bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment is associated with perturbed neurotransmission pathways
Authors: Oppegaard Kate R. , Conley Yvette P. , Paul Steven , Cooper Bruce , Harris Carolyn S. , Shin Joosun , Morse Lisa , Levine Jon D. , Cartwright Frances , Roy Ritu , Melisko Michelle , Kober Kord M. , Hammer Marilyn J. , Miaskowski Christine
Published: September 2024

Background

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is reported by 45% of patients with cancer. Significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding the mechanisms that underlie CRCI.

Objectives

Using a data-driven approach, the study purpose was to evaluate for perturbed pathways associated with membership in the High versus the Low CRCI profiles.

Methods

Patients completed the Attentional Function Index six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Using findings from a previous latent profile analysis, subgroups of patients with high versus low levels of CRCI were evaluated (i.e., High versus Low CRCI profiles). Gene expression was quantified using either ribonucleic (RNA)-sequencing or microarray analyses and pathway impact analyses were performed. Signaling pathways were defined using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database.

Results

A total of 508 patients had data available for analysis. Of the 261 patients in the RNA-sequencing sample, 48.7% were in the High class and 51.3% were in the Low class. Of the 247 patients the microarray sample, 46.6% were in the High class and 53.4% were in the Low class. Pathway impact analyses identified seven perturbed pathways related to neurotransmission (i.e., glutamatergic synapse, GABAergic synapse, dopaminergic synapse, serotonergic synapse, long-term depression, cholinergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling).

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe associations between self-reported CRCI in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer and seven neurotransmission pathways. These findings provide new insights into potential targets for mechanistically based interventions.
Thermal tolerance of larvae of seven Chironomus species and up-regulation of heat shock protein-coding genes in Chironomus sulfurosus
Authors: Tettey Pamela A. , Fujii Sotaro , Saito Hidetoshi , Sambongi Yoshihiro , Kawai Koichiro
Published: September 2024

Global warming directly and indirectly affects the biology and ecology of aquatic insects. Chironomids are ubiquitous on the earth and are suitable for systematic analysis of the warming effect on insects. Here, we measured the survival rate for the fourth-instar larvae of seven Chironomus species at different temperatures. The mid-temperature for survival after 1-h temperature exposure to Chironomus sulfurosus larvae was the highest (43 °C) among seven Chironomus species. In addition, 14.5% of C. sulfurosus larvae survived at 40 °C from the first to the fourth instar for 14 days, whereas larvae of the other three species with relatively high thermal tolerance in the 1-h exposure test could not. These results indicate that only C. sulfurosus larvae are tolerant of 40 °C. We examined the expression levels of specific genes encoding four heat shock proteins and one heat shock protein cognate in C. sulfurosus larvae at various temperatures using quantitative real-time PCR. The expression levels of genes for hsc70, hsp67, hsp60, hsp27, and hsp23 genes were higher at 40 °C than those at 35 °C, at which 97% of larvae survived for 14 days. Therefore, in conjunction with the present phylogenetic analysis, the thermal tolerance of C. sulfurosus is associated with the up-regulated hsp and hsc genes, which may underlie a mechanism for the organism’s response to high temperatures.
A phenomenological analysis of the #KuyaKimAnoNa segment of the 24 Oras newscast’s graphical elements for deaf viewers
Authors: Espineda Melvin N. , Gimeno Sarah Faith A.
Published: September 2024

This phenomenological study, influenced by Radcliffe-Structural Brown’s Structural Functionalism and Bortha’s (2017) Minimalism Theory, explores the impact of the #KuyaKimAnoNa part of 24 Oras newscasts on deaf viewers. In-depth interviews were used to analyze the lived experiences of nine individuals. Four major themes emerged: modification of the TV inset size for deaf visual sign recognition and understanding; minimal visual components aid deaf people in understanding the message; familiarization and exposure to the deaf community’s preferred language; and simplification of the layout for better deaf perception and understanding of the message. This study concludes that changing the size of the TV inset is the only way to improve social inclusion. Deaf viewers, on the other hand, prefer a more straightforward structure. To increase their comprehension of deaf viewers’ language and signs, SLIs and multimedia practitioners must be exposed to and be familiar with the deaf community’s culture and preferred language. TV networks, on the other hand, may consider streamlining their layout into deaf-friendly designs or employing minimal graphical features to allow deaf viewers access to information and social integration; this must adhere to a structural model to be functional.
Identification and Validation of Biomarkers to Predict Early Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Progression to Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Khan Farhat , Abdulla Naaziyah , du Plessis Thea-Leonie , Karlsson Kay , Barrow Peter , Bebington Brendan , Gu Liang , Kaur Mandeep
Published: September 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a common global health problem as prevalence continues to rise. It is often associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Limitations in current IBD biomarker-based diagnosis hinder the accuracy of early detection of CRC progression. Therefore, in this study, we proposed the use of transcription factor (TF)-based biomarkers that can potentially detect the transition of IBD to CRC. Various bioinformatic analysis and online database validations, and RT-qPCR validations were performed to identify possible diagnostic TFs. RUNX1 was identified as a promising TF that regulates 106 IBD/CRC-related genes. The incorporation of RUNX1 in combination with currently known IBD biomarkers, FEV + NFKB1 + RELA, achieved a comparable sensitivity and specificity scores of 99% and 87%, respectively, while RUNX1 in combination with known CRC markers, CEA + TIMP1 + CA724 + CA199, achieved a sensitivity and specificity score of 97% and 99%, respectively. Furthermore, a small pilot RT-qPCR-based analysis confirmed a demarcated shift in expression profiles in CA724, CEA, RUNX1 and TIMP1 in IBD patients compared to CRC patients’ tissue samples. Specifically, CA724 is noticeably elevated in IBD, while the levels of CEA, RUNX1 with TIMP1 are probable genes that may be employed in discerning IBD progression to CRC. Therefore, these preliminary results once validated in large patient cohorts could potentially have a significant impact on CRC disease stratification, resulting in a more precise prediction for treatment and treatment outcomes, especially in South African patients.
Understanding the Drivers of Industry 4.0 Technologies to Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability: Insights from the Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Chen Xiaoning , Jones Paul , Liu Shaofeng , Lopez Carmen , Leoni Leonardo , Dennehy Denis
Published: September 2024

The sustainability of agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is severely threatened by regional and global events (e.g., conflicts, natural and human-made disasters, climate crises). In response, the AFSC industry is seeking digital solutions using Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to enhance resilience and efficiency. However, why I4.0 adoption remains stubbornly low in the agri-food industry remains poorly understood. To address this gap, this study draws on middle-range theory (MRT) and uses thematic analysis, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, total interpretive structural modelling, and fuzzy cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification to produce insights from nine case studies in China that have invested in I4.0 technologies to improve their AFSC sustainability. New drivers of I4.0 unique to the agri-food industry are identified, showing how I4.0 can contribute to the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of AFSC sustainability. The results have implications for AFSC researchers and practitioners with an interest in supply chain sustainability.
Localization in Boundary-Driven Lattice Models
Authors: Giusfredi Michele , Iubini Stefano , Politi Paolo
Published: September 2024

Several systems display an equilibrium condensation transition, where a finite fraction of a conserved quantity is spatially localized. The presence of two conservation laws may induce the emergence of such transition in an out-of-equilibrium setup, where boundaries are attached to different and subcritical heat baths. We study this phenomenon in a class of stochastic lattice models, where the local energy is a general convex function of the local mass, mass and energy being both globally conserved in the isolated system. We obtain exact results for the nonequilibrium steady state (spatial profiles, mass and energy currents, Onsager coefficients) and we highlight important differences between equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium condensation.
Survey of a class of iterative row-action methods: The Kaczmarz method
Authors: A. Ferreira Inês , A. Acebrón Juan , Monteiro José
Published: September 2024

The Kaczmarz algorithm is an iterative method that solves linear systems of equations. It stands out among iterative algorithms when dealing with large systems for two reasons. First, at each iteration, the Kaczmarz algorithm uses a single equation, resulting in minimal computational work per iteration. Second, solving the entire system may only require the use of a small subset of the equations. These characteristics have attracted significant attention to the Kaczmarz algorithm. Researchers have observed that randomly choosing equations can improve the convergence rate of the algorithm. This insight led to the development of the Randomized Kaczmarz algorithm and, subsequently, several other variations emerged. In this paper, we extensively analyze the native Kaczmarz algorithm and many of its variations using large-scale systems as benchmarks. Through our investigation, we have verified that, for consistent systems, various row sampling schemes can outperform both the original and Randomized Kaczmarz method. Specifically, sampling without replacement and using quasirandom numbers are the fastest techniques. However, for inconsistent systems, the Conjugate Gradient method for Least-Squares problems overcomes all variations of the Kaczmarz method for these types of systems.
Kinder – Jugendhilfe – Strafvollzug
Authors: Arikoglu Selin , Wagner Leonie
Published: September 2024

Die Situation und Bedarfe von Angehörigen und insbesondere Kindern von Inhaftierten haben in der Sozialen Arbeit bislang wenig Beachtung gefunden. Der Schwerpunkt thematisiert die spezifischen Anforderungen von mehreren Seiten. Beschrieben werden die Rahmenbedingungen für Kontakte, die möglichen Auswirkungen einer Inhaftierung eines Elternteils auf Kinder, Jugendliche und Partner_innen sowie notwendige Reformen. Am Beispiel des Projekts „Freiräume“ wird eine gelungene Vater-Kind-Arbeit im Strafvollzug vorgestellt.
Incidence of contrast-induced neurotoxicity following endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Mariajoseph Frederick P. , Lai Leon T. , Moore Justin , Chandra Ronil V. , Goldschlager Tony , Praeger Adrian , Yu Daniel , Slater Lee-Anne
Published: September 2024

Background

Contrast-induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is a recognised complication of endovascular procedures and has been increasingly observed in recent years. Amongst other clinical gaps, the precise incidence of CIN is unclear, particularly following intracranial interventional procedures.

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing elective endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) was performed. Patients with previously ruptured aneurysms were excluded. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of CIN following endovascular UIA treatment. Our secondary aim was to isolate potential predictive factors for developing CIN.

Results

From 2017 to 2023, a total of 158 patients underwent endovascular UIA treatment, with a median age of 64 years (IQR: 54–72), and 70.3% of female sex. Over the study period, the crude incidence of CIN was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.7 – 6.4%). The most common clinical manifestation of CIN was confusion (75%) and seizures (50%). Statistical analysis was conducted, and prolonged procedural duration was found be significantly associated with developing CIN (OR 12.55; p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the risk of CIN following endovascular neurointervention, particularly following technically challenging cases resulting in prolonged procedural time.
Embracing Technology to Develop a Clinical Pharmacology and Medication Safety Elective in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Wightkin William T. , Graham Elizabeth B. , Hooper Brooke , Ikonne Uzoma
Published: September 2024

A clinical pharmacology and medication safety elective was developed for fourth-year medical students to enhance students’ foundational pharmacology knowledge and the importance of preventing medication errors. Using video conferencing technology represents a modern approach to facilitate vertical integration of pharmacology curricula and increase multi-institutional and interprofessional collaboration to improve student learning.
The asymmetric effect of the stabilisation policies on the general price level in the Southern African Common Monetary Area
Authors: Mashao Teboho , Choga Ireen
Published: September 2024

For decades, ensuring price stability has been a significant concern for the monetary authorities in emerging economies. Even though monetary policy is essential for keeping the price level stable, it is still exposed to shocks that can challenge economic objectives. As a result, the main objective of this study is to examine the asymmetric effects of stabilisation policies on the general price in the Southern African Common Monetary Area (CMA) between 1990 and 2022. The study uses panel analysis and panel nonlinear autoregressive distributed lags techniques to analyse the effects of exchange rate, money supply, government revenue, fiscal deficit, interest rate and government spending on the general price level. The results show that positive and negative changes in exchange rate, government revenue, fiscal deficit and interest rate significantly affect the general price level in the long run. However, only negative changes in interest rates and positive changes in fiscal deficit affect the price level in the long run. The long-term effect of government spending and money supply is insignificant. Furthermore, this study reports that there is a long-run asymmetric effect of the exchange rate on the general price level. The study suggests that contractive fiscal policy should be applied to avoid upward pressure on the general price level in the CMA, and a monetary policy approach should be applied to effectively control exchange rate fluctuations. Therefore, a policy mix aimed at price stability should be implemented in the CMA.
Advancing powder bed fusion-laser beam technology: in-situ layerwise thermal monitoring solutions for thin-wall fabrication
Authors: Errico Vito , Palano Fania , Campanelli Sabina Luisa
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, particularly powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB/M), offer unique capabilities in producing intricate components directly, leading to streamlined processes, cost reductions, and time savings. However, inherent challenges in AM processes necessitate advanced monitoring systems for fault detection and quality assurance. This study focuses on the development and application of in-situ, layer-by-layer thermal monitoring solutions to detect defects such as localized overheating and inadequate fusion in thin-walled components produced by PBF-LB/M. An optimal setup using an off-axis IR thermal camera was devised to monitor the entire slice during processing. Thermographic data, analyzed using MATLAB, identified thermal parameters indicative of process efficiency and print quality. Micro-tomographic scans on finished products correlated defects with thermographic data. Results showed influences of sample thickness on maximum temperatures, effects of powder bed thickness on process temperatures, and identified geometric distortions in inclined walls due to high thermal stress. Three-dimensional thermograms enabled comprehensive temperature distribution analysis, crucial for quality control and defect detection during construction. Insights from this study advance thermographic analysis for PBF-LB/M processes, providing a foundational framework for future additive manufacturing monitoring and quality control enhancements.
Nuclear safeguards during crises: three scenarios of restricted access to nuclear interim storage facilities
Authors: Bandarra Leonardo , Böschen Stefan , Dürholt Andreas , Geiser René , Göttsche Malte , Kretzschmar Sophie , Niemeyer Irmgard , Ostermann Linda , Rademacher Lukas , Schäfer Julian
Published: September 2024

Safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play a pivotal role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Over the years, the IAEA’s safeguards system has adapted to technological advancements and changing political landscapes, making it more resilient and flexible. This adaption is not only the result of programmes aiming at preparing and foreseeing future challenges in the nuclear field but also the result of several crises that have occurred over the last decades, including attempts to break non-proliferation commitments and limited access to facilities. The aim of this article is to explore what could be done in an event of unavoidable crises, with a focus on interim nuclear storage facilities where the continuity of knowledge is broken, and a quick and relatively reliable response is needed. We conducted a scenario-based workshop with multidisciplinary experts with different backgrounds working in the area of peace and conflict research. The workshop simulated three scenarios: (1) a terrorist occupation, (2) a flood, and (3) a mismatch of information following a coup d’état. This workshop revealed insights into crisis management strategies, data sampling, and the relevance of formal and informal interpersonal networks.
The Year that Made the Musical
Authors: Everett William A.
Published: September 2024

Whether they appeared on Broadway or the Strand, the shows appearing in 1924 epitomized the glamor of popular musical theatre. What made this particular year so distinctive – so special – was the way it brought together the old and the new, the venerated and the innovative, and the traditional and the chic. William Everett, in his compelling new book, reveals this remarkable mid-Roaring Twenties stagecraft to have been truly transnational, with a stellar cast of producers, performers and creators boldly experimenting worldwide. Revues, musical comedies, zarzuelas and operettas formed part of a thriving theatrical ecosystem, with many works – and their leading artists – now unpredictably defying genres. The author demonstrates how fresh approaches became highly successful, with established leads like Marie Tempest and Fred Stone appearing in new productions even as youthful talents such as Florence Mills, Fred and Adele Astaire, Gertrude Lawrence and George Gershwin now started to make their mark.
An organic zinc-chelating-peptide GQ-Zn supplementation ameliorates diarrhea through regulate gut microbiota and metabolites in pre-weaning Holstein calves
Authors: Yang Linhai , Wei Zihai , Su Yanjing , Wang Xianghuang , Du Yufeng , Farooq Muhammad Zahid , Li Jianxiong , Xu Qingbiao
Published: September 2024

Newborn calf diarrhea has led to widespread overuse of antibiotics. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective solutions for calf diarrhea. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the synthetic organic zinc-chelating-peptide glycine-glutamine-Zn (GQ-Zn) on the microbiota and metabolites in the gut of calves with diarrhea. The results showed that GQ-Zn alleviated diarrhea in calves. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis revealed that GQ-Zn improved antioxidant capacity, relieved inflammation, altered the gut microbiota by decreasing the number of harmful bacteria Prevotella denticola, Fusobacterium necrophorum and influenced metabolomic profiles via the linoleic acid metabolic pathway in calves. In conclusion, GQ-Zn supplementation alleviated diarrhea through regulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in pre-weaning Holstein calves.
Facial finetuning: using pretrained image classification models to predict politicians’ success
Authors: Lindholm Asbjørn , Hjorth Christian , Schuessler Julian
Published: September 2024

There is a long-standing interest in how the visual appearance of politicians predicts their success. Usually, the scope of such studies is limited by the need for human-rated facial features. We instead fine-tune pre-trained image classification models based on convolutional neural networks to predict facial features of 7,080 Danish politicians. Attractiveness and trustworthiness scores correlate positively and robustly with both ballot paper placement (proxying for intra-party success) and the number of votes gained in local and national elections, while dominance scores correlate inconsistently. Effect sizes are at times substantial. We find no moderation by politician gender or election type. However, dominance scores correlate significantly with outcomes for conservative politicians. We discuss possible causal mechanisms behind our results.
Collisional damping of wave modes in ion–electron plasmas
Authors: De Vadder J. , De Jonghe J. , Keppens R.
Published: September 2024

To expand on recent work, we introduce collisional terms in the analysis of the warm ion–electron, two-fluid equations for a homogeneous plasma at rest. Consequently, the plasma is now described by six variables: the magnetisation, the ratio of masses over charges, the electron and ion sound speeds, the angle between the wave vector and the magnetic field and a new parameter describing the electron–ion collision frequency. This additional parameter does not introduce new wave modes compared with the collisionless case, but does result in complex mode frequencies. Both for the backward and forward propagating modes the imaginary components are negative and thus quantify collisional damping. We provide convenient (polynomial) expressions to quantify frequencies and damping rates in all short- and long-wavelength limits, including the cutoff and resonance limits, whilst the one-fluid magnetohydrodynamic limit is retained with the familiar undamped slow, Alfvén and fast waves. As collisions only introduce a damping, the previously introduced labelling of the wave modes S, A, F, M, O and X can be kept and assigned based on their long- and short-wavelength behaviour. The obtained damping at cutoff and resonance limits is parametrised with the collision frequency, and can be tailored to match known kinetic damping expressions. It is demonstrated that varying the angle can introduce crossings between the wave modes, as was already present in the ideal ion–electron case, but also a collision frequency exceeding a critical collision frequency can lead to crossings at angles where previously only avoided crossings were found.
Identification of latent classes in mood and anxiety disorders and their transitions over time: a follow-up study in the adult general population
Authors: ten Have Margreet , Tuithof Marlous , van Dorsselaer Saskia , Batelaan Neeltje M. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Luik Annemarie I. , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mood and anxiety disorders are heterogeneous conditions with variable course. Knowledge on latent classes and transitions between these classes over time based on longitudinal disorder status information provides insight into clustering of meaningful groups with different disease prognosis.

Methods

Data of all four waves of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 were used, a representative population-based study of adults (mean duration between two successive waves = 3 years; N at T0 = 6646; T1 = 5303; T2 = 4618; T3 = 4007; this results in a total number of data points: 20 574). Presence of eight mood and anxiety DSM-IV disorders was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Latent class analysis and latent Markov modelling were used.

Results

The best fitting model identified four classes: a healthy class (prevalence: 94.1%), depressed-worried class (3.6%; moderate-to-high proportions of mood disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)), fear class (1.8%; moderate-to-high proportions of panic and phobia disorders) and high comorbidity class (0.6%). In longitudinal analyses over a three-year period, the minority of those in the depressed-worried and high comorbidity class persisted in their class over time (36.5% and 38.4%, respectively), whereas the majority in the fear class did (67.3%). Suggestive of recovery is switching to the healthy class, this was 39.7% in the depressed-worried class, 12.5% in the fear class and 7.0% in the high comorbidity class.

Conclusions

People with panic or phobia disorders have a considerably more persistent and chronic disease course than those with depressive disorders including GAD. Consequently, they could especially benefit from longer-term monitoring and disease management.
The association between preserved ratio impaired spirometry and adverse outcomes of depression and anxiety: evidence from the UK Biobank
Authors: Yang Kai , Wang Lingwei , Shen Jun , Chen Shuyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Chen Rongchang
Published: September 2024

Background

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a new lung function impairment phenotype and has been recognized as a risk factor for various adverse outcomes. We aimed to examine the associations of this new lung function impairment phenotype with depression and anxiety in longitudinal studies.

Methods

We included 369 597 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, and divided them into population 1 without depression or anxiety and population 2 with depression or anxiety at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to evaluate the associations of lung function impairment phenotype with adverse outcomes of depression and anxiety, as well as their subtypes.

Results

At baseline, 38 879 (10.5%) participants were diagnosed with PRISm. In population 1, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for PRISm (v. normal spirometry) were 1.12 (95% CI 1.07–1.18) for incident depression, and 1.11 (95% CI 1.06–1.15) for incident anxiety, respectively. In population 2, PRISm was a risk factor for mortality in participants with depression (HR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.31–1.62) and anxiety (HR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.44–2.02), compared with normal spirometry. The magnitudes of these associations were similar in the phenotypes of lung function impairment and the subtypes of mental disorders. Trajectory analysis showed that the transition from normal spirometry to PRISm was associated with a higher risk of mortality in participants with depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

PRISm and airflow obstruction have similar risks of depression and anxiety. PRISm recognition may contribute to the prevention of depression and anxiety.
Prisoners of God
Authors: A.R.
Published: September 2024

With the last war fresh in our minds, we are accustomed to think of prisoners as harshly treated victims of international disorder or unwilling captives of social justice. But here in St Paul we find a famous preacher rejoicing in his bonds, glad to be fettered since these chains set free the Word of God. Because he is in captivity other apostles have gone forth with greater boldness to proclaim the Gospel, while from the fertile mind and burning heart of the imprisoned apostle issue the glowing words of some of his finest epistles. Even today there are many who are willing to be prisoners for God, to 'wear chains in the Lord's service' (Eph. 4, 1. Knox version). Urged by their love of God and of souls, contemplative religious gladly disappear behind the bars in an enclosed Order. Captives indeed in a material sense, spiritually bound yet further by their three solemn vows, they experience the true freedom of the children ot God. The willing holocaust of their lives can be seen as reparation for the atrocities, committed against the unwilling victims of modern warfare and those bound under the tyranny of totalitarian rule. The glory of their lives is best described by St Thomas in the second part of the Summa: 'Those are called religious … who give themselves up entirely to the divine service as offering a holocaust to God'. 'Now the perfection of man consists & adhering wholly to God' (Ila-IIae, 187, 1).
The Apostolic Value of the Contemplative Life
Authors: Frances S. M.
Published: September 2024

The contemplative life is of its nature a hidden life. It is often a reproach levelled at contemplatives that they separate themselves, not only materially, but also spiritually from the life of those living in the world. That the world of sin which the contemplative has quitted and that of grace where he intends to live, are opposed one to the other, is a fact. But that this includes an opposition between those who abide in the love of God either in the world or in the enclosure is not true.

The soul of the contemplative becomes the rendezvous of humanity and God, for she belongs to both. As he prays silently or chants the Divine Office his prayer and praise are the voice of the-world. When he suffers and offers himself in sacrifice he is a token for the expiation of the world's sins and shares in the sufferings of his brethren. He is ever in the presence of God, and within his soul Life itself is buried—hidden like the seed—in order to bring forth fruit and be communicated to others.
Performing Reparative Solidarity: The Politics and Poetics of Pān-toh in Twelve Dishes Ballad
Authors: CHENG FAN-TING
Published: September 2024

Pān-toh is an ancient practice of collaborative roadside banquet in Taiwan, in which participants temporarily occupy a public space, arrange the meal and enjoy the anarchic feast. Although this custom has declined in frequency as a result of capitalist developments, the idea has seen a nostalgic revival in the past decade amidst international military tensions and domestic ideological battles. It has been appropriated into artistic productions to demonstrate an activist gesture of minority alliance that reflects the (post)colonial histories and reticent survival tactics therein. This essay takes Gather Theatre Group's Twelve Dishes Ballad as an example, to see how the pān-toh performance allegorized a reparative solidarity that departed from the paranoid interpretation of political scenarios and moved forward to a non-violent practice that emphasizes underground mutual dependence and intervulnerability. This apparatus of solidarity, nourished by Taiwan's experiences, contributes to a critique of the currently prevalent tendencies of defensive protectionism.
On the punitive nature of ICC reparations orders
Authors: Papachristopoulos Christos
Published: September 2024

The article focuses on reparations, as ordered by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against a convicted individual. It has long been orthodoxy that such measures fulfil solely compensatory objectives, for they lack any punitive intent. This article offers a rival account. An analysis of the respective regulatory and contextual framework reveals that, by design, reparations are allowed to pursue compensatory and punitive goals equally. An analysis of the reparations orders themselves affirms that, in practice, the ICC utilizes reparations as a means to accomplish compensatory and punitive objectives both. It is maintained that reparations orders are both remedial and punitive in nature. Ignoring this reality has a negative impact on individual prerogatives, and contradicts fundamental sentencing ideals of international criminal justice. It follows that the current reparations order regime should be reformed. The ICC should either explicitly acknowledge reparations as punishment, or detach them from criminal proceedings altogether.
Costly enforcement in credit economies
Authors: Liu Yilei
Published: September 2024

In a monetary model based on Lagos and Wright (2005) where unsecured credit and money are used as means-of-payments, we analyze how the cost and quality of the record-keeping technology affect welfare. Specifically, monitoring agents’ debt repayment is costly but is essential to the use of unsecured credit because of limited commitment. To finance this cost, fees on credit transactions are imposed, and the maximum credit limit that is incentive compatible depends on such fees and monitoring level. Alternatively, the use of money avoids such costs. A higher credit limit does not necessarily improve welfare, especially when the limit is high: the benefit from increased trade surpluses from a higher credit limit is offset by the increased cost of monitoring to achieve the improvement. Moreover, under the optimal arrangement, optimal credit limit decreases with the marginal cost of monitoring. When the cost is sufficiently low, a pure credit equilibrium is optimal. When the marginal cost is high, it is optimal to have a pure-currency economy. But when the cost is at an intermediate level, we show that credit is sustainable but not socially optimal. In this range, the implementable credit limit leads to a higher trade surplus than in a pure monetary economy, but owing to the cost of operating the record-keeping system, social welfare in credit equilibrium is lower than the welfare in a pure monetary equilibrium. In addition, we show that there can be a non-monotonic relationship between the optimal record-keeping level and the optimal credit limit.
The role of employability capitals in supporting nutrition science graduate outcomes: an international qualitative study
Authors: O’Donovan Sarah , Barber Charlotte , Palermo Claire , Ryan Lisa
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The study sought to explore nutrition graduates’ employability and role of employability capitals in supporting nutrition science graduate outcomes.

Design:

In-depth semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with nutrition graduates who had completed a nutrition science degree between 2015 and 2021. Interpretivism guided this study, which endeavoured to co-construct meaning with participants. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed, whereby data were coded, themes identified and discussed by all authors. The data were further mapped against the graduate capital model (GCM) by deductively coding against the five graduate capitals (human, identity, social, psychological and cultural).

Setting:

Ireland and Australia.

Participants:

Forty-two nutrition graduates from across nine universities in Ireland and twenty-two from a single university programme in Australia.

Results:

All elements of the GCM were identified with human, social and identity capital most dominant and identified as significantly influential on employability. Presence or absence of these capitals could be clearly identified within each graduates’ experience. Formation of professional identity and connection to the profession was strongest amongst Irish graduates. However, more than half of the Australian cohort perceived barriers to professional identity formation, including lack of regulation, imposter syndrome, presence of non-qualified individuals and comparison to dietetics. Both psychological and cultural capitals were rarely spoken about.

Conclusion:

The development of human, social and identity capital is observed among nutrition science graduates. Further investigation is required to enhance the process of identity development and ascertain potential remedies for obstacles. The absence of psychological and cultural capital, therefore, poses a significant issue for the resilience and comprehension of prospective graduates.
Socio-demographic correlates of ultra-processed food consumption in Canada
Authors: Polsky Jane Y , Jovovic Sara , Nardocci Milena , Moubarac Jean-Claude
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To characterise consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) across a range of socio-demographic characteristics of Canadians.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. The national-level 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition provided data on all foods and drinks consumed on the previous day via a 24-hour dietary recall. All food items were classified according to the type of industrial processing using the NOVA system. Multivariable linear regression models examined associations between a range of socio-demographic characteristics and the mean energy contribution (% of total daily energy intake) from total UPF and UPF subgroups.

Setting:

The ten Canadian provinces.

Participants:

Canadians aged 2 or older (n 20 103).

Results:

UPF contributed, on average, nearly half (44·9 %) of total daily energy intake of Canadians. Children aged 6–12 and adolescents aged 13–18 consumed over half of total daily energy from UPF (adjusted means of 51·9 % and 50·7 %, respectively). Recent and long-term immigrants consumed a significantly lower share of energy from UPF (adjusted means of 42·2 % and 45·1 %, respectively) compared with non-immigrants (54·4 %), as did the food secure (42·8 %) v. those in moderately (48·1 %) or severely food-insecure households (50·8 %). More modest differences were observed for intake of total UPF and UPF subgroups by sex, education, income adequacy and region of residence.

Conclusion:

Levels of UPF consumption in 2015 in Canada were pervasive in all socio-demographic groups and highest among children and adolescents, non-immigrants and those living in food-insecure households. These findings can inform public health interventions to reduce UPF consumption and promote healthier diets in various socio-demographic groups.
Teacher perspectives on the socio-ecological barriers and enablers to food and nutrition education in primary schools: a scoping review
Authors: Esdaile Emma K , Wharton Lee , Vidgen Helen , Gallegos Danielle
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Schools are identified as a setting for food and nutrition education (FNE) in childhood. FNE is a key strategy to optimise child growth and development and impart life-long food skills. There is limited synthesis of the literature to understand the socio-ecological determinants of teachers and schools engaging in FNE.

Design:

For this scoping review, five databases (APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, CINAHL and Scopus) were searched using the terms (and synonyms for) primary school teacher, self-efficacy and food and nutrition. A quality assessment using relevant Johanna Briggs tools was carried out for the included papers. Data were extracted using a modified socio-ecological model, and narrative themes were identified.

Setting:

Primary (elementary) schools in high-income countries.

Participants:

Primary-school teachers.

Results:

Forty-one papers were included in this review from ten countries (predominantly the USA). The narrative synthesis identified five themes that interact with teacher delivery of FNE. These were (i) perceived food and nutrition responsibilities of teachers, (ii) teacher beliefs and self-efficacy, (iii) opportunities to build teacher nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy, (iv) interpersonal contributors and (v) broader environmental, structural and policy contributors.

Conclusions:

Multiple strategies are needed to build the capacity of teachers to undertake FNE within primary school settings. These strategies include a focus on learner-centred education that will build teacher agency, school leadership, ensuring the health and well-being of teachers and providing initial teacher education as well as innovative professional development for cross-curriculum integration. Strategies drawing from each level of the socio-ecological framework will increase opportunities for capacity building.
The Use of the Rorschach Test in Switzerland 100 Years After Its Publication
Authors: Baggi Gilles A. , Martino Antonella
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Our study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 with a sample of 499 Swiss professionals. The research focused on exploring the current use of the Rorschach Test in the clinical practice of Swiss psychologists/psychotherapists, focusing on (1) how often clinicians use this test, (2) understanding the differences in its use among the various regions of Switzerland, (3) understanding why the test is either used or not, (4) which type of interpretative analysis is most commonly used (quantitative vs. qualitative), (5) which scoring reference manuals are most often used, and (6) what are the clinicians’ opinions on the future of the Rorschach Test. Data showed that about half of Swiss French (47.3%) and Swiss Italian (53.6%) clinicians still use the Rorschach Test, whereas only 17.8% of Swiss German clinicians use it. However, the Rorschach Test remains among the top three personality tests used in Switzerland (drawing tests: 34.3%; Rorschach: 32.0%; Thematic Apperception Test: 30.3%). A lack of adequate training for this test and a general nonuse of projective tests appear to be the main reasons why some clinicians do not use it. Nevertheless, the test is widely used for the vast amount of information it offers and for its diagnostic validity. Swiss Italian and Swiss German clinicians used both qualitative and quantitative analysis, unlike Swiss French therapists, who seemed to prefer qualitative analysis.
Laser solid-phase synthesis of graphene shell-encapsulated high-entropy alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Yuxiang , Yuan Jianghuai , Zhou Jiantao , Pan Kewen , Zhang Ran , Zhao Rongxia , Li Lin , Huang Yihe , Liu Zhu
Published: September 2024

Rapid synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) offers new opportunities to develop functional materials in widespread applications. Although some methods have successfully produced HEA NPs, these methods generally require rigorous conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, restricted atmosphere, and limited substrates, which impede practical viability. In this work, we report laser solid-phase synthesis of CrMnFeCoNi nanoparticles by laser irradiation of mixed metal precursors on a laser-induced graphene (LIG) support with a 3D porous structure. The CrMnFeCoNi nanoparticles are embraced by several graphene layers, forming graphene shell-encapsulated HEA nanoparticles. The mechanisms of the laser solid-phase synthesis of HEA NPs on LIG supports are investigated through theoretical simulation and experimental observations, in consideration of mixed metal precursor adsorption, thermal decomposition, reduction through electrons from laser-induced thermionic emission, and liquid beads splitting. The production rate reaches up to 30 g/h under the current laser setup. The laser-synthesized graphene shell-encapsulated CrMnFeCoNi NPs loaded on LIG-coated carbon paper are used directly as 3D binder-free integrated electrodes and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 293 mV at the current density of 10 mA/cm2 and exceptional stability over 428 h in alkaline media, outperforming the commercial RuO2 catalyst and the relevant catalysts reported by other methods. This work also demonstrates the versatility of this technique through the successful synthesis of CrMnFeCoNi oxide, sulfide, and phosphide nanoparticles.
Self-powered temperature-changing system driven by wind energy
Authors: Li Jiayu , Liu Boxun , Li Mingyang , Li Yahui , Ding Wangyang , Liu Guanlin , Luo Jun , Chen Nan , Wan Lingyu , Wei Wenjuan
Published: September 2024

Research on outdoor, mobile, and self-powered temperature-control devices has always been highly regarded. These devices can reduce energy consumption for cooling and heating, and they have broad market prospects. On this basis, a rotary disc-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 6913 V, a maximum short-circuit current of 85 μA, and a maximum transferred charge of 1.3 μC was prepared. We synthesized a ferroelectric ceramic composed of 0.15PbTiO3–0.85PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3 (0.15PT–0.85PST), which exhibited excellent electrothermal effects at room temperature. By quenching, the electrothermal effect ($$\Delta$$
Δ
Tmax) and energy harvesting properties of the device were 1.574 K and 0.542 J/cm3, respectively. Then, for the first time, we proposed a self-powered temperature quantification control system with a rotary disc-shaped TENG. This device effectively harnessed wind and water energy, in addition to other types of energy. The system consisted of energy collecting cups, a rotating disc-shaped FEP–rabbit fur TENG, a circuit management module, and a ferroelectric ceramic chip array. Through the circuit management module, the system converted external wind energy into a high-voltage electric field at the two ends of the 0.15PT–0.85PST ceramic chip to fully stimulate the electrothermal effect. At a speed of 200 rpm, the temperature change in the insulated cup within 276 s was 0.49 K, and the volume of the insulated cup was 300 times greater than that of the 0.15PT–0.85PST ceramic chip. Compared with the results reported in previous work, the cooling and heating times were both reduced by 31%, and the temperature changes for both cooling and heating increased by 81%. Moreover, the heating and cooling temperatures of the device optimized on this basis were increased to 1.19 K and 0.93 K, respectively. The great improvement in the temperature variation performance confirmed the great potential of the device for commercialization. This research could serve as a reference for reducing energy consumption for cooling and heating, and it meets the international energy policies of carbon dioxide emission peaking and carbon neutrality.
Universal droplet propulsion by dynamic surface-charge wetting
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Wu Jiayao , Gao Ge , Zeng Yubin , Liu Sheng , Zheng Huai
Published: September 2024

Controllable droplet propulsion on solid surfaces plays a crucial role in various technologies. Many actuating methods have been developed; however, there are still some limitations in terms of the introduction of additives, the versatilities of solid surfaces, and the speed of transportation. Herein, we have demonstrated a universal droplet propulsion method based on dynamic surface-charge wetting by depositing oscillating and opposite surface charges on dielectric films with unmodified surfaces. Dynamic surface-charge wetting propels droplets by continuously inducing smaller front contact angles than rear contact angles. This innovative imbalance is built by alternately storing and spreading opposite charges on dielectric films, which results in remarkable electrostatic forces under large gradients and electric fields. The method exhibits excellent droplet manipulation performance characteristics, including high speed (~130 mm/s), high adaptability of droplet volume (1 μL–1 mL), strong handling ability on non-slippery surfaces with large contact angle hysteresis (CAH) (maximum angle of 35°), significant programmability and reconfigurability, and low mass loss. The great application potential of this method has been effectively demonstrated in programmable microreactions, defogging without gravity assistance, and surface cleaning of photovoltaic panels using condensed droplets.