bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syndemic Challenges: Addressing the Resurgence of Mpox Amidst Concurrent Outbreaks in the DRC
Authors: Adigun Olaniyi Abideen , Okesanya Olalekan John , Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Ukoaka Bonaventure Michael , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Onyeaghala Emmanuella Ogechi , Oluwasusi Emmanuel Ayomide , Ogunwale Olamide Esther , Faniyi Ayodeji Amos
Published: November 2024

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a syndemic of infectious diseases, including monkeypox (mpox), cholera, measles, anthrax, and plague, worsening public health challenges and socioeconomic disparities. This review synthesizes and discusses epidemiological data and consequences of simultaneous outbreaks in the DRC between January 2023 and March 2024. The findings highlight a 6.7% fatality rate and 3319 confirmed cases of mpox, with significant outbreaks in Kinshasa and 22 other provinces. Anthrax occasionally surfaced among cattle‐raising villages, measles affected fewer than five children susceptible to the disease, and cholera outbreaks persisted in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika. Plague incidences, mostly bubonic, have been reported in Ituri province. Vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, face increased risks due to poor healthcare access, hunger, and underlying medical conditions. Cultural beliefs, healthcare system issues, and socioeconomic instability impede effective response tactics. This strain on the fragile healthcare system highlights the need for increased surveillance, immunization efforts, and community involvement. To mitigate the effects of syndemic outbreaks, strengthening the DRC’s health systems through international cooperation, integrated public health initiatives, and improved access to healthcare is crucial.
Neural network embedding of functional microconnectome
Authors: Shirakami Arata , Hase Takeshi , Yamaguchi Yuki , Shimono Masanori
Published: November 2024

Our brains operate as a complex network of interconnected neurons. To gain a deeper understanding of this network architecture, it is essential to extract simple rules from its intricate structure. This study aimed to compress and simplify the architecture, with a particular focus on interpreting patterns of functional connectivity in 2.5 hr of electrical activity from a vast number of neurons in acutely sliced mouse brains. Here, we combined two distinct methods together: automatic compression and network analysis. Firstly, for automatic compression, we trained an artificial neural network named NNE (neural network embedding). This allowed us to reduce the connectivity to features, be represented only by 13% of the original neuron count. Secondly, to decipher the topology, we concentrated on the variability among the compressed features and compared them with 15 distinct network metrics. Specifically, we introduced new metrics that had not previously existed, termed as indirect-adjacent degree and neighbor hub ratio. Our results conclusively demonstrated that these new metrics could better explain approximately 40%–45% of the features. This finding highlighted the critical role of NNE in facilitating the development of innovative metrics, because some of the features extracted by NNE were not captured by the currently existed network metrics.
Hasidism in the Urban Fabric: Is There a “Hasidic Architecture”?
Authors: Levin Vladimir
Published: November 2024

This article discusses the question of whether or not a specific Hasidic architecture emerged in Eastern and East-Central Europe from the late eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century. It deals with the architecture of the courts of Hasidic masters, paying special attention to kloyzn, residences, the new types of courts that emerged in big cities, and the symbolic usage of the images of court kloyzn as identification markers by contemporary Hasidic groups. The article also discusses the ohalim on the graves of the tzaddikim and regular Hasidic synagogues. The main conclusion is that Hasidim did not develop a specific architectural language that defined their places of worship: the Hasidic nature of a synagogue was a function of the worshippers’ behavior, not its architectural features, spatial configuration, or urban location.
Training the Philosopher King: Ancient Models of Political Action in Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault
Authors: Tilleczek William
Published: November 2024

This article offers a comparative study of Hannah Arendt’s and Michel Foucault’s “returns” to classical antiquity. I focus on their overlapping readings of Socrates as a “civilization trainer” and their divergent readings of Plato – who is for Foucault a trainer of kings and for Arendt a utopian engineer – to argue that both Arendt and Foucault draw from Greek antiquity a substantively underdetermined but politically choice worthy form of action: a courageous and critical relation to the present moment in which one lives, consisting of the public and philosophical critique of what we are thinking and doing. Without falling into nostalgic narratives about lost golden ages, they nonetheless retrieve Socratic ethical exemplarity for a (post)modern political theory that has lost interest in the game of building perfect regimes. I conclude by exploring the differences and overlaps in Foucault’s and Arendt’s vision of what is needed to revitalize political action today.
Access to Evidence Orders in EU Procedural Law
Authors: Felicetti Angela M.
Published: November 2024

This article explores the complexities of liability disputes arising from ai-related damages and examines the procedural challenges they pose, along with some solutions that EU law aims to implement. Section i introduces the nature of these disputes and their growing relevance in an ai-driven society. Section ii explores the concept of vertical harmonization of procedural laws in Europe through the case of court-ordered disclosure, discussing the fragmented legal landscape, the current harmonized rules, and the potential unifying role of the eli/unidroit Model Rules. Section iii delves into upcoming EU procedural rules for ai-related litigation, focusing on access to evidence as proposed in two upcoming Directives. The final section offers conclusive remarks on the pursuit of truth in the context of litigation on damages caused by ai, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory approaches to address the unique challenges posed by advanced technologies.
Rule of Law Violations in the EU as a Challenge for Civil Procedure Law
Authors: Wilke Felix M.
Published: November 2024

Judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters in the EU is based on mutual trust. Rule of law violations, in particular restrictions of judicial independence and impartiality, in some Member States call into question this trust, thereby casting doubt on the functionality of judicial cooperation. Indeed, one must even wonder whether the courts of the respective Member States can still be considered as ‘courts’ for these purposes. This contribution addresses the nature of the current rule of law violations as well as their effects on international civil procedure. It draws on cjeu decisions on mutual trust in other areas of law. Due to the special features of civil procedure, the effects of rule of law violations in practice turn out to be smaller than in theory.
Yearly Assessment of Weather and Air Quality Impact on Respiratory Disease Hospitalizations: Faial Island (Azores) Study
Authors: Carvalho Fernanda , Meirelles Maria , Martins Daniela , Vasconcelos Helena
Published: November 2024

Building upon our previous research conducted at weekly and monthly intervals, this study investigates the yearly dynamics of weather conditions and air quality on respiratory diseases, specifically tailored to Faial Island in the Azores. Expanding our analysis to a yearly basis allows for a more comprehensive understanding of long-term trends and seasonal variations in hospital admissions. Drawing upon extensive daily data spanning from 2008 to 2019, sourced from the Statistics Service of Hospital da Horta, the Meteorological Observatory Príncipe Alberto de Mónaco, and the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Azores, we examined the differentiated relationships between yearly meteorological variables, such as temperature, dew point, and wind direction, and respiratory health outcomes. Additionally, we explored the persistent influence of air quality indicators, including suspended particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometers (µm) or less (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), across different seasons and years. By incorporating yearly data into our analysis, this study aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and respiratory disease hospitalizations, thereby informing targeted interventions and public health strategies in insular regions. The principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the yearly data reveals interesting correlation patterns between meteorological variables and hospitalizations for respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, and rhinitis. Hospital admissions were found to increase during periods of lower temperatures and smaller temperature amplitudes, suggesting that prolonged cold conditions may exacerbate symptoms of these diseases. Additionally, atmospheric pollutant concentrations, such as suspended particles PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3, significantly varied across seasons, with a notable influence on the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. In insular regions like the Azores, these findings highlight the importance of targeted public health strategies to mitigate the impact of environmental factors on respiratory health.
Adult-onset Still's Disease in a Health Center: A Report of 10 Cases
Authors: Ndour Jean , Diallo Bachir , Faye Fulgence , Kaneye Aicha , Derneville Melissa , Thiendrbéogo Eunice , Dioum Amy , Faye Atoumane , Berthé Adama , Touré Papa , Diop Madoky , Ka Mamadou
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare systemic inflammatory disease in Africa. Observations have been published in Senegal. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study to establish the epidemiological profile of patients presenting with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in a health center. The patients included met the diagnostic criteria of Fautrel and/or Yamaguchi. Results: During our study (2020-2024), we included 10 patients with a hospital incidence of 2 patients per year. The average age of the patients was 29.5 years ±11.9, ranging from 15 to 49 years. Females predominated with a sex ratio of 0.67. Clinical manifestations were polymorphic, dominated by fever (100%), inflammatory polyarthralgia (60%), tachycardia (80%), physical asthenia (70%), altered general condition (50%), and erythema (30%). The biological inflammatory syndrome was found in all patients. The glycosylated fraction of ferritin was depleted in all patients. We noted a good outcome after treatment with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day in all patients, methotrexate in six patients, and hydroxychloroquine in one patient. Conclusion: Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare condition, unknown to most practitioners. Its prognosis is severe, especially with visceral involvement.
Predictors of Reluctant Youth NEET in Chile: Evidence from the 2022 National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey
Authors: Olivares-Tirado Pedro , Zanga Rosendo
Published: November 2024

Background: Young individuals “not in employment, education, or training” (NEET) face a high risk of labour or social marginalization globally. Understanding the individual and family factors associated with reluctant” NEETs status could address the discouragement and marginalization among young people. Method: This study focused on inactive NEETs-not actively seeking work- particularly those who refuse work even when offered, called “reluctant” NEETs. From a gender perspective, the individual and household predictors of reluctant NEET among Chilean youth aged 20-29 from a national 2022 Chilean data were examined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify relevant individual and household predictors of reluctant NEET status, and the average marginal effects were used to compute predicted probabilities. Results: In the sample, 23.1% of Chilean youths aged 20-29 were NEETs, with a majority being women. Of them, 38.1% were reluctant NEETs, affecting notably women, and this rate decreased with age, particularly in men, and the gender gap widened further after 25. Individual factors like lower education, marital status, pregnancy, mental issues, disabilities and household factors such as unoccupied or inactive family members, single-parent homes, living with older persons and social transfers are significantly associated with reluctant NEET status in Chilean youth aged 20-29. Conclusions: This study highlights the need to monitor individual and social exclusion risk factors among NEET youth, particularly in countries where youth social exclusion may be associated with violence and criminality.
Attitude and Perception of Congolese and LGBT on Homosexuality and the Profession of Homosexuals: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Michael Kapitene , Lubaki Jean-Pierre , Mendel Ngwala , Nguala Philippe , Kiswaya Ernest
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Worldwide, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality. Only one country in Africa recognizes homosexuality. While 10 countries criminalize it, against only one that protects it. Exceptionally, the DRC does not have legislation against or for homosexuality. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of Congolese and sexual minorities on homosexuality. Methods: This study was cross-sectional and analytical, conducted from February the 1St, 2021 to March the 30th, 2022, in the homosexual, bisexual and transgender population of Kinshasa town. The selection was made in homosexual associations and the snowball method was used to constitute the sample. The statistical significance level is P<0.05. Results: Almost half of the respondents (44.3%) were met with rejection by those around them. The majority (57.8%) have been victims of homophobic harassment. For Congolese population, homosexuality was perceived as a spiritual possession (90.5%). Homosexuality was not perceived as a handicap to undertake a profession (76.0%), although respondents with employment commitment represented just 15.3%. Conclusion: The Congolese population has a bad perception of homosexuality, with an attitude of rejection and harassment towards LGBT people; in the other hand, homosexuals have a good perception of their homosexuality.
The Sacred Veranus niloticus in Orogun Community, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogorode Israel , Vincent-Akpu Ijeoma , Babatunde Bolaji
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the cultural significance of the Nile Monitor Lizard (Veranus niloticus) in Orogun community, Delta State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather data. The questionnaire were administered to 200 adults from the total population of the people in the community. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis to determine significant associations. The results show that the presence of the Nile Monitor Lizard in Orogun community is not significant (χ2 = 2.418, p > 0.05) based on questionnaire responses. However, observations and KIIs confirmed the species' presence and cultural importance. The abundance of the Nile Monitor Lizard was significant (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with 60% of respondents affirming its presence. The species holds cultural significance (χ2 = 7.370, p < 0.05), with the community revering it as a deity. Interaction with the lizard is predominantly reverential (χ2 = 0.421, p > 0.05), with minimal disturbance. Conservation efforts are lacking (χ2 = 6.520, p < 0.05), with more respondents indicating a lack of support. Contrary to expectations, the Nile Monitor Lizard is not commonly used as a source of food and medicine (χ2 = 25.240, p < 0.001). The study highlights the importance of cultural conservation and traditional belief systems in protecting umbrella species like the Nile Monitor Lizard. The findings contribute to the understanding of human-reptile interactions and inform conservation strategies that respect cultural significance. Some of the recommendations made includes: Integrate cultural conservation into biodiversity protection efforts, promote education and awareness on the importance of conservation, support community-led conservation initiatives, investigate the impact of cultural beliefs on species conservation.
Gearing Present Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Agroecosystems in the Soconusco, Mexico Towards Sustainable and Good Agricultural Practices
Authors: Agreda Francisco , Centeno Dennis , Pohlan Hermann , Janssens Marc
Published: November 2024

Dialectic interactions between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG´s), the 2030 Agenda, planetary boundaries (PB) and good agricultural practices (GAP) in agroecosystems with oil palm have rarely been discussed. The main goal of this publication is analyzing reflections and realities about interactions between the 17 SDGs, the 2030 Agenda, nine PB and GAP in agroecosystems with oil palm. The methodological approach included the results of the different field practices during the First International Course of agroecological oil palm production in the Soconusco and consisted of a documentary analysis and focus group discussions. This offered possibilities to analyze qualitative and participative results of the traffic light system methodology (TLSM) and its key issues. The area of oil palm growing in the Soconusco and Istmo-Costa covers 4.37 % and was planted without burning of forestland. The SDG´s that are most strengthened with correct and timely management of the 13 key issues of TLSM, are: SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG3 (Good Health), SDG15 (Life on Earth), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG1 (Ending Poverty), being addressed in 100%, 69%, 69%, 54%, 54% and 31% of the key issues of the TLSM, respectively. Five PB reflect the realities in the Soconusco. For the biosphere integrity in the oil palm agroecosystems of the Soconusco, the oil palm stands out with growth recordings up to 10 m eco-height and 100000 m³/ha eco-volume, outperforming the annual oil crops sunflower, rapeseed and soybean. Similarly, oil palm dominates the three annual crops for their respective Eco-capacity, decreasing from 41.54 for oil palm down to 0.3 for soybean. The biochemical flow in the oil palm agroecosystems of the Soconusco reveals that the extraction of N from the soil to produce one ton of palm oil is 47 kg, which is 110.6%, 104.3% and 570% lower than that extracted to produce one ton oil of rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, respectively. Additionally, one ton of palm oil extracts 8 kg of P from the soil, which is lesser than that extracted to produce one ton oil from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean. In all intercropping agroecosystems simulations in the Soconusco based on oil palm the most representative indicators of the combined intercrop assortment, are eco-capacity and/or recycling indices as e.g. the K-Olson index of total yearly litter fall. Eco-volume remains a major yardstick for monitoring the partial fulfillment of the five most relevant PB.
Isolation and Characterization of Striga hermonthica Seed-Bank Depleting Bacteria from Striga Infested Sorghum Growing Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Yilma Getachew , Bekele Mamo , Assefa Fasil , Tessema Taye
Published: November 2024

Striga hermonthica is a very serios parasitic weed of (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). It attack host plants by living as hemi-parasite and attaching small sucker root system to host plant. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bacterial isolate obtained from soil samples collected from Striga infested sorghum growing fields in Amhara, Tigray and Oromia Regions to inhibit (deplete) the Striga seed bank. Surface sterilized and conditioned Striga seeds were buried in the soil by using teabag to determine germinated, viable and decayed seeds at different times after burial. A total of 44 isolates were isolated from germinated and decayed striga seeds and tested for their effect on germination and seed decay of Striga seeds. Six isolates (GS29, GS32, GS34, GS39, GS42 and GS45) were stimulated 10.33, 9.0, 9.67, 8.33, 5.33 and 8.33 Striga seeds germination from the total of 35 seeds respectively in the absence of host plant synthetic stimulant. On the other hand four isolates (SD3, SD9, SD36 and SD46) significantly decayed Striga seeds at P<0.05 (21, 20, 21.33 and 21 seeds respectively) in order to reduce Striga attack. Selected isolates were characterized by using biochemical tests, and three isolates were classified under the genus Pseudomonas while the other three isolates were grouped under the genus Klebsiella. The four isolates that showed seed decay were classified under the genus Bacillus morphologically.
Parameters Estimation and Curves Analysis for Faults Evaluation of a Degraded Photovoltaic Module
Authors: Ayang Albert , Goron Deli , Mbakop Fabrice , Mbakop Yaouba
Published: November 2024

In the present work, a fault evaluation method for photovoltaic arrays based on fault parameters identification and curves analysis is proposed for diagnosing the state of photovoltaic generators. An overview of the components, the modelling of the photovoltaic generator and the meaning of the parameters is established for relating parameters to photovoltaic components and environmental conditions. The analysis and investigation of the relationship between the maximum power points and the parameters variations are performed. Investigation on how degradations and failure on photovoltaic systems can affect parameters, is established. In this context, the methodology for diagnosing and monitoring defects based on photovoltaic estimated parameters is developed; the optimization technique maximum likelihood, is used for extracting health and faults parameters from the measured curves of the photovoltaic array. From residual vectors, the parameters which vary more are the series resistance, the shunt resistor, and the current of photon. The maximum power also changes and decreases from its reference value. The validation results prove deviations on parameters, which means that there are degradations and failures on the ARCO Solar M75 array after 20 years of outdoors operation. So, at the end of this analysis, it is recommended to act on the PV system through junction box, cell edges, wiring, busbars, and connectors.
Fitting COVID-19 Incidences in Kenya Using Fractional Polynomials and Linear Splines
Authors: Njoroge Damaris , Mwalili Samuel , Wanjoya Anthony
Published: November 2024

The study provides an in-depth analysis of COVID-19 infections in Kenya, aiming to model the non-linear trajectory of daily cases. The research explores two statistical techniques: fractional polynomials and linear splines, to fit the growth of infection rates over time. COVID-19, which first appeared in Kenya in March 2020, exhibited fluctuating trends in daily infections. The study utilizes infection data collected from March 13, 2020, to June 6, 2021. Descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis revealed significant variability in daily cases, with the infection trajectory characterized by multiple waves. Fractional polynomial models, known for their flexibility in fitting non-linear relationships, were evaluated at varying degrees to identify the best model for COVID-19 incidence trends. The analysis showed that a second-degree fractional polynomial with powers (1, 2) provided the most accurate fit for the data. The closed test algorithm was applied to confirm the model's suitability. Additionally, linear spline models were employed, partitioning the data into segments and fitting linear splines at each knot point. The model with 19 knots demonstrated superior performance based on Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), outperforming the fractional polynomial model. The comparison of the two methods concluded that linear splines provided a more precise fit for the infection data, capturing the complex nature of COVID-19's spread in Kenya. The study's findings offer critical insights into the infection dynamics and can aid policymakers in resource allocation and mitigation planning during pandemics. The study recommends further analysis by incorporating more covariates and extending the models to other countries for a comparative understanding of pandemic management strategies.
Transforming Higher Education in Sierra Leone – A Path to Sustainable Development
Authors: Jalloh Chernor
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone, guided by Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and Sustainable Development Theory (SDT). The study investigates challenges within the higher education system, such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and limited research capacity, and presents a comprehensive framework for transformation. These obstacles hinder the effectiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in contributing to national development. The paper highlights innovative teaching methods, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and experiential education, as strategies to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities among students. By aligning academic programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, HEIs can play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic progress. Drawing on successful models from universities such as Aalborg, the University of Malaya, and the University of Cape Town, the study demonstrates how interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships can drive innovation and development. The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts from academia, industry, government, and international partners to transform Sierra Leone’s higher education system into a driver of sustainable development. The paper concludes that, while challenges persist, the integration of transformative learning and sustainable development principles can enable HEIs to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address the country’s most pressing socio-economic and environmental issues.
Ticketmaster's Monopoly Undermines Fair Competition in Live Entertainment Ticketing
Authors: Arun Archita
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the monopolistic control exerted by Ticketmaster, a subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment, within the U.S. live entertainment ticketing industry, where it holds approximately 70-80% of the primary ticketing market and 50-60% of the secondary market as of 2022. Ticketmaster’s 2010 merger with Live Nation significantly bolstered its dominance, creating a vertically integrated entity that controls artist promotion, venue management, and ticket sales, thereby limiting market competition and consumer choice. Through exclusive contracts with major venues, bundled services, and dynamic pricing practices, Ticketmaster effectively stifles alternative ticketing providers and limits consumers’ ability to choose, often resulting in inflated prices and restricted access to popular events. Utilizing a multi-faceted approach that includes market share analysis, antitrust case reviews, consumer testimony, and comparative analyses with countries such as the UK, this paper underscores the challenges posed by Ticketmaster’s market concentration. Quantitative analysis, including the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), shows post-merger concentration levels that far exceed thresholds for competitive markets, emphasizing the lack of feasible alternatives for consumers. The Taylor Swift "Eras Tour" ticketing controversy is a case in point, illustrating the consumer impact of Ticketmaster's monopoly through reported price inflation, limited availability, and repeated service failures. The paper concludes by proposing regulatory reforms to break up the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger, cap dynamic pricing practices, and mandate transparent fee disclosures, aiming to curb anti-competitive practices and enhance consumer protections within the ticketing industry, fostering a fairer and more accessible live entertainment ecosystem.
Road to Malawi Defence Force International Peacekeeping and Other Expeditionary Deployments: Multiple Players with Multiple Interests
Authors: Chazema Thokozani , Chaika John
Published: November 2024

Misconceptions about the powers and procedures to deploy the military have lingered in the public domain owing to the secretive nature of military operations albeit in many countries such procedures and powers are enshrined in the Constitution; a public document of the basic principles and laws of a nation or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and that guarantee certain rights to the people in it. Such misconceptions have not left out Malawi in her deployment of the Malawi Defence Forces. This paper seeks to explain the sources of power for the Malawi Defence Force deployments for international peacekeeping operations. The paper endeavours to enlighten many who posit that the Malawi Defence Force deployments do not go through democratic processes. Doctrinal analysis research methodology was employed to deep dive into documents such as the Constitution, the United Nations, the African Union, Southern Africa Development Community Charters and the Malawi Defence Force Act. The three-level analyses at macro, meso and macro domains and stakeholder holders’ analysis were considered. The three-level and stakeholder analyses were reinforced by the type of government that informs procedures and powers of the government in handling national instruments of power. The findings revealed that the powers to deploy the Malawi Defence Force for peacekeeping operations are drawn from the international and national instruments with the executive branch playing a crucial role in such deployments. The study recommends the operationalization of the National Security Policy and a review of the current deployment process flow to chart a hybrid process fusing the presidential and parliamentary processes as well as blending the objective and subjective civilian control of the defence forces.
Managing Security Risks of Public Cloud Computing
Authors: Ogundapo Ayokunmi , Ezeaputa Vitus
Published: November 2024

The economic benefits and scalability of public cloud computing are already undeniable due to recent advancements in the field; the only question that remains is cloud security. Despite the enormous benefits of moving their computing workload to the cloud, many organizations continue to show resistance to this change. Cloud security concerns are the most frequently mentioned cause. Organizations are concerned by a larger attack surface created by the worldwide accessibility of services in the cloud. The security and risk control set that enterprises can apply in the cloud is also often limited and impacted by the interoperability and support provided by the chosen Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), and organizations are often not allowed to extend their trusted security solutions they are already familiar with to the cloud. Yet, both traditional computing and cloud computing include security risks, and cloud risk is just as controllable as traditional IT risk. Secondary data obtained from Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) database on cloud incidents from year 2020 to 2022 were analyzed in this study. To determine the primary underlying causes of cybersecurity events observed across the years covered by the available data, the study used trend analysis and descriptive statistics. The analysis shows that cloud incidents are not different from traditional incident and organizations can leverage existing capabilities already developed in traditional computing towards managing the cloud risk. Also, organizations need to take be proactive in their responsibility and take ownership of the risks. As the study shows, the majority of cloud incidents are caused by knowledge gaps and the cloud customer's inability to exercise due diligence and care in ensuring effective controls are put in place to stop prevalent attacks. Effective cloud training and adherence to the established cloud control matrix, like the CSA, would successfully lower risk to a reasonable level.
The Linguistic Interpretation of the Meaning of "Wife" and Its Significance of National Culture
Authors: Jiugen Xiao , Wenjin Li
Published: November 2024

The meaning of words is a reflection of social life and national culture, and the development and changes in social life and national culture will lead to changes in word meanings. The evolution of the meaning of "wife" illustrates this point. In today's society, with the improvement of women's status the old habit of "male superiority and female inferiority" in the family has been changed. "Wives" not only have more saying but even have absolute-making power. A new pattern of "female high and male low" is forming. Based on this, we comprehensively and deeply review the development and changes in meaning of "wife" using methods such as diachronic investigation, aiming to reveal its hidden social and cultural significance. This is greatly beneficial to both understanding word and practical teaching. It can be said that the transformation of word meanings is closely related to social life and national culture. Without the carrier of language symbols, social culture cannot be sustained; similarly, without the content of social culture, language symbols would cease to exist.
Personalist Regime and Rebel Sponsorship in Civil Conflicts
Authors: Cao Ruixing
Published: November 2024

Under what conditions do sponsors directly intervene in the target state’s civil conflicts? While previous research on state sponsorship for the rebels tends to focus on how ties between the two can influence their interactions, this article argues that the sponsor is more willing to provide combat support when the target state is under the rule of a personalist regime. Due to a lack of internal constraints, personalist leaders are more likely to pursue aggressive foreign policies. The high degree of policy flexibility also makes personalist regimes unreliable partners for negotiation. To avoid future instability, rival states are more likely to use civil conflicts as opportunities to weaken the personalist regime. Military ineffectiveness under personalist regimes also lowers the cost of combat support and potentially allows sponsors to reap more material benefits from the civil conflict. Utilizing comprehensive data on personalism and rebel sponsorship, I find support for this argument.
Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Nomological Network of Teaching Presence in Online Foreign Language Education
Authors: Li Nuoen , Lau Kit-Ling
Published: November 2024

Though online learning has gained popularity in foreign language (FL) education, there is a lack of measurement tools with robust psychometric properties to comprehensively assess the quality of online FL instruction. This study explored the factor structure and measurement invariance of teaching presence in the framework of Community of Inquiry (CoI), a critical construct to understand instructors’ responsibilities in precipitating and facilitating successful online learning. Data was collected from 564 college-level online learners of Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL). Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure of teaching presence, including design and organization, facilitating discourse, direct instruction, assessment and feedback, and technological support. Further evidence was also found to support the internal consistency and convergent validity of the derived factor structure of teaching presence. The nomological validity of the developed scale was established with the positive relationships between each subcomponent of teaching presence and online interaction (learner-instructor interaction, learner-learner interaction, learner-content interaction, and learner-technology interaction). Multi-group CFA indicated strict measurement invariance of the 27-item teaching presence scale across gender, age, and prior online experience. The findings extended the theoretical strengths of the teaching presence construct into FL education and highlighted its important role in fostering interactive online FL learning environments. Furthermore, the developed teaching presence scale can serve as an effective tool for future teacher educators and practitioners to evaluate instructional quality from the learners’ perspective, thereby ensuring meaningful online FL learning experiences.
Korean-as-a-Foreign-Language Learners’ Engagement with Machine Translation Output
Authors: Ryu Jieun , Lee Kathy , Yang Sunyoung
Published: November 2024

Researchers and practitioners in foreign language learning continue investigating evolving technologies like machine translators and other artificial intelligence-assisted programs in classrooms. However, less attention has been given to less commonly taught languages, which often lack relevant resources compared to widely taught foreign languages such as English, despite machine translators’ potential in facilitating foreign language writing. This exploratory case study aims to address this gap by examining how US university students learning a less commonly taught language, Korean, use machine translators to revise their writing. Students were trained in a modified version of the Guided Use of Machine Translation model, which requires active engagement from students in selecting, comparing, revising, and justifying their writing choices. By analyzing their cognitive and behavioral engagement, the study sheds light on students’ approaches to incorporating machine translators’ output as feedback into their writing process. The findings suggest that students primarily focus on differences in word choice between their original writing and machine translators’ output over other areas such as particle usage. Students generally demonstrated the ability to accurately identify and correct their errors. Various revision strategies were implemented but adopting exact machine translators’ output was more commonly used, while students also exercised autonomy in their language choices.
A Phenomenological Variant Ecological Systems Theory Approach for Exploring Racial Stress, and Campus Engagement Among Black Male College Students
Authors: Ellis James M. , Dromgold-Sermen Michelle , Atkins Kaitlyn , Greer Carl D. , Demetriou Cynthia , Panter A.T.
Published: November 2024

Studies show that a nexus exists between racialized campus experiences, racial-ethnic identity, and engagement in campus activities for Black college men and shapes their perceptions about an institution's commitment to support the communities they represent. Yet, there is limited knowledge about how this nexus may unfold ecologically for this student population during their undergraduate experience. Using the Phenomenological Variant Ecological System Theory, this qualitative study describes how 31 Black college males leveraged their identities to manage self and societal appraisals, cope with stress experienced in university programs, and navigate feelings of marginalization and sense of belonging during their undergraduate experience.
Grandparenting: Impact on Physical Activity, Dietary Habits, and Quality of Life
Authors: Notara Venetia , Kelekian Georgia , Kokkou Stamatia , Soultatou Pelagia , Laggas Dimitrios , Barbouni Anastasia , Lagiou Areti , Sakellari Evanthia
Published: November 2024

Background: Informal childcare supply may have a double-edged effect on grandparents’ health and quality of life, as different aspects of it may exceed or subceed the capacity of the older persons, in various ways. This study aimed to assess the effect of grandparenting on physical activity, nutrition, and quality of life of older people. Methods: The study involved 152 grandparents ≥65 years old (69.2 ± 4.5 years). Data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire consisting of four sections: (a) sociodemographic profile, (b) physical activity assessment (IPAQ), (c) compliance with the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet score), and (d) quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Significant correlations were found concerning the care of grandchildren with physical activity, eating habits, and quality of life of older adults. The most notable results of regression analysis, regarding grandparenting effect, were the number of grandchildren being taken care of, which had a statistically significant negative effect on dietary habits, physical activity and quality of life, and being the only caregivers, which was positively associated with dietary habits, but negatively with the two other outcomes (all p < .01). Conclusion: The results showed that different aspects of informal childcare had statistically significant effects on dietary habits, physical activity, and overall quality of life in older people.
How Do Those Who Have Served Deserve to Be Treated? Military Veterans in the U.K. Social Security System
Authors: Martin Philip , Scullion Lisa , Young David , Pardoe Joe , Hynes Celia , Jones Katy
Published: November 2024

Military service has often been a basis for civilian welfare entitlements. If mass wartime service justified collective provision, it is now suggested professional militaries have been co-opted to support reformed welfare models in which entitlement is increasingly conditional on individuals’ commitment, discipline, and responsibility. “Forces Covenants” which explicitly connect the dedication and contribution of service to state assistance, symbolically re-enforce this shift. The U.K. state operates a highly conditional civilian social security system, and an active Armed Forces Covenant agenda. This article assesses the extent to which U.K. veterans who also claimed social security benefits support or reject the principles of conditionality. It contends military service continues to inform values they believe civilian services should follow. Although some align with conditional ideas of entitlement, others are at odds. This analysis adds to the understandings of contemporary welfare and the role of military identities after service.
Clinical Analysis of Transoral Approach Surgery for Removal of Migrating Pharyngeal Foreign Bodies
Authors: Wu Peng , Ye Fan , Ru Yiyu , Chen Xiaojing , Chen Jianfu , Li He
Published: November 2024

Objective: To present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the migrating pharyngeal foreign bodies. Methods: Seven patients with migrating pharyngeal foreign bodies were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were collected: symptoms, time of onset, examination methods, buried sites of foreign bodies, methods of removal, and clinical outcomes. Results: All the 7 patients were diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound and then underwent foreign body removal through the transoral approach surgery under laryngoscope. The transoral removal of foreign bodies failed in 2 cases, in which the foreign bodies were removed via the transcervical approach subsequently. No complications were observed during the follow-up of 1 month. Conclusions: Migrating pharyngeal foreign bodies can be found and located by CT scan or ultrasound preoperatively. It is feasible and minimally invasive to remove migrating pharyngeal foreign bodies with radiofrequency coblation or CO2 laser through transoral approach surgery under laryngoscope.
Pull-Out Suture in the Correction of Alar Rim Deformities
Authors: Oguz Oguzhan , Yagci Tarik , Ozturk Zeynel
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the treatment methods used for alar rim problems during the last 5 years and the efficacy of pull-out sutures on the outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with alar contour grafting and pull-out suture procedures between 2018 and 2023. Patient records and images, such as retraction or collapse, were evaluated before surgery. The average duration of follow-up after surgery was 26 months, but it may be as long as 5 years. Results: The study enrolled 148 patients, 120 females and 28 males, between the ages of 20 and 44. The distance measured between the alar rim and the long axis of the nostril varied between 3 and 5 mm, with an average value of 3.5 mm. Postoperatively, the exact measurement was performed. However, subjective and objective observational evaluation was preferred for comparison instead of calculating the difference in millimeter due to the minimal change in dimension but significant effects on the outcome. According to patient survey responses, 83.8% of patients (124/148) were satisfied, and 9.5% (14/148) had a moderate response, but 10 cases (6.7%) were not happy with the result. The observational evaluation of the surgeon was very close to the patient’s subjective evaluation. We did not have any complications or infections. Conclusion: Postoperative alar retraction may occur due to over-resection of the inner mucosa of the nose or the lower lateral cartilages. Cartilage and mucosal grafts are helpful tools to correct this deformity. Pulling the alar rim’s caudal end with a suture prevents the alar mucosa’s shrinkage and the alar rim from retracting. The same suture can also help correct retracted alas.
“What’s Manzanar?”: Excavating Stories of Racism, of the Erased, and of Family
Authors: Kim Esther June
Published: November 2024

Background/Research Design:

This ethnographic study explores how secondary students engaged with the history of Japanese American incarceration while participating in an archaeological dig at one of the prison camps used by the U.S. government during World War II, the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California.

Purpose/Research Question:

Using two tenets from Asian(Crit), (re)constructive history, and story, theory, and praxis as a theoretical frame, this study explores the question: How does participation in an archeological dig at Manzanar prison camp reveal and shape how students perceive the history of Japanese American incarceration?

Conclusions:

Four findings emerged from this study. First, students’ dominant understanding justified incarceration as a wartime necessity. Second, students were exposed to narratives at Manzanar that emphasized racism, countering classroom curriculum. The third finding explores how the family history of one Japanese American student informed her conceptualization of the U.S. history curriculum as purposefully whitewashed. Finally, once they had returned to school, students of color doubted whether their work at Manzanar or their sharing of counterstories would impact their white classmates.
Cohabitation and presidential powers: A global examination of dual executives 1850–2022
Authors: Anckar Carsten , Sedelius Thomas
Published: November 2024

The French term ‘cohabitation’ is commonly used to describe situations in semi-presidential systems where the prime minister and the president represent different political parties. The present contribution sets out to test to what extent cohabitation affects the powers of the president both in dual executives with popularly elected presidents and in systems with indirectly elected presidents. The purpose is also to assess to what extent the relationship between cohabitation and presidential powers is affected by whether cohabitation is broadly or narrowly defined. Empirically, the study is extensive in time and space. The research population consists of all democratic republics with a separate president and prime minister during the time period 1850–2022. The results show that presidential powers are reduced in times of cohabitation, but this relationship is detected primarily in semi-presidential systems with popularly elected presidents and when cohabitation is broadly defined.