Ambiguous Matter Research Articles

Museum genomics approach to study the taxonomy and evolution of Woolly-necked storks using historic specimens.

The accessibility of genomic tools in evolutionary biology has allowed for a thorough exploration of various evolutionary processes associated with adaptation and speciation. However, genomic studies in natural systems present numerous challenges, reflecting the inherent complexities of studying organisms in their native habitats. The utilization of museum specimens for genomics research has received increased attention in recent times, facilitated by advancements in ancient DNA techniques. In this study, we have utilized a museum genomics approach to analyze historic specimens of Woolly-necked storks (Ciconia spp.) and examine their genetic composition and taxonomic status and explore the evolutionary and adaptive trajectories of populations over the years. The Woolly-necked storks are distributed in Asia and Africa with a taxonomic classification that has been a matter of ambiguity. Asian and African Woollynecks were recently recognized as different species based on their morphological differences; however, their genomic validation was lacking. In this study, we have used ∼70-year-old museum samples for whole-genome population-scale sequencing. Our study has revealed that Asian and African Woollynecks are genetically distinct, consistent with the current taxonomic classification based on morphological features. However, we also found a high genetic divergence between the Asian subspecies Ciconia episcopus neglecta and Ciconia episcopus episcopus, suggesting this classification requires a detailed examination to explore processes of ongoing speciation. Because taxonomic classification directly impacts conservation efforts, and there is evidence of declining populations of Asian Woollynecks in Southeast Asia, our results highlight that population-scale studies are urgent to determine the genetic, ecological, and phylogenetic diversity of these birds.

Innovation Under Ambiguity and Risk

Abstract We view innovation investments as real options and explore the implications of risk (volatility) as well as a newly defined outcome independent measure of ambiguity (Knightian uncertainty) for innovation decisions. The empirical analysis uses stock returns to compute an implementable measure of ambiguity. We also control for risk and other determinants of innovation. We find a consistently significant negative effect of ambiguity on R&D, patents, and citations, as predicted. The effect of risk on R&D is positive and significant, but the corresponding effect on patents and citations is negative and significant. Ambiguity matters more for high-tech firms, consistent with intuition.

Arishadvarga or Shadripu Personality Theory

Personality is the answer to the question, who are we? Personalities determine our action, reactions, interaction and response to the outer world. There exist many theories of personality but the question from where personalities have their origin is still a matter of ambiguity. Some theories claim that people follow the personality of their parents; some believe that personality is inborn quality. Environment, gene and culture also have influence on the personality. Indian philosophy describes personality in a holistic manner without classifying it and names it as swabhava that covers all aspects of personality. Swabhava is our “own-being” meaning by that our inherent nature or the very essence of the human being. The Indian psychology is an upshot of the Indian philosophy. The three major theories of personality in Indian psychology are Pancha Kosha, Tridoshas and Triguna theories. Pancha Kosha theory of personality has been described by Satpathy B (2018). The Tridoshas and the Trigunas are the manifestation of the Pancha Maha Bhutas in varying combinations and degrees found in a person. This is the basis of classifying people in Ayurveda. The Trigunas theory of personality has been very lucidly explained by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita. In this paper an attempt has been made to explain the Arishadvarga or Shadripu personality theory which is expounded by Shankaracharya who has mentioned six passions of mind that creates six patterns of personality.

Determiners are phrases

It is generally thought that definite determiners exclusively mark nouns as definite. In several languages, however, definite determiners may modify both nouns and verbs. As I will argue, the existence of these “multi‐functional” elements suggests that determiners are in fact phrases. This syntactic move has a philosophical payoff. Among other things, it allows us to cast Donnellan's distinction as an ordinary consequence of the context‐invariant compositional semantics of natural language, not as a matter of contextual manipulation or lexical ambiguity. Multi‐functional determiners show us that Donnellan's distinction is, contra Donnellan, a matter of grammar.

Trademark Regulation in Saudi Arabia: A Matter of Ambiguity

This article examines the legislative situation relating to the legal application of trademarks in Saudi Arabia. It argues that despite the significant development of trademarks in general in Saudi Arabia, there is no clear version as to the law applied. As at 2021, there are two laws in force for trademarks in Saudi Arabia: the Saudi Trademarks Law 2002 and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trademarks Law 2014. As a result, there is room for ambiguity and uncertainty in how the legislation may be interpreted. To fully explore this issue, this article first examines the law regulating trademarks in Saudi Arabia and the authorities that are responsible for the application of that law. The article then examines the issue of the co-existence of the two laws, as well as the legal position of those GCC countries which have adopted the GCC Trademarks Law. Keywords: Intellectual Property, Trademark, Gulf Cooperation Council, Regulation, Saudi Arabia DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/106-09 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

The Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Review of 5000 Treatments.

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty with injectable dermal fillers has become an increasingly popular alternative to surgical procedures, in view of its relative low cost, convenience and rapid recovery, and low risk profile. The safety and efficacy of nonsurgical rhinoplasty remains a relatively contentious and ambiguous matter, given that there are few large-scale series reporting results or complications. This study reports the experience of a single clinician performing nonsurgical rhinoplasty in the largest cohort to date. Patient demographics, indications, treatment details, and outcomes of patients treated between March of 2016 and January of 2019 were reviewed. The nonsurgical rhinoplasty technique described previously by Harb was used using hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty was performed in 5000 patients. The commonest indication was dorsal hump (44 percent). Swelling and erythema were self-limiting side effects encountered in approximately half of patients. Infection was seen in two patients, and localized skin necrosis was observed in three patients. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a safe procedure with positive aesthetic results when performed by an experienced clinician. Knowledge of nasal anatomy, comprehensive training, and use of appropriate materials are key in ensuring safety and results. Therapeutic, IV.

Soft Law in Promoting the Return of Zhaoling Two Steeds in Tang Dynasty

It is generally accepted that stolen cultural objects shall be returned, but it is still a more complex and comparatively ambiguous matter when it comes to solving cases left over by history. The Six Stone Horse Reliefs are one of the most influential works of art in Chinese history, but unfortunately the beginning of 20th century witnessed the political and social upheaval of China, which resulted not only in people’s suffering but also in the loss of the cultural relics. The Six Stone Horse Reliefs were stolen and broken in China. Two of the six stone horses, called Sa Luzi and Quan Maogua, were illegally shipped to the United States and today are exhibited at the University Museum of Pennsylvania. While referring to the example of the Six Stone Horse Reliefs, this article puts forward the argument for using soft-law instruments to break through the shortcomings of existing international treaties and the limitations of domestic law.

Preservation Laws: Saving Modern Egyptian Architectural Integrity

Egyptian cities have witnessed a variety of impeccable architecture throughout centuries of civilization, which enriched the Egyptian society. Constantly rising to the discussion is a question of what constitutes value to architecture of different times. It is important to regard heritage conservation as a synthetic, complex topic that is open for interpretations and judgment. While some antiquities are protected by law, it is apparent how modern heritage is a matter of ambiguity when it comes to preservation and conservation efforts. Until the mid-19th century, architectural heritage was primarily concerned with the preservation of monumental architecture. Theorists like John Ruskin and Le-Duc were largely exploring the authentic expression of materials in architecture, establishing the foundation, that Cesare Brandi would later build on, that conservation authenticity is not limited to age, rather includes material, style and structure.It is appropriate to regard heritage buildings as capital assets, with a potential to raise fluxes of services over time. However, not only Cairo, but Egypt has been losing much of its valuable modern heritage; thus its identity in the process.This paper focuses on Egypt's modernist architecture, discussing the rise of modernism and its introduction to the Egyptian cultural scene while reflecting on the current cultural detachment from such heritage and the current tendency towards. It, also, explores the rise of Egyptian modernism as a national style that reflects social and economic prosperity, in contrast to its rise in the west primarily advocating minimalism, functionalism and social equality.In comparing Egyptian laws to international charters on heritage preservation; in particular modern heritage, case studies are used to explore the consequences. The research concludes by suggesting measures and acts that can, directly and indirectly, affect the decision-making process, as well as support efforts of preservation of Egypt's modern heritage.

Innovation under Ambiguity and Risk

We view innovation investment as a real option and explore the implications of ambiguity (Knightian uncertainty) and risk for innovation decisions. Our analysis uses a risk measure and a new outcome-independent measure of ambiguity. We find a consistently significant negative effect of ambiguity on R&D, patents, and citations supporting our theoretical notion. We also find a significant positive effect of risk on R&D, but the effect of risk on patents and citations is negative and significant. The different nature of R&D investments versus patent investments and citations may explain this difference. Ambiguity matters more for high-tech firms, consistent with intuition.

Combined impact of varying biogas mass flow rate and rice bran methyl esters blended with diesel on a dual-fuel engine

ABSTRACT For fetching day-to-day energy needs, current energy requirement majorly depends on fossil fuels. But ambiguous matter like abating petroleum products and expanding air pollution has enforced the experts to strive for another fuel which can be used as an alternative or reduce the applications of fossil fuels. Considering the issues, the main objective of the present study is to find the feasibility by using blends of rice bran oil biodiesel and diesel which are used as pilot fuels by blending 10% and 20% biodiesel in fossil diesel and biogas, introduced as gaseous fuel by varying its mass flow rate in a dual-fuel engine mode. An experimentation study was carried out to find the performance and emission parameters of the engine relative to pure diesel. The results were very much similar to the majority of researchers who used biodiesel and gaseous fuels in a dual-fuel engine. Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the engine was noticed to have increased, while brake thermal efficiency was on the lower side in dual fuel mode in comparison with regular diesel. In relation with conventional diesel, it was noticed that combined effect of rice bran methyl esters and varying mass flow rate of biogas showed a decrement in NO x and smoke emissions, whereas HC and CO exhalations were on higher side when biogas and biodiesel were utilized collectively in dual-fuel engine. Hence, it was concluded that combination of blends of biodiesel and diesel and introduction of biogas in the engine can be a promising combination which can be used as a substitute fuel for addressing future energy needs.

Practical problem-based programming learning using video

The fundamental skills for information system development such as system designing, programming and project management are very similar to the fundamentals of general problem solving. In this paper, we proposed an education framework for practical problem solving based on system designing technologies and an application of proposed framework on video training materials to train the skills of modeling and understanding from ambiguous matter in practical problem via non-verbalized video training material. Our framework uses Resource Flow Diagram (RFD) to support the understanding of procedure and resources on problem solving. RFD is our proposed visualization method for procedure and resource management based on Sequence Diagram in Unified Modeling Language (UML). RFD is designed for the intuitive representation of the procedure flow and required resources since UML could not define them with single diagram. In this experiment, proposed education framework was applied for the understanding of cooking procedure from the cooking exhibition videos on the demonstrative lecture.

A Review on Ecosegregation and Parasitocoenosis of Helminthes: Perspective to Health and Sustainability

The parasitic helminthes are a group of invertebrates and including animals which have been adapted themselves to the parasitic mode of life. These are belonging to two important phyla namely, platyhelminthes and Aschelminthes. The parasites are those organism which lives at the expense of other organism, and in return causes injury or harm to the host. Thus it is an association in which one organism i.e. the parasite, is benefited while another one, the host, is harmed is called parasitism; however, behavior, occurrence, establishment and cuases of of parasitism known as parasitocoenosis. The parasitism has evolved accidently as a result of contact between different forms of animals, mainly for the purpose of obtaining nourishment and receiving shelter. An ideal parasite never causes too much harm to its host because if the host dies the parasite depending upon the host will also have to die. The parasitism and parasitocoenosis is a matter of conflict and ambiguity either it is structured association based on ecosegregation and microhabitat specificity or a stochastic assemblages and accidental contact due to utilization of common habitat and life style. The helminthes zoonotic infections are among the most common on erath and are responsible for major human infectious diseases. Some of the most important and well known human zoonoses are caused by parasitic helminthes including anisakiasis, trichinellosis, cysticercosis, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis, etc. However, along with social, epidemiological and environmental changes, together with improvements in our ability to diagnose helminth infections, several neglected parasite species are now fast-becoming recognized as important zoonotic diseases of humans, e.g., anasakiasis, several fish-borne trematodiasis and fasciolosis. In the present review, we discuss the current status of the primary helminth zoonotic infections with particular emphasis on their ecosegregation and parasitocoenosis. Advances in molecular biology, proteomics and the release of helminth genome-sequencing project data are revolutionizing parasitology research. The authors wish to suppose and hupothesize the application of these powerful experimental approaches, and their potential benefits to helminth biology and definitely these contrivances will be the mile stone to the future control of helminth infections of animals and humans.

Transferring custody from birth parents to foster parents – an ambiguous matter

ABSTRACTIn this study, we analyse 32 district court decisions regarding custody transfers from the birth parents to the foster parents in Sweden. When a child has been in foster care for three years, in order to enhance stability for child, the local social welfare committee considers a transferral of custody to the foster parents following an application to the district court. Although all but one of the decisions in our study favoured a custody transfer, the courts acknowledge different reasons for this. Specifically, there is vagueness about whether or not functioning contact between the child and birth parents is a hindrance in custody transfer. Our findings stress the need for clarification in the law regarding the criteria for custody transfer in order to reach a more unified judgment. Furthermore, the district courts do not sufficiently acknowledge children’s views, and we suggest that children and young people should be made more visible in the decision-making process.

The Wheel of Mindfulness: a Generative Framework for Second-Generation Mindful Leadership

The field of mindfulness research and programs, in the workplace and elsewhere, has been a matter of considerable ambiguity and contestation. Distinguishing between first-generation and second-generation mindfulness-based initiatives has been a useful and positive response to this uncertainty and controversy. Second-generation mindfulness interventions in leadership are defined as going beyond views of mindfulness as a means to reduce the stress inherent in continual change, and as instrumental support for organizational performance in an economy of attention. The purpose of this paper is to build on this work in two ways. Firstly, it acknowledges the contribution of first-generation psychological-therapeutic programs. Secondly, it highlights the value of extending the range and depth of Buddhist-derived interventions beyond such programs and most importantly, also capturing and exploring the value of critical and collective approaches to mindfulness that derive from other traditions and schools of thought. In order to guide such a progression, this paper presents a Wheel of Mindfulness model that captures the different, and inevitably selective, lenses on mindfulness, and provides a generative framework for exploring and building on sources of controversy and debate.

Ambiguity sensitive preferences in Ellsberg frameworks

We study the market implications of ambiguity sensitive preferences using the \(\alpha \)-maxmin expected utility (\(\alpha \)-MEU) model. In the standard Ellsberg framework, we prove that \(\alpha \)-MEU preferences are equivalent to either maxmin, maxmax or subjective expected utility (SEU). We show how ambiguity aversion impacts equilibrium asset prices, and revisit the laboratory experimental findings in Bossaerts et al. (Rev Financ Stud 23:1325–1359, 2010). Only when there are three or more ambiguous states, \(\alpha \)-MEU, maxmin, maxmax and SEU models induce different portfolio choices. We suggest criteria to discriminate among these models in laboratory experiments and show that ambiguity seeking agents may prevent the existence of market equilibrium. Our results indicate that ambiguity matters for portfolio choice and does not wash out in equilibrium.

Social security and crime in contemporary society: problems, instruments, trends in the context of Ukraine

The authors follow structural functionalism and neofunctionalism as dominant methodology for interpretation of social security as a social institution (mechanism) controlling homeostasis and sustainability of the social system (society). Social security in the contemporary society is a very complex, ambiguous matter. It is a synthetic, integrative unlike many other types of security, since it accumulates, on the one hand, partial processes, relevant data and at the same time allows to focus on the main directions of search. Because of the plural problems (challenges, threats, dangers, etc.) the paper leaves for analysis only those that threaten stability and sustainable development of society (in Ukraine and in developed European states) as such. Crime is one of such problems. The authors stressed the importance of trust in the public and social institutions fighting crime, presenting and analyzing relevant data. The analysis of problems related to counteraction to crime is provided by authors in the context of reforms in Ukrainian society, is compared with EU neighboring states’ realities, based on statistical data as well as on the results of public opinion polls.

Evidence – The intraoral palpability of the lateral pterygoid muscle – A prospective study

The intraoral palpability of the inferior caput of the lateral pterygoid muscle has been a matter of ambiguity because of its topography. Thus, none of the recently published studies has provided reliable proof of the possibility of digital intraoral palpation, although palpation of the muscle is part of most of the examination catalogs for clinical functional analysis and functional therapy.Digital muscle palpation was performed intraorally on five preparations after exposure of the infratemporal fossa and visualization of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Direct digital palpation of the lateral pterygoid muscle was seen in all five cases. The successful palpation was carried out and approved during laterotrusion to the examined side (relaxation). While opening and closing the mouth (contraction) the muscle is palpable. In real-time kinematic measurements (MRI) an impression of the lateral caput of the left lateral pterygoid muscle of a 30-year-old control male person was found up to 6mm. Electromyographic detection by direct signal conduction with concomitant palpation is possible. The injection electrode tested in situ in the muscle was felt transorally with the palpating finger.The intraoral palpability of the inferior caput of the lateral pterygoid muscle is verified. The basic requirement for successfully palpating the lateral pterygoid muscle is the exact knowledge of muscle topography and the intraoral palpation pathway. After documented palpation of the muscle belly in cadaverous preparations, MRI and EMG also visualized palpation of the lateral pterygoid muscle in vivo. The palpation technique seems to be essential and basically feasible.

Sentence-Identity Building: A Syntactic Resolution Of Amphiboly Caused By Prepositional-Phrase Attachment

Abstract Amphiboly is a matter of linguistic ambiguity, which, in its turn, is essentially related to the intractable natural issue of the disparity between what we can possibly think and what we can actually express through language. The papers on various types of ambiguity and the solutions to them are not few. However, as with almost everything of a theoretical nature in language, they are far from being enough to cover the complexity of the issue in point. The present paper does not claim to solve amphiboly once and for all: it only proposes a framework that can be followed easily by those interested in the interpretation of similar sentences and in the production of unequivocal ones. The material selected for analysis consists in a few sentences, collected mainly from online sources, in which amphiboly caused by prepositional-phrase attachment is present. Some instruments provided by Syntax and Morphology as branches of Linguistics are used to interpret them so that the framework of reasoning that we provide can be used whenever a similar structure needs disambiguation.

Further insight into self-face recognition in schizophrenia patients: Why ambiguity matters

BackgroundAlthough some studies reported specifically self-face processing deficits in patients with schizophrenia disorder (SZ), it remains unclear whether these deficits rather reflect a more global face processing deficit. Contradictory results are probably due to the different methodologies employed and the lack of control of other confounding factors. Moreover, no study has so far evaluated possible daily life self-face recognition difficulties in SZ. Therefore, our primary objective was to investigate self-face recognition in patients suffering from SZ compared to healthy controls (HC) using an “objective measure” (reaction time and accuracy) and a “subjective measure” (self-report of daily self-face recognition difficulties). MethodTwenty-four patients with SZ and 23 HC performed a self-face recognition task and completed a questionnaire evaluating daily difficulties in self-face recognition. Recognition task material consisted in three different faces (the own, a famous and an unknown) being morphed in steps of 20%. ResultsResults showed that SZ were overall slower than HC regardless of the face identity, but less accurate only for the faces containing 60%–40% morphing. Moreover, SZ and HC reported a similar amount of daily problems with self/other face recognition. No significant correlations were found between objective and subjective measures (p > 0.05). LimitationsThe small sample size and relatively mild severity of psychopathology does not allow us to generalize our results. ConclusionsThese results suggest that: (1) patients with SZ are as capable of recognizing their own face as HC, although they are susceptible to ambiguity; (2) there are far less self recognition deficits in schizophrenia patients than previously postulated.

Ambiguity, learning opportunities and risk‐neutral regulation

Two current issues in management of public risks, ambiguity and learning, are addressed in the context of managing ecosystems with thresholds, and regulating treatment safety as might apply, for example, to human and animal health, pesticides and herbicides. Reconsidering a recent claim that, in systems that penalise violation of thresholds, learning opportunities induce riskier decision‐making, I find no incentive for ambiguity seeking. But opportunity to benefit from learning may indeed induce riskier decisions, an effect that diminishes and eventually disappears as penalties become larger. A recent claim that a rational regulator of pharmaceutical drugs would be ambiguity preferring – a claim that has obvious applicability to a broader set of treatments – is then examined. Ambiguity‐tolerant patients may indeed prefer a menu of ambiguous treatments and opportunity to learn and switch, rather than a single treatment with known risk. But the source of ambiguity matters. Patient heterogeneity, prior to and independent of policy, generates ambiguity for individuals and motivates preference for a menu of treatments. However, expanding the menu does not justify approving treatments that are generally riskier. Finally, I challenge the perennial claim that the regulator of risks to human health and safety should seek to maximise expected value.