Analysis Approach Research Articles

A-148 Performance Evaluation ofthe Zybio EXT 4800: A Novel Optical-Magnetic Coagulation Analyzer

Abstract Background Coagulation analysis, crucial in clinical diagnostics, predominantly employs optical and Mechanical methods. Optical methods are preferred for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness but are susceptible to hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia interferences. Mechanical methods, considered more accurate, are hindered by higher costs and operational complexity. This study evaluates the Zybio EXT 4800, a novel analyzer integrating both technologies(U.S. Patent:US11022558 B2), to harness their collective benefits. Methods The study compared optical, mechanical, and integrated optical-mechanical detection methods for Prothrombin Time (PT) testing, particularly under interference conditions such as chyle. To ensure reagent reliability, a comprehensive open-vial stability assessment was conducted for Zybio's reagents. Additionally, a clinical correlation study compared Zybio EXT 4800 with Siemens CS-2000i Systems, covering multiple parameters. Through this rigorous methodology, the study sought to establish the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of these advanced coagulation analysis technologies. Results In the presence of lipemia interferents during PT testing, notable fluctuations were observed with the optical method, resulting in deviations ranging from 80% to 104% from the set values. Conversely, when utilizing the integrated optical-mechanical approach for analysis, the instrument automatically identifies interferences in the sample, intelligently switching the detection method from optical to mechanical.This intelligent adaptation to interference exhibits strong anti-interference capabilities. The experimental results of mechanical testing show deviations ranging from 0.8% to 1.7%, while the experimental results of optical retesting after high-speed centrifugation of samples show deviations ranging from 1.1% to 2.3%. Regarding reagent stability, Zybio's reagents showcased exceptional durability. Following an accelerated aging process of 50 days at 37°C, Zybio reagents exhibited smaller relative deviations compared to the comparator reagents, underscoring the remarkable stability and reliability offered by Zybio's reagents. Furthermore, in a clinical correlation analysis between Zybio's “EXT 4800 Automated Coagulation Analyzer” and Siemens' “CS-2000i Systems,” strong correlations were observed. The R-squared values perform well, with determinations of exemplary quantitative parameters: FIB for 0.985, D-Dimer for 0.983, and AT for 0.980. These results not only validate the performance equivalence between the two systems but also highlight the advanced stability and anti-interference capabilities of the EXT 4800, positioning it as a formidable alternative to existing solutions. Conclusions The EXT 4800 coagulation analyzer effectively merges optical and mechanical methodologies, offering high sensitivity, accuracy, and reduced susceptibility to interferences. It presents as a cost-effective, reliable alternative in coagulation analysis, with strong performance correlations to established systems and superior reagent stability, making it a valuable addition to clinical laboratories.

Mapping between measurement scales in meta-analysis, with application to measures of body mass index in children.

Quantitative evidence synthesis methods aim to combine data from multiple medical trials to infer relative effects of different interventions. A challenge arises when trials report continuous outcomes on different measurement scales. To include all evidence in one coherent analysis, we require methods to "map" the outcomes onto a single scale. This is particularly challenging when trials report aggregate rather than individual data. We are motivated by a meta-analysis of interventions to prevent obesity in children. Trials report aggregate measurements of body mass index (BMI) either expressed as raw values or standardized for age and sex. We develop three methods for mapping between aggregate BMI data using known or estimated relationships between measurements on different scales at the individual level. The first is an analytical method based on the mathematical definitions of z-scores and percentiles. The other two approaches involve sampling individual participant data on which to perform the conversions. One method is a straightforward sampling routine, while the other involves optimization with respect to the reported outcomes. In contrast to the analytical approach, these methods also have wider applicability for mapping between any pair of measurement scales with known or estimable individual-level relationships. We verify and contrast our methods using simulation studies and trials from our data set which report outcomes on multiple scales. We find that all methods recreate mean values with reasonable accuracy, but for standard deviations, optimization outperforms the other methods. However, the optimization method is more likely to underestimate standard deviations and is vulnerable to non-convergence.

THE ELECTRONIC ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM AND ITS ROLE IN ENHANCING FINANCIAL INFORMATION SECURITY AND ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN THE QUALITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTS (AN APPLIED STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF IRAQI BANKS)

Objective: The study aimed to identify the electronic accounting information system and its role in enhancing financial information security and its effectiveness in the quality of financial reports in Iraqi banks. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that support the research are presented. [The basic concepts of electronic accounting information system, financial information security, and financial reporting quality] are highlighted, providing a solid foundation for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: This study relied on the descriptive analytical approach in order to formulate the problem and clarify the importance of the study and its objectives, as well as to develop a set of hypotheses to verify their validity. The study community represented all banks listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange, while the sample was summarized as (10) banks. The researcher surveyed the opinions of all employees in private banks in Baghdad Governorate. The study community may consist of 1400 employees from all different administrative levels. The study sample was selected at a rate of 30% of the study community, as the sample size reached (400) individuals. The study community was divided into different classes according to the nature of the work of those banks. Results and Discussion: The study concluded that the banks in the study sample are exposed to various risks due to the use of electronic systems, in addition to the reasons for the existence of links and effects between the study variables. Research Implications: The necessity of increasing attention to the presence of a competent and scientifically and practically qualified human element in banks because it makes the electronic accounting information system worthy of improving the security of financial information through the effectiveness of the quality of financial reports. Originality/Value: Despite the advantages of systems, whether from outside or inside the organization, there are a set of risks surrounding the use of these systems, which come from various sources, including (human resources risks, hardware and equipment risks, software risks). (Risks, database risks, software risks, network risks), each risk has a different impact and may cause huge financial losses to the organization, because the occurrence of these risks will lead to direct damage to information (accounting) and accounting quality. The information owned by the organization.

A Review of Analytical Techniques to Characterise Nanomaterial Associations with Minerals, Organic Matter and Organisms

Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties and control processes relevant to the fate of contaminants in soils, air, and aquatic systems and within the carbon cycle. Many NMs often occur in association with larger mineral grains, organic matter, or living organisms such as microbes, plants and fungi. The preservation of the spatial, textural, chemical, and mineralogical relations between NMs and minerals, organic matter, and organism (NM‐associations) is of fundamental importance as it provides information about the origin and formation mechanisms of NMs. Here we review analytical approaches and techniques to study NM‐associations at the bulk‐, micro‐, nano‐ and atomic‐scale. We will focus on (a) X‐ray diffraction and mass‐spectroscopy techniques; (2) automatisms within software packages that permit the search of features without operators; (3) preparation and analytical techniques such as the focused‐ion beam technology, transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography; (4) nano‐spectroscopic techniques such as tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy, and nano‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy; (5) ptychographic X‐ray computer tomography. This review paper concludes with selected new perspectives such as (a) the characterisation of NM‐precursors, (b) the role of NM‐associations in the stabilisation of soil organic matter and (c) the interaction of NM‐associations in wildfire smoke with contaminants from other sources.

Analyzing the Indirect Effects of Lightning on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Navigation Receivers

To investigate the interference effects of lightning on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation receivers, an analytical approach for the evaluation of indirect lightning effects is suggested. The blocking mechanism of lightning pulses on the receiver is analyzed using the vector method. A behavioral-level simulation model of the receiver’s radio frequency (RF) front-end is constructed, and a lightning pulse injection simulation is performed based on the advanced design system (ADS). The simulation results indicate that lightning pulses induce blocking interference on the RF front-end of the navigation receiver, reducing its sensitivity and dynamic range. This interference is attributed to gain compression and degradation of the noise figure in the low-noise amplifier (LNA). To further validate the simulation results, a pin injection test is carried out to examine the influence of lightning pulses with different peak voltages on receiver sensitivity. The test results indicate a notable reduction in the receiver sensitivity when the lightning pulse peak reaches 250 V. The sensitivity trends across various test panels are consistent, and the damage thresholds are similar. These findings confirm the accuracy of the simulation results.

Widespread transposable element dysregulation in human aging brains with Alzheimer's disease.

Transposable element (TE) dysregulation is associated with neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Yet, TE quantitative trait loci (teQTL) have not been well characterized in human aged brains with AD. We leveraged large-scale bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and xQTL from three human AD brain biobanks to characterize TE expression dysregulation and experimentally validate AD-associated TEs using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) assays in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. We identified 26,188 genome-wide significant TE expression QTLs (teQTLs) in human aged brains. Subsequent colocalization analysis of teQTLs with AD genetic loci identified AD-associated teQTLs and linked locus TEs. Using CRISPRi assays, we pinpointed a neuron-specific suppressive role of the activated short interspersed nuclear element (SINE; chr11:47608036-47608220) on expression of C1QTNF4 via reducing neuroinflammation in human iPSC-derived neurons. We identified widespread TE dysregulation in human AD brains and teQTLs offer a complementary analytic approach to identify likely AD risk genes. Widespread transposable element (TE) dysregulations are observed in human aging brains with degrees of neuropathology, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A catalog of TE quantitative trait loci (teQTLs) in human aging brains was created using matched RNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing data. CRISPR interference assays reveal that an upregulated intergenic TE from the MIR family (chr11: 47608036-47608220) suppresses expression of its nearest anti-inflammatory gene C1QTNF4 in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons.

Inducing ipsilateral motor-evoked potentials in the biceps brachii muscle in healthy humans.

To assess reticulospinal tract excitability, high-intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to elicit ipsilateral motor-evoked potentials (iMEPs). However, there is no consensus on robust and valid methods for use in human studies. The present study proposes a standardized method for eliciting and analysing iMEPs in the biceps brachii. Twenty-four healthy young adults participated in this study. Electromyography (EMG) electrodes recorded contralateral MEPs (cMEPs) from the right and iMEPs from the left biceps brachii. A dynamic preacher curl task was used with ~15% of the subject's one-repetition maximum load. The protocol included maximal compound action potential (M-max) determination of the right biceps brachii muscle, TMS hotspot determination, and four sets of five repetitions where 100% stimulator output was delivered at an elbow angle of 110° of flexion. We normalized cMEP amplitude by M-max (% M-max) and iMEP by cMEP amplitude ratio (ICAR). Clear iMEPs above background EMG were observed in 21 subjects (88%, ICAR = .31 ± .19). Good-to-excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .795-1.000) and low bias (.01-.08 mV and .60-1.11 ms) were demonstrated when comparing two different analysis methods (i.e. fixed time-window vs. manual onset detection) to determine the cMEP and iMEP amplitude and latency, respectively. Most subjects demonstrated clear iMEPs above background EMG triggered at a pre-determined joint angle during a light-load dynamic preacher curl exercise. Similar results were obtained when comparing a single-trial manual identification of iMEP and a semi-automated time-window data analysis approach.

Exploring Self-Determination Theory in ELT: A Content Analysis of Research Trends between 2020 and 2024

This study aims to seek recent research trends in the applicability of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to English language teaching (ELT) by reviewing the literature on this new approach to studying learner motivation, which plays a crucial role in language acquisition. The subject of the study is a series of related articles collected between 2020 and 2024, and the data is gathered from fifty selected articles during this period. The method employed for data analysis is content analysis approach, which helps identify themes and common trends throughout the articles’ contents. The findings reveal various trends in applying SDT to foster learner motivation in ELT, including trends in research topics, methods, and noteworthy new themes in the applicability of SDT and its six sub-theories to ELT. These provide insights into the great potential of SDT in ELT research. The paper also has implications for new research ideas of learner motivation with STD.

Improving student engagement with a flipped classroom instruction model in Ethiopian higher education institutions: The case of Mattu University.

Currently, the flipped classroom instruction model has received greater attention for its multifaceted advantages in improving student learning by boosting learning environments. To this end, a flipped classroom model was employed in the current study with the purpose of increasing student engagement across all three dimensions-behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. To look at the improvement observed as a result of this model, this study used a mixed-methods design, mainly a convergent parallel design. In the present study, fifty-five students from two distinct academic departments participated. In addition, the instructors of the courses that were chosen to be taught using a flipped classroom model were also participants in this study. The study employed focus groups, interviews, self-report surveys, and classroom observation strategies to gather the necessary data. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive aggregate means and paired sampling t-tests, while the qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis approach. The findings revealed that a flipped classroom greatly improved each of the three dimensions of student engagement. Moreover, the findings showed that the instruction model improved student engagement by creating learning environments where students could participate actively in class activities, interact more effectively with teachers and other students as well as with learning resources, and acquire the necessary knowledge from the courses. Future research may employ a large sample size with a sufficient time frame to make the findings more applicable to different educational institutions.

Implication of Parental Engagement to the Students in Home-School Learning

Parental involvement in home-school learning also helps to strengthen the relationship, fosters greater autonomy and responsibility in children, and flexible learning experiences. This study used a descriptive-phenomenological study that divulged the context of home-school learning during the health crisis brought by COVID-19 among elementary pupils. Ten (10) Grade 4 pupils, currently enrolled in S.Y. 2021-2022 and who had been studying both before and during the pandemic, participated in the interview. Colaizzi's data analysis approach was later used to analyze the interview data. Findings indicated that elementary pupils have a variety of experiences in home-school learning and are also experiencing challenges in home-school learning. The study's findings also revealed the role of their parents during home-school learning by giving them a lot of time teaching the reading and constant follow-ups with their children. The different challenges and experiences in home-school learning were evident in the pupil's responses. Hence, the result of the study also revealed that the pupils had difficulty in reading and writing during home-school learning. Students can benefit from parental support and guidance, which can improve their motivation, attitudes, and communication skills.

A spatiotemporal analysis approach for multidimensional assessment of renewable energy development in ASEAN countries

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an integration of diverse geographies and economies, presents a unique opportunity to harness the vast potential of renewable energy. Based on panel data from 2011 to 2020, the current study employs both the entropy weight method and the system coupling method to assess the spatiotemporal performance of renewable energy development in terms of economic, social, and environmental dimensions across the entire ASEAN region. The Renewable Energy Performance (REPer) Index has been proposed to quantify development performance. The results show that the ASEAN region as a whole has improved by 19.72 % in REPer over the years, with some minor variations between member countries. Among all the member states, Malaysia had the highest REPer of 0.716 in 2020, followed by Singapore and Indonesia (0.678 and 0.497, respectively). Myanmar had the least advanced renewable energy sector, with an REPer of 0.268. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of how renewable energy sources are distributed across ASEAN member states and how their development patterns change over time. By identifying the gaps and disparities in renewable energy development among the member states, the current study provides policy recommendations to promote better cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources.

Sickle cell disease awareness and perception among Christian religious leaders in Accra Metropolis: a qualitative study.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a severe hemoglobin gene mutation disorder inherited from both parents. 2% of Ghanaian newborns are affected by SCD; one in three Ghanaians has the hemoglobin S gene. Christian religious leaders may play a role in the prevention of SCD through the promotion of genetic counseling, genotype screening for premarital couples, and offering counseling to couples on prenatal screening and diagnosis for SCD. However, little is known about the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in Ghana, and this study aims to explore these. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design to explore the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in the capital city of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique selected 16 participants from churches under the main Christian groups. The participants were chosen based on their roles and responsibilities within their respective churches. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide, which included open-ended questions to encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences. The interviews were conducted in a private setting to ensure confidentiality. The data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying recurring themes and patterns in the participants' responses. The study's findings are crucial. They reveal a high awareness of SCD among Christian religious leaders, but also some misconceptions. Most of the religious leaders knew SCD was a genetic disease, although a few associated SCD with superstitious beliefs, poor dietary intake, and lifestyle. Some also stated that SCD was a disease of the blood group instead of the defective haemoglobin gene. They perceived SCD to be burdensome, disruptive, and draining, and they associated the disease with burnout in Persons Living with SCD (PLWSCD) and their families. The religious leaders had a good social network with PLWSCD, including family, friends, colleagues, and congregants. These findings underscore the need for intense education about SCD, especially among Christian religious leaders. It is crucial to engage all stakeholders to intensify public awareness and education about SCD while improving the management and social support systems available to PLWSCD and families. This includes the religious institution's leadership, PLWSCD and families, the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Ghana Education Service. As active stakeholders, religious leaders can play a vital role in supporting PLWSCD if they are equipped with the necessary knowledge about the condition. .

Facilitators, motivations, and barriers to physical activity among Chinese American women

Physical inactivity poses a significant risk to morbidity and mortality. Chinese American women, as part of the larger group of Asian American women, exhibit low adherence to recommended physical activity guidelines. To date, few physical activity interventions have been tailored to address specific sociocultural considerations in this population, and the heterogeneity among Asian Americans is often not considered. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand facilitators, motivations, and barriers to physical activity perceived by Chinese American women to help inform tailored physical activity interventions for this population. Virtual, semi-structured individual interviews with 21 Chinese American women were completed. Data were analyzed using Clarke and Braun’s thematic analysis approach. Six main themes emerged: (1) desires to stay healthy; (2) achievement and satisfaction; (3) facilitators and motivations from social networks; (4) COVID-19 pandemic; (5) prioritizing family needs; and (6) weight status satisfaction. Participants expressed motivations rooted in their desire for improved health, personal experience of improvement and accomplishment gained from physical activity, and the influence of social networks, both online and in-person. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as both a facilitator and a barrier to physical activity. Identified barriers include prioritizing family needs over personal engagement in physical activity and lacking motivation due to perceiving a normal weight that does not necessitate participation in physical activity. The findings facilitate the development of culturally appropriate interventions to improve physical activity and enhance overall well-being in this population.

Consumer Perception of Palm Sugar Products in Rokan Hulu District, Indonesia: A Prospective Analysis Approach

The demand for palm sugar has been consistently increasing each year, particularly due to the growing public awareness of health benefits. Palm sugar is considered a safer sweetener option due to its low glycemic index and absence of side effects. The primary objective of this research is to analyze consumer perceptions regarding the attributes of palm sugar. This analysis is crucial in assessing consumer satisfaction and loyalty toward palm sugar consumption. Consequently, the findings will contribute to enhancing the marketing mix strategies for palm sugar. The survey method was employed to conduct this research, with a sample size of 30 consumer respondents selected through random sampling. Additionally, an opinion poll was conducted with key individuals to gather insights on the development of palm sugar products. The collected data were then analyzed using a prospective analysis approach. The research results indicate that specific attributes significantly influence consumer perceptions when purchasing palm sugar. Consumer perceptions in purchasing palm sugar are based on details of the marketing mix attributes which are the determining attributes, namely: taste, quality, palm sugar color, texture, popularity of craftsmen, and price. The marketing development implications of this research are improvements to three attribute components, namely raw material composition information, product standards, hygiene, partnerships, and technology. This serves as a consideration for craftsmen to improve consumer perceptions of palm sugar. Keywords: marketing of palm sugar, perception, prospective

Building community resilience to extreme heat: Lessons learned from Spokane, WA community conversations

Abstract Heat is the primary cause of weather-related mortality in the United States. The 2021 Northwest heat dome highlighted this susceptibility. In Washington State, 159 excess deaths were attributed to the 7-day period of unprecedented extreme heat between June 26th and July 2nd. This impact was felt even in some of the more acclimatized parts of the state, like Spokane County, where 19 heat-related deaths were reported. As climate change increases the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events, creating and sustaining heat-resilient communities has become an urgent public health priority. On 6 June 2023, Gonzaga University, in partnership with the University of Washington, hosted the Spokane Extreme Heat Risk Intervention Stakeholder Synthesis Symposium. The goals of the symposium were to debrief from recent heat events, identify extreme heat risk reduction interventions used in the region, and characterize remaining practice-relevant research priorities. The symposium convened 45 stakeholders including representatives from local and state agencies, academia, and community-based and Tribal organizations. Symposium participants engaged in small group discussions using the World Café MethodTM. Notes from each discussion were coded using a content analysis approach. Symposium participants identified strengths, barriers to heat resilience, and solutions to reduce risk throughout the Spokane community. We present these findings by practice topic, including risk communication, intervention, collaboration, policy, and research. Additionally, we utilize the socio-ecological model as a conceptual framework to illustrate the complex interplay of factors that govern an individual’s experience of, and ability to respond to, extreme heat events. Given extreme heat’s impact on global public health, the methods used to increase community resilience in Spokane, WA, USA could be used by other communities worldwide to increase their own heat-resilience.

Towards sustainable living: an investigation of the motivations behind green residential ownership in Malaysia

Purpose In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of green residential properties. This phenomenon indicates that the demand for environmentally friendly residential properties is rising. However, the true reasons behind the growing interest and investment in green residential properties remain poorly understood. When it comes to residential properties, assessing these benefits becomes more challenging and complex, as it is crucial to understand the motivations to invest in green residential properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the component factors that motivate homebuyers to invest in green residential properties. Design/methodology/approach This research aims to address a research gap by identifying the component factors that motivate individuals to invest in green residential properties using a factor analysis approach. The authors gathered data by distributing an online questionnaire among 161 certified green residential owners in Selangor, Malaysia. Findings The results from the factor analysis revealed three components as the primary factors that motivate individuals to invest in green residential properties. The findings contribute significantly to the growing yet limited literature in this area of research. Research limitations/implications This research, however, set out to provide a context-specific motivation in Selangor as a limitation. Originality/value By understanding the motivations behind these investments, the research can encourage greater adoption of sustainable housing investment and guide developers and policymakers in offering better solutions for the green property market. The authors could facilitate informed decision-making and inspire positive change towards a future where sustainable housing becomes the norm.

Passive earth pressure coefficients prediction using deep learning techniques

Predicting passive earth pressure coefficients is crucial for the design of retaining structures, as these coefficients, dependent on soil properties and wall geometry, they impact wall stability. In a practical context, the experimental and analytical approaches are often inaccurate and complex. In this paper, we have developed and tested three Recurrent Neural Networks: RNN, LSTM, and GRU models to predict passive earth pressure coefficients 〖(K〗_pγ, K_pq and K_(pc )) using datasets with 1147 observations, including key parameters such as the ratio of wall width to height (b⁄(h)), the soil-wall interface friction angle to internal friction angle ratio (δ⁄(ϕ)) and the soil friction angle (ϕ). The results demonstrate that our deep neural network models perform better in terms of accuracy and reliability when compared to previously models. As a result, the LSTM model outperformed the RNN, and GRU models in terms of prediction accuracy, exhibiting the best MSE performance (K_pγ = 0.0014, K_pq = 0.0020, K_pc = 0.0020).

Computation of dynamic deflection in thin elastic beam via symmetries

The deflection profiles governed by Euler Bernoulli's fourth-order equations under varied applied loads are investigated in this research. This study provides essential insights for engineers designing aircraft components, bridges, and similar structures, ensuring system safety and efficiency. The investigation emphasizes critical factors such as amplitude and frequency, load history, and material properties. Initially, conservation laws of the equations with applied loads are derived by expressing them in the Euler-Lagrange form, where the resultant conservation laws satisfy the divergence expression. The association between symmetries and conservation laws is demonstrated, followed by the application of double reduction theory, which reduces both the variables and the order of the equation. Graphical representations of the outcomes illustrate the impact of load variations on the beam's deflection profiles. These visual aids facilitate a deeper understanding of the influence of different loading conditions. A comparison between varying loads is presented, showcasing the impact of these variations on structural behavior. The findings are crucial for enhancing structural design and ensuring safety under varied loading conditions, showcasing the novelties in the analytical approach and the practical applications of the derived results.

Anticipating climate risk in Norwegian municipalities

Climate change is increasingly being coupled to extreme weather and climate events, with an observed increase in intensity and occurrence of climate-related events. Norway is no exception. Though generally considered quite resilient to climate risk, with favorable conditions for adapting on a national level, studies point to regional and local differences. Applying a mixed methods approach we combine a literature review on climate adaptation in Norwegian municipalities showing patterns and trends, with a small-N case study allowing for an in-depth exploration of four Arctic municipalities, where warming occurs faster. We investigate how Norwegian municipalities observe, identify, and prepare for climate-related hazards, by applying the anticipation stage of resilience as an analytical approach. Findings demonstrate how municipal anticipatory capabilities largely rely on external expertise to gather information and/or reduce uncertainty. Experience and familiar hazards form the basis for preparing for future risk. This leaves municipalities running the risk of adapting to present risks while neglecting future developments in vulnerability and exposure to weather and climate events. Climate adaptation has been embedded in the existing processes for risk management, applying statutory risk- and vulnerability assessments as the primary tool for identifying climate risk. We find that this framing leaves a significant imprint on the municipal adaptation efforts. Based on our findings we recommend that municipalities look to strengthen in-house competency on climate adaptation and implement the use of distinct climate risk assessments to better capture long-term risk and identify local adaptation needs and measures.

Los voladores de Papantla: persistencias coloniales y resistencias comunitarias en dos prácticas en México

The ritual ceremony of the Papantla flyers is a pre-Hispanic cultural practice performed since 600 B. C. by various indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America. This intricate ceremony comprises multiple stages, with the most notable being “the flight,” where a group of five individuals ascend a tall mast, known as the flying pole, to perform songs and dances from the top. Tied by their feet with ropes, the flyers then descend in concentric circles until they reach the ground. This article focuses on two contemporary practices in Mexico: one at the Xcaret Tourist Park in Quintana Roo, and the other in the municipality of Papantla, Veracruz. The aim is to compare these practices to highlight the tensions between colonial legacies and community resistance. Using the method of montage, we analyze two dialectical images across different dimensions: spaces, times, technical-material contents, participating social subjects, and the objectivity of the practice itself. The results reveal the tension between the colonial persistence of capitalist modernity—manifested in the commodification and patrimonialization of the practice—and community resistance, demonstrated through the revival of memories and traditions. While this research focuses on two specific practices, the methodological and analytical approach can be applied to other activities within the ritual flyers ceremony, or to other cultural practices recognized as intangible cultural heritage. This study contributes to the field of critical heritage studies.