bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperfect diet choice reduces the performance of a predatory mite
Authors: Lemos Felipe , Bajda Sabina , Duarte Marcus V. A. , Alba Juan M. , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Pallini Angelo , Sabelis Maurice W. , Janssen Arne
Published: March 2023

Two mutually unexclusive hypotheses prevail in the theory of nutritional ecology: the balanced diet hypothesis states that consumers feed on different food items because they have complementary nutrient and energy compositions. The toxin-dilution hypothesis poses that consumers feed on different food items to dilute the toxins present in each. Both predict that consumers should not feed on low-quality food when ample high-quality food forming a complete diet is present. We investigated the diet choice ofPhytoseiulus persimilis, a predatory mite of web-producing spider mites. It can develop and reproduce on single prey species, for example the spider miteTetranychus urticae. A closely related prey,T. evansi, is of notorious bad quality forP. persimilisand other predator species. We show that juvenile predators feeding on this prey have low survival and do not develop into adults. Adults stop reproducing and have increased mortality when feeding on it. Feeding on a mixed diet of the two prey decreases predator performance, but short-term effects of feeding on the low-quality prey can be partially reversed by subsequently feeding on the high-quality prey. Yet, predators consume low-quality prey in the presence of high-quality prey, which is in disagreement with both hypotheses. We suggest that it is perhaps not the instantaneous reproduction on single prey or mixtures of prey that matters for the fitness of predators, but that it is the overall reproduction by a female and her offspring on an ephemeral prey patch, which may be increased by including inferior prey in their diet.
Computational modeling of fiber orientation during 3D-concrete-printing
Authors: Reinold Janis , Gudžulić Vladislav , Meschke Günther
Published: March 2023

During 3D-printing of fiber-reinforced concrete, fibers tend to align with the printing direction due to strong shearing deformation of the material, allowing for the controlled production of components with desired fiber orientation states. The accurate prediction of the fiber orientation state in printed components poses a major challenge due to the large number of processing and material parameters involved and due to the complex mechanisms of flow and fiber reorientation during printing. This contribution presents a novel incorporation of the Folgar–Tucker fiber orientation model within a fluid dynamics framework based on the Particle Finite Element Method for simulations of the fiber orientation evolution during 3D-concrete-printing. The fiber orientation state is represented using a second-order orientation tensor, which is coupled with a new anisotropic Bingham constitutive model used for the viscous fiber-concrete mixture to account for the effect of fiber orientation on the velocity field. Further, the orientation distribution function is reconstructed from the second-order orientation tensor, following the maximum entropy method for a more convenient interpretation of the results. The model is validated by comparing the simulated orientation numbers of a 3D-printed concrete layer for different extrusion nozzle diameters with experimental values from the literature. Several parametric studies are performed to examine the flow and fiber reorientation mechanisms and the influence of process parameters on the fiber orientation state in printed components. Stronger fiber alignment in the printing direction is obtained for higher printing speeds or smaller extrusion nozzles, associated with higher shear stresses developing in the extrusion nozzle.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Retrospective study of preservation and transection of the round ligament of uterus during laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in adult women
Authors: Zhou Z. , Tong C. , Tian L. , Zhang X. , Li Y. , Xiao Y. , Yan L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The processing of the round ligament of uterus in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernia in women has contended. This study aimed to explore whether there is any difference in the surgical outcome and postoperative complications between the two processing modalities, preservation, and transection of the round ligament of uterus, in adult female inguinal hernia patients undergoing TAPP.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 84 female patients (117 sides) who underwent TAPP in XXX Hospital from July 2013 to August 2022. Patient characteristics and technical details of the surgical procedure were collected and divided into two groups according to whether the round ligament of uterus was severed intraoperatively or not. There were 52 cases (77 sides) in the group with preservation of the round ligament of uterus and 32 cases (40 sides) in the group with transection of the round ligament of uterus, comparing the general condition, surgical condition, and the occurrence of postoperative related complications between the 2 groups.

Results

The operative time for unilateral primary inguinal hernia was (129.2 ± 35.1) and (89.5 ± 42.6) minutes in the preservation and transection groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age, length of hospital stay, ASA, BMI, history of lower abdominal surgery, type and side of hernia, intraoperative bleeding, and time to surgery for primary bilateral hernia (P > 0.05). In addition, there was likewise no statistical difference in the occurrence of postoperative Clavien–Dindo classification, VAS, seroma, mesh infection, labia majora edema, chronic pain or abnormal sensation in the inguinal region, and hernia recurrence in the two groups as well (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

There is no evidence that the transection of the round ligament of the uterus during TAPP has an impact on postoperative complications in patients. However, given the important role of the uterine round ligament in the surgical management of patients with uterine prolapse and the high incidence of uterine prolapse in older women, hernia surgeons should also be aware of the need to protect the round ligament of uterus in older women.
Risk of cancer after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Leening Maarten J. G. , Bouwer Nathalie I. , Ikram M. Arfan , Kavousi Maryam , Ruiter Rikje , Boersma Eric , van den Bos Ewout-Jan , Weevers Auke P. J. D. , Deckers Jaap W. , Levin Mark-David
Published: March 2023

Analyses from administrative databases have suggested an increased cancer incidence among individuals who experienced a myocardial infarction, especially within the first 6 months. It remains unclear to what extent this represents an underlying biological link, or can be explained by detection of pre-symptomatic cancers and shared risk factors.
Cancer incidence among 1809 consecutive patients surviving hospitalization for thrombotic ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; mean age 62.6 years; 26% women; 115 incident cancers) was compared to the cancer incidence among 10,052 individuals of the general population (Rotterdam Study; mean age 63.1 years; 57% women; 677 incident cancers). Pathology-confirmed cancer diagnoses were obtained through identical linkage of both cohorts with the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Cox models were used to obtain hazards ratios (HRs) adjusted for factors associated with both atherosclerosis and cancer. Over 5-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of cancer between STEMI patients and the general population (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78–1.19). In the first 3 months after STEMI, cancer incidence was markedly higher among STEMI patients compared to the general population (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.13–5.30), which gradually dissolved during follow-up (P-for-trend 0.004). Among STEMI patients, higher C-reactive protein, higher platelet counts, and lower hemoglobin were associated with cancer incidence during the first year after STEMI (HRs 2.93 for C-reactive protein > 10 mg/dL, 2.10 for platelet count > 300*109, and 3.92 for hemoglobin < 7.5 mmol/L). Although rare, thrombotic STEMI might be a paraneoplastic manifestation of yet to be diagnosed cancer, and is hallmarked by a pro-inflammatory status and anemia.

Trial registration Registered into the Netherlands National Trial Register and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform under shared catalogue number NTR6831.
Burst error-correcting quantum stabilizer codes designed from idempotents
Authors: Ong Kai Lin
Published: March 2023

Certain classical codes can be viewed isomorphically as ideals of group algebras, while studying their algebraic structures help extracting the code properties. Research has shown that this was remarkably efficient in the case when the code generators are idempotents. In quantum error correction, the theory of stabilizer formalism requires classical self-orthogonal additive codes over the finite field GF(4), which, via the lens of group algebras, are essentially $$F_2$$

F
2

-submodules over GF(4). Therefore, this paper provides a classification on idempotents in commutative group algebra GF(4)G, followed by a criterion that allows idempotents to generate stabilizer subgroups. Later, the construction of quantum stabilizer codes is done in the case when G is a cyclic group $$C_n$$

C
n

, for $$n=2^m-1$$

n
=

2
m

-
1

and $$n=2^m+1$$

n
=

2
m

+
1

. Quantum bounds on their burst error minimum distance are subsequently determined.
TDD LoRa and Delta Encoding in Low-Power Networks of Environmental Sensor Arrays for Temperature and Deformation Monitoring
Authors: Wielandt Stijn , Uhlemann Sebastian , Fiolleau Sylvain , Dafflon Baptiste
Published: March 2023

Densely distributed sensor networks can revolutionize environmental observations by providing real-time data with an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. However, field deployments often pose unique challenges in terms of power provisions and wireless connectivity. We present a framework for wirelessly connected distributed sensor arrays for near-surface temperature and/or deformation monitoring. Our research focuses on a novel time division duplex implementation of the LoRa protocol, enabling battery powered base stations and avoiding collisions within the network. In order to minimize transmissions and improve battery life throughout the network, we propose a dedicated delta encoding algorithm that utilizes the spatial and temporal similarity in the acquired data sets. We implemented the developed technologies in a AA battery powered hardware platform that can be used as a wireless data logger or base station, and we conducted an assessment of the power consumption. Without data compression, the projected battery life for a data logger is 4.74 years, and a wireless base stations can last several weeks or months depending on the amount of network traffic. The delta encoding algorithm can further improve this battery life with a factor of up to 3.50. Our results demonstrate the viability of the proposed methods for low-power environmental wireless sensor networks.
Multi-Modal Industrial IoT Networks: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Elsas Robbe , Van Leemput Dries , Hoebeke Jeroen , De Poorter Eli
Published: March 2023

While the ongoing fourth industrial revolution continues to be a major driver behind wireless communication technologies, some environments are so prohibitive that even state-of-the-art solutions can barely achieve ubiquitous wireless connectivity (if at all). For example, in industrial sites with large metal constructions (such as petrochemical plants), highly localized and time-varying changes in wireless link quality are quite common. Oddly enough, much of the capabilities needed to deal with such effects are already present at the physical layer (PHY), but remain largely unexploited by higher protocol layers. In fact, little Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) (IIoT) research has considered harnessing the full multi-modal capabilities of modern multi-PHY/multi-band IoT hardware in general. As such, in this vision paper, we: (1) analyze recent advances towards enabling multi-modal IIoT through link- and routing layer operations; and (2) describe challenges and opportunities for future IIoT deployments, based on the design choices that emerged from said analysis. In summary, we identify a combination of a modified/extended Time-Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) link layer, using either fixed or variable duration timeslots, together with a Parent-Oriented (PO) Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs) (RPL) approach to be the most promising way forward.
Optimal Design, Development and Experimental Analysis of a Tension–Torsion Hopkinson Bar for the Understanding of Complex Impact Loading Scenarios
Authors: Xu Y. , Zhou J. , Farbaniec L. , Pellegrino A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Advanced testing methodologies and measurement techniques to identify complex deformation and failure at high strain rates have drawn increasing attention in recent years.

Objective

The objective of the current study is the development of a novel combined tension–torsion split Hopkinson bar (TTHB) conceived to generate a combination of tensile and torsional stress waves in a single loading case, and to measure material data representative of real case impact scenarios.

Methods

An energy store and release mechanism was employed to generate both the longitudinal and shear waves via the rapid release of a bespoke clamp assembly. A parametric study of the material and geometry of the clamp was implemented via numerical simulations to optimise critical aspects of the wave generation. Thin-walled tube specimens made of two metallic materials were utilised to examine the capability of the developed TTHB system by comparing the experimental measurements with those obtained from conventional split Hopkinson tension and torsion bars.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that the synchronisation of the longitudinal and torsional waves was achieved within 15 microseconds. Different wave rise time were obtained via the controlled release of the clamp using fracture pins of various materials. The analysis indicates that the developed TTHB is capable of characterising the dynamic behaviour of materials under tension, torsion, as well as under a wide range of complex stress states.

Conclusions

The presented apparatus, testing and analysis methods allow for the direct population of the dynamic failure stress envelopes of engineering materials and for the accurate evaluation of existing and novel constitutive models.
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) in Europe: an overview of management practices
Authors: Nicolescu Valeriu-Norocel , Mason William L. , Bastien Jean-Charles , Vor Torsten , Petkova Krasimira , Podrázský Vilém , Đodan Martina , Perić Sanja , La Porta Nicola , Brus Robert , Andrašev Siniša , Slávik Martin , Modranský Juraj , Pástor Michal , Rédei Károly , Cvjetkovic Branislav , Sivacioğlu Ahmet , Lavnyy Vasyl , Buzatu-Goanță Cornelia , Mihăilescu Gheorghe
Published: March 2023

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.) Franco), one of the most commercially important tree species in western North America and one of the most valuable timber trees worldwide, was introduced to Europe in 1827. It became a major species for afforestation in Western Europe after WWII, currently grows in 35 countries on over 0.83 million ha and is one of the most widespread non-native tree species across the continent. A lower sensitivity to drought makes Douglas-fir a potential alternative to the more drought-sensitive Norway spruce so its importance in Europe is expected to increase in the future. It is one of the fastest growing conifer species cultivated in Europe, with the largest reported dimensions of 2.3 m in diameter and 67.5 m in height. Pure stands have high productivity (up to 20 m3 ha−1a−1) and production (over 1000 m3 ha−1). The species is generally regenerated by planting (initial stocking density from less than 1000 seedlings ha−1to more than 4000 ha−1), using seedlings of European provenance derived from seed orchards or certified seed stands. As the range of end-uses of its wood is very wide, the rotation period of Douglas-fir is highly variable and ranges between 40 and 120 years. When the production of large-sized, knot-free timber is targeted, thinnings are always coupled with pruning up to 6 m. There is an increasing interest in growing Douglas-fir in mixtures and managing stands through close-to-nature silviculture, but the species’ intermediate shade tolerance means that it is best managed through group selection or shelterwood systems.
Entrepreneurship in family firms: an updated bibliometric overview
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Clauss Thomas , Meyer Natanya
Published: March 2023

Research on entrepreneurship in family firms has grown exponentially over the past two decades. Due to the various theoretical perspectives and contexts found here however, this body of research remains fragmented, with a unified understanding of the current state of knowledge and the opportunities for future research in the field continuing to lack. In this study, we address this gap by conducting an updated bibliometric analysis of the research on entrepreneurship in family firms. Here we integrate two different bibliometric methods to provide a more comprehensive picture of the field, unveiling its intellectual foundations and current research discourses and how these two are related. To do this, we first conduct a co-citation analysis clustering the intellectual foundations of the research on entrepreneurship in family firms. Second, a bibliographic coupling of recent publications from 2010 to 2021 provides a transparent structure of current research discourses. Third, analyzing which intellectual foundations are primarily cited in each current research stream unveils the dominant theoretical paradigms in the current state of research. Analyzing 570 published studies, we identified four intellectual foundations of entrepreneurship in family firms: socioemotional wealth (SEW), entrepreneurial orientation, family-embedded resources, and agency theory. The current research can be clustered into seven main discourses: entrepreneurial motivation, gender and success, entrepreneurial orientation, individual and firm-level characteristics, the family embedded network, family firm internationalization, and family heterogeneity. An integrative network diagram provides an overview of the research field’s development while also identifying the gaps to be addressed by future research.
Choosing to live environmentally childfree: private-sphere environmentalism, environmental activism, or both?
Authors: Nakkerud Erik
Published: March 2023

Choosing not to have children can be considered a pro-environmental behaviour with a very high environmental impact. However, such impact calculations have been criticised for focusing only on private, individual actions. In the current article, the aim was to build on studies that have identified activist aspects of living environmentally childfree, and analyse whether this choice, in a Norwegian context, should be categorised as private-sphere environmentalism or environmental activism. This is explored through an analysis of interviews with 16 participants who have restricted reproduction due to environmental concerns, identifying three subthemes related to private-sphere environmentalism and three subthemes related to environmental activism. The results indicate that living environmentally childfree has central aspects of both private-sphere environmentalism and environmental activism, suggesting an interaction of different types of environmentally significant impacts. The implications of these results are that research on pro-environmental behaviour should look for an interaction of impacts and assess their significance beyond the immediate, individual level.
The Impact of Writing Notations and Response Types: A Spatial Representation Study on Fractions
Authors: Pan Yun , Zhang Jian , Zou Changlang , Li Mengmeng , Yang Huanyu
Published: March 2023

The combined effect of writing notations and response types on the spatial representation of fractions remains unclear. The present study explored this by employing a magnitude comparing task with irreducible and single-digit proper fractions as target stimuli as well as 1/2 ($$\frac{1}{2}$$

1
2

) as benchmarks for right-handed undergraduate students (64 males, 76 females; Mean age = 20.65 years, SD = 1.75, with normal or corrected-to-normal vision) in E-Prime 2.0 Professional Software platform. We found that: 1) for the horizontal response type, the horizontal writing notation of fractions did not produce a reliable SNARC effect or reversed SNARC effect; 2) for the same response type, the vertical writing notation of fractions elicited a SNARC effect; 3) for the vertical response type, both vertical and horizontal writing notations of fractions led to a reversed SNARC effect. These results indicated a combined effect of writing notations and response types on the spatial representation of fractions. Specifically, writing notations can affect the spatial representation of fractions under the condition of horizontal response types but not the vertical response types.
Philosophical foundation of the right to mental integrity in the age of neurotechnologies
Authors: Lavazza Andrea , Giorgi Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

Neurotechnologies broadly understood are tools that have the capability to read, record and modify our mental activity by acting on its brain correlates. The emergence of increasingly powerful and sophisticated techniques has given rise to the proposal to introduce new rights specifically directed to protect mental privacy, freedom of thought, and mental integrity. These rights, also proposed as basic human rights, are conceived in direct relation to tools that threaten mental privacy, freedom of thought, mental integrity, and personal identity. In this paper, our goal is to give a philosophical foundation to a specific right that we will call right to mental integrity. It encapsulates both the classical concepts of privacy and non-interference in our mind/brain. Such a philosophical foundation refers to certain features of the mind that hitherto could not be reached directly from the outside: intentionality, first-person perspective, personal autonomy in moral choices and in the construction of one's narrative, and relational identity. A variety of neurotechnologies or other tools, including artificial intelligence, alone or in combination can, by their very availability, threaten our mental integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to posit a specific right and provide it with a theoretical foundation and justification. It will be up to a subsequent treatment to define the moral and legal boundaries of such a right and its application.
A Meta-analysis Reveals Knowledge Gaps in Our Understanding of the Spartina-Geukensia Mutualism
Authors: Whaley Thomas , Alldred Mary
Published: March 2023

The relationship between Atlantic ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) and smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) represents a textbook example of a facultative mutualism. It is also foundational to wetland ecosystems along the Atlantic coast of North America.Spartinaplantings play an essential role in marsh reconstruction projects, andGeukensiais rapidly gaining popularity as a tool in coastal restoration to help marshes resist erosion and to remove nutrient pollution. However, it remains unclear whether positive effects documented primarily in natural settings will translate to urban and constructed estuaries where they are most needed. Using systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the influence of theSpartina-Geukensiamutualism on growth of the species and on nitrogen-cycling processes. Our review suggests the potential for context dependence in this mutualism, with substantial implications for coastal marsh resilience and restoration. Notably, the positive effect of the species on the growth of their mutualist found in natural marshes was absent in constructed marshes and negative in urban marshes. Encouragingly, the effect of each species on nitrogen cycling was similar regardless of context. We found that this mutualism remains severely understudied in urban and constructed marshes, and we suggest future directions to address the knowledge gaps identified in our analysis.
Assessment of nutritional status using objective and subjective methods in Greek patients with cancer
Authors: Vamvakari Konstantina , Evangelou Iliana , Kalafati Ioanna Panagiota , Kipouros Michail , Kosti Rena I. , Kasti Arezina N. , Androutsos Odysseas
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Malnutrition constitutes an important complication of cancer. Nutritional status is associated with the progression of malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients with cancer using objective and subjective assessment methods.

Materials and methods

The following validated questionnaires were used to assess the nutritional status of 152 patients with cancer recruited in Attica, Greece: Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was calculated, handgrip strength (HGS) test was carried out, and the arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were measured.

Results

Based on the PG-SGA assessment, 54.9% of the individuals were severely malnourished. Imminent risk was observed in 83.6% (NRS-2002) and 48.7% of participants were at increased risk of a 5% reduction in body weight within the next 6‑months (SNAQ). Severely malnourished patients experienced significant weight reduction in the 6 months prior to recruitment and had lower HGS and TSF. MUAC was similar within the PG-SGA categories. High risk for malnutrition was estimated for geriatric patients (GNRI: 46.45 [IQR: 5.17]). Malnourishment, based on PG-SGA, was positively associated with percent weight loss within the past 6 months and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hgb), HGS, and MUAC (all p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study highlighted a high risk of malnutrition in patients with cancer. Poor nutritional status was positively associated with weight loss, Hgb, and MUAC and negatively associated with BMI, HGS, and TSF.
Detection of past landscape elements in marginal mountain areas—the example of the Western Carpathians
Authors: Sobala Michał
Published: March 2023

There has been a growing interest in applying airborne laser scanning (ALS) in studies on past landscapes. This includes in marginal mountain areas; however, the usefulness of using ready-made ALS data has not been assessed quantitatively this type of area. This paper aims to compare the usefulness of different visualisation techniques of ready-made digital elevation model (DEM) to detect landscape elements connected with past human activity in marginal mountain areas in the Western Carpathians. Six different DEM visualisation techniques were compared, and some problems were identified in the detection of landscape elements using ALS data and field mapping. This study illustrates that it is impossible to point out the most useful DEM visualisation technique that could be applied in marginal mountain areas characterised by varied natural conditions. However, the results confirmed the usefulness of negative openness in road detection and positive openness during the detection of embankments of agricultural terraces and balks. Furthermore, it was indicated that DEM visualisation techniques provide the possibility to measure the length of detected embankments of agricultural terraces and balks on abandoned land and it is impossible to measure them during field mapping due to dense vegetation. On the contrary, in most cases it is impossible to detect stone mounds using DEM visualisation techniques due to their varied size. This study emphasises the necessity of being aware of limitations during using ready-made ALS data.
A Meyer-Itô formula for stable processes via fractional calculus
Authors: Santoyo Cano Alejandro , Uribe Bravo Gerónimo
Published: March 2023

The infinitesimal generator of a one-dimensional strictly $$\alpha $$
α
-stable process can be represented as a weighted sum of (right and left) Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives of order $$\alpha $$
α
and one obtains the fractional Laplacian in the case of symmetric stable processes. Using this relationship, we compute the inverse of the infinitesimal generator on Lizorkin space, from which we can recover the potential if $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
)

and the recurrent potential if $$\alpha \in (1,2)$$

α
∈
(
1
,
2
)

. The inverse of the infinitesimal generator is expressed in terms of a linear combination of (right and left) Riemann-Liouville fractional integrals of order $$\alpha $$
α
. One can then state a class of functions that give semimartingales when applied to strictly stable processes and state a Meyer-Itô theorem with a non-zero (occupational) local time term, providing a generalization of the Tanaka formula given by Tsukada [1]. This result is used to find a Doob-Meyer (or semimartingale) decomposition for $$|X_t - x|^{\gamma }$$

|

X
t

-
x
|

γ

with X a recurrent strictly stable process of index $$\alpha $$
α
and $$\gamma \in (\alpha -1,\alpha )$$

γ
∈
(
α
-
1
,
α
)

, generalizing the work of Engelbert and Kurenok [2] to the asymmetric case.
Improvement in binge eating and alexithymia predicts weight loss at 9-month follow-up of the lifestyle modification program
Authors: Conti Chiara , Di Nardo Maria , Lanzara Roberta , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Cardi Valentina , Porcelli Piero
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the extent to which improved levels of binge eating (BE) behaviors, alexithymia, self-esteem, and psychological distress would predict a reduction in body mass at 9-month follow-up, following a lifestyle modification program for weight loss in obese or overweight patients.

Methods

A convenience sample of 120 obese or overweight patients were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), binge eating (BES), levels of alexithymia (TAS-20), perceived stress (PSS), depressive symptoms (SDS), and self-esteem (RSE) were assessed during their first medical examination (T1), and after a weight-loss treatment period of 9 months (T2).

Results

Compared with unimproved patients, improved patients reported a significant decrease in binge eating (p = 0.04) and perceived stress symptoms (p = 0.03), and a significant improvement in self-esteem (p = 0.02) over time. After controlling for gender, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress, baseline BMI (OR = 1.11, 95% CI  [1.04,1.19]), ΔBES (OR = 0.99, 95% CI  [0.98,0.99]), and ΔTAS-20 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI  [1.01,1.05]) significantly and independently predicted a ≥ 5% reduction in body mass from baseline.

Conclusions

Our finding supports the suggestion to consider psychological outcomes such as emotional aspects and dysfunctional eating behaviors when planning a weight loss programs to prevent a negative outcome.

Level of evidence: Level III, case–control analytic study.
The essentialism of early modern psychiatric nosology
Authors: van den Berg Hein
Published: March 2023

Are psychiatric disorders natural kinds? This question has received a lot of attention within present-day philosophy of psychiatry, where many authors debate the ontology and nature of mental disorders. Similarly, historians of psychiatry, dating back to Foucault, have debated whether psychiatric researchers conceived of mental disorders as natural kinds or not. However, historians of psychiatry have paid little to no attention to the influence of (a) theories within logic, and (b) theories within metaphysics on psychiatric accounts of proper method, and on accounts of the nature and classification of mental disorders. Historically, however, logic and metaphysics have extensively shaped methods and interpretations of classifications in the natural sciences. This paper corrects this lacuna in the history of psychiatry, and demonstrates that theories within logic and metaphysics, articulated by Christian Wolff (1679–1754), have significantly shaped the conception of medical method and (psychiatric) nosology of the influential nosologist Boissier De Sauvages (1706–1767). After treating Sauvages, I discuss the method of the influential nosologist William Cullen (1710–1790), and demonstrate the continuity between the classificatory methods of Sauvages and Cullen. I show that both Sauvages and Cullen were essentialists concerning medical diseases in general and psychiatric disorders in particular, contributing to the history of conceptions of the ontology and nature of mental disorders.
Quality assuring an ethical education curriculum for schools in Ireland
Authors: O’Brien Shivaun , O’Hara John , McNamara Gerry , O’Hara Joe
Published: March 2023

The growth of multidenominational schools internationally has led to a greater emphasis on the provision of ethical education curricula in many countries as opposed to the more traditional provision of denominational instruction. One of the main providers of multidenominational schools in Ireland is Educate Together, an organisation which currently serves as a patron body for 95 primary and 19 s level schools, catering to over 30,000 students. In the early years of the 21st century, Educate Together introduced the Learn Together ethical education curriculum for its primary schools as a key component of the Educate Together model. This curriculum encourages students to meaningfully and critically reflect upon the world around them and focuses on questions of equality, justice, sustainability and active citizenship. While guidance documents, resources and professional development for teachers were provided to schools to support the delivery of the ethical education curriculum, until recently there was no established approach to its quality assurance. It is within this context that Educate Together developed a Quality Framework for its ethos, a key aspect of which is the ethical education curriculum entitled Learn Together. This involved the development of quality standards, and statements of effective practice for ethos, and the development of an internal school self-evaluation process. This research paper explores the development of the quality framework, and the self-evaluation process used by six schools in order to evaluate the delivery of their ethical education curriculum. Documentary analysis of key evaluation documentation from each of the participating schools was used to explore the practices utilised by schools in the delivery of the ethical education curriculum; the challenges schools identified and the improvements schools planned to implement in order to improve the delivery of the ethical education curriculum. The research highlights the multiple challenges in administering and providing an ethical education while also demonstrating the effectiveness of the school self-evaluation process in identifying and addressing these challenges.
The emergence of drug-resistant super fungus - A serious public health threat that needs an immediate action: Correspondence
Authors: Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Kandi Venkata Ramana , Mohanty Aroop , Padhi Bijaya K. , Sah Ranjit
Published: March 2023

Highlights
Semantics, Pragmatics, Philosophy
Authors: Jaszczolt Kasia M.
Published: March 2023

Semantics and pragmatics – the study of meaning, and meaning in context, respectively – are two fundamental areas of linguistics, and as such are crucial to our understanding of how meaning is created. However, their theoretical ideas are often introduced without making clear connections between views, theories, and problems. This pioneering volume is both a textbook and a research guide, taking the reader on a journey through language and ultimately enabling them to think about meaning as linguists and philosophers would. Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, it introduces semantics, pragmatics, and the philosophy of language, showing how all three fields can address the 'big questions' that run through the study of meaning. It covers key theories and approaches, while also enabling increasingly more sophisticated questions about the interconnected aspects of meaning, with the end goal of preparing the reader to make their own, original contributions to ideas about meaning.
Inward Purity and Outward Splendour
Authors: Middleton-Stewart Judith
Published: March 2023

A record of material and spiritual gifts to churches, compiled from 3000 wills made over 180 years.
Cheshire and the Tudor State, 1480–1560
Authors: Thornton Tim
Published: March 2023

The palatinate of Chester survives Tudor centralisation.
Making Demands on Government: Theorizing Determinants of Backyard Residents’ Collective Action in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Harris Adam S. , Scheba Andreas , Rice Louis
Published: March 2023

Informality is growing with Africa’s rapid urbanization. Much like residents of other types of informal housing, backyard dwellers face overall poor living conditions and political marginalization. However, backyard residents are in an ambiguous legal area and have been far less politically active and organized to pursue their rights to adequate housing. Using a qualitative case study of backyard residents in three Cape Town neighborhoods, Harris, Scheba, and Rice bridge theories of infrastructural citizenship and collective action to shed light on how informality may undermine collective action, and they identify four factors influencing collective action.
The Covid 19 Exogenous Shock and the Crafting of New Multilateral Trade Rules on Subsidies and State Enterprises in the Post-Pandemic World
Authors: Borlini Leonardo
Published: March 2023

This Article discusses existing WTO rules on subsidies and state enterprises, relevant caselaw and reform prospects in light of key geopolitical developments and changes in the global economy emerging in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a general introduction, the Article critically analyzes present WTO rules on industrial subsidies, focusing inter alia on the new problems raised by activist industrial policies pursued by global trading powers, foreign subsidization, the climate change shock and environmental exigencies. It then shifts attention to the application of WTO rules on subsidies to the state sector and the increasing demands for new international trade rules on non-subsidies measures to address the negative spillover effects on trade from government influence on state-owned enterprises (SOEs). With respect to each of these matters, the Article first clarifies the terms of the problem in relation to existing WTO rules and caselaw, and next examines the question of how, and to what extent, “deeper” free trade agreements (FTAs)—those that experts designate as models for WTO reforms on the matter—establish new rules that permit to adequately address the trade concerns raised by SOEs’ commercial and financial activities. Based on this multi-layered analysis, the article concludes by examining prospects of reform of WTO rules on state interventionism.
The EU Trade Agenda—Rules on State Intervention in the Market
Authors: Boschiero Nerina , Silingardi Stefano
Published: March 2023

This Article critically analyzes the main legal and policy issues that are likely to determine the development of the EU’s trade policy concerning rules on State intervention in the market, specifically on subsidies and SOEs. The article assesses the aforementioned issue especially within the context of the new trade strategy entitled “An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy” set out by the European Commission in February 2021, at the core of which stands the concept of strategic autonomy. The focus of our analysis is on key elements of the current EU competition and trade policies and normative initiatives, namely: the relaxation of the usual State aid regime under Articles 107 and 108 TFEU to give Member States more flexibility in supporting their economies and strengthen EU industrial policy; the likelihood of EU proposals resulting in any substantial change to international trade law on subsidies and SOEs at the multilateral (WTO) level; a systemic horizontal investigation into the relevant trade rules promoted by the EU in its most recent practice of PTAs; and, finally, the EU pursuing stronger protection of its companies with its recently announced new regulation on foreign subsidies, on the basis of which the European Commission can investigate foreign subsidies and impose remedies. Even though, at first sight, it may seem that the current evolution of the EU trade policy on these issues seems inconsistent, the Article argues that the unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral approaches are indeed strictly intertwined, and they reveal a significant shift in the most recent EU trade policy objective in relation to the role of State in the market.
On the eve of ecological transition? The failed institutionalization of sustainable development in Italy (1992–2020)
Authors: Pizzimenti Eugenio , Di Giulio Marco
Published: March 2023

The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) adopted in 2021 by the Italian government is explicitly committed to push the country towards a ‘radical ecological transition’ and sustainable development. However, the institutionalization of the paradigm of sustainable development, in Italy, is a story of a failure. The aim of this contribution is to investigate the hows and whys that may help explaining the failed institutionalization of the paradigm. By combining an ideational approach with a political system perspective, our empirical investigation analyses the initiatives promoted by Italian national governments, by covering a time span of over 20 years (1992–2020). Thick historical description and process tracing are used to provide an in-depth reconstruction of the process. Our results show that adverse combinations of factors of a cognitive, institutional and political nature have hindered the adoption of substantive policy outcomes, thus leading the institutionalization of the paradigm along a disjointed path.
The Anti-Kurdish Thoughts of ISIS
Authors: Mustafa Mohammad Salih , Darwesh Abdulrahman Karim
Published: March 2023

This article explores the ideological motivations for ISIS's prejudice against the Kurds. From the group's inception, ISIS has rejected any kind of understanding of Islam but its own. However, its animosity toward Kurds has its own purpose and foundations, separate from its religious dogmas. The aim of this article is to study the reasons behind its fundamental aversion toward the Kurds. An analysis of the literature of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and particularly their interpretation of the Qurʾan and of Islamic prophetic traditions and history, demonstrates such a clear prejudice toward the Kurds, that no honest researcher can deny the vehemence of the group's hatred of the Kurds and their nationalist ideology. This animus explains, at least in part, why ISIS promulgated such a virulent anti-Kurdish ideology and recruited fighters to invade Kurdish lands. This study examines the ideological motives behind the group's behavior toward the Kurds. The article's hypothesis is that the Arab extremists that filled the ranks of ISIS, whether they came from secular nationalist, jihadist, or even moderate Islamist backgrounds, shared an antipathy against the Kurdish people that was deeply rooted in pro-Arab nationalistic sentiment. Below, the article looks at the deadly combination of Baʿthist ideology, which had previously led to genocidal campaigns against Kurds under Saddam Hussein, with the religious extremism of ISIS. A qualitative research method of discourse analysis is used to shed light on the ideological roots of ISIS's antagonism against Kurds. Kurdish-studies researchers will benefit from this study, as well as security, counter-terrorism, and Middle Eastern researchers and students.
Interaction of a vortex with a non-linear shear flow
Authors: Albers F. , Schmidt D. W. , Wagner W. J.
Published: March 2023

Experiments in the wake of a circular rod at a Reynolds number Re=5·104 have shown that single vortex-like structures can leave the wake and may be detected in the ambient potential flow. This experimental finding suggested the theoretical investigation of the interaction between a vortex and a shear flow. Lin has calculated the average acceleration acting on the vortex at the time t = 0. In the following a finite-difference scheme is described which, in detail, determines the local components of the acceleration and the temporal development of the flow.
Aircraft stability at high incidence
Authors: Babister A. W.
Published: March 2023

The phenomenon of aerodynamic coupling between the longitudinal and lateral motion at high incidence is well known. In recent years, there have been a number of attempts to analyse the behaviour of aircraft allowing for this coupling. One of the more practical methods of approach is that of Kalviste, in which the aircraft rotary motion alone is considered, the aircraft having a certain angle of sideslip in the steady state. However, that method is essentially based on linearised equations. In this note, we show how Kalviste's analysis can be modified to include certain non-linear aerodynamic effects. In particular, some unstable modes only become apparent on introducing the non-linear terms.
The changing scene of structural airworthiness
Authors: Heath W. G.
Published: March 2023

‘Now here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place’

Lewis Carroll:Through the Looking Glass

There are many examples in his two Alice books where Lewis Carroll, perhaps unwittingly, provides analogies with the world of reality. The lines quoted above are often used to portray the rapidly changing scenario in which we struggle to maintain the status quo of our social and political lives. The same is true in the world of structures: the scenario continually shifts as we discover new hazards which threaten our products. Aircraft speeds have increased, operators have demanded longer service lives, new materials have been introduced with their own susceptibilities, and so we must develop more comprehensive design requirements and better design techniques to ensure that each new aircraft maintains the existing standards of airworthiness—or at least the standards we imagine to exist.
Finite elements for honeycomb sandwich plates and shells
Authors: Holt P. J. , Webber J. P. H.
Published: March 2023

The general theory and formulation of Part 1 can be applied to a whole family of element shapes. However, quadrilaterals and triangles which are compatible with each other are found to be most useful in idealising general structures. The lowest order polynomial shapes of this kind which are generally curved are the ‘biquadratic’ quadrilateral and the ‘quadratic’ triangle. These have nodes (or nodal pairs for the sandwich elements) situated at the corners and the mid-sides of the ‘parent’ elements. The quadrilateral therefore has eight nodal pairs.