bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Economic Growth, Renewable Energy Consumption, and Political Stability Affect Environmental Sustainability in the United States? Insights from a Modified Ecological Footprint Model
Authors: Hacıimamoğlu Tunahan , Sungur Oğuzhan
Published: April 2024

In the last century, global warming and environmental pollution issues have reached the levels that threaten humanity. Competition on economic growth is considered one of the primary causes of environmental pollution. It has increased the significance of sustainable development and renewable energy consumption. Within the scope of sustainable development, the countries with large economies bear a greater responsibility to reduce environmental pollution. This study aims to investigate the effect of economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and political stability on environmental degradation in the United States (US) for the period 1984–2017. A comprehensive econometric analysis is conducted by using the Fourier Autoregressive Distributed Lag (FARDL) test in this study. The results of the cointegration tests indicate that economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and political stability are cointegrated with the ecological footprint pressure index representing the environmental degradation. The FARDL test results reveal that economic growth increases environmental degradation, whereas renewable energy consumption and political stability mitigate environmental degradation in both the short- and long-run. This study provides policy recommendations aiming to increase renewable energy consumption and political stability within the context of sustainable development.
A Paley–Wiener Theorem for the Mehler–Fock Transform
Authors: Montes-Rodríguez Alfonso , Virtanen Jani
Published: April 2024

In this note, we prove a Paley–Wiener Theorem for the Mehler–Fock transform. In particular, we show that it induces an isometric isomorphism from the Hardy space $$\mathcal H^2(\mathbb C^+)$$

H
2

(

C
+

)

onto $$L^2(\mathbb R^+,( 2 \pi )^{-1} t \sinh (\pi t) \, dt ) $$

L
2

(

R
+

,

(
2
π
)

-
1

t
sinh

(
π
t
)

d
t
)

. The proof we provide here is very simple and is based on an old idea that seems to be due to G. R. Hardy. As a consequence of this Paley–Wiener theorem we also prove a Parseval’s theorem. In the course of the proof, we find a formula for the Mehler–Fock transform of some particular functions.
Host-vaginal microbiota interaction: shaping the vaginal microenvironment and bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Sadeghpour Heravi Fatemah
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

This review comprehensively examines host-vaginal microbiota interactions, the composition of the vaginal microbiota, and its dynamic changes throughout a woman's lifespan. Furthermore, the intricate interplay between the host and beneficial bacterial communities, such as Lactobacillus species, and opportunistic pathogens, such as Gardnerella spp., associated with BV development, has been explored. Additionally, the current and advanced therapeutic strategies for managing complications related to vaginal microbiota along with the challenges faced in this field have been discussed.

Recent findings

Recent findings have shown that the microbial communities inhabiting the female vagina, known as the vaginal microbiota, play a critical role in maintaining women's health and supporting reproductive activities. Imbalanced vaginal microbiota can predispose individuals to a range of diseases, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STI), miscarriage, and preterm birth. While the exact mechanisms by which a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microenvironment improves vaginal health remain elusive, gaining insight into the interactions between the host and vaginal microbiota, as well as with opportunistic pathogens, can help address unanswered questions.

A deeper understanding of the reciprocal interactions between the host and vaginal microbiota has the potential to pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and the improvement of women's health.
An analysis of the abolition of premium motor spirit (PMS) subsidies in Nigeria: a breach of social contract or climate change action?
Authors: Olujobi Olusola Joshua , Irumekhai Oshobugie Suleiman
Published: April 2024

The study examines the payment of fossil fuel subsidies made in Nigeria on petrol, with an analysis of the laws governing its payments. It explores the reasons for the removal of the petrol subsidy and examines the merits advocated by proponents of its elimination. Additionally, it investigates the diverse pricing methods employed for petroleum products. Employing a doctrinal legal research methodology, the article relies on the existing primary and secondary sources of laws to provide insights for the reforms. The study concludes with recommendations such as the implementation of a mixed economic system, reinforcement of trade laws, consumer protection and competition laws, improvement of transparency and accountability, promotion of investments in local refineries, adoption of cleaner alternative energy sources such as renewable energy sources by adopting the global energy transition agenda, and provision of palliatives. The findings unravel the complexities surrounding petrol subsidy payments which have occasioned corruption, rent-seeking activities and insufficient utilization of clean sources of energy. A significant gap exists in Nigeria’s energy sector compared to the selected case study countries. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The recommendations promote transparency, and accountability and will facilitate the necessary reforms for sustainable downstream petroleum industry and global energy security.
Heteroaggregation and sedimentation of natural goethite and artificial Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polystyrene nanoplastics in water
Authors: Wu Aiming , Yang Chunyan , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Junyu , Liang Weigang , Wang Xia , Zhou Lingfeng , Teng Miaomiao , Hou Guoqing , Niu Lin , Tang Zhi , Wu Fengchang
Published: April 2024

Iron oxide nanomaterials play important roles in biogeochemical processes. This study investigates the effects of representative natural carbonaceous materials (humic acid [HA] and extracellular polymeric substances [EPS]) and cations on the heteroaggregation and sedimentation of engineered and natural iron oxide nanomaterials with montmorillonite and sulfate- and amine-modified polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) (S- and N-PS NPs, respectively) in water, assessing their environmental behavior and differences in colloidal stability parameters. In addition, a novel extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory (XDLVO) was developed to describe the mechanism of colloidal behavior that concurrently considers gravitational and magnetic attraction forces. In CaCl2 solution and most natural water samples, negatively charged S-PS NPs promoted heteroaggregation with goethite and iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs more than positively charged N-PS NPs with increased nanoplastic particle concentration. In seawater, the introduction of S- and N-PS NPs increased the maximum net energy (barrier) (ΦMAX) of heteroaggregation and sedimentation with goethite and Fe3O4 NPs, facilitating dispersal and suspension of the system. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that Ca2+ forms bridging interactions between Fe3O4 and S-PS NPs to promote aggregation, while competitive adsorption occurs between the N atoms of N-PS NPs and Ca2+ on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs. The study findings will help to improve the understanding of interfacial processes affecting ions at nanomaterial/water interfaces and assessments of the geochemical behavior and ecological risks of nanoplastics.
Global Civil Society and China
Authors: Spires Anthony J.
Published: April 2024

This Element traces the history of and recent developments in the unstable relationship between global civil society (GCS) and China. It analyses the normative impacts GCS has had on China – including the Chinese state and domestic civil society – and the possibilities created by Beijing's new 'going out' policies for Chinese civil society groups. It examines the rhetoric and reality of GCS as an emancipatory project and argues that 'universal values' underpinned by principles of human rights and democracy have gained currency in China despite official resistance from the government. It argues that while the Chinese party-state is keen to benefit from GCS engagement, Beijing is also determined to minimize any impact outside groups might have on regime security. The Element concludes with some observations about future research directions and the internationalization of Chinese civil society.
Nondigestible carbohydrates and gut microbiota: A dynamic duo in host defense
Authors: Zong Xin , Luo Shiqi , Liu Shuqi , Deehan Edward C. , Wang Yizhen , Jin Mingliang
Published: April 2024

The sophisticated relationship between the intake of dietary carbohydrates and host immunity is mediated in large part by the gut microbiota. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted connections linking human gut microbiota with nondigestible carbohydrate metabolism and immune responses, highlighting the critical importance of this symbiotic relationship in maintaining overall host health. Understanding the mechanisms by which gut microbiota act as a bridge between carbohydrate intake and host immunity has significant implications for precision nutrition strategies and the development of therapeutic interventions.
The Roles of Police-Related versus Non-Police-Related Considerations in Shaping Diffused Support for the Police: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jonathan-Zamir Tal , Factor Roni , Perry Gali
Published: April 2024

Global views of the police (often termed “legitimacy”, “trust”, “satisfaction” or “support”) are frequently regarded as the product of micro-level, police-related consideration: beliefs about what the police are doing and how they are doing it. Studies taking a sociological or political perspective have revealed that views unrelated to policing, such as satisfaction with the government, may also be important predictors of global views of the police. However, police-related and non-police-related considerations are frequently not considered together as antecedents of macro-level views of the police. This study aims to illuminate the respective roles of police-related versus non-police-related considerations in shaping citizens’ diffused support for the police while utilizing the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a panel survey carried out during the first and third peaks of the pandemic in Israel reveal that the only factor which had a direct effect on the drop in diffused support for the police was the public’s assessment of the government’s (not the police’s) performance in handling the pandemic. We conclude by calling for more sophisticated measurement and interpretation of public approval of the police and its antecedents.
A granular examination of gender and racial disparities in federal procurement
Authors: Parker Chris , Roy Dwaipayan
Published: April 2024

The U.S. federal government annually awards billions of dollars as contracts to procure different products and services from external businesses. Although the federal government’s immense purchasing power provides a unique opportunity to invest in the nation’s women-owned businesses (WOBs) and minority-owned businesses (MOBs) and advance the entrepreneurial dreams of many more Americans, gender and racial disparities in federal procurement are pervasive. In this study, we undertake a granular examination of these disparities by analyzing the data on 1,551,610 contracts awarded by 58 different federal government agencies. Specifically, we examine the representation of WOBs and MOBs in contracts with varying levels of STEM intensity and across 19 different contract categories, which capture the wide array of products and services purchased by the federal government. We show that contracts with higher levels of STEM intensity are associated with a lower likelihood of being awarded to WOBs and MOBs. Interestingly, the negative association between a contract’s STEM intensity and its likelihood to be awarded to MOBs is particularly salient for Black-, and Hispanic-owned businesses. Among the 19 categories of contracts, Black-owned businesses are more likely to receive contracts that are characterized by lower median pay levels. Collectively, these results provide data-driven evidence demonstrating the need to make a distinction between the different categories of MOBs and consider the type of products and services being procured while carrying out an examination of racial disparities in federal procurement.
The innovation paradox: concept space expansion with diminishing originality and the promise of creative artificial intelligence
Authors: Sarica Serhad , Luo Jianxi
Published: April 2024

Innovation, typically spurred by reusing, recombining and synthesizing existing concepts, is expected to result in an exponential growth of the concept space over time. However, our statistical analysis of TechNet, which is a comprehensive technology semantic network encompassing over 4 million concepts derived from patent texts, reveals a linear rather than exponential expansion of the overall technological concept space. Moreover, there is a notable decline in the originality of newly created concepts. These trends can be attributed to the constraints of human cognitive abilities to innovate beyond an ever-growing space of prior art, among other factors. Integrating creative artificial intelligence into the innovation process holds the potential to overcome these limitations and alter the observed trends in the future.
Legalism and the European Union’s rule of law crisis
Authors: Van Malleghem Pieter-Augustijn
Published: April 2024

The past decade has seen the rise of the semi-authoritarian regimes within the European Union. EU law scholars are rightfully concerned that, in the absence of a meaningful response, this leads to an existential crisis for the Union, as these regimes threaten respect for the Union’s foundational values. The Union did respond to what it has framed as a rule of law crisis by means of a constitutional transformation, asserting Union power to protect judicial independence within the Member States even in areas previously thought beyond the reach of Union law. This paper contends that the Union’s response to the authoritarian threat is flawed for its legalist faith in law and courts. In institutional terms, it was the Court of Justice of the European Union, rather than the Union’s political branches, that took the lead in this transformation. In substantive terms, the Union has transformed its constitutional framework to protect the organisational infrastructure of the judiciary, but it failed to do the same in response to various other strategies in the authoritarian playbook. By framing the authoritarian threat as, above all else, a threat to the judiciary, the Union’s response contributes to the reification of political debate at Union level and risks the alienation of the European polity.
Consumer Decision-Making Autonomy in the Digital Environment: Towards a New Understanding of National Courts’ Obligation to Assess Ex Officio Violations of Fair Commercial Practices
Authors: Davida Zanda
Published: April 2024

Digitalisation has changed traders’ possibilities of influencing the autonomy of consumer choice in the digital environment. The digital market of the European Union involves a wide spectrum of commercial practices – such as dark and addictive patterns, target advertising and personalisation – that nudge consumers to take decisions that are not in their favour. One of the main aims of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005 is to protect the freedom of consumer decision-making. However, currently, the Directive’s capacity to safeguard consumer choice in the digital environment is not sufficiently effective. Through the lens of law prohibiting unfair commercial practices, this article analyses the means available to consumer courts to strengthen consumer decision-making autonomy in the digital environment. The article argues that regulation of prohibition of unfair commercial practices regarding the digital environment should be modernised by obliging – in certain circumstances – national courts ex officio to assess violations of fair commercial practices and by reversing the burden of argumentation and proof.
Singer conjecture for varieties with semismall Albanese map and residually finite fundamental group
Authors: Di Cerbo Luca F. , Lombardi Luigi
Published: April 2024

We prove the Singer conjecture for varieties with semismall Albanese map and residually finite fundamental group.
Lateralised courtship behaviour and its impact on mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Abbas Sohail , Alam Aleena , Abbas Muneer , Abbas Arzlan , Ali Jamin , Schilthuizen Menno , Romano Donato , Zhao Chen Ri
Published: April 2024

Lateralisation is a well-established phenomenon observed in an increasing number of insect species. This study aims to obtain basic details on lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviour in Ostrinia furnacalis, the Asian corn borer. We conducted laboratory investigations to observe lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviours in adult O. furnacalis. Our goal was also to detect lateralised mating behaviour variations during sexual interactions and to elucidate how these variances might influence the mating success of males. Our findings reveal two distinct lateralised traits: male approaches from the right or left side of the female and the direction of male turning displays. Specifically, males approaching females from their right side predominantly exhibited left-biased 180° turning displays, while males approaching females from the left-side primarily displayed right-biased 180° turning displays. Notably, left-biased males, executing a 180° turn for end-to-end genital contact, initiated copulation with fewer attempts and began copulation earlier than their right-biased approaches with left-biased 180° turning displays. Furthermore, mating success was higher when males subsequently approached the right side of females during sexual encounters. Left-biased 180° turning males exhibited a higher number of successful mating interactions. These observations provide the first report on lateralisation in the reproductive behaviour of O. furnacalis under controlled laboratory conditions and hold promise for establishing reliable benchmarks for assessing and monitoring the quality of mass-produced individuals in pest control efforts.
AN ALLUSION TO THE BLINDING OF APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS IN AENEID BOOK 8?
Authors: Loar Matthew P.
Published: April 2024

This article argues that Virgil includes an allusion to the fourth-century censor Appius Claudius Caecus in Book 8 of the Aeneid. Three pieces of evidence point to this allusion: (1) wordplay, especially the near echo of ‘Caecus’ in ‘Cacus’; (2) semantic associations between Cacus and darkness; and (3) repeated references to sight and Cacus’ eyes. By invoking the memory of Appius, whose blinding in 312 b.c.e. allegedly came at the hands of Hercules as punishment for transferring control of the god's rites at the Ara Maxima to the state, Virgil underscores the importance of properly observing religious rituals. This aligns with Evander's original intent with the Hercules–Cacus story to prove to Aeneas and the Trojans that the Arcadians’ religious practices are no uana superstitio (8.187).
Simulations of radiatively cooled magnetic reconnection driven by pulsed power
Authors: Datta Rishabh , Crilly Aidan , Chittenden Jeremy P. , Chowdhry Simran , Chandler Katherine , Chaturvedi Nikita , Myers Clayton E. , Fox William R. , Hansen Stephanie B. , Jennings Chris A. , Ji Hantao , Kuranz Carolyn C. , Lebedev Sergey V. , Uzdensky Dmitri A. , Hare Jack D.
Published: April 2024

Magnetic reconnection is an important process in astrophysical environments, as it reconfigures magnetic field topology and converts magnetic energy into thermal and kinetic energy. In extreme astrophysical systems, such as black hole coronae and pulsar magnetospheres, radiative cooling modifies the energy partition by radiating away internal energy, which can lead to the radiative collapse of the reconnection layer. In this paper, we perform two- and three-dimensional simulations to model the MARZ (Magnetic Reconnection on Z) experiments, which are designed to access cooling rates in the laboratory necessary to investigate reconnection in a previously unexplored radiatively cooled regime. These simulations are performed in GORGON, an Eulerian two-temperature resistive magnetohydrodynamic code, which models the experimental geometry comprising two exploding wire arrays driven by 20 MA of current on the Z machine (Sandia National Laboratories). Radiative losses are implemented using non-local thermodynamic equilibrium tables computed using the atomic code Spk, and we probe the effects of radiation transport by implementing both a local radiation loss model and$P_{1/3}$multi-group radiation transport. The load produces highly collisional, super-Alfvénic (Alfvén Mach number$M_A \approx 1.5$), supersonic (Sonic Mach number$M_S \approx 4-5$) strongly driven plasma flows which generate an elongated reconnection layer (Aspect Ratio$L/\delta \approx 100$, Lundquist number$S_L \approx 400$). The reconnection layer undergoes radiative collapse when the radiative losses exceed the rates of ohmic and compressional heating (cooling rate/hydrodynamic transit rate =$\tau _{\text {cool}}^{-1}/\tau _{H}^{-1}\approx 100$); this generates a cold strongly compressed current sheet, leading to an accelerated reconnection rate, consistent with theoretical predictions. Finally, the current sheet is also unstable to the plasmoid instability, but the magnetic islands are extinguished by strong radiative cooling before ejection from the layer.
Mendelian randomization: causal inference leveraging genetic data
Authors: Chen Lane G. , Tubbs Justin D. , Liu Zipeng , Thach Thuan-Quoc , Sham Pak C.
Published: April 2024

Mendelian randomization (MR) leverages genetic information to examine the causal relationship between phenotypes allowing for the presence of unmeasured confounders. MR has been widely applied to unresolved questions in epidemiology, making use of summary statistics from genome-wide association studies on an increasing number of human traits. However, an understanding of essential concepts is necessary for the appropriate application and interpretation of MR. This review aims to provide a non-technical overview of MR and demonstrate its relevance to psychiatric research. We begin with the origins of MR and the reasons for its recent expansion, followed by an overview of its statistical methodology. We then describe the limitations of MR, and how these are being addressed by recent methodological advances. We showcase the practical use of MR in psychiatry through three illustrative examples – the connection between cannabis use and psychosis, the link between intelligence and schizophrenia, and the search for modifiable risk factors for depression. The review concludes with a discussion of the prospects of MR, focusing on the integration of multi-omics data and its extension to delineating complex causal networks.
How much or how often? Examining the screening properties of the DSM cross-cutting symptom measure in a youth population-based sample
Authors: Gonçalves Pacheco João Pedro , Kieling Christian , Manfro Pedro H. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Gonçalves Helen , Oliveira Isabel O. , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Rohde Luis Augusto , Hoffmann Maurício Scopel
Published: April 2024

Background

The DSM Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (DSM-XC) allows for assessing multiple psychopathological domains. However, its capability to screen for mental disorders in a population-based sample and the impact of adverbial framings (intensity and frequency) on its performance are unknown.

Methods

The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort in Brazil. Participants with completed DSM-XC and structured diagnostic interviews (n = 3578, aged 22, 53.6% females) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+), and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios for each of the 13 DSM-XC domains were estimated for detecting five internalizing disorders (bipolar, generalized anxiety, major depressive, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety disorders) and three externalizing disorders (antisocial personality, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and alcohol use disorders). Sensitivities and specificities >0.75, LR+ > 2 and LR− < 0.5 were considered meaningful. Values were calculated for the DSM-XC's original scoring and for adverbial framings.

Results

Several DSM-XC domains demonstrated meaningful screening properties. The anxiety domain exhibited acceptable sensitivity and LR− values for all internalizing disorders. The suicidal ideation, psychosis, memory, repetitive thoughts and behaviors, and dissociation domains displayed acceptable specificity for all disorders. Domains also yielded small but meaningful LR+ values for internalizing disorders. However, LR+ and LR− values were not generally meaningful for externalizing disorders. Frequency-framed questions improved screening properties.

Conclusions

The DSM-XC domains showed transdiagnostic screening properties, providing small but meaningful changes in the likelihood of internalizing disorders in the community, which can be improved by asking frequency of symptoms compared to intensity. The DSM-XC is currently lacking meaningful domains for externalizing disorders.
The legal position of guests in late medieval Stockholm
Authors: Gustafsson Sofia
Published: April 2024

The article analyses the legal position of foreign visitors in late medieval Stockholm through the prism of the concept of legal certainty, which requires public, explicit and clear regulations, an institutionalized jurisdiction and equal, just and impartial judgments in court. The article concludes that the authorities in Stockholm strove to create legal certainty for foreign guests and that the regulated relationship between local hosts and visiting guests both provided a control mechanism for the authorities and security for the guests.
Comments on the Solvency II Risk Margin and proposed amendments
Authors: Waszink Hans
Published: April 2024

The Risk Margin under Solvency II is determined as the cost of holding capital over the lifetime of liabilities, whereby future costs are discounted to the valuation date at risk-free rates. An implicit assumption of the current method is that the Risk Margin should allow for new capital to be raised after the occurrence of losses no larger than required capital. Using “Cost of Capital” as general valuation method, various approaches are discussed, giving rise to several alternative calculation methods of the Risk Margin. A comparison is made with the adjustment proposed by EIOPA in 2020 and also an approach is explored where future capital raisings are treated as contingent commitments. Each of the approaches discussed can be justified on its own merits in the context of Solvency II legislation, and leads to substantially different results for liabilities with long durations. Therefore, a more precise specification of the function of the Risk Margin and underlying assumptions is desirable.
South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) II – a multi-country evaluation of nutrition and lifestyle indicators in children aged 12 years and below: rationale and design
Authors: Tan Serene Yaling , Poh Bee Koon , Sekartini Rini , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Tran Thuy Nga , Wong Jyh Eiin , Novita Chandra Dian , Pongcharoen Tippawan , Tran Khanh Van , Actis-Goretta Lucas , Vonk Marlotte M , Ng Swee Ai , Parikh Panam , Khouw Ilse ,   SEANUTS II Study Group
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To assess the nutritional status, growth parameters and lifestyle behaviours of children between 0·5 and 12 years in nationally representative samples in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the four countries, between May 2019 and April 2021. Data collected can be categorised into four categories: (1) Growth – anthropometry, body composition, development disorder, (2) nutrient intake and dietary habits – 24-h dietary recall, child food habits, breast-feeding and complementary feeding, (3) socio-economic status – food insecurity and child health status/environmental and (4) lifestyle behaviours – physical activity patterns, fitness, sunlight exposure, sleep patterns, body image and behavioural problems. Blood samples were also collected for biochemical and metabolomic analyses. With the pandemic emerging during the study, a COVID-19 questionnaire was developed and implemented.

Setting:

Both rural and urban areas in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Participants:

Children who were well, with no physical disability or serious infections/injuries and between the age of 0·5 and 12 years old, were recruited.

Results:

The South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II recruited 13 933 children. Depending on the country, data collection from children was conducted in schools and commune health centres, or temples, or sub-district administrative organisations.

Conclusions:

The results will provide up-to-date insights into nutritional status and lifestyle behaviours of children in the four countries. Subsequently, these data will facilitate exploration of potential gaps in dietary intake among Southeast Asian children and enable local authorities to plan future nutrition and lifestyle intervention strategies.
Kant’s Critique of the Ontological Argument: Comments on Ian Proops’s The Fiery Test of Critique
Authors: Jauernig Anja
Published: April 2024

The main interpretative claims in the chapter on Kant’s critique of the ontological argument in Ian Proops’s The Fiery Test of Critique are critically discussed.
Jordan Pascoe’s Kant’s Theory of Labour: A Kantian Engagement
Authors: Varden Helga
Published: April 2024

This article critiques Jordan Pascoe’s Kant’s Theory of Labour (CUP 2022). After outlining some of its many distinctive contributions, I consider Pascoe’s ideas on women, marriage, method, and the challenges involved in engaging with (classical) texts that express various ‘isms’. In addition to giving readers an introduction to many of the exciting ideas presented in the book, my aim is to stimulate further discussion of the kind all excellent books strive to create.
Kant on the Conceptual Possibility of Actually Infinite Tota Synthetica
Authors: Chaplin Rosalind
Published: April 2024

Most interpreters hold that Kant rejects actually infinite tota synthetica as conceptually impossible. This view is attributed to Kant to relieve him of the charge that the first antinomy’s thesis argument presupposes transcendental idealism. I argue that important textual evidence speaks against this view, and Kant in fact affirms the conceptual possibility of actually infinite tota synthetica. While this means the first antinomy may not be decisive as an indirect argument for idealism, it gives us a better account of how our ideas of the unconditioned generate the antinomies, and it allows us to see important and often overlooked elements in Kant’s account of the infinite.
FLUID INJECTION IN A POROUS MEDIUM: THE RADIAL SAFFMAN–TAYLOR INSTABILITY
Authors: COOK SIENNA E. , FORBES LARRY K. , WALTERS STEPHEN J.
Published: April 2024

We consider planar flow involving two viscous fluids in a porous medium. One fluid is injected through a line source at the origin and moves radially outwards, pushing the second, ambient fluid outwards. There is an interface between the two fluids and if the inner injected fluid is of lower viscosity, the interface is unstable to small disturbances and radially directed unstable Saffman–Taylor fingers are produced. A linearized theory is presented and is compared with nonlinear results obtained using a numerical spectral method. An additional theory is also discussed, in which the sharp interface is replaced with a narrow diffuse interfacial region. We show that the nonlinear results are in close agreement with the linearized theory for small-amplitude disturbances at early times, but that large-amplitude fingers develop at later times and can even detach completely from the initial injection region.
Continuum of care in maternal and child health in Indonesia
Authors: Rammohan Anu , Goli Srinivas , Chu Hoi
Published: April 2024

Aim:

This paper aims to empirically analyze the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of maternal and child health (MCH) care utilization in Indonesia using the continuum of care (CoC) concept.

Background:

The concept of CoC has emerged as an important guiding principle in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. Indonesia’s maternal mortality rate, neonatal mortality, and under-five mortality rates are among the highest in the Southeast Asian region.

Methods:

Using pooled data from four successive waves of the nationally representative Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) conducted in the years 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017, we use multivariate regression models to analyze care across four components of the continuum: antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery, postnatal care for children, and full immunization (IM).

Findings:

CoC at each stage of MCH care has improved continuously over the period 2002–2017 in Indonesia. Despite this, just less than one out of two children receive all four components of the CoC. The overall coverage of CoC from its second stage (four or more ANC visits) to the final stage (full child IM) is driven by the dropouts at the ANC visit stage, followed by the loss of postnatal checkups and child IM. We find that the probability of a child receiving CoC at each of the four stages is significantly associated with maternal age and education, the household’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and economic status.

Conclusion:

Complete CoC with improved, affordable, and accessible MCH care services has the potential to accelerate the progress of Sustainable Development Goal 3 by reducing maternal and childhood mortality risks. Our findings show that in Indonesia, the CoC continuously declines as women proceed from ANC to other MCH services, with a sharp decline observed after four ANC visits. Our study has identified key socioeconomic characteristics of women and children that increase their probability of failing to access care.
Provisional justice in protracted conflicts: The place of temporality in bridging the international humanitarian law and transitional justice divide
Authors: Moffett Luke , Narayan Nikhil
Published: April 2024

2024 will mark seventy-five years since the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Despite the drafters’ efforts to mitigate the worst horrors of armed conflict, contemporary conflicts continue to witness the death and suffering of millions. This raises fundamental concerns over the ability of international law to alleviate the harm caused to those caught up in armed conflict, to redress violations and to prevent their recurrence. In international policy, international humanitarian law (IHL) is increasingly intertwined with transitional justice and in particular its emphasis on the centrality of human rights. This article focuses on the intersection between IHL and transitional justice in protracted conflicts, interrogating their increasing overlaps, complementary intersections and even tensions. In particular, the article examines the importance of the temporal dimensions of humanity and justice in prevention of violations. In doing so, the article concentrates on the impact of time on those harmed by armed conflict and the repercussions this has on the law and justice efforts. The article argues that time can be weaponized to frustrate accountability and prevent interference with belligerents’ behaviour. Victims in war cannot wait until the end of fighting to seek the recovery of the remains of their loved ones, for those responsible to be brought to justice, and for redress of their continuing suffering. Indeed, such delays amount to violations of victims’ right to an effective remedy and fail to stop the continuation of violations or the re-victimization of civilians and their communities. The article suggests the need for “provisional justice”, whereby, in the increasing number of situations of protracted conflict, efforts to redress conflict-related violations should be, at least in part, dealt with at the time, rather than waiting until the end of hostilities, so as to mitigate harm to victims and to correct belligerents’ behaviour in order to prevent recurrence.
Orbital- and millennial-scale Asian winter monsoon variability across the Pliocene–Pleistocene glacial intensification
Authors: Ao Hong , Liebrand Diederik , Dekkers Mark J. , Roberts Andrew P. , Jonell Tara N. , Jin Zhangdong , Song Yougui , Liu Qingsong , Sun Qiang , Li Xinxia , Huang Chunju , Qiang Xiaoke , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2024

Intensification of northern hemisphere glaciation (iNHG), ~2.7 million years ago (Ma), led to establishment of the Pleistocene to present-day bipolar icehouse state. Here we document evolution of orbital- and millennial-scale Asian winter monsoon (AWM) variability across the iNHG using a palaeomagnetically dated centennial-resolution grain size record between 3.6 and 1.9 Ma from a previously undescribed loess-palaeosol/red clay section on the central Chinese Loess Plateau. We find that the late Pliocene–early Pleistocene AWM was characterized by combined 41-kyr and ~100-kyr cycles, in response to ice volume and atmospheric CO2 forcing. Northern hemisphere ice sheet expansion, which was accompanied by an atmospheric CO2 concentration decline, substantially increased glacial AWM intensity  and its orbitally oscillating amplitudes across the iNHG. Superposed on orbital variability, we find that millennial AWM intensity fluctuations persisted during both the warmer (higher-CO2) late Pliocene and colder (lower-CO2) early Pleistocene, in response to both external astronomical forcing and internal climate dynamics.
Experimental exploration of fracture behavior (pure mode III) in eco-friendly steel fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete with waste tempered glass as coarse aggregates
Authors: Pournoori Pooyan , Davarpanah T.Q. Amirhossein , Rajaee Arash , Ghodratnama Morteza , Abrishami Saeed , Masoodi Amir R.
Published: April 2024

To aid in the creation of sustainable structures, scientists have utilized waste materials found in the environment to serve as alternatives for traditional resources in the construction sector. They have undertaken extensive investigations pertaining to this matter. In this particular study, tempered glass as waste glass coarse aggregate (WGCA) was substituted for natural coarse aggregate (NCA) at varying proportions of 15%, 30%, and 45% in the formulation of eco-friendly self-compacting concrete (SCC), combined with hooked-end steel fibers (SFs) at various volumes. The study assessed concrete’s flowability, permeability, compressive strength, and fracture parameters at 28 and 56 days. A total of 240 edge-notched disc bending samples (ENDB) and 60 cubic samples (150 × 150 mm) were tested to assess fracture resilience and compressive strength, respectively. The results showed that increasing SF and WGCA content reduced slump flow diameter and blockage ratio, particularly at higher levels. The solidified characteristics of all specimens incorporating SF and WGCA displayed heightened attributes when contrasted with the reference sample. Among the entire array of specimens, WG15SF0.5 and WG30SF0.5 exhibited the most superior performance, demonstrating an average percentage elevation of 20.29 and 27.63 in both compressive strength and fracture toughness assessments across the different curing periods. SF had the most significant impact on post-cracking behavior by enhancing load-bearing capacity through a bridging fiber mechanism. Through a comparison of the influence of SFs and WGCA on the fracture toughness of pure mode III, it was observed that the inclusion of SF in samples with a 30% replacement of WGCA resulted in an average increase of approximately 15.48% and 11.1% in this mode at the ages of 28 and 56 days, respectively, compared to the control sample.
Synthesis, structural, molecular docking, and in vitro biological activities of Cu-doped ZnO nanomaterials
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed F. , Aboulthana Wael M. , Sherief Marwa A. , El-Bassyouni Gehan T. , Mousa Sahar M.
Published: April 2024

Copper-doped ZnO nanoparticles with the formula Zn1−x(Cu)O, where x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 were produced using the co-precipitation process. Physical, chemical, and structural properties were properly examined. Powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) patterns revealed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure in all samples, through atomic substitutional incorporation in the Cu-doped ZnO lattice. The presence of Cu ions and their dissolution in the host ZnO crystal structure was supported by FT-IR spectra. HR-TEM images were used to assess the average size, morphology, and shape regularity of the synthesized samples. The form and homogeneity of the ZnO changed when Cu ions were substituted, as evidenced by FE-SEM/EDX analysis. The presence of copper signals in the Cu-doped samples indicates that the doping was successful. The decrease in zeta potential with an increased copper doping percentage designates that the nanoparticles (NPs) are more stable, which could be attributed to an increase in the ionic strength of the aqueous solution. The synthesized NPs were evaluated for their substantial in vitro antioxidant properties. In addition, the antimicrobial efficacy of the materials was tested against pathogenic microorganisms. Regarding the anti-diabetic activity, the 7Cu ZnO sample showed the highest inhibitory effect on the α-amylase enzyme. No variations were observed in the activities of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) and proteinase enzymes with ZnO and samples doped with different concentrations of Cu. Therefore, further studies are recommended to reveal the in-vitro anti-diabetic activity of the studied doped samples. Finally, molecular docking provided valuable insights into the potential binding interactions of Cu-doped ZnO with α-amylase, FabH ofE. coli, and Penicillin-binding proteins ofS. aureus. These outcomes suggest that the prepared materials may have an inhibitory effect on enzymes and hold promise in the battle against microbial infections and diabetes.
Diverse effects of a Cyperus rotundus extract on glucose uptake in myotubes and adipocytes and its suppression on adipocyte maturation
Authors: Pichetkun Vipawee , Khine Hnin Ei Ei , Srifa Suchada , Nukulkit Sasiwimon , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Hansapaiboon Supakarn , Saenmuangchin Rattaporn , Chaotham Chatchai , Chansriniyom Chaisak
Published: April 2024

Cyperus rotundus rhizomes have been used in longevity remedies in Thailand for nourishing good health, which led us to investigate the effect on energy homeostasis, especially glucose utilization in myotubes and adipocytes, and on inhibition of lipogenesis in adipocytes. The results showed that an ethyl acetate extract of C. rotundus rhizomes (ECR) containing 1.61%w/w piceatannol, with a half-maximal concentration of 17.76 ± 0.03 μg/mL in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, caused upregulation and cell-membrane translocation of glucose transporters GLUT4 and 1 in L6 myotubes but downregulation and cytoplasmic localization of GLUT4 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and was related to the p-Akt/Akt ratio in both cells, especially at 100 μg/mL. Moreover, ECR (25–100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited lipid accumulation via Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC), and Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK) pathways. Its immunoblot showed increased expression of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and p-ACC/ACC but decreased expression of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK3β/GSK3β in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, the decreased expression of the adipogenic effectors, perilipin1 and lipoprotein lipase, in ECR-incubated adipocytes (50 and 100 μg/mL) indicated reduced de novo lipogenesis. Our study elucidated mechanisms of C. rotundus that help attenuate glucose tolerance in skeletal muscle and inhibit lipid droplet accumulation in adipose tissue.
An inversion problem for optical spectrum data via physics-guided machine learning
Authors: Park Hwiwoo , Park Jun H. , Hwang Jungseek
Published: April 2024

We propose the regularized recurrent inference machine (rRIM), a novel machine-learning approach to solve the challenging problem of deriving the pairing glue function from measured optical spectra. The rRIM incorporates physical principles into both training and inference and affords noise robustness, flexibility with out-of-distribution data, and reduced data requirements. It effectively obtains reliable pairing glue functions from experimental optical spectra and yields promising solutions for similar inverse problems of the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind.
High-resolution low-cost LCD 3D printing for microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip devices
Authors: Shafique Houda , Karamzadeh Vahid , Kim Geunyong , Shen Molly L. , Morocz Yonatan , Sohrabi-Kashani Ahmad , Juncker David
Published: April 2024

Microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip device fabrication via low-cost LCD photopolymerization 3D printing using a custom photoink for high-resolution, fast, and throughput direct manufacturing.
Exploring the impact of a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant on the electrochemical performance of tungsten oxide thin films
Authors: Razzaq Munazza , Saifullah Muhammad , Akhtar Ramzan , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Imran Zahid , Rehan Muhammad , Jamal Ahsan , Iqbal Sajid , Anjum Mohsin Ali Raza , Mehboob Sheeraz
Published: April 2024

A WO3thin film prepared with a CTAB/Na2WO4·2H2O molar ratio of 2.451 exhibits considerably improved current density, charge storage capacity, and diffusion kinetics.
Chemical passivation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides: strategies, mechanisms, and prospects for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Li Zhaojun , Bretscher Hope , Rao Akshay
Published: April 2024

An overview of the strategies, progress, mechanisms, and prospects of chemical treatments to passivate the defects and improve the optical and electronic properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides.
Research progress of dual-atom site catalysts for photocatalysis
Authors: Wu Jinting , Zhong Haoming , Huang Zhen-Feng , Zou Ji-Jun , Zhang Xiangwen , Zhang Yong-Chao , Pan Lun
Published: April 2024

Herein, the recent progress of DASCs in the field of photocatalytic conversion of small molecules is reviewed, including controllable preparation and characterization, reaction mechanisms and the relationship between their structure and activity.
Transient theory for scanning electrochemical microscopy of biological membrane transport: uncovering membrane–permeant interactions
Authors: Huang Siao-Han , Amemiya Shigeru
Published: April 2024

The finte element simulation predicts that interactions of a biological membrane with a permeant can be determined quantitatively by employing transient scanning electrochemical microscopy to discriminate between one-step and two-step transport.
Z-selective dimerization of terminal alkynes by a (PNNP)FeII complex
Authors: Stevens Jeremiah E. , Miller Justin D. , Fitzsimmons Matthew C. , Moore Curtis E. , Thomas Christine M.
Published: April 2024

A (PNNP)FeII complex is shown to catalyze the dimerization of terminal alkynes via a metal–ligand cooperative mechanism.
Unprecedented ROP of quinazolinones to polyacylamidines using a cesium catalyst
Authors: Sagar Shweta , Nath Priyanku , Kisan Devadkar Ajitrao , Karmakar Himadri , Ray Aranya , Sarkar Alok , Panda Tarun K.
Published: April 2024

A series of high-performance imine-spaced aromatic polyamide materials, prepared with excellent control of molecular weights and polydispersity index from catalytic ring-opening polymerization of quinazolinones using a cesium catalyst, are reported.