Search

Biological systems are homochiral, raising the question of how a racemic mixture of prebiotically synthesized biomolecules could attain a homochiral state at the network level. Based on our recent results, we aim to address a related question of how chiral information might have flowed in a prebiotic network. Utilizing the crystallization properties of the central ribonucleic acid (RNA) precursor known as ribose-aminooxazoline (RAO), we showed that its homochiral crystals can be obtained from its fully racemic solution on a magnetic mineral surface due to the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect [Ozturk et al., arXiv:2303.01394 (2023)]. Moreover, we uncovered a mechanism facilitated by the CISS effect through which chiral molecules, such as RAO, can uniformly magnetize such surfaces in a variety of planetary environments in a persistent manner [Ozturk et al., arXiv:2304.09095 (2023)]. All this is very tantalizing because recent experiments with tRNA analogs demonstrate high stereoselectivity in the attachment of L-amino acids to D-ribonucleotides, enabling the transfer of homochirality from RNA to peptides [Wu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143, 11836 (2021)]. Therefore, the biological homochirality problem may be reduced to ensuring that a single common RNA precursor (e.g., RAO) can be made homochiral. The emergence of homochirality at RAO then allows for the chiral information to propagate through RNA, then to peptides, and ultimately through enantioselective catalysis to metabolites. This directionality of the chiral information flow parallels that of the central dogma of molecular biology—the unidirectional transfer of genetic information from nucleic acids to proteins [F. H. Crick, in Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology, Number XII: The Biological Replication of Macromolecules, edited by F. K. Sanders (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1958), pp. 138-163; and F. Crick, Nature 227, 561 (1970)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly assumed that content preservation is required for success in testimonial exchanges. Many content internalists, however, cannot endorse this assumption. They must claim instead that testimonial exchanges can often succeed when the content grasped by the hearer is not the content of the speaker's testimony, p, but some merely similar content, p*. Goldberg (2007. Anti-Individualism: Mind and Language, Knowledge and Justification. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) argues that this internalist approach is epistemically problematic: it cannot maintain certain features thought to be characteristic of testimonial exchanges. I argue that, contrary to appearances, the internalist's account is just as epistemically respectable as the traditional 'same content' approach favoured by externalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Estate Origins of Democracy in Russia" by Tomila V. Lankina explores the Russian estate system and its impact on Russian society from the 19th century to the present day. The book highlights the persistence of inequality and regional differences in the development of democracy in Russia, influenced by the historical legacy of the estate system. Lankina also examines the emergence of the bourgeoisie and middle class in Russia, their survival during the Soviet era, and their role in shaping Russian society. The book challenges traditional approaches to social stratification and offers a fresh perspective on Russian history and development. [Extracted from the article]

"The Gut: A Black Atlantic Alimentary Tract" by Elizabeth Pérez explores the role of the alimentary tract as a site of knowledge in Black Atlantic spiritual traditions. Pérez argues that the gut is a space where black diasporic culture is negotiated through changing religious practices. The book examines the digestive system as a means of communication, knowledge production, and transmission in religious traditions such as Santeria, Candomblé, and Vodun. It also delves into the significance of cooking, eating, and codes of disgust in these traditions, highlighting the resilience and continuity of Black Atlantic cultures. [Extracted from the article]

"Sensing in Social Interaction: The Taste for Cheese in Gourmet Shops" by Lorenza Mondada is a book that explores the sensory experiences and interactions that occur in cheese shops. The author takes an ethnomethodological approach, focusing on how sensory moments are embedded in actual activities and how they are socially constructed. The book presents extensive video data from gourmet cheese shops in 11 countries, analyzing the sequential aspects of seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting cheese. The author emphasizes the importance of multisensory experiences and the intersubjective understandings that shape these interactions. Overall, the book offers valuable insights into the social and cultural dimensions of sensory experiences in cheese shops. [Extracted from the article]

The Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAccT) literature tends to focus on bias as a problem that requires ex post solutions (e.g. fairness metrics), rather than addressing the underlying social and technical conditions that (re)produce it. In this article, we propose a complementary strategy that uses genealogy as a constructive, epistemic critique to explain algorithmic bias in terms of the conditions that enable it. We focus on XAI feature attributions (Shapley values) and counterfactual approaches as potential tools to gauge these conditions and offer two main contributions. One is constructive: we develop a theoretical framework to classify these approaches according to their relevance for bias as evidence of social disparities. We draw on Pearl's ladder of causation (Causality: models, reasoning, and inference. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000, Causality, 2nd edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511803161) to order these XAI approaches concerning their ability to answer fairness-relevant questions and identify fairness-relevant solutions. The other contribution is critical: we evaluate these approaches in terms of their assumptions about the role of protected characteristics in discriminatory outcomes. We achieve this by building on Kohler-Hausmann's (Northwest Univ Law Rev 113(5):1163–1227, 2019) constructivist theory of discrimination. We derive three recommendations for XAI practitioners to develop and AI policymakers to regulate tools that address algorithmic bias in its conditions and hence mitigate its future occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthur Groos' article, "Madama Butterfly/Madamu Batafurai: Transpositions of a 'Japanese Tragedy,'" is a thorough examination of Giacomo Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly and its cultural significance. The author delves into the opera's origins and its role in the exchange between East and West. Groos also explores how Madama Butterfly has been embraced in Japanese culture and its influence on modern Broadway. This meticulously researched book is a valuable resource for scholars interested in opera studies and East/West cultural studies. It discusses the collaborative process between librettists Illica and Giacosa and composer Puccini, as well as the influence of Loti's novel Madame Chrysanthème on Puccini's work. The text also provides a comprehensive account of the performing history and traditions of Madama Butterfly in Japan, arguing that the opera explores the tragic consequences of cultural differences and calls for understanding and empathy. Groos is commended for his advocacy of Puccini's efforts to create a global village of song. The article briefly mentions another book, "The Musical Language of Italian Opera, 1813-1859" by William Rothstein. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses two separate books that explore different aspects of music history. The first book focuses on interwar symphonies in the year 1933 and examines the works of composers such as Weill, Pfitzner, Harris, Copland, Honegger, and Price. The author argues that symphonies can provide insight into composers' relationships with society and explores the tension between the individual and the collective. The second book examines French art song from 1870 to 1914 and challenges the perception that it is inferior to other musical forms. The author explores the experimentation and significance of the genre within French musical life and presents it as a form of "new music" deserving of recognition and study. [Extracted from the article]

The integration of quantum processing units (QPUs) in a heterogeneous high-performance computing environment requires solutions that facilitate hybrid classical–quantum programming. Standards such as OpenCL facilitate the programming of heterogeneous environments, consisting of CPUs and hardware accelerators. This study presents an innovative method that incorporates QPU functionality into OpenCL, standardizing quantum processes within classical environments. By leveraging QPUs within OpenCL, hybrid quantum–classical computations can be sped up, impacting domains like cryptography, optimization problems, and quantum chemistry simulations. Using Portable Computing Language (Jääskeläinen et al. in Int J Parallel Program 43(5):752–785, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10766-014-0320-y) and the Qulacs library (Suzuki et al. in Quantum 5:559, 2021. https://doi.org/10.22331/q-2021-10-06-559), results demonstrate, for instance, the successful execution of Shor's algorithm (Nielsen and Chuang in Quantum computation and quantum information, 10th anniversary edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2010), serving as a proof of concept for extending the approach to larger qubit systems and other hybrid quantum–classical algorithms. This integration approach bridges the gap between quantum and classical computing paradigms, paving the way for further optimization and application to a wide range of computational problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singularity formation of the 3D incompressible Euler equations is known to be extremely challenging (Majda and Bertozzi in Vorticity and incompressible flow, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, vol 27, 2002; Gibbon in Physica D 237(14):1894–1904, 2008; Kiselev, in: Proceedings of the international congress of mathematicians, vol 3, 2018; Drivas and Elgindi in EMS Surv Math Sci 10(1):1–100, 2023; Constantin in Bull Am Math Soc 44(4):603–621, 2007). In Elgindi (Ann Math 194(3):647–727, 2021) (see also Elgindi et al. in Camb J Math 9(4), 2021), Elgindi proved that the 3D axisymmetric Euler equations with no swirl and C 1 , α initial velocity develops a finite time singularity. Inspired by Elgindi's work, we proved that the 3D axisymmetric Euler and 2D Boussinesq equations with C 1 , α initial velocity and boundary develop a stable asymptotically self-similar (or approximately self-similar) finite time singularity (Chen and Hou in Commun Math Phys 383(3):1559–1667, 2021) in the same setting as the Hou-Luo blowup scenario (Luo and Hou in Proc Natl Acad Sci 111(36):12968–12973, 2014; Luo and Hou in SIAM Multiscale Model Simul 12(4):1722–1776, 2014). On the other hand, the authors of Vasseur and Vishik (Commun Math Phys 378(1):557–568, 2020) and Lafleche et al. (Journal de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées 155:140–154, 2021) recently showed that blowup solutions to the 3D Euler equations are hydrodynamically unstable. The instability results obtained in Vasseur and Vishik (2020) and Lafleche et al. (2021) require some strong regularity assumption on the initial data, which is not satisfied by the C 1 , α velocity field. In this paper, we generalize the analysis of Elgindi (Ann Math 194(3):647–727, 2021), Chen and Hou (Commun Math Phys 383(3):1559–1667, 2021), Vasseur and Vishik (2020) and Lafleche et al. (2021) to show that the blowup solutions of the 3D Euler and 2D Boussinesq equations with C 1 , α velocity are unstable under the notion of stability introduced in Vasseur and Vishik (2020) and Lafleche et al. (2021). These two seemingly contradictory results reflect the difference of the two approaches in studying the stability of 3D Euler blowup solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the evaluation of cultural contextualization of two widely used EFL textbooks in Iran, Prospect (2014) and Interchange (2012). Looking at these textbooks, it tries to investigate key issues such as culture, ideology, and otherness, which are imperative for creating learners' third space (Kramsch, C. J. (1998). Language and Culture, 67–70, Oxford: Oxford University Press). Therefore, it investigates which types of cultures based on Cortazzi and Jin's (1999. Cultural Mirrors: Materials and Methods in the EFL Classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) classification of culture (source, target, and international target) are demonstrated in the textbooks' discourses at both linguistic and visual levels. The study is based on a qualitative method of research and utilizes a social semiotic multimodal approach, developed by Souryana Yassine (2012. "Culture Ideology and Otherness in EFL Textbooks in Algeria: A Multimodal Approach" Ph.D. diss., Mouloudi Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria) according to the maxims of social semiotics. The results indicate how the two textbooks represent culture dissimilarly. While the Interchange series approve the mainstream American target, neglecting source culture completely, the Iranian ELT textbooks contain more source cultural content. Moreover, the representation of Self and Other reflects the societies' diverse underlying ideological positions in explicit and implicit ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working with SEM and cross-sectional data, and depending on the studied phenomenon, assuming an acyclic model may mean that we obtain only a partial view of the mechanisms that explain causal relationships between a set of theoretical constructs, given that variables are treated as antecedents and consequences. Our two-step approach allows researchers to identify and measure cyclic effects when working with cross-sectional data and a PLS modelling algorithm. Using the resources and appropriation theory and the sequential model of internet appropriation, we demonstrate the importance of considering cyclic effects. Our results show that opportunities for physical access followed by digital skills acquisition enhance internet usage (acyclic effects), but also that internet usage intensity, in reverse, reinforces both digital skills and physical access (cyclic effects), supporting Norris (Digital divide: civic engagement, information poverty, and the internet worldwide. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001) social stratification hypothesis regarding future evolution of the digital divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a review of the book "Machiavelli's Effectual Truth: Creating the Modern World" by Harvey C. Mansfield Jr. The author argues that Machiavelli not only understood the modern world but also played a significant role in shaping it. Mansfield explores Machiavelli's concept of "effectual truth," which prioritizes understanding the consequences of actions over traditional moral virtues. The article also discusses Machiavelli's influence on subsequent thinkers and the ongoing relevance of his ideas in politics and society. Additionally, the text compares Machiavelli's approach to politics with Montesquieu's, highlighting Montesquieu's emphasis on the separation of powers and the importance of liberty in a republic. The article concludes by discussing Montesquieu's views on philosophy, politics, and the role of Christianity in society, as well as his influence on later thinkers like Tocqueville. [Extracted from the article]

Neil Rogachevsky and Dov Zigler's book, "Israel's Declaration of Independence: The History and Political Theory of the Nation's Founding Moment," examines the significance of Israel's Declaration of Independence in the absence of a formal constitution since the country's establishment in 1948. The authors analyze the four drafts that preceded the final document, highlighting the influence of natural rights, Labor Zionism, international law, and the role of key figures such as David Ben-Gurion. They also discuss the ongoing debate in Israel over the inclusion of democracy in the declaration and the country's struggle to adopt a consolidated constitution. The book's methodology combines textual analysis and theoretical inputs, making it a valuable resource for courses on Israeli politics and Jewish studies. [Extracted from the article]

Catherine Volpilhac-Auger's biography of Montesquieu offers a comprehensive and revisionist account of the Enlightenment thinker's life. The book explores Montesquieu's upbringing, education, career, and contributions as an author, challenging previous interpretations and providing insight into the institutional contexts that shaped his life. The biography also delves into Montesquieu's extensive library and his methods of learning and research. Overall, this nuanced and detailed portrait highlights Montesquieu's multifaceted life and his significant contributions to philosophy and political thought. The text also discusses Montesquieu's published works and argues that they should not be seen as definitive representations of his intellectual process. It explores the relationship between his personal life and intellectual production. The English version of the book includes expanded chronology and some changes for an English-speaking audience, although there are minor errors and inconsistencies. The text concludes by praising the book as a valuable contribution to Montesquieu scholarship. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Body and Machine in Classical Antiquity" is a collection of twelve essays that explore the development of machine-body analogies in ancient texts. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including ancient biology, disabilities, automata, and medical technologies. While the focus is on ancient authors, the collection also extends into the eighteenth century, highlighting the shift from analogies to a mechanized conception of the human body. The essays provide valuable insights into ancient conceptions of the body and offer new perspectives on under-researched topics. However, the collection is criticized for omitting Plato and his work, the Timaeus. [Extracted from the article]

"The Classical-Quantum Correspondence" by Benjamin H. Feintzeig is a comprehensive exploration of the classical-quantum correspondence using C* algebras and quantization theory. The book is aimed at researchers interested in the foundations of quantum physics and covers topics such as the 0-limit, classical-quantum structural continuity, and the interpretation of particle concepts in quantum field theories. It assumes a strong mathematical background but is a good starting point for those familiar with the algebraic approach to quantum theories. The book also applies the formal framework to philosophical considerations, including the reduction of classical to quantum physics and the explanation of classical physics using quantum physics. It discusses the concept of quantization theory, the interpretation of Planck's constant, and the continuity of structure in the transition from classical to quantum physics. The text concludes by discussing the heuristic role of quantization in constructing quantum theories and its potential implications for interpretative questions in quantum mechanics. [Extracted from the article]

James Pearson's book, "Nietzsche on Conflict, Struggle, and War," explores the theme of conflict in Nietzsche's work. Pearson examines Nietzsche's views on various forms of conflict, including Greek agonistic culture, war, class struggle, and biological competition. The book delves into apparent inconsistencies in Nietzsche's thinking, such as his glorification of violence and social stratification, while also valuing non-violent competition and self-overcoming. Pearson argues that Nietzsche's thought can be understood in terms of measured and unmeasured conflict, and explores how Nietzsche's ideas on conflict evolve over his texts. While some of Pearson's conclusions may be debated, the book offers valuable insights into Nietzsche's views on conflict and is recommended for those interested in Nietzsche's thought on Greek culture, biological theories, social and political thought, and the will to power. [Extracted from the article]

Sabina Leonelli's book, "Philosophy of Open Science," provides an insightful examination of the relationship between the ideals of the open science movement and the realities of scientific practice. Leonelli argues that the prevailing emphasis on sharing research outcomes in open science initiatives may overlook the diversity and complexity of the scientific inquiry process. She advocates for a shift towards a more process-oriented focus that prioritizes holistic collaboration and inclusivity. The book explores concrete examples and theoretical foundations to support Leonelli's argument and highlights the potential ethical and epistemological challenges of object-oriented approaches in open science. While the book may be more relevant to policymakers and those in positions of influence, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers looking to critically assess the assumptions and implications of open science projects. [Extracted from the article]

"Creating Human Nature: The Political Challenges of Genetic Engineering" by Benjamin Gregg is a controversial book that explores the politics of genetic engineering. The book is divided into three parts, discussing the need for a political mechanism in bioethics, the political dimensions of genetic engineering, and the problem of inequality. The author argues that the benefits of genetic engineering can outweigh the risks, but acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding issues such as human nature, equality, and unintended consequences. The book proposes a procedural approach to decision-making, involving informed public opinion and democratic deliberation. However, some critics argue that the book lacks cohesiveness and fails to address objections to moral relativism. [Extracted from the article]

These volumes conclude a series initiated in 1974, marking almost fifty years of effort by a huge cohort of scholars. This review is thus a valedictory for the whole series as well as an account of what we have learned from the most recent volumes about Darwin's final years (1879–82). The project was begun by Frederick Burckhardt, who shared the editorial role for the early volumes with Sydney Smith and a rolling sequence of assistant editors and advisers who eventually comprised a significant fraction of the leading members of what used to be called the 'Darwin industry'. Smith passed away in 1988 (volume 7 notes his legacy). Burkardt too left this world in 2007 – volume 16, part 1 includes an obituary, but his name has been retained and Cambridge University Press still ask that the series be cited as 'Burkhardt et al. ' Duncan Porter took over for volumes 8–15, again with a sequence of fellow editors and assistants, after which James Secord became head of the project through its final years. The dedications of successive volumes record the efforts of individual scholars who have aided the teams and the involvement of the many institutions and foundations that have leant moral and material support over the years. For those of us with Cambridge connections, the University Library will not seem the same without the presence of the team it supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Tyranny and Revolution: Rousseau to Heidegger" by Waller R. Newell explores the concept of freedom and revolution in the political philosophy of German thinkers from Rousseau to Heidegger. The book examines how these philosophers viewed freedom and revolution as interconnected, with revolution often seen as a means to restore or simulate the lost freedom of humanity. The author also discusses the influence of classical Greek political thought on these philosophers and their critiques of modernity. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the philosophical tradition and its implications for understanding freedom and revolution. [Extracted from the article]

Recently, Murthy et al. (Commun Comput Phys 2:23, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.4208/cicp.OA-2016-0259) and Escande et al. (Lattice Boltzmann method for wave propagation in elastic solids with a regular lattice: theoretical analysis and validation, 2020. arXiv.doi:1048550/ARXIV.2009.06404. arXiv:2009.06404) adopted the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to model the linear elastodynamic behaviour of isotropic solids. The LBM is attractive as an elastodynamic solver because it can be parallelised readily and lends itself to finely discretised simulations of dynamic effects in continua, allowing transient phenomena such as wave propagation to be modeled efficiently. This work proposes simple local boundary rules which approximate the behaviour of Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions with an LBM for elastic solids. The boundary rules are shown to be consistent with the target boundary values in the first order. An empirical convergence study is performed for the transient tension loading of a rectangular plate, with a Finite Element (FE) simulation being used as a reference. Additionally, we compare results produced by the LBM for the sudden loading of a stationary crack with an analytical solution from Freund (Dynamic fracture mechanics. Cambridge Monographs on Mechanics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1990. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511546761). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Peacemaking and International Order after the First World War" is a book that challenges the prevailing narrative that the post-war peace was a failure. The editors argue that the period of peacemaking was transformative and had a significant impact on subsequent decades of international relations. The book brings together leading historians to reframe our understanding of the events of 1919 and explores how the decisions made during that time influenced the international system. The chapters cover a range of topics, including international law, state sovereignty, public opinion, civil society, women's involvement, and proposals for a reformed international financial order. The book offers valuable insights into the complexities of statecraft and is suitable for a wide audience interested in international politics. [Extracted from the article]

Catriona Livingstone's book, "Virginia Woolf, Science, Radio, and Identity," explores the intersection of modernist literature, science, and radio technology. Livingstone argues that Woolf's modernist agenda and BBC scientific radio broadcasts are interconnected and contribute to the construction of identity in the modernist period. The book examines the influence of scientific discourse on Woolf's writings, drawing from a variety of primary sources such as science books and BBC radio broadcasts. Livingstone also highlights the role of radio as a unifying technology and a sensory prosthesis of the human body. While the book provides a well-documented examination of the history of science and literature, there is room for further exploration of the history of radio and its direct influence on modernist literature. [Extracted from the article]

Joseph Fewsmith's book, "Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927-1934," offers a fresh perspective on the early years of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Fewsmith argues that the conventional history, which focuses on Mao Zedong's central role, overlooks the contributions of local revolutionaries like those in the Donggu Revolutionary Base Area. By examining the relationship between local and non-local revolutionaries, Fewsmith demonstrates how the CPC transformed from a fragmented movement into a disciplined Leninist party. The book explores topics such as the collapse of the United Front, the role of educated local youth in grassroots party organizations, Mao's land policy, and the sufan campaign against counterrevolutionaries. Fewsmith's analysis sheds light on the complex dynamics within the CPC during this crucial period of Chinese history. [Extracted from the article]

"African Peacekeeping" by Jonathan Fisher and Nina Wilén is a comprehensive book that explores the impact of African involvement in peacekeeping on the politics of the continent. The authors avoid the typical analysis of why African states contribute troops to peacekeeping operations and instead focus on how peacekeeping is intertwined with other political struggles and agendas. The book covers topics such as the historical evolution of peacekeeping practice, the relationship between peacekeeping and political regimes, international relationships, national and regional identity, and post-conflict societies. While the book has some limitations, it provides a convincing and accessible study of the history and politics of African peacekeeping, emphasizing the importance of understanding the political formations and power structures that peacekeeping enables. [Extracted from the article]

"The Beatles and Sixties Britain" by Marcus Collins explores the significance of the Beatles in 1960s Britain. The book challenges simplistic interpretations of the group's impact and instead focuses on contemporary writings and pronouncements about the Beatles. The author argues that while the Beatles did not actively transform social attitudes, their music and actions generated discussions about various aspects of British society. The book examines changing attitudes towards the Beatles, from broad support during the early years to increasing criticism as the group's lifestyles and musical ambitions became more unconventional. The final chapters explore the reactions of the cultural sector and politicians to the Beatles, highlighting the complex and varied responses they elicited. Overall, this thoroughly researched book provides a nuanced and valuable contribution to the study of post-war popular music. [Extracted from the article]

"Essential Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists" is a textbook written by Thomas J. Pence and Indrek S. Wichman. The book covers various topics in applied mathematics and is divided into three parts with a total of 13 chapters. Part I focuses on linear algebra, Part II covers complex variables, and Part III explores partial differential equations. The book includes numerous exercises with detailed solutions and additional exercises at the end of each chapter. It is designed to be a practical resource for students and professionals in academia and industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Elizabeth Anderson's book, "Hijacked: how neoliberalism turned the work ethic against workers and how workers can take it back." The book explores the origins of the Protestant work ethic and its influence on major thinkers of political economy. Anderson argues that there are two rival interpretations of the work ethic: a conservative tradition that supports the existing social order and a progressive conception that advocates for political and economic changes to better recognize and protect the virtues of the work ethic. The book offers a critical history of the work ethic and its implications for social democracy. It also provides insights for scholars and practitioners of the Capabilities Approach, emphasizing the importance of considering organizational contexts and distinguishing between different cognitive frames. [Extracted from the article]

"The Humanitarians: Child War Refugees and Australian Humanitarianism in a Transnational World, 1919–1975" by Joy Damousi explores the interventions made by Australians to address the needs of child refugees. The book covers various organizations, both secular and religious, such as the Save the Children Fund and UNICEF, as well as independent humanitarians. It also delves into wider topics like the White Australia policy, human rights, immigration and refugee history, and Australia's interactions with Europe and Asia during times of conflict. The book examines key themes such as saving children, evacuation, assimilation, and adoption, and includes vivid descriptions of the experiences of refugee children. It also highlights the parallels between the treatment of refugee children and Indigenous Australians, and criticizes Australia's restrictive refugee policies. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful view of the history of humanitarianism and transnationalism in Australia. [Extracted from the article]

For supercritical cases (forcing speed > the minimum phase speed, 0.23 m/s), the problem of two-dimensional linear, inviscid gravity–capillary waves generated by a moving delta-function type pressure source is well known. Using harmonic functions or Fourier transform, Lamb [Hydrodynamics, 6th ed. (Cambridge University Press, 1993)] and Rayleigh [Proc. London Math. Soc. s1-15(1), 69–78 (1883)] detailed the steady-state full-space wave-profile solution using an artificial viscosity. Whitham [Linear and Nonlinear Waves (Wiley-Interscience, 1974)] presented the same solution for the region that is far-from-the-forcing using a slowly varying exponential function. For the same problem, but, considering not only supercritical but also subcritical cases, and, without using the artificial viscosity, the present work provides a detailed solution procedure to find full-space wave-profile solutions based on Fourier transform where complex integration is needed; different analytical expressions of the same wave profile will be provided depending on different paths. The associated wave-making resistance is shown to be equal to the integral of the product of a moving pressure source, and the resultant wave slope and is calculated in two ways. One is a direct calculation in the physical domain, which requires the wave-profile solution, and the other is an indirect calculation in the wavenumber domain, which does not require the wave-profile solution. For supercritical cases, short and long sinusoidal waves are calculated ahead of and behind the pressure source. The associated wave-making resistance decreases toward a certain constant as the forcing speed increases and the associated required power features a minimum at the forcing speed of 0.3027 m/s. For subcritical cases, a simple symmetric dimple is calculated and the wave-making resistance becomes zero due to its symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Logic of Capital: An Introduction to Marxist Economic Theory" by Deepankar Basu is a comprehensive book that explores the labor theory of value and its relevance in understanding capitalist societies. The book follows the outline of Marx's "Capital" and incorporates recent developments in the field. It also delves into debates on technical change, the rate of profit, the transformation problem, and theories of exploitation. Basu's work contributes to greater pluralism in teaching economics and offers a valuable resource for both undergraduate and graduate students. [Extracted from the article]

Ezequiel Heffes' book, "Detention by Non-State Armed Groups under International Law," explores the effectiveness of international law in protecting individuals who are detained by non-state armed groups during non-international armed conflicts. Heffes argues that understanding the legal basis, practices, and motivations of these groups can lead to improved protection for individuals deprived of their liberty. He proposes a typology of non-state armed groups based on their goals, operational rationale, and organizational control, and examines the detention activities of three groups to support his argument. Heffes suggests that non-state armed groups can develop their own laws and regulations to provide a valid legal basis for their detention activities, as long as they respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law. He concludes by proposing the adoption of "Basic Principles on Detention by Non-State Armed Groups" to enhance the protection of individuals in conflict settings. Overall, the book challenges traditional state-centric conceptions of international law and advocates for recognizing the law-making capacity of non-state armed groups and the potential legality of their detention activities. [Extracted from the article]

"The Cambridge Companion to Montesquieu" is a book that explores the enduring relevance of Montesquieu's ideas. It covers major themes in his thought and includes contributions from renowned scholars. The book provides a synopsis of Montesquieu's life and career, delves into his major works, and explores various thematic aspects of his political thought. It offers new interpretations and insights into Montesquieu's ideas and their relevance today. Montesquieu's views on religion, slavery, women's rights, and international relations are also discussed, highlighting his belief in the social and political utility of religion, his criticism of slavery, his examination of women's role in society, and his emphasis on moral principles and the civilizing effects of commerce in international relations. The text also explores the reception and legacy of Montesquieu's work, emphasizing his influence on the Enlightenment and his contributions to liberal thought. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper we find stability conditions of a two-class retrial system with unreliable server, in which the new customer joins a class-dependent orbit queue regardless of the state of the server. The interrupted customer joins the top of the corresponding orbit and tries to occupy the server after a class-dependent exponential retrial time. To find stability conditions, we apply two different approaches, regenerative approach and the stability analysis of a Markov chain (the MC approach) which has been developed in Fayolle et al. (Topics in the constructive theory of countable Markov chains, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1995). The former approach allows to obtain a transparent and intuitive necessary stability condition. Then we apply the MC approach to obtain the stability criterion of the embedded two-dimensional Markov chain describing the state of orbits at the instances when the server becomes free. We use a necessary stability condition obtained by the regenerative method to present the stability criterion in a compact form. Moreover we discuss a modified controllable system and compare stability zones of these two systems. Some numerical examples based on simulation results are included as well which illustrate the theoretical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses two books, "Civil War in Central Europe, 1918–1921: The Reconstruction of Poland" by Jochen Böhler and "Revolution and Counterrevolution in Central Europe: The Deluge of 1919" by Eliza Ablovatski, which examine the social dimensions of violence and state building in Europe after World War One. Böhler's book focuses on the efforts of Polish nationalists to establish a new state, while Ablovatski's book compares the revolutionary moments in Munich and Budapest. Both books highlight the role of violence and the impact of narratives and expectations on political culture. However, they could have further explored the social dynamics and the influence of class in these conflicts. [Extracted from the article]

A well-known difficulty that affects all accounts of laws of nature according to which the latter are higher-order facts involving relations between universals (the so-called DTA accounts, from Dretske in Philosophy of Science 44:248–268, 1977; Tooley in Canadian Journal of Philosophy 7:667–698, 1977 and Armstrong (What is a Law of Nature?, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1983)) is the Inference Problem: how can laws construed in that way determine the first-order regularities that we find in the actual world? Bird (Analysis 65:147–55, 2005) has argued that there is no solution to the Inference Problem which is consistent with both categorical monism (that is, the view that all natural properties are categorical) and basic tenets of Armstrong's account of the laws of nature. This paper shows that, given Armstrong's view about laws as first-order structural universals whose instantiation 'produce' nomic regularities and under specific plausible metaphysical assumptions concerning nomic relations which are consistent with a broadly construed DTA approach to laws, there is no extra difficulty regarding the Inference Problem in a categorical monistic context besides the ones that beset structural universals in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Reading Medieval Ruins: Urban Life and Destruction in Sixteenth-Century Japan" by Morgan Pitelka explores the archaeological site of Ichijōdani, a sixteenth-century urban center in Japan. Pitelka argues that the material culture found at Ichijōdani has not been fully utilized as a historical source and challenges the traditional narrative of the Sengoku period as a time of constant warfare and destruction. The book examines various aspects of Ichijōdani, including its layout, material culture, political power, religious activities, and sociocultural production. Pitelka also discusses the destruction of Ichijōdani and its representation in the Ichijōdani Asakura Family Site History Museum. The book offers new insights into the Sengoku period and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in studying medieval Japan. [Extracted from the article]

The present study provides an overview of the history of the civil service in South Korea, focusing on political appointments at the upper levels of the bureaucracy. We limit our investigation's scope to presidential appointments of ministers and underscore the necessity for additional scholarly attention to this subject. To empirically assess these appointments, we introduce a novel dataset and conduct an analysis that examines the demographic characteristics and career paths of past ministers, alongside the types of political patronage employed in their appointments. This analysis utilizes the analytical framework of loyalty versus competence as proposed by (Ouyang, Y., Haglund, E. T., & Waterman, R. W. (2017). The missing element: Examining the loyalty-competence nexus in presidential appointments. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 47(1), 62–91.) and the typology of patronage outlined by (Panizza, F., Peters, B. G., & Ramos Larraburu, C. R. (2019). Roles, trust and skills: A typology of patronage appointments. Public Administration, 97(1), 147–161), which is further elaborated by (Peters, B. G. (2023). Patronage in Asian political systems: A framework for research. In B. G. Peters, C. Knox, & B. Kim (Eds.), Political patronage in Asian bureaucracies (pp. 1–21). Cambridge University Press). Our findings reveal that, irrespective of the regime or ministry, programmatic technocrats are the most prevalent type of presidential appointee in South Korea, with nearly half being former bureaucrats. Although most ministers in South Korea align with this category, we also discern significant variations across different regimes and ministries. These findings provide insights into the practices of political appointments in South Korea's civil service and contribute to the literature on public administration and governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Principles of Conflict Economics: The Political Economy of War, Terrorism, Genocide, and Peace" by Charles H. Anderton and John R. Carter is a comprehensive introduction to the sub-field of conflict economics. The authors combine formal models from economics with theoretical and empirical work from political science, sociology, and peace studies. The book covers a wide range of conflict types and peace efforts, introduces key economic concepts and models for analyzing conflict and peace, and explores the economic aspects of war, terrorism, genocide, arms control, alliances, and peace studies. While the economic models presented may be complex for non-economists, the book is an essential interdisciplinary contribution for those interested in understanding and limiting conflict and promoting peace. [Extracted from the article]

This book review provides an overview of the book "Scientific Representation" by James Nguyen and Roman Frigg. The book aims to explore the debate on scientific representation in recent philosophy of science, critically assess different views, and present the authors' own perspective. The review highlights the taxonomy of questions that theories of scientific representation must answer, including the Semantic Question, the Accuracy Question, and the Model Question. The review examines the three families of views discussed in the book: resemblance-based, inferentialism, and the authors' DEKI account. Overall, the review praises the book for its clear writing, careful argumentation, and usefulness as a resource for students and philosophers interested in scientific representation and modeling. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Human Technological Enhancement and Theological Anthropology" by Victoria Lorrimar explores the ethical and theological implications of human enhancement technologies. The author argues that science fiction can help us imagine and navigate the future possibilities of enhancement. The book examines the role of creativity, theology, and the imagination in understanding human enhancement. While the author provides a theoretical framework for discussing enhancement, they acknowledge the need for specific analysis of each technology and its context. The book emphasizes the importance of science fiction in exploring the complex social dynamics and ethical considerations of enhancement technologies. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Archaeology, Nation, and Race: Confronting the Past, Decolonizing the Future in Greece and Israel" by Raphael Greenberg and Yannis Hamilakis explores the role of archaeology in the construction of national identity in Greece and Israel. The authors argue that this archaeology contributes to the crypto-colonization of these states. The book raises questions about the potential crypto-colonialism of Establishment Science and calls for a critical examination of scientific practices. The review highlights fifteen key concepts discussed in the book that shed light on the possibility of adopting a critical approach to crypto-colonial science. The review concludes by praising the book's format as a genuine and engaging dialogue between the authors. [Extracted from the article]

Drawing on arguments in Doris (2002, 2022) [Lack of Character: Personality and Moral Behavior. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Character Trouble: Undisciplined Essays on Moral Agency and Personality. Oxford: Oxford University Press], this essay argues that good character is typically an insufficient "bulwark" against misconduct in military organizations, for two reasons: (1) the situational sensitivity of behavior and (2) the relatively small effect sizes associated with personality variables. Additionally, what is known about moral development and education gives limited reason to think organizations are likely to have much success in inculcating reliably good character in their members. Instead, military organizations concerned to reduce misconduct should focus on developing organizational cultures structured by carefully crafted and assiduously enforced moral rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Peacebuilding Paradigms: The Impact of Theoretical Diversity on Implementing Sustainable Peace" edited by Henry F. Carey is a comprehensive guide for scholars in the field of peacebuilding studies. The book explores seven paradigms, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, cosmopolitanism, critical theories, local perspective, and policy analysis, providing a theoretical framework for understanding and navigating the diverse approaches in peacebuilding research. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating local perspectives and expanding the concept of peace beyond the absence of war. The book offers valuable insights and potential collaborations for both beginner and experienced peace scholars. [Extracted from the article]