bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiteam Semantics for Interventionist Counterfactuals: Probabilities and Causation
Authors: Barbero Fausto , Sandu Gabriel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn (Barbero and Sandu 2020 Journal of Philosophical Logic, 50, 471-521), we showed that languages encompassing interventionist counterfactuals and causal notions based on them (as e.g. in Pearl’s and Woodward’s manipulationist approaches to causation) as well as information-theoretic notions (such as learning and dependence) can be interpreted in a semantic framework which combines the traditions of structural equation modeling and of team semantics. We now present a further extension of this framework (causal multiteams) which allows us to talk about probabilistic causal statements. We analyze the expressivity resources of two causal-probabilistic languages, one finitary and one infinitary. We show that many causal-probabilistic notions from the literature on causal inference can already be expressed in the finitary language, and we prove a normal form theorem that throws a new light on Pearl’s “ladder of causation”. In addition, we provide an exact semantic characterization of the infinitary language, which shows that this language captures precisely those causal-probabilistic statements that do not commit us to any specific interpretation of probability; and we prove that no usual, countable language is apt for this task.
Capital Controls or Macroprudential Policies: Which is Better for Land Booms and Busts?
Authors: Zhou Yang , Kitano Shigeto 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEmerging markets have experienced land booms and busts along with international capital inflows and outflows repeatedly. This study quantitatively examines the effectiveness of (i) macroprudential policies targeting land markets and (ii) capital controls targeting capital inflows and outflows. We analyze which policy better manages the coincidence between land booms (busts) and capital inflows (outflows). We build a small open economy NK-DSGE model in which banks choose their asset portfolio between physical capital and land subject to financial constraints. The quantitative results show that the superiority of the two policies depends on the type of shock impacting a small open economy. In the case of domestic land market shocks, macroprudential policies enhance welfare, whereas capital controls reduce welfare. Conversely, in the case of foreign interest rate shocks, the superiority of the two policies is reversed: capital controls enhance welfare, while macroprudential policies deteriorate welfare.
Deliberative Democracy and Pragma-Dialectics Related
Authors: Williams Stephen J , Knops Andrew 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper adopts a pragma-dialectic approach to explore inclusion in real-world argumentation. Having outlined theories of deliberative democracy—focussing on Habermas’s discourse model—and pragma-dialectic methods for analysing argumentative exchanges in the real world, we then relate them. From this we identify the potential for using the enhanced detail of pragma-dialectic analysis to constructively understand dynamics of inclusion in the political decision processes of central concern to deliberative democratic theories.In the remainder of the article we illustrate this potential with our own pragma-dialectic analysis of an instance of real-world argumentation in a political policymaking process—a deliberative forum in the contentious field of mental health. The detail afforded by the pragma-dialectic method allows us to more clearly identify the complex layers and dynamics of argument involved in these policy deliberations, allowing insights into mechanisms for inclusion in deliberations, relative to the parties to such deliberations, their roles and competing interests and perspectives.By relating the two fields of deliberative democratic theory and pragma-dialectics this article aims to develop their complementary potential—in particular by suggesting, and briefly illustrating—how pragma-dialectic methods might enhance analysis of the dynamics of argumentation in political policymaking processes, in particular as an aid to constructive reflection on those processes by theorists and participants together.
Tick control prevents carcass condemnations in lambs caused by Anaplasma ovis
Authors: Ruiz Héctor , Lacasta Delia , Villanueva-Saz Sergio , González José María , Ortín Aurora , Ramos Juan José , Benito Alfredo Ángel , Estrada-Peña Agustín , Fernández Antonio , Pomar Marina , de Arcaute Marta Ruiz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOvine anaplasmosis is causing relevant economic losses in Spain due to icteric carcass condemnation in lambs. Anaplasma ovis infection occurs through grazing sheep that transfer ticks to their offspring. This study compared the efficacy of deltamethrin and cypermethrin pour-on treatments for tick control. A total of 250 PCR A. ovis-positive ewes and their offspring were divided into 5 groups. Group A (50 ewes/50 lambs) was kept as an untreated control group. In groups B (50/50) and C (45/93), the lambs were treated with deltamethrin pour-on and cypermethrin pour-on, respectively, one week after birth. In groups D (50/75) and E (51/68), the ewes were treated with cypermethrin pour-on and deltamethrin pour-on one week before the estimated parturition. External parasite assessment and A. ovis PCR were conducted before treatment and at 21 and 42 days post-treatment. Ewes were checked weekly for tick-detection until weaning. Lamb carcasses were examined at the slaughterhouse. Riphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks were found in ewes throughout the study, with only one tick found in a control group lamb. Three lambs tested positive for A. ovis during the trial, with one condemnation at the abattoir due to jaundice. However, no significant differences were observed between treatment groups. Overall, a significant decrease in infected animals and condemned carcasses was observed compared to previous years, suggesting that deltamethrin and cypermethrin prevent A. ovis transmission from dams to lambs. Further studies are needed to confirm synthetic pyrethroids’ effectiveness in controlling tick infestation and averting A. ovis transmission to lambs.
Candida albicans Virulence Traits in Commensalism and Disease
Authors: Fróis-Martins Ricardo , Lagler Julia , LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Candida albicans is a common constituent of the normal human microbiota of the oro-gastrointestinal and vaginal tract. The immune system and the microbiota work together to maintain stable colonization and prevent excessive fungal growth and disease. Disruption of the delicate balance between C. albicans and the host can result in superficial and disseminated infections, as observed in individuals with a compromised immune system or dysbiosis. Invasive candidiasis accounts for a million deaths every year. C. albicans-intrinsic factors promoting stable commensalism in the human host are poorly established. Understanding the processes that regulate microbial homeostasis is important for evaluating novel intervention strategies that aim at targeting fungal virulence but at the same time prevent eradication of commensal organisms, which ultimately benefit the host.

Recent Findings
C. albicans commensalism is generally associated with a lack of filamentation, epithelial invasion and host cell damage. Fungal isolates recovered from healthy individuals are however not completely avirulent. In contrast, they exhibit varying degrees of virulence attributes and retain the capacity to cause disease, thereby challenging the notion that avirulence is a hallmark of superior commensal fitness. Recent advances in the field provide insights in how virulence traits, which are primarily known for inducing disease in the host, such as hyphae formation and candidalysin production, play an unexpected active part in establishing C. albicans gut commensalism. Overt filamentation and tissue damage is in turn prevented by adaptive antifungal immunity, which is induced in response to fungal virulence.

Summary
This review discusses the emerging paradigm shift in our understanding of how fungal virulence determinants are not per se inconsistent with commensalism but are actually a prerequisite for colonization and for triggering a host-protective homeostatic immunity through mutual adaptation with the host.
Assessment of aortomesenteric distance and mesenteric and retroperitoneal adipose tissue thickness in genetic forms of lipodystrophy
Authors: Unal Mehmet Cagri , Uncuoglu Furkan , Gungor Semiz Gokcen , Arayici Mehmet Emin , Yener Serkan , Altay Canan , Akinci Baris 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Lipodystrophy is a rare disease characterized by the loss of adipose tissue. Visceral adipose tissue loss in certain forms of lipodystrophy may affect the amount of mesenteric fat.

Method
We studied visceral adipose tissue by measuring the thickness of mesenteric and retroperitoneal adipose tissue and the aortomesenteric (AOM) distance in patients with genetic forms of lipodystrophy (n = 48; 7 males; 41 females; mean age 39.1 ± 11.9 years; 19 with congenital generalized lipodystrophy [CGL], and 29 with familial partial lipodystrophy [FPLD]). An age- and gender-matched control group with a ratio of 1:2 was generated.

Results
Patients with CGL had severely depleted mesenteric adipose tissue (2.0 [IQR: 1.5–3.5] mm vs. 18.8 [IQR: 4.4–42.2] mm in FPLD, P < .001; 30.3 [IQR: 13.9–46.6] mm in controls, P < .001) and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (1.3 [IQR: 0.0–5.3] mm vs. 33.7 [IQR: 21.6–42.1] mm in FPLD, P < .001; 29.7 [IQR: 23.1–36.7] mm in controls, P < .001). The AOM distance was shorter in patients with CGL (8.1 [IQR: 6.0–10.8] mm) compared to patients with FPLD (vs. 13.0 [IQR: 8.8–18.1] mm; P = .023) and controls (vs. 11.3 [IQR: 8.4–15.5] mm, P = .016). Leptin levels were positively correlated with AOM distance in lipodystrophy (r = .513, P < .001). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified body mass index as a significant predictor of AOM distance (data controlled for age and sex; beta = 0.537, 95% CI: 0.277–0.798, P < .001). Twelve of 19 patients (63%) with CGL had an AOM distance of < 10 mm, a risk factor that may predispose patients to developing superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Conclusion
CGL is associated with a severe loss of mesenteric adipose tissue, which leads to a narrowing of the space between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta.
Making sense of big questions that require multiple subjects: preliminary theorisation of an integrative philosophy of knowledge and empirical indications of a lack of subject connection within school curricula
Authors: Bowie Robert A. , Aantjes Rosanne , Woolley Mary , Hulbert Sabina , Revell Lynn , Thomas Caroline , Riordan John-Paul 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper provides theorisation about a novel concept for education: an integrative philosophy of knowledge (IPK). This is proposed for school curricula to relate multiple subjects to big questions of personal and existential importance. Critical contemporary issues such as climate change education require multiple subject contributions but there is little clarity in the English education guidance on this drawing together, beyond the encouragement to do so in priority areas. Leading British thinkers have engaged the idea of the unity of knowledge, not without difficulty and criticism. The paper identifies reasons for a practical approach to consilience in school curricula. In addition to preliminary theorisation, in methodological ‘harmony’, this paper adds tentative empirical findings from a related research project that provides quantitative indications that such multi-subject connection is likely not happening. The findings are not definitive, but the perceptions of three groups of beginning and experienced teachers (secondary Religious Education (RE), secondary science and primary teachers) indicate that school curricula do not reflect an integrative approach to climate change education, and sex and relationships education, despite policy priority. A significant national survey could not detect many signs of connection. The paper speculates that RE could have a key epistemic role for the curriculum as a whole in this regard.
Identity and influence - RE professional’s views on the inclusion of far-right extremism as a topic within Religious Education lessons
Authors: Lowe Fay 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis research addresses the concerning influence of far-right extremism on pupils in England, highlighting risks leading to potential radicalisation and violent extremism. Conducted through focus groups at the national RE conference ‘RExChange 2022’, the study explores whether and how far-right extremism should be integrated into the Religious Education (RE) curriculum. Findings suggest that RE can play a vital role in countering extremist narratives, particularly those with antisemitic and Islamophobic elements, by fostering tolerance, respect, and critical thinking. Despite RE’s potential, challenges arise due to its locally determined nature and inconsistent provision across schools. The study concludes with recommendations for including topics about far-right extremism in RE, aiming to build pupils’ resilience against radicalisation and support informed decision-making.
Looking to the future: the problematics of determining RE among early career teachers
Authors: Mogra Imran 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe landscape of RE continues to evolve, in part, due to the academisation programme in England which is disrupting long-standing historical local structures. Following the National Plan by the Commission on RE, as a contribution to the ongoing debates, this study explores the perceptions of early career teachers about the future determination of RE. To examine such views, an online survey gathered quantitative data from PGCE and Year 3 students and a questionnaire gathered qualitative data from two groups in Year 1 of the BA Honours in Primary Education course at a university in the West Midlands, England. The findings are based on 149 survey responses and 52 completed questionnaires. This article reports the results about the membership and duties of Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and the proposed Local Advisory Network for Religion and Worldviews (LANRW) from the Year 1 groups. The open-ended questionnaire data were analysed by thematic analysis. The results reveal that a small majority of the Year 1 groups were unhappy with the current membership setup of SACREs. However, a larger majority were happy with the current duties of SACREs. More than half of the responses received for the question about the creation of LANRWs agreed with this proposal. All responses received for the question about the representativeness of LANRWs agreed that the five groups proposed would make a LANRWs representative. A majority of the responses received for the question about the proposed roles designated for LANRWs also expressed their satisfaction with the roles. Based on these, further research is recommended.
Leaving Terror For Redemption: „Son of Hamas“ als Konversionserzählung
Authors: Eißner Jakob 
Published: October 2024

ZusammenfassungIm derzeitigen US-Diskurs zählt Mosab Hassan Yousef zu den namhaften Hamas-Kennern und Nahost-Experten. Der Artikel untersucht Yousefs Autobiografie „Son of Hamas“ (2010) erstmals unter religionswissenschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten. Denn als junger Palästinenser aus Ramallah vollzog dieser eine doppelte Konversion: Religiös wurde er vom Islam zum evangelikalen Christentum bekehrt; politisch wandte er sich von der Hamas ab und arbeitete mit dem israelischen Geheimdienst zusammen. Seine Konversionserzählung folgt dabei einer Narrativik, die darauf gerichtet ist, Authentizität in der Rolle eines geläuterten und reflektierten Christen zu erzeugen. Diese im Folgenden ostentativ zur Schau gestellte Rolle wird als Schlüssel zum Verständnis auch der anderen religionsbezogenen Themenfelder im Buch herausgearbeitet: das äußerst pejorative Islambild, Yousefs Gedanken zu religiös motivierter Gewalt, die Darstellung seines Vaters als Symbol für einen ‚guten‘ Islam sowie seine Religionisierung des Nahostkonflikts. Ferner wird die im Konversionsbericht erzeugte Authentizität genutzt, um sich als intimer, aber geläuterter Kenner der „anderen“ Seite zu profilieren. Dabei sind seine Ausführungen geprägt von orientalistischen, exotistischen und christlich-zionistischen Deutungsmustern.
Moderate physical activity and higher frequency are inversely associated with incidence of frailty in middle-aged and older population: a 4-year longitudinal study in Europe
Authors: Qiu Fanji , Yu Yichao , Li Jinfeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Global aging is leading to an increase in frailty patients, and physical activity (PA) may have an impact on frail in middle-aged and older population. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the frequency of different PA intensities and the incidence and prevalence of frailty in middle-aged and older adults based on the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).

Method
Self-reported questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographics and PA, and frailty was assessed using the SHARE Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI). Cox regression and logistic regression models were used to explore the association between PA and frailty and stratified according to middle or old age.

Results
Among 6315 baseline non-frail participants aged 44–96 years, 16.1% developed frailty over 4 years, with higher incidence and prevalence in women (P < 0.05). Women accounting for 55.80% of the sample. The frequency of participants participating in sports decreased over 4 years (P < 0.05). Compared with participants who engaged in PA more than once a week, participants who engaged in moderated PA less frequently had a higher risk of new-onset frailty (HR: 3.174–6.115), and participants who engaged in vigorous PA 1–3 times a month had a higher risk of new-onset frailty (HR: 1.335). Participation in low-frequency moderate PA and vigorous PA 1–3 times per month were positively associated with the prevalence of frailty (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Physical activity frequency decreases with age in middle-aged and older adults. Those adults who engage in moderate PA more than once a week have a lower risk of incidence of frailty, compared to those with more sedentary life-styles. Additionally, women need to pay more attention to frailty management.
Exploring research topics and trends in early childhood education using structural topic modeling
Authors: Methlagl Michael , Taslimi Natascha J. , Rudloff Christian , Majcen Jutta 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEarly childhood education plays a key role in fostering child development and preparing children for school and life. The aim of the present paper is to give an overview of research topics in early childhood education research based on the analysis of 39,926 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2021 and to explore research trends over time. Therefore, a structural topic modelling approach was used. The analyses show a strong increase in publication activity over the last years as well as the diversity of research topics, which provide important insights for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in various areas (cultural diversity, design of inclusive learning environments, educational institutions, professional development issues, educational policy and reforms, etc.). Beside topics like cultural diversity, and inclusive learning environments more specific research topics, for example self-regulation, executive functions, numeracy, language development and physical activity have been increasingly addressed in publications over the years.
New evidence on the income convergence among OECD countries
Authors: Yucel Ali , Moore Landon , Khadka Pawonee , Lee Junsoo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper illustrates the importance of accounting for cross-correlations among panel data sets in examining stationarity. Strazicich et al. (2004) utilized the LM unit root tests with two trend shifts to examine the income convergence among twenty-one OECD countries. We revisit their analysis using a more recent dataset and two novel unit root tests that account for cross-correlations in the errors. Our study reveals that incorporating common factors yields different results from models neglecting them. Our findings show no significant evidence of stochastic income convergence among the OECD countries from 1870 to 2022. Recent studies show that failing to control for cross-correlation can lead to bias in panel estimation. A similar issue applies to unit root tests commonly used to examine convergence and integration effects.
Exploring knowledge and uses of Moringa oleifera and understanding its cultivation constraints and proposed solutions: a case from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Abiar , Das Ashim Kumar , Sultana Sharmin , Khan Sabia , Das Chinmoy , Paul Mithun , Current Dean 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMultipurpose trees, like the moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), have become extremely popular in an attempt to reduce food, nutritional, and economic instability. The significant benefits of moringa’s leaves, pods, seeds, roots, and flowers are used in a wide range of commercial fields, including medicine, cosmetics, food, animal feed, water purification, and more. We applied a questionnaire-based survey to reveal the uses, problems and solutions related to the knowledge, uses and constraints of moringa in the region of Chapainawabganj and Kushtia districts in Bangladesh. Including the easiest propagation process and the lowest cultivation costs, year-round flowering, and production provide moringa with a wide window of opportunity. Besides using regular pruning of moringa branches, respondents make trees bushy to increase fruit and leaf production. Respondents from both regions opined that moringa has a good market value, increases family income, increases opportunity for fallow land utilization, enhances employment opportunities, and is known as a nutritive and multipurpose tree. We were pleased to find that moringa output regularly exceeded previous production records in Bangladesh from 2014–16 to 2020–21. Furthermore, our survey shows that a 5-year-old moringa tree provides a satisfactory yield per season with its high market price and demand. Despite the extensive use of moringa fruits and leaves by respondents, its commercial potential remains largely undeveloped and unknown to them. Constraints like limited scientific knowledge and technological infrastructure are the reasons why the elusive potential of moringa in Bangladesh persists. There is ample opportunity to enhance moringa production via effective management techniques, which will satisfy community demand and create market opportunities both locally and internationally. As a result, smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and food and nutritional security can be improved.
Impact of asymptomatic detection of non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses on pediatric cardiac surgical outcomes
Authors: Fischer Laura J. , Castera Mark , Chin Hannah , Lee Junghyae , Simonsen Kari A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Preoperative nasopharyngeal viral screening may reduce clinical uncertainty of upper respiratory infections prior to pediatric cardiac surgery but with unclear benefit. From March 2018 to March 2020, patients aged <3 years were screened for respiratory viruses and had substantial rates of viral detection (40%) but no observed differences in outcomes.