bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some pitfalls in the uncertainty evaluation of isotope delta reference materials
Authors: Gröning Manfred
Published: January 2023

The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) provides a framework for evaluating analytical data and characterizing their dispersion in a consistent manner. This is of eminent importance in the case of reference materials and their recommended values that are used for calibration of further measurements. The proper propagation of uncertainties for those data is essential. Guidance is provided in the GUM on how to calculate the combined standard uncertainty for a mean value or central value based on multiple individual measurements including their calibration uncertainty. However, according to published data, the guidance provided by GUM is not always properly applied in practice. Several published studies show calculated uncertainties much lower than those of input quantities. This may be caused by improper handling of the propagation of uncertainty components, thereby breaking the traceability chain for reported values. A simple check method using conventional statistical means is proposed to detect and to avoid such mistakes related to calibration uncertainties. It is intended to help to ensure a proper uncertainty propagation, to maintain a system of reliable and traceable reference materials. A spreadsheet is provided for the implementation of such a check. Example calculations for published data are presented.
The Movement of Pathogen Carrying Flies at the Human–Wildlife Interface
Authors: Jahan Mueena , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Chapman Colin A. , Kalbitzer Urs , Leendertz Fabian H. , Omeja Patrick A. , Sarkar Dipto , Ulrich Markus , Gogarten Jan F.
Published: January 2023

Flies form high-density associations with human settlements and groups of nonhuman primates and are implicated in transmitting pathogens. We investigate the movement of nonhuman primate-associated flies across landscapes surrounding Kibale National Park, Uganda, using a mark–recapture experiment. Flies were marked in nine nonhuman primate groups at the forest edge ($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

 = 929 flies per group), and we then attempted to recapture them in more anthropized areas (50 m, 200 m and 500 m from where marked; 2–21 days after marking). Flies marked in nonhuman primate groups were recaptured in human areas (19/28,615 recaptured). Metabarcoding of the flies in nonhuman primate groups revealed the DNA of multiple eukaryotic primate parasites. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of flies to serve as vectors between nonhuman primates, livestock and humans at this biodiverse interface.
Bursting phenomenon created by bridge piers group in open channel flow
Authors: Ikani Nima , Pu Jaan H. , Taha Tarek , Hanmaiahgarib Prashanth Reddy , Penna Nadia
Published: January 2023

Bridge pier is a common feature in hydraulic structure. Its impact to the river usually occurs in group form rather than single pier, so this challenging piers-group influence towards river hydraulics and turbulence needs to be explored. In this paper, the measurements were conducted using an Acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) to study velocities in three dimensions (longitudinal, transversal, and vertical). Based on the experimental data, we have observed reversed depth-averaged velocity vector after each pier in the group of three-pier. The analysis has been conducted on the contribution of each bursting event to Reynolds shear stress (RSS) generation, in order to identify the critical events and turbulence structures around the piers. In the upstream near-wake flow in the bed-wall layer, strong sweep and ejection events have been observed; while at downstream, sweeps were more dominant. The pattern of burst changed in the outer layer of flow, where ejections were more dominant. Furthermore, the contribution fractional ratio to RSS variation at hole size H = 0 indicates that sweeps and ejections were significantly generated at the near wake-flow in upstream.
Experimental evidence for stronger impacts of larval but not adult rearing temperature on female fertility and lifespan in a seed beetle
Authors: Vasudeva R.
Published: January 2023

Temperature impacts behaviour, physiology and life-history of many life forms. In many ectotherms, phenotypic plasticity within reproductive traits could act as a buffer allowing adaptation to continued global warming within biological limits. But there could be costs involved, potentially affecting adult reproductive performance and population growth. Empirical data on the expression of reproductive plasticity when different life stages are exposed is still lacking. Plasticity in key components of fitness (e.g., reproduction) can impose life-history trade-offs. Ectotherms are sensitive to temperature variation and the resulting thermal stress is known to impact reproduction. So far, research on reproductive plasticity to temperature variation in this species has focused on males. Here, I explore how rearing temperature impacted female reproduction and lifespan in the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus by exposing them to four constant temperatures (17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C) during larval or adult stages. In these experiments, larval rearing cohorts (exposed to 17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C, from egg to adulthood) were tested in a common garden setting at 27 °C and adult rearing cohorts, after having developed entirely at 27 °C, were exposed to four constant rearing temperatures (17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C). I found stage-specific plasticity in all the traits measured here: fecundity, egg morphological dimensions (length and width), lifespan and egg hatching success (female fertility). Under different larval rearing conditions, fecundity and fertility was drastically reduced (by 51% and 42%) at 17 °C compared to controls (27 °C). Female lifespan was longest at 17 °C across both larval and adult rearing: by 36% and 55% compared to controls. Collectively, these results indicate that larval rearing temperature had greater reproductive impacts. Integrating both larval and adult rearing effects, I present evidence that female fertility is more sensitive during larval development compared to adult rearing temperature in this system.
Characteristics of electrospun chitosan/carbon nanotube coatings deposited on AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Vahedi Shaghayegh , Aghdam Rouhollah Mehdinavaz , Sohi Mahmoud Heydarzadeh , Rezayan Ali Hossein
Published: January 2023

Mg-based biomaterials are commonly used as biodegradable orthopedic implants (e.g., bone regeneration applications). However, achieving high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance has remained a challenge to be tackled. In this work, to investigate various fabricated coatings (with and without pre- anodizing), five categories of samples are considered: (a) bare Mg alloy (Mg), (b) Anodized Mg alloy (Mg-A), (c) CS-coated Mg alloy (Mg-C), (d) CS-coated anodized Mg alloy (Mg-AC), and (e) CS-CNT-coated anodized Mg alloy (Mg-ACC). These samples were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman Spectroscopy. The adhesion within the coated samples was compared. Then, the effects of the coatings were evaluated by comparing wettability, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility for bare and coated samples. The adhesion test showed that the coatings exhibited higher adhesion for Mg-AC and Mg-ACC compared to Mg-C. Desired wettability was achieved as the contact angles of coated samples were in the range of 55°– 65°. Electrochemical impedance and polarization as well as immersion tests showed higher corrosion resistance for coated samples. The composite coated sample showed improved cell adhesion since the osteoblast cells covered almost the entire surface of the sample. Moreover, osteoblast cell viability for the sample was around 40% higher than that of the bare sample.

Graphical abstract
Effect of unconventional supplementary cementitious materials on the hardened cement pastes exposed to high temperature
Authors: Fehérvári Sándor
Published: January 2023

An investigation was conducted to determine how Ordinary Portland Cement and several unconventional cementitious additives, such as magnetite, chamotte, perlite, boron carbide, and more common powdered quartz, affected the behaviour of hardened cement paste when subjected to high temperatures. The test was conducted using a constant water–fines ratio of 0.3. The water–cement ratios were nevertheless 0.25 and 0.222 as a result of the two fine replacement ratios (20% and 35%, respectively). Seven heat steps were used to heat the specimens of hardened cement paste to 900 °C. On the cooled specimens, comparisons between relative residual compressive strength and residual compressive strength were made. Additionally, a new approach known as "temperature endurance" is used to express the total area under each strength curve. Furthermore, the specimens were analysed using a scanning electron microscope. Our research has shown that perlite, when employed as additional cementitious material, performs remarkably well and has favourable effects, even at high temperatures. Up to 600 °C, it has the longest-lasting, practically constant residual strength values. In this area, the relative strength reductions are less than 15%. Furthermore, it is shown that boron carbide increases compressive strength at 900 °C in comparison to values at 600 °C. Due to the material's low melting point and the formation of secondary bindings at the highest heat step, this effect results. The other materials under investigation, such as powdered quartz, magnetite, and powdered chamotte, perform only slightly better than the reference homogeneous Ordinary Portland Cement, particularly in the mid and high heat ranges. In low heat ranges and by lower addition of fines, particularly in the well-known local strength maximum of 200–300 °C, homogeneous matrixes perform better.
Experimental comparative study on using different cooling techniques with photovoltaic modules
Authors: Alktranee Mohammed , Bencs Péter
Published: January 2023

Overcoming the issue of photovoltaic (PV) module productivity at high temperatures is one of the most critical obstacles facing its use. PV cells are made of silicon, which loses its properties at high temperatures, degrading the PV module work. The present research compares cotton wicks integrated with rectangular aluminium fins (CWIRAFs) submerged in water as passive cooling with an absorbing plate and copper pipes attached at the PV module backside as active cooling. Compared with the PV module without cooling, CWIRAFs have better performance with the PV module than active cooling owing to evaporative cooling and increased heat dissipation area represented by wet cotton bristles integrated. The PV module is exposed to significant performance degradation without cooling in hot climate conditions. As a result, using CWIRAFs with the PV module had reduced the temperature by 31.4%, increased the power by up to 66.6%, and increased the electrical efficiency from 3.12 to 8.6%. Active cooling methods have reduced the PV temperature by 20.8%, increased the power by 56.7%, and enhanced electrical efficiency by 7.9%. Removing excess heat from the backside of the PV module via circulating water has improved the thermal efficiency and overall efficiency of the PVT system by about 26.3 and 34.2%, respectively.
Exploring reading profiles of rural school students
Authors: Daniel Johny , Barth Amy
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the reading profiles of rural Grade 5 and 6 students (N = 262), a sample with a high proportion of English language learners. We administered a battery of reading and cognitive assessments to classify students’ reading profiles and evaluate if performance on cognitive measures predicted membership in particular profiles. Data were analyzed using latent profile analysis. Latent profile analysis showed four distinct reading profiles in our sample: students with severe reading disabilities (< 2%), students at high risk of reading disability (14%), students at some-risk of reading disability (46%), and students who are typical readers (38%). Lower performance on cognitive measures was associated with group membership in the severe reading profile group compared to the group of students at some-risk of reading failure. In contrast, higher performance on cognitive measures was associated with group membership in the typical reader group compared to students at some-risk of reading failure. In keeping with the findings from past studies documenting reader profiles, we found heterogeneity in the reading profiles of rural upper-elementary grade students. We discuss the need for multicomponent interventions that target all areas of reading with some flexibility in the dosage of each reading component dependent on the reader profiles established prior to intervention.
Web in the Neck – An Interesting Case Report
Authors: Khadilkar Meera N. , Bajpai Sanchit , Dosemane Deviprasad , Suresh Pooja K.
Published: January 2023

Lateral neck masses are common in children, ranging from simple benign diseases to pathologies with malignant potential. Plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rare peripheral nerve sheath tumours involving multiple nerve sheath fascicles. They are typically seen in the paediatric population, with the majority affecting the craniofacial area and neck. Due to the close clinical and histological resemblance with other benign neck lesions such as lymphadenitis and branchial cysts, these cases can often go misdiagnosed. We describe a lesion in a young girl who presented with a progressive lateral neck swelling and how it was managed.
Risk of Covid-19 Severe Outcomes and Mortality in Migrants and Ethnic Minorities Compared to the General Population in the European WHO Region: a Systematic Review
Authors: Mazzalai Elena , Giannini Dara , Tosti Maria Elena , D’Angelo Franca , Declich Silvia , Jaljaa Anissa , Caminada Susanna , Turatto Federica , De Marchi Chiara , Gatta Angela , Angelozzi Aurora , Marchetti Giulia , Pizzarelli Scilla , Marceca Maurizio
Published: January 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on migrants and ethnic minorities (MEMs). Socio-economic factors and legal, administrative and language barriers are among the reasons for this increased susceptibility. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in terms of serious outcomes. We conducted a systematic review collecting studies on the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in the WHO European Region regarding hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, published between 01/01/2020 and 19/03/2021. Nine researchers were involved in selection, study quality assessment and data extraction. Of the 82 studies included, 15 of the 16 regarding hospitalisation for Covid-19 reported an increased risk for MEMs compared to the white and/or native population and 22 out of the 28 studies focusing on the ICU admission rates found an increased risk for MEMs. Among the 65 studies on mortality, 43 report a higher risk for MEMs. An increased risk of adverse outcomes was reported for MEMs. Social determinants of health are among the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a disadvantaged socio-economic status, a framework of structural racism and asymmetric access to healthcare are linked to increased susceptibility to the consequences of Covid-19. These findings underline the need for policymakers to consider the socio-economic barriers when designing prevention plans.
Social Influence Under Uncertainty in Interaction with Peers, Robots and Computers
Authors: Zonca Joshua , Folsø Anna , Sciutti Alessandra
Published: January 2023

Taking advice from others requires confidence in their competence. This is important for interaction with peers, but also for collaboration with social robots and artificial agents. Nonetheless, we do not always have access to information about others’ competence or performance. In these uncertain environments, do our prior beliefs about the nature and the competence of our interacting partners modulate our willingness to rely on their judgments? In a joint perceptual decision making task, participants made perceptual judgments and observed the simulated estimates of either a human participant, a social humanoid robot or a computer. Then they could modify their estimates based on this feedback. Results show participants’ belief about the nature of their partner biased their compliance with its judgments: participants were more influenced by the social robot than human and computer partners. This difference emerged strongly at the very beginning of the task and decreased with repeated exposure to empirical feedback on the partner’s responses, disclosing the role of prior beliefs in social influence under uncertainty. Furthermore, the results of our functional task suggest an important difference between human–human and human–robot interaction in the absence of overt socially relevant signal from the partner: the former is modulated by social normative mechanisms, whereas the latter is guided by purely informational mechanisms linked to the perceived competence of the partner.
Attendance, Weight Loss, and Participation in a Behavioural Diabetes Prevention Programme
Authors: Poupakis Stavros , Kolotourou Maria , MacMillan Harry J. , Chadwick Paul M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Weight loss in diabetes prevention programmes has been shown to be associated with participants’ age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. However, little is known about how these differences relate to attendance and whether such differences can be mediated by other potentially modifiable factors. Differential effectiveness across these factors may exacerbate health inequalities.

Method

Prospective analysis of participant data collected by one provider of the standardised national NHS diabetes prevention programme in England. Mediation analysis was performed via a structural equation model to examine whether the number of attended sessions mediated the associations of age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity with follow-up weight. The group-level factor of number of attended sessions was examined using multiple linear regression as a benchmark; multilevel linear regression using three levels (venue, coach, and group); and fixed effects regression to account for venue-specific and coach-specific characteristics.

Results

The associations of age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity with follow-up weight were all mediated by the number of attended sessions. Group size was associated with attendance in an inverted ‘U’ shape, and the number of days between referral and group start was negatively associated with attendance. Time of day, day of the week, and the number of past groups led by the coach were not associated with attendance.

Conclusion

Most of the differences in weight loss initially attributed to socio-demographic factors are mediated by the attendance of the diabetes prevention programme. Therefore, targeted efforts to improve uptake and adherence to such programmes may help alleviate inequalities.
How are higher rice yields associated with dietary outcomes of smallholder farm households of Madagascar?
Authors: Nikiema Relwendé A. , Shiratori Sakiko , Rafalimanantsoa Jules , Ozaki Ryosuke , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: January 2023

It is widely expected that agriculture would contribute to farmers’ food security and nutrition in developing countries. However, studies that directly explore the link between agricultural productivity and micronutrients intake by farmers are scarce. In this paper, we contribute to filling this gap by exploring two key channels by which agricultural production can influence dietary outcomes: a food consumption pathway and a cash revenue pathway. To achieve this, we used three-years panel data of rice farmers collected in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar. The results suggest that rice yield is positively and significantly associated with farmers’ calorie and micronutrients intake, though the observed elasticities are low. Secondly, raising rice yield has a positive significant impact not only on rice consumption but also on the share of the output sold and the cash revenue from rice sales. Lastly, the results suggest that households with higher cash revenue from rice sales purchase more nutritious foods. Therefore, we conclude that the market represents the channel through which increased rice yield translates into improved micronutrient intake. The findings of this study imply that in order to improve farm households’ nutrition through agricultural production, interventions that target yield enhancement should be accompanied by market access measures.
The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale: Examining the Reliability and Validity in Spanish Parents
Authors: Orue Izaskun , Larrucea-Iruretagoyena Maite , Royuela-Colomer Estíbaliz , Calvete Esther
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Mindful parenting is the extension of dispositional mindfulness to parent–child interactions. The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting scale (IM-P) is a 31-item self-report measure to assess different dimensions of mindful parenting. Its psychometric properties have been evaluated in several countries. Two studies were conducted, and the principal aim was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the IM-P in two samples of Spanish parents.

Method

In Study 1, 785 parents filled out this questionnaire and a dispositional mindfulness questionnaire. In Study 2, 859 parents responded to questions about mindful parenting and self-compassion.

Results

The results of an exploratory factor analysis suggested a 5-factor structure in Study 1: nonjudgmental acceptance of parental functioning, compassion for the child, listening with full attention, self-regulation in parenting, and emotional awareness of the child. This 5-factor model was also evaluated through a confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2. The 5 factors showed good internal consistency and positive correlations with measures of dispositional mindfulness (Study 1) and self-compassion (Study 2).

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the IM-P has demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity in two samples of Spanish parents.
Institutional Investors, Alternative Asset Managers, and ESG Preferences
Authors: McCahery Joseph A. , Pudschedl P. C. , Steindl Martin
Published: January 2023

We survey institutional investors to understand why they integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their investment management processes. Using a unique data set, we find that limited partners (LPs) are motivated to incorporate ESG because they believe that ESG usage is more strongly correlated with financial performance. We find that general partners (GPs) are motivated to integrate ESG factors into their investment strategies in response to increased client demand for sustainable products. Furthermore, we find that private equity (PE) uses ESG factors more intensely than venture capital (VC) regardless of geography. We also find that PE firms use voice and exit strategies more extensively than VC funds in efforts to promote ESG activities in companies. When evaluating individual components of ESG scores, we find that the investors consider the governance score the most important component, followed by E, and then S.
Estimation of Structural Models Using Experimental Data From the Lab and the Field
Authors: Bellemare Charles
Published: January 2023

Behavioral economics provides a rich set of explicit models of non-classical preferences and belief formation which can be used to estimate structural models of decision making. At the same time, experimental approaches allow the researcher to exogenously vary components of the decision making environment. The synergies between behavioral and experimental economics provide a natural setting for the estimation of structural models. This Element will cover examples supporting the following arguments 1) Experimental data allows the researcher to estimate structural models under weaker assumptions and can simplify their estimation, 2) many popular models in behavioral economics can be estimated without any programming skills using existing software, 3) experimental methods are useful to validate structural models. This Element aims to facilitate adoption of structural modelling by providing Stata codes to replicate some of the empirical illustrations that are presented. Examples covered include estimation of outcome-based preferences, belief-dependent preferences and risk preferences.
Social Aggregations and Distributional Ethics
Authors: Chakravarty Satya R. , Mitra Manipushpak , Mutuswami Suresh
Published: January 2023

This book analyzes the following four distinct, although not dissimilar, areas of social choice theory and welfare economics: nonstrategic choice, Harsanyi's aggregation theorems, distributional ethics and strategic choice. While for aggregation of individual ranking of social states, whether the persons behave strategically or non-strategically, the decision making takes place under complete certainty; in the Harsanyi framework uncertainty has a significant role in the decision making process. Another ingenious characteristic of the book is the discussion of ethical approaches to evaluation of inequality arising from unequal distributions of achievements in the different dimensions of human well-being. Given its wide coverage, combined with newly added materials, end-chapter problems and bibliographical notes, the book will be helpful material for students and researchers interested in this frontline area research. Its lucid exposition, along with non-technical and graphical illustration of the concepts, use of numerical examples, makes the book a useful text.
The Christianization of Scandinavia in the Viking Era
Authors: Grzybowski Lukas G.
Published: January 2023

This book discusses Adam of Bremen's perceptions and interpretation of the Christianization of Scandinavia in the Early Middle Ages. The views the chronicler presents in the Gesta Hammaburgensis constitute the central element of this analysis. By departing from the historiography - both the older view of the Gesta as trustworthy, and the recent view of the work as unreliable and biased - this book focuses instead on the Christianization of Scandinavia as an authorial concept. What follows is a reevaluation of the Gesta's significance both to its medieval audience and the modern historian.
Hermann Broch and Mass Hysteria
Authors: Sterling Brett E.
Published: January 2023

The first English-language monograph on Hermann Broch's literary and theoretical work on mass hysteria.
The Partimenti of Giovanni Paisiello
Authors: Paraschivescu Nicoleta
Published: January 2023

Reveals the brilliant musical and pedagogical thinking of the famed eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Neapolitan composer and teacher of royal students.
Effect of nasal mupirocin treatment on extranasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among pediatric patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Matsui Miki , Katayama Yoshinori
Published: January 2023

Decolonization of MRSA detected in the oral cavity and tracheal aspirates occurred in 85% and 58% of neonates, respectively, with nasal mupirocin treatment. Recurrent MRSA colonization occurred in 45% of neonates whose MRSA was detected in the oral cavity at a mean of 19 days. Recurrent MRSA colonization occurred in 58% of neonates whose MRSA was detected in tracheal aspirates at a mean of 23 days.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE CASE OF WALES: THEORY AND PRACTICE AND PROBLEMS OF STRATEGY AND POLICY
Authors: Bradbury Jonathan , Davies Andrew
Published: January 2023

The article assesses economic development strategy in Wales since devolution. It considers theoretical views on success or failure of devolution to realise economic benefit, and reviews existing explanations of Wales’ lack of success in changing its position relative to other UK territories. The article develops a novel critique first of overall economic development strategy, suggesting problems of coherence, consistency and methods of implementation. It then critiques three policies that have had the potential to realise development strategy - transport, renewable energy and public procurement - again revealing problems of coherence, consistency, implementation and governance.
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SECESSION: LESSONS FROM THE EARLY YEARS OF THE IRISH FREE STATE
Authors: Kenny Seán , McLaughlin Eoin
Published: January 2023

We apply insights from the political economy of secession to analyse the early years of the Irish Free State (IFS). The IFS was fortuitous in a debt settlement that enabled it to begin its existence debt free while also receiving financial assistance to quell civil unrest. Yet the IFS was unable to continue to provide the welfare spending inherited from the old regime thereby exacerbating inequality. The IFS also maintained a sterling peg, which led to a milder experience of the depression era. Ultimately, however, the benefits of independence were not forthcoming in the early years of the IFS.
PERSISTENT STATES: LESSONS FOR SCOTTISH DEVOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE
Authors: Muscatelli Anton , Roy Graeme , Trew Alex
Published: January 2023

The equilibrium size of a nation state is, in part, the result of a trade-off between the gains from scale economies in the provision of public services and the costs of applying uniform policy to heterogeneous cultural, institutional and geographical fundamentals. Changes in such fundamentals can thus place pressure on states to reform over time. We consider this dynamic state formation process in the context of Scotland within the United Kingdom. First, we review the recent research in economic history on the persistence and evolution of such fundamentals. Second, we consider the history of Scotland both before and after the 1707 Act of Union in the light of that broader economic history literature. We conclude with some implications of fundamental persistence for current debates on the place of Scotland within the United Kingdom.
DEVOLUTION, INDEPENDENCE AND WALES’ FISCAL DEFICIT
Authors: Ifan Guto , Siôn Cian , Wincott Daniel
Published: January 2023

Debate around Wales’ place in the United Kingdom has intensified over recent years, with radically differing visions for the union of the Welsh and UK governments emerging alongside growing (though still minority) support for Welsh independence. This article argues that these constitutional debates must be considered alongside Wales’ current fiscal position. Wales’ estimated fiscal deficit is reflective of long-standing economic underperformance as part of the UK, which we argue is unlikely to be addressed under current economic, fiscal and constitutional arrangements. On the other hand, it also suggests a difficult economic outlook for an independent Wales, which would require tough fiscal and economic choices to address Wales’ apparent balance of payments deficit.
AN INTERNATIONAL LAW PRINCIPLE OF NON-REGRESSION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS
Authors: Mitchell Andrew D , Munro James
Published: January 2023

A principle that prohibits States from weakening their domestic levels of environmental protection continues to emerge at varying speeds within international trade, investment and environmental law. This article explores the principle's diverse history, rationale and legal expression in each of these domains and finds that its various articulations in different international treaties suffer the same shortfalls and deficiencies. Non-regression clauses may leave the complexities and nuances of implementing environmental protections unaddressed, including identifying and measuring when a regression has occurred and balancing these environmental protections with other legitimate policy and environmental measures. As these clauses are increasingly subject to investor–State and State–State dispute procedures, States expose themselves to heightened liability for changes to their environmental laws, even where those changes might be legitimate and reasonable. The particular emergence of this principle in environmental law offers treaty-makers an opportunity to clarify the rights of States to derogate from otherwise narrowly drafted clauses that require them to maintain their level of environmental protection strictly.
Praxis and policy: Discourse on Cham Bani religious identity in Vietnam
Authors: Noseworthy William B. , Huyen Pham Thi Thanh
Published: January 2023

Past scholarship has described the Cham Bani religious community as a heterodox and syncretic version of Islam. We argue for a more nuanced interpretation: assertions of orthopraxy and heteropraxy shape contemporary debates in Cham communities in Vietnam. Based on a robust selection of source material—including the positions of government officials, high-ranking clerics, community members, and local activists, along with historicised anthropological accounts, Cham manuscripts, and government documents—our multidisciplinary approach, combining in-depth interviews and historical analysis, suggests religious classifications cannot be viewed as static in Cham communities, especially in the case of the ‘Cham Bani’, currently best thought of as a Cham particularist religious community.
Non-overweight depressed patients who respond to antidepressant treatment have a higher risk of later metabolic syndrome: findings from the METADAP cohort
Authors: El Asmar K. , Annan N. B. , Khoury R. , Colle R. , Martin S. , Ghoul T. E. , Trabado S. , Chanson P. , Feve B. , Verstuyft C. , Becquemont L. , Corruble E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disorder with a significant public health burden. Depression remission is often associated with weight gain, a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The primary objective of our study was to assess prospectively the impact of response to antidepressant treatment on developing MetS in a sample of MDD patients with a current major depressive episode (MDE) and who are newly initiating their treatment.

Methods

In the 6-month prospective METADAP cohort, non-overweight patients, body mass index <25 kg/m2, with MDD and a current MDE were assessed for treatment response after 3 months of treatment, and incidence of MetS after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Outcome variables were MetS, number of MetS criteria, and each MetS criterion (high waist circumference, high blood pressure, high triglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterolemia, and high fasting plasma glucose).

Results

In total, 98/169 patients (58%) responded to treatment after 3 months. A total of 2.7% (1/38) developed MetS out of which 12.7% (10/79) (p value < 0.001) had responded to treatment after 3 months. The fixed-effect regression models showed that those who responded to treatment after 3 months of follow-up had an 8.6 times higher odds of developing MetS (odds ratio = 8.58, 95% confidence interval 3.89–18.93, p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to non-responders, non-overweight patients who responded to treatment after 3 months of antidepressant treatment had a significantly higher risk of developing MetS during the 6 months of treatment. Psychiatrists and nurses should closely monitor the metabolic profile of their patients, especially those who respond to treatment.
Myofilament-associated proteins with intrinsic disorder (MAPIDs) and their resolution by computational modeling
Authors: Sun Bin , Kekenes-Huskey Peter M.
Published: January 2023

The cardiac sarcomere is a cellular structure in the heart that enables muscle cells to contract. Dozens of proteins belong to the cardiac sarcomere, which work in tandem to generate force and adapt to demands on cardiac output. Intriguingly, the majority of these proteins have significant intrinsic disorder that contributes to their functions, yet the biophysics of these intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) have been characterized in limited detail. In this review, we first enumerate these myofilament-associated proteins with intrinsic disorder (MAPIDs) and recent biophysical studies to characterize their IDRs. We secondly summarize the biophysics governing IDR properties and the state-of-the-art in computational tools toward MAPID identification and characterization of their conformation ensembles. We conclude with an overview of future computational approaches toward broadening the understanding of intrinsic disorder in the cardiac sarcomere.
Local features, local meanings: Language ideologies and place-linked vocalic variation among Jewish Chicagoans
Authors: Benheim Jaime , D'Onofrio Annette
Published: January 2023

Research on Jewish English in the United States has drawn on a set of ideologies linking the Jewish ethnolinguistic repertoire to New York City English, but less is known about how these ideologies interface with the social meanings of regional features in the communities outside New York in which these speakers live. Through meta-linguistic commentary and acoustic analyses drawn from sociolinguistic interviews with white Jewish and Catholic Chicagoans, we find that meta-linguistic ideologies associate Jewish speakers with New York City English and white Catholic speakers with ‘local’ Chicago features. However, in actual production, these linguistic differences appear to be driven by neighborhood rather than ethnoreligious identity alone. We argue that while meta-linguistic commentary may re-circulate broader linguistic ideologies, the uptake of elements of the ethnolinguistic repertoire may depend on the social meanings of those features in the local community more broadly, including class- and place-linked variation. (Ethnolinguistic repertoire, place, Northern Cities Shift, Jewish English)*
The Gaiety Girl and the Matinee Idol: Constructing Celebrity, Glamour and Sexuality in the West End of London, 1890–1914
Authors: McWilliam Rohan
Published: January 2023

This study examines the role that musical comedy on stage played in shaping popular culture in the long Edwardian period (1890–1914). It is based around two iconic theatrical types of the period: the Gaiety Girl and the matinee idol. Historians have underestimated their importance and what they represented. These two are decoded as a way of understanding the development of a culture based upon glamour, celebrity, fashion, display and public forms of sexuality which started to break with Victorianism. It looks in particular at the musical comedies produced by the West End impresario George Edwardes and explores their links to the developing fashion and beauty industries of the period.
Laying hen welfare standards: a classic case of ‘power to the people’
Authors: Savory CJ
Published: January 2023

Legislation concerning laying hen welfare appears to be influenced more by public perceptions than by scientific and commercial evidence. This paper considers public understanding and power over the issue, and how welfare standards are structured. The usual objection to battery cages is that they do not provide enough space, but there seems to be ignorance of the fact that they were developed in order to improve the health of hens. Evidence is presented of more advantages than disadvantages with cage systems, and of the opposite with alternative (non-cage) housing. Why, then, does the public remain more concerned about just one of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's Five Freedoms — to display most normal patterns of behaviour — than about the other four? Arguably, the declared intent to ban battery cages in the EU in 2012 could not have been based justifiably on evidence in the European Commission Scientific Veterinary Committee's Report on the Welfare of Laying Hens. One therefore has to conclude that the decision to ban battery cages was taken for mainly political reasons, reflecting a belief that the majority of public opinion is against cages. Directive 99/74/EC will allow the use of ‘enriched cages’ after 2012, but, for political reasons, Germany intends to ban battery cages in 2007 and enriched cages in 2012. Following a recent public consultation on a possible similar ban on enriched cages in England, it was decided to defer a decision until after Directive 99/74/EC is reviewed in 2005. In one non-EU country, Switzerland, a national referendum led to a ban on battery cages in 1992. At present, there are ambiguities in minimum standards for different housing systems based on Directive 99/74/EC, which can be exploited by egg producers, sometimes at the expense of bird welfare. These concern stocking densities, the provision of claw-shortening devices, litter and perches, and the practice of beak trimming. They raise the question of the extent to which the structuring of welfare standards should represent a compromise between bird welfare, practicalities, public pressure and commercial interests.
Informed debate: the contribution of animal welfare science to the development of public policy
Authors: Radford M
Published: January 2023

The development of animal welfare science has had a fundamental influence on the development of public policy towards the treatment of animals, not only in individual countries such as the United Kingdom, but also within the institutions of the European Union. This has led to a new a body of legislation which is intended to promote welfare and to complement the traditional prohibition on causing cruelty. If this process is to continue, however, it is important that conducting research should not be regarded as the sole function of animal welfare scientists. It is essential that they are also fully engaged in ethical debate, policy formulation, regulatory mechanisms, and their enforcement.
Enrichment of laboratory caging for rats: a review
Authors: Patterson-Kane EG
Published: January 2023

Rats are a well-understood and widely used laboratory species that should be provided with environmentally enriched caging in line with modern animal welfare guidelines. This paper reviews which sources of enrichment are effective and should be prioritised, and how methods for providing enrichment might be selected using rats’ preferences as a guide. Rats demonstrate high demand for social contact and prefer larger cages, and cages with shelters, nesting material and foraging devices. Rats also discriminate between different methods of providing a given type of enrichment. It is clear that rats should be provided with enrichments such as social contact and shelter, and, in fact, that these should probably be considered basic husbandry requirements rather than optional improvements. It is still difficult, however, for animal caretakers to access proven, standardised methods for providing appropriately enriched caging, and the level of enrichment routinely provided to most rats in the laboratory appears to be low. Further research is required to assess the impact of enrichment upon research variables and to develop commercially viable enrichment products for rats in the laboratory.
The Use of Artificial Turf as a Foraging Substrate for Individually Housed Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)
Authors: Bayne K , Dexter S , Mainzer H , McCully C , Campbell G , Yamada F
Published: January 2023

The provisioning of foraging opportunities to primates has been shown to be an effective means of enriching the laboratory environment. In this study artificial turf was used as the substrate for a particulate food given to the subjects as an environmental enrichment technique. Eight rhesus monkeys exhibited a significant reduction in behavioural pathology when allowed to extend the amount of time they spent in consummatory activities. An increasing trend in time spent foraging with a concomitant decline in aberrant behaviour over a period of six months was particularly noteworthy. No significant difference in preference for particulate monkey chow or more flavourful particulate food treats was expressed by the primates.
Reactions of Cattle to Head-Restraint at Stunning: A Practical Dilemma
Authors: Ewbank R , Parker M J , Mason C W
Published: January 2023

The behavioural reactions and blood Cortisol levels of cattle stunned using a penetrating captive-bolt pistol whilst standing free in a stunning box were compared with those obtained from cattle similarly stunned but with their heads held in a hydraulically operated chin-lift type of head restrainer. Few (8 out of 55) animals voluntarily put their heads into the restrainer, most had to be ‘persuaded’ to use the head-restrainer; some (5 out of 24) could not be. The mean time between entry into the stunning pen and the stun for 23 free standing animals was 5.6s and for 19 animals which could be persuaded to use the head restrainer was 34.2s. The Cortisol levels in the blood taken at the stick, from 30 animals stunned while standing free was 67.6 nmoVlitre while that from 30 stunned while head-restrained was 143.1 nmolHitre. The behaviour and Cortisol results suggest that enforced usage of this type of head restrainer could be a cause of distress to the cattle involved.
Group Housing and Enrichment Cages for Breeding, Fattening and Laboratory Rabbits
Authors: Stauffacher M
Published: January 2023

The commercial breeding of rabbits in individual cages presents a number of problems with respect to animal protection legislation. These problems are first presented in an overview of the subject. Starting from the behaviour shown by domestic rabbits in a richly structured near-to-nature enclosure, a new concept for keeping breeding groups is presented. In the housing system for breeding groups (4-5 does, 1 buck, plus young until weaned) which is then developed, the main characteristics of near-to-nature surroundings required for normal behaviour are replaced by manageable artificial substitutes. The individual components of the housing system and the spatial arrangements are described and discussed. Ethological examination of group breeding has shown that this housing system is both more suitable to the requirements of the rabbits themselves and more in the interest of breeders than the present commercial cage system. However, since cages will certainly remain the most important means of housing laboratory and fattening rabbits in the medium term, the ethological requirements for keeping domestic rabbits in cages will be also be discussed.
Bullfighting and welfare
Authors: Thompson Harry V
Published: January 2023

Sir, In welcoming the first number of Animal Welfare, I am glad to note that the contents cover a wide subject range, which is a good augury of the journal's breadth of interest. In particular Professor Odberg's paper was very well-balanced, knowledgeable and thoughtful, but also unequivocal in pointing the way forward in controlling the welfare of the corrida.