bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taking Stock of the Bologna Process at 20: The Possibilities and Limits of Soft Law Governance
Authors: Deca Ligia , Harmsen Robert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Bologna Process stands as both an exemplar of regional cooperation in the higher education policy sector and as a comparatively successful instance of the use of so-called ‘soft law governance’ policy instruments. While the formal launch of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in 2010 represents a significant milestone in the process, it nevertheless left many politically sensitive questions unanswered. Today, as this pan-European process now marks two decades of existence, many of the questions concerned with the direction and purpose of the process are being addressed with increasing urgency. Against this background, the present paper specifically focuses on recent debates surrounding the (non-)implementation of key commitments; on the functioning of the EHEA as a policy forum in relation to both its own membership and the wider international higher education policy landscape; and on the manner in which the EHEA may respond to increasingly serious challenges to the fundamental values that underpin the process. The authors draw on both the substantial body of scholarship that has emerged on the process and practitioner insights to examine its past achievements and current challenges, while having in mind the specificity of the EHEA as a policy process in a complex European context. Finally, the paper underlines the need for a more nuanced understanding of the EHEA governance model, based on an overall balance sheet that suggests the likely direction(s) of the process going forward.
Higher Education Institutions Towards Digital Transformation—The WUT Case
Authors: Grosseck Gabriela , Maliţa Laura , Bunoiu Mădălin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNew emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, cloud computing, blockchain, robotization, the Internet of Things, big data, etc. have produced a powerful disruptive effect in almost all areas of our existence and have radically changed the way we live, work, learn or relax. Without consciously realizing it, everyone is adapting to the digital era. As nothing “escapes” the all-encompassing digital transformation, higher education follows track too. So, it is natural to ask ourselves: what are the higher education institutions doing to keep up with this rapidly evolving digital world? In this paper, we present the case of West University of Timişoara as an example of good practice in dealing with the effects of digital transformation on the university and its academic community (teachers, students, administrative staff). Our goal is to gain an understanding of what is being proposed through the institutional development strategy, and what is actually happening in our university from the digitalization perspective. Thus, we conduct an exploratory research using a quantitative approach that involves a survey applied to students enrolled in different study programs, at different levels. We focus on their opinion about how our university can prepare and transform in order to adopt an integrated digital approach, looking into topics like: technology-enabled services, digital enrollment of students, digitization of the administrative processes, implementation of digital procedures to offer recommendations or file complains, digital curricula, new modes of digital learning delivery, etc. Our findings reveal that West University of Timişoara must take significant steps towards the implementation of digital transformations, while, however, remaining watchful and cautious of the hidden implications of this process.
Internationalization of Higher Education in Romania and Portugal—Strategies and Transitions at the (Semi-)Periphery
Authors: Deca Ligia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGovernments and higher education institutions see internationalization of higher education as one of the main factors that influence their strategic endeavors in the years to come. When looking at the national level, the drivers of internationalization are linked to economic and geo-political positioning, cultural influences, as well as international competitiveness for knowledge and human capital. Party politics, foreign affairs, economy and immigration policies also play a big role in shaping country level approaches. For universities, prestige factors, disciplinary or constitutive groups’ interests and financial imperatives predominantly drive internationalization policies. In this context, the paper will look at national and institutional strategic pursuits in the field of internationalization of higher education, in the case of two countries geographically (and perhaps economically) positioned at Europe’s periphery: Romania and Portugal. The choice of these two countries relies on their recent transition from totalitarian regimes to democracies, coupled with similar trends of massification and underfunding of the higher education sector. The conclusion will include policy lessons for decision-makers, especially with a view on whether well-established global models of internationalization of higher education are fit for purpose for transitioning countries. The author’s work for this article was supported by the scholarship for a post-doctoral research fellowship, provided by the New Europe College (NEC), during the 2018–2019 academic year.
Towards an understanding of technology fit and appropriation in business networks: evidence from blockchain implementations
Authors: Seebacher Stefan , Schüritz Ronny , Satzger Gerhard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractExisting information systems research thoroughly explains how task-technology fit and appropriation affect performance on an individual or group level. This was appropriate for many years, as technology is typically used to fulfill a certain task on these levels. Today, however, companies are tightly interconnected and rely on business networks to develop, produce, and deliver products and services. They collaboratively engage in joint implementation and utilization of new technologies that are applied and integrated into their business processes. These technologies, such as the newly introduced blockchain technology, operate across business networks and, thus, unfold their benefits not only on an individual or group level, but ideally on a network level. On this level, though, knowledge of the application and performance of information technology is still scarce. To drive the performance of technology in such networks, we investigate the impact of fit and technology appropriation on a network level. Due to the technology’s expected impact and characteristics, we select blockchain technology to explore potential factors, impacting fit, appropriation and, in turn, performance. We draw upon a set of interviews with experts that have implemented blockchain solutions in large business network settings. Based on our analysis, we propose a comprehensive model elevating the Fit-Appropriation Model to a network level. We contribute to the general understanding of technology utilization and performance by extending existing theory to a network-level perspective. Using insights on blockchain implementations as our empirical base, we also provide guidance to business leaders, intending to connect their partners through blockchain technology.
Exploring the bushmeat market in Brussels, Belgium: a clandestine luxury business
Authors: Gombeer Sophie , Nebesse Casimir , Musaba Prescott , Ngoy Steve , Peeters Marc , Vanderheyden Ann , Meganck Kenny , Smitz Nathalie , Geers Frank , Van Den Heuvel Sarah , Backeljau Thierry , De Meyer Marc , Verheyen Erik 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe European Union prohibits the import of meat (products) unless specifically authorised and certified as being eligible for import. Nevertheless, various scientific papers report that passengers from west and central African countries illegally import large quantities of meat, including bushmeat, into Europe via its international airports. They also suggest that African bushmeat is an organised luxury market in Europe. In the present study we explore several aspects of the African bushmeat market in Brussels, Belgium. We demonstrate the clandestine nature of this market where bushmeat is sold at prices at the top of the range of premium livestock and game meat. Inquiries among central and western African expatriates living in Belgium, who frequently travel to their home countries, indicate that the consumption of bushmeat is culturally driven by the desire to remain connected to their countries of origin. DNA-based identifications of 15 bushmeat pieces bought in Brussels, reveal that various mammal species, including CITES-listed species, are being sold. Moreover, we find that several of these bushmeat pieces were mislabelled.
A synthesis of patterns of environmental mercury inputs, exposure and effects in New York State
Authors: Evers D. C. , Sauer A. K. , Burns D. A. , Fisher N. S. , Bertok D. C. , Adams E. M. , Burton M. E. H. , Driscoll C. T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMercury (Hg) pollution is an environmental problem that adversely affects human and ecosystem health at local, regional, and global scales—including within New York State. More than two-thirds of the Hg currently released to the environment originates, either directly or indirectly, from human activities. Since the early 1800s, global atmospheric Hg concentrations have increased by three- to eight-fold over natural levels. In the U.S., atmospheric emissions and point-source releases to waterways increased following industrialization into the mid-1980s. Since then, water discharges have largely been curtailed. As a result, Hg emissions, atmospheric concentrations, and deposition over the past few decades have declined across the eastern U.S. Despite these decreases, Hg pollution persists. To inform policy efforts and to advance public understanding, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) sponsored a scientific synthesis of information on Hg in New York State. This effort includes 23 papers focused on Hg in atmospheric deposition, water, fish, and wildlife published in Ecotoxicology. New York State experiences Hg contamination largely due to atmospheric deposition. Some landscapes are inherently sensitive to Hg inputs driven by the transport of inorganic Hg to zones of methylation, the conversion of inorganic Hg to methylmercury, and the bioaccumulation and biomagnification along food webs. Mercury concentrations exceed human and ecological risk thresholds in many areas of New York State, particularly the Adirondacks, Catskills, and parts of Long Island. Mercury concentrations in some biota have declined in the Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands and the Northeastern Highlands over the last four decades, concurrent with decreases in water releases and air emissions from regional and U.S. sources. However, widespread changes have not occurred in other ecoregions of New York State. While the timing and magnitude of the response of Hg levels in biota varies, policies expected to further diminish Hg emissions should continue to decrease Hg concentrations in food webs, yielding benefits to the fish, wildlife, and people of New York State. Anticipated improvements in the Hg status of aquatic ecosystems are likely to be greatest for inland surface waters and should be roughly proportional to declines in atmospheric Hg deposition. Efforts that advance recovery from Hg pollution in recent years have yielded significant progress, but Hg remains a pollutant of concern. Indeed, due to this extensive compilation of Hg observations in biota, it appears that the extent and intensity of the contamination on the New York landscape and waterscape is greater than previously recognized. Understanding the extent of Hg contamination and recovery following decreases in atmospheric Hg deposition will require further study, underscoring the need to continue existing monitoring efforts.
A Second-Order Sufficient Optimality Condition for Risk-Neutral Bi-level Stochastic Linear Programs
Authors: Claus Matthias 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe expectation functionals, which arise in risk-neutral bi-level stochastic linear models with random lower-level right-hand side, are known to be continuously differentiable, if the underlying probability measure has a Lebesgue density. We show that the gradient may fail to be local Lipschitz continuous under this assumption. Our main result provides sufficient conditions for Lipschitz continuity of the gradient of the expectation functional and paves the way for a second-order optimality condition in terms of generalized Hessians. Moreover, we study geometric properties of regions of strong stability and derive representation results, which may facilitate the computation of gradients.
Only a Burden for Females in Math? Gender and Domain Differences in the Relation Between Adolescents’ Fixed Mindsets and Motivation
Authors: Heyder Anke , Weidinger Anne F. , Steinmayr Ricarda 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGendered occupational and educational choices have often been traced back to gender differences in students’ domain-specific ability self-concept and intrinsic motivation. This study explored the role of believing in an “innate” math or language arts ability (i.e., having a fixed mindset) for gender differences in students’ ability self-concept and intrinsic motivation in 423 female (49%) and 447 male (51%) tenth graders from Germany (age M = 16.09 years, SD = 0.68, range: 14–18 years). In line with math-male stereotypes, believing in “innate” math ability was associated with lower ability self-concept and intrinsic motivation in female but not male students. In language arts, students’ mindsets were unrelated to their motivation. The results suggest that a fixed mindset presents an additional burden for female students in math, but not for male or female students in language arts.
On the Radial and Longitudinal Variation of a Magnetic Cloud: ACE, Wind, ARTEMIS and Juno Observations
Authors: Davies Emma E. , Forsyth Robert J. , Good Simon W. , Kilpua Emilia K. J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present observations of the same magnetic cloud made near Earth by the Advance Composition Explorer (ACE), Wind, and the Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) mission comprising the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) B and THEMIS C spacecraft, and later by Juno at a distance of 1.2 AU. The spacecraft were close to radial alignment throughout the event, with a longitudinal separation of $3.6^{\circ}$

3.6
∘

between Juno and the spacecraft near Earth. The magnetic cloud likely originated from a filament eruption on 22 October 2011 at 00:05 UT, and caused a strong geomagnetic storm at Earth commencing on 24 October. Observations of the magnetic cloud at each spacecraft have been analysed using minimum variance analysis and two flux rope fitting models, Lundquist and Gold–Hoyle, to give the orientation of the flux rope axis. We explore the effect different trailing edge boundaries have on the results of each analysis method, and find a clear difference between the orientations of the flux rope axis at the near-Earth spacecraft and Juno, independent of the analysis method. The axial magnetic field strength and the radial width of the flux rope are calculated using both observations and fitting parameters and their relationship with heliocentric distance is investigated. Differences in results between the near-Earth spacecraft and Juno are attributed not only to the radial separation, but to the small longitudinal separation which resulted in a surprisingly large difference in the in situ observations between the spacecraft. This case study demonstrates the utility of Juno cruise data as a new opportunity to study magnetic clouds beyond 1 AU, and the need for caution in future radial alignment studies.
High incidence of (ultra)low oesophageal temperatures during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Molenaar M. M. D. , Hesselink T. , Scholten M. F. , Kraaier K. , Bouman D. E. , Brusse-Keizer M. , Stevenhagen Y. J. , van Dessel P. F. H. M. , ten Haken B. , Grandjean J. G. , van Opstal J. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLow oesophageal temperatures (OTs) during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have been associated with complications. This study assessed the incidence of low OT in clinical practice during cryoballoon PVI and verified possible predictive values for low OT.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent PVI using the second-generation cryoballoon were retrospectively included. The distance from the oesophagus to the different pulmonary veins (PVs) (OP distance), body mass index (BMI), sex, age, balloon temperature and application time were studied as potential predictors of low OTs. Computed tomography was performed before the procedure to determine the OP distance. OT was measured using an oesophageal temperature probe. Applications were ended prematurely if the OT reached <16 °C. Low and ultralow OT were defined as OT <20 and <16 °C respectively.ResultsTwo hundred and four patients were included. Low OT was observed in 54 patients (26%) and 27 patients (13%) reached ultralow OTs. OP distance was the only predictor of low OTs after multivariate analysis. A cut-off value of 19 mm showed 96.2% sensitivity and 37.8% specificity in predicting low OTs. No clinically relevant relation was found between low OTs and BMI, age, sex, balloon temperature or application duration.ConclusionsThe incidence of low OT was 26% for cryoballoon PVI. OP distance was the only predictor of low OTs. Since an OP distance <19 mm was present in all patients in at least one PV, we recommend routine OT measurement during PVI cryoballoon therapy to prevent oesophagus-related complications.
Does Mothers’ Self-Reported Mindful Parenting Relate to the Observed Quality of Parenting Behavior and Mother-Child Interaction?
Authors: Potharst Eva S. , Leyland Anna , Colonnesi Cristina , Veringa Irena K. , Salvadori Eliala A. , Jakschik Marta , Bögels Susan M. , Zeegers Moniek A. J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesGrowing academic interest in mindful parenting (MP) requires a reliable and valid measure for use in research and clinical setting. Because MP concerns the way parents relate to, and nurture, their children, it is important to evaluate the associations between self-reported MP and observed parenting and parent-child interaction measures.MethodsSeventy-three mothers who experience difficulties with their young children aged 0–48 months admitted for a Mindful with your baby/toddler training (63% in a mental health care and 27% in a preventative context) were included. Mothers completed the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting scale (IM-P) and video-observations of parent-child interactions were coded for maternal sensitivity, acceptance, mind-mindedness, and emotional communication (EC).ResultsThe IM-P total score was positively associated only with mothers’ gaze to the child (EC). IM-P subscale Listening with Full Attention negatively predicted non-attuned mind-mindedness, Compassion with the Child positively predicted maternal sensitivity and positive facial expression (EC), and Emotional Awareness of Self positively predicted mothers’ gaze to the child (EC) and dyadic synchrony of positive affect (EC).ConclusionsThe current study provides support for the hypothesis that the IM-P total score is predictive of maternal actual attention for the child during a face-to-face interaction. When the IM-P is administered with the aim to gain understanding of different aspects of parenting behavior and the parent-child interaction, it is important not only to employ the IM-P total score but also to incorporate the individual IM-P subscales, as meaningful associations between IM-P subscales and observed parenting and parent-child interactions were found.
Fast computation of elastic and hydrodynamic potentials using approximate approximations
Authors: Lanzara Flavia , Maz’ya Vladimir , Schmidt Gunther 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe propose fast cubature formulas for the elastic and hydrodynamic potentials based on the approximate approximation of the densities with Gaussian and related functions. For densities with separated representation, we derive a tensor product representation of the integral operator which admits efficient cubature procedures. We obtain high order approximations up to a small saturation error, which is negligible in computations. Results of numerical experiments which show approximation order $$\mathscr {O}(h^{2M})$$

O
(

h

2
M

)

, $$M=1,2,3,4$$

M
=
1
,
2
,
3
,
4

, are provided.
On the “Strength” of Behavior
Authors: Simon Carsta , Bernardy João Lucas , Cowie Sarah 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe place of the concept of response strength in a natural science of behavior has been the subject of much debate. This article reconsiders the concept of response strength for reasons linked to the foundations of a natural science of behavior. The notion of response strength is implicit in many radical behaviorists’ work. Palmer (2009) makes it explicit by applying the response strength concept to three levels: (1) overt behavior, (2) covert behavior, and (3) latent or potential behavior. We argue that the concept of response strength is superfluous in general, and an explication of the notion of giving causal status to nonobservable events like latent behavior or response strength is harmful to a scientific endeavor. Interpreting EEG recordings as indicators of changes in response strength runs the risk of reducing behavior to underlying mechanisms, regardless of whether such suggestions are accompanied by behavioral observations. Many radical behaviorists understand behavior as a discrete unit, inviting conceptual mistakes reflected in the notion of response strength. A molar view is suggested as an alternative that accounts for the temporally extended nature of behavior and avoids the perils of a response-strength based approach.
Newborns, Infants, and Adolescents in Postmedieval Northern Finland: A Case Study from Keminmaa
Authors: Lipkin Sanna , Niinimäki Sirpa , Tuovinen Saara , Maijanen Heli , Ruhl Erika , Niinimäki Jaakko , Junno Juho-Antti 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFour coffins dating from the period between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries from Keminmaa in northern Ostrobothnian Finland were examined using computed-tomography (CT) scanning, a methodology with research applications for exploring human remains, coffins, and funerary textiles. The age and, in two cases, sex of the remains were estimated, and both historical sources and archaeological material suggest that socialization through gender was apparent in this collection. This article explores both the material testimony of care, dedication, and innocence of newborn and infant burials, as well as the socialization process and role of women adolescents in providing children’s funerary materials.
Performance improvement of sacrificial anode cathodic protection system for above ground storage tank
Authors: Jawad Muhammad N. , Amouzad Mahdiraji Ghafour , Hajibeigy Mohammad Taghi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study presents a controlled sacrificial anode (magnesium anodes) cathodic protection system for aboveground storage tanks. The proposed method is able to control the anode’s current, which leads to enhance the performance of anodes, therefore, increase the anode’s lifetime. The proposed system has been implemented in a laboratory-based tank contains saline water (5661 ppm). In this experiment, the overprotection and anode energy loss were eliminated, and the anodes lifetime has been extended 35.55 times higher compared to the conventional system. The proposed method reduced the protection current and stabilized the system overall.