bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Evidence of Interaction Between FADS2 Genotype and Breastfeeding on Cognitive or Other Traits in the UK Biobank
Authors: Centorame Giulio , Warrington Nicole M. , Hemani Gibran , Wang Geng , Davey Smith George , Evans David M.
Published: December 2024

Breastfeeding is hypothesised to benefit child health and cognitive functioning by providing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for brain development. In 2007, Caspi et al. found evidence in two cohorts for an interaction between genetic variation in the FADS2 gene (a gene involved in fatty acid metabolism) and breastfeeding on IQ. However, subsequent studies have provided mixed evidence for the existence of an interaction. We investigated the relationship between genetic variation in the FADS2 region, breastfeeding, and their interaction in up to 335,650 individuals from the UK Biobank. We tested for the interaction over a range of cognitive functioning tests, as well as educational attainment and other traits thought to be influenced by breastfeeding, including cardiometabolic traits, number of offspring, and atopic allergy. FADS2 alleles associated with an increase in docosahexaenoic acid in blood serum (the C allele of rs174575) were associated with decreased verbal-numerical reasoning ($$p=2.28\times {10}^{-5}$$

p
=
2.28
×

10

-
5

) and triglycerides ($$p=1.40\times {10}^{-41}$$

p
=
1.40
×

10

-
41

), increased number of offspring ($$p=3.40\times {10}^{-5}$$

p
=
3.40
×

10

-
5

), total cholesterol ($$p=5.28\times {10}^{-36}$$

p
=
5.28
×

10

-
36

), HDL ($$p=1.42\times {10}^{-51}$$

p
=
1.42
×

10

-
51

), and LDL cholesterol ($$p=1.46\times {10}^{-21}$$

p
=
1.46
×

10

-
21

). We observed no evidence of an interaction in any of the traits, regardless of the modelling strategy on any cognitive or non-cognitive traits. We postulate that the previous positive findings are likely to be spurious, perhaps due to lack of appropriate control for latent population structure.
Empathy Development in Preschoolers With/Without Hearing Loss and Its Associations with Social-Emotional Functioning
Authors: Li Zijian , Li Boya , Tsou Yung-Ting , Frijns Johan H. M. , Meng Qi , Yuen Shannon , Wang Liyan , Liang Wei , Rieffe Carolien
Published: December 2024

Empathy plays a crucial role in children’s social-emotional development. There is an increasing trend in recent studies to recognize empathy as a multi-dimensional construct, consisting of three distinct hierarchical levels: emotion contagion, attention to others’ feelings and prosocial behaviors (Hoffman, Motiv Emot, 14(2), 151–172, 1990). The present study is amongst the first to use a longitudinal approach to examine the development trajectories of the distinct empathic levels, based on a sample of Chinese preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years, half of the sample being deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH). Our results showed that according to the parental observation, DHH preschoolers manifested similar extent of emotion contagion and attention to others’ feelings as their TH (typically hearing) peers over preschool years. Yet, DHH preschoolers showed fewer prosocial behaviors, compared to their TH peers. As for the longitudinal associations over time, emotion contagion contributed to more internalizing and externalizing behaviors in both groups; whilst attention to others’ feelings contributed to fewer internalizing behaviors in only DHH children. Prosocial behaviors contributed to better social competence, and fewer internalizing and externalizing behaviors in both DHH and TH children just as expected. These outcomes imply that the early intervention or special education may be useful to safeguard children’s empathic development, shrinking the gaps between DHH and TH children; but meanwhile, cultural factors might cause latent effects on children’s understandings of empathy and impact on how empathy “regulates” children’s social-emotional functioning, in a Chinese cultural context.
Stringent Regulations of Oocyte Donation Among Jewish Women in Israel: Characteristics and Outcomes of the National Oocyte Donation Program in One Central IVF Unit
Authors: Preisler Livia , Samara Nivin , Kalma Yael , Arad Tali , Groutz Asnat , Azem Foad , Amir Hadar
Published: December 2024

On September 5, 2010, the Israeli Parliament passed a law that allows Israeli female residents to donate their oocytes to infertile Israeli female residents. This law includes unique restrictions that do not exist in other countries. Our aim was to characterize Israeli oocyte donors and recipients and the outcomes of the oocyte donation program as regulated by national law. This retrospective study included 26 financially compensated volunteer donors (mean age 29 ± 3.52 years) and 69 recipients (mean age 44.6 ± 3.53 years) who underwent 30 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles and 166 embryo transfers (ETs) in our unit between March 2016 and November 2020. Stringent legal caveats unique to Israel (e.g., Jewish/Moslem donor only to Jewish/Moslem recipient, only unmarried donor, eggs in one cycle restricted to ≤ 3 recipients, donated sperm only from non-Jewish donors, and more) were meticulously applied. Sociodemographic characterizations of donors and recipients were reviewed, and pregnancy and obstetric outcomes were determined. Variables that were significant in achieving live births among the recipients were examined. Twenty-five donors and all 69 recipients were Jewish, and most were unmarried and childless. The main indication for seeking egg donation was age ≥ 40 years/perimenopause (80%). One-half of the recipients used donor sperm and one-half used partner sperm. The pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates were 28.6%, 19.2%, 18.2%, and 2.8%. The live birth rate was negatively associated with multiple ETs. Maternal complications included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (18.2%), gestational diabetes mellitus (32.3%), and caesarean sections (78.8%). There were no adverse neonatal outcomes. In conclusion, few young women are interested in donating oocytes in Israel. Pregnancy and live birth rates are lower than published values in other egg donation programs.
Why settle?: Partisan-based explanation of investor-state dispute outcomes
Authors: Lee Haillie Na-Kyung , Lee Jong Hyun
Published: December 2024

This paper seeks to explain why some investor-state dispute cases are settled before reaching the ruling stage in democracies, focusing on disputes triggered by regulatory changes made by host government. Our argument is grounded in the domestic politics of the respondent country, specifically the partisan orientation of the incumbent government. When faced with regulatory investor claims, respondent governments must balance protecting domestic social welfare with promoting investment. Our theory is that right-leaning governments are more likely to settle because they are more willing to make regulatory concessions to appease foreign investors and attract investment. In contrast, left-leaning governments prefer arbitral rulings over settlements, as they view settlements as a capitulation to foreign investors’ demands at the expense of public welfare. Using original data from 335 investor-state disputes involving democratic host countries between 1994 and 2020, we find support for this claim. Moreover, we provide qualitative evidence from the investor-state dispute between TC Energy Corporation, a Canadian energy company, and the United States, as well as the investor-state disputes triggered by Argentina’s 2002 emergency measures, to confirm our hypothesized causal pathway linking government partisanship to the likelihood of settlement.
Changes in Circulating Levels of Long Non-Coding RNA p5549 and p19461 Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS): A Prospective Study
Authors: Ammar Shaimaa , Abdelbaki Tamer , Elsabaa Bassma , El Assi Hoda , Kassem Heba
Published: December 2024

Background

Obesity is attributed to a combination of factors such as lifestyle, environmental influences, and genetic background. Nowadays, the issue of obesity has grown to an epidemic scale. Environmental changes, having contributed to the sharp rise in obesity prevalence, are not the only contributing etiologic factors. Inherent biological variables interact with environmental factors resulting in obesity. Epigenetic mechanisms may explain part of obesity heritability. One of the recently discovered epigenetic mechanisms for controlling gene expression is long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Circulating lncRNA p5549 and p19461 levels were reported to be significantly lower in individuals with obesity. This study aimed to evaluate whether weight loss following metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) can be related to altered expression levels of those lncRNAs, which have been reported to be reduced in individuals with obesity.

Methods

Comparison of circulating levels of lncRNA p5549 and p19461 before and 12 weeks after MBS in thirty-four patients was conducted to evaluate whether MBS can revert the altered levels of these lncRNAs. None of the participating patients were lost to follow-up, and all underwent re-evaluation of post-surgical expression levels.

Results

lncRNA p5549 expression levels in serum were found to increase significantly in the postoperative samples compared to preoperative samples (fold increase: 4.63 ± 7.68, p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Epigenetic changes in patients with obesity, specifically lncRNA-p5549 expression levels, are reversed after MBS. The postoperative increase in the expression levels of lncRNA- p19461 was not statistically significant.
Rückführungen aus Fremdunterbringungen
Authors: Leinzinger Jessica , Lucht Mathilda , Krauskopf Karsten
Published: December 2024

Die Fremdunterbringung von Minderjährigen stellt einen krisenhaften Übergang dar, der hinsichtlich psychologischer Aspekte sowohl aus der Kinder- als auch aus der Perspektive der Eltern (Bezugspersonen) betrachtet werden sollte. Wenngleich vor dem Hintergrund gesetzlicher Regelungen anzustreben, kann die Rückführung als ebensolcher Übergang verstanden werden. Dieser Beitrag zielt darauf ab, die Komplexität von Rückführungen in die Herkunftsfamilie sowohl aus der Perspektive der Minderjährigen als auch aus dem elterlichen Blickwinkel darzustellen. In diesem ersten Versuch der Annäherung dient das Konzept der Entwicklungsaufgaben als Orientierungspunkt für die hier angestellten Überlegungen.
Settlement Intentions of Ukrainian Pre-War and Forced Migrants in Poland: Challenges for Migrant Integration Policy at the Local Level
Authors: Gońda Marcin
Published: December 2024

The paper examines the relationship between the settlement intentions of Ukrainian immigrants and structural integration measures implemented at the local level in Poland. For this purpose, the example of Lodz, a large city in central Poland where large immigration has recently taken place, is analysed. The study was based on a survey of the settlement plans of two Ukrainian immigrant groups: those who moved to Lodz for work or educational purposes (pre-war migrants) and those who found refuge there after Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022 (forced migrants). It showed that many Ukrainians were undecided about settling in Lodz, although the pre-war migrants were more willing to stay there than the refugees. Even though both groups have followed different paths of integration into Polish society due to the dissimilar periods of arrival, legal statuses and resources resulting from the distinct polices addressed to labour migrants and refugees, two hypotheses were formulated to verify the assumption that receiving public support and being employed positively impacted their settlement intentions. The analysis demonstrated a statistical correlation only between settlement plans and public support received by the pre-war migrants. Since they received less assistance than the refugees, their expectations in this regard were higher. In turn, the relationship between having a job and further settlement was statistically significant only for the refugees. The majority of pre-war migrants had a job and this factor did not determine their willingness to remain in Lodz so much. The research findings emphasised the importance of tailoring local policies to the needs of different immigrant groups, mainly in job placement, professional retraining, learning Polish or providing housing.
Fabrication and mechanical/biological evaluations of dissolving bird-bill microneedle arrays
Authors: Amano Natsumi , Takaki Yuusei , Takei Harunori , Matsuo Masaaki , Hara Masaya , Tashiro Yasunori , Oniki Takahiro , Ito Takahiro , Hikima Tomohiro
Published: December 2024

Coated microneedles (MNs) have several disadvantages, including limited drug doses, decreased skin puncture ability due to drug coating, and a risk of clogging and infection due to repeated application. We aimed to fabricate a dissolving bird-bill MN (dBB MN) with a vertical groove between two thin plate-shaped needles and needle pedestal. Moreover, we evaluated its ability to transdermally deliver a large-molecular-weight insulin into the systemic circulation. Hydrogels with various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or sodium hyaluronate (HA) were prepared, and dBB MN arrays were fabricated by micromolding under negative pressure for potential mass production. The needle height of the dBB MN was at the maximum when the hydrogel was 25 w/w% PVP, with a viscosity of 8–9 Pa∙s. Furthermore, the buckling force of dBB MNs made from 25 w/w% PVP was 130.6 ± 51.0 mN, which increased to 195.6 ± 65.3 mN when insulin was added at 1 w/w%. The skin insertion ability of dBB MN was investigated using swain skin, with micro-holes were confirmed on the skin surface. dBB MN showed biphasic dissolution in the skin; the plate-shaped needles were immediately dissolved within 10 min, while the needle pedestal was slowly dissolved over 180 min. The blood glucose concentration in diabetic rats decreased slowly and significantly after a 3-h application of the insulin-loaded dBB MN array. Therefore, the dBB MN array demonstrated sufficient ability to puncture skin and transdermally deliver a large-molecular-weight drug into the systemic circulation. These findings suggest that the dBB MN array holds promise as a minimal invasive drug delivery platform, with potential applications in improving patient adherence and expanding access to essential therapies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Graphical abstract
The socialization relevance of digital media practices in adolescence in times of polycrisis
Authors: Hoffmann Dagmar
Published: December 2024

Political orientation is one of many developmental tasks that must be achieved during adolescence. Political attitudes are an important facet of the self. Global crises such as wars, hunger, disease, inequality, discrimination, displacement, and climate change are complex issues that challenge young people to take a stance. They are omnipresent and all but unavoidable. Nevertheless, not all youth participate in political discourse or engage in protest—in whatever form—against the developments that affect them.

The article inquires into how, in times of polycrisis, young people become politically interested and active individuals by engaging with the so-called ‘civic web’. What potential is offered by which digital infrastructures and which forms of political participation are relevant for young people in their everyday lives and socialization? What conditions need to be in place to motivate young people to participate and engage in politics on and via the internet, especially in the long term? First, common digital media practices, their distribution and effectiveness are described. Numerous studies have shown that young people are less active and careless online than is generally assumed. From the perspective of youth and media sociology, young people’s modes of use are considered, as well as how they weigh up the consequences of certain media practices and ambivalent developments. Last but not least, the conditions that promote or hinder participation and political engagement are critically discussed.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Mental Healthcare: An Ethical Evaluation
Authors: Blease Charlotte , Rodman Adam
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Since November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, that are powered by large language models (LLM) have been the subject of growing attention in healthcare. Using biomedical ethical principles to frame our discussion, this review seeks to clarify the current ethical implications of these chatbots, and to identify the key empirical questions that should be pursued to inform ethical practice.

Recent findings

In the past two years, research has been conducted into the capacity of generative AI chatbots to pass medical school examinations, evaluate complex diagnostic cases, solicit patient histories, interpret and summarize clinical documentation, and deliver empathic care. These studies demonstrate the scope and growing potential of this AI to assist with clinical tasks.

Despite increasing recognition that generative AI can play a valuable role in assisting with clinical tasks, there has been limited, focused attention paid to the ethical consequences of these technologies for mental healthcare. Adopting a framework of biomedical ethics, this review sought to evaluate the ethics of generative AI tools in mental healthcare, and to motivate further research into the benefits and harms of these tools.
Patient-Perceived Physician Bias in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
Authors: Rinderknecht Fatuma-Ayaan , Naik Haley
Published: December 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating and understudied inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately impacts Black Americans. The objective of this study was to explore the role that race and ethnicity may play in HS patients’ perceptions of physician bias and their care quality. We administered a cross-sectional anonymous online survey to individuals with HS from June 13 to 30, 2021. Items from the Commonwealth Fund 2001 Health Care Quality Survey were employed to evaluate whether participants felt they were judged based on their race or ethnicity. Data was analyzed utilizing the test of equal or given proportions for assessing statistical significance with a threshold p-value < 0.05. The survey received a total of 1040 responses. The cohort was majority female and racially and ethnically diverse, with participants from six continents. Overall, 15.2% (136/894) of respondents reported feeling that they would receive better care if they were of a different race/ethnicity, and 13.6% (122/894) felt their primary HS provider treated them unfairly based on their race. Participants who belonged to minority groups more often reported feeling that they would receive better medical care if they were of a different race/ethnicity and felt that they were treated unfairly due to their race/ethnicity compared to White participants. These findings highlight the need to better understand the complex systemic and interpersonal factors at play in interactions between HS patients and healthcare providers to ensure that patients can receive much-needed care.
Berufliche Zufriedenheit und gesundheitliche Situation von Akkord- und Fließbandarbeitern eines deutschen Logistikunternehmens im Versandhandel
Authors: Rother Julia , Darius Sabine , Böckelmann Irina
Published: December 2024

In der heutigen digitalen Gesellschaft erfährt der Online-Handel eine enorm steigende Nachfrage. Für deren Bewältigung haben sich im Versandhandel vor allem Akkord- und Fließbandarbeit etabliert, die für die Beschäftigten nicht nur eine physische, sondern v. a. auch eine hohe psychische Arbeitsbelastung darstellen. Die vorliegende Querschnittsstudie untersucht die berufliche Zufriedenheit und gesundheitliche Situation von Akkord- und Fließbandarbeitern eines deutschen Logistikunternehmens. An der Studie nahmen 24 Beschäftigte unter Akkord- (Alter 47,5 ± 11,6 Jahre) und 25 Beschäftigte unter Fließbandarbeitsbedingungen (Alter 49,4 ± 9,1 Jahre) freiwillig teil. Die Skalen zur Erfassung der subjektiven Belastung und Unzufriedenheit im beruflichen Bereich (SBUSB) dienten der Erhebung der Zufriedenheit am Arbeitsplatz und der Fragebogen zur Erfassung körperlicher, psychischer und sozial-kommunikativer Beeinträchtigung (KOEPS) der Registrierung sowohl physischer als auch psychischer Beanspruchungsreaktionen. Die am Fließband Beschäftigten berichteten signifikant häufiger von einer sozial-kommunikativen Beeinträchtigung (p < 0,05) und einer mangelnden Erholung (p < 0,05). Die anderen Kategorien der beiden Fragebögen deckten keine Unterschiede auf. Es werden betriebliche Präventionsmaßnahmen diskutiert, die der psychischen Gesundheit der Beschäftigten im Versandhandel zugutekommen.
The Pine Pathogen Diplodia sapinea: Expanding Frontiers
Authors: Wingfield Michael J. , Slippers Bernard , Barnes Irene , Duong Tuan A. , Wingfield Brenda D.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

This review offers a thorough examination of the pine pathogen Diplodia sapinea, tracing its historical significance from its initial impact on South African non-native Pinus plantations to its recent emergence as a major threat to forests, particularly in Europe. It also highlights recent findings regarding its taxonomic position, genetic studies, and shifts from being perceived as a wound-infecting pathogen to an endophyte in healthy Pinus species that causes disease after stress.

Recent Findings

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the damage caused by D. sapinea in natural and planted forests. This escalation is apparently strongly linked to climate change. The pathogen’s previously confused taxonomic position has been clearly resolved in the Botryosphaeriaceae, alongside several sibling species. Diplodia sapinea is now well-understood as an endophyte in healthy trees, which has significant implications for studies aimed at understanding its biology. Importantly, robust techniques including those utilizing genome sequences, are now available for rapid identification and population genetic studies of the pathogen and the factors that drive disease outbreaks.

Over the past century, D. sapinea has transitioned from a localized problem in South African non-native plantations to a global threat to both natural and planted forests, particularly in Europe. This review underscores the importance of historical context in understanding the evolution of the pathogen’s impact. It also lays the foundation for future research endeavours, leveraging modern technologies to address key questions surrounding its biology and ecology.
On the Moments of the Asymmetric n-Player Gambler’s Ruin Problem
Authors: Phetpradap Parkpoom , Sripanitan Natkamon
Published: December 2024

In this article, we study the asymmetric n-player gambler’s ruin problem with ties allowed, where each player has equal capital of d units of money. In each round, the probabilities of winning from each player are fixed and the outcomes are independent from previous rounds. The game ends when at least one player run out of the money. The duration of the game is called the ruin time. For $$1 \le d < n$$

1
≤
d
<
n

, the formula of the moments of ruin time is found by Hashemiparast and Sabzevari (2011). Moreover, for $$d=n$$

d
=
n

or $$n+1$$

n
+
1

, the expectation and variance of ruin time were found by Hashemiparast and Sabzevari Hashemiparast and Sabzevari (2011) and Sabzevari(2017) respectively. In this work, we obtain the explicit formulas of the moments of ruin time for the cases $$d=n, n+1$$

d
=
n
,
n
+
1

. Recurrence relation techniques are used to prove the results. Our results agree with the results from Monte carlo simulations. These novel formulas allow us to compute all the moments of the ruin time of the game, including expectation and variance.
Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation on Physiological Responses to Acute Stress: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hart-Pomerantz Hannah , Roe Elizabeth , Brunyé Tad T.
Published: December 2024

Physiological responses to acute stress generally proceed through two phases: first, a rapid and transient sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system response, and second, a slow and relatively sustained hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response. These responses are associated with changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, electrodermal responses, blood pressure, and salivary biomarkers such as alpha amylase and cortisol. Through the interactions of biochemical responses to stress and distributed brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex, acute stress exposure can also adversely affect cognitive function. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct, alternating, and random noise stimulation (tDCS, tACS, tRNS), has been examined for its potential ability to modulate physiological responses to stress and buffer negative impacts of stress on cognitive function. This systematic review surveyed research examining the effects of tES on physiological responses to acute stress in healthy neurotypical samples, examining cardiorespiratory (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate), peripheral (e.g., electrodermal), and biochemical (e.g., alpha amylase, salivary cortisol) outcomes. Sixteen reports were identified for inclusion. The articles showed low to high risk of bias, used a diverse set of acute stress induction techniques and tES methodologies, and examined a wide range of physiological outcomes. We found mixed evidence for the effectiveness of tES in reducing acute stress responses, and suggest that some tES methodologies may be more promising than others. Several directions for continuing research are proposed to help elucidate the mechanisms underlying tES effects on acute stress responses and clarify its potential for application to cognitive enhancement domains.
Incidence of and Factors Associated with Spontaneous Correction of Postoperative Shoulder Imbalance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chawanpaiboon Pakorn , Thanapipatsiri Surin , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon , Wilartratsami Sirichai , Ruangchainikom Monchai , Korwutthikulrangsri Ekkapoj
Published: December 2024

Background

As far as we know, no study has investigated spontaneous postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. The objective is to assess the incidence of and associated factors for spontaneous PSI correction in AIS patients.

Methods

The study evaluated 144 postoperative AIS patients with PSI aged 10–20 years between 2010 and 2018. An analysis included demographic data and radiographic measurements (Risser grading, Lenke type, upper instrumented vertebra [UIV], and lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV]). Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were evaluated for shoulder parameters: radiologic shoulder height (RSH); T1 tilt angle; clavicle angle (CA); proximal thoracic curve (PTC), main thoracic curve (MTC), and lumbar curve (LC) Cobb measurements; and apical vertebral translation (AVT) of the PTC, MTC, and LC.

Results

Spontaneous PSI correction was observed in 99 (68.75%) patients. The spontaneous correction and nonspontaneous correction groups differed significantly in terms of Lenke-type preoperative LC (23° vs 26°; P = 0.091), postoperative LC (11° vs 8°; P = 0.013), LC at follow-up (13.5° vs 9°; P = 0.028), postoperative AVT of LC (− 0.8° vs − 0.4°; P = 0.033), AVT of LC at follow-up (− 0.7° vs − 0.1°; P = 0.091), PTC at follow-up (16° vs 20°; P = 0.019), and AVT of PTC at follow-up (0° vs -0.3°; P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis identified postoperative T1 tilt and postoperative LC as significantly associated with PSI correction.

Conclusions

The incidence of spontaneous PSI correction is high. Postoperative T1 tilt and postoperative LC are significantly associated with spontaneous PSI correction.
How population aging impacts the perception of national security and military spending
Authors: Shi Jiachen
Published: December 2024

In a multipolar world order, the demographic shift resulting from rapid population aging is affecting the fundamental unit of national power—the population—which, in turn, can influence a state’s perception of national security. This article examines the relationship between population aging and national security within the framework of “geriatric peace” by Haas (Int Secur 32(1):112–147, 2007). Utilizing panel data from 150 countries between 1992 and 2021, this study reveals two key findings. First, population aging leads to a relative increase in the priority given to social security over national security, resulting in a crowding-out effect on military spending. Second, the crowding-out effect of population aging on military spending is more pronounced in older countries compared to younger ones. To address potential endogeneity, this study employs instrumental variables (IV) estimation, treating population aging as an independent variable rather than a conditional one.
Digital Twins for Smarter Iranian Cities: A Future Studies Perspective
Authors: Zali Nader , Soltani Ali , Najafi Peyman , Qajari Salima Ebadi , Mehrju Mehrdad
Published: December 2024

This study explores the future of Urban Digital Twin (UDT) in urban planning systems of developing countries, with a focus on Iran. Despite UDT's growing popularity, its implementation in developing countries is limited. The research identifies critical factors influencing UDT development, including organisational acceptance, urban infrastructure, policy and legislation, and technology and innovation. Using a futures studies approach, the study employs the Delphi method, MICMAC (Matrix Impact Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) technique, and SISMW (Strategic Uncertainties and Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Matrix) methodologies to analyse these factors. The study reveals that international sanctions, organisational factors, technological factors, and infrastructure limitations hinder UDT development in Iran. However, UDT technology has the potential to transform urban planning in developing countries. The study provides a roadmap for collaboration between public and private sectors and research institutes to facilitate UDT implementation, highlighting the importance of legislative frameworks, digital infrastructure, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Policy implications suggest that governments should prioritise supportive policies, investments in digital infrastructure, and collaborative efforts to address data privacy, security, and ownership issues. By addressing these challenges, developing countries can leverage UDT technology to improve urban planning, resource management, and quality of life.
Assessing the Impact of Geopolitical Risk on Longevity Bond Pricing: Insights from Bayesian Multivariate Regression
Authors: Sithole Yethu , Rapoo Eeva Maria , Gyamerah Samuel Asante
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the multivariate pricing of coupon longevity bonds (CLBs) using the Fama–French–Lee–Carter (FF–LC) five-vector model in the framework of Bayesian integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) in the presence of geopolitical risk (GPR). The variance-covariance and correlation matrices are utilized to capture the interdependence between factors. We prove the generalization of multivariate Bayesian INLA with the basic probability assignment which is utilized as a posterior uncertainty belief associated with the GPR uncertainty category (a rich representation of GPR uncertainty) that is an element of the frame of discernment in the CLB posterior estimation. INLA Bayesian principal component analysis (INLA-BPCA) is applied to the model prediction parameters generating a multivariate normally distributed posterior. The deviance information criterion (DIC) assesses optimal factor selection. The results show that the BPCA posterior gains a feature that allows for a balance between the goodness-of-fit and complexity in hierarchical model selection by incorporating the retained principal components (or the effective number of parameters) from the DIC formula. Furthermore, it is also evident in our results, that the DIC outperforms the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and Watanabe–Akaike information criterion (WAIC). The DIC is more suitable for Bayesian-based parametric models with high complexity. Lastly, the INLA-BPCA-DIC is applied to select the best longevity factors that yield a low longevity price of risk for insurers and practitioners, to attenuate the risks associated with investing in CLBs in the presence of geopolitical uncertainty shocks.
The tesselle Project: A Collection of R Packages for Research and Teaching in Archaeology
Authors: Frerebeau Nicolas
Published: December 2024

The use of programming languages in archaeological research has witnessed a notable surge in the last decade, particularly with R, a versatile statistical computing language that fosters the development of specialized packages. This article introduces the tesselle project (https://www.tesselle.org/), a comprehensive collection of R packages tailored for archaeological research and education. The tesselle packages are centered on quantitative analysis methods specifically crafted for archaeology. They are designed to complement both general-purpose and other specialized statistical packages. These packages serve as a versatile toolbox, facilitating the exploration and analysis of common data types in archaeology—such as count data, compositional data, or chronological data—and enabling the construction of reproducible workflows. Complementary packages for visualization, data preparation, and educational resources augment the tesselle ecosystem. This article outlines the project's inception, its objectives, design principles, and key components, along with reflections on future directions.
Exploring national infrastructures to support impact analyses of publicly accessible research: a need for trust, transparency, and collaboration at scale
Authors: Kemp Jennifer , Drummond Christina , Watkinson Charles
Published: December 2024

Usage data on research outputs such as books and journals is well established in the scholarly community. Yet, as research impact is derived from a broader set of scholarly outputs, such as data, code, and multimedia, more holistic usage and impact metrics could inform national innovation and research policy. While usage data reporting standards, such as Project COUNTER, provide the basis for shared statistics reporting practice, mandated access to publicly funded research has increased the demand for impact metrics and analytics. In this context, stakeholders are exploring how to scaffold and strengthen shared infrastructure to better support the trusted, multistakeholder exchange of usage data across a variety of outputs. In April 2023, a workshop on Exploring National Infrastructure for Public Access and Impact Reporting supported by the United States (US) National Science Foundation (NSF) explored these issues. This paper contextualizes the resources shared and recommendations generated in the workshop.
This is the way the world ends; not with a bang but a whimper: Estimating the number and ongoing rate of extinctions of Australian non-marine invertebrates
Authors: Woinarski John C.Z. , Braby Michael F. , Gibb Heloise , Harvey Mark S. , Legge Sarah M. , Marsh Jessica R. , Moir Melinda L. , New Tim R. , Rix Michael G. , Murphy Brett P.
Published: December 2024

Biodiversity is in rapid decline, but the extent of loss is not well resolved for poorly known groups. We estimate the number of extinctions for Australian non-marine invertebrates since the European colonisation of the continent. Our analyses use a range of approaches, incorporate stated uncertainties and recognise explicit caveats. We use plausible bounds for the number of species, two approaches for estimating extinction rate, and Monte Carlo simulations to select combinations of projected distributions from these variables. We conclude that 9,111 (plausible bounds of 1,465 to 56,828) Australian species have become extinct over this 236-year period. These estimates dwarf the number of formally recognised extinctions of Australian invertebrates (10 species) and of the single invertebrate species listed as extinct under Australian legislation. We predict that 39–148 species will become extinct in 2024. This is inconsistent with a recent pledge by the Australian government to prevent all extinctions. This high rate of loss is largely a consequence of pervasive taxonomic biases in community concern and conservation investment. Those characteristics also make it challenging to reduce that rate of loss, as there is uncertainty about which invertebrate species are at the most risk. We outline conservation responses to reduce the likelihood of further extinctions.
Cephalopods of the San José Formation of Peru (Floian, Early Ordovician) and their paleogeographic significance
Authors: Kröger Björn , Chacaltana César A. , Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos
Published: December 2024

The existence of Ordovician Peruvian cephalopods has been known since at least the 1910s. However, they have not been effectively documented previously with only a few described taxa listed in open nomenclature. Here, we describe a cephalopod assemblage at the finest taxonomic level possible. The specimens were collected from the Floian section (Baltograptus minutus graptolite Zone) of the San José Formation from the Kimbiri area, northwest of Cuzco (= Cusco), and from a section along the Inambari River, southeastern Peru. The dark mudstone-siltstone of the San José Formation was deposited within the Central Andean Basin. The assemblage contains five species of small orthoceracones belonging to four families and three orders, consisting of one indeterminate dissidocerid, one bathmoceratid (Saloceras sp.), one rioceratid (Rioceras? sp.), and two baltoceratids belonging to Annbactroceras grecicostatum (Kobayashi, 1937), and Bactroceras cocafolium new species. The dominance of small orthoceracones is typical for early Paleozoic pelagic cephalopod assemblages. One species, A. grecicostatum, is known from elsewhere in the Central Andean Basin. The other taxa indicate a peri-Gondwana-Avalonia paleogeographical relationship of the cephalopod fauna, which is consistent with previously published data from brachiopods and trilobites.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/f5cc9686-75f2-46de-bdd9-f279e3b45677
AN UNKNOWN HISTORY OF PORTUGAL (c 1570) IN WILLIAM CECIL’S LIBRARY: COMMISSIONING AND WRITING HISTORY DURING THE ELIZABETHAN ERA
Authors: Lowe Kate , Vila-Santa Nuno
Published: December 2024

The Society of Antiquaries of London holds, under ms 86, an unconventional manuscript described in its catalogue as ‘brief notes on the Kings of Portugal’. The manuscript is in a mid-sixteenth-century hand and has personal annotations by William Cecil (1520–98), better known as Lord Burghley. It recounts the history of Portugal by reigns and belonged to Cecil’s personal library. Until now, no other extant example of a history of Portugal written in English in the sixteenth century was known. This article publishes the first transcription of this unique document, while analysing its contents and explaining its importance. The first section will discuss the history of the manuscript itself, explaining its owners, its likely date of composition and the problems relating to authorship. The second part will deal with the raft of reasons why we believe William Cecil ordered its composition. The third section will detail the major contents of the manuscript, discussing its most interesting details. Finally, the conclusion will reflect on why this manuscript is important for British history.
The effect of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment on ovarian reserve in women undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Micaraseth Kanockpetch , Tantanavipas Siriluk , Hongsakorn Woradej , Singwongsa Artitaya
Published: December 2024

The effect of diminished ovarian reserves after undergoing hysterectomies with bilateral salpingectomies is one of the health concerns among reproductive-age women with benign gynecological diseases. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant, is crucial in mitochondrial energy production, improving oocyte quality and quantity. This study compares the benefit of a 14-d preoperative (CoQ10) v. placebo on ovarian reserve by measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy. A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Forty-four women with benign gynecological diseases were randomised to receive either oral CoQ10 300 mg per d or placebo for 14 d before undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy. Serum AMH levels were collected for analysis before taking CoQ10 and 6 weeks postoperatively in each group. The baseline demographic, clinical characteristics and baseline AMH levels were comparable between the groups (1·47 (0·45, 2·49) v. 1·29 (0·47, 2·11), P = 0·763). The serum AMH levels after the surgery were significantly decreased from preoperative levels (median 0·99 (0·37, 1·63) v. 1·34 (0·57, 2·30)), P = 0·001. However, there was no significant difference in the AMH change between the CoQ10 group and the placebo group (AMH per cent change −28·2 % (64·09, −4·81) v. −20·07 % (–61·51, −2·92)), P = 0·99, respectively. Age, gynecological disease, operative time and blood loss were not significantly associated with the AMH change. There were no significant side effects or adverse operative outcomes among CoQ10 users. In conclusion, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy led to a significantly decreased AMH level. However, pretreatment with CoQ10 for 2 weeks was ineffective in protecting an ovarian reserve.
A gradient-based preference for sonority markedness constraints in reading: evidence for intact phonological grammar in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Maïonchi-Pino Norbert , Runge Élise
Published: December 2024

How do children with developmental dyslexia process unattested or ill-formed phonological sequences in their native language? This question warrants attention because these children are primarily characterized by a phonological deficit. In this study, we support the hypothesis that intact phonological grammar allows segmenting and recognizing (pseudo)words through sensitivity to sonority markedness constraints. We administered a lexical decision task in silent reading to 21 French children with developmental dyslexia, comparing them with 21 chronological age-matched and 21 reading level-matched peers. Children were presented with words and pseudowords that either respected or transgressed syllable boundaries (⟨ar*gent⟩, money vs. ⟨a*rgent⟩ vs. ⟨arg*ent⟩). For pseudowords, we manipulated the sonority profiles of unattested intervocalic ⟨C1C2⟩ clusters from unmarked, well-formed (⟨rj⟩ in ⟨yrjyde⟩; high-fall) to marked, ill-formed clusters (⟨vl⟩ in ⟨uvlyde⟩; high-rise). Results confirmed preferences for syllable segmentation in words (⟨ar*gent⟩ is preferred to ⟨a*rgent⟩ or ⟨arg*ent⟩) regardless of distributional properties. We found a sonority projection effect that illustrated a gradient-based preference for sonority markedness constraints with pseudowords. However, pseudowords conforming to expected sonority-based segmentation (⟨yr*jyde⟩ or ⟨u*vlyde⟩) were more difficult to reject, possibly due to interferences from lexical attestedness. We discuss a phonological deficit that does not stem from degraded language-specific or universal phonological representations.
Sixty Years of Theatre Studies
Authors: Carlson Marvin
Published: December 2024

This personal history of how the field of theatre studies in the United States has evolved during the author’s academic career begins with his entrance to doctoral studies at Cornell University in 1959 and continues to the present. Among topics covered are the national professional organizations and journals, and the changing interpretations of the scope and definition of the field itself.
Derivative Recognition and Intersystemic Interpretation
Authors: Varsava Nina
Published: December 2024

In intersystemic cases, a court applies the law of a foreign system. Scholars have argued that the court ought to use the interpretive methodology of the foreign system’s courts. I argue against that intuitive position. First, interpretive methodology is not bound up with primary rights and duties such that it constitutes substantive law for conflict of laws purposes. Second, although interpretive methodology has epistemic value and may affect case outcomes, a given methodology might not have the same epistemic value or the same effect on outcomes for differently situated interpreters. Further, the approach that the foreign judges take to interpreting their own law is necessarily anchored to the foreign system’s rule of recognition, which is not true of the approach of external judges. Descriptive facts might align such that external interpreters would have to use the internal methodology to identify the applicable law, but that’s an empirical question the answer to which will vary from case to case.
Cosmos-Politanism: Transhumanist Visions of Global Order from the First World War to the Digital Age
Authors: Bell Duncan , Taillandier Apolline
Published: December 2024

Inspired by developments in artificial intelligence, space engineering, and genetics, discussion of post-human visions of the future is now widespread, especially in the tech world. This reflective essay analyses various ideological configurations of “transhumanism,” a body of thought centred on the pursuit of radical human improvement through technoscientific intervention. It focuses on the political values and world-making projects transhumanists have advocated since the early twentieth century. We argue that transhumanism constitutes a significant strand of international political thought: transhumanists have articulated extraordinarily ambitious visions of global order. Through analysing the work of key transhumanists from the interwar era to the present, we show that assorted socialist and liberal iterations have aimed to overcome the irrationality of a state-centric international order, with projects ranging from Marxist accounts of a world state to anarcho-capitalist visions of market order through to dreams of space colonization. Analysing transhumanist world-making visions helps to clarify the political ideas underlying current techno-utopian projects and debates about existential risks to humanity.