bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pass/fail decisions and standards: the impact of differential examiner stringency on OSCE outcomes
Authors: Homer Matt
Published: March 2022

Variation in examiner stringency is a recognised problem in many standardised summative assessments of performance such as the OSCE. The stated strength of the OSCE is that such error might largely balance out over the exam as a whole. This study uses linear mixed models to estimate the impact of different factors (examiner, station, candidate and exam) on station-level total domain score and, separately, on a single global grade. The exam data is from 442 separate administrations of an 18 station OSCE for international medical graduates who want to work in the National Health Service in the UK. We find that variation due to examiner is approximately twice as large for domain scores as it is for grades (16% vs. 8%), with smaller residual variance in the former (67% vs. 76%). Combined estimates of exam-level (relative) reliability across all data are 0.75 and 0.69 for domains scores and grades respectively. The correlation between two separate estimates of stringency for individual examiners (one for grades and one for domain scores) is relatively high (r=0.76) implying that examiners are generally quite consistent in their stringency between these two assessments of performance. Cluster analysis indicates that examiners fall into two broad groups characterised as hawks or doves on both measures. At the exam level, correcting for examiner stringency produces systematically lower cut-scores under borderline regression standard setting than using the raw marks. In turn, such a correction would produce higher pass rates—although meaningful direct comparisons are challenging to make. As in other studies, this work shows that OSCEs and other standardised performance assessments are subject to substantial variation in examiner stringency, and require sufficient domain sampling to ensure quality of pass/fail decision-making is at least adequate. More, perhaps qualitative, work is needed to understand better how examiners might score similarly (or differently) between the awarding of station-level domain scores and global grades. The issue of the potential systematic bias of borderline regression evidenced for the first time here, with sources of error producing cut-scores higher than they should be, also needs more investigation.
Understanding potential conflicts between human and non-human-primates: a large-scale survey in Malaysia
Authors: Karimullah Karimullah , Widdig Anja , Sah Shahrul Anuar Mohd , Amici Federica
Published: March 2022

With increasing anthropogenic pressure, interactions between humans and wildlife may become more frequent, including conflictual ones. To reduce conflicts, it is important to understand how different factors (e.g. education, previous experience, demographic variables) interplay with each other and contribute to the emergence of negative attitudes and behaviours toward wildlife in humans. To address this issue, we conducted a large-scale questionnaire in Malaysia, focusing on potential conflicts between human and other primates. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess how formal education, knowledge about primates, negative experience and potential competition affected participants’ negative attitudes to primates (i.e. how humans perceive primates), their behavioural intentions (i.e. opinion on how to reduce conflicts) and behaviour (i.e. measures taken to reduce negative interactions). We found that negative experience and potential competition had a negative impact on participants’ attitude and behavior (i.e. primates were more likely perceived as filthy, as negatively affecting residents’ health and safety, and as an increasing problem, with participants more likely to use invasive methods, including captures). Both higher education and better knowledge of primates predicted more positive behavioural intentions (i.e. primates should be protected, non-invasive interventions should be used). Higher education, however, was also linked to more negative attitudes (i.e. primates negatively affect residents’ health and safety), and partly to negative behavior (e.g. use of invasive methods). In contrast, better knowledge about primates predicted positive behaviour (i.e. exclusive use of non-invasive methods). Therefore, although better knowledge of primates had no clear effect on human attitudes, it may impact on their decisions to reduce potential conflicts with wildlife, and might be the most powerful tool to mitigate conflicts between humans and other species.
Impact of developmental temperatures on thermal plasticity and repeatability of metabolic rate
Authors: Kar Fonti , Nakagawa Shinichi , Noble Daniel W. A.
Published: March 2022

Phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism that allows populations to adjust to changing environments. Early life experiences can have lasting impacts on how individuals respond to environmental variation later in life (i.e., individual reaction norms), altering the capacity for populations to respond to selection. Here, we incubated lizard embryos (Lampropholis delicata) at two fluctuating developmental temperatures (cold = 23 ºC + / − 3 ºC, hot = 29 ºC + / − 3 ºC, ncold = 26, nhot = 25) to understand how it affected metabolic plasticity to temperature later in life. We repeatedly measured individual reaction norms across six temperatures 10 times over ~ 3.5 months (nobs = 3,818) to estimate the repeatability of average metabolic rate (intercept) and thermal plasticity (slope). The intercept and the slope of the population-level reaction norm was not affected by developmental temperature. Repeatability of average metabolic rate was, on average, 10% lower in hot incubated lizards but stable across all temperatures. The slope of the thermal reaction norm was overall moderately repeatable (R = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.035 – 0.93) suggesting that individual metabolic rate changed consistently with short-term changes in temperature, although credible intervals were quite broad. Importantly, reaction norm repeatability did not depend on early developmental temperature. Identifying factors affecting among-individual variation in thermal plasticity will be increasingly more important for terrestrial ectotherms living in changing climate. Our work implies that thermal metabolic plasticity is robust to early developmental temperatures and has the capacity to evolve, despite there being less consistent variation in metabolic rate under hot environments.
Signatures of population III supernovae at Cosmic Dawn: the case of GN-z11-flash
Authors: Padmanabhan Hamsa , Loeb Abraham
Published: March 2022

We illustrate the observability of the end stages of the earliest (Population III) stars at high redshifts$$z \gtrsim 10$$z≳10, using the recently observed transient, GN-z11-flash as an example. We find that the observed spectrum of this transient is consistent with its originating from a shock-breakout in a Population III supernova occurring in the GN-z11 galaxy at$$z \sim 11$$z∼11. The energetics of the explosion indicate a progenitor star of mass$$\sim 300 M_{\odot }$$∼300M⊙in that galaxy, with of order unity such events expected over an observing timescale of a few years. We forecast the expected number of such transients from$$z > 10$$z>10galaxies as a function of their host stellar mass and star formation rate. Our findings are important in the context of future searches to detect and identify the signatures of galaxies at Cosmic Dawn.
Data-driven stochastic optimization for distributional ambiguity with integrated confidence region
Authors: Rebennack Steffen
Published: March 2022

We discuss stochastic optimization problems under distributional ambiguity. The distributional uncertainty is captured by considering an entire family of distributions. Because we assume the existence of data, we can consider confidence regions for the different estimators of the parameters of the distributions. Based on the definition of an appropriate estimator in the interior of the resulting confidence region, we propose a new data-driven stochastic optimization problem. This new approach applies the idea of a-posteriori Bayesian methods to the confidence region. We are able to prove that the expected value, over all observations and all possible distributions, of the optimal objective function of the proposed stochastic optimization problem is bounded by a constant. This constant is small for a sufficiently large i.i.d. sample size and depends on the chosen confidence level and the size of the confidence region. We demonstrate the utility of the new optimization approach on a Newsvendor and a reliability problem.
A priori estimates for solutions of FitzHugh–Rinzel system
Authors: De Angelis Monica
Published: March 2022

The FitzHugh–Rinzel system is able to describe some biophysical phenomena, such as bursting oscillations, and the study of its solutions can help to better understand several behaviours of the complex dynamics of biological systems. We express the solutions by means of an integral equation involving the fundamental solution H(x, t) related to a non linear integro-differential equation. Properties of H(x, t) allow us to obtain a priori estimates for solutions determined in the whole space, showing both the influence of the initial data and the source term.
Identifying factors contributing to social vulnerability through a deliberative Q-Sort process: an application to heat vulnerability in Taiwan
Authors: Mabon Leslie , Shih Wan-Yu
Published: March 2022

Extreme heat events are gaining ever more policy and societal attention under a warming climate. Although a breadth of expertises are required to understand drivers of vulnerability to hazards such as extreme heat, it is also acknowledged that expert assessments in group settings may be subject to biases and uneven power relations. In this Technical Note, we outline a structured deliberative process for supporting experts to work collaboratively to assess social vulnerability to a climate-related hazard, in this case extreme heat in Taiwanese cities. We argue that adapting elicitation approaches such as Q-Methodology for use in collaborative settings can help to organise expert discussion and enable dialogue and mutual learning, in a way that supports consensus-building on vulnerability assessment. Outcomes from our collaborative assessments suggest elderly people living alone, elderly people over 75, pre-existing circulatory diseases and level of participation in community decision-making may all be notable drivers of heat vulnerability in the Taiwanese context. Methodologically, we argue that collaborative sorting exercises offer a way to embed local and experiential knowledges into assessments of available evidence, but that strong facilitation and additional checks are necessary to ensure an inclusive process that reflects the diversity of perspectives involved.
Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for inventory rockfalls with fragmentation information
Authors: Núñez-Andrés M. Amparo , Lantada Zarzosa Nieves , Martínez-Llario José
Published: March 2022

The fragmentation phenomenon has a significant effect on rockfall risk assessment. This information is difficult to obtain, but it is key to improving rockfall modelling. For this reason, the RockModels team has gathered data on the fragmentation of several natural events since 2014 that nowadays wants to share them with professionals, academics and stakeholders. The best way for the dissemination of this information is the use of standard or data specifications in order to be interoperable. A fragmentation rockfall database has been created using all the gathered information, according to the INSPIRE Natural Hazard Area Data Specification currently in force. However, new tables have had to be added, since this specification does not consider fragmentation data. There are currently 6000 records of geometries of source areas, envelopes, deposits and mostly individual blocks. A web mapping application, with an automatic function for coordinate reference system transformation, has been created to facilitate access to the spatial database information. All that was developed on open-source software such as OpenLayers JavaScript library, database (PostGre-PostGIS) and the map generating Web Map Service (GeoServer). As more data are collected, the database can be easily updated and the new information will be published. Moreover, to improve data interpretation, a future task is to incorporate 3D models on the web application. The existence of this public database will facilitate research and advance in knowledge of this kind of natural hazards.

Graphical abstract

Rockfall volume distribution inventory data.

Georeferenced rockfall database including fragmentation data according to Technical Data Specifications of INSPIRE for natural hazards zone.

Database mapping of rockfall inventory data in a WMS open access.

Geometric modelling and geovisualization to fragmentation process in rockfall investigations.
Vehicles for Drug Administration to Children: Results and Learnings from an In-Depth Screening of FDA-Recommended Liquids and Soft Foods for Product Quality Assessment
Authors: Freerks Lisa , Sucher Wenke , Tarnow Marie-Josefin , Eckert Carolin , Klein Sandra
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Mixing with liquids or soft foods is a common procedure to improve acceptability of oral medicines in children but may affect drug stability and the in vivo performance of the administered drug product. The aim of the present study was to obtain an overview of the variability of critical attributes of commonly used vehicles and to identify which vehicle characteristics need to be considered when developing in vitro methods for evaluating product quality.

Methods

One product of each vehicle listed in the FDA draft guidance “Use of Liquids and/or Soft Foods as Vehicles for Drug Administration” was analyzed with regard to composition, calorific content and physicochemical properties.

Results

The studied vehicles show wide variability, both in composition and physicochemical properties. No correlation was observed between vehicle composition and physicochemical properties. Comparison of results of the present study with previously published data also provided variability in physicochemical properties within individual vehicle types.

Conclusions

To identify acceptable (qualified) vehicles for global drug product labeling, it is important that the vehicles selected for in vitro compatibility screening reflect the variability in composition and essential physicochemical properties of the vehicles recommended on the product label, rather than relying on results obtained with a single vehicle of each type. Future activities will focus on the development of standardized dosing vehicles that can represent key vehicle characteristics in all their variability to ensure reliable risk assessment.
Using Structural Equation Modeling to Untangle Pathways of Risk Factors Associated with Incident Type 2 Diabetes: the Lifelines Cohort Study
Authors: Duan Ming-Jie , Dekker Louise H. , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Navis Gerjan
Published: March 2022

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes are multifaceted and interrelated. Unraveling the complex pathways of modifiable risk factors related to incident type 2 diabetes will help prioritize prevention targets. The current analysis extended a previously proposed conceptual model by Bardenheier et al. (Diabetes Care, 36(9), 2655–2662, 2013) on prediabetes with a cross-sectional design. The model described the pathways of four aspects of modifiable risk factors in relation to incident type 2 diabetes, including socioeconomic status (income and education); lifestyle behaviors (diet quality, physical activity, TV watching, smoking, risk drinking, and unhealthy sleep duration); clinical markers (HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI, and waist circumference); and blood pressure. We performed structural equation modeling to test this conceptual model using a prospective population-based sample of 68,649 participants (35–80 years) from the Lifelines cohort study. During a median follow-up of 41 months, 1124 new cases of type 2 diabetes were identified (incidence 1.6%). The best-fitting model indicated that among all modifiable risk factors included, waist circumference had the biggest direct effect on type 2 diabetes (standardized β-coefficient 0.214), followed by HDL-cholesterol (standardized β-coefficient − 0.134). Less TV watching and more physical activity were found to play an important role in improving clinical markers that were directly associated with type 2 diabetes. Education had the biggest positive effects on all lifestyle behaviors except for unhealthy sleep duration. Our analysis provides evidence to support that structural equation modeling enables a holistic assessment of the interplay of type 2 diabetes risk factors, which not only allows the estimation of their total effects but also prioritization of prevention targets. Regarding the current guideline for diabetes prevention, waist management in addition to BMI control (clinical level), as well as less TV watching in addition to more physical activity (behavioral level), may provide additional public health benefits. Better education would be the main societal goal for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Topic-based classification and identification of global trends for startup companies
Authors: Savin Ivan , Chukavina Kristina , Pushkarev Andrey
Published: March 2022

To foresee global economic trends, one needs to understand the present startup companies that soon may become new market leaders. In this paper, we explore textual descriptions of more than 250 thousand startups in the Crunchbase database. We analyze the 2009–2019 period by using topic modeling. We propose a novel classification of startup companies free from expert bias that contains 38 topics and quantifies the weight of each of these topics for all the startups. Taking the year of establishment and geographical location of the startups into account, we measure which topics were increasing or decreasing their share over time, and which of them were predominantly present in Europe, North America, or other regions. We find that the share of startups focused on data analytics, social platforms, and financial transfers, and time management has risen, while an opposite trend is observed for mobile gaming, online news, and online social networks as well as legal and professional services. We also identify strong regional differences in topic distribution, suggesting certain concentration of the startups. For example, sustainable agriculture is presented stronger in South America and Africa, while pharmaceutics, in North America and Europe. Furthermore, we explore which pairs of topics tend to co-occur more often together, quantify how multisectoral the startups are, and which startup classes attract more investments. Finally, we compare our classification to the one existing in the Crunchbase database, demonstrating how we improve it.
Deciphering Redox State for a Metal-Rich World
Authors: McCoy Timothy J. , Dibb Steven D. , Peplowski Patrick N. , Maurel Clara , Bercovici Hannah L. , Corrigan Catherine M. , Bell James F. , Weiss Benjamin P. , Lawrence David J. , Wenkert Daniel D. , Prettyman Thomas H. , Elkins-Tanton Lindy T.
Published: March 2022

The Psyche mission’s Oxidation-Reduction Working Group is focused on understanding, determining, and applying the redox state of (16) Psyche to understand the origin of a metal-rich world. The oxidation-reduction state of an asteroid, along with its temperature, parent body size, and composition, is a key parameter in determining the history of an asteroid. Determining the redox state from spacecraft data is most easily done by examining potential metal-oxide buffer pairs. The occurrence of Ni, Fe, C, Cr, P and Si, in that order, in the metal or sulfide phase of an asteroidal body indicates increasingly reduced conditions. Key observations by the Imager and Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (GRNS) of Psyche can bracket the redox state using metal-oxide buffers. The presence of Fe,Ni metal can be confirmed by the ratios of Fe/O or Fe/Si and the concentration of Ni variability in metal across the asteroid can be determined by GRNS. The FeO concentration of silicates is complementary to the Ni concentration of metal and can be constrained using filters on the Imager. The presence of FeO in silicates from ground-based observations is one of the few measurements we already have of redox state, although available data permit a wide range of silicate compositions and mineralogies. The presence of C, P or Si concentrated in the metallic, Fe-rich portion of the asteroid, as measured by GRNS, or Ca-sulfide, determined by imaging, would indicate increasingly reducing conditions. Linkage to known types of meteorites, whether metal-rich chondrites, stony-irons or irons, expands the mineralogical, chemical and isotopic data not available from remote observations alone. Redox also controls both silicate and metal mineralogy, influencing differentiation, solidification, and subsolidus cooling, including the relative abundance of sulfur in the core and possible magnetic signatures. The redox state of Psyche, if a fully-differentiated metallic core, might constrain the location and timing of both the formation of Psyche and any oxidation it might have experienced.
Conceptual challenges for interpretable machine learning
Authors: Watson David S.
Published: March 2022

As machine learning has gradually entered into ever more sectors of public and private life, there has been a growing demand for algorithmic explainability. How can we make the predictions of complex statistical models more intelligible to end users? A subdiscipline of computer science known as interpretable machine learning (IML) has emerged to address this urgent question. Numerous influential methods have been proposed, from local linear approximations to rule lists and counterfactuals. In this article, I highlight three conceptual challenges that are largely overlooked by authors in this area. I argue that the vast majority of IML algorithms are plagued by (1) ambiguity with respect to their true target; (2) a disregard for error rates and severe testing; and (3) an emphasis on product over process. Each point is developed at length, drawing on relevant debates in epistemology and philosophy of science. Examples and counterexamples from IML are considered, demonstrating how failure to acknowledge these problems can result in counterintuitive and potentially misleading explanations. Without greater care for the conceptual foundations of IML, future work in this area is doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
Can Ikigai Predict Anxiety, Depression, and Well-being?
Authors: Wilkes Juliet , Garip Gulcan , Kotera Yasuhiro , Fido Dean
Published: March 2022

The Japanese construct of ikigai reflects a sense of having ‘purpose in life’ or a ‘reason for living and has been associated with a variety of positive health outcomes. However, to date little research into ikigai exists within Western populations. This study explored the predictive power of ikigai for measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety in an adult Western population. Ninety-four participants (70% female) responded to an online survey. After accounting for the covariates of sex, age, employment status, and student status, multiple hierarchical regression indicated that ikigai positively predicted well-being and negatively predicted depression. While on its own, ikigai negatively predicted anxiety; this was not the case after accounting for the aforementioned covariates. The findings support the importance for investigating ikigai in the West and the need for further exploration of ikigai as a potential means of bringing about benefit in mental well-being.
Von der Viren-Schleuder zum Betreuungsobjekt?
Authors: Klundt Michael
Published: March 2022

Der einleitende Beitrag skizziert die Entwicklung der Situation von Kindern in den beiden zurückliegenden Jahren der Corona-Pandemie und stellt die Beiträge des Themenschwerpunkts kurz vor.
Atrial fibrillation: trends in prevalence and antithrombotic prescriptions in the community
Authors: Joosten L. P. T. , de Boer A. R. , van Eerde E. J. B. , van Doorn S. , Hoes A. W. , Bots M. L. , Rutten F. H. , Geersing G. J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In the past decade, the atrial fibrillation (AF) landscape, including the treatment modalities, has drastically changed. This raises the question how AF prevalence and choices in antithrombotic therapy prescription have developed in the community over time.

Methods

Routine care data from the Julius General Practitioners’ Network (JGPN) were used to calculate the yearly prevalence of AF and to quantify the percentage of all patients who were prescribed a platelet inhibitor, vitamin K antagonist (VKA), non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC) or no antithrombotic medication. To explore whether certain patient characteristics are associated with selective prescription of oral anticoagulants (OAC), we applied logistic regression analyses.

Results

From 2008 through 2017, the JGPN database included 7459 unique AF patients. During this period, the prevalence of AF increased from 0.4% to 1.4%. The percentage of patients prescribed a VKA declined from 47% to 41%, whereas the percentage of patients prescribed a NOAC rose from 0% to 20%. In patients with new-onset AF, older age, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease and dementia were independently associated with a higher likelihood of VKA rather than NOAC prescription. In 2017, 25% of all patients with AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 were not prescribed OAC therapy (i.e. 8% with platelet inhibitor monotherapy and 17% without any antithrombotic therapy).

Conclusion

Between 2008 and 2017, AF prevalence in the community more than tripled. Prescription patterns showed possible ‘channelling’ of VKAs over NOACs in frailer, elderly patients, whereas still about one in every four AF patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 was not prescribed any prophylactic OAC therapy.
Innovate or game over? Examining effects of product innovativeness on video game success
Authors: Handrich Franziska , Heidenreich Sven , Kraemer Tobias
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the video game industry has invested significant amounts in the development of innovative elements for its products. However, it is still subject to debate whether these R&D investments always pay off. While prior research has confirmed that enhancing product innovativeness increases business performance in certain industries, corresponding findings for the video game market are lacking. This might be a result of missing theoretical conceptualizations and adequate empirical operationalizations of game innovativeness. Addressing this research gap, this study provides the first conceptualization and operationalization of game innovativeness, shedding first light on its performance effects. Based on longitudinal data on 351 computer games, our findings confirm that innovations in the game’s presentation and principle enhance short-term success, whereas innovations in a game’s storyline can be more of a hindrance than a godsend for companies. However, our results also show that performance effects of game innovativeness diminish over time.
Chronological Evolution of the Information-Driven Decision-Making Process (1950–2020)
Authors: Parra Xileidys , Tort-Martorell Xavier , Alvarez-Gomez Fernando , Ruiz-Viñals Carmen
Published: March 2022

The decision-making process (DMP) is essential in organizations and has changed due to multidisciplinary research, greatly influenced by the progress in information technologies and computational science. This work’s objective is analysing the progressive interaction between DMP and information technologies and the consequent breakthroughs in how business is conducted since 1950 to recent times. Therefore, a chronological review of the information-driven DMP evolvement is presented. The major landmarks that defined how technology influenced how information is generated, stored, managed, and used for making better decisions, minimizing the uncertainty and gaining knowledge, are covered. The findings showed that even if current data-driven trends in managerial decision making have led to competitive advantages and business opportunities, there is still a gap between the technological capabilities and the organizational needs. Nowadays, it has been reported that the adoption of technology solutions in many companies is faster than their capacity to adapt at managerial level. Aware of this reality, the “Circumplex Hierarchical Representation of Organization Maturity Assessment” (CHROMA) model has been developed. This tool makes it possible to evaluate whether the management of organizations is making decisions using the available data correctly and optimizing their information systems.
Molecular SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Bavaria shows no Omicron transmission before the end of November 2021
Authors: Flechsler Jennifer , Eberle Ute , Dangel Alexandra , Hepner Sabrina , Wimmer Clara , Lutmayr Johannes , Konrad Regina , Berger Carola , Weise Laura , Sprenger Annika , Zeitler Jörg , Paravinja Natali , Angermeier Hildegard , Githure George , Schmidt Sandra , Treis Bianca , Okeyo Mercy , Liebl Bernhard , Ackermann Nikolaus , Sing Andreas ,   Bavarian SARS-CoV-Public Health Laboratory Team, Baborka Christoph , Bengs Katja , Berger Anja , Fingerle Volker , Herrmann Lorena , Hobmaier Bernhard , Kudella Patrick , Kukula Verena
Published: March 2022

Background

Five SARS-CoV-2 variants are currently considered as variants of concern (VOC). Omicron was declared a VOC at the end of November 2021. Based on different diagnostic methods, the occurrence of Omicron was reported by 52 countries worldwide on December 7 2021. First notified by South Africa with alarming reports on increasing infection rates, this new variant was soon suspected to replace the currently pre-dominating Delta variant leading to further infection waves worldwide.

Methods

Using VOC PCR screening and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of selected samples, we investigated the circulation of Omicron in the German federal state Bavaria. For this, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data from our laboratory generated from calendar week (CW) 01 to 49/2021.

Results

So far, we have detected 69 Omicron cases in our laboratory from CW 47–49/2021 using RT-qPCR followed by melting curve analysis. The first 16 cases were analyzed by NGS and all were confirmed as Omicron.

Conclusion

Our data strongly support no circulation of the new Omicron variant before CW 47/2021.
The institutional and socio-technical determinants of renewable energy production in the EU: implications for policy
Authors: Marra Alessandro , Colantonio Emiliano
Published: March 2022

Despite the consensus that the transition to renewable energy is a process that encompasses institutional, regulatory, technical, political, social, and cultural aspects, such issues have rarely been addressed in a comprehensive way. This study explores the determinants of renewable energy production (REP), focusing on institutional and socio-technical aspects. We employ a panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) model to test dynamic relationships for the period 1990–2015 among several variables, as have emerged in the literature: REP, policy stringency, public awareness, lobbying, education, controlling for income and energy imports. Focusing indiscriminately on 18 European Union (EU) member states, the results show that environmental policy stringency does not influence REP, while income and education impact negatively. This evidence is counter-intuitive, and would be surprising if we did not consider the strong heterogeneity between countries. EU member states are engaging in energy transition at different speeds, depending on their individual starting point: this differs from country to country in terms of installed capacity and energy security. Moving from the recent European Green Deal, we divide the sample into two panels based on energy imports to account for different starting points: countries less active on the production side (that depends particularly on energy imports), and countries more active on the production side. Results for the first panel show that an increase in policy stringency would lead to a decrease in lobbying and an increase in REP. Policy efforts must be clearly established and consistently preserved to support REP, at least if there are increasing returns to exploit. Results for the second panel show that lobbying negatively affects the transition to REP, while an increase in public awareness will promote an increase in REP. Therefore, priority should be given to the ‘social’ aspect, and policymakers should increase efforts to reduce the proportion of energy generated from oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear fuel.
Does an educative approach work? A reflective case study of how two Australian higher education Enabling programs support students and staff uphold a responsible culture of academic integrity
Authors: Fudge Anthea , Ulpen Tamra , Bilic Snjezana , Picard Michelle , Carter Carol
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Enabling education programs, otherwise known as Foundation Studies or Preparatory programs, provide pathways for students typically under-represented in higher education. Students in Enabling programs often face distinct challenges in their induction to academic culture which can implicate them in cases of misconduct. This case study addresses a gap in the enabling literature reporting on how a culture of academic integrity can be developed for students and staff in these programs through an educative approach.

Case description

This paper outlines how an educative approach to academic integrity is implemented within the Enabling programs of two Australian universities.

Discussion and reflection

This case study reflects upon an approach which makes specific reference to the key elements of ‘support’, ‘approach’ and ‘responsibility’ as highlighted in Bretag and Mahmud’s seminal paper. The paper reports a reduction in misconduct cases at the two institutions suggesting a positive correlation between the interventions and students’ understanding of ethical academic practice. This study reflects upon practitioner experiences with academic integrity investigations to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.

Conclusions

The authors show that it is possible to ensure academic integrity practices and values are upheld within a supportive learning environment appropriate to a students’ level of study.
A Review of PCN Determination of Airport Pavements Using FWD/HWD Test
Authors: Sun Junyu , Chai Gary , Oh Erwin , Bell Phil
Published: March 2022

Airport pavements are widely constructed as airport runways, taxiways, and aprons. The airport traffic should be considered during the design stage of airport pavements before the construction. To protect airport pavements from negligent overload, a pavement strength rating system and an aircraft load classification system are adopted. Under the rating systems developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Aircraft Classification Number (ACN) and Pavement Classification Number (PCN) are calculated to assess the aircraft loads and the load-carrying capacity of the airport pavements for unrestricted operations. With the increase in the air transport demand, increasing attention on the continuous evaluation of airport pavement conditions is introduced to airports across the globe. The load-carrying capacity can be evaluated to assess airport pavement conditions by calculating the value of PCN continuously during the service cycle of pavements. The value of PCN can be estimated by testing the response of stationary dynamic loads, adopting a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) or a Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) device that simulates the stress generated by aircraft movements. By evaluating the PCN continuously in Airport Pavement Management System (APMS), cyclic determinations of the load-carrying capacity can be conducted to support the maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) decision-makers. This review summarizes the methodology for determining the PCN and the tests conducted for evaluating the strength of airport pavement presented in the published literature. Further, the review highlights the benefits of determining PCNs by adopting the FWD or HWD field data with more precise results through mechanistic procedures.
The Paradox of Transitional‐Justice Theatre in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Fan-Ting
Published: March 2022

As an exemplar of transitional‐justice theatre in Taiwan, Dark Eyes Performance Lab’s Too Many Dreams in One Night aimed to repair a social wound but aroused debates over its use of immersive staging and torture instruments to reenact the political violence of the White Terror. The play foregrounded the impossibility of experiencing historical trauma through theatrical performance and, paradoxically, the necessity of employing metatheatrical devices to highlight such an impossibility.
Employment Inequalities Among British Minority Ethnic Workers in Health and Social Care at the Time of Covid-19: A Rapid Review of the Literature
Authors: Hussein Shereen
Published: March 2022

There are long-standing concerns of inequalities in the workplace among minority ethnic (ME) workers in the UK health and social care (H&SC) sectors. ME workers contribute significantly to H&SC delivery. However, there is considerable evidence of substantial negative experiences among this group across various workplace indicators and outcomes, including (mis)treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities with higher infection rates and related deaths among ME health and care workers. A rapid review methodology was employed to examine the work experiences and outcomes of ME workers in H&SC in the UK, focusing on low paid workers. The review identified fifty-one relevant outputs, detailing the nature and extent of inequalities across recruitment, career progression and treatment at work, including bullying and harassment. The findings highlight the impact of the intersectionality of gender, race and migration status concerning the ways inequalities are manifested and operated through individual perceptions and institutional and structural racism.
The Partisans and the Persuadables: Public Views of Black Lives Matter and the 2020 Protests
Authors: Drakulich Kevin , Denver Megan
Published: March 2022

In the spring and summer of 2020, a remarkable number of Americans participated in a remarkable number of protests in support of Black Lives Matter. How did the general public understand these protests, and where does support for the movement stand overall? We answer this question by drawing on several national surveys from 2020 and then examining the results of a framing experiment we conducted in June 2020. We structure the story we find in two parts—the partisans and the persuadables—both of whom are important to understanding public views of Black Lives Matter. Democrats and Republicans differ strongly in their views of the movement but are similar in the firmness of those views, which did not change in response to our framing experiment. Nonpartisans, in contrast, were more persuadable, though their reactions to some of our frames were conditioned by racial resentment. We conclude by setting the movement in historical context and assessing its impact, which we describe as complicated and contradictory but consequential.
The effect of wasting and stunting during severe acute malnutrition in infancy on insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance in adult life
Authors: Thompson Debbie S. , Francis-Emmanuel Patrice M. , Barnett Alan T. , Osmond Clive , Hanson Mark A. , Byrne Christopher D. , Gluckman Peter D. , Forrester Terrence E. , Boyne Michael S.
Published: March 2022

Adults who had non-edematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM) during infancy (i.e., marasmus) have worse glucose tolerance and beta-cell function than survivors of edematous SAM (i.e., kwashiorkor). We hypothesized that wasting and/or stunting in SAM is associated with lower glucose disposal rate (M) and insulin clearance (MCR) in adulthood.

We recruited 40 nondiabetic adult SAM survivors (20 marasmus survivors (MS) and 20 kwashiorkor survivors (KS)) and 13 matched community controls. We performed 150-minute hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic clamps to estimate M and MCR. We also measured serum adiponectin, anthropometry, and body composition. Data on wasting (weight-for-height) and stunting (height-for-age) were abstracted from the hospital records.

Children with marasmus had lower weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) (−3.8 ± 0.9 vs. −2.2 ± 1.4; P < 0.001) and lower height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (−4.6 ± 1.1 vs. −3.4 ± 1.5; P = 0.0092) than those with kwashiorkor. As adults, mean age (SD) of participants was 27.2 (8.1) years; BMI was 23.6 (5.0) kg/m2. SAM survivors and controls had similar body composition. MS and KS and controls had similar M (9.1 ± 3.2; 8.7 ± 4.6; 6.9 ± 2.5 mg.kg−1.min−1 respectively; P = 0.3) and MCR. WHZ and HAZ were not associated with M, MCR or adiponectin even after adjusting for body composition.

Wasting and stunting during infancy are not associated with insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance in lean, young, adult survivors of SAM. These data are consistent with the finding that glucose intolerance in malnutrition survivors is mostly due to beta-cell dysfunction.
Relationship Between Test-Taking Motivation and Listening Metacognitive Awareness in EFL Listening Context
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Mingzhu , Dong Manxia
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Background: This quantitative study examines the unique effect of four different test-taking motivation variables (i.e., expectancy, importance, interest, and anxiety) on overall listening metacognitive awareness and its four dimensions (directed attention, mental translation, planning and evaluation, and problem-solving). Methods: A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 525 university students. Path model analysis was performed to analyze the questionnaire data. Results: Results showed that the overall listening metacognitive awareness was positively associated with expectancy and importance. Results also indicated various patterns of relationship between variables, of which the following are noteworthy: expectancy was positively associated with directed attention, problem-solving, and planning and evaluation; interest was only positively correlated with planning and evaluation; listening anxiety was related to higher levels of mental translation and planning and evaluation but lower levels of directed attention; and importance was positively correlated with all four dimensions of listening metacognitive awareness. Discussion: The implications for English listening teaching, learning, and testing are also discussed.
SAR Altimetry Data as a New Source for Swell Monitoring
Authors: Altiparmaki Ourania , Kleinherenbrink Marcel , Naeije Marc , Slobbe Cornelis , Visser Pieter
Published: March 2022

This article shows the first spectral analysis of fully‐focused Synthetic Aperture Radar (FFSAR) altimetry data with the objective of studying backscatter modulations caused by swells. Swell waves distort the backscatter in altimetry radargrams by means of velocity and range bunching. These swell signatures are visible in the tail of the waveform. By locally normalizing the backscatter and projecting the waveforms on an along‐/cross‐track grid, satellite altimetry can be exploited to retrieve swell information. The analysis of FFSAR spectra is supported by buoy‐derived swell‐wave spectra of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration network. Using cases with varying wave characteristics, we discuss the altimetry‐derived spectra and relate them to what is known from side‐looking SAR imaging systems. Besides having a vast amount of additional data for swell‐wave analysis, altimeter data can also help us to better understand the side‐looking SAR spectra.
Peatland Dissolved Organic Carbon Export to Surface Waters: Global Significance and Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbance
Authors: Rosset Thomas , Binet Stéphane , Rigal François , Gandois Laure
Published: March 2022

Peatlands are key components of the global carbon cycle. We compiled peatland dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export from 62 sites to provide a global estimate of the contribution of these ecosystems to fluvial organic carbon fluxes. Despite their modest coverage on land (less than 3%), peatlands contribute at least 91 ± 54 Tg DOC to surface waters, and could represent from 12% to 20% of the DOC ultimately transferred to oceans. Boreal peatlands are the main contributors, with 58% of peatland inputs. Tropical peatlands contribute 37% of global peatland fluxes although representing only 13% of global peatland areas. Temperature is the leading factor explaining the variability in DOC fluxes for natural sites, when it is discharge for sites impacted by direct anthropogenic activities. This suggests different trajectories under climate change pressure for non–disturbed and disturbed sites and reinforces the need for hydrological restoration of disturbed peatland sites worldwide.
Differentiating the Causes of Aged Organic Carbon in Marine Sediments
Authors: Chu Mengfan , Zhao Meixun , Eglinton Timothy I. , Bao Rui
Published: March 2022

Aged organic carbon (OC) is widely observed in surficial sediments deposited on continental margins, resulting from several factors including old OC input and sedimentological processes. While the supply of old OC to marine sediments has been examined and quantified in a range of continent margin settings, there have been few attempts to constrain the extent to which hydrodynamic processes, specifically lateral transport, contribute to the old age of sedimentary OC. Here, we propose a mathematical index, bAgedOC, to differentiate the causes of sedimentary aged OC, and apply this approach to two typical sediment transport pathways that follow the supply and dispersal of terrestrial OC in the marine environment, and further extrapolate it to submarine canyon, Arctic and deep‐sea environments. The index, representing a modification of a widely used quantitative method, provides a novel approach to distinguish the contribution of lateral transport to the pre‐depositional aging of OC in the oceanic region.
Asymmetric Warming/Cooling Response to CO2 Increase/Decrease Mainly Due To Non‐Logarithmic Forcing, Not Feedbacks
Authors: Mitevski Ivan , Polvani Lorenzo M. , Orbe Clara
Published: March 2022

We explore the CO2 dependence of effective climate sensitivity (SG) with symmetric abrupt and transient CO2 forcing, spanning the range 1/8×, 1/4×, 1/2×, 2×, 4×, and 8×CO2, using two state‐of‐the‐art fully coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐sea‐ice‐land models. In both models, under abrupt CO2 forcing, we find an asymmetric response in surface temperature and SG. The surface global warming at 8×CO2 is more than one third larger than the corresponding cooling at 1/8×CO2, and SG is CO2 dependent, increasing non‐monotonically from 1/8×CO2 to 8×CO2. We find similar CO2 dependence in the transient runs, forced with −1%yr−1CO2 and +1%yr−1CO2 up to 1/8×CO2 and 8×CO2, respectively. The non‐logarithmic radiative forcing—not the changing feedbacks—primarily explains the dependence of SG on CO2, particularly at low CO2 levels. The changing feedbacks, however, explain SG's non‐monotonic behavior.
Feedback of Tropical Cyclones Over the Western North Pacific on La Niña Flavor
Authors: Wang Qiuyun , Li Jianping
Published: March 2022

The relationship between La Niña and tropical cyclone (TC) activity has not received as much attention as that between El Niño and TCs; in particular, the important role of TCs in affecting La Niña flavor has not been reported. This study reveals a clear feedback of TCs over the western North Pacific (WNP) on La Niña flavor by modulating the Walker circulation and thermocline. When strong WNP accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) occurs 3 months earlier, the center of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies shifts to the equatorial eastern Pacific, favoring the development of eastern‐Pacific (EP) La Niña. In contrast, weak WNP ACE is associated with central‐Pacific (CP) La Niña, and the influence of WNP TCs on the intensity of CP La Niña may be larger than for EP La Niña. More evidence is provided in the predictions of EP and CP La Niña events using the ACE + SST model.