Controversial Research Articles

Genomic and environmental insights and conservation challenges for two hybridizing iconic crocodile species across Mexico: Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii

AbstractHybridization is of key relevance for conservation of wild species, and yet it is still one of the most controversial issues in conservation. Identifying historical and contemporary factors promoting the formation and maintenance of hybrids is crucial for the management of endangered species, as well as characterizing the environmental factors and patterns of habitat use among parental species and their hybrids. Crocodiles are a conservation priority group since all 23 species recognized worldwide are in a protected category and hybridization occurs between many of their species, particularly between Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii. Their hybridization system encompasses a geographically extensive hybrid zone, where two distinct hybrids and two C. acutus lineages have diverged and only a few geographically isolated populations of both parental species remain. We used a combined approach of genome‐wide sequencing and ecological niche modeling to discern the geographic and temporal patterns of introgression, migration, and demography, and to assess the ecological niches of the distinct lineages. Our approach enabled us to determine the spatial and temporal components of the divergence and admixture events of hybrids and non‐admixed lineages, to describe the environmental characteristics and geographic extent of areas of sympatry, and to confirm human‐mediated hybridization events. Our findings also showed overall distinct ranges and ecological niches among lineages, where hybrids presented a different set of environmental requirements from both parental species. This approach can be readily applied to different taxa and ecological contexts, providing species information on genetics and the environment with direct conservation relevance. We additionally describe the various conservation challenges that C. acutus and C. moreletii currently face, highlighting that these distinct crocodile species and hybrid lineages warrant recognition and need urgent conservation effort.

To resurface or not to resurface? Investigating the impact of patellar resurfacing on anterior knee pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total knee replacement

BackgroundRoutine patellar resurfacing is a controversial issue in total knee replacement (TKR), especially for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common complaint after TKR that may be related to patellofemoral joint condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with AKP after TKR for RA compared between non-resurfaced patella (NRP) and resurfaced patella (RP). MethodsThis retrospective study included RA patients who underwent TKR at our institute from 2002 to 2019. All included patients had at least 1 year of follow up. Patients were divided into the NRP and RP groups. At the last follow up visit, the prevalence of AKP, and the severity of AKP, including visual analogue pain score (VAPS) and Kujala score, were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of AKP. ResultsA total of 141 RA patients (median age: 60 years, 90% female, 219 knees) were included. There was no significant difference in AKP between the NRP and RP groups (12.7% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.185). Regarding AKP severity, there was no significant difference in VAPS or Kujala score between groups (P = 0.147 and P = 0.067, respectively). No independent predictors of AKP were identified. ConclusionAlthough patellar resurfacing is recommended in TKR for RA, this study found no significant difference in prevalence of AKP, VAPS and Kujala score between those with and without patellar resurfacing during TKR.

Recommendation and intake of dietary supplements periconceptional and during pregnancy: results of a nationwide survey of gynaecologists

BackgroundMicronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is a controversial issue. For some micronutrients, for example folic acid or iodine, the evidence regarding supplementation is clear, whereas for others, such as zinc or vitamin E, it is not. Studies show that a large number of pregnant women have deficient levels of folic acid and iodine. However, especially with folic acid, starting supplementation during the preconception period is crucial. It is, therefore, important that gynaecologists explain this to their pregnant or preconceptional patients. Our goal was to find out how gynaecologists make their recommendations on this topic, how they assess the compliance of their patients and which micronutrients they consider to be important before/during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.Method and ResultsWe sent about 12,000 questionnaires to all registered resident gynaecologists in Germany, with a response rate of 12.2%. Regarding which micronutrients gynaecologists consider to be particularly important during pregnancy, there was a broad agreement for both folic acid and iodine (> 88% answered yes). According to the questionnaire, doctors rate other micronutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as less essential. The controversial evidence level for many micronutrients certainly plays a role here. Overall, the intake rate, especially for preconceptional women, is classified as rather low (< 60%). The most widely valued reason is the high price of dietary supplements. It was also noticeable that doctors consider certain micronutrients to be particularly important but then do not include them in the products they recommend.ConclusionOverall, there seems to be uncertainty about micronutrients in pregnancy and their supplementation. The study situation is often ambiguous and there are no official guidelines, leading to ambiguous recommendations from doctors and therefore low intake rates for pregnant or preconceptional women.

Public Private Partnership with Chinese Characteristics: A Critical Review and Theoretical Framework

The localization and generalization of the public–private partnership (PPP) is a controversial issue discussed in the research agenda of PPP. China has played a central role in global PPP development in recent years. This study reviews the policy and development of PPP in China through the lens of punctuated-equilibrium theory. A conceptual framework of China-type PPP, including projects, organizations, functions, policies, and governance, is then developed for analysis and interpretation through global comparisons. This study indicates the possibility of a “China model” in PPP due to China’s distinct evolutionary process, characteristics, and representative PPP, but requires further extraction, summarization, and enrichment with sustainable development. In addition, the “China model” will have a potential peer-level value for other emerging markets.

Learners’ attitudes towards project works in enhancing English autonomous learning: A case study at Foreign Trade University - Ho Chi Minh City Campus

This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to investigate students’ attitudes towards the use of project works to enhance their autonomous learning in an English speaking class; (2) to find out to what extent students believe that using project works can promote their autonomous learning; and (3) to figure out difficulties that learners have during the time they conduct Video making projects. The study population was 73 second-year students who took the course of English listening and speaking 2. An open-ended questionnaire and 25 semi-structured interviews were employed as research instruments for data collection. The result firstly shows that the students have positive attitudes towards the use of project works in English classes that may have enhanced their autonomous learning. Then, it reveals students’ preference in having more project works to do in their English classes. Nonetheless, using project works’ evaluation as one of criteria for course assessment is a controversial issue among these students. In addition, students’ interest in utilizing information technology devices is remarked as one of the significant findings in this study. Furthermore, some difficulties when conducting projects are found including time constraints, teamwork conflicts, cultural differences and problems with technology. Because of students’ positive attitudes towards Video making project in enhancing their autonomous learning, it is suggested that teachers should consider applying the projects in their language teaching.

Space Law, Subjects and Jurisdictions: pre-1963 period

This article is a continuation of an extensive study of the process and results of the regulation of space activities over the period from 1958 to the present, the purpose of which is a deep analysis of international documents adopted over the entire period of space activities.The article is focused on an attempt to answer some controversial or unresolved issues related to the regulation of relations in outer space and on celestial bodies.Thus, for example, there are still many different theories and discussions on the topic: Does space law exist or not, and provided it exists, what documents can be attributed to its sources? Who can be the founder of space law, and to what extent? What can be the subjects and objects of space activities and space law? And, of course, one of the most important issues is the question of the jurisdictions of subjects of space activities and space law.To understand this, it is necessary to return to the origins of the process of regulating space activities, namely, during the period 1958-1963 years, when the technical exploration of outer space and celestial bodies had just begun and the first and most important documents in this area were adopted, namely, the first Resolutions and UN Declaration.Based on the analysis of these documents and the circumstances in which they were created, as well as taking into account the various opinions of scientists and the basic postulates of the theory of law, and even taking into account some philosophical aspects of human nature, this article attempts to define and describe the essence of space law, existing and possible spatial and territorial jurisdictions and also the subject-object composition of partici-pants in space activities.

Lateral lymph node involvement presents another challenge in rectum cancer in the age of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy + total mesorectal excision: an evaluation of survival outcomes.

In the last decades, total mesorectal excision (TME) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) have produced an undeniable improvement in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, local recurrence is still an important problem, and the effect of lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement on local recurrence is a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LLN status on local recurrence and survival in rectal cancers treated with nCRT + TME. Clinical features, pre- and post-nCRT lateral pelvic region imaging, long-term local recurrence, and the survival outcomes of 114 patients who underwent nCRT + TME for rectal cancer were evaluated. On MRI before nCRT, 20 (17.5%) patients had lateral lymph nodes (LLN+), and 94 (82.5%) patients had no lymph nodes in the lateral pelvic compartments (LLN-). Local recurrences at 1 year in LLN+ and LLN- patients were 3 (15.8%) and 2 (2.3%), respectively (p=0.039). Five-year local recurrence-free survival rates and the mean duration of recurrence-free survival in LLN+ and LLN- patients were 56.2%, 42.6 months, and 87.3% 66.9 months, respectively (p=0.001). Disease-free survival and overall survival were shorter in LLN+ patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.096 and p=0.46, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, LLN involvement was determined to be an independent risk factor for local recurrence-free survival (Hazard Ratio 4.54, p=0.003). Lateral lymph node involvement causes local recurrence to remain high after nCRT + TME. LLN status should be considered in treatment planning. Further studies are needed to define precise criteria for LLN involvement and the effect of LLND on local recurrence and survival.

Sustainability and Old Age: A Discarded Wealth

Well, it is important that the elderly who are a good percentage of humanity can carry out their function in forming the guidelines of the communities. Therefore, their marginalization which excludes from the world of work with advancing age must be criticized. It is noted anyway that the current political leaderships are far from worrying about the issue of the elderly but are attracted by controversial issues in search of consensus for power. A model therefore that can create disagreements and discords in the social sphere and not unity of address. Unity of address which, on the other hand, is necessary for the formation of majorities within the community. On the other hand, we are on the eve of the evolution towards the complete neutrality of our presence on the planet. A passage that requires everyone’s attention and commitment, including the elderly, to research and science, both to mitigate the damage of global warming and to prepare for the turning point imposed by the complete neutrality of intelligent beings from evolution of the planet. A passage that will bring major social changes for the potential acceleration of development and the smooth transition from the long era of scarcity to the not-so-distant future of abundance. The prospects offered by the ongoing evolution would make it necessary to make structural changes to societies, which should rely on the opinions of the majority of communities for general guidelines in economics. Let us not forget that the anomalies of the business cycle are first felt by the communities who change investment and consumption decisions as a result of their intuition and in coherence with the universal laws that administrate the universe and at the same time influence the development of the economy. The need for a quasi-constitutional law is strongly recalled reducing tensions between social classes, rich and poor, the elderly and the new generations and so on.

Use of ChatGPT in academia: Academic integrity hangs in the balance

In today's academic world, some academicians, researchers and students have begun employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) language models, e.g., ChatGPT, in completing a variety of academic tasks, including generating ideas, summarising literature, and essay writing. However, the use of ChatGPT in academic settings is a controversial issue, leading to a severe concern about academic integrity and AI-assisted cheating, while scholarly communities still lack clear principles on using such innovation in academia. Accordingly, this study aims to understand the motivations driving academics and researchers to use ChatGPT in their work, and specifically the role of academic integrity in making up adoption behavior. Based on 702 responses retrieved from users of ResearchGate and Academia.edu, we found that ChatGPT usage is positively shaped by time-saving feature, e-word of mouth, academic self-efficacy, academic self-esteem, and perceived stress. In contrast, peer influence and academic integrity had a negative effect on usage. Intriguingly, academic integrity-moderated interactions of time-saving, self-esteem and perceived stress on ChatGPT usage are found to be significantly positive. Therefore, we suggest that stakeholders, including academic institutions, publishers and AI language models' programmers, should work together to specify necessary guidelines for the ethical use of AI chatbots in academic work and research.

Reappraising the use of forearm rings for bat species

Long-term mark-recapture studies are essential for bat conservation. Over the last decades, millions of bats across Europe and America have been marked with forearm rings for this purpose. Although it is considered a cost-effective method compared to Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags, direct injuries from using forearm rings have been reported since their very first use. Yet, their impact on bats' welfare has not been systematically evaluated and remains a highly controversial issue among the scientific community and policymakers. Here we assess the impact of forearm rings and PIT tags on the health of different bat species. We reviewed 12 years of the existing recapture data of free-ranging bats from NE Spain and evaluated the impact of both marking tools in a captive colony of Carollia perspicillata, by assessing the development of skin lesions and levels of cortisol metabolites in guano (CG) after marking. We report that 55.1 % (435/790) of the recaptured free-ranging bats with forearm rings presented skin lesions. All banded C. perspicillata (n = 22, 100 %) developed skin lesions, whereas none of the PIT-tagged (n = 21) presented lesions. Levels of CG were significantly higher after marking with forearm rings only for one group. Banded C. perspicillata exhibited discomfort-associated behaviours due to forearm rings. Under the “precautionary principle”, we recommend the ban of forearm rings for all bat species until species-specific studies under controlled conditions are performed and approved by a legally constituted ethics committee. Consideration of other long-term marking tools is mandatory to align with global bat conservation strategies.

European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) 2023 guidance paper for appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (aNET).

The aim of the present guidance paper is to update the previous ENETS guidelines on well differentiated appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (NET), providing practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of appendiceal NET (aNET); poorly differentiated neoplasms are dealt with in a separate guidance paper. This paper is structured on a question-answer format in order to also address controversial issues and areas where uncertainty regarding the management and follow-up of aNET exists. All recommendations are offered on the basis of the best available evidence, along with the authors' experiences in managing these neoplasms. Each recommendation for treatment will provide a level of evidence and grade of recommendation as per the GRADE system (adapted in Infectious Disease Society of United States Public Health Service grading system).

Will regulated firms benefit from carbon emission trading system? Evidence from a Market Power Perspective.

The impact of the carbon emission trading system (ETS) on firms' market competitiveness has been a controversial issue with no consistent theoretical conclusions. The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of the carbon emission trading system on firms' markups using the latest robust staggered difference-in-difference estimation method. The results show that China's carbon emission trading system greatly contributes to the enhancement of firms' market power, as evidenced by a series of robustness tests. In addition, the analysis of the impact mechanism shows that the carbon emission trading system enhances the market power of firms through the low-carbon innovation effect and the market integration effect, while the impact of the environmental cost effect is not obvious. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of China's carbon trading system policy on firms' market power is more pronounced, especially for those firms that are actively involved in low-carbon transformation and upgrading, have a stronger cost-shifting capacity, and are more efficient in production. This study provides empirical evidence on how environmental regulations affect firms' market power and offers theoretical guidance for the construction of China's carbon market.

Debated issues in the Church of England: The Roles of Theology and Psychology

Abstract This paper tests whether or not psychological type preferences predicted the extent of liberal versus conservative attitudes towards a range of controversial moral issues among 3,515 clergy and laity from the Church of England who took part in the 2013 Church Times survey. Summated rating scales were produced from Likert items related to four different issues: same-sex relationships, the ordination of women, divorce and remarriage, and cohabitation. After allowing for general theological stance, psychological type preferences for sensing over intuition and thinking over feeling were significantly associated with more conservative attitudes. For theological liberals, sensing types had slightly more conservative moral attitudes, on average, than did intuitive types, but there was no difference among theological conservatives. For theological conservatives, thinking types had slightly more conservative moral attitudes, on average, than did feeling types, but there was no difference among theological liberals.

Panel: “novel” nuclear reactors as an alternative disposal option

Abstract. States and private industries are researching and developing reactor concepts that are not based on the current light- or heavy-water-cooled reactor technology. One important aspect of these so called novel or advanced nuclear reactor designs, both large gigawatt types and small modular reactors, is their potential for radioactive waste management. The prospects for their development and industrial use also largely depend on possible improvements to reactor safety, on the proliferation resistance of the fuel cycle and on the economics of those reactor concepts. The panelists will discuss opportunities and impediments to the implementation and use of advanced reactor concepts and their fuel cycles, as well as their use as an alternative disposal option. The discussion will be open for the audience to participate. Regarding the method, a moderated panel discussion with four panelists is planned. First, after a short introduction by the moderator, the panelists will be given the opportunity to briefly present their view on important advantages and disadvantages of new reactors as a waste disposal option for about 20 min total. The focus should be on the involved fuel cycle (partitioning and transmutation); the state of science and technology of reactors for waste management, reprocessing and fuel fabrication; the impact of reactors on the quantity and composition of nuclear waste; and the possible deployment scenarios focusing on nuclear waste management. The need to use reactors for this alternative disposal option is a controversial issue in light of differing views on the use of nuclear energy nationally and internationally. We plan to invite a heterogeneous panel with expertise in reactor-based nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and security; the state of science and technology of advanced nuclear reactors (technology readiness level); and nuclear power economics. Ideally this panel will express differing views on the use of nuclear power as the panel's goal is explicitly to engage in an interactive discussion with the audience.

Intelligent Virtual Assistants and New Perspectives of Knowledge Acquisition

The objective of this article is to present a case of using artificial intelligence to support people from Generation Z in the process of assimilating knowledge. The AI-based tools aimed at improving language competence analyzed in the study included Intelligent Virtual Assistants (IVA): Google Assistant, Siri as well as web translators. The following research procedure was adopted: the experiment included an attempt to learn a foreign language using one of the IVAs or web translators. 251 Polish students decided to participate in the research. After the learning session, respondents completed a knowledge test concerning popular phrases in a given language. The results were related to the individual characteristics of the respondents and analyzed statistically. Interesting overall results were obtained. The data was also analyzed in subgroups, distinguished on the basis of gender, the tool used (web translator, IVAs: Google Assistant, and Siri) as well as the language chosen for learning a foreign language. The analyses were aimed at identifying differences conditioned by the gender of the learner. Another challenge was to identify the most effective tool and to determine which languages are the easiest and most difficult to learn using this method. In many cases, the acquisition of new vocabulary turned out to be very promising. This suggests that people’s adoption of such an innovative form of learning is a rather individual matter, varying from person to person. The study is designed to show a new perspective on acquiring knowledge, improving competence and learning in an informal way. In this case, learners use artificial assistants based on artificial intelligence and learning algorithms. This is certainly a controversial issue at present, but it is likely to become a common solution in the near future.

Marital and family relations in Ukraine: the state of legislative consolidation and prospects for development

The article is devoted to the consideration of issues related to revealing the essence of the concept of traditional marriage and family relations, defining their scope and fundamental differences. The existing types of marriages, in addition to the legally established ones, were studied and their features were clarified. The state of legislative consolidation of norms regulating nontraditional marital and family relations has been determined. The issue of ensuring state registration of same-sex relationships in Ukraine is analyzed and options for improving the national legislation are proposed to settle controversial issues related to civil partnerships.

Factors influencing the update of beliefs regarding controversial political issues

ABSTRACT Selectively integrating new information contributes to belief polarization and compromises public discourse. To better understand factors that underlie biased belief updating, I conducted three pre-registered studies covering different controversial political issues. The main hypothesis was that cognitively devaluing new information hinders belief updating. Support for this hypothesis was found in only one of the three issues. The only factor that consistently influenced belief updating across issues was the discrepancy between prior beliefs and new information. These results suggest that usually people do use evidence to correct their beliefs, but may refuse to do so if doubts about its generalizability arise.

Hydrothermal reduction of sulfates by ferrous carbonate: Implications for the origin of reduced sulfur in carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits associated spatially with basalts

Reduced sulfur derived from thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) in Pb-Zn deposits is one of the long-debated issues in economic geology. The formation of - 2 valent sulfur (S2-) in Pb-Zn deposits associated spatially with basalts, may be related to the thermal reduction of SO42- by ferrous ions (Fe2+). In the present study, hydrothermal experiments on the reduction of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) by ferrous carbonate (FeCO3) were carried out to investigate the thermodynamics feasibility, kinetic characteristics and reaction mechanisms for the inorganic reduction of sulfates. The results show that the reduction of MgSO4 by FeCO3 is thermodynamically stronger than TSR of oil, gaseous hydrocarbons and solid bitumen. Moreover, this reduction reaction occurs at threshold temperatures below 300 °C under hydrothermal conditions, yielding the main products of magnetite (Fe3O4), pyrite (FeS2) and pyrrhotite (Fe7S8). The reaction mechanism for the studied multiphase system at 400 − 525 °C involves at least nine elementary steps. The chemical kinetics for the FeCO3 −MgSO4 − H2O system is in accordance with the phase boundary control reaction model with apparent activation energy of 70 kJ/mol. The formation of S2- in carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits associated spatially with basalts is most likely a two-stage sulfate reduction process involving Fe2+ (90 −140 °C) and organic matters (>140 °C) in series. The new findings from the inorganic reduction of sulfates would contribute to clarification of the genesis of Pb-Zn deposits and help to reconceptualize some of the long-standing controversial issues in this field.

Unfair Employee and Abuse of Rights: the Supreme Court's Vision

Unfairness in law in general and abuse of law in particular is a topic that has its roots in Roman law. Unfortunately, this negative social and legal phenomenon cannot be overcome but its manifestations can be minimized, which is facilitated by high-quality legislation and court decisions that suppress specific cases of unfairness and abuse of rights. In our opinion, labor and legal research pays insufficient attention to these issues, or remains at the level of theoretical discourse. The author did not set out to comprehensively cover this topic, but only to draw attention to its existence and importance once again, and to undermine the dominant thesis in labor law and judicial practice about the «sanctity» of the employee and the presumption of unfairness of the employee, since he is the «stronger» party. This approach is firmly rooted in both theory and practice and has its origins in the class theory of the antagonism between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. In modern conditions, it is necessary to talk about the common interest of the parties to an employment contract, the search for a compromise, and good faith towards each other, but definitely not about confrontation. The analysis of the Supreme Court's practice is very important for the further development of research in the field of abuse of rights. This is because the Supreme Court's decisions are quasi-precedents. Thus, these decisions must be followed by lower courts and the Supreme Court's practice actually fills in the gaps in labor legislation. In addition, the generalization of practice can become a reliable source for recodification of labor legislation in the future. The article analyzes the controversial issue of law enforcement. An example of a Supreme Court decision is given, which, in the author's opinion, carries the risk of legalizing the abuse of rights. The author provides counter-arguments that demonstrate the controversial nature of the Supreme Court's legal opinion. Key words: Unfair Employee, Abuse of Rights, labor disputes

Expressing emotions, discussing controversial issues: a pilot study focused on veganism

ABSTRACT The role of emotions in learning has been the focus of much debate in teaching circles, as has the question of discussing controversial issues in the classroom. The aim of this small-scale inquiry was to investigate how two groups of intermediate level students of French as a foreign language expressed emotion in discussing the controversial issue of veganism. Our analysis focuses on the notions of ‘emotion lexicon’ and ‘rich point’ in exploring the video recordings of two classes engaged in discussion. We highlight how the students used a range of means to contribute to the discussion; their emotion lexicon appeared to be relatively limited but they made use of interactional and non-verbal means and communicated their feelings through the exchange of personal anecdotes and testimonies. We frame our approach within the tenets of critical pedagogy, and show how discussion of a controversial issue can trigger students’ engagement and further reflection. We conclude by emphasising the important role of the teacher, probably best fulfilled as a neutral guide in the discussion.