bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unlimited Associative Learning and the origins of consciousness: a primer and some predictions
Authors: Birch Jonathan , Ginsburg Simona , Jablonka Eva 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOver the past two decades, Ginsburg and Jablonka have developed a novel approach to studying the evolutionary origins of consciousness: the Unlimited Associative Learning (UAL) framework. The central idea is that there is a distinctive type of learning that can serve as a transition marker for the evolutionary transition from non-conscious to conscious life. The goal of this paper is to stimulate discussion of the framework by providing a primer on its key claims (Part I) and a clear statement of its main empirical predictions (Part II).
National political pressure groups and the stability of international environmental agreements
Authors: Hagen Achim , Altamirano-Cabrera Juan-Carlos , Weikard Hans-Peter 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of political pressure groups (lobbies) on transboundary emissions of individual countries and on the stability of international environmental agreements to reduce emissions. We consider two types of lobbies, industry and environmentalists, and we allow for asymmetric countries to consider differences in lobby strengths to study strategic international spillovers of national lobby activities. In our model, lobby groups in countries that are non-signatories to the agreement will impact abatement of the lobby’s home country only. In contrast, lobby activities in signatory countries have spillover effects on the abatement decisions of other member countries. As lobby strength impacts abatement, it will, in turn, impact the incentives to participate in the agreement. We find that lobby activities from both lobby groups, industry and environmentalists, can have the potential to facilitate international cooperation to abate global pollution. This, however, depends on the distribution of lobby activities across countries and on whether green lobby groups have a national or international focus.
How to consider history in landscape ecology: patterns, processes, and pathways
Authors: Tappeiner Ulrike , Leitinger Georg , Zariņa Anita , Bürgi Matthias 
Published: December 2020

AbstractContextLandscape ecology early on developed the awareness that central objects of investigation are not stable over time and therefore the historical dimension must be included, or at least considered.ObjectivesThis paper considers the importance of history in landscape ecology in terms of its impact on patterns and processes and proposes to complement these with the notion of pathways in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of landscape change.MethodsWe develop a conceptual framework distinguishing between legacy effects, which include pattern and processes, and path dependence, with a focus of development pathways and we illustrate these perspectives by empirical examples.ResultsCombined short- to long-lasting imprints and legacies of historical patterns and processes reveal how present patterns and processes are in various ways influenced by legacies of the past. The focus on inherent dynamics of development pathways sheds light on the process of change itself, and its trajectories, and reveals the role of event chains and institutional reproduction.ConclusionsUnderstanding patterns, processes, and pathways over time, allows a more complete analysis of landscape change, and forms the base to preserve vital ecosystem services of both human-made and natural landscapes for the future.
Husserl, the mathematization of nature, and the informational reconstruction of quantum theory
Authors: Berghofer Philipp , Goyal Philip , Wiltsche Harald A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAs is well known, the late Husserl warned against the dangers of reifying and objectifying the mathematical models that operate at the heart of our physical theories. Although Husserl’s worries were mainly directed at Galilean physics, the first aim of our paper is to show that many of his critical arguments are no less relevant today. By addressing the formalism and current interpretations of quantum theory, we illustrate how topics surrounding the mathematization of nature come to the fore naturally. Our second aim is to consider the program of reconstructing quantum theory, a program that currently enjoys popularity in the field of quantum foundations. We will conclude by arguing that, seen from this vantage point, certain insights delivered by phenomenology and quantum theory regarding perspectivity are remarkably concordant. Our overall hope with this paper is to show that there is much room for mutual learning between phenomenology and modern physics.
Ghd7 is a negative regulator of zinc concentration in brown rice
Authors: Alam Mufid , Chen Yingnanjun , Li Pingbo , Lou Guangming , Zhou Hao , Wang Lei , Liu Rongjia , Chen Pingli , Zhou Yin , Gao Guanjun , Tai Dewei , Zhang Xiaozhong , He Yuqing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractZinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for human, and improving Zn concentration in rice could be a simple and effective way to solve insufficient Zn uptake from daily diet. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a commercial hybrid combination Wandao153, and subjected to quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection for Zn concentration in brown rice and heading date. Five QTL for Zn concentration and six for heading date were detected across 2 years, among which two QTL for Zn concentration and two for heading date were co-located on chromosome 7 and 8, respectively. The two co-located QTL on chromosome 7, qZn7 and qHd7, were likely to be Ghd7, a major gene for heading date and yield potential in rice. A combination of Zn concentration analysis and haplotype analysis of three pairs of genetic materials for Ghd7 revealed that it is a negative regulator of Zn concentration in brown rice. The other two co-located QTL on chromosome 8, qZn8 and qHd8, were likely to be Ghd8/DTH8, another major gene for heading date and yield potential in rice. These results could be of great use in genetic improvement of Zn concentration in brown rice.
The Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Ethiopian Amharic Version
Authors: Elemo Aman Sado , Satici Seydi Ahmet , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFear is an adaptive response that alerts individuals to the presence of a danger or threat. However, in the context of the current novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the fear experienced could be intense because the number of victims of the virus is continuously increasing globally and is inducing severe mental health concerns. The seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) assesses the severity of fear related to COVID-19 and has already been validated in many languages. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Amharic (Ethiopian) version of the FCV-19S. An online survey including the Amharic versions of the FCV-19S and the six-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) was administered to 307 Amharic-speaking participants using convenience sampling. The participants’ age ranged between 18 and 70 years. In the evaluation process, confirmatory factor analysis, Item Response Theory, concurrent validity, and reliabilities (Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, Guttman’s lambda, and composite reliability) of the Amharic version of the FCV-19S were performed. The uni-dimensional structure of the FCV-19S was confirmed and the Amharic version of the FCV-19S had strong psychometric properties. All reliability coefficients of the Amharic FCV-19S were satisfactory, with sound concurrent validity shown by significant and positive correlations with loneliness. The results indicate that the FCV-19S can be used in research to assess the fear of COVID-19 among Amharic-speaking populations.
Interfacial Properties of β-Lactoglobulin at the Oil/Water Interface: Influence of Starch Conversion Products with Varying Dextrose Equivalents
Authors: Heiden-Hecht Theresia , Ulbrich Marco , Drusch Stephan , Brückner-Gühmann Monika 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn spray dried emulsions, frequently milk proteins are used as interfacial active components and starch conversion products are added as matrix material at high concentrations. To characterize interfacial properties at the oil/water interface by commonly applied methods, low protein, and carbohydrate concentrations from 1 to 2% are usually analyzed. The impact of a higher concentration of starch conversion products was not investigated so far. Therefore, the formation and rheological properties of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) stabilized films at the oil/water interface were investigated via short and long-time adsorption behavior using pendant drop tensiometry as well as dilatational and interfacial shear rheology. Suitability of the applied methods to the chosen samples with higher concentrations >1–2% was verified by calculation of selected key numbers like capillary number and by detailed reviewing of the results which is summarized further on as key indicators. It is hypothesized, that the increase in concentration via presence of starch conversion products will delay interfacial stabilization as a result of increased bulk viscosity with decreasing degree of degradation (dextrose equivalent) of the starch. Furthermore, this increase in concentration leads to more stable interfacial films due to thermodynamic incompatibility effects between protein and starch conversion products which results in increases of local protein concentration. Key indicators proved a general suitability of applied methods for the evaluation of the investigated samples. Moreover, results showed an increase in interfacial film stability and elastic properties alongside a decreased interfacial tension if starch conversion products were present in a high concentration.
Demokratisierung durch Partizipation? Die Mehrebenenbeteiligung an der Endlagersuche in Deutschland
Authors: Krick Eva 
Published: December 2020

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag analysiert die Beteiligung an der Endlagersuche in Deutschland in Bezug auf ihre institutionellen Erfolgsbedingungen und demokratische Qualität. Im Zentrum steht die erste Phase der Endlagersuche, in der die „Endlagerkommission“ Input aus einer Vielzahl an Bürgerbeteiligungsforen erhielt. Die Studie zeigt, wie ausgeprägte institutionelle Komplexität, hohe normative Standards und passgenaue Koordinationsmechanismen dazu beitragen können, den zwei klassischen Schwächen partizipativer Verfahren – soziale Verzerrung und Resonanzlosigkeit – entgegenzuwirken. Aufbauend auf der inputorientierten Demokratietheorie und der empirischen Beteiligungs‑, Deliberations- und Verhandlungsforschung wird insbesondere der Selektionsmodus der Zufallsauswahl hinterfragt und die bewusste Zielgruppenansprache als alternativer Weg zur Erreichung substanzieller Repräsentation diskutiert. Außerdem werden Aggregationsmechanismen und Rückkopplungskanäle typisiert, mit deren Hilfe eine Vielzahl an Stimmen integriert und in den politischen Prozess eingebettet werden kann.
Human time perspective and its structural associations with voxel-based morphometry and gyrification
Authors: Schmitt Simon , Besteher Bianca , Gaser Christian , Nenadić Igor 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTime perspective refers to humans’ concept of integrating and evaluating temporal position and evaluation of memories, emotions, and experiences. We tested the hypothesis that different aspects of time perspective, as assessed with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) are related to variation of brain structure in non-clinical subjects. Analysing data from n = 177 psychiatrically healthy subjects using voxel-based morphometry with the CAT12 software package, we identified several significant (p < 0.05 FWE, cluster-level corrected) associations. The factors past negative, reflecting a negative attitude towards past events and present fatalistic, measuring a hopeless and fatalistic attitude towards future life, were both negatively associated with grey matter volumes of the anterior insula. The ZTPI factor future was negatively associated with precuneus grey matter. There was no association of ZTPI scores with gyrification using an absolute mean curvature method, a marker of early brain development. These findings provide a link between a general psychological construct of time perspective and brain structural variations in key areas related to time keeping (anterior insula) and the default mode network (precuneus), both of which overlap with variation in behavioral aspects and psychopathology.
Die Prognose von Studienerfolg und Studienabbruch auf Basis von Umfrage- und administrativen Prüfungsdaten
Authors: Pannier Sören , Rendtel Ulrich , Gerks Hartmut 
Published: December 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Messung von Studienerfolg bzw. Studienabbruch erfolgt häufig retrospektiv anhand von Exmatrikulierten-Befragungen. Diese Erhebungen sind jedoch mit hohen Nonresponse-Raten verknüpft. Auch die retrospektive Selbsteinschätzung unterliegt Erinnerungsfehlern. Alternativ findet man auch prospektive Ansätze im Rahmen von Panelerhebungen, die jedoch von Stichprobenausfällen zwischen den Befragungswellen betroffen sind.Dieser Artikel präsentiert einen neuen prospektiven Ansatz auf Basis von administrativen Prüfungsdaten und Umfragedaten. Hintergrundinformationen über die Studierenden werden zu Beginn des zweiten Fachsemesters im Rahmen einer Hörsaalbefragung erhoben. Die notwendige Einwilligung der Studierenden zur Verknüpfung mit den Prüfungsdaten wird fast immer erreicht, so dass der Einfluss von Hintergrundmerkmalen, Nebentätigkeit während des Studiums sowie der Studienmotivation auf den Studienabschluss ohne Stichprobenausfälle analysiert werden kann.Dieser Ansatz wurde erstmalig am Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaft der FU Berlin realisiert. Der Aufsatz beschreibt die Durchführung dieses Konzepts sowie Analyseergebnisse für den Studienverlauf und Studienabbrüche. Im Ergebnis erhalten wir, dass sich ein Studienabbruch schon in der Studieneingangsphase anhand der erworbenen Leistungspunkte und der Selbsteinschätzung der Studierenden sehr genau vorhersagen lässt. Hingegen liefern die Schulnote und die sozialen Hintergrundmerkmale keine zusätzliche Information für einen Studienabbruch.
Fish cytokines: current research and applications
Authors: Sakai Masahiro , Hikima Jun-ichi , Kono Tomoya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCytokines are low molecular weight glycoproteins involved in the regulation of the immune system, and more than 100 cytokines have hitherto been identified in humans. Cytokines similar to those found in humans have also been found in fish. The innate immune response of fish can be examined by using cytokines as markers. We developed a multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay to analyze the expression of various cytokine genes. Using this assay, we were able to investigate the fish immune response when it had been activated by immunostimulants. The involvement of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, in the immune system of fish was revealed following administration of an immunostimulant.
Application of principal component analysis on water flooding effect evaluation in natural edge-bottom water reservoir
Authors: Geng Xiaoyan , Qi Mei , Liu Jian , He Chang , Li Yunbo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWater flooding effect evaluation is considered as the basic work to formulate comprehensive adjustment measures and improve the effectiveness of oilfield development. However, natural edge-bottom water energy is seldom considered in the conventional evaluation method. So, it cannot reflect the comprehensive effect of both natural edge-bottom water and injected water. Principal component analysis is a kind of multivariate statistical analysis method, which has been widely used in social science and other fields. Based on this method, the water flooding effect of 5 edge-bottom water reservoirs is comprehensively evaluated. First, 11 indicators are selected from four aspects, including natural edge-bottom water energy, production change, water injection development and utilization, energy maintenance and deficit compensation. Then, the selection of principal components is optimized. Based on the consideration of keeping as much information as possible to get more convincing results, three principal components are obtained. Finally, take five oilfields as examples to realize comprehensive evaluation. Results indicate that the natural energy of B oilfield is quite sufficient and water injection is timely in the later stage of development. So the water flooding effect is the best among five oilfields and the comprehensive principal component value is 1.434. That of A and C oilfields are 0.527 and 1.021, respectively, ranking 3 and 2. Although D oilfield has quite sufficient natural energy, water injection is not timely. So the water flooding effect is poor and the comprehensive principal component value is 0.259. That of E oilfield is − 3.241, indicating that it has the worst water flooding effect. The ranking results of five oilfields are consistent based on principal component analysis and Tong's chart, which are both B, C, A, D and E oilfield, verifying this method’s feasibility and practicability. Additionally, compared with the single index, it can reflect the comprehensive water flooding effect of both natural edge-bottom water and injected water. Specific oilfield cases are evaluated by the proposed method, which help for better understanding its application potential for evaluating the water flooding effect of natural edge-bottom water reservoirs.
Limit theorems for multi-type general branching processes with population dependence
Authors: Fan Jie Yen , Hamza Kais , Jagers Peter , Klebaner Fima C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA general multi-type population model is considered, where individuals live and reproduce according to their age and type, but also under the influence of the size and composition of the entire population. We describe the dynamics of the population as a measure-valued process and obtain its asymptotics as the population grows with the environmental carrying capacity. Thus, a deterministic approximation is given, in the form of a law of large numbers, as well as a central limit theorem. This general framework is then adapted to model sexual reproduction, with a special section on serial monogamic mating systems.
Protection of the Rights of Employees in Insolvency Law: A Zimbabwean Perspective
Authors: Kasuso Tapiwa Givemore , Sithole Kudakwashe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUntil recently, Zimbabwean insolvency law was unconcerned with rights of employees on insolvency of the employer. The new Insolvency Act points in a different direction. It guarantees limited rights of workers in their capacity as creditors and as employees. There is a convergence of insolvency law and labour law. These are legal disciplines with contradictory philosophies. This contribution analyses the rights of employees on insolvency in Zimbabwe. The review is informed by international best practices. The article establishes that Zimbabwe follows the “model two: bankruptcy preference approach”. It brings to the fore fundamental weaknesses inherent with this approach in the Zimbabwean context. The article argues that the protection of employees’ rights on insolvency can be enhanced if Zimbabwe follows the “pro-employee approach” and the “bankruptcy priority-guarantee fund approach”. It concludes by advocating for the alignment of the Insolvency Act with international best practices, the constitution and labour legislation.
Association between socioeconomic indicators and geographic distribution of vestibular schwannomas in West Scotland: a 15-year review
Authors: Caulley L , Sawada M , Crighton E , Khoury M , Kontorinis G 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveSocioeconomic risk factors may contribute to geographic variation in diseases, but studies are limited due to lack of large available cohorts.MethodA geographic analysis was performed of the association between socioeconomic risk factors and the distribution of vestibular schwannomas in adults diagnosed with sporadic vestibular schwannomas through the National Health Services in the West of Scotland from 2000 to 2015.ResultsA total of 511 sporadic vestibular schwannomas were identified in a population of over 3.1 million. Prevalence of vestibular schwannomas were lowest in cases with good health (–0.64, 95 per cent confidence interval: –0.93,–0.38; p = 0.002) and level 1 qualifications (–0.562, 95 per cent confidence interval: –0.882 to –0.26; p = 0.01). However, these risk factors did not demonstrate consistent linearity of correlations. Prevalence was lower in people originating from European Union accession countries from April 2001 to March 2011 (–0.63, 95 per cent confidence interval: –0.84 to –0.43; p = 0.002). No correlation between distribution of vestibular schwannomas and socioeconomic risk factors met our threshold criteria (± 0.7).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that there is little variation in distribution of vestibular schwannomas by socioeconomic risk factors.
Are atheist worlds really the best?
Authors: LOUGHEED KIRK 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAnti-theism is the view that God's existence would (or does) detract from the value of the world. A distinctive argument for anti-theism says that the very best atheist worlds are better than the best theist worlds. The reason for this is that it's possible to gain most or all of the benefits associated with theism in Godless worlds. For instance, worlds with a lesser god or several lesser gods can provide many of the benefits of theism without the associated disadvantages. While some work has been done to show that the advantages of theism can be had in atheist worlds, very little has been said regarding whether the disadvantages can simultaneously be avoided in such worlds. I aim to show that it is difficult to describe a possible atheist world where the benefits of theism obtain but the harms do not. I thus problematize this particular argument for anti-theism.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound ablation for palliation of refractory painful bone metastases
Authors: Bucknor Matthew D. , Chan Frandics P. , Matuoka Jessica Y. , Curl Patti K. , Kahn James G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine if magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is cost-effective compared with medication, for refractory pain from bone metastases in the United States.

Methods
We constructed a Markov state transition model using TreeAge Pro software (TreeAge Software, Inc., Williamstown, MA, USA) to model costs, outcomes, and the cost-effectiveness of a treatment strategy using MRgFUS for palliative treatment of painful bone metastases compared with a Medication Only strategy (Figure 1). Model transition state probabilities, costs (in 2018 US$), and effectiveness data (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) were derived from available literature, local expert opinion, and reimbursement patterns at two U.S. tertiary academic medical centers actively performing MRgFUS. Costs and QALYs, discounted at three percent per year, were accumulated each month over a 24-month time horizon. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results
In the base-case analysis, the MRgFUS treatment strategy costs an additional $11,863 over the 2-year time horizon to accumulate additional 0.22 QALYs, equal to a $54,160/QALY ICER, thus making MRgFUS the preferred strategy. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrate that for the base-case analysis, the crossover point at which Medication Only would instead become the preferred strategy is $23,341 per treatment. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrate that 67 percent of model iterations supported the conclusion of the base case.

Conclusions
Our model demonstrates that MRgFUS is cost-effective compared with Medication Only for palliation of painful bone metastases for patients with medically refractory metastatic bone pain across a range of sensitivity analyses.