bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parasitism, seasonality, and diversity of trombiculid mites (Trombidiformes: Parasitengona, Trombiculidae) infesting bats (Chiroptera) in Poland
Authors: Zajkowska Paula , Mąkol Joanna
Published: December 2021

The study aims to ascertain the diversity of trombiculid species associated with Chiroptera in Poland, and for the first time in the case of research on Central European Trombiculidae, we use both DNA and morphology in an integrative taxonomic approach to determine species identities of trombiculids. The research was carried out from 2015 to 2019. In total, 2725 larvae were collected from 300 specimens of bats belonging to 11 species. Deutonymphs were obtained through laboratory rearing of larvae; few larvae and deutonymphs were collected also from bats' daily roosts. The presence of trombiculid larvae on hosts was observed between July and April of the following year, with the highest numbers recorded in autumn, during bat swarming. Male bats were infested more often than females (16.4 vs. 6.6%). The highest infestation rate was recorded forBarbastella barbastellus,Myotis nattereriandPlecotus auritus, and the highest prevalence of chiggers (> 30%) forMyotis bechsteiniiandP.auritus. The larvae found on bats occupied the areas with free access to the host’s skin: auricles, tragus, and snout. Morphological identification of specimens to the species level was hindered by the mosaic distribution of diagnostic traits. Morphological analyses indicated the presence ofLeptotrombidium russicumandLeptotrombidiumspp. in the examined material, whereas molecular analyses additionally suggested three other potential species assigned to the same genus based on the assessed scope of intrageneric variation (ASAP method). We argue that the identification of the parasitic larvae (chiggers) using morphological characters does not address the question of actual species boundaries, which, in turn, affects the inferences about host specificity and host range.
Crime and punishment in times of pandemics
Authors: Sarel Roee
Published: December 2021

How should we think about crime deterrence in times of pandemics? The economic analysis of crime tells us that potential offenders will compare the costs and the benefits from crime and from innocence and then choose whichever option is more profitable. We must therefore ask ourselves how this comparison is affected by the outbreak of a pandemic and the policy changes which may accompany it, such as governmental restrictions, social distancing, and responses to economic crises. Using insights from law and economics, this paper investigates how the various components in the cost-benefit analysis of crime might change during a pandemic, focusing on Covid-19 as a test case. Building on classical theoretical models, existing empirical evidence, and behavioral aspects, the analysis reveals that there are many potentially countervailing effects on crime deterrence. The paper thus highlights the need to carefully consider which aspects are applicable given the circumstances of the pandemic, as whether crime deterrence will increase or decrease should depend on the strength of the effects at play.
Sustainable development and national cultures: a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the research field
Authors: Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

National culture (NC) plays a crucial role in transitioning societies toward sustainable development (SD) which is based on the triple bottom line (TBL) approach. The impact of NC should be broadly analyzed, taking into account the perspective of individuals, organizations, societies, etc. This constitutes the general field of “national culture sustainable development” (NCSD). To the author’s knowledge, this is the first literature review conducted on the above-defined NCSD field and based on a mixed-methods analysis. It contributes to the development of knowledge by presenting the scientific structure of the general NCSD research field and the main detailed problems addressed in the papers assigned to this field, synthesizing the previous research findings, and emphasizing the need to examine SD holistically. This study revealed that the interest of academics in the NCSD field is growing. The scientific structure of this field is formed by 80 articles, including 63 empirical papers which were based mostly on the analysis of secondary data. The most popular topic in previous studies was the relationship between cultural dimensions (authored by Hofstede) and practices related to reporting on sustainability. Cultural characteristics were combined with the data from different sources and covered different numbers of countries. Subsequent research projects were methodologically separate from the previous ones which implied inconsistent results. Papers discussing the linkage between national culture and all elements of the TBL concept together are rare. The above highlights, i.e., the need for more research based on a holistic approach to SD, methodological rigor and continuity.
Paradoxical Aspects of the Russellian Conception of Existence
Authors: Usó-Doménech J. L. , Nescolarde-Selva J. A. , Gash H.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the authors try to clarify the relations between Meinong’s and Russell's thoughts on the ontological ideas of existence. The Meinongian theory on non-existent objects does not in itself violate the principle of non-contradiction, since the problem that this hypothesis offers to the theory of definite descriptions is not so much a logical problem as an ontological problem. To demonstrate this we will establish what we believe are the two main theses basic to the theory of descriptions: the epistemological thesis and logical thesis.
Search results diversification for effective fair ranking in academic search
Authors: McDonald Graham , Macdonald Craig , Ounis Iadh
Published: December 2021

Providing users with relevant search results has been the primary focus of information retrieval research. However, focusing on relevance alone can lead to undesirable side effects. For example, small differences between the relevance scores of documents that are ranked by relevance alone can result in large differences in the exposure that the authors of relevant documents receive, i.e., the likelihood that the documents will be seen by searchers. Therefore, developing fair ranking techniques to try to ensure that search results are not dominated, for example, by certain information sources is of growing interest, to mitigate against such biases. In this work, we argue that generating fair rankings can be cast as a search results diversification problem across a number of assumed fairness groups, where groups can represent the demographics or other characteristics of information sources. In the context of academic search, as in the TREC Fair Ranking Track, which aims to be fair to unknown groups of authors, we evaluate three well-known search results diversification approaches from the literature to generate rankings that are fair to multiple assumed fairness groups, e.g. early-career researchers vs. highly-experienced authors. Our experiments on the 2019 and 2020 TREC datasets show that explicit search results diversification is a viable approach for generating effective rankings that are fair to information sources. In particular, we show that building on xQuAD diversification as a fairness component can result in a significant ($$p<0.05$$

p
<
0.05

) increase (up to  50% in our experiments) in the fairness of exposure that authors from unknown protected groups receive.
Instrument policy mix and firm size: is there complementarity between R&D subsidies and R&D tax credits?
Authors: Petrin Tea , Radicic Dragana
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, a rising number of evaluations investigates a multifaceted concept of the policy mix. Our study specifically focuses on the mix of two most frequently used supply-side instruments–R&D subsidies and R&D tax credits. Drawing on the longitudinal sample of Spanish manufacturing firms, we investigate whether there is a complementary interaction between these policy instruments with respect to product and process innovations. Moreover, by employing a dynamic random-effects probit estimator, we account for the persistence of innovation and endogeneity of public support. The results, that are separately estimated for SMEs and large firms, uniformly show evidence of no interplay between two policy instruments either in SMEs or large firms. However, among factors that influence the propensity to product and process innovations, by far, the largest effect is generated by true state dependence. These findings provide some policy implications for fostering product and process innovations in the long run.
A sample efficient sparse FFT for arbitrary frequency candidate sets in high dimensions
Authors: Kämmerer Lutz , Krahmer Felix , Volkmer Toni
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a sublinear time algorithm is presented for the reconstruction of functions that can be represented by just few out of a potentially large candidate set of Fourier basis functions in high spatial dimensions, a so-called high-dimensional sparse fast Fourier transform. In contrast to many other such algorithms, our method works for arbitrary candidate sets and does not make additional structural assumptions on the candidate set. Our transform significantly improves upon the other approaches available for such a general framework in terms of the scaling of the sample complexity. Our algorithm is based on sampling the function along multiple rank-1 lattices with random generators. Combined with a dimension-incremental approach, our method yields a sparse Fourier transform whose computational complexity only grows mildly in the dimension and can hence be efficiently computed even in high dimensions. Our theoretical analysis establishes that any Fourier s-sparse function can be accurately reconstructed with high probability. This guarantee is complemented by several numerical tests demonstrating the high efficiency and versatile applicability for the exactly sparse case and also for the compressible case.
Emirates Mars Mission Characterization of Mars Atmosphere Dynamics and Processes
Authors: Almatroushi Hessa , AlMazmi Hoor , AlMheiri Noora , AlShamsi Mariam , AlTunaiji Eman , Badri Khalid , Lillis Robert J. , Lootah Fatma , Yousuf Maryam , Amiri Sarah , Brain David A. , Chaffin Michael , Deighan Justin , Edwards Christopher S. , Forget Francois , Smith Michael D. , Wolff Michael J. , Christensen Philip R. , England Scott , Fillingim Matthew , Holsclaw Gregory M. , Jain Sonal , Jones Andrew R. , Osterloo Mikki , Jakosky Bruce M. , Luhmann Janet G. , Young Roland M. B.
Published: December 2021

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) – Hope Probe – was developed to understand Mars atmospheric circulation, dynamics, and processes through characterization of the Mars atmosphere layers and its interconnections enabled by a unique high-altitude (19,970 km periapse and 42,650 km apoapse) low inclination orbit that will offer an unprecedented local and seasonal time coverage over most of the planet. EMM has three scientific objectives to (A) characterize the state of the Martian lower atmosphere on global scales and its geographic, diurnal and seasonal variability, (B) correlate rates of thermal and photochemical atmospheric escape with conditions in the collisional Martian atmosphere, and (C) characterize the spatial structure and variability of key constituents in the Martian exosphere. The EMM data products include a variety of spectral and imaging data from three scientific instruments measuring Mars at visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths and contemporaneously and globally sampled on both diurnal and seasonal timescale. Here, we describe our strategies for addressing each objective with these data in addition to the complementary science data, tools, and physical models that will facilitate our understanding. The results will also fill a unique role by providing diagnostics of the physical processes driving atmospheric structure and dynamics, the connections between the lower and upper atmospheres, and the influences of these on atmospheric escape.
Integrated HPS? Formal versus historical approaches to philosophy of science
Authors: Vos Bobby
Published: December 2021

The project of integrated HPS (‘integrated history and philosophy of science’) has occupied philosophers of science in one form or another since at least the 1960s. Yet, despite this substantial interest in bringing together philosophical and historical reflections on the nature of science, history of science andformalphilosophy of science remain as divided as ever. In this paper, I will argue that the continuing separation between historical and formal philosophy of science is ill-founded. I will argue for this in both abstract and concrete terms. At the abstract level, I reconstruct two possible arguments for the incompatibility of historical and formal philosophy of science and argue that they are both wanting. At the concrete level, I discuss how historical and formal philosophy of science have been brought together in practice, namely: in the form of a largely forgotten research tradition that I will refer to here as the study offormalized macro-units. After a brief exposition, I argue that this research tradition has been unduly overlooked by historically minded philosophers of science. Bringing together these observations, I argue that the divide between historical and formal philosophy of science is not grounded in any substantive arguments, but can be primarily attributed to disciplinary happenstance.
Obtaining Nickel Concentrates from Sludge Produced in the Process of Electrochemical Metal Surface Treatment
Authors: Świnder Henryk , Lejwoda Paweł
Published: December 2021

The article presents the possibility of recovering nickel from waste produced as a result of wastewater neutralization during the electrochemical surface treatment of metals. Leaching the sludge with concentrated hydrochloric acid enabled the metals contained in the sludge from precipitate to the solution with the efficiency of 74.4% (Se) to 100% (Zn). The content of elements was determined using the ICP-OES method. The next step was the precipitation of metals from the obtained solution using various reagents. The precipitating reagents used were 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution, 0.5 M sodium sulphide solution and 1% dimethylglyoxime solution. Selective precipitation made it possible to obtain nickel concentrates with the content of nickel ranging from 15.3 to 98.2% for the first two methods, whereas in the case of the third method based on a dimethylglyoxime solution, the obtained nickel concentrate purity was 94.3%. The process of leaching nickel-dimethylglyoxime complex (Ni-DMG) with sulphuric acid and crystallization enabled obtaining 99.4% purity nickel sulphate, which can be reused in the nickel plating of selected metals. The research shows that waste generated in the process of neutralization of wastewater from electroplating plants is a potentially important source of recycled nickel concentrates.
Recent advances in the enzymatic synthesis of lipophilic antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Białecka-Florjańczyk Ewa , Wierzchowska Katarzyna , Fabiszewska Agata
Published: December 2021

Due to the increase in the consumption of highly processed food in developed countries, as well as, a growing number of foodborne diseases, exploration of new food additives is an issue focusing on scientific attention and industrial interest. Functional compounds with lipophilic properties are remarkably desirable due to the high susceptibility to the deterioration of lipid-rich food products. This paper in a comprehensive manner provides the current knowledge about the enzymatic synthesis of lipophilic components that could act as multifunctional food additives. The main goal of enzymatic lipophilization of compounds intentionally added to food is to make these substances soluble in lipids and/or to obtain environmentally friendly surfactants. Moreover, lipase-catalyzed syntheses could result in changes in the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, amino acids (oligopeptides), and carboxylic acids. The review describes also the implementation of a new trend in green chemistry, where apart from simple and uncomplicated chemical compounds, the modifications of multi-compound mixtures, such as phenolic extracts or essential oils have been carried out.
No Common Ground: A Spatial-Relational Analysis of EU-China Relations
Authors: Levy Katja , Révész Ágota
Published: December 2021

It is no secret that EU member states cannot come to terms on a unified China-policy. Most studies on EU-China relations come to the conclusion that disagreement exists and that this fragmentation is utilized by Chinese foreign policy in a kind of divide and rule strategy. However, the question as to why the EU members disagree has not been answered satisfactorily. This paper investigates the reasons for this discord from the perspective of the core-periphery theory. We illustrate how the spatial position of nations within Europe–in a geographical and political sense–shapes their outlook on China. As a case study to illustrate the differences in the outlook on China of among EU member countries, we analyse the discourses on Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in the Hungarian and German press from April 2020 until summer 2021. We argue that these differences have their grounds in the spatial-relational positioning at either the core or the semi-periphery of the EU. Based on our findings we suggest that a sustainable EU China-policy has first to address these differences in foreign policy outlook and then find a common ground.
Harm, Forgiveness and the Subjectivity of the Victim
Authors: Horowski Jarosław
Published: December 2021

Forgiveness is one of the most valued decisions in contemporary culture, although it has been emphasised that imprudent forgiveness can cause more harm than good in human relationships. In this article, I focus on the rarely discussed aspect of forgiveness, namely the recovery of subjectivity by the victim in their relationship with the perpetrator. I divide my reflection into three parts. In the first, I deal with the issue of the subjectivity of individuals in social relations. In the second part I present the consequences of the victim’s experience of harm, which include, first, the evoking of negative emotions, and subsequently the impact of these emotions on the way the victim functions as a subject in the relationship with the perpetrator. In the third part I show how – thanks to forgiveness – the victim regains subjectivity. Furthermore, I address the moral value of forgiveness. I argue that the regaining of subjectivity by the victim is a premise for recognising forgiveness as a morally good act and illustrate that forgiveness – properly defined – does not pose a threat to the good of people creating a relationship with the perpetrator.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: An Overview
Authors: Liu Peng-ran , Lu Lin , Zhang Jia-yao , Huo Tong-tong , Liu Song-xiang , Ye Zhe-wei
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new technical discipline that uses computer technology to research and develop the theory, method, technique, and application system for the simulation, extension, and expansion of human intelligence. With the assistance of new AI technology, the traditional medical environment has changed a lot. For example, a patient’s diagnosis based on radiological, pathological, endoscopic, ultrasonographic, and biochemical examinations has been effectively promoted with a higher accuracy and a lower human workload. The medical treatments during the perioperative period, including the preoperative preparation, surgical period, and postoperative recovery period, have been significantly enhanced with better surgical effects. In addition, AI technology has also played a crucial role in medical drug production, medical management, and medical education, taking them into a new direction. The purpose of this review is to introduce the application of AI in medicine and to provide an outlook of future trends.
Evaluation of the Safe and Failure Zones of Mooring and Riser Systems in a CALM Oil Terminal
Authors: Hasanvand Esmaeil , Edalat Pedram
Published: December 2021

The mooring and riser system is the most critical part of an offshore oil terminal. Traditionally, these two parts are designed separately without considering the nonlinear interaction between them. Thus, the present paper aims to develop an integrated design process for riser systems with a lazy-S configuration and mooring systems in the offshore catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) oil terminal. One of the important criteria considered in this integrated design is the offset diagram and safe operation zone (SAFOP) related to the mooring system and the riser, respectively. These two diagrams are obtained separately by different analyses; therefore, codes or standards are available separately for two components. In this methodology, the diagrams of both risers and mooring lines are incorporated into a single spiral, thus identifying the safe and failure zones of risers and the mooring lines of the oil terminal. This, in turn, leads to substantial benefits in terms of overall system response, cost reduction, and safety to the offshore oil terminal. To implement this process, three different riser lengths with the lazy-S configuration are considered at three different sea depths at the terminal installation site. For each condition, the integrated design of the mooring system and riser is executed according to the derived procedure. Then, coupled dynamic models, wherein both buoys and hoses are included, are developed using OrcaFlex. Results show that the criteria of the relevant regulations are not satisfied by reducing the length of the riser relative to the designed size. Further, as water depth increases, this type of riser configuration shows good coupled performance while interacting with the mooring system. In the cross offset mode, the maximum margin is created between the offset diagram and the SAFOP diagram, while the most critical dynamic response of the tanker and terminal system occurs in the near and far modes. Therefore, with this method, the best position for the riser direction with the tanker direction is 90° in the best case.
Thinking inside the box: new ways of considering energy consumption in a multi-user agency-constrained environment
Authors: Chmutina Ksenia , Dainty Andrew , Schmidt Robert , Nikolaidou Elli , Mantesi Eirini , Yu Yang , Cook Malcolm
Published: December 2021

Reductions in end-use energy imply some level of technological and behavioural change — yet there are marked differences in the balance between them. Moreover, the ways in which these influences can combine and mutually shape each other are complex, especially where multiple users interact within the same environment. A socio-technical perspective has gradually become more popular in building energy research in recent years, as it widens the focus beyond technology to include practices, infrastructure, markets, policies, social norms, and cultural meanings; however, there is very little knowledge on how this interplay works — particularly in a non-domestic environment. In this paper, we attempt to enhance the understanding of ‘social ordering of choices, problems and practice’ (Guy & Shove, 2000, p. 139) within a retail environment — and how these are competing when it comes to decisions about energy consumption. Using a longitudinal multi-methodological case study approach, this paper aims to explicate the socio-technical context within which energy consumption is considered by various actors in a large supermarket given that these actors have other behaviours (e.g. convenience, profit) as a priority and that the retail environment is agency constrained (i.e. shoppers, employees can hardly do anything individually to affect energy consumption). Using mixed-reality platform, we visualised socio-technical interactions, thus also visualising the decisions on where energy efficiency interventions could be made, what needs to be considered, and how this differs from different perspectives. Priorities that often remain ‘unspoken’ become visible — and thus provide a powerful foundation for the discussion about the consequences of an intervention there and then thus reduce the complexity of discussions and keeping crucial information available during the entire discussion process.
Youngest Cretaceous dinosaur tracksite from the Middle East (Maastrichtian, Farrokhi Formation, Central Iran)
Authors: Wilmsen Markus , Fürsich Franz Theodor , Majidifard Mahmoud Reza
Published: December 2021

A late early Maastrichtian dinosaur trampling site is reported from the Farrokhi Formation of the Khur area, Central Iran. The largely indeterminate footprints, some of which may represent undertracks, can be classified as natural moulds (i.e. concave epireliefs) bordered by a raised rim of displaced sediment. They reach diameters of up to 0.5 m and were impressed under very shallow to subaerial conditions in an inter- to supratidal environment. Two generations of traces have been imprinted, initially into a soft, fine-grained carbonate sand and afterwards into a superficially hardened substrate that was still plastic underneath; the change in substrate consistency is supported by a conspicuous cracking pattern around the footprints. As a result, hardly any details of the foot morphology of the trackmakers are recorded. Nevertheless, the occurrence improves our knowledge about dinoturbation and its preservation in different kinds of substrates. Furthermore, it is the youngest record (ca. 70 Ma) of dinosaur locomotion traces from Iran and, in all probability, the entire Middle East.
Fabric-Based Computing: (Re)examining the Materiality of Computer Science Learning Through Fiber Crafts
Authors: Keune Anna
Published: December 2021

Fiber crafts, such as weaving and sewing, occupy a tension-filled space within computing. While associated with domestic practices, fiber crafts have been recognized as a precursor of the earliest computers and continue to present sources of computational inspiration. The connections between fiber crafts and computing have the potential to uncover possibilities for computing to become more diversified in terms of materials, cultural practices, and ultimately people. To explore the promises of fiber crafts for STEM education, this qualitative dissertation built on constructionist and posthumanist perspectives to examine two fiber crafts (i.e., weaving and fabric manipulation) as contexts for computer science learning. Collectively, the dissertation effectively aligned fiber crafts with computational concepts and showed their potential as a promising context for computer science learning. The work further showed that materials used for STEM learning are non-neutral. Materials matter in what can be learned computationally. Lastly, guided by posthumanist perspectives, the dissertation uncovered computational learning as the process of producing physical expansions and highlighted learning as the process of how computational concepts physically change. The work has implications for theorizing learning, designing for learning, and educational practice. For example, the dissertation presents the utility of posthumanist perspectives as an additional theoretical approach to the study of learning that can surface and help address ongoing relational deficit orientations.
Layered Foam/Film Polymer Nanocomposites with Highly Efficient EMI Shielding Properties and Ultralow Reflection
Authors: Ma Li , Hamidinejad Mahdi , Zhao Biao , Liang Caiyun , Park Chul B.
Published: December 2021

Lightweight, high-efficiency and low reflection electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding polymer composites are greatly desired for addressing the challenge of ever-increasing electromagnetic pollution. Lightweight layered foam/film PVDF nanocomposites with efficient EMI shielding effectiveness and ultralow reflection power were fabricated by physical foaming. The unique layered foam/film structure was composed of PVDF/SiCnw/MXene (Ti3C2Tx) composite foam as absorption layer and highly conductive PVDF/MWCNT/GnPs composite film as a reflection layer. The foam layer with numerous heterogeneous interfaces developed between the ﻿SiC nanowires (SiCnw) and 2D MXene nanosheets imparted superior EM wave attenuation capability. Furthermore, the microcellular structure effectively tuned the impedance matching and prolonged the wave propagating path by internal scattering and multiple reflections. Meanwhile, the highly conductive PVDF/MWCNT/GnPs composite (~ 220 S m−1) exhibited superior reflectivity (R) of 0.95. The tailored structure in the layered foam/film PVDF nanocomposite exhibited an EMI SE of 32.6 dB and a low reflection bandwidth of 4 GHz (R < 0.1) over the Ku-band (12.4 − 18.0 GHz) at a thickness of 1.95 mm. A peak SER of 3.1 × 10–4 dB was obtained which corresponds to only 0.0022% reflection efficiency. In consequence, this study introduces a feasible approach to develop lightweight, high-efficiency EMI shielding materials with ultralow reflection for emerging applications.
Psychische Belastung und deren Herausforderungen
Authors: Ferreira Yvonne , Vogt Joachim
Published: December 2021

Psychische Belastung stellt sowohl für die Praxis als auch für die Wissenschaft eine aktuelle Herausforderung dar. Einerseits zeigen Veröffentlichungen, dass der Sprachgebrauch und das Verständnis der Einwirkungen und Auswirkungen des Belastungs-Beanspruchungs-Konzeptes – trotz DIN EN ISO 10075-1 – uneinheitlich sind und dies in der Praxis zu Verunsicherung, in der Wissenschaft zu Missverständnissen führt. Andererseits mangelt es an konkreten Untersuchungen zu dringend notwendigen Grenzwerten psychischer Belastung. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt die Entwicklung eines Prozessmodells zur Untersuchung von Grenzwerten psychischer Belastung (kurz Arbeitsmodell) vor, in welchem die relevanten Elemente definiert sind und diskutiert werden. Zu einer möglichst einheitlichen Erfassung von Belastungsfaktoren und Ressourcen werden mittels qualitativer Forschungsmethoden Kategoriensysteme entwickelt und vorgestellt, um die Daten statistischen Vorhersagemodellen zugänglich zu machen.

Praktische Relevanz Die Betriebe sind gemäß Gesetzgebung angewiesen, regelmäßige Risikobeurteilungen der vorhandenen psychischen Belastung der Arbeitsplätze vorzunehmen. Um ein Risiko beurteilen zu können, fehlt jedoch die wissenschaftliche Basis in Form von Grenzwerten. Diese den Betrieben an die Hand zu geben ist ein dringendes und notwendiges Vorhaben.
Psychological Effects of Secondary Prisonization on Older Parents
Authors: Reizabal Luixa , Garcia Iñaki , Sansinenea Eneko , Sarrionandia Ainize , Fernández Elsa , Lopez-de-Ipina Karmele
Published: December 2021

Secondary prisonization refers to the impact of the incarceration of a relative on the members of their family. This study aimed to analyze the psychological effects of secondary prisonization on older parents. Specifically, levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being (emotional, psychological, and social) were analyzed by means of quantitative and automatic speech analysis methods in a sample of over 65-year-old parents of Basque prisoners incarcerated in remote prisons. The statistical analysis of data and the automatic spontaneous speech analysis showed that secondary prisonization has a negative impact on older parents’ levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being. These results lead us to conclude that remote imprisonment of adult children has negative psychological effects on older parents.
Paramedic-delivered teleconsultations: a grounded theory study
Authors: Armour Richard , Helmer Jennie , Tallon John
Published: December 2021

Objective

Progression in Anglo-American models of out-of-hospital care has resulted in the development of alternative roles for paramedics, including advanced paramedics providing teleconsultations to frontline paramedics. Traditionally provided by physicians, little is known about how paramedics perceive peer-to-peer teleconsultations. This research aimed to explore paramedic perceptions of paramedic-delivered teleconsultations.

Methods

This investigation employed a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Six focus groups were conducted with purposive and theoretical sampling and data analyzed using open coding and continual comparative analysis.

Results

33 paramedics from across British Columbia, Canada, participated in the focus groups. Seven key themes emerged during the focus groups; the perceived roles and status of paramedic specialists and physicians in healthcare, the influence of relationships and culture on clinical consultations, practicalities of out-of-hospital care and the importance of lived experience, provision of appropriate clinical advice, professional trust and respect, mentorship in out-of-hospital care and clinical governance and education requirements. This led to the development of the grounded theory paramedics increasing ownership of their profession.

Conclusion

Paramedics reported a number of areas in which paramedic-delivered teleconsultations provided benefits not seen with traditional physician-delivered teleconsultation model. Emergency health systems delivering an Anglo-American model of care should consider the possible benefits of paramedic-delivered teleconsultations.
Use, Misuse and Abuse of Testosterone and Other Androgens
Authors: Linhares Bruno L. , Miranda Eduardo P. , Cintra Anna R. , Reges Ricardo , Torres Luiz O.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

For several decades, testosterone and its synthetic derivatives have been used for anabolic and androgenic purposes. Initially restricted to professional bodybuilders, these substances gradually became more popular with recreational weightlifters. Considering its increasing prevalence, the consumption of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has become a matter of great concern. Although most side effects are mild and reversible, some of them can cause permanent damage or can be potentially life threatening.

Objectives

To review and summarize medical literature regarding misuse and abuse of testosterone and other androgens, in order to provide evidence-based information on the main topics related to this subject, such as how to identify and how to deal with these patients, and to elucidate the multiple possible adverse effects secondary to this practice.

Methods

Key studies were retrieved from PubMed (1989–2021) with reference searches from relevant articles. Search terms included “hypogonadism”, “anabolic androgenic steroids”, “androgens”, “misuse AND testosterone”, “abuse AND testosterone”, and “side effects AND testosterone”.

Results

There is a significant lack of information in the peer-reviewed literature describing demographic data, implications for different organ systems and the management of current or former AAS users; however, androgen abuse has been already linked to a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic, endocrine, neurological, psychiatric and liver disorders. Despite all this, most physicians still feel uncomfortable and hesitate to discuss the issue with patients.

Conclusions

The chronic use of high doses of AAS is associated with adverse effects in several organ systems; however, there are still many gaps in our knowledge about the long-term consequences of this practice and how to deal with these patients. Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in combating this public health problem, recognizing and preventing the spread of androgen abuse.
EU Competition Law Devours Its Children: The Proliferation of Anti-Competitive Object and the Problem of False Positives
Authors: NAGY Csongor István
Published: December 2021

In the last decade, EU competition law reached a major turning point in its history. Anti-competitive object became an elusive and unpredictable rule, which boosts the risk of false positives and has a significant chilling effect. This article analyses this metamorphosis and the social damages it is causing, and proposes an alternative conception. The article demonstrates that the emerging new concept of anti-competitive object erroneously conflates ‘contextual analysis’, which has been part of the object-inquiry from the outset, and ‘effects-analysis’, which has no role to play here. It submits that both doctrinal and policy reasons confirm that anti-competitive object should be a category-building principle of ‘judicial rule-making’ (‘definition of the definition’) and not applicable to individual arrangements directly.
Decomposition of the mean friction drag on an NACA4412 airfoil under uniform blowing/suction
Authors: Fan Yitong , Atzori Marco , Vinuesa Ricardo , Gatti Davide , Schlatter Philipp , Li Weipeng
Published: December 2021

The application of drag-control strategies on canonical wall-bounded turbulence, such as periodic channel and zero- or adverse-pressure-gradient boundary layers, raises the question on how to distinguish consistently the origin of control effects under different reference conditions. We employ the RD identity (Renard & Deck, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 790, 2016, pp. 339–367) to decompose the mean friction drag and investigate the control effects of uniform blowing and suction applied to an NACA4412 airfoil at chord Reynolds numbers

$Re_c=200\,000$

and

$400\,000$

. The connection of the drag reduction/increase by using blowing/suction with the turbulence statistics (including viscous dissipation, turbulence kinetic energy production and spatial growth of the flow) across the boundary layer, subjected to adverse or favourable pressure gradients, is examined. We found that the inner and outer peaks of the contributions associated with the friction-drag generation show good scaling with either inner or outer units, respectively. They are also independent of the Reynolds number, control scheme and intensity of the blowing/suction. The small- and large-scale structures are separated with an adaptive scale-decomposition method, namely the empirical mode decomposition (EMD), which aims to analyse the scale-specific contribution of turbulent motions to friction-drag generation. Results unveil that blowing on the suction side of the airfoil is able to enhance the contribution of large-scale motions and to suppress that of small scales; however, suction behaves contrarily. The contributions related to cross-scale interactions remain almost unchanged with different control strategies.
Determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in the pastoral community of Liban District, Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southeastern Ethiopia: a case–control study
Authors: Gemechu Diriba S. , Worku Yoseph , Alemu Abebe , Gerema Urge
Published: December 2021

Malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in Ethiopia. The present study aimed to assess determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in the pastoral community of Liban District, Southeastern Ethiopia. A case–control study design was conducted on 89 cases and 177 controls from 1–30 December 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire were used, and anthropometric measurements were done by standardised calibrated instruments to collect data. Data were entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 software for analysis. All candidate variables with P < 0⋅25 in bivariate analysis were then entered into multivariable logistic regression. Associated factors were identified at P < 0⋅05 and 95 % CI. A total of 266 (89 cases and 177 controls) having a response rate of 96⋅6 % being underweight [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 11⋅8, 95 % CI 3⋅17, 43⋅89], illness previous 2 weeks (AOR = 3⋅47, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1⋅34, 8⋅99), family member with malnutrition (AOR = 4⋅52, 95 % CI 1⋅45, 14⋅01), greater than five family size, (AOR = 5⋅33, 95 % CI 2⋅08, 13⋅66), mothers unable to read and write (AOR = 3⋅66, 95 % CI 1⋅27, 10⋅56), mothers with low decision autonomy (AOR = 5⋅67, 95 % CI 2⋅26, 14⋅27), not handwashing at all critical time (AOR = 7⋅23, 95 % CI 2⋅74, 19⋅07), not feeding child animal source (AOR = 7⋅13, 95 % CI 1⋅98, 25⋅59), bottle feeding (AOR = 7⋅06, 95 % CI 2⋅34, 21⋅28) and being married (AOR = 0⋅05, 95 % CI 0⋅02, 0⋅19) were significantly associated with acute malnutrition. The present study has confirmed the association of acute malnutrition with maternal education, underweight, family size and inappropriate infant caring practices.
Factors influencing workplace accommodations requests among employees with visual impairments
Authors: Dong Shengli , Mullins Madison , Ostrowicz Ian
Published: December 2021

People with visual impairments experience various challenges in the workplace such as under-employment, structural, and attitudinal barriers. Workplace accommodations are instrumental in assisting individuals to complete essential functions of their jobs and to increase job tenure and satisfaction. However, workplace accommodations are under-utilized. The current study examined influences of psychosocial and demographic factors on decisions to request accommodations amongst people with visual impairments. Participants included 116 people with visual impairments (e.g., female = 63.9%, Caucasian = 81%) from agencies and organizations serving people with visual impairments within United States. The results following logistic regression show that increased levels of psychosocial factors (i.e., self-efficacy in requesting accommodations and goal setting, non-personal cost related to accommodation, knowledge related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodation policies and procedures) predicted participants’ decision to request accommodations. In addition, participants aged 55 or more and those with a high school degree or lower were less likely to request accommodations. Rehabilitation interventions for enhancing work participation self-efficacy in employees with visual impairment, as well as knowledge on ADA and accommodation policies and procedures, would create a more inclusive and accepting work environment for employees with visual impairment.
The Provenance Problem: Research Methods and Ethics in the Age of WikiLeaks
Authors: DARNTON CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2021

How should political scientists navigate the ethical and methodological quandaries associated with analyzing leaked classified documents and other nonconsensually acquired sources? Massive unauthorized disclosures may excite qualitative scholars with policy revelations and quantitative researchers with big-data suitability, but they are fraught with dilemmas that the discipline has yet to resolve. This paper critiques underspecified research designs and opaque references in the proliferation of scholarship with leaked materials, as well as incomplete and inconsistent guidance from leading journals. It identifiesprovenanceas the primary concept for improved standards and reviews other disciplines’ approaches to this problem. It elaborates eight normative and evidentiary criteria for scholars by which to assess source legitimacy and four recommendations for balancing their trade-offs. Fundamentally, it contends that scholars need deeper reflection on source provenance and its consequences, more humility about whether to access new materials and what inferences to draw, and more transparency in citation and research strategies.
Financial inclusion in the digital banking age: Lessons from rural India
Authors: CNAAN RAM A. , SCOTT MARQUISHA LAWRENCE , HEIST H. DANIEL , MOODITHAYA M. S.
Published: December 2021

In the digital age, financial inclusion continues to be connected to social inclusion. While most personal financial transactions are shifting from cash currency to digital transactions, we must ensure that marginalized members of society are not unbanked and excluded from financial opportunities. Many countries are declaring their intention to transform to cashless societies. India is one such country. As a case study, we investigated rural Indian villages that declared themselves as cashless to assess the financial reality of villagers. We conducted a survey of households (N=3,159) within villages across seven Indian states. In each state, we studied a village that was officially declared cashless and a nearby comparison village. Our findings suggest that the comparison villages did as well as the cashless villages, as financial inclusion via digital banking was minimal to nonexistent. Alongside significant state variations, we found that financial literacy and online access were the best predictors of performing any digital banking activity. This study concludes with a warning against rushing toward digital banking and the formation of cashless societies, as marginalized populations may be excluded.
Basic Income and the Legitimization Crisis of Neoliberalism
Authors: McDOWELL TOM
Published: December 2021

This article conceptualizes recent momentum for basic income in the context of the legitimization crisis of neoliberalism and the dissolution of the ‘progressive neoliberal’ governing bloc that secured its hegemony for more than two decades. Through an assessment of the ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, it argues that basic income is one of the few policy solutions in the mainstream discourse that improves social welfare and income security, while also remaining consistent with neoliberalism’s inner logic. Accordingly, it holds the potential to temporarily stabilize neoliberalism’s political crisis by offering a consensus issue around which a new centrist coalition could emerge. Although much of the basic income literature has focused on grassroots coalitions and synergies between left and right, it has largely overlooked the emergence of the historical forces that have pushed it onto the mainstream policy agenda.
Seven Suggestions for Teaching Quantitative Methods
Authors: Schleutker Elina
Published: December 2021

With the increase of data availability, knowledge about quantitative methods is more important than ever. Indeed, students need quantitative methods to understand quantitative academic research, to conduct this research themselves, and to increase their employability in the labor market. Yet, students often experience quantitative methods as difficult to learn and, in turn, instructors find the topic difficult to teach. To make both learning and teaching easier, this article provides seven concrete suggestions regarding the teaching of quantitative methods.
School Entry Plays an Insignificant Role in Attention Performance, Impulse Control, and Motor Activity of Same-Aged Children from Preschool and Elementary School
Authors: Kirschenkern Annika , Hoberg Kathrin , Günther Thomas
Published: December 2021

Abstract. The transition from preschool to elementary school places demands on children to pay attention, control their impulses, and avoid fidgeting. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated whether these characteristics are influenced by elementary school entry. The current study compares same-aged preschool and elementary-school children regarding their attention performance, impulse control, and motor activity. A total of 60 children (30 preschool and 30 elementary school; 6 years old) underwent the Quantified Behavior (Qb) Test. The children’s parents responded to a conventional questionnaire for measuring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We found that formal schooling (mean: 3 months) did not significantly affect the examined variables ( p > .05). The results imply that improvements in questionnaire and computer test scores shown by previous studies are rather caused by maturation than the educational context. The assumption that inattention ratings increase after school entry because inattention can be better observed in an academic setting could not be verified either. Our study substantiates that the normative data used in clinical practice need not consider the educational context.
A New Technique Could Identify Algae from Space
Authors: Thomasy Hannah
Published: December 2021

Some types of algal blooms produce dangerous toxins, while others are relatively harmless to humans.