London’s nineteenth-century sailortown – centred around Ratcliffe Highway and the surrounding docklands – was a vital hub of maritime activity. Yet much of what is known about this space derives from landsmen’s accounts: narratives by Victorian reformers, novelists and journalists who often portrayed the sailortown as a site of crime, vice and moral degeneration. In contrast, sea shanties, rooted in the lived experiences of sailors themselves, offer an alternative perspective, illuminating the values and self-perceptions of the maritime community. This article examines how London’s sailortown is represented in shanty repertoire, analysing the lyrics of shanties associated with the city to reveal recurring themes, such as encounters with women, financial exploitation, alcohol consumption and the dangers of the Highway. These songs provide insight not only into the everyday lives of sailors ashore but also into how they navigated and interpreted urban spaces. Furthermore, by considering the broader soundscapes of the docklands (including the influence of street performers, public houses and the music hall), this study explores how urban auditory culture shaped the content and form of shanties. By highlighting sailors’ voices through their songs, this article reconstructs a more nuanced and culturally embedded understanding of London’s sailortown and its place within the wider maritime world.

In recent decades, it has become clear that if our universe had been born with slightly different physics, e.g. if the masses of fundamental particles were altered by a tiny fraction, it would be sterile and uninhabitable. We explore the current state of the evidence for this cosmological fine-tuning. We then explore three possible explanations of fine-tuning: traditional theism, the multiverse hypothesis, and a pantheistic God of limited power.

In this work the fascinating dynamics of a two-layered channel flow characterised by the dispersion in composite media within its layers is investigated in depth. The top layer comprises of a fluid zone that allows the fluid to travel along its surface easily (with relatively higher velocity), while the bottom layer is packed with porous media. The primary objective of this research is to do an in-depth investigation of the complex two-dimensional concentration distribution of a passive solute discharged from the inflow region. A multi-scale perturbation analysis approach has been implemented to address the system’s inherent complexity. This accurate determination of the dispersion coefficient, mean concentration distribution and two-dimensional concentration distribution is accomplished deftly using Mei’s homogenisation approach up to second-order approximation, which satisfactorily capture the minor variations in the solute dynamics also. The influence of various flow and porous media elements on these basic parameters is thoroughly investigated, expanding our comprehension of the complex interaction between flow dynamics and porous media’s properties. The effect of Darcy number and the ratio of two viscosities ($M$) on the dispersion coefficient depends on the height of the porous layer. As the Péclet number ratio increases, the dispersion coefficient experiences a concurrent increase, resulting in a decline in the concentration peak. The results of the analytical studies have also been compared with those results obtained using a purely computational method to establish the validity of our studies. Both the sets of results show quite good agreement with each other. In this study, alternate flow models have been used for the porous region, and the outcomes are compared to determine which approach yields more suitable results under different conditions.

Speculative design is widely used in research contexts across multiple disciplines, emphasising problem-finding over problem-solving, and involves methods for exploring possibilities that challenge ingrained assumptions. This systematic literature review analyses speculative design methods used in 52 studies within disciplines such as human–computer interaction, fashion, urban planning, and healthcare, among other fields. It presents results about the common phases and methods of speculative design that are utilised in these studies. It identifies and characterises four core phases that appear to be common within speculative design processes, namely select, explore, transform, and provoke. It shares examples of how these phases are used to achieve the goals of speculative design. The discussion section considers the process of speculative design, leading to the synthesis of a framework that visually and conceptually organises these findings to facilitate their comprehension and application. This paper contributes to the understanding of speculative design by providing a clear process that addresses gaps in its theoretical and methodological foundations.

The full understanding of the parasite fauna of a host species requires sampling individuals across their entire distribution range. However, very few studies include an analysis considering such geographical coverage. The Ocellated killifish, Floridichthys polyommus, is an endemic estuarine fish whose distribution spans from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico to Belize. Here, we aimed at describing the metazoan parasite fauna of F. polyommus in localities across the Yucatán Peninsula to assess the parasite species richness at regional and local scales. From 2022 to 2024, 409 specimens of F. polyommus were collected from six localities. Data from three localities from a previous study were also included. Individuals were dissected, and examined for ecto and endoparasites. Twenty-four metazoan parasite taxa were identified using morphological characters and/or molecular data. Thirteen parasite taxa correspond to larval stages. Nine parasite taxa represent new host records, increasing to 35 the total number of metazoan parasites known for F. polyommus. The nematode Contracaecum sp. was found in all sampled localities, whereas the cestode Glossocercus caribaensis and the copepod Ergasilus sp. were found in seven, with variable prevalence and mean intensity of infection values. Two general patterns were uncovered irrespective of the geographical scale of the analyses (local or regional): (1) Digeneans were the most species-rich parasite group and (2) F. polyommus harboured more larval parasite taxa than adults. It seems that the parasite fauna of the Ocellated killifish in each sampling site represent a subsample of the total species richness at the regional level.

Fluency is an essential aspect of second language (L2) oral proficiency. Recent studies have demonstrated that L1 individual speaking style is connected to L2 fluency, suggesting that L2 speech fluency does not solely represent L2-specific skills. Furthermore, task mode (monologue vs. dialogue) has been shown to influence fluency. The present study examines the extent to which these two factors (L1 speaking style and task mode) can predict L2 speech fluency, and how such connections are modified by the learners’ L2 proficiency level. The data consist of monologic and dialogic speech samples from 50 advanced students of English in their L1 (Finnish) and L2 (English). The samples were analyzed for speed, breakdown, repair, and composite fluency. The results of multiple linear regressions demonstrated high predictive power for speed, breakdown, and composite fluency dimensions, while the model for repair fluency showed weak predictive power. The results have implications for L2 fluency research.

The radical right succeeds when minorities challenge the societal standing of majorities. In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), research often focuses on the political gains of ethnic minorities. We build on this work by differentiating among (1) types of representation; (2) minority mobilization versus ally advocacy; and (3) politically mobilized versus socially marginalized ethnic minorities. First, we introduce a novel measure of representation based on the power, influence, and prestige afforded to ethnic minorities at the executive (cabinet) level. Second, we evaluate whether legislative descriptive representation, ethnic minority party coalition participation, and ethnic minority cabinet-level prestige are associated with radical-right aggregate electoral success and individual-level radical-right vote choice. Cabinet-level prestige consistently predicts radical-right success; descriptive representation and coalition participation have less robust associations. Third, experiments in Romania and Slovakia highlight the mechanism, underscoring that representation – namely the substantive representation of politically mobilized minorities – causes resentment among ethnic majorities. In sum, majority-minority relations continue to structure CEE electoral politics, and the politicization of minority gains remains a viable strategy for mobilizing radical-right support.

This article revisits the concept of the ‘Christian city’ in Late Antique North Africa by shifting the focus from topography to the lived and perceived urban experience. While earlier scholarship has emphasized the accumulation of Christian buildings, this study argues that religious transformation is equally, if not more, visible through the evolving practices of city inhabitants. By analysing both Christian and continuing pagan traditions between the fourth and seventh centuries, the article explores how monuments and public religious practices shaped the perception and function of the city. Special attention is given to the volumetric presence of sacred architecture and to the role of public spaces, particularly streets, in hosting religious acts. Ultimately, the study offers a more nuanced understanding of the Christian city: one defined not solely by the presence of basilicas, but by the rhythms, gestures, and visibility of religious life within the broader civic landscape.

Narratives and frames have shaped the overdose crisis since its early stages. Efforts to control knowledge about the role of opioids in chronic pain have influenced clinical guidelines and prescribing behaviour. Dominant narratives shape policy by influencing how problems are defined, and which solutions are considered appropriate. A more nuanced understanding of how framing shapes interactions among stakeholders, including patients, clinicians, advocacy groups, industry, educators, and regulators, can clarify these dynamics. Engaging multiple perspectives, rather than relying on a single dominant narrative, offers a more effective path for addressing complex public health emergencies such as the overdose crisis.

Il presente articolo prende in esame tre iscrizioni sepolcrali custodite presso la biblioteca della British School at Rome (BSR) e, fino ad oggi, rimaste inedite. Si propone, pertanto, una trascrizione, accompagnata da un commento e dall’analisi stilistica delle tre lastrine di colombario, nell’attesa che le iscrizioni vengano registrate, fra gli altri, nell’Epigraphic Database Roma. Una delle epigrafi è un componimento metrico che commemora la sepoltura comune di due coniugi, di cui ci perviene solo il nome del marito, Quirino. Il testo metrico articola numerosi topoi della poesia funeraria romana e suggerisce interessanti considerazioni sul processo di componimento e consumo poetico in ambito epigrafico. Le ulteriori tabelle di colombario, che presentano ancora i fori di fissaggio, ricordano la morte prematura di due bambini, Clado e Cyclas. Riportando alla luce questi importanti documenti, l’articolo si propone di fornire utili informazioni relative alla collezione epigrafica della BSR e di contribuire alla conoscenza del materiale epigrafico lato sensu.

Critical interpretive synthesis was introduced in 2006 to address various shortcomings of systematic reviews such as their limitations in synthesizing heterogeneous data, integrating diverse study types, and generating theoretical insights. This review sought to outline the methodological process of conducting critical interpretive syntheses by identifying the methods currently in use, mapping the processes that have been used to date, and highlighting directions for further research. To achieve this, a scoping review of critical interpretive syntheses published between 2006 and 2023 was conducted. Initial searches identified 1628 publications and after removal of duplicates and exclusions, 212 reviews were included in the study. Most reviews focused on health-related subjects. Authors chose to utilize the method due to its iterative, inductive, and recursive nature. Both question-based and topic-based reviews were conducted. Literature searches relied on electronic databases and reference chaining. Mapping to the original six-phase model showed most variability in use of sampling and quality assessment phases, which were each done in 50.7% of reviews. Data extraction utilized a data extraction table. Synthesis involved constant comparison, critique, and consolidation of themes into constructs, and a synthesizing argument. Refining critical interpretive synthesis methodology and its best practices are important for optimizing the utility and impact and ensuring findings are relevant and actionable for informing policy, practice, and future research.

In 1967, Klarner proposed a problem concerning the existence of reflecting n-queens configurations. The problem considers the feasibility of placing n mutually nonattacking queens on the reflecting chessboard, an $n\times n$ chessboard with a $1\times n$ “reflecting strip” of squares added along one side of the board. A queen placed on the reflecting chessboard can attack the squares in the same row, column, and diagonal, with the additional feature that its diagonal path can be reflected via the reflecting strip. Klarner noted the equivalence of this problem to a number theory problem proposed by Slater, which asks: for which n is it possible to pair up the integers 1 through n with the integers $n+1$ through $2n$ such that no two of the sums or differences of the n pairs of integers are the same. We prove the existence of reflecting n-queens configurations for all sufficiently large n, thereby resolving both Slater’s and Klarner’s questions for all but a finite number of integers.

This article explores the concept of transfer as it emerges in German-speaking academic discourse and considers its broader implications for the Global Public Literary Humanities. While transfer has become an established term in university policy, especially in Germany, its potential for literary studies remains under-examined. Building on both German and Francophone models, this article offers a nuanced framework that distinguishes between transfer and its synonyms—such as application, practice, communication, cooperation, and mediation—and proposes the concept of transferability as a means to sharpen theoretical and practical awareness regarding the conditions for successful transfer. This article presents a model that identifies both enabling conditions (such as relevance and resonance) and practical forms of transfer, arguing that transferability is shaped by ethical, esthetic, and anthropological considerations. Drawing on examples from current German debates (e.g., #RelevanteLiteraturwissenschaft, collaborative literary festivals, and citizen science projects), the analysis demonstrates that successful literary transfer is always co-creative and dialogical. Ultimately, this article calls for more institutional and structural efforts to enable transferability within literary studies and suggests that increased awareness of its prerequisites and possibilities for implementation can make academic work more responsive, inclusive, and socially engaged. This essay also advocates for extending the debate by incorporating concepts and practices from other linguistic and cultural traditions, thereby advancing the vision of Global Public Literary Humanities as a truly interconnected, dynamic, and transformative field. In doing so, this article hopes to encourage further critical reflection, experimentation, and the opening of new perspectives in research, teaching, and public engagement.

We prove that for every relatively prime pair of integers $(d,r)$ with $r>0$, there exists an exceptional pair $({\mathcal {O}},V)$ on any del Pezzo surface of degree $4$, such that V is a bundle of rank r and degree d. As an application, we prove that every Feigin-Odesskii Poisson bracket on a projective space can be included into a $5$-dimensional linear space of compatible Poisson brackets. We also construct new examples of linear spaces of compatible Feigin-Odesskii Poisson brackets of dimension $>5$, coming from del Pezzo surfaces of degree $>4$.

This essay argues that the women, life, freedom movement should be understood as crucial site for the study of revolutionary praxis and feminist theory from which scholars and activists around the world can learn. While much attention has been given to efforts to co-opt the movement by monarchist and other “regime change” factions in diaspora, a lesser-known diasporic consequence has been the creation of Iranian feminist collectives oriented around intersectional and anti-colonial forms of transnational solidarity. By analyzing three such collectives that aimed to uplift critical feminist orientations emerging from the uprising in Iran, I chart shifts in ideas about organization, the meaning of revolution, and the contours of a “decolonial” feminist analysis in the Iranian context. I argue that these Iranian feminist collectives have built on the transnational feminist practice of making connections across differences, placing their critique of the Iranian state in relation to other iterations of patriarchal and militarized authoritarianism globally, including in the west.