bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretched Earlobe Piercings Negatively Impact Casual Observer Perceptions
Authors: Fung Nicholas , Ishii Masaru , Huynh Pauline , Juarez Michelle , Bater Kristin , Darrach Halley , Papel Ira D. , Kontis Theda , Nellis Jason C. , Ishii Lisa
Published: May 2019

Patients with stretched earlobes seek reconstruction to mitigate social stigma. To date, there have been no studies measuring the impact of stretched earlobe piercings on casual observer perceptions. One-hundred seventy-three casual observers were enrolled via public-access web sites. Participants were randomly shown frontal and profile views of six subjects with stretched earlobe piercings and four controls. Participants evaluated photos for first impressions using a survey containing choices regarding personal attributes. Latent class analysis was performed to categorize observer ratings. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), bootstrap analysis, and permutations testing were used to evaluate the relationship between perceived attractiveness, success, and approachability scoring and stretched earlobe status. Latent class analysis categorized responses into three classes: positive, negative, and neutral. Patients with stretched earlobe piercings were significantly less likely to be classified as positive by observers without body modifications (i.e., tattoos and piercings) in comparison to control photos (30.9 and 40.1%, p = 0.007) and more likely to be classified as negative (38.5 and 28.1%, p = 0.002). These changes were abolished when photos were evaluated by observers with body modifications (p > 0.05). ANOVA revealed that stretched earlobe piercings and observer body modification status have a significant effect on rated approachability (F [1,1726] = 4.08, p = 0.04) and successfulness (F[1,1726] = 9.67, p = 0.002; F [1,1726] = 70.33, p < 0.0005). No significance was found for rated attractiveness (p > 0.05). Patients with stretched earlobe piercings were more likely to be classified as having negative affect display and being less approachable and successful compared with controls when evaluated by observers without body modifications. This effect was abolished when photos were evaluated by observers with body modifications. These findings validate patient motivations for seeking stretched earlobe repair.
Three-Component Chlorophosphinoylation of Alkenes via Anodically Coupled Electrolysis
Authors: Lu Lingxiang , Fu Niankai , Lin Song
Published: May 2019

We report the development of an electrocatalytic protocol for the chlorophosphinoylation of simple alkenes. Driven by electricity and mediated by a Mn catalyst, the heterodifunctionalization reaction takes place with high efficiency and regioselectivity. Cyclic voltammetry data are consistent with a mechanistic scenario based on anodically coupled electrolysis in which the generation of two distinct radical intermediates occur simultaneously on the anode and are both mediated by the Mn catalyst.
Growth of Rayleigh instability in a Hall thruster channel having dust in exit region
Authors: Malik Hitendra K. , Tyagi Jasvendra , Sharma Dimple
Published: May 2019

In a Hall thruster, the axial movement of ions towards the exit of the chamber and the divergence of ion beam sputter the wall and thus the maximum erosion of wall of the exit region takes place. This way the dust is generated, which is largely confined near the exit of the channel. By considering dust particles with negative charge, we derive and solve the dispersion equation for the growth of Rayleigh instability in the thruster plasma and examine its growth rate for different density, charge, mass and temperature of the dust particles. We also talk about the role of density gradient scale length on the growth of the instability.
Pseudospin-dependent Zitterbewegung in monolayer graphene
Authors: Serna Eduardo , Rodríguez Vargas I. , Pérez-Álvarez R. , Diago-Cisneros L.
Published: May 2019

We propose a spintronic device based on a narrow nanoribbon patterned from a monolayer graphene (MLG) sheet, embedded between a film of hexagonal boron nitride and a SiO2 substrate, all comprised under a three top-gated structure, to explore spin-dependent quantum transport of Dirac fermions. We developed a theoretical procedure for describing the pseudospin-related effects and the dynamics of Dirac fermions represented by a one-dimensional Gaussian wave packet (1DGWP), which is electrostatically confined in the device. The free-space 1DGWP time evolution follows expected features. Meanwhile, due to the weak breakdown of the real-spin degeneracy, the 1DGWP barely splits inside the under-barrier region governed by the extrinsic Rashba spin–orbit interaction (SOI-R). Most importantly, departing from the pristine MLG, we have found evidence of trembling antiphase oscillations in the probability density time-distribution for each sublattice state, which we have called the pseudospinorial Zitterbewegung effect (PZBE). The PZBE appears modulated with robust transient character and with a decay time in the femtosecond scale. Interestingly, several features of the PZBE become tunable, even its complete disappearance at the vicinity of the Dirac points or at a symmetric pseudospin configuration. For the proposed quasi-1D MLG device, we have captured evidence of the familiar Klein tunneling and the unusual anti-Klein tunneling, whose interplay for 2D MLG under tunable SOI-R was reported recently.
Numerical simulations of the SF6-N2 mixed gas streamer discharge development process
Authors: Wang Lijun , Ou Xuefeng , Zheng Yashuang , Liu Jie , Lin Xin , Zhang Tuo
Published: May 2019

In recent years, as environmental protection requirements have expanded, SF6/N2 mixed gases have been selected as an insulating medium for high-voltage equipment such as GIL (gas insulated transmission line) without undertaking breaking tasks, which is superior in terms of insulation, economy and environmental protection. The development of streamers and the two-dimensional distribution of positive and negative ions over time in an SF6/N2 mixed gas system are shown in this research. The SF6/N2 mixed gas is adopted as the research object, and the discharge model for a needle-plate electrode under mixed gas conditions is built. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to develop a fluid dynamics model for the SF6/N2 mixed gas discharge in a non-uniform field. The spatio-temporal evolution processes for the electron, positive ion and negative ion densities and the electric field strength during discharge are obtained through numerical simulations. At the same time, the influence of the voltage amplitude and mixed gas ratio on the development process of streamers is studied. The presented simulation results can provide a certain microscopic interpretation for the needle-plate discharge defects that appear in power equipment using SF6/N2 mixed gas.
Swimming of ciliates under geometric constraints
Authors: Ishikawa Takuji
Published: May 2019

The habitat of ciliates is widely spread and encompasses the ocean, soil, and digestive tract of mammals. Some ciliates live on surfaces; however, the effect of geometric constraints on their behavior and habitat is still largely a mystery. In this article, we discuss the behavior of swimming ciliates under various geometric constraints. To gain insight, we first calculated the lubrication forces exerted on a cell under various geometric constraints, where the cell was modeled as a squirmer. We then examined the behavior of cells near a free surface, a rigid wall, and in complex geometries. Our results show that cell behavior was strongly dependent on the geometric constraints and swimmer type; for example, some cells became entrapped, whereas others were able to escape. The mechanism underlying the behavior was well represented by the derived lubrication forces, providing a better understanding of cell behavior in natural and industrial environments. In addition, this article provides a brief overview of the field and the outlook for future research in this area.
Linear gyrokinetic simulations of zonal flows in toroidal rotating plasmas
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Ye Lei , Xiang Nong , Xu Yingfeng , Xie Baoyi , Pan Chengkang , Xiao Xiaotao
Published: May 2019

The linear properties of zonal flows in toroidal rotating plasmas are investigated by using the gyrokinetic code NLT. To study the effects of toroidal rotation on zonal flows, the NLT code is upgraded to include the toroidal equilibrium flow. The simulation results agree well with the theoretical analyses. Besides, it is found that a sideband mode, the cos θ component of the geodesic acoustic mode, can be enhanced by toroidal rotation.
High-temperature soft magnetic behavior of magnetic field annealed Finemet-type nanocrystalline alloys
Authors: Shi Rui-min , Wang Zhi , Han Ye-mei
Published: May 2019

The soft magnetic behaviors at elevated temperatures for magnetic field annealed nanocrystalline Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9, (Fe0.5Co0.5)73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 and Ni10(Fe0.5Co0.5)63.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 alloys were investigated by the temperature evolution of initial permeability (μi-T curve). The results show that magnetic field annealing gives rise to a persistent increasing μi from room temperature to a relatively higher temperature for Co- and NiCo-containing Finemet. Especially for the magnetic field annealed NiCo-containing Finemet, the μi is evidently improved in the temperature range between 200-600°C with respect to the sample without magnetic field annealing.
Field-dependent charging phenomenon of HVDC spacers based on dominant charge behaviors
Authors: Li Chuanyang , Lin Chuanjie , Chen Geng , Tu Youping , Zhou Yao , Li Qi , Zhang Bo , He Jinliang
Published: May 2019

Spacers are key components that are used to support high voltage conductors in gas-insulated substations or gas-insulated lines. The analysis of the surface charge patterns on spacers remains a difficult task, which requires a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanism of the gas-solid interface charging phenomenon. In this letter, we reported a field dependent property of surface charge accumulation patterns on spacers under DC stress. We verified this finding through experiment, and further, we put forward a field-dependent charging model based on dominant charge transport behavior under different electric fields. It was found that the charging characteristics of the spacer are dominated by the Ohmic conduction from the volume below an electric field of 2.5 kV/mm. When the electric field stress is higher than 2.5 kV/mm, the charging property of spacers is dominated by the enhanced gas ionization according to Townsend's law. The correctness of this model was verified by surface charge measurement results in literature studies, and a method for determining the dominant mechanism of charge accumulation under different electric fields was proposed.
Electrohydrodynamic analysis of electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD)-Induced transport of a microdroplet based on the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ren Xiaofei , Wei Shoushui , Qu Xinliang , Liu Feifei
Published: May 2019

The Lattice Boltzmann-electrohydrodynamic approach is proposed to study the dynamics of electrowetting-on-dielectric-driven microdroplet transport. We apply the pseudo-potential lattice Boltzmann model to study the dynamic process of droplet motion and introduce a new distribution function to solve the Laplace equation to predict the electric field distribution. The EWOD effect is numerically analyzed to verify the validity and versatility of the method. Then, the electric potential distribution and the changes of the droplet morphology, droplet edges and contact angles over time are studied. Additionally, we investigate the effects of the crucial factors, including the electrode switching frequency, applied voltage and droplet viscosity, on droplet motion. The numerical results agree well with the theoretical values and experimental results from the literature.
Parametrically excited nonlinear magnetic rolling pendulum for broadband energy harvesting
Authors: Kuang Yang , Zhu Meiling
Published: May 2019

Parametrically excited energy harvesters provide a valuable alternative to directly excited ones. However, linear energy harvesters subjected to parametric excitation usually suffer from narrow bandwidths. This letter proposes a parametrically excited magnetic rolling pendulum (MRP) with intentionally introduced nonlinearity for broadband energy harvesting. The MRP exhibited a first-order parametric resonance with a broadened bandwidth as the excitation acceleration is ≥0.2 g (g = 9.8 m/s2). When excited at 0.5 g in experiment, the parametric resonance was observed in the frequency range between 1.2 f0 and 4.5 f0, with f0 being the natural frequency of 4 Hz. With a peak power output of 3.6 mW, the MRP achieved a half-power bandwidth of 4.8 Hz, which is 120% of its natural frequency. Simulation results suggest that the power output, the bandwidth, and the resonance frequency can be manipulated by varying the magnet dimensions and positions.
Metallurgical aspects of steels designed to resist abrasion, and impact-abrasion wear
Authors: Chintha A. R.
Published: May 2019

Many abrasion resistant steels rely on a martensitic microstructure to ensure hardness, which in general correlates with better wear performance. However, in practice the steel may be subjected to a complex combination of conditions where hardness alone may not be sufficient to ensure tribological performance. This review is a critical assessment of the mechanical and metallurgical parameters that control wear resistance of steel in impact-abrasion conditions, although relevant work dealing with abrasion has also been included. It is found, for example, that fracture toughness and work-hardening behaviour have a role in enhancing the wear resistance of hard steels.
Mean-stress and oxidation effects on fatigue behaviour of CM 247 DS LC alloy
Authors: Rai R. K. , Sahu J. K.
Published: May 2019

During present investigations, an attempt was made to understand the effect of mean stress and oxidation on low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of CM 247 DS LC alloy at T = 850°C. A significant reduction in fatigue life was observed during LCF tests conducted at strain ratio ( R) of 0 as compared to R = −1. Reduction in fatigue life is attributed to the synergistic effect of mean stress, oxidation and the expanding precipitates within the grain boundaries which imparts high stresses at the grain boundary leading to the intergranular cracking. Additionally, to account the effect of mean stress on fatigue life of the alloy CM 247 DS LC empirical relations developed by Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT) and Morrow were used.
Benchmarking high fidelity single-shot readout of semiconductor qubits
Authors: Keith D , Gorman S K , Kranz L , He Y , Keizer J G , Broome M A , Simmons M Y
Published: May 2019

Determination of qubit initialisation and measurement fidelity is important for the overall performance of a quantum computer. However, the method by which it is calculated in semiconductor qubits varies between experiments. In this paper we present a full theoretical analysis of electronic single-shot readout and describe critical parameters to achieve high fidelity readout. In particular, we derive a model for energy selective state readout based on a charge detector response and examine how to optimise the fidelity by choosing correct experimental parameters. Although we focus on single electron spin readout, the theory presented can be applied to other electronic readout techniques in semiconductors that use a reservoir.
Scaling of diffraction intensities near the origin: some rigorous results
Authors: Baake Michael , Grimm Uwe
Published: May 2019

The scaling behaviour of the diffraction intensity near the origin is investigated for (partially) ordered systems, with an emphasis on illustrative, rigorous results. This is an established method to detect and quantify the fluctuation behaviour known under the term hyperuniformity. Here, we consider one-dimensional systems with pure point, singular continuous and absolutely continuous diffraction spectra, which include perfectly ordered cut and project and inflation point sets as well as systems with stochastic disorder.
Measuring grain boundary segregation: tomographic atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM) vs. analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)
Authors: Walther T
Published: May 2019

Grain boundary segregation is an important phenomenon in metallurgy and semiconductor technology. Some recent studies by tomographic atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM) claim to have measured the interfacial excess of atoms segregated to grain boundaries with ultra-high precision, down to 0.01-0.02 atoms/nm2. This study critically evaluates these claims by simulations. It is shown that atom probe tomography is no ‘magic bullet’ and suffers similar physical constraints as analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Data analyses from both methods have much in common in terms of geometry, performance, systematic and statistical errors. It is shown that an analysis method previously developed for (S)TEM called conceptEM can also successfully be applied to APFIM data.
Propagation of stacking faults from “composite” dislocation cores at low temperature in silicon nanostructures
Authors: Godet Julien , Rabier Jacques
Published: May 2019

The unexpected occurrence of extended stacking faults in silicon nanostructures at high stress and low temperature is discussed. It is shown that those stacking faults result from the operation of “composite” dislocation core structures. It is demonstrated that such cores allow for the propagation of partial dislocations in the shuffle set with the benefit of a low Peierls stress. A classical atomistic calculation confirms indeed that shuffle partial dislocations can move under a shear stress of about 3.3 GPa (5.5% shear strain) at room temperature.
Oxygen precipitate positive charge evolution upon annealing of oxygen implanted silicon
Authors: Danilov D , Vyvenko O , Trushin M , Loshachenko A , Sobolev N
Published: May 2019

Oxygen precipitates (OPs) formed by the annealing of oxygen implanted silicon samples at diverse temperatures in the ranges from 700°C to 1100°С have been investigated with capacitance-voltage and transmission electron microscopy techniques. An increase of the OP sizes with the increasing temperature was found to accompany with a decrease of the OP embedded positive charge being inversely proportional to the formers. The obtained result showed that the positive charge is localized in SiOxshell of predominantly stoichiometric OP core.
Seaweed extract (Sargassum polycystum) as a preservative on sunscreen cream with the addition of seaweed porridge
Authors: Sipahutar Y H , Albaar N , Purnamasari H B , Kristiany M G , Prabowo D H G
Published: May 2019

The use of sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the health of the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Most commercial sunscreens contain artificial preservatives such as methylparaben, which can be detrimental to health. Preservatives in sunscreen can be substituted with natural ingredients, in which Sargassum polycystum ethanol extract is offered as an alternative in this research. The preservative is made from S. polycystum extract with addition of seaweed porridge of 1:1 S. polycystum and Eecheuma cottoni mixture. The quality of cream is tested using total microbial test, durable power prediction, antioxidant and SPF value. Its physical stability is tested through sensory testing, pH measurement, cyling test and centrifugal test. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is used as control and is then treated with methylparaben and the extract for comparison, the extract was found to have comparable microbial results with 8 weeks of preservation compared to methylparaben (9 weeks). In addition, the cream shows stability up to one year, a balanced pH according to SNI, shows no foul odor, antioxidant activity (IC50 ) of 105.42, SPF value of 2.00, and moderate to favorable consumer acceptance.
Flavor characteristics and quality of mackerel (Scromberomorus commersonii) “otak-otak” affected by various liquid smoke addition methods
Authors: Susbandi D A , Swastawati F , Suharto S
Published: May 2019

The efforts to utilize fishery resources by processing fish is needed to fulfill food nutrition, such as “otak-otak” made from mackerel (Scromberomorus commersonii). However, “otak-otak” has a relatively short shelf-life, thus preservatives are needed. Liquid smoke of coconut shell is used because it contains phenols which has antibacterial activities. This study aimed to determine the effect of liquid smoke addition to sensory and chemical characteristics on the “otak-otak” and to determine antibacterial activities of liquid smoke using Total Plate Count (TPC). Treatments used were adding 3% liquid smoke (control, mixing, boiling, soaking) and two factors addition of liquid smoke and duration of storage time at ±4°C for 0, 8 and 12 days. The results showed that the variation had a significant effect on hedonic testing. The chemical characteristics of the phenol, moisture, and fat levels had a significant effect on the control method with all treatments, but not in the mixing treatment. Treatment without liquid smoke on the 12th day were unacceptable with a TPC value of 4.97±0.02 log CFU/g, while in mixing, boiling, soaking liquid smoke 3% for 12 days were still acceptable with a value of 4.29±0.1 log CFU/g, 4.55±0.04 log CFU/g, 4.39±0.07 log CFU/g.
Upper circulation in Bone Bay and its relation to biogeochemical distribution: from observation and model
Authors: Widyastuti P , Atmadipoera A S , Nurjaya I W , Natih N M , Priatna A
Published: May 2019

The surrounding waters and the physical mechanisms within the ocean are playing a major role to bring nutrients to Bone Bay, field observation in October 2014 and analysis of numerical modeling were conducted in order to understand the pattern of water circulation, as well as the variability of seawater transport and its impacts to the biogeochemical distribution. The results of the observation show that the distribution of salinity is lower in locations closest to the gulf (Transect A) and higher towards the furthest locations from the gulf (Transect D), followed by the pattern of other parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a). This happened due to the low current speed in the Flores Sea during the time of observation hence no water flowed into the gulf which was dominated by freshwater from rivers. It is confirmed by the transport model that shows that seawater is transported strongly to the north from January to March and due to the topography at the mouth of the gulf, the water accumulates and forms an eddy which transports water to the south in April until the next few months. This explains the distribution of phytoplankton and zooplankton inside the gulf from January to March.
Stability of associated forms
Authors: Fedorchuk Maksym , Isaev Alexander
Published: May 2019

We show that the associated form, or, equivalently, a Macaulay inverse system, of an Artinian complete intersection of type

(
d
,
…
,
d
)

(d,\dots , d)

is polystable. As an application, we obtain an invariant-theoretic variant of the Mather-Yau theorem for homogeneous hypersurface singularities.
Asian Americans on Television
Authors: Yeh Cheung Alison , Ono Kent A.
Published: May 2019

For the vast majority of TV history, Asian Americans have played a minimal yet nevertheless infamous role. From the “yellow peril” to the “model minority,” racial stereotypes have been used to characterize Asians and Asian Americans on the television screen. In the rare instances when Asian American actors did appear, they either were in minor roles or as figures from a bad racist dream. Research on Asian Americans on TV comes from many disciplines and cuts across multiple fields such as media studies and Asian American studies. This article discusses the early history of Asian Americans on TV, traces notable figures in contemporary television, and concludes with the role of digital convergence and the development of delivery and recovery platforms. It also provides an overview of scholarly literature written about Asian Americans on TV, including articles and books written about Asian American TV shows, the history of Asian American TV representation, and research on TV and digital media, including YouTube and other transmedia convergence cultural materials.
Incarceration in Contemporary Asian American Literature and Culture
Authors: Lee A.J. Yumi
Published: May 2019

Asian American immigrant communities have been shaped by encounters with state surveillance, policing, detention, and deportation, and contemporary Asian American literature reflects this history. Many foundational Asian American literary texts narrate experiences of policing and incarceration related to immigration, and contemporary Asian American literary works frequently comment and build on these stories. Such works also recall the creative tactics that immigrants have employed to protect each other and elude the state, including adopting or inventing different names, identities, and familial affiliations. Another body of Asian American literature addresses experiences of encampment linked to war, occupation, and militarism that have both preceded and followed Asian American immigration to the United States. In particular, the internment of Japanese Americans in the western United States and Canada during World War II gave rise to numerous creative works, including fiction, poetry, memoir, art, and film by internees and the generations that followed. Asian American literary texts about post–World War II US wars in Asia, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the Global War on Terror, depict transnational wartime carceral spaces such as prisoner-of-war camps and refugee camps as sites that have generated Asian diasporic migrations. Post-9/11 Asian American works have responded to the militarized policing and incarceration of Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians, both domestically and globally. Finally, contemporary narratives of Asian American incarceration in the United States frequently address the connections between the policing of immigrants and the larger prison industrial complex, asking readers to situate Asian Americans comparatively in relation to other vulnerable groups, particularly other communities of color who have been targeted for abuse and incarceration by police and the state historically and in the 21st century.
Immigration and Asian American Autobiographical Writing: An Unstraightforward Story
Authors: Kulbaga Theresa A.
Published: May 2019

Asian American autobiographical writing about immigration—from the earliest available examples to the contemporary experiments with genre and form—does not tell a straightforward story. Rather, Asian American autobiographies trouble the sustaining myths of American exceptionalism, the American dream, meritocracy, and belonging and therefore challenge narratives of immigrant striving and success.

Immigrant narratives examined in this essay by Maxine Hong Kingston, Jade Snow Wong, Kathleen Tamagawa, Carlos Bulosan, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, Kao Kaila Yang, and Shailja Patel, among others, show the contested and constructed quality of national borders. They show that the nation has always been constructed transnationally, through relationships with other countries and cultures and flows of migration that exceed straightforward definition. Examining narratives from various historical periods and cultural traditions brings into view the connections and contradictions among them and shows how each text intervenes in immigration discourse and exercises autobiographical agency.

Rather than straightforward stories, then, Asian American autobiographical narratives illuminate the various entanglements of self-representation, family, identity, and agency with imperialism, racialization, nationalism, and global capitalism. Nor does autobiographical writing merely document experience or history. Instead, it actively constructs self, identity, and nation even as it draws on the culturally available narratives that enable and constrain the stories writers tell about their lives. As it does so, it creates new, unstraightfoward narratives and forms.
New Media and Politics: A Synopsis of Theories, Issues, and Research
Authors: Wei Ran , Xu Larry Zhiming
Published: May 2019

The ongoing revolution in information and communication technologies (ICTs) has fundamentally transformed the landscape of democracy and the way people engage in politics. From the configuration of media systems to the decision-making of the voting public, the changes have permeated through almost every level of society, affecting political institutions, political actors, citizen groups, and mass media. For each aspect, a synopsis of classical and emergent political communication theories, contemporary and contentious political issues, and cutting-edge research adds to the discussion of new media. The discussion is unfolded with an account of research of new media effects on politics in international setting and cross-cultural contexts with insights of how Western theories and research apply (or fail to) in international contexts.
Self-Disclosure
Authors: Crowley Jenny
Published: May 2019

Self-disclosure, or revealing information about the self to others, plays an integral role in interpersonal experiences and relationships. It has captivated the interest of scholars of interpersonal communication for decades, to the extent that some have positioned self-disclosure as the elixir of social life. Sharing personal information is the means by which relationships are built and maintained, because effective disclosures contribute to greater intimacy, trust, and closeness in a relationship. Self-disclosure also confers personal benefits, including reduced stress and improved physical and psychological health. Furthermore, disclosing private thoughts and feelings is often a necessary precondition for reaping the benefits of other types of communication, such as supportive communication. Despite the apparent advantages for personal and relational well-being, self-disclosure is not a panacea. Revealing intimate information can be risky, awkward, and incite judgment from close others. People make concerted efforts to avoid self-disclosure when information has the potential to cause harm to themselves, others, and relationships. Research on self-disclosure has primarily focused on dyadic interactions; however, online technologies enable people to share personal information with a large audience and are challenging taken-for-granted understandings about the role of self-disclosure in relating. As social networking sites become indispensable tools for maintaining a large and robust personal network, people are adapting their self-disclosure practices to the features and affordances of these technologies. Taken together, this body of research helps illuminate what is at stake when communicating interpersonally.
The Nice Treaty: Reforming European Union Institutions in Anticipation of Eastern Enlargements
Authors: Laursen Finn
Published: May 2019

The Nice Treaty negotiated during the year 2000, signed in 2001 and in force from 2003, focused on institutional changes considered necessary, especially by the larger member states, for the anticipated large enlargement of the European Union with several central and eastern European countries. Efforts to adopt such changes in the Amsterdam Treaty negotiations in 1996–1997 had failed. The Nice Treaty therefore dealt with what was known as the “Amsterdam leftovers,” namely size and composition of the European Commission, reweighting of votes in the Council of Ministers, and increased use of qualified majority voting in the Council. Concerning the reweighting of votes the intergovernmental conference agreed to increase the number of votes per member state, but the larger member states got a relatively larger increase that the smaller member states. This should make it more difficult for the smaller member states to dominate in the future, something feared by the larger states.

Concerning the Commission, it was decided that each member state would nominate one commissioner in the future from January 1, 2005. When the membership of the union reached 27 the size would have to be reduced. How much and how would be decided later.

Concerning the use of qualified majority voting the decision was to extend the use to some policy areas from the entry into force of the new treaty and for some policy areas considered more controversial the extension would take place later. For the most controversial areas no extension to qualified majority voting was considered.

During the intergovernmental conference, which negotiated the new treaty, the topic of “enhanced cooperation” was added. Most of these topics were quite controversial, and afterward there was a feeling that the treaty did not adequately deal with all the issues. This in turn led to further efforts to improve the institutions, first in the failed Constitutional Treaty (2004) and eventually in the successful Lisbon Treaty (2007).
Courts and Rule of Law in Developing Countries
Authors: Hilbink Lisa , Ingram Matthew C.
Published: May 2019

Under what conditions can courts be effective and the rule of law be meaningful in developing countries? A vast literature has emerged over the past several decades seeking to understand the factors that support or impede healthy judicial functioning in developing countries, as well as those that account for its stagnation and erosion. Scholars analyze four phenomena that shape the judicial role in politics: empowerment, activation, behavior, and impact. Works on judicial empowerment analyze identifiable moments of change in formal, de jure rules governing the jurisdiction, independence, accessibility, and efficiency of legal institutions, whether at the constitutional or at the legislative level. Studies of activation examine when, how, and why actors identify particular harms or grievances as legal wrongs and pursue litigation as a means of redress. Judicial behavior studies address how and why judges vote on issues or rule on cases, either individually or collectively as collegial bodies, with a particular eye to the factors that enable or constrain independent judicial decision-making. In developing countries, scholars have also begun analyzing off-bench judicial behavior. A final category of research on courts in developing countries seeks to assess the impact of judicial behavior on political processes, policy outcomes, and society at large. Compliance is a major focus of such works, but scholars also seek to understand how court decisions transform the way social actors frame their struggles and mobilize politically, and to assess the promise and pitfalls of the judicialization of politics.

The great variation within and between the vast category of developing countries greatly complicates the task of building general theory on any of the four outcomes. This variation reveals that the assumptions of dominant theories hold more tenuously in less- institutionalized contexts, where information is less clear or complete and is under shorter time horizons, and where the costs are lower for flouting the law or interfering with courts. These observations signal the need to delimit or moderate theoretical arguments about core relationships of interest according to political and economic conditions and contexts. Yet insights regarding developing countries might become increasingly relevant for understanding judicial politics in developed countries, as politics in developed countries take on features more common to developing countries, including polarization, populism, and even authoritarian tendencies like open attacks on political opponents, press, courts, and independent investigative agencies.
Transgender and Nonbinary Gender Policy in the Public Sector
Authors: Elias Nicole M.
Published: May 2019

Our understanding and treatment of gender in the United States has evolved significantly over the past four decades. Transgender individuals in the current U.S. context enjoy more rights and protections than they have in the past; yet, room for progress remains. Moving beyond the traditional male–female binary, an unprecedented number of people now identify as transgender and nonbinary. Transgender identities are at the forefront of gender policy, prompting responses from public agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Because transgender individuals face increased rates of discrimination, violence, and physical and mental health challenges, compared to their cisgender counterparts, new gender policy often affords legal protections as well as identity-affirming practices such as legal name and gender marker changes on government documents. These rights come from legal decisions, legislation, and administrative agency policies. Despite these victories, recent government action targeting the transgender population threatens the progress that has been made. This underscores the importance of comprehensive policies and education about transgender identities to protect the rights of transgender people.
Transgender Rights Interest Groups in the United States
Authors: Nownes Anthony J.
Published: May 2019

Although the Trump Administration has been decidedly unfriendly to transgender Americans, there is no question that transgender people have made substantial policy, political, and societal gains in recent years. These gains are the result partially of the activities of political organizations that advocate on behalf of transgender Americans. As of 2019, there were approximately 20 nationally active transgender rights interest groups in the United States, including several relatively well-resourced professional organizations. There are also dozens of active state, local, and regional transgender rights organizations.

What have we learned about transgender rights interest groups? First, transgender rights organizing began in the mid-1960s but did not really get off the ground until the mid-1990s. Second, there are probably more transgender rights interest groups operating in the United States today than there ever have been. Third, as the number of stand-alone transgender rights groups has grown, so has the number of broad-based LGB groups who have “added the T,” that is, added advocacy for transgender rights to their missions. Although the scholarly literature on transgender rights interest groups is severely limited, a number of sources, including primary source materials available through transgender and LGBT archives, historical treatments of transgender politics, and the writings and works of transgender activists, shed light on the history and activities of these groups.
Cuba in an Age of Economic Reform
Authors: Prevost Gary
Published: May 2019

Cuba in the second decade of the new millennium remains as interesting as ever, commanding a place on the world stage much greater than its small size would indicate. Fidel Castro passed away in November 2016 after 10 years of retirement from public life, during which time his brother Raúl assumed the leadership of the country and led Cuba through some very important political and economic changes that are still being played out. In 2011, a long delayed Communist Party congress mandated the scaling back of government employment and the re-creation of a services sector of the economy dominated by private economic activity. These market mechanisms have threatened the island’s vaunted egalitarianism but have moved the economy forward after years of stagnation. In 2013 Raúl declared the political reform of a two-term limit on the presidency, and in 2018 Miguel Diaz-Canal, a man in his 50s, assumed the presidency, signaling a shift of political control to a generation born after the revolution triumphed in 1959. The final results of these political and economic reforms, especially in the face of continued hostility from the United States, are not clear, but if they succeed, it will not be the first time that Cuba will be an inspiration to those in the world seeking a successful model of social justice.
Bolivia and the Challenges of a Plurinational Democracy
Authors: Morales Waltraud Queiser
Published: May 2019

Bolivia is in the process of consolidating 36 years of democracy amid important reforms and challenges. Despite a history of colonialism, racist oppression of the indigenous majority, and a national revolution and military reaction, the democratic transition to civilian rule and “pacted” electoral democracy among traditional political parties was established in 1982. The governments of pacted democracy failed to fully incorporate all of Bolivia’s citizens into the political process and imposed a severe neoliberal economic model that disproportionately disadvantaged the poor and indigenous. The constitutional popular participation reforms of 1994–1995 altered the party-dominated pacted democracy and opened up the political system to the unmediated and direct participation of indigenous organizations and popular social movements in local and national elections. Grassroots political mobilization and participation by previously marginalized and excluded indigenous groups and social movements, and the election of their candidates into office increased significantly. Indigenous and social movement protests erupted in the Cochabamba Water War in 2000 against the multinational Bechtel Corporation, and in the Gas War in 2003 against the export and exploitation of Bolivia’s natural gas. These mass demonstrations resulted in the turnover of five presidents in five years. The social and political agitation culminated in the game-changing, democratic election in December 2005 of Juan Evo Morales Ayma, as Bolivia’s first indigenous-heritage president.

In office for 14 years, longer than all previous presidents, Morales and the Movement Toward Socialism party launched the “Refounding Revolution,” and passed the new Constitución Política del Estado (CPE), the progressive reform constitution that established a multicultural model of plurinational democracy. The Morales-MAS administration provided unprecedented continuity of governance and relative stability. However, amid charges of interference, relations deteriorated with the United States. And disputes erupted over regional and indigenous autonomy, and extractive economic development in the protected lands of native peoples, especially over the proposed road through the Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory (Territorio Indígena Parque Nacional Isiboro Sécure, TIPNIS). These conflicts pitted highlanders against lowlanders, and divided indigenous organizations and social movements, and the government’s coalition of supporters. Contested term limits for the presidency created another acute and ongoing challenge. President Morales’s determination to run for re-election in 2019, despite constitutional restrictions, further tested the process of change and the resilience of Bolivia’s indigenous and social movement-based democracy.
The Military in African Politics
Authors: Dwyer Maggie
Published: May 2019

Interstate conflict has been rare in sub-Saharan Africa and militaries often do not fit the image of a force focused on external threats. Instead, they have often been heavily engaged in domestic politics, regularly serving as regime protection. For many militaries on the continent, the continued internal focus of the armed forces has been shaped by practices under colonialism.

One defining feature of African militaries’ involvement in politics is the coup d’état. From the 1960s to the 1980s coups were the primary method of regime change, making the military central to the political landscape of the continent. By the start of the 21st century there were far fewer direct attempts at military control of African states, yet militaries continue to influence politics even under civilian leadership. While there are differences in the role of militaries based on the unique circumstances of each state, there are also general patterns regarding new missions undertaken by armed forces following the end of the Cold War. These include peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance, all of which generally involve international partnerships and cooperation. Yet these missions have also had domestic political motivations and effects.
Democratic Norms and Religion
Authors: Arikan Gizem , Ben-Nun Bloom Pazit
Published: May 2019

In research on religiosity and support for democratic norms, two major debates stand out: The first concerns whether some religious traditions, such as Islam or Orthodox Christianity, are inherently undemocratic, and hence whether supporters of these traditions have antidemocratic orientations. The second debate is about whether religious orientations beyond religious identification foster or hinder support for democratic norms. Both debates may be resolved by conceptualizing both individual religiosity and support for democratic norms as multidimensional orientations. At the individual level, religiosity consists of belief, behavior, and belonging dimensions. Support for democratic norms consist of overt approval of democracy as the ideal system of governing the country and intrinsic support, which refers to an understanding of democracy as being primarily associated with liberal-democratic norms and institutions such as popular sovereignty, political equality, civil rights, and free elections. Religious belief is negatively associated with over support, and religious social behavior is positively associated with overt support. Yet, there is some evidence that the effect of religious social behavior on intrinsic support for democracy may not be positive. Recent scholarship is also interested in identifying the psychological mechanisms through which different religiosity dimensions affect support for democratic norms, as well as establishing the causal effects of religiosity dimensions by experimentally manipulating different facets of religiosity.

Although the multidimensional approach to religiosity provides a general framework that explains the effect of religiosity on support for democratic norms, there is still substantive variation across time and different contexts to be explained. Avenues exist for future research in terms of theorizing and identifying the moderating effects of different factors, most obviously the religious context and the influence of religious elites and social networks.
Emergencies and the Rule of Law
Authors: Fatovic Clement
Published: May 2019

Despite scholarly disagreements over the meanings of both the rule of law and emergency, there is broad agreement that emergencies often invite and justify departures from the formal requirements and substantive values identified with the rule of law as a normative ideal. It is often argued that strict adherence to existing laws, which are typically enacted during periods of normalcy in order to prevent arbitrary forms of rule associated with tyranny, could inhibit the government’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to the often unexpected and extraordinary challenges posed by an emergency such as war or natural disaster. Consequently, the temporary use of extraordinary measures outside the law has been widely accepted both in theory and in practice as long as such measures aim to restore the normal legal and political order. However, understandings of the tension between emergency and the rule of law have undergone a significant shift during the 20th century as emergency powers increasingly get codified into law. The use of extralegal measures that violate the formal and procedural requirements of the rule of law is still considered a dangerous possibility. However, as governments have come to rely increasingly on expansions of power that technically comport with standards of legality to deal with a growing list of situations characterized as emergencies, there is concern that extraordinary exercises of power intended to be temporary are becoming part of the permanent legal and political order.