Robust Definition Research Articles

P0410 Clinical outcomes of endoscopically confirmed immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis: A multicentre retrospective study

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have transformed cancer outcomes, but frequently trigger CPI-induced colitis (CPI-c) leading to significant morbidity and prolonged immunosuppression. This study characterises CPI-c patients (pts) using robust definitions. Additionally, the impact of macroscopic inflammation (endoscopic and histological evidence) compared to microscopic inflammation (histological only) on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods Retrospective outcome data were obtained from consecutive CPI-c pts from 2 U.K centres. Pts with diarrhoea and histological ± endoscopic colonic inflammation were included. Factors associated with macroscopic inflammation were analysed using Chi squared tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results Of 161 pts (55% male, median age 64), cancers included melanoma (50%), renal (18%), lung (16%) and others (16%). CPI therapies included anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapy (41%), dual anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 (47%) and chemoimmunotherapy (6%). Toxicity onset was earlier with dual anti-PD-(L)1/CTLA-4 therapy vs. anti PD-(L)1 monotherapy (47 vs.150 days, p < 0.001). The average bowel frequency was 8x/day (range 2-20); 115 (71%) had nocturnal symptoms; 28 (17%) had bloody stool and 63% required hospitalisation. 89 pts (54%) were corticosteroid (cs) refractory, requiring biologics (infliximab (IFX), 73; vedolizumab, 13). 41/73 (56%) responded to IFX, and 5/13 (38%) to vedolizumab. Three underwent colectomy for refractory colitis. Macroscopic inflammation occurred in 78%, while 22% had microscopic inflammation. Time to endoscopy did not differ between groups. Among macroscopic cases, 91 (70%) had mild (Mayo 1), while 30% had moderate or severe inflammation (Mayo 2-3). CTCAE grade did not correlate with endoscopic severity. In the regression analysis, male sex (OR 3.25 p<0.01) and dual anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 (OR 2.63 p<0.01) predicted macroscopic inflammation. Age, cancer, CTCAE grade, duration of diarrhoea, concurrent CMV colitis, number of cs tapers, duration of cs therapy, hospitalisation and recurrence of colitis were not predictive. Macroscopic inflammation correlated with higher faecal calprotectin (FC) levels (889 vs 414, p=0.02) and biologic escalation (52.7% vs 30.6%, p<0.05). 30% received CPI re-challenge, with colitis relapse in 13/45 (29%). No relapses exceeded initial CTCAE or endoscopic severity. Conclusion This study represents one of the largest real-world cohorts of robustly defined CPI-c pts. Pts with macroscopic inflammation have a more aggressive clinical course, marked by higher FC levels and greater need for biologic escalation, emphasising the need for heightened monitoring in this group. Reassuringly, CPI re-challenge did not lead to more severe colitis relapses than the initial episode.

Centrality definition in e + A collisions at the electron–ion collider

Abstract In this work, we investigate the feasibility of defining centrality in electron-ion collisions at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) by examining the correlation between the impact parameter and several observables, including total energy, total transverse momentum, and total number of particles. Using the BeAGLE Monte Carlo generator, we simulate e+Au and e+Ru collisions at different energies and analyze the correlation between the impact parameter and these observables across different kinematic regions. Our findings indicate that the correlation is weak in the central rapidity region but becomes stronger in the forward and far-forward rapidity regions. However, the correlation is not sufficiently robust to allow for precise centrality determination. We conclude that defining centrality in electron-ion collisions is more challenging than in ion-ion collisions, necessitating further studies to develop a robust centrality definition for the EIC.

European Native Oyster Reef Ecosystems Are Universally Collapsed

ABSTRACTOyster reefs are often referred to as the temperate functional equivalent of coral reefs. Yet evidence for this analogy was lacking for the European native species Ostrea edulis. Historical data provide a unique opportunity to develop a robust definition for this ecosystem type, confirm that O. edulis are large‐scale biogenic reef builders, and assess its current conservation status. Today, O. edulis occur as scattered individuals or, rarely, as dense clumps over a few m2. Yet historically, O. edulis reef ecosystems persisted at large scales (several km2), with individual reefs within the ecosystems present at the scale of several hectares. Using the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Framework, we conclude the European native oyster reef ecosystem type is collapsed under three of five criteria (A: reduction in geographic distribution, B: restricted geographic range, and D: disruption of biotic processes and interactions). Criterion C (environmental degradation) was data deficient, and Criterion E (quantitative risk analysis) was not completed as the ecosystem was already deemed collapsed. Our assessment has important implications for conservation policy and action, highlighting that the habitat definitions on which conservation policies are currently based reflect a highly shifted baseline, and that the scale of current restoration efforts falls far short of what is necessary for ecosystem recovery.

The development of an "Engagement in Physical Education" scale.

The purpose of this paper is to present a scale that assesses students' perceptions of their engagement in physical education. The scale assesses all four dimensions of engagement (agentic, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional) in order to be consistent with the contemporary notion of engagement used in current educational research. A total of 231 eighth and ninth-grade students (108 boys, Mage = 14.55) completed a 21-item scale, with items taken from previously validated scales, but with an added string relating to physical education lessons. Following model respecification by the examination of standardized residual covariances to remove items, the factor loading for each of the items on the scale was examined. The results from a confirmatory factor analysis showed that there was psychometric support for an 18-item survey in which each of the four a priori latent variables was kept in the validation of the four-factor hypothesized model. [χ 2 = 226.01, df = 125, χ 2/df = 1.808, GFI = .903, RMSEA (90% CI) = .061 (.048-.073)]. Given the research on engagement within physical education has been beleaguered by the lack of a robust operational definition, this scale allows for the comprehensive measurement of the different components of engagement.

Medical treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis: What have we learned and where are we going?

It has proven difficult to establish robust evidence for significant clinical benefits of medical treatment in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). For ursodeoxycholic acid, clinical practice guidelines only offer vague recommendations, leading to a situation of variable prescription rates depending on local reimbursement policies and physician preference. The difficulty in drug development in PSC is partly related to poor understanding of critical disease processes with failure to identify relevant mechanisms of action of putative drugs. The variable disease course, both intra-individually and between individuals, and lack of robust definitions of what success looks like for clinical trials in PSC have also contributed to the negative outcomes of trials performed. In this review article we will discuss these uncertainties and challenges, building on key previous and ongoing clinical trials. Despite the lack of consensus for an ideal phase II and phase III study design, several trials for diverse compounds are currently ongoing, indicating a shift from therapeutic nihilism towards hope for people with PSC. While waiting for robust efficacy data for drugs currently being tested, the current lack of effective interventions should not motivate prescription of compounds to people with PSC based on low-quality evidence.

Identifying Oncology Patients at High Risk for Potentially Preventable Emergency Department Visits Using a Novel Definition.

Patients with cancer visit the emergency department (ED) frequently. While some ED visits are necessary, others may be potentially preventable ED visits (PPEDs). Reducing PPEDs is important to improve quality of care and reduce costs. However, a robust definition and the characteristics of patients at risk remain unclear. This study aimed to describe oncology-related PPEDs and identify characteristics of patients at the highest risk for PPEDs to help target interventions and minimize avoidable ED visits. A retrospective study was conducted using four clinical and administrative databases. All ED visits by oncology patients between April 1, 2019, and April 1, 2021, were identified. A novel definition of PPEDs was explored, specifically visits that resulted in immediate discharge from the ED or admissions <48 hours. Trends in ED use, including PPEDs, were evaluated using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and machine learning (ML) modeling. During the 2-year period, 6,689 oncology patients visited the ED (N = 13,415 visits). A total of 62.1% of visits were classified as PPEDs. PPEDs were most common among patients with stage I to III breast cancer and those on systemic therapy. Characteristics of patients at high risk for non-PPEDs included stage IV disease with either lung or GI carcinomas and shorter distances to the ED. The highest-performing ML model yielded an AUC of 0.819. Our novel definition of PPEDs appears promising in identifying oncology patients who could avoid the ED with targeted interventions. This work demonstrated that patients with early-stage disease, those with breast cancer, and those on systemic therapy are at the highest risk for PPEDs and may benefit from proactive interventions to avoid the ED. Although our definition requires validation, using ML models for more robust predictive modeling appears promising.

Effective financial inclusion and the need to put the horse before the cart: Saving!

The financial inclusion paradigm is increasingly considered a veritable development model. Therefore, we argue that a deeper understanding of it is necessary for enabling policies and strategies that would yield positive development outcomes (successful financial inclusion). We explore this argument by first, defining “effective financial inclusion” along the lines of identifiable population groups that are often financially excluded from mainstream financial services; and second, by hypothesizing that large national savings pools are a crucial prerequisite for effective financial inclusion. Furthermore, we posit that if effective, financial inclusion should enhance economic welfare, thus engendering “successful financial inclusion.” We evaluate these hypotheses by using a battery of econometric techniques, and document robust supportive findings. Moreover, we evolve first-of-its-kind robust definition of financial inclusion and provide unambiguous evidence that would guide governments and other stakeholders on how to leverage financial inclusion, as a development model, more productively. Importantly, we highlight the primacy of large savings pools for effective financial inclusion.

Left ventricular hypertrophy, wall thickness, and histological myocyte alteration in end-stage heart failure: a call for a standard definition

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between different left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) classification criteria according to the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), and anatomical measurement of LV wall thickness (LVWT) and histological evidence of myocyte hypertrophy. Methods Data from 146 consecutive patients (47 years; 75% were male) who have undergone heart transplantation were analysed. Fixed ventricles were dissected and measured in weight after both atria, great vessels, and epicardial fat were removed. The fixed biventricular weight was calculated as 87% of total weight (the effect of fixed formalin reduced the total weight by 3%). Anatomical LVWT was measured with a ruler at LV free wall where maximal thickness is located. A comprehensive echocardiogram was performed in all patients before heart transplantation. LVM and relative wall thickness (RWT) (2 PWT/LVEDD) were measured by M-mode echocardiography in parasternal long-axis view. Patients were considered to have LVH when the LVM index exceeds 95 g/m2 in women and exceeds 115 g/m2 in men. Patients were considered to have concentric LVH when RWT &amp;gt; 0.42. LVWT was measured using 2D echocardiography perpendicular to the LV long axis. Results Of 146 explanted hearts, dilated cardiomyopathy (CM), cardiac amyloid, and hypertrophic CM were diagnosed in 53 (47%), 1 (1%), and 8 (5%) patients, respectively. Anatomic ventricular mass correlated with echocardiographic LVM (r=0.5, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Anatomic LVWT modestly correlated with echocardiographic LVWT (r=0.2, p=0.01). Of 146 patients, echocardiographic normal LV geometry, concentric LV remodelling, concentric LVH, and eccentric LVH were present in 22 (15%), 6 (4%), 14 (10%), and 104 (71%), respectively. Increased LVWT (≥ 13 mm) assessed by 2-D echocardiography was present in normal LV geometry (5%), concentric LV remodelling (5%), concentric LVH (57%), and eccentric LVH (33%) (p &amp;lt;0.001) in those classified by ASE guidelines. Anatomic LVWT (≥ 13 mm) was present in normal LV geometry (14%), concentric LV remodelling 5%), concentric LVH (14%), and eccentric LVH (80%) (p &amp;lt;0.001) in those classified by ASE guidelines. Histological myocyte hypertrophy was present in normal LV geometry (12%), concentric LV remodelling (2%), concentric LVH (11%), and eccentric LVH (70%) (p &amp;lt;0.001) in those classified by ASE guidelines. Conclusions 2D-derived echocardiographic increased LVWT in patients with LVH defined by increased LVM index was present in approximately 30-50%. Furthermore, anatomical increased LVWT in those with LVH classified by ASE guidelines was present in a varying range of 10-70%. Patients with concentric LVH had a low prevalence of histological myocyte hypertrophy (approximately 10%). Inconsistencies in classification methods reveal the need for more robust LVH terminologies and definition that is consistent across cardiac imaging and anatomico-pathological examination, particularly in patients with CM.

Strategy for obtaining robust solutions in multi-objective design with uncertainties

This paper proposes a novel definition of robustness for multi-objective optimization problems. This definition underpins an innovative strategy for obtaining robust solutions in the presence of uncertainty; it involves formulating the cost function under uncertainties as conflicting objectives during optimization. This approach aims to define the decision vectors that are not dominated in all scenarios simultaneously by any other. These solutions exhibit both optimality and robustness properties, aligning with conventional and unconventional multi-objective methods. This approach enables the implicit definition of the Pareto-optimal solutions for each scenario and robust solutions that optimize performance in worst-case scenarios. Additionally, the set of robust solutions that optimize the global performance concerning the utopian points of all uncertainty scenarios is also defined.To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, this paper addresses two control design problems. The first example, a first-order process, illustrates the advantages and aspects of the optimization strategy. The second problem, multi-loop temperature control design of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, is a more complex engineering problem involving results from previous research.

Securing Democracy? The National Security State Revisited

ABSTRACT The “national security state” concept traditionally examines the interplay between security imperatives and democratic governance in the United States. While research has expanded it, further refinement is needed. This paper advocates for its universal relevance to democracies, shedding light on political reorganization driven by national security objectives. A qualitative analysis of prior studies reveals six core attributes of the concept, enhanced to formulate a robust definition that embodies its theoretical and analytical complexities in the disciplinary history of security studies. The resulting framework is instrumental in exploring how states balance the quest for security with democratic principles.

What is a State-of-the-Art Definition of Supply Chain Resilience in 2024 – With a Systematic Literature Review

In light of escalating disruptions to global supply chains catalysed by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian war, the imperative of enhancing supply chain resilience (SCR) has become increasingly pronounced. The existence of varying definitions of SCR complicates efforts to quantitatively measure and assess resilience. To elucidate the essence of supply chain resilience, we conducted a meticulous systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at crystallizing a scientifically rigorous definition of SCR. Our SLR methodology involved comprehensive preparation and judicious paper selection, followed by a thorough analysis of supply chain resilience definitions. This analysis was conducted via the dimensions of three typical characteristics—preparedness, reaction, and recovery—and four foundational pillars—focus event, performance level, speed, and adaptive response. As a result, a robust definition of SCR is proposed, synthesizing insights from the three typical characteristics theory and the four pillars theory, supplemented with meaningful additions. The research contributes to developing frameworks for supply chain resilience measurement.

Improving reproducibility and validity in measures of chronic disease incidence using large-scale linked data in Australia.

Objective and ApproachOur study aimed to improve methods for identifying incident chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and diabetes in a young cohort from the Antecedents of Renal Disease in Aboriginal Children (ARDAC) study. We linked 20 state and federal administrative health datasets, including hospital records, Medicare claims, pharmaceutical data, and the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) data for the first time. This approach facilitated the development of new algorithms for disease detection. Notably, we will make the R code for these algorithms publicly available. ResultsThe analysis, involving 3,758 ARDAC study participants, created clinically robust definitions of CKD, CVD, and diabetes (by subtype) in the Australian linked data context; and revealed that all other data sources inaccurately estimated the incidence of diabetes compared to the NDSS data. ConclusionsThis key finding illustrates the discrepancy in diabetes incidence estimates and highlights the value of integrating multiple data sources for the investigation of chronic disease. ImplicationsHundreds of published studies use data linkage to investigate CVD, CKD, and diabetes in the Australian context. Our novel robust case definitions, and the identified poor estimation of diabetes incidence among young people, underscores the need to critically evaluate linked data sources used to inform health policy and research. By sharing the developed R code, we support ongoing efforts to improve transparency and replicability in health research. Our study refines chronic disease definition methods and contributes to more effective public health strategies, with particular focus on improving outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Predicting treatment resistance in positive and negative symptom domains from first episode psychosis: Development of a clinical prediction model

BackgroundTreatment resistance (TR) in schizophrenia may be defined by the persistence of positive and/or negative symptoms despite adequate treatment. Whilst previous investigations have focused on positive symptoms, negative symptoms are highly prevalent, impactful, and difficult to treat. In the current study we aimed to develop easily employable prediction models to predict TR in positive and negative symptom domains from first episode psychosis (FEP). MethodsLongitudinal cohort data from 1027 individuals with FEP was utilised. Using a robust definition of TR, n = 51 (4.97 %) participants were treatment resistant in the positive domain and n = 56 (5.46 %) treatment resistant in the negative domain 12 months after first presentation. 20 predictor variables, selected by existing evidence and availability in clinical practice, were entered into two LASSO regression models. We estimated the models using repeated nested cross-validation (NCV) and assessed performance using discrimination and calibration measures. ResultsThe prediction model for TR in the positive domain showed good discrimination (AUC = 0.72). Twelve predictor variables (male gender, cannabis use, age, positive symptom severity, depression and academic and social functioning) were retained by each outer fold of the NCV procedure, indicating importance in prediction of the outcome. However, our negative domain model failed to discriminate those with and without TR, with results only just over chance (AUC = 0.56). ConclusionsTreatment resistance of positive symptoms can be accurately predicted from FEP using routinely collected baseline data, however prediction of negative domain-TR remains a challenge. Detailed negative symptom domains, clinical data, and biomarkers should be considered in future longitudinal studies.

Robust anomaly detection for particle physics using multi-background representation learning

Abstract Anomaly, or out-of-distribution, detection is a promising tool for aiding discoveries of new particles or processes in particle physics. In this work, we identify and address two overlooked opportunities to improve anomaly detection for high-energy physics. First, rather than train a generative model on the single most dominant background process, we build detection algorithms using representation learning from multiple background types, thus taking advantage of more information to improve the estimation of what is relevant for detection. Second, we generalize decorrelation to the multi-background setting, thus directly enforcing a more complete definition of robustness for anomaly detection. We demonstrate the benefit of the proposed robust multi-background anomaly detection algorithms on a high-dimensional dataset of particle decays at the Large Hadron Collider.

Measuring breastfeeding prevalence using demographic and health surveys

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the measurement of breastfeeding prevalence indicators using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data, focusing on early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and continued breastfeeding indicators as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and on the discrepancies arising from small changes in their definition.MethodsTwo hundred sixty DHS samples from 78 countries were analyzed to re-calculate usual indicators reported by WHO and UNICEF: early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (EBF), and continued breastfeeding between 1 and 2 years (CBF12 and CBF24). Additionally, alternative estimates of the same indicators, slightly changing their definition, were calculated to test their robustness.ResultsThe WHO and UNICEF indicators for early initiation (EIB) primarily capture cases where breastfeeding is initiated “immediately” after birth, omitting those initiated within 0 or 1 hour. This discrepancy leads to substantial underestimation of levels in some regions, particularly South Asia, and in trends. Furthermore, sizable discrepancies between exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) indicators arise from the inclusion or exclusion of plain water in the definition, with significant variations across regions, especially in West and Middle Africa. However, continued breastfeeding indicators showed consistency across definitions, proving them robust for international comparisons and time trend estimations.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of understanding how breastfeeding indicators are defined and calculated using DHS data. Researchers should be cautious when using WHO and UNICEF indicators for early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, as they may underestimate prevalence due to their narrow definition. Continued breastfeeding indicators, on the other hand, are less affected by small changes in definitions and provide reliable measures for cross-country comparisons and trend analyses. These findings underscore the need for standardized robust definitions and transparent reporting of breastfeeding indicators in global health assessments.

Robustness and evolvability: Revisited, redefined and applied

Building on and extending existing definitions of robustness and evolvability, we propose and utilize new formal definitions, with matching measures, of robustness and evolvability of systems with genotypes and corresponding phenotypes. We explain and show how these measures are more general and more representative of the concepts they stand for, than the commonly used/referenced measures originally proposed by Wagner. Further, a versatile digital modeling approach (BNK) is proposed that is inspired by NK systems. However, unlike NK systems, BNK incorporates a genotype and a phenotype, in addition to fitness. We develop and apply an Evolutionary Algorithm to a BNK-modeled system to find different types of perfect oscillators. We then map the resulting oscillating systems to possible genetic circuit realizations. Continuing with the synthetic biology theme, we also investigate the effect of noise in DNA synthesis on the predicted functionality of a DNA-based biosensor (i.e., its robustness), and we carry out a theoretical assessment of the evolvability of different types of ribozymes, undergoing directed evolution.

Combined Comprehensive Risk Score of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress and C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Is a Strong Prognostic Indicator of Long-term Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer.

In patients with colorectal cancer, both the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score of the estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress have demonstrated prognostic significance. To assess the clinical value of the combined use of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score for predicting prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Multicenter retrospective study. The cohort was divided into 3 groups based on a combined score derived from the value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score (low/mid/high). Patients who underwent curative resection between 2010 and 2019 at multiple institutions were enrolled in this study. Overall and recurrence-free survival. A total of 2207 patients (801 in the low cohort, 817 in the mid cohort, and 589 in the high cohort) were included in this study. Multivariate analysis revealed that combined score was an independent prognostic factor for both overall and recurrence-free survival, irrespective of disease stage ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, Harrell's C-index indicated that the predictive power of the combined score was significantly superior to that of the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio or comprehensive risk score ( p < 0.001). This study had a retrospective design, and data on genetic markers were not included. The synergistic combination of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score contributes to the robust definition of combined score, a potent prognostic factor, regardless of disease stage. This finding has the potential to provide novel insights into the management of patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone curative resection. See the Video Abstract . ANTECEDENTES:En pacientes con cáncer colorrectal, tanto la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina como la puntuación de riesgo integral de la Estimación de la capacidad fisiológica y el estrés quirúrgico han demostrado importancia pronóstica.OBJETIVO:Evaluar el valor clínico del uso combinado de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral para predecir el pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico.AJUSTES:La cohorte se dividió en tres grupos según una puntuación combinada derivada del valor de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral (bajo/medio/alto).PACIENTES:En este estudio se inscribieron pacientes que se sometieron a resección curativa entre 2010 y 2019 en múltiples instituciones.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Supervivencia general y libre de recurrencia.RESULTADOS:En este estudio se incluyeron un total de 2207 pacientes (801 en la cohorte baja, 817 en la cohorte media y 589 en la cohorte alta). El análisis multivariado reveló que la puntuación combinada fue un factor pronóstico independiente tanto para la supervivencia general como para la supervivencia libre de recurrencia, independientemente del estadio de la enfermedad (p <0,05). Además, el índice C de Harrell indicó que el poder predictivo de la puntuación combinada era significativamente superior al de la relación proteína C reactiva-albúmina o a la puntuación de riesgo integral (p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio tuvo un diseño retrospectivo y no se incluyeron datos sobre marcadores genéticos.CONCLUSIÓN:La combinación sinérgica de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral contribuye a la definición sólida de la puntuación combinada, un potente factor pronóstico, independientemente del estadio de la enfermedad. Este hallazgo tiene el potencial de proporcionar conocimientos novedosos sobre el tratamiento de pacientes con CCR sometidos a resección curativa. (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Who are small-scale food producers in Italy? Comparisons among different approaches1

The question “What is a small-scale producer?” keeps receiving different answers depending on the context in which is posed. Alternative ways of defining smallholders reflect heterogeneous historical and institutional eco-systemic contexts and depend upon what is the role of small-scale agriculture in the rural economy. This has become a pressing issue given the need to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which refers to “small” farmers. Two important related issues are: 1) the adoption of a specific and robust definition of small-scale food producer (SSFP) and 2) the empirical implementation of this definition to determine the SSFPs. The calculations require suitable databases with microdata at the level of individual farms. Based on the 2020 agricultural census results, we identified the small food producers in Italy. We also proposed and compared other approaches to identify SSFPs, that are simpler than that proposed by the FAO and could also be calculated for other census years. Since revenues are not available for every farm – even the census did not collect this information – the standard indicator of production was used instead of revenues to identify SSFPs.

Tracing the green valley with entropic thresholding

ABSTRACT The green valley represents the population of galaxies that are transitioning from the actively star-forming blue cloud to the passively evolving red sequence. Studying the properties of the green valley galaxies is crucial for our understanding of the exact mechanisms and processes that drive this transition. The green valley does not have a universally accepted definition. The boundaries of the green valley are often determined by empirical lines that are subjective and vary across studies. We present an unambiguous definition of the green valley in the colour–stellar mass plane using the entropic thresholding. We first divide the galaxy population into the blue cloud and the red sequence based on a colour threshold that minimizes the intraclass variance and maximizes the interclass variance. Our method splits the region between the mean colours of the blue cloud and the red sequence into three parts by maximizing the total entropy of that region. We repeat our analysis in a number of independent stellar mass bins to define the boundaries of the green valley in the colour–mass diagram. Our method provides a robust and natural definition of the green valley.

Defining Poverty in Liberation Theology: Poverty as Religio-Historical Realidad

Poverty is a complex, embodied reality comprising the existential, social, material, and spiritual. This paper draws from liberation theologies from North and South America, defining poverty as a religio-historical &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;realidad&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Martin Luther King Jr. observed a disembodied spirituality in many American churches who remained apathetic or antagonistic during the Civil Rights Movement. Conversely, James Cone reversed the issue by providing a theological system which utilizes hyper-materialistic presuppositions. By examining the broader Liberation tradition, a more robust theological definition of poverty can be construed. Systems of poverty are systems of death, whereas enrichment are processes of life. Embodiment was used during colonial Christianity as a market identity in order to justify conquest. Liberation theologians reclaim creatureliness in their fight against poverty, and fight for restored identity. Each section of the paper addresses major trajectories within the broad Liberation tradition. North American liberationists analyze poverty from the perspective of racial oppression enforced through visible bodies. South American liberationists created a systematic, biblical definition of poverty while primarily addressing economic exploitation. Feminists addressed their male-dominated worlds addressing quality and quantity of life issues. Both North American and South American theologians agree that Christ identifies with the poor and understands their plight. In the end, Christ is understood as a liberator who is Lord over the material, spiritual, personal, and social.