bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the combined anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate and celastrol in glioblastoma cell lines: a novel therapeutic approach
Authors: Kartal Bahar , Denizler-Ebiri Farika Nur , Güven Mustafa , Taşpınar Filiz , Canpınar Hande , Çetin Sedat , Karaduman Tuğçe , Küççüktürk Serkan , Castresana Javier , Taşpınar Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and lethal brain cancer, lacks effective treatment options and has a poor prognosis. In our study, we explored the potential anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and celastrol (CEL) in two glioblastoma cell lines. SB, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and CEL, derived from the tripterygium wilfordii plant, act as mTOR and proteasome inhibitors. Both can cross the blood–brain barrier, and they exhibit chemo- and radiosensitive properties in various cancer models. GB cell lines LN-405 and T98G were treated with SB and CEL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and IC50 values were obtained. Gene expression of DNA repair, apoptosis, and autophagy-related genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell cycle distribution was determined using flow cytometry. Viability assays using MTT assay revealed IC50 values of 26 mM and 22.7 mM for SB and 6.77 μM, and 9.11 μM for CEL in LN-405 and T98G cells, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the expression levels of DNA repair genes (MGMT, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6), apoptosis genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9), and an autophagy gene (ATG-6) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis revealed alterations in cell cycle distribution following treatment with SB, CEL and their combination. These findings indicate that SB and CEL may act through multiple mechanisms, including DNA repair inhibition, apoptosis induction, and autophagy modulation, to exert their anti-cancer effects in glioblastoma cells. This is the first study providing novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of SB and CEL in glioblastoma.
Logistic regression and other statistical tools in diagnostic biomarker studies
Authors: Elkahwagy Dina Mohamed Ahmed Samir , Kiriacos Caroline Joseph , Mansour Manar
Published: March 2024

A biomarker is a measured indicator of a variety of processes, and is often used as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of diseases. While the developmental process of biomarkers from lab to clinic is complex, initial exploratory stages often focus on characterizing the potential of biomarkers through utilizing various statistical methods that can be used to assess their discriminatory performance, establish an appropriate cut-off that transforms continuous data to apt binary responses of confirming or excluding a diagnosis, or establish a robust association when tested against confounders. This review aims to provide a gentle introduction to the most common tools found in diagnostic biomarker studies used to assess the performance of biomarkers with an emphasis on logistic regression.
Grouping Nationalities Based on Students’ Estimation of Stereotype Contents in Switzerland
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus P. , Garrote Ariana , Huttasch Michelle
Published: March 2024

Social stereotypes influence people’s perceptions of nationalities. To categorize the stereotypes about existing nationalities in Switzerland, the stereotype content model can be used. People with nationalities that are associated with low warmth and competence are at risk of being perceived as outgroup members and of being discriminated against, whereas people with nationalities that are rated as high in warmth and competence are more likely to be perceived as ingroup members and are therefore better accepted. Warmth is negatively associated with competition while competence is positively associated with status. Students (N = 101) from various universities in the German-speaking part of Switzerland rated 70 nationalities along the dimensions of warmth, competence, competition, and status. The cluster analyses revealed four groups of nationalities along the dimensions warmth and competence. Levels in status and competition differed between those four clusters. In line with prior research, a negative relationship was found between competition and warmth and a positive relationship between status and competence. These findings allow to understand social stereotypes of nationalities based on empirical evidence. More importantly, the clusters can be used in future studies to compare groups of people with different nationalities who have specific stereotyping experiences.
From verbal to physical violence: the different severity perception of stalking behaviors
Authors: Cordellieri Pierluigi , Paoli Elena , Giannini Anna Maria , Lausi Giulia
Published: March 2024

Stalking is a global spread phenomenon consisting in harassing, annoying, unwanted, and intrusive behaviors, often considered regular in courting. These behaviors are part of the broader range of gender-based violence. In accordance with the theory of ecological systems, this study aimed to investigate the presence of gender differences in the perception of the severity of stalking actions, considering the role of the type of violence perpetrated (physical versus verbal) and the relationship between the author and victim (Resentful ex-partner, Incompetent suitor rejected, Neighbor in dispute). The results showed gender differences in the main dimensions investigated by the questionnaire (Moral Disengagement, Normlessness beliefs, Empathy, and Perception of the Severity of Stalking). In addition, the results show that the perception of severity is influenced by the type of relationship and the type of violence perpetrated, differently between men and women. Results were discussed based on the development of literature on the topic.
Water in Afghanistan: a modern history
Authors: Hanifi Shah Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses water in Afghanistan from the late nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. This broad chronology is periodized using the historical themes of colonialism, nationalism, international developmentalism, and global warfare. Modern hydraulic technology arrived in the domestic architecture of Kabuli state elites beginning in the 1860s and accelerating greatly in the 1890s. The first decades of the twentieth were marked by continuing developments regarding palatial hydrology (pools, fountains, etc.) and new forms of modern hydraulic engineering (piped water, dams and bridges) primarily in and around Kabul involving the Kabul river and its tributaries. The middle decades of the twentieth century involved substantial engagement of rivers throughout country under the various ideological and material regimes of international development sponsored by the US, USSR and a number of other global actors and sanctioned by local political elites who became increasingly dependent on the global system. The decades surrounding the year 2000 have been marked by intense and sustained overt and covert global warfare. The effects of war on the environment of Afghanistan from the perspective of Human Rights, particularly Afghan Peoples’ Rights to Water, constitute the final section of the paper.
Rejoinder on ‘Marked Spatial Point Processes: Current State and Extensions to Point Processes on Linear Networks’
Authors: Eckardt Matthias , Moradi Mehdi
Published: March 2024

We are grateful to all discussants for their invaluable comments, suggestions, questions, and contributions to our article. We have attentively reviewed all discussions with keen interest. In this rejoinder, our objective is to address and engage with all points raised by the discussants in a comprehensive and considerate manner. Consistently, we identify the discussants, in alphabetical order, as follows: CJK for Cronie, Jansson, and Konstantinou, DS for Stoyan, GP for Grabarnik and Pommerening, MRS for Myllymäki, Rajala, and Särkkä, and MCvL for van Lieshout throughout this rejoinder.
Polyelectrolyte complexes based on a novel and sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for drug delivery applications
Authors: Dogaris Ioannis , Pylypchuk Ievgen , Henriksson Gunnar , Abbadessa Anna
Published: March 2024

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are polymeric structures formed by the self-assembly of oppositely charged polymers. Novel biomaterials based on PECs are currently under investigation as drug delivery systems, among other applications. This strategy leverages the ability of PECs to entrap drugs under mild conditions and control their release. In this study, we combined a novel and sustainably produced hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate polymer (EH, negatively charged) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan (CH, positively charged) and agar for the development of drug-releasing PECs. A preliminary screening demonstrated the effect of several parameters (polyelectrolyte ratio, temperature, and type of polycation) on PECs formation. From this, selected formulations were further characterized in terms of thermal properties, surface morphology at the microscale, stability, and ability to load and release methylene blue (MB) as a model drug. EH/PEI complexes had a more pronounced gel-like behaviour compared to the EH/CH complexes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results supported the establishment of polymeric interactions during complexation. Overall, PECs’ stability was positively affected by low pH, ratios close to 1:1, and the addition of agar. PECs with higher EH content showed a higher MB loading, likely promoted by stronger electrostatic interactions. The EH/CH formulation enriched with agar showed the best sustained release profile of MB during the first 30 h in a pH-dependent environment simulating the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, we defined the conditions to formulate novel PECs based on a sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for potential applications in drug delivery, which promotes the valuable synergy between sustainability and the biomedical field.

Graphical abstract
Development of diagnostic algorithm for Cushing’s syndrome: a tertiary centre experience
Authors: Efthymiadis A. , Loo H. , Shine B. , James T. , Keevil B. , Tomlinson J. W. , Pal A. , Pofi R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

No consensus exists as the gold standard for Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) screening. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and utility of late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) and cortisone (LNSE), overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST), and urinary free cortisol (UFC) in developing a screening algorithm for CS.

Methods

A retrospective, single-centre analysis on 93 adult patients referred to the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism for CS evaluation (2017–2022). Data were analysed using binomial logistic regression and area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC).

Results

Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with CS. LNSC (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 64.9%, AUC 0.76), LNSE (sensitivity 72.4%, specificity 85.7%, AUC 0.79), and ODST (sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 52.1%; AUC 0.74) demonstrated comparable effectiveness for CS diagnosis. Their combined application increased diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.91). UFC was not statistically significant. Pre-test clinical symptom inclusion improved screening test performance (AUC LNSC: 0.83; LNSE: 0.84; ODST: 0.82). For CD diagnosis, LNSE + LNSC (AUC 0.95) outperformed ODST. Combining these with ACTH levels < 12.6 pmol/L perfectly distinguished MACS (AUC 1.00). ODST (AUC 0.76) exhibited superior performance (sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 52.2%) in MACS detection.

Conclusions

LNSC, LNSE, and ODST are robust tools for CS screening, with their combined use offering the highest diagnostic precision. LNSE, especially when used with LNSC, is highly effective for CD diagnosis, exceeding ODST accuracy. ODST is preferable for MACS identification. Integrating ACTH levels markedly improves differentiation between CD and MACS. Conversely, UFC shows limited diagnostic utility.
Lifehistory Trade-Offs Influence Women’s Reproductive Strategies
Authors: Dunbar R. I.M. , Grainger Sara
Published: March 2024

Objective

In a UK national census sample, women from the upper and lower socioeconomic (SES) classes achieve parity in completed family size, despite marked differences in both birth rates and offspring survival rates. We test the hypothesis that women adopt reproductive strategies that manipulate age at first reproduction to achieve this.

Methods

We use a Monte-Carlo modeling approach parameterized with current UK lifehistory data to simulate the reproductive lifehistories of 64,000 individuals from different SES classes, with parameter values at each successive time step drawn from a statistical distribution defined by the census data.

Results

We show that, if they are to achieve parity with women in the higher socioeconomic classes, women in lower socioeconomic classes must begin reproducing 5.65 years earlier on average than women in the higher SES classes in order to offset the higher class-specific mortality and infertility rates that they experience. The model predicts very closely the observed differences in age at first reproduction in the census data.

Conclusions

Opting to delay reproduction in order to purse an education-based professional career may be a high risk strategy that many lower SES women are unwilling and unable to pursue. As a result, reproducing as early as possible may be the best strategy available to them.
Ten dos and don’ts of Character
Strengths Research
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Stahlmann Alexander G.
Published: March 2024

While both practitioners and the public regard character strengths
positively, some psychologists and philosophers harbor skepticism. In this
analytical commentary on current research and literature, we trace such skepticism
to a premature focus on positive outcomes, which eclipsed the theoretical groundwork
outlined in the 2004 handbook. We propose solutions to ten key issues which, in our
estimation, not only sustain this skepticism but also hinder meaningful advancement
in the field of character strengths research: (1) Criteria evaluation, (2) Virtue
functions, (3) Situational affordances, (4) Content validity, (5) Criterion
validity, (6) Fulfillment conceptualization, (7) Adverse outcome modeling (8) Moral
excellency, (9) Strengths conservatism, and (10) Methodological mainstream thinking.
We contend that resolving these issues is necessary to uphold the standing of
character strengths and positive psychology among its counterparts, and to establish
a potent foundation for effective character development.
Approximating the divisor functions
Authors: De Carli Laura , Echezabal Andrew , Laporta Maurizio
Published: March 2024

We exploit the properties of a sequence of functions that approximate the divisor functions and combine them with an analytical formula of a delta-like sequence to give a new proof of a theorem of Grönwall on the asymptotic of the divisor functions.
Bisphenol A analysis and quantification inconsistencies via HPLC-UV: a systematic review with technical notes
Authors: Pop Cristian-Emilian , Miu Bogdan Andrei , Németh Dávid , Wolff Robert , Mihăilescu Dan Florin , Avramescu Sorin Marius , Mernea Maria
Published: March 2024

Bisphenol A is an organic compound utilized in the manufacture of plastics and resins that gained attention due to its environmental distribution and endocrine disrupting effects. Currently, bisphenol A is listed as toxic in most countries, it persists in waters, soils, and air around the world, hence the need for well-established methods for its detection. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the existing open-access literature, examining the extent to which determination and quantification of bisphenol A was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a UV detector (HPLC-UV), probably the most prevalent analytical-grade equipment in research facilities. We searched electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), including in our analysis 55 original open-access research articles that met our designated criteria from a total of 3665 records. The screening of articles revealed multiple approaches in bisphenol A detection and quantification via HPLC-UV; 47.27% of the open-access literature on this topic is dedicated to the development of new methods for purification, extraction or preconcentration of BPA from a large variety of samples. It was also observed that UV detectors were set to a variety of wavelengths that do not comply to the specific peaks of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the linearity of these wavelengths was questioned and a technical note comprising spectroscopic and HPLC-UV measurements of bisphenol A was provided, clarifying nonconformities. Results showed that most studies could maintain their reliability when different wavelengths are used, but a careful approach should be considered when referring to the spectrum ranges 200–205 and 296–300 nm (depending on the solvent used) because of peak shifts and linearity issues.
Evaluating research on the utilization of recycled Brick aggregates in concrete
Authors: Joyklad Panuwat
Published: March 2024

Considering the substantial production of concrete and the significant generation of demolition waste resulting from the dismantling of old concrete structures, the reuse of construction and demolition waste (CDW) has become crucial. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the adequacy of the mechanical behavior of concrete incorporating CDW within the last two decades. However, there is a dearth of scientometric reviews on studies examining the environmental impacts of CDW. To address this gap, science mapping methods were utilized to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on the environmental impacts of CDW. To conduct a comprehensive scientometric assessment of the utilization of recycled brick aggregates in concrete (RBAC) production, a search was performed in the Scopus database. The search primarily focused on the keywords "recycled bricks" and "concrete" to retrieve relevant papers. The objective of this study was to conduct a scientometric analysis of the bibliometric data on recycled bricks to identify its key components. The findings of this study included the following: (1) identifying the mostly focused area on the use of recycled bricks in concrete, (2) identifying authors with the greatest contribution, (3) journals with the most publications, (4) countries that contributed most in terms of publications, and (5) publications with highest number of citations. The findings suggest that the mechanical properties of RBAC have been the core of existing research. Existing studies have focused on the behavior of RBAC under monotonic loading only. The application of RBAC in structural contexts requires considerable attention, as prior research has yet to concentrate on this specific domain. No empirical research has yet explored the incorporation of recycled brick aggregate concrete in the presence of lap splices or within shear-dominated regions. Existing research has revealed substandard mechanical properties of RBAC that induce concerns for its structural applications. Given the state-of-the-art of RBAC and its applications, its behavior needs to be examined for reinforced concrete structural members. Moreover, the provisions of modern codes for RBAC also require significant attention. Moreover, the behavior of RBAC concrete under reverse cyclic loading needs attention.
The Designers’ Perspective on Autonomous Mining Systems and Sociotechnology
Authors: Lund Erik , Johansson Jan , Lööw Joel
Published: March 2024

Digitalization and automation technology offer new possibilities to increase productivity and obtain higher levels of autonomy in mining operations. Introducing autonomous systems into mining is not only a technical problem in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, nor a problem of safety in human-automation interactions. The systems also need to be designed and developed so that they foster healthy and attractive working environments. The design and development phase of new mining technology has not been extensively studied previously. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated technology developers’ basic assumptions about humans and their interactions with the technology they develop. We conducted five semi-structured workshops within an EU funded project concerned with developing digitalization and automation solutions for the mining industry. The data suggests that many critical functions will still be under human control in future mining systems. The results also indicate increased complexity in the interaction between autonomous systems and humans as the technology becomes more advanced. As a result, we suggest that a human perspective, based on sociotechnical principles, should not only be considered in implementing the technology at mines but also in the early conceptual phases of developing and designing the technology. This will ensure healthy and attractive work environments in the future mining industry.
Differential Physiological and Molecular Processes in the Root May Underlie Contrasting Salt Tolerance in Two Egyptian Rice Cultivars at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Mekawy Ahmad Mohammad M. , Assaha Dekoum V.M. , Li Jiacheng , Yusuf Asmaa , Mostafa Doaa , Shoulkamy Mahmoud Ali , Ueda Akihiro
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to compare various responses of two Egyptian rice accessions bred for high yields, Sakha108 and Giza177, to salt stress at the seedling stage. Twenty-eight-day-old seedlings of two cultivars were grown in a hydroponic medium under control conditions (no NaCl) and salt stress (75 mM NaCl) for 12 days. Growth (dry weight), Na+ and K+ concentrations, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and expression of Na+ and K+ transport-coding genes were recorded. Sakha108’s growth (18% rise from control) was significantly higher than Giza177’s. Both cultivars accumulated similar amounts of Na+ in the leaves and sheaths, however, Sakha108 had higher Na+ concentrations in the roots than Giza177 (13.3% higher). Root K+ concentration dropped dramatically (~ 2-fold reduction) in Giza177 roots while remaining unchanged in Sakha108 roots. The concentrations of H2O2 (root) and MDA (leaf and root) were higher in Giza177 than in Sakha108, although the difference was not statistically significant. Proline and total flavonoid (TF) contents in Sakha108 roots were greater than those in Giza177 roots. The expression of OsHKT1;5 and OsHKT2;1 genes declined in both cultivars, whereas expressions of OsSOS1, OsNHX1, and OsHAK7 were induced in Sakha108 but, except for OsHAK7, were repressed in Giza177. Combined, these findings suggest that Sakha108 is more resistant to salt stress than Giza177 is, and that this variation in tolerance may have its origins in the root systems of the two cultivars. Thus, these adaptive traits in the root of Sakha 108 could be explored for engineering stress tolerance in susceptible but high-yielding rice cultivars.
PhD Student Funding Patterns: Placing Biomedical, Biological, and Biosystems Engineering in the Context of Engineering Sub-disciplines, Biological Sciences, and Other STEM Disciplines
Authors: Knight David B. , Grote Dustin M. , Kinoshita Timothy J. , Borrego Maura
Published: March 2024

Whether doctoral students are funded primarily by fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships impacts their degree completion, time to degree, learning outcomes, and short- and long-term career outcomes. Variations in funding patterns have been studied at the broad field level but not comparing engineering sub-disciplines. We addressed two research questions: How do PhD student funding mechanisms vary across engineering sub-disciplines? And how does variation in funding mechanisms across engineering sub-disciplines map onto the larger STEM disciplinary landscape? We analyzed 103,373 engineering and computing responses to the U.S. Survey of Earned Doctorates collected between 2007 and 2016. We conducted analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons to examine variation in funding across sub-disciplines. Then, we conducted a k-means cluster analysis on percentage variables for fellowship, research, and teaching assistantship funding mechanism with STEM sub-discipline as the unit of analysis. A statistically significantly greater percentage of biomedical/biological engineering doctoral students were funded via a fellowship, compared to every other engineering sub-discipline. Consequently, biomedical/biological engineering had significantly lower proportions of students supported via research and teaching assistantships than nearly all other engineering sub-disciplines. We identified five clusters. The majority of engineering sub-disciplines grouped together into a cluster with high research assistantships and low teaching assistantships. Biomedical/biological engineering clustered in the high fellowships grouping with most other biological sciences but no other engineering sub-disciplines. Biomedical/biological engineering behaves much more like biological and life sciences in utilizing fellowships to fund graduate students, far more than other engineering sub-disciplines. Our study provides further evidence of the prevalence of fellowships in life sciences and how it stretches into biomedical/biological engineering. The majority of engineering sub-disciplines relied more on research assistantships to fund graduate study. The lack of uniformity provides an opportunity to diversify student experiences during their graduate programs but also necessitates an awareness to the advantages and disadvantages that different funding portfolios can bestow on students.
Legal-Lay Discourse and Procedural Justice in Family and County Courts
Authors: Grieshofer Tatiana
Published: March 2024

Focusing on adversarial legal settings, this Element explores discursive practices in court proceedings which often involve unrepresented parties – private family proceedings and small claims cases. Such proceedings present the main caseload of county and family courts but pose immense challenges when it comes to legal–lay communication. Drawing on court observations, alongside textual and interview data, the Element pursues three aims: (1) developing the methodological and theoretical framework for exploring discursive practices in legal settings; (2) establishing the link between legal–lay discourse and procedural justice; (3) presenting and contextualising linguistic phenomena as an inherent part of court research and practice. The Element illustrates how linguistic input can contribute to procedural changes and court reforms across different adversarial and non-adversarial legal settings. The exploration of discursive practices embedded in court processes and procedures consolidates and advances the existing court research conducted within the fields of socio-legal studies and forensic and legal linguistics. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Mary Astell's Female Retirement: Feminist Pedagogy and Politics in A Serious Proposal to the Ladies
Authors: Weiss Penny A.
Published: March 2024

Mary Astell's female retreat is a political project, dedicated to the full self-realization of students in a world that diminishes them and thwarts the development of their potential. Newly analyzing the pedagogical tools and distinctive setting of her seminary, I reveal its most progressive promise. In this political reading of A Serious Proposal, Astell emerges as an early figure in the broad political tradition of female resistance to patriarchal domination. She enables a subordinated group of women to arrive at new and oppositional ways of understanding themselves, each other, and even the world, and to act for change. The methods and tactics she employs in her retreat bring to light some surprisingly democratic and feminist dimensions of Mary Astell.
Semantic differences in visually similar face emojis
Authors: Fricke Lea , Grosz Patrick G. , Scheffler Tatjana
Published: March 2024

The literature on face emojis raises the central question whether they should be treated as pictures or conventionalized signals. Our experiment addresses this question by investigating semantic differences in visually similar face emojis. We test a prediction following from a pictorial approach: small visual features of emojis that do not correspond to human facial features should be semantically less relevant than features that represent aspects of facial expressions. We compare emoji pairs with a visual difference that either does or does not correspond to a difference in a human facial expression according to an adaptation of the Facial Action Coding System. We created two contexts per pair, each fitted to correspond to a prominent meaning of one or the other emoji. Participants had to choose a suitable emoji for each context. The rate at which the context-matching emoji was chosen was significantly above chance for both types of emoji pairs and it did not differ significantly between them. Our results show that the small differences are meaningful in all pairs whether or not they correspond to human facial differences. This supports a lexicalist approach to emoji semantics, which treats face emojis as conventionalized signals rather than mere pictures of faces.
FIRST DIRECT RADIOCARBON DATING (22–27 CAL KA BP) OF MASSIVE ICE AT THE MECHIGMEN AND LAVRENTIYA BAYS COAST, EASTERN CHUKOTKA
Authors: Vasil’chuk Yurij K , Budantseva Nadine A , Maslakov Alexey A , Vasil’chuk Alla C , Vasil’chuk Jessica Yu
Published: March 2024

The Eastern Chukotka is considered a unique permafrost region where massive ice bodies are widespread. However, the origin and age of these ice formations are often discussed. The age of the massive ice of Chukotka was established for the first time using AMS 14C dating. It was revealed that three massive ice bodies on the coast of Mechigmen Bay were formed at the end of the Late Pleistocene: a) near the Akkani site, 21,612 to 22,147 cal BP; b) near the Lavrentiya settlement, 27,553 cal BP; and c) near the Lavrentiya settlement, 22,193 cal BP. Stable isotope values in the studied massive ice vary in a rather wide range by about 10‰ for δ18O values (from –14.8‰ to –24.5‰) and about 75‰ for the δ2H values (from –116‰ to –191‰). The studied massive ice bodies are of intrasedimental genesis and formed epigenetically during the final stage of MIS2 (22–27 cal ka BP).
A TIME-INTEGRATED SAMPLER FOR RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS OF AQUATIC METHANE
Authors: Garnett M H , Dean J F
Published: March 2024

Freshwater ecosystems are responsible for a large proportion of global methane emissions to the atmosphere. The radiocarbon (14C) content of this aquatic methane is useful for determining the age and source of this important greenhouse gas. Several methods already exist for the collection of aquatic methane for radiocarbon analysis, but they tend to only sample over short periods of time, which can make them unsuitable for characterizing aquatic methane over longer timespans, and vulnerable to missing short-term events. Here, we describe a new time-integrated method for the collection of aquatic methane that provides samples suitable for radiocarbon analysis, that are representative for periods of up to at least 16 days. We report the results of a suite of tests undertaken to verify the reliability of the method, and the 14C age of aquatic methane from field trials undertaken at sites within Scotland, UK. We believe that this new method provides researchers with a simple approach that is easily deployable and can be used to collect representative time-integrated samples of methane for radiocarbon analysis from a wide range of aquatic environments.
Chloroidium phycobionts (Watanabeales, Trebouxiophyceae) partner with lecanoralean mycobionts in foliicolous lichen communities of Tenerife (Canary Islands) and Navarra (Iberian Peninsula), Spain
Authors: Sanders William B. , de los Ríos Asunción , Pérez-Ortega Sergio
Published: March 2024

While the diversity of foliicolous lichen-forming fungi has been explored in substantial depth, relatively little attention has been paid to their algal symbionts. We studied the unicellular green phycobionts of the lecanoralean lichens Bacidina (Ramalinaceae), Byssoloma, Fellhanera and Tapellaria (Pilocarpaceae) and graphidalean Gyalectidium (Gomphillaceae) from two extratropical foliicolous communities in continental Spain and the Canary Islands. We examined the pyrenoids of algal symbionts within thalli using TEM, and obtained several algal nrSSU and rbcL sequences from whole thalli, and also from cultures isolated from some of these lichens. Pyrenoid structure and molecular sequence data provided support for recognizing Chloroidium (Watanabeales, Trebouxiophyceae) as phycobiont in thalli of Byssoloma subdiscordans and Fellhanera bouteillei (Pilocarpaceae) in both communities. Bacidina apiahica (Ramalinaceae) and Tapellaria epiphylla (Pilocarpaceae) likewise appeared to partner with Chloroidium based on the presence of the same pyrenoid type, although we were able to obtain a phycobiont sequence only from a culture isolate of the latter. These results contrast with those obtained previously from a foliicolous lichen community in southern Florida, which revealed only strains of Heveochlorella (Jaagichlorella) as phycobiont of foliicolous Pilocarpaceae and Gomphillaceae. On the other hand, the pyrenoid we observed in the phycobionts associated with Gyalectidium setiferum and G. minus corresponded to that of Heveochlorella (Jaagichlorella). However, the poor quality of the phycobiont sequence data obtained from G. minus, probably due to the presence of epibiontic algae, could not provide additional perspective on the pyrenoid structure observations. Nonetheless, clear differences in pyrenoid ultrastructure can allow Chloroidium and Heveochlorella phycobionts to be distinguished from each other in TEM. Our results indicate a greater diversity of unicellular green-algal symbionts in foliicolous communities from Spain than previously observed in other geographical areas, and suggest that further studies focused on symbiont pairing in these communities might reveal distinctive and varied patterns of phycobiont preference.
‘I don’t want to play with you anymore’: dynamic partner judgements in moody reinforcement learners playing the prisoner’s dilemma
Authors: Feehan Grace , Fatima Shaheen
Published: March 2024

Emerging reinforcement learning algorithms that utilize human traits as part of their conceptual architecture have been demonstrated to encourage cooperation in social dilemmas when compared to their unaltered origins. In particular, the addition of a mood mechanism facilitates more cooperative behaviour in multi-agent iterated prisoner dilemma (IPD) games, for both static and dynamic network contexts. Mood-altered agents also exhibit humanlike behavioural trends when environmental aspects of the dilemma are altered, such as the structure of the payoff matrix used. It is possible that other environmental effects from both human and agent-based research will interact with moody structures in previously unstudied ways. As the literature on these interactions is currently small, we seek to expand on previous research by introducing two more environmental dimensions; voluntary interaction in dynamic networks, and stability of interaction through varied network restructuring. From an initial Erdos–Renyi random network, we manipulate the structure of a network IPD according to existing methodology in human-based research, to investigate possible replication of their findings. We also facilitated strategic selection of opponents through the introduction of two partner evaluation mechanisms and tested two selection thresholds for each. We found that even minimally strategic play termination in dynamic networks is enough to enhance cooperation above a static level, though the thresholds for these strategic decisions are critical to desired outcomes. More forgiving thresholds lead to better maintenance of cooperation between kinder strategies than stricter ones, despite overall cooperation levels being relatively low. Additionally, moody reinforcement learning combined with certain play termination decision strategies can mimic trends in human cooperation affected by structural changes to the IPD played on dynamic networks—as can kind and simplistic strategies such as Tit-For-Tat. Implications of this in comparison with human data is discussed, and suggestions for diversification of further testing are made.
Angara Style Rock Art: The Evolution of a Regional Emblematic and Syncretic Style
Authors: McNeil Lynda D.
Published: March 2024

Rebutting previous claims, the paper employs comparative stylistic analysis and palaeoenvironmental data to argue that Angara style rock art originated in the Mongolian Altai during the Upper Palaeolithic (13,000–10,300 bp) where it evolved in situ. Around 8200–7300 bp, drought forced the hunter-gatherers who created Angara style rock art to migrate to the Upper Yenisey and the Selenga and Angara basins. When drought impacted that area c. 7500–7000 bp, Kotoi (Ket) culture descendants sought refuge in the resource-rich Minusinsk Basin. On the Middle Yenisey River, Angara style rock art served as a mnemonic device that encoded the syncretism of proto Ket and Evenki cosmologies and beliefs resulting from their social alliance.
Worker takeovers: a comparative analysis of employee buyouts, other worker-managed firms, and conventional firms in Uruguay
Authors: Dean Andrés
Published: March 2024

The economic crisis experienced by many developed countries over the past decade saw the emergence of the phenomenon of so-called recovered firms (RFs), or employee buyouts of failed capitalist firms (CFs). While it is obvious that one of the objectives sought by these workers is to keep their jobs, the subsequent performance of these firms is unclear. Are RFs more likely to fail than other worker managed firms (WMFs) or than CFs? Do RF workers get higher incomes than their peers in other WMFs or in CFs? This analysis is based on a linked employer–employee panel data set from Uruguayan social security administrative records. The main findings are that RFs survive longer than other WMFs or than CFs. However, RF workers receive incomes lower than those of their peers at other WMFs or at CFs. This income differential is explained partly by a brain drain process and specific human capital losses.
‘Route Causes’ and Consequences of Irregular (Re-)Migration: Vulnerability as an Indicator of Future Risk in Refugee Law
Authors: Grundler Maja
Published: March 2024

States’ bordering practices force individuals to undertake dangerous migratory journeys and put them at risk of severe human rights violations. Yet, irregular arrivals who are found not to be at risk of serious harm in their countries of origin are perceived as voluntary migrants and are therefore assumed not to be in need of protection. This article employs the concept of vulnerability to challenge the idea that both the initial and subsequent dangerous migratory journeys are undertaken voluntarily. Based on an analysis of trafficking-based asylum claims from the UK and Germany, the article shows that both re-trafficking and irregular re-migration result from vulnerabilities which converge to preclude reintegration in the country of origin and access to livelihood options. While some of these vulnerabilities are likely to be present at the time of the initial dangerous journey already, the article pays particular attention to ‘consequential vulnerabilities’ brought about by previous migration experiences. It then introduces the concept of ‘route causes’ of irregular re-migration to describe factors which heighten the risk of re-migrating irregularly and therefore establish a risk on return related to harm experienced during irregular migration, rather than in the country of origin. Thus, the article shows that the vulnerability concept informs the future risk analysis in refugee law and argues that, just like a risk of re-trafficking, a risk of irregular re-migration could form the basis of an asylum claim.
On the Basis of Migratory Vulnerability: Augmenting Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights in the Context of Migration
Authors: Baumgärtel Moritz , Ganty Sarah
Published: March 2024

The fact that migration cases seldom raise any questions under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is neither inevitable nor justified. This article reaffirms the equality provision as a useful and indeed necessary mechanism for the European Court of Human Rights to deal with such applications. More concretely, we build on our previous work, which identified a legal tool suitable for achieving this reorientation in judicial practice: the principle that we call ‘migratory vulnerability’, once recalibrated away from a group-based approach to a notion of vulnerability as situational and socially induced. In this article, we explain how the principle of migratory vulnerability, even if it does not represent an inherently suspect ground of differentiation, enables us to identify instances of discrimination defined as a measurable disadvantage that is disproportionate or arbitrary and cannot, therefore, be reasonably justified on the basis of the Convention. This presupposes a move away from nationality as a privileged ground in migration-related cases and from the ‘comparator’ test to determine Article 14 ECHR violations, to also encompass situational experiences. We end with two examples that show that this reconceptualization is both workable in practice and of added value, enabling the Court to find violations that presently go undetected.
Telling Phaedrus' fables to children. A cruel language? A linguistic analysis in Italian books
Authors: Regagliolo Alberto
Published: March 2024

Teaching classical culture to children can be done through literature and Phaedrus' fables. There are several books on the market that can be used to introduce Phaedrus' fables to children. However, in order to be suitable, the books should follow some requirements of appropriateness related to the use of the language and the values to be shared, among others. In this study, through the analysis of 12 Italian books on Phaedrus' fables for children, it will be analysed how the death of an animal is described through the use of verbs and structures. The research aims at making observations on how some books for children represent cruelty and the adoption of certain linguistic structures. The analysis shows, in the first place, that the authors never eliminate the death/killing of the animal; secondly, the verbs and expressions used are varied but, in most cases, cruel, and direct without making the death softer.
Short-Scale Construction Using Meta-Analytic Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Schroeders Ulrich , Morgenstern Maximilian , Jankowsky Kristin , Gnambs Timo
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The Need for Cognition Scale (NCS) is a self-report scale measuring individual differences in the tendency to engage in and enjoy thinking. The shortened version with 18 items (NCS-18; Cacioppo et al., 1984 ) has widely been administered in research on persuasion, critical thinking, and educational achievement. Whereas most studies advocated for essential uni-dimensionality, the question remains which psychometric model yields the best representation of the NCS-18. In the present study, we compared six competing measurement models for the NCS-18 with meta-analytic structural equation models using summary data of 87 samples ( N = 90,215). Results demonstrated that the negatively worded items introduced considerable measurement bias that was best accounted for with an acquiescence model. In a further analytical step, we showcased how the pooled correlation matrix can be used to compile short versions of the NCS-18 via Ant Colony Optimization. We examined model fit and reliability of short scales with varying item numbers (between 4 and 15) and a balanced ratio of positively and negatively worded items. We discuss the potentials and limits of the newly proposed method.
Ocean Heat Content Increase of the Maritime Continent Since the 1990s
Authors: Jin Yuchun , Li Yuanlong , Cheng Lijing , Duan Jing , Li Rui , Wang Fan
Published: March 2024

The Maritime Continent (MC), a critical region for inter‐basin climate interaction, harbors the world's highest marine biodiversity. Ocean warming in the MC, although with notable impacts on regional climate and marine ecosystems, remains poorly constrained by observations. By applying a volume‐correction algorithm to existing gridded observational data sets, this study provides an estimate for the ocean heat content (OHC) change of the MC. The results suggest a substantial OHC increase of 2.65 ± 0.46 Zettajoules during 1990–2015 (1.08 ± 0.17 W m−2) and limited changes before and after. This increase primarily arose from the enhanced Pacific Walker circulation, which drove a convergence of upper‐layer warm water toward the MC. A potential heat storage “hotspot” with enhanced warming below 500 m emerges within the Sulu Sea, which is supported by analysis of profile data collected in boreal winter but not in other seasons.
A Model for Air Entrainment Rates in Oceanic Whitecaps
Authors: Callaghan Adrian H.
Published: March 2024

Air‐entraining whitecaps provide an important source of bubbles over the global oceans, yet the rate at which the associated air is entrained is not well known. This lack of understanding limits the ability to accurately parameterize bubble‐mediated gas exchange and sea spray aerosol flux. In this paper I present a model to predict the total volume of air entrained by individual whitecaps and extend it to estimate the rate at which air is entrained per unit sea surface area. The model agrees well with existing models and measurements and can be forced by the rate at which energy is dissipated by the wavefield which can be routinely provided by spectral wave models. I then use the model to present the first distributions of the estimated total volume of air entrained by individual whitecaps, as well as their rate of air entrainment and air degassing.
Thank You to Our Peer Reviewers in 2023
Authors: Lugaz Noe , Carter Brett , Gannon Jennifer L. , Liu Huixin , Morley Steve K. , Zou Shasha
Published: March 2024

Key Points

The editors thank the 2023 peer reviewers