bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and application of non-technical skills in robotic-assisted surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Mahendran Vimaladhithan , Turpin Laura , Boal Matthew , Francis Nader K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Undeniably, robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has become very popular in recent decades, but it has introduced challenges to the workflow of the surgical team. Non-technical skills (NTS) have received less emphasis than technical skills in training and assessment. The systematic review aimed to update the evidence on the role of NTS in robotic surgery, specifically focusing on evaluating assessment tools and their utilisation in training and surgical education in robotic surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and EMBASE was conducted to identify primary articles on NTS in RAS. Messick’s validity framework and the Modified Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument were utilised to evaluate the quality of the validity evidence of the abstracted articles.

Results

Seventeen studies were eligible for the final analysis. Communication, environmental factors, anticipation and teamwork were key NTS for RAS. Team-related factors such as ambient noise and chatter, inconveniences due to repeated requests during the procedure and constraints due to poor design of the operating room may harm patient safety during RAS. Three novel rater-based scoring systems and one sensor-based method for assessing NTS in RAS were identified. Anticipation by the team to predict and execute the next move before an explicit verbal command improved the surgeon’s situational awareness.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlighted the paucity of reporting on non-technical skills in robotic surgery with only three bespoke objective assessment tools being identified. Communication, environmental factors, anticipation, and teamwork are the key non-technical skills reported in robotic surgery, and further research is required to investigate their benefits to improve patient safety during robotic surgery.
Flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-center study with a standardized antithrombotic treatment protocol
Authors: Rantamo Anni , Gallé Camille , Numminen Jussi , Virta Jyri , Tanskanen Päivi , Lindroos Ann-Christine , Resendiz-Nieves Julio , Lehecka Martin , Niemelä Mika , Haeren Roel , Raj Rahul
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of antithrombotic medication following acute flow diversion for a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (IA) is challenging with no current guidelines. We investigated the incidence of treatment-related complications and patient outcomes after flow diversion for a ruptured IA before and after the implementation of a standardized antithrombotic medication protocol.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study including consecutive patients treated for acutely ruptured IAs with flow diversion during 2015–2023. We divided the patients into two groups: those treated before the implementation of the protocol (pre-protocol) and those treated after the implementation of the protocol (post-protocol). The primary outcomes were hemorrhagic and ischemic complications. A secondary outcome was clinical outcome using the modified Ranking Scale (mRS).

Results

Totally 39 patients with 40 ruptured IAs were treated with flow diversion (69% pre-protocol, 31% post-protocol). The patient mean age was 55 years, 62% were female, 63% of aneurysms were in the posterior circulation, 92% of aneurysms were non-saccular, and 44% were in poor grade on admission. Treatment differences included the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (pre-group 48% vs. post-group 100%), and the use of early dual antiplatelets (pre-group 44% vs. 92% post-group). The incidence of ischemic complications was 37% and 42% and the incidence of hemorrhagic complications was 30% and 33% in the pre- and post-groups, respectively, with no between-group differences. There were three (11%) aneurysm re-ruptures in the pre-group and none in the post-group. There were no differences in mortality or mRS 0–2 between the groups at 6 months.

Conclusion

We found no major differences in the incidence of ischemic or hemorrhagic complications after the implementation of a standardized antithrombotic protocol for acute flow diversion for ruptured IAs. There is an urgent need for more evidence-based guidelines to optimize antithrombotic treatment after flow diversion in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Locally resolved stress measurement in the ultra-hard composites polycrystalline diamond and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride
Authors: Breidenstein Bernd , Vogel Nils
Published: March 2024

Cutting tools made of the ultra-hard composites polycrystalline diamond and polycrystalline boron nitride are being used in more and more sectors of machining. Due to the laborious preparation processes such as grinding, brushing, electrical discharge and laser machining, the subsurface of these tools is strongly stressed mechanically and thermally. This also changes the residual stress state in the highly loaded cutting edge area. The measurement of these residual stresses is not possible by established XRD methods due to the highly curved surface of the cutting edge. The measurement method Raman spectroscopy shows high potential for this application, but conversion factors are necessary for the application. These factors enable the conversion of the stress-induced peak shift in the Raman spectrum into absolute residual stress values. Previous conversion factors are mainly based on hydrostatic load cases, which, however, cannot be transferred to the application on cutting tools. In this work, axial load cases were provided by bending and conversion factors were determined by comparing XRD stress measurements and Raman peak shifts. The conversion factors determined were then plotted against existing results from other studies and the causes for the deviations that occurred were determined. By this, for the first time, a conversion factor for an axial load case for cubic boron nitride could be determined and it could be shown that, as for diamond, it differs significantly from the hydrostatic load case.
The fibro-adipogenic progenitor APOD+DCN+LUM+ cell population in aggressive carcinomas
Authors: Cai Lingyi , Kolonin Mikhail G. , Anastassiou Dimitris
Published: March 2024

We identified a progenitor cell population highly enriched in samples from invasive and chemo-resistant carcinomas, characterized by a well-defined multigene signature including APOD, DCN, and LUM. This cell population has previously been labeled as consisting of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs). The same signature characterizes naturally occurring fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) as well as stromal cells abundant in normal adipose tissue. Our analysis of human gene expression databases provides evidence that adipose stromal cells (ASCs) are recruited by tumors and undergo differentiation into CAFs during cancer progression to invasive and chemotherapy-resistant stages.
A Novel Communication Time-Delay Cooperative Control Method with Switching Event-Triggered Strategy
Authors: Li Dongni , Cao Liang , Pan Yingnan , Xiao Wenbin , Xue Hong
Published: March 2024

A novel communication time-delay classification-based method is designed for nonlinear multiagent systems with the finite-time prescribed performance function. The time-delay phenomenon for communication channels between agents is discussed. Then, an improved time-delay classification method is proposed to broaden the standard of classification mechanism by considering the degree of deviation and relative variation of neighbor agents, rather than classifying the delay time into large time-delay and small time-delay. Based on this, the unified Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and the finite-time performance function are used to solve the large time-delay phenomenon and ensure that the error is within the preset boundary, respectively. Furthermore, a modified switching event-triggered strategy is put forward to reduce the transmission burden, which considers the impact of tracking error to adjust the threshold condition in real-time. Additionally, all signals of the closed-loop systems are bounded. Eventually, two simulation examples verify the validity of the control strategy.
Modeling the effects of species associations and abiotic parameters on the abundance of mosquito species in a Mediterranean wetland
Authors: Shittu Ridwan Adeyemi , Thomas Stephanie Margarete , Roiz David , Ruiz Santiago , Figuerola Jordi , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: March 2024

Recent outbreaks of the West Nile virus have been reported in southern Spain, a region with important wetland habitats for migratory birds. Here, we analyzed the role of species association and abiotic parameters on the abundance of seven mosquito species in the Doñana National Park, Spain. We applied the Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDM), using the Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities approach to simultaneously model the effect of habitat type, normalized difference vegetation index, hydroperiod, distance to rivers, land surface temperature, and the abundance of seven mosquito species. We created three models with varied parameters and evaluated the effects of abiotic parameters and species-to-species associations, which served as proxies for species interactions. Our models estimated the species-specific responses of the mosquito community to abiotic parameters. A positive association was identified within the Culex community with potential biotic interactions. However, Ochlerotatus caspius, Ochlerotatus detritus, and Anopheles atroparvus had no statistically significant association with each other and with the Culex species after accounting for the effect of abiotic parameters. We also found that the potential species associations estimated at particular sites and abiotic parameters influenced the model projection for the average abundance of mosquito species. The JSDM will allow spatial projection of the abundance of each mosquito species, which is an important parameter for epidemiological models. The JSDM inference of species association is important because predation, competition, and facilitation affect the distribution and abundance of different species.
Innovative search and imitation heuristics: an agent-based simulation study
Authors: Guida Vittorio , Mittone Luigi , Morreale Azzurra
Published: March 2024

Prominent research in strategic imitation, exploration, exploitation, and organizational learning identifies imitation as a less costly alternative to experimentation. Yet, its role in the exploration–exploitation dilemma remains underexplored in the literature. This study employs an agent-based model to examine how two distinct agent types—those who imitate and those who experiment—interact and influence each other. The model incorporates the concept of “satisficing” derived from the behavioral theory of the firm, along with insights from research on imitative heuristics. The findings reveal that overcrowding affects both agent types negatively. Imitators suffer from diminished performance due to intensified competition, which increases as more imitators join the system. Meanwhile, explorers are hindered in their attempts at radical innovation due to the presence of other explorers and clusters of imitators. This paper contributes to the field as the first to model individual agents as ‘satisficers’ within a competitive exploration–exploitation framework. By incorporating imitation, it provides novel insights into the dynamics of organizational learning and strategic decision-making.
Effects of different healing agents on acclimatization success of in vitro rooted Garnem (Prunus dulcis × Prunus persica) rootstock
Authors: Ekinci Heydem , Saskin Necla , Ak Bekir Erol , Dogan Birgul Dikmetas
Published: March 2024

Continuing productivity of the acclimatization stage of plantlets means successful micropropagation. Due to the free water and high humidity in the culture container environment, poorly developed cuticle results in rapid water loss and drying of plantlets with watery stems and leaves, incomplete stomata, and large intercellular space. When plantlets are exposed to an environmental condition different from the culture medium, problems, such as rapid water loss and drying, may be encountered, and the survival rate of plantlets in vitro may be reduced. The aim of this study was to reduce the stress factors that occur during the acclimatization phase. For this reason, various healing agents have been used. Some of these compounds are ascorbic acid (AsA), salicylic acid (SA), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). In the study, the response of AsA (100.0 and 200.0 mg L−1), SA (100.0 and 200.0 mg L−1), and SNP (100.0 and 200.0 µM) applications on growth parameters (survival rate (%), node count (pieces per plant), count of leaves (pieces per plant), shoot length (mm), and shoot diameter (mm)) and physiological variable (Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD)) were examined. The AsA100 (100.0 mg L−1 ascorbic acid), AsA200 (200.0 mg L−1 ascorbic acid), and SNP100 (100.0 µM sodium nitroprusside) applications resulted in an improvement in node count, leaf count per plant, shoot length, and shoot diameter parameters. The highest shoot length (60.50 ± 7.81 mm) and node count (16.83 ± 1.15 pieces per plantlet) were achieved with the AsA100 application. The maximum stem diameter (2.31 ± 0.37 mm) was determined with the SNP100 application. There were no statistically significant differences found in the survival rate, leaf count, and SPAD parameter. The current study determined that AsA, SA, and SNP applications were effective in regulating several growth parameters in Garnem plantlets and in reducing acclimation stress thereby facilitating adaptation to external conditions.
Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting CGRP to Treat Vestibular Migraine: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Frosolini Andrea , Lovato Andrea
Published: March 2024

Vestibular migraine (VM), a subtype of migraine characterized by vestibular symptoms, poses a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies targeting Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in the treatment of VM. Therefore, we conducted a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. A search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar) was performed in October 2023. Inclusion criteria required original research articles focusing on patients diagnosed with VM and utilizing CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies. We performed qualitative assessments of study design, patient characteristics, and outcomes and, for studies with comparable outcome measures, a meta-analysis was conducted. Our search yielded four relevant studies, including cohort studies and a case report, totaling 99 patients. Proper vestibular instrumental tests were employed in half of the studies. Overall, the included studies reported significant improvements in VM symptoms. Our quantitative analysis, focused on migraine symptoms, demonstrated a substantial reduction in Monthly Days with Migraine at 6 months following treatment. No severe adverse drug reactions were reported. In conclusion, this rapid systematic review and meta-analysis provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibodies in treating Vestibular Migraine. However, the absence of randomized controlled trials and variations in study designs and diagnostic criteria introduce some limitations. Further research is needed, including controlled trials, to establish a more robust evidence base. Nonetheless, this treatment approach offers hope for the effective management of VM, potentially enhancing the well-being of affected individuals and reducing their associated disability.
Reliability of Monte Carlo simulation approach for estimating uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock
Authors: Aladejare Adeyemi Emman , Idowu Kayode Augustine , Ozoji Toochukwu
Published: March 2024

The strength of rock has significant influence on its performance, and is, therefore, a key input during modelling and analysis of mining and geotechnical engineering structures. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), which is a popular parameter to quantifying rock strength can be determined in the laboratory using suggested method by International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM). However, the laboratory determination of UCS consumes time, it is costly, and sometimes may not be feasible to perform because of different conditions of rock. Hence, this study attempts to employ Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) approach to estimate UCS, and to overcome various uncertainties associated with UCS estimation. To use MCS approach for UCS estimation, block punch index (BPI), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load index (IS(50)), and P-wave velocity (Vp) were selected as the model inputs. A multiple linear regression (MLR) equation was developed and used to predict UCS by the MCS approach. The methodology was applied to estimate UCS using real BPI, BTS, Is(50), and Vp data as inputs. The proposed approach simulated UCS values that are consistent with UCS values measured in the laboratory. The mean of the UCS values simulated through the MCS approach is 119.10 MPa, while the mean of the UCS values measured in the laboratory is 118.42 MPa. In addition, hypothesis testing revealed that the Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) is the parameter with the most influence on UCS of rock for the site investigated.
A new species of Lasjia (Proteaceae) from Sulawesi: Lasjia griseifolia Utteridge & Brambach
Authors: Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Trethowan Liam A. , Brown Matilda J. M. , Ratcliffe Seth , Plummer Jack , Brambach Fabian , Rustiami Himmah
Published: March 2024

Lasjia griseifolia Utteridge & Brambach, a member of the Proteaceae, is described and illustrated as a new species from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The new species is similar to L. erecta, also from Sulawesi, and morphological differences between the taxa are discussed; a line illustration and detailed notes on the conservation status are provided.
Atoll Mangrove Progradation Patterns: Analysis from Jaluit in the Marshall Islands
Authors: Crameri Nicholas J. , Ellison Joanna C.
Published: March 2024

Low-lying islands are vulnerable to coastal erosion, and mangroves, which can mitigate erosion, have suffered enormous losses in recent decades owing to human impacts. Previous studies have little investigated mangrove shores on atolls, which may face combined multiple threats. We analysed the large Marshall Islands atoll of Jaluit, at a higher resolution than previous spatial change studies, finding that mangrove shorelines prograded seawards over the last seven decades. Biogeomorphic colonisation processes were characterised from transects along ~ 14.6 km of shorelines. Mangrove progradation occurred in patterns of arc-shapes evident of long-shore drift deposition, patch expansion of offshore mangrove colonisers, and linear shoreline advance. Significant differences in the rates of expansion were identified, with arc-shaped colonisation showing the fastest rates of expansion. However, linear shoreline advance was the most frequent expansion pattern showing greater than three-fold more classified transects than arc-shaped colonisation and patch expansion. These results have implications for low island mangrove restoration. Applying mangrove planting patterns mimicking these different natural colonisation processes may enhance restoration success in ecosystem-based adaptation projects to mitigate sea level rise vulnerability. Results from this study show that atoll mangrove shorelines demonstrate resilience during past sea level rise rates, and that rates of expansion vary according to patterns of biogeomorphic colonisation.
Tracking of uranium and thorium natural distribution in the chemical fractions of the Nile Valley and the Red Sea phosphorites, Egypt
Authors: Aita Sami K. , Abdel-Azeem Marwa M. , Abu Khoziem Hanaa A. , Aly Gehan A. , Mahdy Nasser M. , Ismail Ahmed M. , Ali Hani H.
Published: March 2024

The present study aims to elucidate the possible sources of uranium and thorium content in the Campanian–Maastrichtian phosphorites from the Duwi Formation in the Nile Valley and Red Sea by conducting facies analysis and sequential leaching method. Nile Valley samples were collected from the El-Sibaiya East area, while those of the Red Sea were collected from two locations: Hamadat and Zug El Bahar. The petrographic investigation revealed that the Sibaiya East phosphorites exhibit peloidal bioclastic phospharenite–phospharudite microfacies, while Hamadat and Zug El Bahar phosphorites display peloidal bioclastic phosphalutite and silicified peloidal bioclastic phospharenite microfacies, respectively. Besides, U–Th bearing accessory minerals, such as zircon and monazite occur in Sibaiya East phosphorites. Thorium is present in Zug El Bahar phosphorites as minute accumulations associating apatite and quartz. Moreover, uranium is found with vanadium and iron as fine patches in the Sibaiya East phosphorite, and as small disseminations associated with Ca and Si in the Hamadat phosphorite. The X-ray diffraction shows that the investigated phosphorites are essentially built up of hydroxyl apatite Ca5(PO4)3(OH) and quartz SiO2. To accurately evaluate the bioavailability and mobility of uranium and thorium in the investigated phosphorites, it was necessary to identify the overall concentration and the various chemical forms of these elements by a five-step sequential leaching technique. The results indicate that Th and U are more abundant in the Red Sea phosphorites than in the Nile Valley phosphorites. Furthermore, Th is not bio-available and it is mostly found in the residue as Th-bearing minerals. Uranium, unlike Th is bio-available and fractionates among all fractions, indicating that U accumulation is the result of various diagenetic processes.
Helicopter short-term collision avoidance with sampling-based model predictive control
Authors: Dikarew Alexej
Published: March 2024

Automatic helicopter flight in uncertain surroundings remains a challenging task due to sudden changes in environment, requiring fast response to guarantee safe and collision-free guidance. Increasing numbers of small unmanned aerial vehicles, which are not covered by air traffic control, pose a potential threat to rotorcraft operating in lower airspace. To provide collision avoidance in this scenario, the capability of reacting immediately to appearing obstacles and guiding the rotorcraft along feasible evasive trajectories is required. This paper presents an approach to short-term collision avoidance based on model predictive techniques. The proposed method, originally developed for automotive applications, finds optimal control inputs by predicting a set of trajectories utilizing a model resembling the helicopter dynamics. Compared to model predictive control, no iterative optimization is adopted, resulting in deterministic execution time. The proposed method is evaluated by closed-loop simulations with a non-linear helicopter model. Additional hardware-in-the-loop simulations are conducted to examine the real-time capability of the approach.
A Skin-Inspired Self-Adaptive System for Temperature Control During Dynamic Wound Healing
Authors: Geng Yaqi , Chen Guoyin , Cao Ran , Dai Hongmei , Hu Zexu , Yu Senlong , Wang Le , Zhu Liping , Xiang Hengxue , Zhu Meifang
Published: March 2024

The thermoregulating function of skin that is capable of maintaining body temperature within a thermostatic state is critical. However, patients suffering from skin damage are struggling with the surrounding scene and situational awareness. Here, we report an interactive self-regulation electronic system by mimicking the human thermos-reception system. The skin-inspired self-adaptive system is composed of two highly sensitive thermistors (thermal-response composite materials), and a low-power temperature control unit (Laser-induced graphene array). The biomimetic skin can realize self-adjusting in the range of 35–42 °C, which is around physiological temperature. This thermoregulation system also contributed to skin barrier formation and wound healing. Across wound models, the treatment group healed ~ 10% more rapidly compared with the control group, and showed reduced inflammation, thus enhancing skin tissue regeneration. The skin-inspired self-adaptive system holds substantial promise for next-generation robotic and medical devices.
Recent Progress in Improving Rate Performance of Cellulose-Derived Carbon Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Fujuan , Zhang Tianyun , Zhang Tian , He Tianqi , Ran Fen
Published: March 2024

Cellulose-derived carbon is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high-performance anode materials in sodium-ion batteries; however, its poor rate performance at higher current density remains a challenge to achieve high power density sodium-ion batteries. The present review comprehensively elucidates the structural characteristics of cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials, explores the limitations in enhancing rate performance arising from ion diffusion and electronic transfer at the level of cellulose-derived carbon materials, and proposes corresponding strategies to improve rate performance targeted at various precursors of cellulose-based materials. This review also presents an update on recent progress in cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials, with particular focuses on their molecular, crystalline, and aggregation structures. Furthermore, the relationship between storage sodium and rate performance the carbon materials is elucidated through theoretical calculations and characterization analyses. Finally, future perspectives regarding challenges and opportunities in the research field of cellulose-derived carbon anodes are briefly highlighted.
Harness High-Temperature Thermal Energy via Elastic Thermoelectric Aerogels
Authors: Li Hongxiong , Ding Zhaofu , Zhou Quan , Chen Jun , Liu Zhuoxin , Du Chunyu , Liang Lirong , Chen Guangming
Published: March 2024

Despite notable progress in thermoelectric (TE) materials and devices, developing TE aerogels with high-temperature resistance, superior TE performance and excellent elasticity to enable self-powered high-temperature monitoring/warning in industrial and wearable applications remains a great challenge. Herein, a highly elastic, flame-retardant and high-temperature-resistant TE aerogel, made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/single-walled carbon nanotube (PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT) composites, has been fabricated, displaying attractive compression-induced power factor enhancement. The as-fabricated sensors with the aerogel can achieve accurately pressure stimuli detection and wide temperature range monitoring. Subsequently, a flexible TE generator is assembled, consisting of 25 aerogels connected in series, capable of delivering a maximum output power of 400 μW when subjected to a temperature difference of 300 K. This demonstrates its outstanding high-temperature heat harvesting capability and promising application prospects for real-time temperature monitoring on industrial high-temperature pipelines. Moreover, the designed self-powered wearable sensing glove can realize precise wide-range temperature detection, high-temperature warning and accurate recognition of human hand gestures. The aerogel-based intelligent wearable sensing system developed for firefighters demonstrates the desired self-powered and highly sensitive high-temperature fire warning capability. Benefitting from these desirable properties, the elastic and high-temperature-resistant aerogels present various promising applications including self-powered high-temperature monitoring, industrial overheat warning, waste heat energy recycling and even wearable healthcare.
Reimagining democratic education by positioning Aboriginal Country-centred learning as foundational to curriculum and pedagogy
Authors: Thorpe Katrina , ten Kate Linda , Burgess Cathie
Published: March 2024

In settler colonial societies such as Australia, democracy has its origins in colonisation and so this influences educational structures, policies and what is taught every day in classrooms. The current national education vision, the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (Education Council Secretariat, 2019) states that a purpose of education is to create “a socially cohesive society that values respects and appreciates different points of view and cultural, social linguistic, and religious diversity” (p. 5), framing key democratic principles as central to this work. Paradoxically, as the corporate-style education agenda continues to narrow and limit an already Eurocentric, monocultural curriculum, and performance-manage teachers, democratic approaches such as critical thinking, problem-solving and experiential learning are at risk. In October 2023, the Australian people were asked to vote on altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “Voice” to parliament. The Voice to Parliament would have provided greater representation in parliamentary processes and political decision making on matters impacting Indigenous peoples interests and rights (Fredericks, 2023, p. 125). The divisive debate and vilification of Indigenous Australians that preceded the referendum and resulted in a resounding “No” vote, reflects the historical failure of the education system to prepare students for active and informed citizenship. Learning from Country (LFC), where knowledges shared by Aboriginal peoples and Country are positioned as central to understanding this country, suggests a way in which we might decolonise Australian education and address the social, cultural and environmental issues facing all citizens. This paper discusses Country-centred learning where teacher educators and preservice teachers learn from Country through walking with and listen to Aboriginal community-based educators to develop the pedagogical skills needed to implement a participatory democratic approach in their classrooms. LFC supports opportunities to story Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing into curriculum and pedagogy using a framework to guide teachers in ways that respect multiple local community perspectives to build cohesive school communities.
Water depth prediction in combined sewer networks, application of generative adversarial networks
Authors: Koochali Alireza , Bakhshipour Amin E. , Bakhshizadeh Mahta , Habermehl Ralf , Dilly Timo C. , Dittmer Ulrich , Ahmed Sheraz , Haghighi Ali , Dengel Andreas
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the pressing issue of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in urban areas, which pose significant environmental and public health threats. CSOs occur when combined sewer systems become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to untreated sewage and stormwater being discharged into nearby water bodies. To effectively manage and mitigate CSO effects, accurate predictions of CSOs are crucial for real-time control measures. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to augment data and improve the accuracy of data-driven models for predicting water depth in combined sewer systems. Apart from data augmentation, the paper addresses scenarios where rare patterns, such as extreme events, are infrequently observed regardless of dataset size. It proposes a specialized generative model based on GANs designed to augment datasets targeting these rare patterns. This innovation involves adding a tail-focused loss function to the adversarial objective of the GAN training pipeline. The research is exemplified through a case study in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The results indicate an improvement in water depth predictions. Also, it was found that the model trained solely with synthetic data is comparable to that trained with real data.

Graphical Abstract
Maize Grain Yield and Quality Improvement Through Biostimulant Application: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ocwa Akasairi , Mohammed Safwan , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Nasir , Illés Árpád , Bojtor Csaba , Ragán Péter , Rátonyi Tamás , Harsányi Endre
Published: March 2024

Increasing the productivity of cereals such as maize while protecting the environment remains a fundamental impetus of healthy food production systems. The use of biostimulants is one of the sustainable strategies to achieve this balance, although the ability of biostimulants to enhance maize productivity varies. Moreover, research on the efficacy of biostimulants is ubiquitous with limited comprehensive global analysis. In this context, this systematic review evaluated the sole and interactive effects of biostimulants on the yield and quality of maize grain from a global perspective. Changes in yield (t ha-1), protein content (%), starch content (%) and oil content (%) of maize grain were assessed. Results revealed that sole and combined application of biostimulants significantly improved grain yield. Irrespective of the region, the highest and the lowest grain yields ranged between 16-20 t ha-1 and 1-5 t ha-1, respectively. In sole application, the promising biostimulants were chicken feather (16.5 t ha-1), and endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae (14.5 t ha-1). Sewage sludge × NPK (15.4 t ha-1), humic acid × control release urea (12.4 t ha-1), Azospirillum brasilense or Bradyrhizobium japonicum × maize hybrids (11.6 t ha-1), and Rhizophagus intraradices × earthworms (10.0 t ha-1) had higher yield for the interactive effects. The effects of biostimulants on grain quality were minimal, and all attributes improved in the range from 0.1 to 3.7%. Overall, biostimulants had a distinct improvement effect on yield, rather than on the quality of grain. As one way of maximising maize productivity, soil health, and the overall functioning of crop agroecosystems, the integrated application of synergistic microbial and non-microbial biostimulants could provide a viable option. However, the ability to produce consistent yield and quality of grain improvement remains a major concern.
Identifying the optimal temperature and water activity conditions of phytopathogenic fungi recovered from Al-Baha province
Authors: Almiman Bandar
Published: March 2024

Fungi are responsible for many plant infections. Indeed, fungi are responsible for most plant spoilage that occurs in the field or in storage, causing symptoms of dieback, leaf spot, rot, rust and wilt. A more serious issue is that fungi produce mycotoxins, which can contaminate crops. Samples of leaf, fruit and root tissues were collected from sick crops, pre- and post-harvest within Al-Baha region. Using molecular markers, twenty fungal isolates were identified that represent eight genera and thirteen species. The most common species were Penicillium spp. (45%), followed by Aspergillus spp. (25%). The remaining 30% were comprised of multiple species (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Geotrichum candidum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Megasporoporia minor and Rhizopus arrhizu). The majority of these isolates are recognised as spoilers of crops and producers of mycotoxins. The study evaluated which temperatures optimised fungal growth. Half of the isolates thrived best at 25 °C; six isolates favoured 30 °C, whilst four isolates grew best at 20 °C. The study also evaluated the optimal water activity (aw) for fungal growth, at four points (0.995, 0.99, 0.90 and 0.85 aw). The isolates were categorised as being either xerophilic, mesophilic or hydrophilic. The majority of isolates (70%) were xerophilic (Aspergillus and Penicillium spp.), 10% were mesophilic (Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus oryzae spp.) and 20% were hydrophilic (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Geotrichum candidum, Megasporoporia minor and Fusarium oxysporum spp). The information derived from this study will assist in building effective strategies to control these pathogens, minimising crops losses and mycotoxin contamination.
Nietzsche as metaphysician but which metaphysics? A response to Justin Remhof
Authors: Doyle Tsarina
Published: March 2024

This article is a critical response to Justin Remhof’s Nietzsche as Metaphysician. It contends that Remhof runs the question of whether Nietzsche is a metaphysician too closely with the related but separate question of what type of metaphysician he is. It is argued that Remhof is correct in claiming that Nietzsche is a metaphysician and that his metaphysics informs his wider philosophy. However, Remhof’s view that Nietzsche is a metaphysical constructivist is subject to criticism.
Bilateral treaty networks: assessing cooperative spillover in defense and investment
Authors: Kinne Brandon J , Peinhardt Clint
Published: March 2024

The potential for mutual influence or “spillover” between economic and security cooperation is a long-standing area of interest for policymakers and scholars alike. This paper examines how network dynamics affect spillover. We focus on two prominent types of formal bilateral cooperation—defense cooperation agreements (DCAs) and bilateral investment treaties (BITs)—both of which have proliferated dramatically in the post-Cold War international system. We argue that existing theoretical and empirical approaches to economic-security spillover focus too strictly on influences at the bilateral level. As with other forms of international cooperation, BITs and DCAs comprise larger international networks. Governments develop portfolios of BITs or DCAs with distinct structural goals in mind, and they implement specific strategies in pursuing those goals. With BITs, governments follow anetwork-hierarchystrategy that allows them to influence treaty design and protect their firms. In DCAs, governments instead favor anetwork-communitystrategy focused on pooling collective security goods among groups of like-minded collaborators. When these network strategies complement one another, they promote cooperative economic-security spillover. When they conflict, however, they inhibit spillover, such that cooperation in economic or security issues discourages cooperation in the opposing issue area.
Political orientation and education investment: an OECD perspective
Authors: Lu Yifan , Yan Kaiyue , Wang Cong
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the potential causal relationship between political orientation and education investment by using panel data from 21 OECD countries from 1970 to 2020 and utilizing estimators that address endogeneity (i.e. 2SLS, System GMM, and Lewbel 2SLS). In particular, using communist influence as a physical instrument for political orientation, we find a positive impact of the right political orientation on education investment, and the impact of the left orientation is negative. The positive impact from the right orientation is also stronger than the negative impact from the left. Moreover, these core results are robust to alternative measures of political orientation and education investment, alternative estimators that address endogeneity, and the moderation effect of innovation.
Securing securities: political risk, sovereign debt, and the Anglo-American financial power transition
Authors: Lee Michael
Published: March 2024

Under what conditions do countries lose their status as the leading global financial center? Some scholars argue that such shifts follow shortly after transitions in the distribution of other key capabilities (e.g. GDP), while others argue that path dependence or other more bespoke capabilities might be able to sustain financial leadership long after decline in other capabilities. This paper aims to understand the causes of the Anglo-American financial transition. I argue that the ability to manage political risk for investors is critical to the position of countries as financial entrepôts. In the case of British financial leadership, I argue that Britain’s position as an entrepôt hinged on its power projection capability, which enabled Britain to limit political risk for investors in ways that other states could not replicate. The gradual loss of those capabilities, in turn, saw Britain eventually become overshadowed by the United States. I support my claims with a TERGM analysis of the interwar sovereign debt network.
Carotid Stenosis and Stroke: Historical Perspectives Leading to Current Challenges
Authors: Pelz David M. , Fox Allan J. , Spence J. David , Lownie Stephen P.
Published: March 2024

The carotid artery is unique; it is the only vessel to bifurcate into a bulb larger than itself. The history of its anatomic description, understanding of its pathophysiology and evolution of its imaging are relevant to current controversies regarding measurement of stenosis, surgical/endovascular therapies and medical management of carotid stenosis in stroke prevention. Treatment decisions on millions of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients are routinely based on information from clinical trials from over 30 years ago. This article briefly summarizes the highlights of past research in key areas and discuss how they led to current challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the Modern Election Campaign: Analysing Campaign Eras through Financial Transparency Disclosures at the 2019 UK General Election
Authors: Dommett Katharine , Power Sam , Barclay Andrew , Macintyre Amber
Published: March 2024

What do modern election campaigns look like? According to the most recent accounts, they are data-driven operations in which extensive data are collected and targeted messages are deployed in efforts to maximize support. Whilst highlighting important new developments, in this article we argue that a focus on novel practices offers a distorted picture of modern campaigns. Presenting a unique analysis of over 22,720 separate items of expenditure made by political parties at the 2019 UK general election, we demonstrate that whilst there is some evidence of a ‘fourth’ era of campaigning, these novel practices do not define campaigns. Taking a more holistic approach that examines how campaign activities are blended and entwined, we offer unprecedented insight into the nature of modern campaigns, revealing variation in parties' campaign strategies. We also introduce a new dataset for those interested in party campaigns and call for others to pursue a more holistic analysis.
Personification and Objectification
Authors: Stear Nils-Hennes
Published: March 2024

A handful of scholars have connected objectification (treating people like objects) to personification (treating objects like people). The recurring idea is that personification may entail objectification and therefore share in the latter's ethical difficulties. This idea is defended by various feminist philosophers. They focus on how the connection manifests in the male, heterosexual consumption of pornography, grounding a constitutive ethical criticism of this pornography. In this paper, I schematize the only two arguments for this connection, showing why each fails. I revise one of the arguments to overcome my objection before showing, most significantly, that any argument with the same form must fail. I conclude by suggesting that thinking about the ethics of the imagination offers a promising alternative approach that preserves the spirit of these failed arguments.
Informing a sociological jurisprudence of mutual trust and confidence
Authors: Rose Emily
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to inform a sociological jurisprudence of the implied duty in the contract of employment of mutual trust and confidence. Present analyses of the emerging term have been doctrinal in nature. Such scholarship contributes a normative internal perspective to what can be understood as the jurisprudential project of guarding and maintaining law as a practice of regulation. This paper seeks to generate knowledge that will allow for an extension of the jurisprudential analysis to take into account how mutual trust and confidence may manifest in contemporary conditions of work. This is achieved by, first, presenting original sociological data of the employment relation in a work context likely to demonstrate practices that resonate with features of mutual trust and confidence – that of early-stage digital technology startups – and, secondly, contrasting this empirical account with doctrinal conceptions of the term. Findings unsettle the dominant jurisprudential account of mutual trust and confidence as positively contributing to the social goal of labour law as operating to counter the power of capital.
Maternal slavery and Gothic melancholy in Abdülhak Hamid Tarhan’s Vâlidem (My Mother) and Mihrünnisa Hanım’s counterpoetics
Authors: Gürsel Burcu
Published: March 2024

Late Ottoman writers whose mothers were formerly enslaved were haunted by the mother’s arrested mourning for her lost mother/land in the Caucasus. “Intimate biofiction” by these writers – potential masters and sons of slaves – offers a unique narratorial point of view distinct from first-person slave narratives and third-person abolitionist literature. Abdülhak Hamid Tarhan’s long narrative elegy, Vâlidem (My Mother), written at the time of her death around 1897 and published with a sequel in 1913, triangulates the mother/land, the father/land, and the son on his diplomatic and exilic itinerary. In Ottoman Turkish and aruz meter, Hamid imagines the melancholic crypt of the mother, the paradigmatic child of Gothic literature who remains undead – a phantom haunting her own progeny. In a melancholic inversion of loss, Circassia is reincarnated as the mother/land who lost her. Hamid’s mother is resurrected in a sequel to give birth to the sons of the new fatherland. Her narrative overwritten once again, the same mother appears in Mihrünnisa Hanım’s counterpoetics alongside the nanny who stayed. The metonymic chain of exilic replacement mothers extends even to Hamid’s last, teenage bride from Belgium.
Political homophobia as a tool of creating crisis narratives and ontological insecurities in illiberal populist contexts: lessons from the 2023 elections in Turkey
Authors: Unal Didem
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes how the Justice and Development Party’s (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi; AKP) 2023 election propaganda utilized political homophobia as a populist tool to construct and reinforce political antagonisms and carry out a crisis-driven politics in search of continued hegemony. Relying on critical discourse analysis of qualitative data, it demonstrates that during the 2023 election period the AKP’s antagonistic operationalization of anti-LGBTI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) discourse unfolded in three modalities: as a culturalist rhetoric and a nativist technology of othering at the intersection of Islam and anti-genderism; as a tool of defining and vilifying political opponents as “inner enemies”; and as a policy perspective and path towards legal action and institutionalization of political homophobia. Within this frame, the article demonstrates that the gendered performance of crisis-driven politics is a core mechanism of the current democratic erosion in Turkey. It argues that homophobic propaganda is a key tool for the AKP not only to enact the processes of othering through fearmongering and scapegoating, but also to restructure politics through crisis-driven imaginaries, post-truth epistemologies, and emergency legislation that lacks political responsiveness.