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Consumers are known to seek out and display conspicuous goods—items that are exclusive and signal wealth and high social standing. Though many factors can drive such conspicuous consumption, the present work looks at an unexplored element: whether consumers find themselves in a dominance versus prestige-based hierarchy. Dominance-based hierarchies encourage consumers to use threatening, assertive, and manipulative behaviors to navigate the hierarchy. In contrast, prestige-based hierarchies encourage consumers to show their talent, skills, and motivation to operate within the hierarchy. The present research reveals how these two main bases of hierarchy shape consumers' consumption of conspicuous goods. Specifically, dominance, relative to prestige hierarchies, is proposed to foster greater social anxiety, which leads people to seek conspicuous goods as a means of psychological security. Consequently, dominance-based hierarchies are more likely to encourage conspicuous consumption relative to prestige-based hierarchies. Multiple experiments, which utilize real employees' behaviors, experimental manipulations of hierarchy, as well as incentivize-compatible decisions, reveal that dominance-based hierarchies, relative to prestige-based hierarchies, increase consumers' preference for conspicuous goods. Moreover, evidence for a psychological mechanism in the form of social anxiety is demonstrated via both mediation and moderation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In group-living species, reproductive variation among individuals of the same sex is widespread. By identifying the mechanisms underlying this reproductive skew, we gain fundamental insights into the evolution and maintenance of sociality. A common mechanism, social control, is typically studied by quantifying dominance, which is one of many attributes of sociality that describes how individuals exert influence on others and is an incomprehensive measure of social control as it accounts only for direct relationships. Here, we use the global reaching centrality (GRC), which quantifies the degree of hierarchy in a social network by accounting for both direct and indirect social relationships. Using a wild, free-living population of adult female yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris), we found a positive relationship between the reproductive skew index and GRC: more despotic social groups have higher reproductive skew. The GRC was stronger predictor for skew than traditional measures of social control (i.e. dominance). This allows deeper insights into the diverse ways individuals control other group members reproduction, a core component in the evolution of sociality. Future studies of skew across taxa may profit by using more comprehensive, network-based measures of social control.

Summary: Although some many‐objective optimization algorithms (MaOEAs) have been proposed recently, Pareto dominance‐based MaOEAs still cannot effectively balance convergence and diversity in solving many objective optimization problems (MaOPs) due to insufficient selection pressure. To address this problem, a bi‐directional fusion niche domination is proposed. This method merges the strengths of cone and parallel decomposition directions in comparing dominations for nondominance stratification within the candidate population, augmenting the selection pressure of population. Subsequently, the crowding distance is introduced as an additional selection criterion to further refine the selection of nondominated individuals within the critical layer. Lastly, a MaOEA based on bi‐directional fusion niche dominance (MaOEA/BnD) is proposed, utilizing bi‐directional fusion niche dominance and crowding distance as important components of environmental selection. The performance of MaOEA/BnD was compared with five representative MaOEAs in 20 benchmark problems. Experimental results demonstrate that MaOEA/BnD effectively balances convergence and diversity when handling MaOPs with complex Pareto fronts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In ecological contexts natural selection might favor individuals with a larger body mass to monopolize resources; however, there is wide variation in body mass within populations and potential factors. In this study, we evaluated whether fruit production limits body mass in one group of Sapajus apella, its effects on behavior, and whether there is a relationship between social status and body mass. We recorded activity patterns using focal follows (20 min), body mass (using a modified Ohaus scale), and community wide fruit production estimates (from 60 fruit traps). Body mass remained relatively stable during periods of food scarcity, but in periods of abundance most individuals gained weight, as indicated by their relative growth rates (RGR). Subordinate subadults showed the highest RGR, as expected by their age. In periods of high fruit production activities as traveling, grooming, and playing were more frequent than during fruit scarcity, suggesting energy maximization and potential energetic constraints. We found differences in behavior within the group, as the alpha male was observed feeding more frequently (and for longer periods of time), was more aggressive (e.g., feeding trees), and received more grooming than other individuals. In addition, the alpha male was 60% heavier than the group's average body mass. Our study supports the hypothesis that body weight gain is related to fruit abundance and that body size is associated with social dominance; however, large individuals (both males and females) seem to incur in high metabolic or reproductive costs, as they do not gain much weight as smaller individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During hookups some people use coercive tactics to obtain sex from a reluctant partner. The current study explored whether individuals with greater conformity to traditional masculine ideologies (TMIs) are more willing to use coercive and coaxing tactics following sexual rejection than are individuals with less conformity to TMIs. German-speaking participants (N = 771; 50.5% men and 49.5% women; age M = 27.98, SD = 8.04), recruited through Prolific or university-wide mailing lists, were randomly assigned to read one of two hypothetical scenarios depicting a hookup leading to sexual rejection. One scenario included rejection when trying to initiate sexual activity. In the other scenario, rejection followed after some consensual sexual activity had taken place. Participants reported their propensity to use coercive and coaxing tactics. Results showed significant associations between conformity to TMIs and an increased propensity to use coercion and coaxing tactics. Additionally, sexual rejection after sexual activities leads to an increased propensity to use coaxing tactics. During hookups, men and women with greater conformity to TMIs related to sexual interactions, power dynamics and the endorsement of aggressive behaviors may perceive sexual rejection as a loss of control and try to regain dominance and power by using coercive and coaxing tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents detailed time-integrated and time-resolved spectral analysis of the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor observations of the bright GRB 231129C. The results reveal its distinct spectral characteristics, featuring a hard low-energy spectral index (α) and soft high-energy spectral index (β), similar to GRB 090902B, suggesting a possible dominance of thermal emission. Further analysis indicates that 92% of the spectral indices exceed the synchrotron "line of death," with the hardest index at α ∼ +0.44. Simultaneously, 53% of the spectra can be well fitted by the nondissipative photosphere model, supporting a potential origin from a nondissipative photosphere. Additionally, we observe strong correlations between the spectral index α and peak energy E p with flux. For the α − F relationship, we employ F = F 0 e (3.00±0.10) α to describe it, whereas the E p− F relationship requires a smoothly bending power-law function. Based on the framework proposed by Hascoët et al. and Gao & Zhang, the jet characteristics of this burst were studied, revealing that both methods support the suitability of a pure fireball model for this GRB at small initial jet radii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmony is a crucial value for resolving conflicts. Discussions on harmony in the Zhuangzi primarily focus on harmonizing ‘right and wrong’ (shifei 是非). However, it represents only a superficial understanding of Zhuangzian harmony. To explore a fundamental form of harmony would be beneficial: harmonizing ‘virtuosities’ (de 德), which can prevent conflicts and avoid domination. This paper begins by illustrating the discombobulated (zhili 支离) characteristic of virtuosities in the Zhuangzi. By comparison with harmonizing virtues in Five Conducts, we can better understand the distinctive characteristic of harmonizing virtuositiesin the Zhuangzi. Moreover, a metaphor of perfectly still water suggests that in this process, virtuosities can be internally preserved and externally unshaken. This suggests to maintain one’s own virtuosities in the transformations of eventsand avoidacquiring specific names or reputations that can lead to interpersonal conflicts and domination. These two characteristics can fundamentally avoid disputes over ‘right and wrong’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men are privileged economically, politically, and socially, yet some deny this. Previous research suggests that denial of privilege can help to manage the discomfort associated with a privileged identity, but we propose that it serves primarily to preserve privilege. In two preregistered studies (Ntotal = 911 Australian participants) we show that denial of male privilege is not unique to men and that it is strongly predicted by anti‐egalitarianism, even when controlling for gender and other variables known to predict attitudes toward inequality (facets of right‐wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation). In Study 1, a multiple regression model accounted for 59% of the variability in reported male privilege awareness, with anti‐egalitarianism contributing 47% of the explanatory power. In Study 2, the explanatory power of anti‐egalitarianism was more modest (26%) and similar to that of gender (27%), and both also positively predicted claims of female privilege. This suggests that rather than simply reflecting unawareness of male privilege or being a way to manage a privileged identity, denying the existence of male privilege and claiming that women are privileged helps to preserve gender inequality by presenting it as a just result of meritocracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural spatial division and suggestions for the optimization of the partition space were obtained by constructing a recognition system of the dominant agricultural space. The prerequisite was to master natural economic development in agriculture. It was vital to maintain national food security and promote healthy and sustainable agriculture. The suitability evaluation of agricultural production and the dominance evaluation of agricultural development were incorporated to recognize the dominant agricultural space in Cangzhou, Hebei, China in 2020. Besides, priority scenarios were set, e.g., economic development, lowcarbon protection, and coordinated development of a low-carbon economy. The NSGA-II genetic algorithm model was used to optimize the quantitative structure of cultivated lands in the agricultural space of Cangzhou in three scenarios in 2030. The research results are as follows: (1) Cangzhou had the largest number of general suitable areas for agricultural production in 2020, accounting for 27.04%; suitable areas were the least, accounting for 10.99%. The proportion of current cultivated lands in unsuitable agricultural production areas still stood at 11.26%; (2) The dominance of agricultural development in 2020 in Cangzhou was mainly at Tier III, accounting for 33.60% with the general dominance of agricultural development; (3) The total area of the dominant agricultural space in Cangzhou was 238208.75 hm2, accounting for 16.72% of the national territorial area of Cangzhou. It included 35 villages and towns beyond ecological red lines, mainly distributed in the western part of Cangzhou; (4) The agricultural space of Cangzhou in 2030, optimized by the multi-objective NSGA-II genetic algorithm model, exhibited decreased cultivated lands across three scenarios. The total amount of cultivated lands was the largest under the priority scenario of economic development, and that was the smallest under the priority scenario of coordinated development of a low-carbon economy. Meanwhile, agricultural economic benefits and carbon emission density were reduced under three scenarios. The benefits and density were moderate under the coordinated development of low carbon and economy. The work provides a reference for further formulating and improving the policies of the agricultural space in various regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five decades after Harsanyi and Selten's seminal work on equilibrium selection, we remain unable to predict the outcomes of real-life coordination even in simple cases. One reason is that experiments have struggled to quantify the effects of payoff- and risk-dominance and to separate them from context factors like feedback, repetition, and complexity. This experiment is the first to demonstrate that both payoff- and risk-dominance significantly and independently impact coordination decision-making. Three innovations characterize the design: First, payoff- and risk-dominance are disentangled using orthogonal measures of strategic incentives and welfare externalities. Second, a no-feedback, choice-list task format minimizes deviations from one-shot incentives. Third, beliefs about others' behavior are elicited. Strikingly, heterogeneous beliefs across the population rationalize not only reactions to risk dominance but also most reactions to payoff dominance. In addition, deviations from expected-value maximization in specific games suggest a minor role for social projection or other-regarding preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Dominance hierarchies are known for mitigating conflicts and guiding priority of access to limited resources in gregarious animals. The dominance hierarchy of dairy cows is typically investigated using agonistic interactions, often monitored at the feed bunk right after fresh feed delivery when competition is high, resulting in frequent interactions. Yet, the outcome of agonistic interactions during times of high competition may be more influenced by cows' high valuation of fresh feed than their intrinsic attributes, such that the dominance hierarchy constructed using agonistic interactions under high versus low competition times might differ. We tested how the structure of the dominance hierarchy changes in relation to different levels of competition in a dynamic group of 48 lactating dairy cows over 10 mo, with 6 cows exchanged every 16 d, for a total of 159 cows. Using a validated algorithm, we continuously detected the actor and reactor of replacement behaviors in 30 feed bins as cows competed for feed. We also calculated the percentage of occupied feed bins to characterize competition at the moment of each replacement. These data were combined to create hierarchies using Elo ratings, separately for 25 occupancy levels ranging from 13% to 100%. For each 1% rise in feeder occupancy, hierarchy steepness fell by 2.41 × 10−3 ± 9.71 × 10−5 (SE), and the percentage of dyads where both cows replaced each other rose by 0.13% ± 0.01%. At the highest feeder occupancy level in comparison to the lowest one, we observed 7.57% more dyads in which the dominant individual (those that won more interactions at the lowest feeder occupancy) started to lose proportionally more. The magnitude of decrease in the winning rate of the dominant individual in those dyads also got amplified by 1.06 × 10−3% ± 1.37 × 10−4% (SE) for each 1% increase in feeder occupancy. These findings illustrate how inferred hierarchies vary with competition, with high competition flattening the hierarchy due to increased success of subordinate animals. We suggest that during heightened competition, increased valuation of resources can affect competitive success more than the individual's intrinsic dominance attributes. We recommend against calculating dominance hierarchies based on agonistic interactions during periods of high competition alone, and more generally urge researchers to differentiate agonistic interactions based on context when constructing dominance hierarchies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on romantic conflict has persuasively documented that the way partners communicate with one another during disagreements is a driving factor in predicting how they perceive the conflicts in their relationships. The current research added to this literature by differentiating couples who resolve conflicts more, versus less, successfully. Specifically, the current work examined how couples' behavioral trajectories across the course of conflict related to their perceptions of conflict resolution. To this end, we coded warmth and dominance behaviors exhibited by 173 couple members (346 individuals) over the course of an eight-minute conflict discussion. We examined how participants', and their partners', perceptions of conflict resolution were related to their interpersonal behaviors. In line with predictions, less average interpersonal warmth was associated with worse perceptions of resolution, and declining warmth over time was also associated with worse perceptions of resolution. Dominance behaviors were not associated with conflict resolution perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined how potential job candidates react to a hiring organization that requests diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements, which conservatives in the United States and elsewhere have criticized as being unrelated to job function and inappropriately political or ideological. Across three studies (two of which were pre‐registered), we compared reactions to requests for DEI (vs. teamwork or conservative values) statements as a function of race (Black vs. White), political conservatism and symbolic racism (Total N = 1108). When a DEI (vs. teamwork or politically conservative values) statement was requested, participants who were more (vs. less) conservative perceived the organization as less just, expressed less interest in the job, and expected poorer person‐organization fit, even when a job‐related rationale was provided. Further, participants who were more (vs. less) conservative evaluated a request for a statement consistent with conservative values more favourably. Thus, criticisms that DEI statements are overly political are not applied to other statements that might elicit similar concerns. Moreover, an internal meta‐analysis suggested that the relationships of conservatism to justice and interest (but not person‐organization fit) in response to requests for DEI (vs. teamwork) statements were not independent of racism. Findings were consistent with social dominance theory; racism may underlie seemingly race‐neutral backlash to DEI statements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Games allow players significant freedom to express themselves and behave as they see fit. As a consequence, in some games more than others, we may encounter hostile behavior. We explored whether players behaving in this manner are simply expressing their personality traits in the game or, rather, adopting this playstyle regardless of them. We conducted a three-year study observing over 250 people playing the turn-based, player-versus-player strategy game Diplomacy. Subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine their score on the social dominance orientation (SDO) scale--with a return rate of approx. 54%--while their in-game playstyle was analyzed for manifestations of hostile behavior. We found no statistically significant correlation between hostile in-game behavior and participants' SDO score. However, we did find significant positive correlations between some aspects of this behavior and their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent investigations have revealed the coordination and trade-offs between above- and belowground traits in structuring functional strategies of plant communities, but none of these have addressed ferns, a diverse plant lineage in tropical forests. We investigated terrestrial ferns from the perspective of how below- and aboveground traits are coordinated with functional responses to forest edges, which represent a significant part of the world's forest cover. Specifically, we examined differences in functional strategies between forest edges and forest interior as well as traits associated with species dominance. Fern richness and abundance were sampled in 24 edge plots and 44 interior plots within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We obtained data for five leaf traits and three rhizome traits. Ferns did not express any functional coordination between above- and belowground traits. At the edge, ferns did not display functional homogenization. In both the interior and at the edge, ferns exhibited multiple trait covariations across a broad spectrum of plant sizes and leaf numbers, associated with rhizome type and the presence of leaf trichomes and stolons. There were no cohesive functional groups of generalists or of exclusive species of forest edges and the forest interior. Fern species dominance was related to the species-specific number of leaves and the presence of stolons. We conclude that below- and aboveground traits did neither respond in conjunction nor as a functional response to edge effects. However, both kinds of traits affected the functional structure and species dominance of fern communities at the edge and in the interior of the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correlational pilot study (N = 143) and an integrative data analysis of two experiments (total N = 377) provide evidence linking anger to the psychology of social hierarchy. The experiments demonstrate that the experience of anger increases the psychological accessibility of implicit cognitions related to social hierarchy: compared to participants in a control condition, participants in an anger-priming condition completed word stems with significantly more hierarchy-related words. We found little support for sex differences in the effect of anger on implicit hierarchy-related cognition; effects were equivalent across male and female participants. Findings fit with functionalist evolutionary views of anger suggesting that anger may motivate the use of dominance to strive for high social rank in group hierarchies. Implications for downstream behaviour, including aggression and negotiation, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf region, an epicenter of intricate security dynamics, is marked by a plethora of actors and interests contending for dominance and stability. The Saudi-Iranian discord, a salient axis of tension, echoes beyond their bilateral relations, shaping the security architecture of the wider region. This study ventures into the convoluted Middle East Regional Security Complex (MERSC), with a particular emphasis on the Gulf, exploring the impacts of Saudi-Iranian rapprochement and presenting a sophisticated analysis against the canvas of the prevailing great power competition. Adopting a strategic perspective, the research dissects the intricate interactions of regional units, concurrently addressing the pivotal shifts in power dynamics underscored by the waning US clout and the rising prominence of China. The Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) is the analytical prism through which the study elucidates the evolving geopolitical landscape, offering valuable insights into the potential and impediments of engendering stability in this significant geopolitical nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With metamorphosis or not, creatures have varying ability in their different life stages to compete for resource, space or mating. Interaction of species with environment and competition between species are key factors in the evolution of ecological population. Taking these concerns into account, we study a model with two life stages, immature and mature, and incorporate both intra- and inter-specific competitions between two species in a two-patch environment. The structure of monotone dynamics in such a model leads us to explore its local and global dynamics. The investigation starts with the single-species model on which we establish the threshold dynamics that either the species eventually goes extinction or exists on both patches, which is determined by the parameters. Then we study the two-species model and formulate the threshold competition strength which monotonously but oppositely depends on the maturation times of two species, and indicates how the competitor invade an environment. Moreover, we demonstrate two mechanisms which give rise to dominance dynamics, under competition-dependent and -independent criteria respectively. Finally, we conduct numerical simulations to show that the proposed model admits multiple positive equilibria due to the consideration of two life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of evidence shows that social categorization of people based on their race can lead to stereotypical judgements and prejudicial behaviour. Here, we explore the extent to which trait judgements of faces are influenced by race. To address this issue, we measured the reliability of first impressions for own-race and other-race faces in Asian and White participants. Participants viewed pairs of faces and were asked to indicate which of the two faces was more dominant or which of the two faces was more trustworthy. We measured the consistency (or reliability) of these judgements across participants for own-race and other-races faces. We found that judgements of dominance or trustworthiness showed similar levels of reliability for own-race and other-race faces. Moreover, an item analysis showed that the judgements on individual trials were very similar across participants from different races. Next, participants made overall ratings of dominance and trustworthiness from own-race and other-race faces. Again, we found that there was no evidence for an ORE. Together, these results provide a new approach to measuring trait judgements of faces and show that in these conditions there is no ORE for the perception of dominance and trustworthiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hate crime has become an increasingly familiar term within global scholarship, with advancements in conceptual understanding and empirical knowledge helping to generate improved policy responses across many parts of the world. However, the continued demonization of 'other' identities, the escalating volume of hate incidents worldwide and the prevailing climate of rising tensions, decreasing resources and political de-prioritization all suggest that many urgent challenges remain. Contributors to this special issue have dismantled common stereotypes and misperceptions which hamper our collective capacity to address contemporary expressions of hate and violence. In doing so, they draw from their research evidence to identify "hidden" challenges which should be at the forefront of attempts to address the causes, effects, and prevention of all forms of violence. This call for reconfiguration is the unifying theme which runs through each article, and which paves the way for more nuanced analyses that offer new frameworks for responding to the diverse and changing patterns of violence. These are challenges which straddle disciplinary boundaries, geographical borders, and the physical/digital world, and which demand the international, intersectional, and interdisciplinary perspectives evident within this special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-stakes non-cognitive tests frequently employ forced-choice (FC) scales to deter faking. To mitigate the issue of score ipsativity derived, many scoring models have been devised. Among them, the multi-unidimensional pairwise preference (MUPP) framework is a highly flexible and commonly used framework. However, the original MUPP model was developed for unfolding response process and can only handle paired comparisons. The present study proposes the 2PLM-RANK as a generalization of the MUPP model to accommodate dominance RANK format response. In addition, an improved stochastic EM (iStEM) algorithm is devised for more stable and efficient parameter estimation. Simulation results generally supported the efficiency and utility of the new algorithm in estimating the 2PLM-RANK when applied to both triplets and tetrads across various conditions. An empirical illustration with responses to a 24-dimensional personality test further supported the practicality of the proposed model. To further aid in the application of the new model, a user-friendly R package is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study used social dominance theory and the jobs demands–resources model to (a) examine child protective services (CPS) workers' trajectories of client violence, including yelling, threats, and physical violence over job tenure and (b) assess how demographic characteristics and job attributes contributed to the trajectories. Method: Using data from a longitudinal study of newly hired CPS workers (n = 837–859 depending on outcome), we examined trajectories of client violence from 6 months to 3.5 years. Multilevel mixed effect logistic regression was used to examine how demographic variables and time-lagged job attribute predictors (e.g., caseload characteristics, time pressure, role demands) contributed to the occurrence of client violence over time. Results: Over the study period, the experience of being yelled at declined from 80% to 64%. Being threatened declined from nearly 48% to nearly 39%, while physical violence did not change. Younger and White workers as well as women generally experienced higher rates of nonphysical violence. Caseload difficulty, role demands, and time pressure related to higher rates of nonphysical violence, while organizational supports were not significant. Physical violence occurred sporadically; time pressure was the only significant variable. The influence of job attributes on each form of violence did not change over time. Conclusions: The high rates of nonphysical violence, particularly during early tenure, suggest the need for providing vulnerable workers the skills to assess for and manage client violence. When violence occurs, developing responsive protocols for CPS workers at all levels can nourish a culture of safety thereby reducing future incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency and severity of extreme climatic phenomena, including droughts, have increased across the globe. The aim of this study is to detect changes in the severity and trends of short- and medium- term droughts (3 and 12 months) across Iran (1990–2019) and project the near (2059–2030) and far (2095–2066) future changes. SPI and SPEI indices were used for this purpose. The non-parametric Mann–Kendall test was used for trend analysis, and the G * (Geties and Ord) index was exerted for hot spot analysis. The results revealed that in 1990–2020, except for 3 month SPI (SPI3) index, the SPI and SPEI trends tended to be negative and statistically significant at the 0.05 significance level. During the same period, specified and significant hot spots of the indices were formed in the northern and northwestern Iran, and significant cold spots were concentrated only in Zabol and Birjand stations in eastern Iran. Near and far future minimum and maximum monthly precipitation projections for four selected stations show increases in monthly maximum and minimum temperatures and decreases in precipitation at all stations, though the decrease in precipitation for Esfahan station only with RCP8.5. The Projected trends of 3 and 12 months SPI and SPEI (SPI3, SPI12, SPEI3 and SPEI12) in near and far future show the dominance of significant negative trends. Projected trends of SPI and SPEI for the near future was negative for all stations, though it was positive and significant for far future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speaking up directly promotes voice endorsement because it enhances communication clarity. Yet, voicers may hesitate to engage in direct voice because it is a dominant communication tactic that may upset, impose on, embarrass, or undermine their leader, potentially resulting in a backlash, greater workload, or a tainted image. These concerns present a puzzle regarding whether alternative communication tactics exist whereby voicers can secure endorsement for improvement‐oriented initiatives without directly challenging their leader. To address this puzzle, we introduce voice inquiry—expressing improvement‐oriented suggestions or concerns in the form of a question—as a submissive communication tactic to secure endorsement. Drawing upon dominance complementarity theory, we argue that voice inquiry prompts endorsement because it enhances leader's sense of power. Given the complementary effect of submissiveness and dominance, we further predict that this effect will be stronger when leader dominance is high. We conducted three Pilot Studies to unpack the content, motivation, prevalence, and submissive nature of voice inquiry. Building on this foundation, we conducted a multi‐wave field study with 373 employees and 178 leaders in a transportation company (Study 1) and a vignette experiment with 243 full‐time workers (Study 2). Across studies, our research demonstrates voice inquiry as a theoretically driven communication tactic that increases endorsement by activating leader sense of power, particularly among dominant leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we consider a production economy and adopt a cooperative approach to equilibrium analysis which allows each individual to cooperate with others and to form a coalition whose members have access to the available technologies. We investigate the behavior of the core defined with respect to preferences (preferences-core) and with respect to resources (resources-core). We introduce a measure of social loss with respect to the core of the production economy which characterizes the corresponding core allocations. Our definition of the core requires that coalitions proposing a deviation take into account the consequences that changes in production plans may have for the counter-coalitions (considerate dominance). Our characterization holds in the presence of consumption externalities and an optimistic or a pessimistic attitude of coalition agents with respect to the behavior of outsiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Conspiracy theories and beliefs (CTBs) about LGBTQ+ people are often used as arguments in political debate in Italy and across Europe to hinder the passing of protective laws and negatively affect popular consensus regarding the promotion of anti-discrimination policies and the advancement of civil rights. Method: We conducted two correlational studies in Italy starting the data collection at the end of 2022. In Study 1 (N = 589), we investigated which ideological profile was more associated with LGBTQ+ CTBs, between the two profiles identified by Duckitt et al.'s model (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(1), 75–93, 2002): path A) high vision of the world as a competitive jungle and consequent high social dominance orientation; path B) high vision of the world as dangerous and consequent high right-wing authoritarianism. In Study 2 (N = 1581), we have also included three potential outcomes associated with LGBTQ+ CTBs in the model. Results: Through a mediational path model, we found that path B was the strongest associated with LGBTQ+ CTBs. We found that LGBTQ+ CTBs mediated the relationships between the two ideological dispositions and (a) lower support to LGBTQ+ civil rights; (b) lower LGBTQ+ collective action intentions; and (c) higher adherence to economic myths about LGBTQ+ people. Conclusions: Socio-psychological research on LGBTQ+ CTBs may inform social policies that work to lessen the harm these beliefs do and advance a more welcoming and inclusive society. Policy Implications: Such results offer several insights to change and improve the actual debate in political, scientific, and cultural domains, contributing to producing new policies which might increase the self-determination of all LGBTQ+ people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gift decisions are challenging. Consumers need to gauge their recipients' preferences—a task that could be especially tough when the recipients are picky. In addition, gift decisions involve consideration of many gift attributes, such as whether the gifts also support worthy causes (i.e., socially responsible gifts). In this research, we examine how givers' decision to give socially responsible gifts is impacted by how picky the recipients are. Five studies provide convergent evidence that gift‐givers are less likely to choose socially responsible gifts for picky recipients because they are perceived as lower in interpersonal warmth. Supporting our theory, the effect attenuates for gift‐givers attend less to interpersonal warmth (i.e., high in social dominance orientation) and when cues indicating recipient warmth are salient. We conclude by discussing the contributions to the gift‐giving and consumer pickiness literature and the practical implications for marketers promoting socially responsible gifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A signal is a description of an information source that specifies both its correlation with the state and its correlation with other signals. Extending Blackwell (1953), we characterize when one signal is more valuable than another regardless of preferences and regardless of access to other signals. This comparison is equivalent to reveal-or-refine: every realization of the more valuable signal reveals the state or refines the realization of the less valuable signal. We also study other comparisons of signals, including sufficiency, martingale dominance, and Lehmann. Reveal-or-refine is also equivalent to making any of these comparisons robust to access to other signals. (JEL C90, D82, D83) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As population aging intensifies, calls for active and healthy-aging approaches have amplified. Concurrently, English learning has gained popularity as a global trend, emerging as a fashionable pursuit among Chinese older adults as well. However, previous research has paid scant attention to examining English language learning in older populations. To address this chasm, this exploratory article used a nationally representative sample of 4,688 Chinese older adults from the 2018 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to delineate the contour of the relationship between English proficiency and related factors among older adults. Descriptive data revealed generally low levels of English proficiency among older adults in China. Subsequent multiple regression analysis and dominance analysis both confirmed that personal education level (β = .218, d your highest education level = .064, p < .0001), internet usage frequency (β = .116, d the frequency of internet usage = .0346, p < .0001) learning frequency (β = .088, d the frequency of learning = .0288, p < .0001) and household registration (β = .063, d household registration = .0233, p < .0001) constituted significant predictive factors influencing older adults’ English proficiency (the above variable order was ranked as per relative importance derived from dominance analysis in descending order). Finally, the authors proposed recommendations emphasizing strengthened lifelong education for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microplastics (MPs) has been rapidly increasing and interacting with wildlife. As the highest altitudes inhabited non-human primate, Yunnan snubnosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) have been proven to be an umbrella and flagship species to indicate ecosystem changes and help develop environmental management strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the behavioral and ecological reasons for the types, content and differences of MPs in the feces of R. bieti, and explored the effects of MPs on gut microbiome of R. bieti. Methods: We used the Agilent 8700 LDIR to identify the abundance and size distribution of MPs in fecal samples, and then analyzed the causes of differences in MPs content by combining data from different populations (wild group, provisioned wild group) and dominance hierarchy. At the same times, the relationships were investigated between gut microbiome diversity and MPs content. Results: We first demonstrate MPs ingestion by R. bieti, which highlights the potential impacts of MPs pollution in such high-altitude, inaccessible protected areas. A total of 36 types of MPs were detected, with an average of 75.263 ± 58.141MPs/g. Food provisioning and tourism significantly increased the content of MPs in the feces of R. bieti, but tourism alone did not significantly increase the content of MPs as food provisioning. At the same time, the study found that there was no significant difference in the content of MPs between different sex groups, however, the feces MPs content of adult R. bieti was significantly lower than that of juvenile, and the social dominance hierarchies among OMUs was positively correlated with the exposure of MPs. The current level of MPs pollution did not cause gut microbiome dysbiosis of R. bieti. Conclusion: Our study proved from behavioral and ecological perspectives that the R. bieti exposure to MPs was related to provisioned food, and was closely related to dominance hierarchy and age. From the perspective of intestinal microbiology, it was proved that the current intake of MPs did not cause gut microbiome dysbiosis of R. bieti. Our study provided scientific basis for formulating effective protection measures and promoting the effective protection of rare and endangered animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an investigation of reference production in 84 Italian-Spanish bilingual children aged 8 to 12. The study explores whether such reference production is influenced by either the type of referential expression involved or language dominance by analyzing how these children manage reference. The children's relative proficiency in the two languages (and thus their language dominance) was assessed through a cloze-test, and their narrative production was evaluated using a retelling task. Results indicated a preference for null pronouns to refer to subjects and full referential expressions for objects, with Italian showing a higher occurrence of full referential expressions. Dominance in either language did not significantly impact reference production. This suggests that bilingual children can distinguish between language-specific patterns, a behavior consistent with adult monolingual groups. These results contribute to our understanding of bilingual reference management and shed light on the role played by language and language dominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration-development nexus (MDN) denotes interdependencies between international migration and development. The article identifies six different causal relations between migration and development in the scientific literature and applies them to understand EU policy on the nexus. At EU level, the nexus often serves the central policy objective of limiting irregular migration to Europe, the so-called root causes approach. Yet, contrary to prior research, this article finds that an opposing nexus conceptualization that calls for enabling migration is actually the dominant causality promoted by the European Commission. Unlike studies that explain the dominance of the root causes approach as a lowest-common-denominator choice, this article argues that the Commission’s DGs also use the nexus strategically. They promote contradictory approaches, which however all call for an increased Commission mandate and financial resources, selectively omitting those nexus frames that would decrease their role. The migration literature often relegates the MDN to a sub-theme of migration policy. This study shows that MDN is central to the entire EU migration policy area and transpires much of its migration discourse. The nexus and its conceptualizations are thus instrumental for broader migration policy debates beyond the EU as they touch upon demographics, social security, and welfare questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the several methods and technologies employed to measure handgrip strength (HGS), a significant indicator of neuromuscular strength and overall health. The document evaluates a range of devices, from traditional dynamometers to innovative sensor-based systems, and assesses their effectiveness and application in different demographic groups. Special attention is given to the methodological aspects of HGS estimation, including the influence of device design and measurement protocols. Endogenous factors such as hand dominance and size, body mass, age and gender, as well as exogenous factors including circadian influences and psychological factors, are examined. The review identifies significant variations in the implementation of HGS measurements and interpretation of the resultant data, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of these factors when using HGS as a diagnostic or research tool. It highlights the necessity of standardizing measurement protocols to establish universal guidelines that enhance the comparability and consistency of HGS assessments across various settings and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the influence of dispersal on ecological selection is the subject of intense research, we still lack a thorough understanding of how ecological selection operates to favour distinct dispersal strategies in metacommunities. To address this issue, we developed a model framework in which species with distinct quantitative dispersal traits that govern the three stages of dispersal—departure, movement and settlement—compete under different ecological contexts. The model identified three primary dispersal strategies (referred to as nomadic, homebody and habitat-sorting) that consistently dominated metacommunities owing to the interplay of spatiotemporal environmental variation and different types of competitive interactions. We outlined the key characteristics of each strategy and formulated theoretical predictions regarding the abiotic and biotic conditions under which each strategy is more likely to prevail in metacommunities. By presenting our results as relationships between dispersal traits and well-known ecological gradients (e.g. seasonality), we were able to contrast our theoretical findings with previous empirical research. Our model demonstrates how landscape environmental characteristics and competitive interactions at the intra- and interspecific levels can interact to favour distinct multivariate and context-dependent dispersal strategies in metacommunities. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper explores the status of Chinese fashion media from 2005 to 2015 to understand the role of fashion discourse and information flows in mobilizing activity and meaning in the Chinese fashion industry. By examining ten-year issues of two fashion magazines, Vogue China and iLook, alongside interviews with two fashion media workers, this research reveals that during this period, the diffusion channels for Chinese fashion media are experiencing significant change, with a shift in focus to the presentation of more localized fashion content and the creation of a closer relationship between Chinese fashion media and the Chinese fashion industry. The rise of online fashion media has provided an unprecedented way of engaging Chinese consumers with Chinese fashion, supporting a two-way information flow and a new dimension of interaction. Despite this development, the continuing dominance of fashion retailing and consumption, much of this being comprised of global fashion brands, and the scarcity of fashion professionals in China continue to marginalize Chinese fashion discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prion variants are self-perpetuating conformers of a single protein that assemble into amyloid fibers and confer unique phenotypic states. Multiple prion variants can arise, particularly in response to changing environments, and interact within an organism. These interactions are often competitive, with one variant establishing phenotypic dominance over the others. This dominance has been linked to the competition for non-prion state protein, which must be converted to the prion state via a nucleated polymerization mechanism. However, the intrinsic rates of conversion, determined by the conformation of the variant, cannot explain prion variant dominance, suggesting a more complex interaction. Using the yeast prion system [PSI+], we have determined the mechanism of dominance of the [PSI+]Strong variant over the [PSI+]Weak variant in vivo. When mixed by mating, phenotypic dominance is established in zygotes, but the two variants persist and co-exist in the lineage descended from this cell. [PSI+]Strong propagons, the heritable unit, are amplified at the expense of [PSI+]Weak propagons, through the efficient conversion of soluble Sup35 protein, as revealed by fluorescence photobleaching experiments employing variantspecific mutants of Sup35. This competition, however, is highly sensitive to the fragmentation of [PSI+]Strong amyloid fibers, with even transient inhibition of the fragmentation catalyst Hsp104 promoting amplification of [PSI+]Weak propagons. Reducing the number of [PSI+]Strong propagons prior to mating, similarly promotes [PSI+]Weak amplification and conversion of soluble Sup35, indicating that template number and conversion efficiency combine to determine dominance. Thus, prion variant dominance is not an absolute hierarchy but rather an outcome arising from the dynamic interplay between unique protein conformations and their interactions with distinct cellular proteostatic niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread application of smart contracts, there is a growing concern over the quality assurance of smart contracts. The data flow testing is an important technology to ensure the correctness of smart contracts. We propose an approach named IABC‐TCG (Improved Artificial Bee Colony‐Test Case Generation) to generate test cases for the data flow testing of smart contracts. With a dominance relations‐based fitness function, an improved artificial bee colony algorithm is used to generate test cases, in which the bee colony search coefficient is adaptively adjusted to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the search. In addition, an improved test case selection and updation strategy is used to avoid unnecessary test cases. The experimental results show that IABC‐TCG achieves 100% coverage for all the test requirements on a dataset of 30 smart contracts and outperforms the baseline approaches in terms of the number of test cases and the execution time. Performing tests with the generated test cases, IABC‐TCG can find more errors with less test cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shunbei 5 (SB5) strike-slip fault, situated in the central Tarim basin, is distinguished by its considerable length, significant variations in planar orientation, and intricate multi-stage tectonic evolution. This study delves into the geometric, kinematic, and dynamic features of both the southern and northern parts of the SB5 fault, utilizing the latest seismic data from the Fuman Oilfield, and examines the factors influencing the fault's planar deflection. The fault can be categorized into three structural deformation layers based on lithological features and fault features: the deep structural deformation layer below TЄ3), characterized by basement rifting and limited strike-slip activity; the middle structural deformation layer (TЄ3-TO3), marked by vigorous strike-slip movements and the dominance of flower structures; and the shallow structural deformation layer (TO3-TP), featuring echelon-type normal faults and boundary graben faults, specifically in the southern SB5 fault. The fault activity is more pronounced in its southern SB5 fault compared to the northern, with the weakest activity at the TЄ 3 interface and the peak at the TO3 interface. The southern SB5 fault transitions to sinistral slip at the TO3 interface, while the northern SB5 fault shifts from dextral to sinistral slip at the TC interface, highlighting variable slip directions across different interfaces. Rifts are extensively distributed within the Precambrian basement along the SB5 fault. The initial strike-slip fault rupture, which is primarily localized in these areas, exerts a significant influence on the formation of the S-shaped fault plane. This process involves four distinct evolution stages: the embryonic stage of strike-slip activity during the Middle- Late Cambrian; the intense strike-slip fault activity stage during the Middle-Late Ordovician; the reactivation stage of deep strike-slip fault in the Silurian; and the connection and reactivation stage during the Devonian-Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metropolitanization represents a pivotal process viewed from various perspectives. It is approached diversely, yet underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the metropolis and its immediate surroundings’ development. This study introduces a conceptual framework for metropolitanization across four dimensions, distinguishing between qualitative-quantitative and vertical-horizontal delineations. The spectrum of metropolitanization encompasses demographic expansion as well as nuanced qualitative shifts, influenced, for instance, by extensive integration into the global economy and the consolidation of the nation's economic dominance. The proposed framework is applied to three Polish agglomerations, each exhibiting relatively comparable settlement system structures but markedly distinct socio-economic conditions. This approach also assesses the vigour of metropolitanization at varying levels, facilitating the identification of metropolises that, due to their unique challenges relative to other cities, hold strategic importance for developmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate surrounding China’s public diplomacy in Africa highlights how the state coordinates and leverages Chinese actors, including firms, to advance diplomatic objectives. However, this article questions the notion of unidirectional state dominance by exploring the intricate interactions between the Chinese state and firms around promoting and publicizing corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is conceptualized as a public diplomacy tool of corporations to engage with the foreign public. Using the lens of public diplomacy, the author examines the unconventional state-firm interplay in the symbolic domain, shedding light on practices of China’s expansion in Africa. Through two empirical cases, the author demonstrates the interdependence and collaboration between the Chinese state and firms, revealing their divided interests and contested cooperative efforts to enact public diplomacy in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a fictional narrative about Professor Sackker, the solitary researcher in the field of Sackker Studies, once known as Management and Organizational Studies. Despite its absurdity, the story portrays Sackker’s dominance, marked by his inevitable rise with record-breaking publications and citations, stifling competition, and leaving him as the ultimate winner and ruler. Through personal reflections, his story explores his career strategies, provides insights into his success, and explains how he shaped, transformed, and eventually (but unwittingly) destroyed the field. This narrative, though fictional, mirrors real concerns in today’s reality: growing inequalities, the dominance of elite scholars, and erosion of meaning in academic careers as a function of hyper-competition. We examine the prevalence of systemic issues plaguing academia. Despite challenges, the article also aims to inspire hope. By illuminating these problems and integrating them into scholarly discussions, there lies an opportunity for change, empowering the next generation of academics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying high‐quality causal explanations is key to scientific understanding. This research (N = 202; 50% girls; Mage: 5.82 years; 64% Asian, 33% White, and 3% multiracial; data collected from 2018 to 2024) examined how explanation circularity and informants' social dominance impact children's learning preferences for causal explanations. Raised in a culture valuing circular logic, Chinese children still preferred non‐circular explanations and learning from informants providing non‐circular explanations (d ≥ 0.50). When informants with non‐circular explanations were subordinate to those with circular explanations, Chinese and American children preferred non‐circular over circular explanations (d = 1.10), but did not prefer learning new information from either informant. Although children weigh explanation quality over informant dominance when seeking explanations for given questions, they consider both cues when evaluating informants' credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In educational sociology, it is of greatest interest to explain why some students are more successful than others and obtain higher educational qualifications or receive better grades, which can have long-lasting consequences. The present study compares the influence of early academic performance, which can be regarded as a proxy of overall intelligence, to the socio-economic status (SES) of the family, which measures how much a family can invest in the education of their offspring. Using large-scale German NEPS panel data (N = 5,208), the analyses test statistically how much variance of two outcome variables (acquisition of higher education eligibility and final grade) are explained by academic performance and SES; both measured approximately 9 years earlier at the beginning of secondary education. Dominance analyses reveal that performance has a larger influence (ca. 14% for both outcomes) than SES (ca. 8% for eligibility and ca. 4% for grades). Regression analyses show that high performance can better compensate for low SES than vice versa. These results indicate that performance is probably more relevant for academic success than the SES of one's own family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classroom status hierarchy (the degree to which popularity is unequally distributed in a classroom) has often been examined as a predictor of bullying. Although most research has relied on an operationalization of status hierarchy as the classroom standard deviation (SD) of popularity, other fields (e.g., sociology, economics) have typically measured resource inequality using the Gini coefficient. This multilevel study examines the concurrent and prospective associations of both status hierarchy indicators (referred to as SD-hierarchy and Gini-hierarchy) with peer-reported bullying, controlling for key variables (i.e., the structure of the classroom status hierarchy, average classroom level of popularity). The final sample included 3017 students (45.3% self-identified as a boy; T1 Mage = 13.04, SD = 1.73, approximately 93% born in Finland) from 209 classrooms. Concurrently, classroom SD-hierarchy was positively, linearly associated with bullying, whereas there was a curvilinear (inverted U) association between Gini-hierarchy and bullying. No significant longitudinal associations were found. The findings suggest that Gini-hierarchy provides unique information beyond the SD-hierarchy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crucial aspect of elite dominance in modern democracies concerns the degree to which different political elites share similar career paths and shifts between different elite positions. Similarity in career paths and transfers across elite positions are crucial aspects of elite dominance in modern democracies. This paper argues that there are limits to elite career similarity and sector transfer because of varying recruitment criteria and reputational cargo across different political elite groups. We argue that career similarity and transfers across elite positions are lower when recruitment criteria are exclusive. We also argue that acquired reputation may be a career liability limiting transfers into other elite groups. Empirically, we examine career trajectories and transfers across elite groups by mapping the full career of Members of the Parliament, top bureaucrats and interest group leaders in Denmark. We demonstrate that within the Danish political elite, career paths are relatively distinct and transfer few. Career distinctiveness and lack of elite transfers are especially pronounced for the bureaucratic elite, which is guarded by stricter recruitment criteria and on guard against reputations that might taint its image as a pure merit civil service. In contrast to other studies, our results suggest that the shutters between elite sectors are relatively closed. However, the few individuals passing through these most exclusive revolving doors may have a significant political impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research note, I propose a theoretical framework that centers class struggle in order to better understand the micro‐level interactions that take place within homeless communities and the systems that structure them. I suggest that researchers can gain clearer insights into marginalized communities by taking a radical interactionist approach, as described by Athens. To start, I propose revisiting classic theories emphasizing the impact of power and dominance in the development of social systems as ways to understand interpersonal social interactions. Specifically, in this note I propose revisiting E.P. Thompson's original theory of the moral economy as an analytical basis and grounding point in the effort to explore homelessness and the communities it creates. Thompson's moral economy suggests that in communities facing oppression and class struggle, an economic and social system develops in which the central tenant is fairness and morality. By revisiting this theory, I suggest that researchers may better understand the ways in which homeless communities structure themselves, not only in relation to one another, but also in relation to the broader social world around them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incremental advancements in technology present researchers with opportunities to examine and predict human behavior before the integration of technology into daily life. Previous studies have identified trends in both the design and reception of current social robotic technologies, including gender biases and social "othering", which may affect how humans interact with more advanced robotic technologies in the future. The aim of the current study was to explore whether preconceived beliefs about gender inequality, interest in casual sex, and social hierarchies would relate individuals' interest in engaging in platonic friendships ("robofriendship") or sexual relationships ("robosexuality") with hypothetical human-like robots. Two-hundred and twelve participants completed an online survey measuring gender, ambivalent sexism, social dominance orientation, and sociosexual orientation in relation to individuals' interest in both robofriendship and robosexuality. It was found that hostile sexism positively predicted interest in robosexuality, particularly for men (β =.16, b =.27, 95% CI [.03,.30], t (209) = 2.364, p =.019). Conversely, hostile sexism negatively predicted robofriendship, and significant interactions effects were found in that at lower levels of SDO, women maintained greater interest in robofriendship than men (β =.26, b =.54, 95% CI [.09,.99], t(208) = −2.235, p =.02). The current study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that preconceived beliefs about social hierarchy and gender inequality may impact romantic and platonic interactions between humans and robots. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outputs of a Turing machine are not revealed for inputs on which the machine fails to halt. Why is an observer not allowed to see the generated output symbols as the machine operates? Building on the pioneering work of Mark Burgin, we introduce an extension of the Turing machine model with a visible output tape. As a subtle refinement to Burgin's theory, we stipulate that the outputted symbols cannot be overwritten: at step i, the content of the output tape is a prefix of the content at step j, where i < j . Our Refined Burgin Machines (RBMs) compute more functions than Turing machines, but fewer than Burgin's simple inductive Turing machines. We argue that RBMs more closely align with both human and electronic computers than Turing machines do. Consequently, RBMs challenge the dominance of Turing machines in computer science and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new family of optimal eighth-order numerical methods for finding the multiple zeros of nonlinear functions. The methodology used for constructing the iterative scheme is based on the approach called the 'weight factor approach'. This approach ingeniously combines weight functions to enhance convergence properties and stability. An extensive convergence analysis is conducted to prove that the proposed scheme achieves optimal eighth-order convergence, providing a significant improvement in efficiency over lower-order methods. Furthermore, the applicability of these novel methods to some real-world problems is demonstrated, showcasing their superior performance in terms of speed and accuracy. This is illustrated through a series of three examples involving basins of attraction with reflection symmetry, confirming the dominance of the new methods over existing counterparts. The examples highlight not only the robustness and precision of the proposed methods but also their practical utility in solving the complex nonlinear equations encountered in various scientific and engineering domains. Consequently, these eighth-order methods hold great promise for advancing computational techniques in fields that require the resolution of multiple roots with high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined Chinese news content in the Zambian media, classified as government, commercial, Community, and religiously owned. The purpose was to investigate how each media category frames stories about China (either as episodic or thematic) and the implications of such frames. By analyzing 1321 news items published between 2012 and 2020, we were able to show that in all the four media categories, stories about China mainly were routine/ready-made and culled from Chinese-owned organizations. Second, China's dominance continued to grow over time as the reporting shifted from being treated as an object to the story's subject. As a result, the majority of stories were episodic and positively framed in favor of China. When China was presented negatively, the frames were thematic, yet China still held a "subject" position in the narrative. In this view, negative cases mentioning China were attributed to individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]