bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Those in Harm’s Way: A Restorative Justice Approach
Authors: Ibrahim Amina Ahmed
Published: December 2023

As countries edge towards low-carbon economies, the challenges posed by energy infrastructure sited in “energy sacrificial zones” highlight the vulnerability of individuals and communities in those areas that cause environmental degradation, limited economic prosperity and impaired well-being. To address this issue, using examples, the usefulness of energy justice through the lens of its restorative justice tenet to articulate responses for a ‘just’ energy system is explored. Anchored on the framing of restorative justice that is a theoretical integration of three concepts—respect, responsibility and remediation, the mitigation approach to addressing injustices is more favoured. Restorative justice in this frame has implications for an enhanced social contract. This encourages early change in behaviour and averts conflict to ensure a just transition. From practice, unbalanced power allocation and unfair regulatory actions are challenges for restorative justice. However, by respecting and empowering these communities for co-created agreeable remedial decisions, the decision-making process can deliver on energy justice.
Einleitung
Authors: Yen Robert , van Driel Cornelie , Schippl Jens , Abendroth Bettina , Fleischer Torsten , Krenn Willibald , Pitzen Constantin , Monheim Heiner
Published: December 2023

Das Kap. 1 führt in das Thema automatisiertes und vernetztes Fahren (avF) ein und erläutert die wesentlichsten Begriffe. Über die Beschreibung der Automatisierungsstufen (SAE Level 1–5) und die Erläuterung, wie es zu Fahrentscheidungen der automatisierten Fahrzeuge kommt, wird dem Leser vermittelt, dass automatisiertes Fahren stark mit dem Kontext, in dem sich das Fahrzeug bewegt, verbunden ist und somit nur als Teil des Ökosystems Mobilität verstanden werden kann.

Das Kap. 1 gibt außerdem einen Einblick in die Entwicklung des automatisierten Fahrens und versucht zudem, einen Ausblick zu geben. Fazit der Beschreibung ist, dass Sharing und Integration von avF die Schlüssel für die Mobilitätswende sind.

Damit avF zu einer besseren Mobilität beiträgt, muss dieses in Flotten gemeinsam genutzter Fahrzeuge eingeführt und in öffentliche Verkehrsdienste integriert werden.

Exemplarisch wird ein Szenario für die Entwicklung der Mobilität aus der Perspektive einer Kommune mit Zielsetzung Mobilitätswende beschrieben.
Supersymmetric backgrounds in (1 + 1) dimensions and inhomogeneous field theory
Authors: Ho Jeongwon , Kwon O-Kab , Park Sang-A , Yi Sang-Heon
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We find a (1 + 1)-dimensional metric solution for a background hosting various supersymmetric field theories with a single non-chiral real supercharge. This supersymmetric background is globally hyperbolic even though it contains a naked null singularity. In this regard, we show that scalar wave propagation on the background is well-defined and so the curvature singularity is a mild one. Taking inspiration from our previous work, we relate the field theory on this curved background to some classes of (1 + 1)-dimensional inhomogeneous field theory in the supersymmetric setup. Utilizing our supersymmetric background, we elucidate the limitations of canonical quantization and highlight the conceptual advantages of the algebraic approach to quantization.
Thermal QCD in a non-uniform magnetic background
Authors: Brandt B. B. , Cuteri F. , Endrődi G. , Markó G. , Sandbote L. , Valois A. D. M.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Off-central heavy-ion collisions are known to feature magnetic fields with magnitudes and characteristic gradients corresponding to the scale of the strong interactions. In this work, we employ equilibrium lattice simulations of the underlying theory, QCD, involving similar inhomogeneous magnetic field profiles to achieve a better understanding of this system. We simulate three flavors of dynamical staggered quarks with physical masses at a range of magnetic fields and temperatures, and extrapolate the results to the continuum limit. Analyzing the impact of the field on the quark condensate and the Polyakov loop, we find non-trivial spatial features that render the QCD medium qualitatively different as in the homogeneous setup, especially at temperatures around the transition. In addition, we construct leading-order chiral perturbation theory for the inhomogeneous background and compare its prediction to our lattice results at low temperature. Our findings will be useful to benchmark effective theories and low-energy models of QCD for a better description of peripheral heavy-ion collisions.
Stellenwert der Biopsie in der Diagnostik chronischer Wunden – ein Positionspapier der Initiative Chronische Wunden (ICW) e. V.
Authors: Erfurt-Berge C. , Bültemann A. , Gerber V. , Motzkus M. , Rembe J.-D. , Dissemond J.
Published: December 2023

Die Abklärung chronischer Wunden ist essenziell für die Einleitung einer kausaltherapeutischen Behandlung. Zur diagnostischen Einordnung der Wundgenese kann es erforderlich sein, eine Biopsie zur histologischen und/oder mikrobiologischen Aufarbeitung zu entnehmen. Besteht klinisch Verdacht auf eine spezifische Ursache der Wunde wie eine Neoplasie, eine entzündliche Dermatose oder eine erregerbedingte Wunde, so ist unverzüglich eine Biopsie zur weiteren Diagnostik erforderlich. Zeigt sich unter einer adäquat erscheinenden Kausaltherapie kein zufriedenstellendes Therapieansprechen der Ulzeration, so ist spätestens nach 12 Wochen eine Biopsie zur weiteren Evaluation empfohlen. Die Wahl der richtigen Entnahmetechnik, die weitere Lagerung, der Transport und die Aufarbeitung sind dabei ebenso entscheidend für ein verwertbares Ergebnis wie die möglichst spezifische Fragestellung an das diagnostische Labor.
Die Katzenstreumumie
Authors: Schmidt Verena-Maria , Pallua Johannes Dominikus , Pallua Anton Kasper , Benedikt Stefan , Arora Rohit , Zelger Bettina , Bale Reto , Rabl Walter
Published: December 2023

Es wird der Todesfall einer 90 Jahre alt gewordenen Frau, die mittels Einbettung in Katzenstreu mumifiziert wurde, vorgestellt. Die Frau lebte mit ihrem arbeitslosen Sohn zusammen. Nach ihrem Tod verheimlichte der Sohn ihr Ableben vor den Behörden und konservierte ihre Leiche im Keller mittels Katzenstreu. Mehr als ein Jahr später wurde die mumifizierte Leiche entdeckt. Der Bericht beschreibt die Bergung der Leiche, die bildgebenden Verfahren, die Obduktion, die histologischen Befunde, die Ergebnisse der Toxikologie und die rechtliche Bewertung des Falles.
Pulmonale Befunde in der postmortalen Computertomographie bei COVID-19-assoziierten Todesfällen
Authors: Lutter M. , Kniep I. , Ondruschka B. , Heinemann A.
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Es gibt keine größeren Vergleichsstudien zu der Anwendbarkeit etablierter klinisch-diagnostischer Computertomographie (CT)-Kriterien für „Coronavirus Disease 2019“ (COVID-19)-Infektionen auf die postmortale Computertomographie (PMCT).

Methodik

Es wurden 131 PMCT von COVID-19-Verstorbenen im Vergleich mit einer Kontrollgruppe von 39 PMCT „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“(SARS-CoV-2)-negativer, bekannt lungenkranker Verstorbener analysiert (morphologische Einzelkriterien, modifizierter Total Severity Score (mTSS), „Covid-19 Reporting and Data System“ (CO-RADS-Score).

Ergebnisse

Milchglastrübungen und Konsolidierungen v. a. in dorsalen Lungenabschnitten dominieren als unspezifische Merkmale das postmortale radiologische Bild. Die in der PMCT abgebildeten oft finalen Krankheitsstadien zeigen erwartungsgemäß hohe mTSS-Scores, weniger peripher orientierte Verteilungsmuster, mehr mediastinale Lymphadenopathien und Pleuraergüsse als klinisch beschriebene Stichproben. Die Spezifität der COVID-19-Diagnose ist in Übereinstimmung mit der Ante-mortem-Radiologie auch in der PMCT niedrig. Im Kontrollgruppenvergleich wurden ein CO-RADS Grad 5 und ein bilateral maximal saumartiger Pleuraerguss als diagnostisch wegweisend für eine COVID-19-Infektion in der PMCT identifiziert.

Diskussion

Postmortale Artefakte stellen eine Limitation der Spezifität der pulmonalen PMCT-Bildmorphologie dar. Ein fehlender relevanter Pleuraerguss stellt sich vor dem Hintergrund einer grundsätzlich postmortal bereits artifiziell möglichen Zunahme der Pleuraflüssigkeit als wertvolles Kriterium eines COVID-19-Befunds dar. In einem rechtsmedizinischen Kontext zeigt sich, dass die PMCT in einer pandemischen Situation mit Lungenmanifestationen als Screening-Tool geeignet sein kann.
Modulating signalling lifetime to optimise a prototypical animal opsin for optogenetic applications
Authors: Rodgers Jessica , Wright Phillip , Ballister Edward R. , Hughes Rebecca B. , Storchi Riccardo , Wynne Jonathan , Martial Franck P. , Lucas Robert J.
Published: December 2023

Animal opsins are light activated G-protein-coupled receptors, capable of optogenetic control of G-protein signalling for research or therapeutic applications. Animal opsins offer excellent photosensitivity, but their temporal resolution can be limited by long photoresponse duration when expressed outside their native cellular environment. Here, we explore methods for addressing this limitation for a prototypical animal opsin (human rod opsin) in HEK293T cells. We find that the application of the canonical rhodopsin kinase (GRK1)/visual arrestin signal termination mechanism to this problem is complicated by a generalised suppressive effect of GRK1 expression. This attenuation can be overcome using phosphorylation-independent mutants of arrestin, especially when these are tethered to the opsin protein. We further show that point mutations targeting the Schiff base stability of the opsin can also reduce signalling lifetime. Finally, we apply one such mutation (E122Q) to improve the temporal fidelity of restored visual responses following ectopic opsin expression in the inner retina of a mouse model of retinal degeneration (rd1). Our results reveal that these two strategies (targeting either arrestin binding or Schiff-base hydrolysis) can produce more time-delimited opsin signalling under heterologous expression and establish the potential of this approach to improve optogenetic performance.
Rewiring the future: drugs abused in adolescence may predispose to mental illness in adult life by altering dopamine axon growth
Authors: Avramescu Radu Gabriel , Hernandez Giovanni , Flores Cecilia
Published: December 2023

Adolescence is a period of increased exploration and novelty-seeking, which includes new social behaviors, as well as drug experimentation, often spurred on by peer pressure. This is unfortunate, as the immature state of the adolescent brain makes it particularly susceptible to the negative developmental impact of drug use. During adolescence, dopamine terminals, which have migrated from the ventral tegmental area, pause in the nucleus accumbens, before segregating by either forming local connections or growing towards the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This developmentally late and lengthy process renders adolescent dopamine axon pathfinding vulnerable to disruption by substance use. Indeed, exposure to stimulant drugs in adolescent male mice, but not females, triggers dopamine axons to mistarget the nucleus accumbens and to grow ectopically to the PFC. Some evidence suggests that at this novel site, the functional organization of the ectopic dopamine axons mirrors that of the intended target. The structural rewiring dysregulates local synaptic connectivity, leading to poor impulse control ability, deficits of which are a core symptom of substance-use disorders. In the present commentary, we argue that different substances of abuse induce dopamine mistargeting events with the off-target trajectory prescribed by the type of drug, leading to psychiatric outcomes later in life.
Quality of life in a Palestinian population during the pandemic age: the role of mental health, fear of Covid-19, and vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Veronese Guido , El-Khodary Basel , Diab Marwan , Mahamid Fayez , Bdier Dana , Ismail Anas , Cavazzoni Federica
Published: December 2023

Aim

Two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, extensive research has documented its profound impact on the quality of life and mental health of millions of people worldwide. However, there remains a need to explore the relationships between people’s mental health, their fear of Covid-19, and vaccine hesitancy, as well as their impact on populations living with marginalization, in poverty, and under military violence. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between mental health, hesitancy to the vaccine, and fear of Covid-19 within the Palestinian population.

Subject and methods

The study included a sample of 1122 participants, of which 772 (68.8%) were women, residing in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Israel. The Fear of Covid-19 Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, The Covid-19 Vaccines Acceptance scale, and the World Healh Organization Quality of Life were administered.

Results

Our findings revealed an inverse correlation between participants’ quality of life and their fear of Covid-19. Additionally, higher levels of fear of Covid-19 were associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insight that can guide the development of interventions aimed at supporting the well-being and mental health of the Palestinian population.
Empirical and Numerical Modelling of Gas–Gas Diffusion for Binary Hydrogen–Methane Systems at Underground Gas Storage Conditions
Authors: Hogeweg Sebastian , Michelsen Julia , Hagemann Birger , Ganzer Leonhard
Published: December 2023

The physical process in which a substance moves from a location with a higher concentration to a location with a lower concentration is known as molecular diffusion. It plays a crucial role during the mixing process between different gases in porous media. Due to the petrophysical properties of the porous medium, the diffusion process occurs slower than in bulk, and the overall process is also affected by thermodynamic conditions. The complexity of measuring gas–gas diffusion in porous media at increased pressure and temperature resulted in significant gaps in data availability for modelling this process. Therefore, correlations for ambient conditions and simplified diffusivity models have been used for modelling purposes. In this study, correlations in dependency of petrophysical and thermodynamic properties were developed based on more than 30 measurements of the molecular diffusion of the binary system hydrogen–methane in gas storage rock samples at typical subsurface conditions. It allows reproducing the laboratory observations by evaluating the bulk diffusion coefficient and the tortuosity factor with relative errors of less than 50 % with minor exceptions, leading to a strong improvement compared to existing correlations. The developed correlation was implemented in the open-source simulator DuMux and the implementation was validated by reproducing the measurement results. The validated implementation in DuMux allows to model scenarios such as Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) on a field-scale and, as a result, can be used to estimate the temporary loss of hydrogen into the cushion gas and the purity of withdrawn gas due to the gas–gas mixing process.
Austerity, Health and Public Safety in Low-Income Neighborhoods: Grassroots Responses to the Decline of Local Services in Southeast England
Authors: Smith David M.
Published: December 2023

This article uses ethnographic and qualitative research to explore the health implications and social responses of a low-income neighborhood in Southeast England, to more than a decade of austerity policies and declining institutional and welfare support. Findings examine how cuts to public services and welfare programs alongside changes to the area’s social structure shape resident’s perceptions of health risks and threats. Residents pointed to poor levels of mental health that were exacerbated by financial insecurity, the closure of community facilities and difficulties accessing support and professional help. An increase in social disorder and sense of danger within the vicinity were attributed to changes in the area’s social composition and a reduction of policing in the neighborhood, which were an additional cause of anxiety for residents. Many people felt their neighborhood was treated inequitably with regard to law-and-order, health provision and other services designed to address health problems and risks and dangers in their social environment. This institutional vacuum generates unmet health needs facilitating informal practices and methods for managing health, such as through self-provision or using alternative, and more readily available, sources of medical advice and treatment. The demise of older forms of social control and surveillance that ran parallel with closure of the area’s communal spaces had been partly compensated by social media usage, while informal methods of policing were a growing presence in the neighborhood in reaction to rising lawlessness and the ineffectiveness of police and local authorities.
Information-Theoretic Analysis of a Model of CAR-4-1BB-Mediated NFκB Activation
Authors: Tserunyan Vardges , Finley Stacey
Published: December 2023

Systems biology utilizes computational approaches to examine an array of biological processes, such as cell signaling, metabolomics and pharmacology. This includes mathematical modeling of CAR T cells, a modality of cancer therapy by which genetically engineered immune cells recognize and combat a cancerous target. While successful against hematologic malignancies, CAR T cells have shown limited success against other cancer types. Thus, more research is needed to understand their mechanisms of action and leverage their full potential. In our work, we set out to apply information theory on a mathematical model of NFκB signaling initiated by the CAR following antigen encounter. First, we estimated channel capacity for CAR-4-1BB-mediated NFκB signal transduction. Next, we evaluated the pathway’s ability to distinguish contrasting “low” and “high” antigen concentration levels, depending on the amount of variability in protein concentrations. Finally, we assessed the fidelity by which NFκB activation reflects the encountered antigen concentration, depending on the prevalence of antigen-positive targets in tumor population. We found that in most scenarios, fold change in the nuclear concentration of NFκB carries a higher channel capacity for the pathway than NFκB’s absolute response. Additionally, we found that most errors in transducing the antigen signal through the pathway skew towards underestimating the concentration of encountered antigen. Finally, we found that disabling IKKβ deactivation could increase signaling fidelity against targets with antigen-negative cells. Our information-theoretic analysis of signal transduction can provide novel perspectives on biological signaling, as well as enable a more informed path to cell engineering.
Safety and Efficacy of 12-Month Intra-gastric Balloon—Series of over 1100 Patients
Authors: Wiggins Tom , Sharma Ojasvi , Sarfaraz Yasmin , Fry Heather , Baker Julia , Singhal Rishi
Published: December 2023

Background

Intra-gastric balloons (IGB) are a mainstay of endoscopic treatment of overweight and obesity. In recent years, an IGB which can remain in situ for 12 months has been developed. The current study aimed to analyse the safety and efficacy of this 12-month IGB.

Methods

Consecutive patients receiving the Orbera 365TM IGB (Apollo Endosurgery, TX, USA) between September 2017 and August 2021 were included in a prospective database. Patients received regular follow-up consultations followed by endoscopic removal at 12 months. Demographic data along with weight loss data were collected. All adverse events were recorded.

Results

In total, 1149 patients were included in the study. A majority of the patients were female (87.13%). Median body mass index (BMI) prior to insertion was 36.30 kg/m2 (IQR 32.60–40.00 kg/m2). Median absolute weight loss for all patients was 11.36 kg (IQR 6.70–16.82 kg). There was ongoing sustained weight loss until device removal at week 52. For patients with a weight recording at point of IGB removal, median weight loss was greater (15.88 kg, IQR 10.43–21.72) with percentage total body weight loss of 15.38% (IQR 10.99–21.77) and excess weight loss of 53.99% (IQR 32.44–76.30). Increased patient engagement with post-procedural follow-up was associated with increased weight loss (p<0.001). There were 60 total complications (5.22%). Fifty patients required balloon removal due to intolerance. There were eight cases of balloon rupture. There were only two severe complications (0.17%).

Conclusion

The current study has confirmed safety of this IGB at 12 months with adverse events comparable to published literature. Weight loss increased up until the point of removal at 12 months.

Graphical Abstract
Natural Sirtuin1 Activators and Atherosclerosis: an Overview
Authors: Łanoszka Karolina , Vlčková Nimasha
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent findings investigating the impact of several natural sirtuin (SIRT) activators, particularly SIRT1, on atherosclerosis.

Recent Findings

Sirtuins that belong to a family of class III histone deacetylases are believed to be novel therapeutic targets to treat age-related and chronic diseases. SIRT expression is regulated by small molecules called SIRT-activating compounds that can be found in natural food products. SIRT1 may exert protective effects in atherosclerosis, which is said to be a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Most of the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of these natural compounds comes from in vitro or animal-based studies, while there have been particularly few or inconsistent human-based studies evaluating their long-term impact in recent years.

SIRT1 activation has been demonstrated to mitigate or prevent atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. However, further research is required to determine the optimal SIRT activator dosage and to establish a stronger correlation between health effects and the administration of bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting more human clinical trials is necessary to ensure the safety of these compounds for preventing atherosclerosis development.
Lessons learnt from 20 + years of research on multilevel governance of energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings in the European Union
Authors: Björklund Martin , von Malmborg Fredrik , Nordensvärd Johan
Published: December 2023

At global scale, the building sector accounts for 40% of total energy end use and almost 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the most important sectors to focus on for reaching the 1.5–2 °C target of the Paris Agreement, to enhance energy security of supply and to alleviate energy poverty. The European Union (EU) is often seen as a leader in climate governance, which is also true for energy efficiency. The improvement of energy performance of buildings has been part of EU public policy for more than 50 years, making the EU a pioneer in the policy domain. Based on a semi-structured review of the scientific literature (N = 90), this paper is aimed at drawing the lessons from research on governance of energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings in the EU. As for the findings, there is a multitude of policy instruments developed on different levels of governance, more or less integrated and managed by different actors and no single instrument is sufficient to stimulate energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings. Five key challenges are identified in the governance literature examining the transition towards energy efficiency and zero-carbon buildings. An ambiguous leadership, heterogeneity of implementation, lack of incentives, limitations of non-regulatory policies and market-based instruments, and limited diffusion between governance levels. We also conclude that most policy instruments focus on new buildings which is problematic since the greatest challenge in the transition is the renovation of the large existing building stock.
Exploring the time-dependent regulatory potential of microRNAs in breast cancer cells treated with proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Katsaraki Katerina , Kontos Christos K. , Ardavanis-Loukeris Gerasimos , Tzovaras Alexandros A. , Sideris Diamantis C. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Breast cancer (BrCa) is a predominant type of cancer with a disparate molecular nature. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising key players in the regulation of pathological processes in BrCa. Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) emerged as promising anticancer agents for several human malignancies, including BrCa, inhibiting the function of the proteasome. Aiming to shed light on the miRNA regulatory effect in BrCa after treatment with PIs, we used two PIs, namely bortezomib and carfilzomib.

Materials and methods

Four BrCa cell lines of distinct molecular subtypes were treated with these PIs. Cell viability and IC50 concentrations were determined. Total RNA was extracted, polyadenylated, and reversely transcribed. Next, the levels of specific miRNAs with a significant role in BrCa were determined using relative quantification, and their regulatory effect was assessed.

Results

High heterogeneity was discovered in the levels of miRNAs in the four cell lines, after treatment. The miRNA levels fluctuate with distinct patterns, in 24, 48, or 72 hours. Interestingly, miR-1-3p, miR-421-3p, and miR-765-3p appear as key molecules, as they were found deregulated, in almost all combinations of cell lines and PIs. In the SK-BR-3 cell line, the majority of the miRNAs were significantly downregulated in treated compared to untreated cells, with miR-21-5p being the only one upregulated. Finally, various significant biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways were predicted to be affected.

Conclusions

The diversity of pathways predicted to be affected by the diversity in miRNA expression after treatment with PIs paves the way for the recognition of new regulatory axes in BrCa.
How Flexibility Helps Rapid Production of Electric Vehicles in Azerbaijan
Authors: Hasan Fakhrul , Ibrahimova Gular , Islam Mohammad Raijul
Published: December 2023

This research paper concentrates on determining whether the perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility and complexity are determinants of customers’ purchase intentions of hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan. The research’s theoretical framework was established via technology acceptance model and innovation diffusion theory. The sample of the study was 121 customers using hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan, whose participation in the questionnaire of study provided the opportunity to assemble primary data. The research findings about the perceived usefulness, ease of use and compatibility of hybrid electric vehicles were statistically significant. This study also identified that perceived complexity in using the hybrid electric vehicles did not have an empirically significant relationship in the purchase intention of hybrid electric vehicles in Azerbaijan, which has a negative impact on the industry.
Uncovering Blind Spots in Education Ethics: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review on Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Mouta Ana , Pinto-Llorente Ana María , Torrecilla-Sánchez Eva María
Published: December 2023

In the last decade, research on the use of artificial intelligence technologies in education has steadily grown. Many studies have demonstrated the potential of these technologies to improve school administration processes, enhance students' learning experiences, simplify teachers' daily tasks, and broaden opportunities for lifelong learning. However, the enthusiasm surrounding these possibilities may overshadow the ethical challenges posed by these systems. This systematic literature review is designed to explore the ethical dimensions surrounding the utilisation of these technologies within the defined timeframe (2011–022) in the field of education. It undertakes a thorough analysis of various applications and objectives, with a particular focus on pinpointing any inherent shortcomings within the existing body of literature. The paper discusses how cultural differences, inclusion, and emotions have been addressed in this context. Finally, it explores the capacity building efforts that have been put in place, their main targets, as well as guidelines and frameworks available for the ethical use of these systems. This review sheds light on the research's blind spots and provides insights to help rethink education ethics in the age of AI. Additionally, the paper explores implications for teacher training, as educators play a critical role in ensuring the ethical use of AI in education. This review aims to stimulate ethical debates around artificial intelligence that recognise it as a non-neutral tool, and to view it as an opportunity to strengthen the debates on the ethics of education itself.
Italian academic system disregards scientific merit in faculty hiring processes
Authors: Gallina Pasquale , Lolli Francesco , Gallo Oreste , Porfirio Berardino
Published: December 2023

Professorships in Italy are assigned following public competitions. However, favouritism affects faculty hiring. Researchers lacking clientelistic support remain excluded from academia and are obliged to seek employment abroad or at non-university institutions, or to abandon their career. Do non-recruited researchers have better or worse scientific capacity than those who have attained professorships in Italy?

Files regarding the competitions in bibliometric disciplines won by 186 professors in Florence were analysed. An equal number of professors recruited at other Italian universities and scientists who never attained professorship in Italy were randomly drawn from the pool of individuals having national scientific qualification (the prerequisite for professorship) in the same disciplines as each Florentine professor. H-indexes of the year of qualification (T1), of the Florence call (T2), and in July 2021 (T3) were obtained from Scopus.

Non-recruited individuals were more likely (Chi-square test) to show a higher H-index than both Florentine (T1 p = 0.0005, T2 p = 0.0015, T3 p = 0.0095) and non-Florentine professors (T1 p = 0.0078, T2 p = 0.0245, T3 p = 0.0500). Fifty-four non-recruited scientists serve in foreign universities, 100 at national/international research centres. The remaining scientists (25 who continue producing despite precarious employment, and seven who have stopped publishing) were as likely as Florentine (T3 p = 0.69) and non-Florentine (T3 p = 0.14) professors to show a higher H-index.

Italian faculty hiring disregards merit. A more challenging qualification would limit the access of researchers with lower scientific capacity, and favour those with greater proficiency. As it stands, competition is useless. Once professors obtain permanent employment, they seem less motivated to publish.
Purpose-driven transformation: a holistic organization design framework for integrating societal goals into companies
Authors: Carballo Rebecca Elliott
Published: December 2023

Companies today are increasingly called upon to address society’s issues, such as climate change and inequality, but traditional companies are not up to the task as they are designed primarily for profit maximization. Addressing society’s issues requires companies to societally hybridize, meaning introducing societal goals alongside profit goals thereby transitioning to a deeper societal impact commitment. However, extant literature predominantly considers born hybrid organizations and discusses specific design elements or types of hybrid design. Drawing on social–commercial hybrid organization and organization design literatures, this conceptual paper takes a dynamic view of social–commercial hybridity. This paper proposes a framework delineating four stages of societal hybridization based on the degree to which a traditional company realigns its design to pursue dual goals. The paper has practical and theoretical implications with contributions to social–commercial hybrid organization and organization design theories by demonstrating how redesign can enable a company to successfully integrate societal goals and improve multidimensional organizational performance.
The Renovation of Good Clinical Practice: A Framework for Key Components of ICH E8
Authors: Whitehead Madeleine , Suprin Melissa , Mistree Tashan , Kearns Margaret Mary , Marini Gerard , Goffe Christine , Pillwein Marion , Abdul-Shukkoor Vimi
Published: December 2023

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use’s (ICH) renovation of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) represents a philosophical shift in the conduct of clinical research away from a one-size-fits-all application to promoting a proactive, risk-based approach. The aim of this paper is to enhance the understanding of specific topics detailed in ICH E8 based on direct feedback from TransCelerate member companies who identified Quality by Design (QbD), Critical to Quality (CtQ), Fit for Purpose, and Stakeholder Engagement, as most changed and open to interpretation. The TransCelerate framework seeks to highlight and expand each of these central topics to support utilization and implementation of a strong foundation for quality in clinical development.
ON A COMPARISON BETWEEN DWORK AND RIGID COHOMOLOGIES OF PROJECTIVE COMPLEMENTS
Authors: PARK JUNYEONG
Published: December 2023

For homogeneous polynomials
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
over a finite field, their Dwork complex is defined by Adolphson and Sperber, based on Dwork’s theory. In this article, we will construct an explicit cochain map from the Dwork complex of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
to the Monsky–Washnitzer complex associated with some affine bundle over the complement
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
of the common zero
$X_G$
of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
, which computes the rigid cohomology of
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
. We verify that this cochain map realizes the rigid cohomology of
$\mathbb {P}^n\setminus X_G$
as a direct summand of the Dwork cohomology of
$G_1,\ldots ,G_k$
. We also verify that the comparison map is compatible with the Frobenius and the Dwork operator defined on both complexes, respectively. Consequently, we extend Katz’s comparison results in [19] for projective hypersurface complements to arbitrary projective complements.
Inference in Linear Dyadic Data Models with Network Spillovers
Authors: Canen Nathan , Sugiura Ko
Published: December 2023

When using dyadic data (i.e., data indexed by pairs of units), researchers typically assume a linear model, estimate it using Ordinary Least Squares, and conduct inference using “dyadic-robust” variance estimators. The latter assumes that dyads are uncorrelated if they do not share a common unit (e.g., if the same individual is not present in both pairs of data). We show that this assumption does not hold in many empirical applications because indirect links may exist due to network connections, generating correlated outcomes. Hence, “dyadic-robust” estimators can be biased in such situations. We develop a consistent variance estimator for such contexts by leveraging results in network statistics. Our estimator has good finite-sample properties in simulations, while allowing for decay in spillover effects. We illustrate our message with an application to politicians’ voting behavior when they are seating neighbors in the European Parliament.
Composition and diversity of the gut microbiota across different life stages of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Authors: Chen Zhiyu , Wen Sihao , Shen Juan , Wang Jie , Liu Wenbin , Jin Xiaobao
Published: December 2023

Periplaneta americana, one of the most widely distributed insects all over the world, can survive and reproduce in harsh environment which may be closely related to the critical roles of intestinal microorganisms in its multiple physiological functions. However, the composition and structure of gut microbiota throughout different life stages and its effects on the strong resilient and environmental adaptability of P. americana remain unclear. In this study, the gut microbiota across life stages including ootheca (embryos), nymph and adult of P. americana were investigated by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Multivariate statistical analysis showed the richness and diversity of bacterial communities were significantly different among ootheca, nymph and adult stage of P. americana. Taxonomic analysis showed Blattabacterium was the dominant genus in bacterial community of ootheca while the nutrient absorption-related genera including Christensenellaceae and Ruminococcaceae showed high relative abundance in nymph samples. Moreover, functional prediction analysis showed the metabolic categories in ootheca might have more influence on the basic life activities of the host than improved production and viability, while it was more associated to the society activities, reproduction and development of host in nymph and adult. It was suggested that the gut microbiota in each life stage might meet the requirements for environmental adaptability and survival of P. americana via transforming the composition and structure with specific metabolic capabilities. Overall, these results provided a novel sight to better understand the strong vitality and adaptability throughout life stages of P. americana.
Infection of endemic chub Squalius tenellus with the intestinal tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda): histopathology and ultrastructural surveys
Authors: Sayyaf Dezfuli Bahram , Franchella Emanuela , Bernacchia Giovanni , De Bastiani Morena , Lorenzoni Francesca , Carosi Antonella , Lorenzoni Massimo , Bosi Giampaolo
Published: December 2023

The endemic chub Squalius tenellus (Heckel, 1843) was introduced more than 100 years ago to Lake Blidinje (Bosnia-Herzegovina). Only 1 species of enteric helminth was found in a sample of 35 chubs, the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Janiszewska, 1953). The paper includes histopathological investigation with identification of innate immune cells involved in host reaction and molecular data allowed correct designation of the cestode species. Of 35 specimens of chub examined, 21 (60%) harboured individuals of C. brachycollis and a total of 1619 tapeworms were counted, the intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 390 worms per fish (46.2 ± 15.3, mean ± s.e.). Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations showed strict contact between the worm's body and the epithelia and increase in the number of mucous cells, rodlet cells among the epithelial cells. Within the tunica propria-submucosa, beneath the site of scolex attachment, numerous neutrophils and mast cells were noticed. This is the first study of the occurrence of C. brachycollis in chub from Lake Blidinje and on the response of the innate immune cells of S. tenellus to this tapeworm. Interestingly, in 3 very heavily infected chubs, perforation of the intestinal wall was documented; this is uncommon among cestodes which use fish as a definitive host.
The “Ring Shout”: A Corporeal Conjuring of Black-Togetherness
Authors: Hunter yaTande Whitney V.
Published: December 2023

This article explores the Ring Shout as a corporeal conjuring of Black-togetherness. Theoretically, I embrace the notion of assembly in ways that offer new comprehension around both implicit and explicit modes of embodiment in constant play within Black cultural modes. I turn to the research of Katrina Hazzard-Donald, Dr. Yvonne Daniel, and M. Jacqui Alexander for theoretical grounding regarding diasporic Afro-spiritualities, while artists such as Talley Beatty, Reggie Wilson, and Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) provide landmarks for the artistic and aesthetic discourse of the text. I introduce a concept, AfrOist, as a navigation through and toward a recontextualization of centralized Africanist tendencies. With this shift, cultural inheritances are remembered and claimed.
Regulating Weapons: An Aristotelian Account
Authors: Lang Anthony F.
Published: December 2023

Regulating war has long been a concern of the international community. From the Hague Conventions to the Geneva Conventions and the multiple treaties and related institutions that have emerged in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, efforts to mitigate the horrors of war have focused on regulating weapons, defining combatants, and ensuring access to the battlefield for humanitarians. But regulation and legal codes alone cannot be the end point of an engaged ethical response to new weapons developments. This short essay reviews some of the existing ethical works on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), highlighting how rule- and consequence-based accounts fail to provide adequate guidance for how to deal with them. I propose a virtue-based account, which I link up with an Aristotelian framework, for how the international community might better address these weapons systems.
How best can we name the channels seen in the setting of deficient ventricular septation?
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Spicer Diane E. , McMahon Colin J. , Kumar R. Krishna , Tretter Justin T.
Published: December 2023

Surgical repair of channels between the ventricles is enhanced when the surgeon knows precisely where to place a patch, or baffle, so as to restore septal integrity. The paediatric cardiologist should provide the necessary information. Communication will be enhanced if the same words are used to account for the structures in question. Currently, however, the same term, namely “ventricular septal defect,” is used to account for markedly different areas within the heart. Closure of perimembranous defects found in hearts with concordant or discordant ventriculo-arterial connections restores the integrity of the ventricular septum, at the same time separating the systemic and pulmonary blood streams. When both arterial trunks arise from the right ventricle, in contrast, the surgeon when placing a baffle so as to separate the blood streams, does not close the channel most frequently described as the “ventricular septal defect.” In this review, we show that the perimembranous lesions as found in hearts with concordant or discordant ventriculo-arterial connections are the right ventricular entrances to the areas subtended beneath the hinges of the leaflets of the aortic or pulmonary valves. When both arterial trunks arise from the right ventricle, and the channel between the ventricles is directly subaortic, then the channel termed the “ventricular septal defect” is the left ventricular entrance to the comparable space subtended beneath the aortic root. We argue that recognition of these fundamental anatomical differences enhances the appreciation of the underlying morphology of the various lesions that reflect transfer, during cardiac development, of the aortic root from the morphologically right to the morphologically left ventricle.
Action and Event
Authors: Camp Pannill
Published: December 2023

Familiar accounts of the intellectual origins of performance theory downplay the ideas inherited from Durkheimian and Marxian social theory by way of British social anthropology. Structural functionalism as taught by A.R. Radcliffe-Brown and the Marx-inflected social anthropology of Max Gluckman are key but underappreciated junctures between classical social theory and performance theory. This lineage helps explain the ongoing tension in performance theory regarding the role embodied communicative action plays in maintaining or altering social order. It also casts new light on the use of the language of “action” and “event” to describe performance phenomena.
Shadow Play
Authors: Cook Amy
Published: December 2023

We perceive loss by tracing the contours of what we invent in its place. When a work of art invites spectators to engage with it, it offers them an opportunity to process loss. Such artworks can be theatrical, visual, or architectural—like a public memorial; what unites them is the experience of the spectator. Individual and personal experiences of grief connect with the social expressions of large-scale loss when the one shows up, fractal-like, in the details of the other.
Performing the Insect and Its Mysterious Metamorphosis
Authors: Diamond Catherine
Published: December 2023

Insect metamorphosis fascinated Greek philosophers, bewildered Christian theologians, affirmed the beliefs of Chinese moralists, and continues to mystify science. Yet dramas representing human-animal transformations rarely involve insects. When they do appear, they usually serve as metaphors satirizing human flaws, but are also demeaning to the insect in their simplistic representation. In some 21st-century performances, however, that approach is evolving to better appreciate the multifarious intricacies of insect life.
Gut Feelings
Authors: Serquiña Oscar T.
Published: December 2023

At the height of the pandemic, Vice President Leni Robredo’s supporters served lugaw to the starving people of the Philippines as a symbol of her grassroots leadership—despite detractors who disparaged the lowly porridge. State agents antagonized citizen-led community pantries and food banks, which persisted through the contributions of ordinary Filipinos. Filipinos came together to lead these various embodied practices to provide nourishment and ignite political action.
Virtual reality evidence on the impact of physicians' open versus defensive communication on patients
Authors: Daniels Lotte , Marneffe Wim , Bielen Samantha
Published: December 2023

Using virtual reality (VR) in an experimental setting, we analyse how communicating more openly about a medical incident influences patients' feelings and behavioural intentions. Using VR headsets, participants were immersed in an actual hospital room where they were told by a physician that a medical incident had occurred. In a given scenario, half of the participants were confronted by a physician who communicated openly about the medical incident, while the other half were confronted with the exact same scenario except that the physician employed a very defensive communication strategy. The employed technology allowed us to keep everything else in the environment constant. Participants exposed to open disclosure were significantly more likely to take further steps (such as contacting a lawyer to discuss options and filing a complaint against the hospital) and express more feelings of blame against the physician. At the same time, these participants rated the physician's communication skills and general impression more highly than those who were confronted with a defensive physician. Nevertheless, communicating openly about the medical incident does not affect trust in the physician and his competence, perceived incident severity and likelihood of changing physician and filing suit.