Kobe Design University

ABSTRACT This paper examines the rhetorical functions of references to corona or people surrounding the courtroom in Attic forensic speeches. It analyses the strategies deployed to characterize these spectators, classifying them into four categories: (A) witnesses of past events or the current trial, (B) individuals who are easily influenced by the outcome of a trial, (C) ‘judges’ of the jurors, and (D) supporters of either side of the contending parties. Category A often serves to enhance the speaker’s credibility. Category B is used to remind the jurors of the broader implications of their verdict. Category C frequently encourages the jurors to consider the shame they may face if they vote against the public interest. Category D is employed for character assassination of the opponent. Orators strategically used these rhetorical tactics, especially during high-profile trials. While Category D did not always appear to benefit the litigants, Categories B and C seemed to be comparatively more favourable for the plaintiffs.

ABSTRACT This study investigates why state capacity does not always translate into improved public goods provision. I argue that the effect of state capacity depends critically on state–society interactions, which are shaped by regime type and, more decisively, by social fragmentation. While existing research often assumes a uniformly positive impact of capacity, this study shows otherwise. In democracies, institutionalized responsiveness ensures that higher capacity consistently enhances provision, regardless of fragmentation. In authoritarian states, however, outcomes hinge on the degree of social fragmentation: where fragmentation is high, strong states provide more goods to mitigate conflict and maintain legitimacy; where society is cohesive, high capacity may instead be diverted to elite projects, exclusionary distribution, or control. Using panel data on 177 countries (1960–2015), I demonstrate that state capacity's effect is conditional, not absolute. These findings highlight how social fragmentation, interacting with political regime, fundamentally shapes the governance returns of state capacity.

Radio-frequency (RF) plasma thrusters have been proposed to overcome thruster lifetime limitation due to electrode erosion, and using a magnetic cusp has been reported to improve thrust performance. It has been reported that an RF plasma thruster with a magnetic cusp has an optimal antenna position for achieving maximum thrust. However, the detailed mechanism by which the antenna position contributes to the thrust has not yet been clarified. This study analyses the effect of antenna position on plasma characteristics and thrust in an RF plasma thruster with a magnetic cusp to clarify the mechanism that determines the antenna position for maximum thrust using a numerical simulation. Simulations of the entire thruster system using a two-fluid plasma model with ions and electrons show that the electrical potential profile of an RF plasma thruster with a magnetic cusp varies significantly during one RF period. This is due to the electron transport. The direction of electron transport is determined by that of Eθeθ×B drift, which is caused by the azimuthal electric field driven by the RF antenna and the externally applied magnetic field. We further found that the optimum antenna position should satisfy the following two conditions: (1) be near the cusp and (2) be near the discharge chamber outlet. Finally, our simulation results were validated against experimental results.

Abstract Background Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis is conventionally performed using the McKeown esophagectomy. However, an optimal anastomotic technique has not yet been established. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of triangular anastomosis (TA) and totally mechanical Collard anastomosis (TMCA) for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction through the retrosternal route. Methods In this matched- cohort study, 117 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy between 2019 and 2024 were divided into TA and TMCA groups. The TA technique was performed between September 2019 and December 2021, and the TMCA technique was performed between January 2022 and January 2024. We then compared the surgical outcomes and postoperative complications (pneumonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, anastomotic leakage, and stricture) between the two groups. Results Propensity score matching revealed that 40 patients were included in both the TA and TMCA groups. The rates of pneumonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and anastomotic leakage were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the rate of anastomotic stricture was lower in the TMCA than in the TA group (2.5% vs. 27.5%, respectively, P = 0.003). Conclusion Compared with the TA technique, the TMCA technique reduced the rate of anastomotic stricture when performing cervical esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction through the retrosternal route.

Rotating magnetic field (RMF) plasma acceleration is proposed to enhance the plasma acceleration effect on a plasma plume under a diverging magnetic field. The RMF method drives an azimuthal electron current, and an axial Lorentz force acts on electrons in the presence of the diverging magnetic field. Ions can gain momentum via an ambipolar electric field arising from differences in electron and ion mobilities. Spatial ion flow velocimetry by the Ar-II laser-induced fluorescence method reveals three-directional components of ion velocity in a plasma plume, and the acceleration effect on ion particles is presented. We quantitatively evaluate absolute ion velocity profiles and find the increase in the ion velocity downstream of the RMF antenna, demonstrating the ion acceleration effect with the RMF method.

ABSTRACTPurposeTo compare the efficacy of migration–gravity sedimentation (MGS) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) for sperm preparation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, focusing on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and ICSI outcomes.MethodsIn this prospective study, 32 patients who underwent ICSI using sibling oocytes were enrolled. Half of the oocytes were fertilized with DGC‐prepared sperm and the other half with MGS‐prepared sperm. Semen parameters were assessed using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and SDF levels were measured using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay before and after sperm preparation. Fertilization, blastocyst development, and clinical pregnancy rates were compared between the two groups.ResultsMGS significantly reduced SDF levels compared to raw semen and DGC. CASA demonstrated enhanced motility, straightness, and linearity with MGS, although curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement were lower. Fertilization and clinical outcomes, including blastocyst formation and pregnancy rates, were comparable between the groups.ConclusionMGS is a simple, centrifuge‐free, and low‐cost sperm preparation technique that effectively reduces sperm DNA fragmentation and achieves ICSI outcomes similar to those of DGC. These findings indicate that MGS may be a viable alternative to assisted reproductive technology, specifically in patients without male‐factor infertility.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000043585)