when the articles are put into practice.
In Memoriam of Professor Jacek Gorczyca (1959–2023)
Authors: WOLSKI ANDRZEJ , TASZAKOWSKI ARTUR , HERCZEK ALEKSANDER , WĘGIEREK PIOTR , YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , CHÉROT FRÉDÉRIC
Published: July 2024

Jacek Gorczyca (1959–2023) was a zoologist, entomologist, and Professor at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. His studies concentrated on mirid systematics and biogeography, especially of the subfamily Cylapinae. He was an inspiring teacher who passionately shared his biological knowledge with young people. This paper provides a biography as well as memories from several of his colleagues, a bibliography of his publications, a list of patronyms named in his honor, and a list of the taxa he described. Jacek published 172 papers, including research papers, short notes, monographs, books, conference papers, and popular articles. He described two tribes, 19 genera and 144 species.
Late Cretaceous thrips (Thysanoptera) from Hti Lin amber
Authors: ULITZKA MANFRED R.
Published: July 2024

The present study provides a first investigation of fossil thrips from the Late Cretaceous. It deals with two specimens—Avithrips yellae gen. et sp. n. and Campanithrips kyakhei gen. et sp. n.—which are preserved as inclusions in Campanian Hti Lin (or Tilin) amber from Myanmar. Their taxonomic classification in the families Melanthripidae and Stenurothripidae, as well as an adhering pollen grain suggest that both thrips may have been associated with flowers.
Two new species of the genus Aeolothrips (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) from Iran
Authors: ALAVI JALIL , KASATKIN DENIS , FARASHIANI M. EBRAHIM
Published: July 2024

Two new species Aeolothrips kermanensis sp. n., from the southeast, and Aeolothrips richardi sp. n. from the west of Iran are described as new to science. Host-plant relationships among Aeolothrips Haliday species of Iran are discussed. The record of A. montivagus from Iran was revised. The list of Iranian species of Aeolothrips is updated and diagnostic characters for the two new species are illustrated.
Analysis on the Influence law and Mechanism of the Strength of Reclaimed Aggregate-Industrial Waste Slag Solidified Silt
Authors: Dong W. Y. , Li M. , Zhu F. F. , Yu R. M. , Fu C. H. , Hu H. T. , Zhan Q. W.
Published: July 2024

To optimize the usage of construction waste resources, industrial waste slag and silt, this paper used Portland cement, mineral waste residue and phosphogypsum composite to make cementing material (CMPS) with construction waste reclaimed aggregate to solidify silt. The laboratory solidification
test and microscopic analysis were conducted to assess the mechanical characteristics of solidified sludge. In order to clarify the mineral composition, microscopic morphology and pore characteristics of the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt (SS), XRD, SEM and nitrogen adsorption
pore analyzer were employed for further explore the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt effectively, and further reveal the internal mechanism of the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt effectively. The findings indicated that the strength of Portland cementmineral waste
residue phosphogypsum terpolymer system curing agent increased by 107.34% than that of single Port-land cement SS at 56 d, and the strength of CMPS solidified silt increased by 25.68% under the action of reclaimed aggregate framework. The maintenance period and water composition of the silt
have high correlation with the strength. Therefore, influence law of above two influencing factors on its mechanical properties were further explored and the strength prediction were made. The microscopic test results showed that, drawing from the hydration of Portland cement and pozzolans
reaction of mineral waste residue, the solidified system has pre-pared CaSiO3 hydrate gel and ettringite crystals with gelatinous properties, which help to fill the pores and form a denser structure.
Learning and living God’s story: The power of liturgy for, with, and through people with disabilities
Authors: Scheuermann Rochelle
Published: July 2024

Liturgy is an embodied means of participating in God’s story of salvation. Through a tradition of prayers, hymns, and sacraments, God’s story is experienced through the senses as people receive, give, and share in acts of listening, proclaiming, and enactment. Robert Webber argues that participation in liturgy is itself a means for evangelization. Through liturgy, the church lives out God’s story while also shaping participants to know God and in turn live out God’s story in the world. For people with disabilities, particularly intellectual and developmental disabilities, liturgy helps to form Christ followers through expressive means like repetition, song, and bodily movement. While this is often seen as a one-way movement to people with disabilities, liturgy is quite literally the work of the people. Through their participation in liturgy, people with disabilities contribute to the church’s witness and to the embodiment of God’s story, challenging ableism and contributing to works of justice and goodness.
Radial and axial integrated inductive displacement sensor used for magnetic bearing system
Authors: Li Wenyin , Hu Jinghua , Su Zhenzhong , Wang Dong
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a small size and high-integration inductive displacement sensor used for magnetic bearings. This sensor is a circular ring structure fixed on radial direction of a magnetic bearing and can measure radial and axial displacement at the same time. Sensitivity results show that displacement detection along each direction will not be affected by others. Then, the proposed sensor is applied in closed-loop control of a magnetic bearing when the rotor is levitated and rotates at 40k, 50k, and 60k r/min. According to experiment results, radial and axial displacement vibrate noise can be controlled within ±10 μm and about ±10 μm, respectively, evaluating the feasibility of inductive displacement sensor in closed-loop control. Contribution of this paper is to explore application boundary and provide a guide of applicable speed for inductive displacement sensor, which will help to promote application of magnetic bearing in more fields. And based on the experiment results present in this paper, inductance sensor can be used for magnetic bearing control when the rotation speed is below 60k r/min.
Framework for integrated multi-scale computational fluid dynamics simulations in natural ventilation design
Authors: Kalua Amos , Jones James , Battaglia Francine , Grant Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

The wind flow field constitutes an important input parameter for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that are used in architectural design for the design and analysis of natural ventilation strategies.  Despite indications that the wind flow field may vary between places, CFD simulations that do not adequately account for this potential variation are still commonplace. This may significantly compromise the integrity and accuracy of the CFD simulations. This study was a two-pronged investigation with the ultimate objective of contributing towards efforts aimed at improving the accuracy of the CFD simulations. Firstly, a framework for integrated meso-scale and micro-scale CFD simulations was developed. Secondly, the newly developed framework was then implemented by deploying it to study the variation of the wind flow field between a reference meteorological station, and a selected local building site. The findings confirmed the indications that the wind flow field might vary spatially. The integrated multi-scale framework that was developed as part of the study was not only able to capture the wind flow field variation, but it also provided a way to quantify it, ultimately, leading to the generation of a more accurate wind flow field characterization representative of the local conditions. Through its ability to integrate multiple spatial scales that typically influence one another, this framework can help to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the CFD simulations that are used for natural ventilation design.

Practical application: The findings from this study can be particularly useful when undertaking spatially integrated CFD simulations to design and analyse natural ventilation strategies in the building design process.