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Zilber-Pink in a product of modular curves assuming multiplicative degeneration
Get PDFWe prove the Zilber–Pink conjecture for curves in Y(1)^n whose Zariski closure in (P^1)^n passes through the point (∞, . . . , ∞), going beyond the asymmetry condition of Habegger and Pila. Our proof is based on a height bound following André’s G-functions method. The principal novelty is that we exploit relations between evaluations of G-functions at unboundedly many non-archimedean places
Miracles and the wooden leg problem
Get PDFThe famous Catholic pilgrimage site at Lourdes, France, until fairly recently displayed hundreds of discarded crutches as testament to miraculous cures. It has, though, never displayed a wooden leg. Hence the Wooden Leg Problem (WLP) for believers in miracles: if God can cure paralysis, why does He seem never to have given an amputee back their lost limb? The WLP is a severe challenge for believers in miracles and must be confronted head-on. Yet there does not appear to be any systematic analysis of the problem, at least as formulated here, in the literature on miracles or philosophy of religion generally. I discuss ten possible solutions to the WLP on behalf of the believer in miracles. Although some are stronger than others, all but the final one seem too weak to solve the problem. It is the final one – the ‘how do you know?’ solution – that I endorse and examine in some depth. This solution, I argue, shows that the WLP does not move the epistemological dial when it comes to belief or disbelief in miracles
Inter-state cooperation in prosecuting international crimes: lessons from the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime
Get PDFThe Ljubljana-The Hague Convention was adopted in May 2023, creating a previously lacking global framework for inter-state judicial cooperation on international crimes. It is an important feature of a shifting international criminal justice landscape, in which there is a new focus on investigations and prosecutions at national levels. However, its cooperation regime is based on that of the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), which studies suggest has been of limited utility in operationalising cooperation in the context of transnational crimes. This article explores the likely consequences of transplanting the UNTOC model, arguing that its cooperation regime is likely to limit the effectiveness of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention and that treaties on international crimes require distinct cooperation arrangements in which traditional obstacles to cooperation are removed
The impact of whey protein on plasma branched-chain amino acids and glycaemic control in humans. A narrative review
Get PDFImpaired glycaemic control is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), a worldwide health epidemic intrinsically linked to diet and obesity. Whey proteins (WP) are increasingly popular supplements that are a rich source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), essential for muscle protein synthesis and metabolic regulation. In humans, fasting plasma concentrations of BCAA are maintained around 350 µM but become chronically elevated by 10-25% in persons with T2D. Little is known about whether BCAA from WP impacts circulating BCAA concentrations and contributes to this phenomenon. This narrative review used a systematic search approach with relevant keywords to identify evidence from randomised controlled trials in normoglycaemic humans and those with insulin resistance or T2D, on the effects of WP intake on plasma BCAA and glycaemic control. This review is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first to specifically examine the effects of WP intake on plasma BCAA concentrations in relation to glycaemic control. Whilst the majority of acute studies identified (n=6) reported that WP consumption between 10 to 50 g significantly elevates postprandial BCAA and insulin responses (as evidenced by peak concentration and/or area under the curve), evidence from chronic studies (n=3) report inconsistent findings on the impact of 9 to 51g of WP per day on fasting BCAA and glycaemic control (e.g., fasting glucose and insulin, insulin clearance). Findings from this literature review highlight the need for further studies to investigate the relationship between WP consumption with BCAA and glycaemic control, and to determine underlying mechanisms of action
On the link between weather regimes and energy shortfall during winter for 28 European countries
Get PDFIncreasing the proportion of energy generation from renewables is a necessary step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are highly weather sensitive, leading to a challenge when balancing energy demand and renewable energy production. Identifying periods of high shortfall, here defined as when electricity demand substantially exceeds renewable production, and understanding how these periods are affected by weather is therefore critical. We use a previously constructed energy dataset derived from reanalysis data for a fixed electricity system to analyse the link between weather regimes and periods of high shortfall during the winter for 28 European countries. Building on previous work and following similar studies, we provide both a subcontinental and country-specific perspective. For each country, we identify days with critical energy conditions, specifically high-energy demand, low wind and solar generation, and high-energy shortfall. We show that high shortfall is more driven by demand than by production in countries with colder climates or less installed wind capacity, and is more driven by production than by demand in countries with warmer climates or more installed wind capacity. Of the six weather regimes considered here, only a subset is found to favour the occurrence of high shortfall days. This subset affects much of Europe, causing simultaneous shortfall days across multiple countries. Furthermore, if multiple countries experience shortfall days, neighbouring countries are more likely to experience shortfall days. Motivated by this result, we examine the hypothetical impact the coldest European winter of the 20th century, 1962/1963, would have had on the present-day energy system. We found that persistent blocking conditions associated with that winter, if they occurred today, would lead to higher demand and shortfall across Europe during most of the winter and would be extreme in this respect compared to other winters
Emoji visual style and its function as a nonverbal feature of computer-mediated communication
No full textThis thesis establishes the visual style of emoji as a specific nonverbal feature
of computer-mediated communication that contributes to the nuance of a
message. This is distinct from existing literature which considers emoji ‘as
a whole’, where what an emoji is of (its subject matter) is not differentiated
from the manner in which it is portrayed (its visual style). Functions that
emoji visual style are shown to fulfil include: expressing sentiment, tone,
and emotion; providing or clarifying information; and acting as surrogates
for face-to-face nonverbal codes, such as kinesics and vocalics.
A novel approach to the analysis of visual style is introduced, utilising the
technological and linguistic context of emoji as a basis for the framework.
A ‘stable elements’ view of visual style, along with the consideration of an
emoji’s ‘graph’, is used to establish a distinction between subject matter and
visual style. A taxonomic schema for the description of visual style elements
is introduced, while connotational analysis is used to determine the semantic
quality of stylistic elements. Demonstrating how emoji visual style fulfils
nonverbal functions is achieved by comparing how different visual styles,
consisting of the same emoji subject matter, affect interpretations of a message.
This research shows that emoji visual style contributes significant semantic
meaning to a message and highlights the benefit of considering visual style
further, both in theory and practice. The contributions of this research exist
beyond the field of graphic communication, in fields such as communication
studies, linguistics, and psychology, when an analysis of the role of visual style
is integrated into studies of emoji utilising the framework introduced in this
thesis. Furthermore, by establishing the nonverbal functions of emoji visual
style, this thesis highlights the role visual style plays in personal relationships,
workplace environments, and business-to-consumer communications
Wittgenstein’s early philosophical feeling and “the relative position of logic and mechanics”
No full textThe Tractatus’ remarks on natural science contain the idea of comparing different forms of mechanics in terms of the unity and simplicity with which they can be used to describe the world. The Notebooks, surprisingly, pointed to this specific idea as something Wittgenstein had already felt ‘for a long time’. The mesh metaphor that follows is supposed to allow us to see ‘the relative position of logic and mechanics’.
I argue first that Wittgenstein takes mechanics not to consist in Bilder, pictures. Evidence against this reading is addressed, before I move on to the idea that each form of mechanics is an ‘a priori insight into the forms in which the propositions of science can be cast’. I argue that one must go further than such a declaration, since the Tractatus contains ideas that make it problematic.
Making the required link to logic, I introduce the idea of understanding the concepts of mechanics as ‘formal concepts’. I use this Tractarian notion to make sense of Wittgenstein’s attitude towards metaphysics. Finally, I explain what the relative position of logic and mechanics is, by reference to the idea of forms of representation
Increased attention to the eye region when playing background music in Alzheimer's disease: a remotely delivered webcam eye-tracking feasibility study
Get PDFMusic modulates dwell-times on discriminating facial features (e.g. eyes) and
rumination levels modulate visual attention/responses to music. As these factors
are understudied in dementia, particularly in non-care settings, homebased
music research with webcam-based eye tracking (WBET) was explored.
Participants completed online self-report mood/rumination measures and
a cognitive status interview. In silence and then with background music, participants
fixated on a cross, naturally viewed emotional-neutral facial pairings,
and then fixated on a dot. Percentage dwell-time on emotional faces, and the
top-half versus bottom-half of these images was examined and changes were
registered by the eye tracker during the music condition. WBET use was feasible
(i.e. full datasets were collected for both conditions) for 39% of the participants.
Data could not be collected from 33% of the participants due to initial calibration
failures attributed to head movement and/or blinking, and face detection
and internet connection issues. All other issues could be resolved remotely with
assistance. In conclusion, WBET use in music-based research is feasible and
provides access to eye-tracking studies for some individuals. The large amount
of data/participant loss should be considered in sample size calculations.
Practical recommendations, preliminary data, and hypotheses based on these
data are provided for future research
Bio-based solutions for concrete infrastructure: a review of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation in crack healing
Get PDFMicrobial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is gaining attention as an eco-friendly and sustainable method for concrete crack repair. However, key challenges related to its large-scale implementation, regulatory approval, and integration into existing construction standards remain underexplored. This review examines recent advances in MICP, emphasizing its role in circular economy practices and sustainable building solutions. Traditional synthetic sealants contribute to environmental pollution and have limited long-term durability, highlighting the need for greener alternatives. Global research trends reveal an increasing focus on self-healing materials, biomineralization, and durability enhancement, alongside emerging innovations such as encapsulation technologies, marine applications, and bio-based composites. Unlike previous reviews, this study integrates bibliometric analysis to systematically assess research trends, identify key collaboration networks, and evaluate regulatory challenges that impact MICP adoption. While MICP offers significant advantages, including self-healing capabilities and compatibility with industrial by-products, barriers related to cost, scalability, and policy integration persist. This review identifies critical thematic clusters which include microbial action, sustainability, and engineering applications. This helps to provide actionable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, MICP has the potential to become a transformative solution for resilient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure
From globalization to reshoring? The role of industry 4.0 in global value chains across Europe
Get PDFIndustry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies exhibit peculiar characteristics and can play a diverse role in the
reconfiguration of global value chains (GVCs) and global sourcing geography. This paper explores the relationship between Industry 4.0 technologies and reshoring within Europe, focusing on additive manufacturing (AM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced industrial robots (AIR). Utilizing data from the OECD Inter-Country Input-Output (ICIO) tables and Eurostat’s Comext database (on
international trade in goods) for 27 European countries and the UK from 2009–2018, the findings reveal a positive correlation between AIR adoption and reshoring. Conversely, increased IoT investment appears to reduce reshoring and the impact of AM on reshoring is negligible. The research also examines reshoring’s geographical aspects, showing that AIR adoption promotes reshoring from Asia, whereas higher IoT investments correspond to a decrease in reshoring from the region. These results highlight the complexity of reshoring dynamics, which are influenced by both specific I4.0 technologies and geographic context. The study provides new insights into the reconfiguration of GVCs and manufacturing landscapes in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution