bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning spatial obsolescence: residential segregation and the racist theory of (anti-)value
Authors: Markley Scott
Published: June 2024

An outpouring of critical sub/urban scholarship in recent years has explored the historical and ongoing linkages between race, real estate, and space in the United States. Much of this literature has positioned residential segregation as crucial for structuring the geographies of capital accumulation, highlighting how segregation delimits places for extraction and dispossession. In this essay, I build from the foundations this literature lays by bringing together Charles Abrams’ concept of “the racist theory of value” (RTV) and David Harvey’s notion of “anti-value” to illuminate the centrality of racialized devaluation in the accumulation process in the US. Specifically, I contend that the RTV, in its role in entrenching residential segregation and collapsing race and value together in space, has helped to demarcate and contain the devaluation that capitalism requires in Black residential spaces. As a key innovation for real estate capital to manage the geographies of (anti-)value, the RTV ensures that the economic losses generated in the accumulation process are felt most acutely in Black communities. In this way, the RTV constitutes a form of planned spatial obsolescence wherein the restricted movement of Black people is converted into the controlled movement of devaluation.
Open-World Foreign Object Debris Detection Framework Empowered by Generative Adversarial Network and Computer Vision Models
Authors: Noroozi Mohammad , Shah Ankit
Published: June 2024

Foreign object debris (FOD) detection is a critical task performed by airport inspection personnel to mitigate the risks posed by foreign objects on the airfield. With advancements in computing technology and hardware miniaturization, mobile camera-based systems comprising computer vision (CV) models and unmanned aerial systems have emerged as effective solutions for quickly detecting FOD items. To ensure accurate FOD detection, deep learning-based CV models require large amounts of training data that include diverse foreign objects. These models need to handle both in-distribution (ID) and out-of-distribution (OOD) samples because of the dynamic nature of the airport environment. Variations in airport surface materials, foreign object sizes, coloration, and brightness levels further complicate FOD detection. Existing approaches have certain limitations, including the closed-world assumption in CV models, manual data generation and annotation resulting in a limited amount of training data, and a lack of comprehensive evaluations meeting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. To overcome these limitations, we present a novel mobile camera-based FOD detection framework. The framework integrates an open-world model that utilizes a state-of-the-art YOLOv7 object detector, effectively handling both ID and OOD samples. Extensive and diverse training data are generated through a three-phase data augmentation pipeline powered by a deep convolutional generative adversarial network model. This pipeline generates synthetic data with different imagery characteristics, representing both ID and OOD samples. Evaluations conducted according to FAA standards validate the proposed methodology, achieving an average precision rate exceeding 97% and an inference rate of 22 ms.
Learning the Appropriate Local Averaging Length for Traffic Speed Deflectometer Deflection Velocity Measurements: Application to the Analysis of Rigid Pavement Joint Responses
Authors: Katicha Samer W. , Scavone Martín , Amarh Eugene , Flintsch Gerardo W.
Published: June 2024

The dilemma of selecting an appropriate averaging length for traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) measurements has not yet been satisfactorily resolved. Average too much, and important structural features are lost. Average too little, and the data are plagued with noise that can be confused with structural features. In addition to the challenge of selecting an appropriate averaging length, structural feature variations can occur at different length scales. On relatively uniform sections, these occur at scales that are in the tens, hundreds, or even thousands of meters; around the joints of a jointed concrete pavement, variations occur at the centimeter scale. In this paper, we present a method that adaptively averages 5-cm resolution TSD deflection velocity measurements and efficiently removes the noise in the measurements while preserving the structural features of interest. The approach is based on classifying changes in the measured pavement response as either changes in the structural response or changes caused by measurement noise. The classifying threshold is determined by minimizing the (weighted) classification error. We present a simulated example to illustrate the proposed approach and then use it to analyze TSD data collected at the MnRoad low volume road testing facility. The results show that the proposed approach preserves interesting structural response features at the joints of a jointed concrete pavement while at the same time smoothing the measurements and removing the noise at locations where the structural response is relatively uniform. The results are validated using a mechanistic model of a beam on a Pasternak foundation.
Bi-Objective Combinatorial Optimization Model for Emission Reduction Projects at Container Terminals Considering Investment Amount and Reduction Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Ruijia , Song Yunting , Zhao Zhenyu , Fu Qiang , Zhao Ruihao
Published: June 2024

Ports play a significant role in socio-economic development. However, the substantial carbon emissions generated during their operation processes pose serious health and environmental risks. Port operations involve a wide array of expensive equipment. With the current technological methods, it is possible to transform higher carbon-emitting equipment into lower carbon-emitting equipment through the implementation of emission reduction projects, thereby effectively reducing the carbon emissions of ports. This paper explores the combinatorial optimization methods in the implementation process of various emission reduction projects at container terminals from the perspective of port managers. Firstly, this paper refines the calculation method of estimating carbon emission reduction efficiency by implementing various emission reduction projects throughout the entire process from ship arrival to the completion of handling operations. Secondly, considering practical factors such as the required investment, emission reduction efficiency, and the impacts on port productivity associated with implementing varied emission reduction projects, a bi-objective combinatorial optimization model for emission reduction projects is formulated, with the objectives of minimizing both carbon emissions and the investment amount. An augmented ε-constraint method is introduced to obtain the Pareto solutions, which representing a series of implementation plans for emission reduction projects under different investment levels. Finally, the concept of the “emission reduction rate” is proposed to identify the optimal scheme from the Pareto solutions. The impacts of government carbon emission requirements, status of implemented emission reduction projects, container throughput, and differences in vehicle types on optimization results are explored, leading to several managerial insights. The optimization method can provide a theoretical basis for port managers to devise investment plans for emission reduction projects.
Learning From a Laureate: Dr. Vernon L. Smith
Authors: Winn Abel
Published: June 2024

In this article, Abel Winn reflects on his experiences as a student and colleague of Nobel laureate Vernon L. Smith.
Smoking Social Norms Among Spanish-Speaking Mexican-Origin Persons Who Smoke
Authors: Castro Yessenia , Guerra Zully C. , Hinds Josephine T. , Velasquez Jose E. , Londoño Tatiana , Moore John R. , Heydarian Nazanin M. , Perrotte Jessica K.
Published: June 2024

In the United States, smoking rates increase with greater acculturation among Mexican-origin women, but not among men. Conversely, greater acculturation is associated with higher likelihood of quitting among Mexican-origin men who smoke, but not among women who smoke. Long-standing speculation is that adoption of smoking social norms in the U.S. that are less restrictive for women and more restrictive for men compared to smoking social norms in Mexico may account for these patterns. However, it is unknown whether persons who smoke actually perceive such differential norms. The current study characterized smoking social norms in the U.S. and Mexico among Spanish-speaking Mexican-origin persons who smoke. Two hundred and ninety Mexican-origin persons who smoke were surveyed on descriptive and injunctive norms for men and women in the U.S. and Mexico. Estimated means for smoking social norms in the U.S. and Mexico were compared separately among men and women. Among men, mean descriptive and injunctive norms in Mexico were significantly higher than those for the U.S. Among women, neither mean descriptive nor injunctive norms were significantly different between the U.S. and Mexico. Mexican-origin women who smoke perceive smoking among women as equally common and similarly unacceptable in the U.S. and Mexico. Findings do not support speculation that differential social norms may explain the acculturation-smoking relationship among Mexican-origin women. Mexican-origin men who smoke perceive smoking among men both less common and less acceptable in the U.S. compared to Mexico. Social norms should be investigated as a mechanism of the acculturation-cessation relationship among Mexican-origin men. Understanding direct and indirect influences of social norms on cessation among Mexican-origin men stands to inform tailoring of interventions.
Holistic Physical Assessment: A New Framework for Nursing Practice Honoring the Whole Person
Authors: Indridadottir Olof , Nisco-Madden Julie
Published: June 2024

Scholars have argued that standard physical assessment is based on a medical framework instead of nursing theories and philosophy. We argue that standard physical assessment is task-oriented, lacking emphasis on the whole-person and neglecting a least-to-most invasive assessment process. While holistic health assessment is person-centered and multidimensional; addressing aspects such as physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, there is not a comprehensive explanation on how to holistically perform the physical examination portion of a holistic health assessment. Proposed is a new framework for holistic physical assessment in the hospital environment, honoring the whole-person, their background, and lived experiences. The framework builds on the holistic nursing philosophy, integrative nursing principles, and trauma-informed approach, and systematically arranges physical assessment from least invasive to most. The seven sequential assessment steps incorporate self-care and awareness into the preparation and closure of the assessment—(1) the self, (2) the space, (3) least invasive, (4) moderate invasive, (5) most invasive, (6) the space, and (7) the self. This framework can have significant implications for nursing practice and education settings, providing valuable guidance for a holistic physical assessment that emphasizes whole-person care.
Maintaining health service during COVID-19: A study on regional health services
Authors: Giorgio Luca , Morandi Federica , Cicchetti Americo
Published: June 2024

The pandemic has inevitably led to disruptions in the provision of health services for all those patients not affected by COVID-19. At the same time, we have observed differences among health services in their ability to maintain their activities in the face of shocks: while some health services were largely able to ensure core functions, other suffered delays in prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation. In this paper, we explore the effect of regional health policies in terms of governance, workforce, and health service delivery on the ability to maintain oncological services during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the resilience of the system. The study is based on secondary data collected on the 21 Italian regional health services during the first wave of the pandemic. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of providing health services with specific characteristics pertaining to governance, workforce, and health service delivery to support the resilience of regional health policies during a crisis or shock.
Carbody hunting behaviour of high speed vehicles in low effective conicity of wheel-rail contact
Authors: Zheng Biao , Wei Lai , Zeng Jing , Huang Caihong
Published: June 2024

In the past, bogie hunting instability garnered more attention due to its potential for causing serious safety issues. However, with the rise in high-speed vehicle speeds and operational mileage, the concerns arising from carbody hunting can no longer be overlooked. This article investigates the causes and solutions for low-frequency carbody swaying under low effective conicity in wheel-rail contact, employing a combination of experimental and numerical techniques. Initially, the study involves an in-depth analysis of time-domain signals from lateral and vertical accelerations of the carbody and bogie frame during a high-speed train field-test. The carbody vibration mode resulting from carbody hunting displays a swaying motion at a frequency of 1.5 Hz. Subsequently, a dynamic system model of the high-speed vehicle was established and the suspension mode of the model were verified. The frequency of the carbody upper sway motion is determined to be 1.39 Hz. Low effective conicity is induced when grinding wheel match with new rail or new wheel match with grinding rail. Under this low effective conicity, the hunting frequency of the vehicle is around 1.5 Hz, close to the frequency of the carbody upper sway motion. The coincidence of the hunting frequency and the upper sway motion frequency leads to the low-frequency swaying of the carbody. At last, the effects of wheel profiles, rail profiles and suspension parameters on the carbody hunting have been studied. The study demonstrates that addressing low-frequency carbody swaying can be achieved through targeted rail grinding. This process involves modifying the rail profile while ensuring careful grinding of the rail inner corner. Furthermore, it has been confirmed in the article that replacing suitable yaw dampers is also effective.
SOC estimation of lithium battery based on online parameter identification and an improved particle filter algorithm
Authors: Wu Zhongqiang , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes an SOC estimation method for lithium battery, which combines the online parameter identification and an improved particle filter algorithm. Targeted at the particle degradation issue in particle filtering, grey wolf optimization is introduced to optimize particle distribution. Its strong global optimization ability ensures particle diversity, effectively suppresses particle degradation, and improves the filtering accuracy. The recursive least square method with forgetting factor is also introduced to update the model parameters in a real-time manner, which further improves the estimation accuracy of SOC alternately with the improved particle filter algorithm. Experimental results validate the proposed method, with an average estimation error less than ±0.15%. Compared with conventional extended Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter algorithms, the proposed algorithm has higher estimation accuracy and stability for battery SOC estimation.
The self-excited thermoacoustic instability behavior of a premixed hedge combustor with an elbow-connection or T-shape supply system
Authors: Du Yongbo , Zhang Yuanhang , Zhang Jingkun , Che Defu
Published: June 2024

The self-excited thermoacoustic instability (SETAI) frequently occurs in combustion equipment, leading to intense mechanical vibration, big noise and flame instability. SETAI poses a substantial challenge to the advancement of combustion technology, chiefly due to its complex mechanism. Our previous research has demonstrated that altering the premixed chamber length upstream of furnace can impact the interaction between heat release and sound pressure oscillations, which potentially enables SETAI control. However, supply duct is generally not straight, and changing the premixed section is impractical and unsafe. This paper aims to investigate the influence of introducing elbows and adjusting the supply duct length preceding the premixing stage on SETAI behavior. The goal is to offer guidance for the safe and convenient control of SETAI. Finds reveal that incorporating an elbow in the premixed chamber or changing its position does not affect sound wave propagation along the duct’s center axis within a low frequency regime when maintaining a constant total equivalent length. In systems with both separate and premixed sections, the oscillation pattern is determined by the total time required for acoustic propagation throughout the entire supply system. Consequently, modifications to either of these lengths can impact SETAI.
Track to reach net-zero: Progress and pitfalls
Authors: Bandh Suhaib A , Malla Fayaz A , Hoang Tuan-Dung , Qayoom Irteza , Mohi-Ud-Din Haika , Bashir Shahnaz , Betts Richard , Le Thanh Tuan , Nguyen Le Duc Trong , Linh Le Nguyen Viet , Le Huu Cuong , Cao Dao Nam
Published: June 2024

Over recent years, many companies and countries have established net-zero emission objectives for 2050 or sooner. Frankly, there will be fraught with challenges and dangers to some extent to attain net-zero. Therefore, we scrutinized the importance of net-zero strategies and plans/roadmap to attain these net-zero goals in this review. We found that overcoming the diverse obstacles including settling on a formal definition of the concept, increasing global financing and infrastructure investments, and ensuring that advancements in green technology occur while keeping their costs low or subsidizing them is very imperative to quickly transition away from carbon-emitting fossil fuels. Other challenges could include getting the net-zero ball moving on difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, choosing the correct carbon offsets, not relying solely on renewable energy credits, and striking the right balance between climate-related policies at various levels. Based on the review analysis, we suggested some solutions to achieving net-zero by 2050, as well as long-run scenarios. In short, all components of sustainable development, socioeconomic sustainability, or the pursuit of broad developing opportunities must be matched with a net-zero emission-based economy, this ensures stability and harmony in the balance between national targets and international benefits.
Postpartum Excessive Social Support Scale: A Scale Development and Psychometric Testing Study
Authors: Türkmen Hülya , Tuna Oran Nazan , Gürol Serpil , Aydın İnce Kübra
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

In Turkey and other collectivist cultures, child-rearing is a communal effort provided by multiple family members, especially female relatives such as mothers-in-law, aunts, and sisters. Environments with excessively controlling social factors can adversely affect their maternal roles. This study was conducted to develop a measurement tool for determining postpartum excessive social support.

Methods:

This is a scale development and psychometric evaluation study. In the study, a draft of the Postpartum Excessive Social Support Scale (PESSS) was created, subsequently submitted to expert opinion, and administered to mothers in the postpartum period of 1 to 6 weeks online between March and December 2023 ( n = 440). A factor analysis (including explanatory factor analysis [EFA] and confirmatory factor analysis) was conducted to determine the construct validity of the scale, while Cronbach’s alpha was examined to establish its reliability. Response bias (Hotelling T2) and additivity (Tukey’s test of additivity) of the scale were also determined in the study.

Results:

For the content validity of the scale, 10 experts from the field of midwifery were consulted (content validity index [CVI] = 0.80). As a result of the EFA, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value was found as 0.916. Through factor analysis using the direct oblimin rotation technique, a four-factor structure was identified for the scale, explaining 64.197% of the total variance (social pressure, effect of environmental factors on paternal role, effect of environmental factors on maternal role, and barriers in mother–infant interaction). The internal reliability coefficient of the scale was highly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.936). There was no response bias in the scale (Hotelling’s T2 = 433.558, p < .001) and it was additive (Tukey’s Non-additivity = 0.000, p < .001).

Discussion:

The PESSS is a 20-item scale measuring excessive social support between 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. The PESSS serves as a guiding tool for health care professionals to identify excessive environmental pressure hindering mothers’ maternal role and to provide care accordingly. In this context, health care professionals can readily utilize the PESSS in routine postpartum assessments for mothers.
KRAS, NRAS and BRAF Mutational Profile of Colorectal Cancer in a Series of Moroccan Patients
Authors: El Zaitouni Sara , Laraqui Abdelilah , Ghaouti Meriem , Benzekri Asmae , Kettani Fouad , Bajjou Tahar , Sekhsokh Yassine , Benmokhtar Soukaina , Jafari Meryem , Baba Walid , Oukabli Mohamed , El Annaz Hicham , Abi Rachid , Tagajdid Mohamed Rida , El Kochri Safae , Lahlou Idriss Amine , Ameziane El Hassani Rabii , Ennibi Khalid
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the frequencies of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations and their possible associations with clinicopathological features in 249 Moroccan patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A retrospective investigation of a cohort of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of 249 patients with CRC was screened for KRAS/ NRAS/ BRAF mutations using Idylla™ technology and pyrosequencing.

Results

KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations were revealed in 46.6% (116/249), 5.6% (14/249), and 2.4% (6/249) of patients. KRAS exon 2 mutations were identified in 87.9% of patients (102/116). KRAS G12D and G12 C were the most frequent, at 32.8% and 12.93%, respectively. Among the patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type (wt), 27.6% (32/116) harbored additional KRAS mutations. Concurrent KRAS mutations were identified in 9.5% (11/116); including six in codon 146 (A146P/T/V), three in codon 61 (Q61H/L/R), one in codon 12 (G12 A and Q61H), and one in codon 13 (G13D and Q61 L). Among the NRAS exon 2 wt patients, 64.3% (9/14) harbored additional NRAS mutations. Concurrent NRAS mutations were identified in 28.6% (4/14) of NRAS-mutant patients. Since 3.2% wt KRAS were identified with NRAS mutations, concomitant KRAS and NRAS mutations were identified in 2.4% (6/249) of patients. KRAS mutations were higher in the >50-year-old age-group ( P = .031), and the tumor location was revealed to be significantly associated with KRAS mutations ( P = .028) predominantly in left colon (27.5%) and colon (42.2%) locations. NRAS mutations were most prevalent in the left colon (42.8%) and in well-differentiated tumors (64.2%).

Conclusion

Detection of KRAS mutations, particularly the G12 C subtype, may be significant for patients with CRC and has possible therapeutic implications. However, rare KRAS concomitant mutations in CRC patients suggest that each individual may present distinct therapeutic responses. KRAS testing alongside the identification of other affected genes in the same patient will make the treatments even more personalized by contributing more accurately to the clinical decision process. Overall, early diagnosis using novel molecular techniques may improve the management of CRC by providing the most efficient therapies for Moroccan patients.
Clacc: OpenACC for C/C++ in Clang
Authors: Denny Joel E , Lee Seyong , Valero-Lara Pedro , Gonzalez-Tallada Marc , Teranishi Keita , Vetter Jeffrey S
Published: June 2024

The Clacc project has developed OpenACC compiler, runtime, and profiling interface support for C/C++ by extending Clang and LLVM. A key Clacc design feature is that it translates OpenACC to OpenMP to leverage the OpenMP offloading support that is actively being developed for Clang and LLVM. A benefit of this design is support for two compilation modes: traditional compilation mode produces a binary, and source-to-source mode produces OpenMP source. Clacc has been deployed on Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Frontier, on which Clacc is the only OpenACC implementation for C/C++. Clacc supports x86_64, POWER9, AMD GPUs, and NVIDIA GPUs. Clacc’s OpenACC profiling interface support has been integrated with TAU, which is also deployed on Frontier. While Clacc has always supported C as a base language, Clacc also has increasing C++ support, including support for Kokkos’s OpenACC back end. Clacc itself is hosted publicly on GitHub. In this paper, we describe Clacc’s design and mapping from OpenACC directives to OpenMP. We also present a performance evaluation on ORNL’s Frontier (AMD MI250x GPU offload) and Argonne National Laboratory’s (ANL’s) Polaris (NVIDIA A100 GPU offload) for various SPEC ACCEL and Kokkos OpenACC back end benchmarks.
From lost to leading: How undocumented student resource centers are transforming student lives
Authors: Offidani-Bertrand Carly , Ellis Basia
Published: June 2024

In response to a growing awareness of undocumented students’ experiences and the challenges they face, many colleges in the United States are developing supports and resources for undocumented students, and a growing number are establishing Undocumented Student Resource Centers (USRCs)—i.e., supportive offices on campus dedicated to the success of these students (Cisneros & Valdivia, 2020). However, no studies to date have explored the psychosocial impacts of USRCs on the lives of undocumented students. In this paper, we examine the psychosocial impact of USRCs on undocumented students through qualitative interviews with USRC coordinators and students who accessed USRC services and programs in California. Our study utilizes the cycles of deportability framework to theorize undocumented students’ experiences as dynamic psychosocial processes, and to explore what happens to these cycles when students encounter the supportive culture of the USRC and begin to experience its practical and psychological supports. Our results demonstrate how Undocumented Student Resource Centers can transform the lives and trajectories of undocumented students not only by providing resources that help them overcome status-related barriers, but by equipping them with the creative agency, psychological strength, and social support needed to pursue their goals despite their status-related limitation.
Behind-the-scenes of the parliament: Influencer genres and political authenticity on Swedish politicians’ YouTube channels
Authors: Arnesson Johanna , Grandien Christina
Published: June 2024

Affordances and aesthetics of digital media platforms have given politicians new ways to connect with potential voters and actively manage their own self-image. Digital political communication is also often influenced by current trends in PR or commercial marketing; for example, the tools and tactics of social media influencers. Based on qualitative case studies of YouTube channels belonging to two Swedish party leaders, this article examines the adaptation of influencer practices in the politicians’ online presence, and what impact it has on the presentation of themselves and their politics. It analyses how different genres of beauty and lifestyle influencers are embraced and adapted to a political context, as well as the ways in which specific audio-visual elements are used to construct the mediated performance of political authenticity, giving viewers ‘behind-the-scenes’ access to the politicians’ personal as well as professional life. The analysis shows how the adaption of videos in confessional genres such as story time, Q&A, and vlog, which feature personal expressions of emotions and experiences, is illustrative of an increased personalisation of political communication, where the dimension if intimacy is emphasised.
Andrographolide suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by downregulating ACE2 expression: A mechanistic study
Authors: Li Qing , Lu Hongmei , Ruan Yongdui , Geng Yuxuan , Zhao Zuguo , Liu Ying , Feng Long , Guo Wentao
Published: June 2024

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade host cells. Previous studies have reported that reducing ACE2 expression may have an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect. In this study, we constructed a pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 vector with double luciferase genes (firefly and Renilla luciferase) under the control of the ACE2 promoter and used it to screen compounds from Chinese traditional medicinal herbs (CTMHs) that can inhibit ACE2 transcription in human cells. We transfected HEK293T cells with pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 and treated them with CTMH compounds and then measured fluorescence to evaluate the indirect inhibition of ACE2 transcription. Out of 37 compounds tested, andrographolide demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of ACE2 transcription. We further confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays that andrographolide also reduced ACE2 expression in BEAS-2B cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pseudovirus infection assays in BEAS-2B cells demonstrated that andrographolide can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that andrographolide has potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and could be a candidate drug for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Linguistic discreteness and its variable expressions in multilingualism
Authors: Bhatt Rakesh M. , Bolonyai Agnes
Published: June 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

The aim of this research is to critically examine the concept of linguistic discreteness in multilingual practices, responding to contemporary debates that question the existence of languages as separate entities. We present a range of empirical data to demonstrate the theoretical necessity of maintaining the concept of language as discrete system in understanding multilingual practices. The research questions focus on how linguistic discreteness manifests in multilingual repertoires and the role it plays in the production and comprehension of the complexes of nuances of social-indexical meanings.

Data, Methodology, Approach:

This paper is a small-scale meta-analysis. The database comprises a diverse collection of empirical examples of code-switching drawn from documented studies, inter-personal interactions, media content, and linguistic landscapes. The research adopts a qualitative methodological approach to show creative, social-indexical uses of languages in multilingual contexts.

Data and Analysis:

Drawing from a range of empirical sources, this paper provides evidence to claim that multilingual repertoires do indeed exhibit discrete linguistic-epistemic inventories that are recruited routinely in complex ways in the production and comprehension of referential and social- indexical meanings.

Findings/Conclusions:

The key finding is that mobility of linguistic resources do not erase discreteness; in fact, it is precisely in the movement of various mobile resources where the discreteness of codes, or language “archives,” become significantly relevant in meaning-making.

Originality:

The paper reinforces the significance of linguistic discreteness through the synthesis of diverse examples to argue for the necessity of discrete linguistic systems in multilingualism studies.

Significance/Implications:

This paper underscores the persistent relevance of discrete linguistic systems in multilingual practices that facilitates complex meaning-making processes, enabling speakers to navigate and articulate social and referential meanings effectively. Methodologically, the research advocates for a nuanced analysis that recognizes the complexity and specificity of linguistic resources.

Limitations:

One limitation is the analytic focus, which does not capture the emic perspective of the speakers in multilingual practices.
Visual de-demonisation: A new era of radical right mainstreaming
Authors: Bonansinga Donatella
Published: June 2024

This conceptual article calls for the integration of new approaches to the study of visual populist communication, arguing that it will play a critical part in a new era of radical right mainstreaming. Extant scholarship on the mainstreaming of the radical right has focused on party politics and rhetoric, neglecting the visual self-presentation and emotional strategies of radical right leaders on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The article proposes the novel concept of ‘visual de-demonisation’ to capture these dynamics, articulating it as a three-fold strategy that emphasises the legitimacy, good character and ample policy platform of radical right leaders on visual social media. The article also argues that visual platforms provide the radical right with the ideal setting to present itself in a renewed and more positive light, hence serving its strategic interest in de-demonising. This poses a key challenge for the future, potentially contributing to its increased normalisation.
Valuation and perception of the costs of climate change on health
Authors: Nordeng Zuzana , Kriit Hedi K. , Poltimäe Helen , Aunan Kristin , Dahl Miriam S. , Jevtic Marija , Matkovic Vlatka , Sandanger Gunnell , Orru Hans
Published: June 2024

Background and aims:

Climate change affects our societies and lives through our economies, our livelihoods, and our health. Economic losses of climate change are estimated at $23 trillion, largely through externalities due to premature mortality, healthcare expenditure, and health-related work losses. Even if there are established methods to quantify the health economic burden, there is limited information on how people perceive this information. The current study aimed to examine different health cost evaluation methods and observe perceptions of stakeholders in the climate change context.

Method:

The participatory research approach of the World Café with 41 participants was applied to explore four topics associated with valuing the costs of climate change. The data were analyzed following an inductive approach.

Results:

Despite the willingness-to-pay approach being widely applied, many experts see actual healthcare costs as a more explicit indicator of costs; however, this approach might underestimate actual costs. Participants experienced difficulties accepting and understanding cost estimates that indicated very high externalities as a percentage of gross domestic product. The cost-effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation measures was also challenged by a concern that while the costs of such measures are incurred now, the benefits do not come to fruition until later, for example, when building bike lanes or dams.

Conclusions:

Policies should favor environmentally friendly activities such as making cycling more convenient in cities with the health benefits presented in monetary terms, while limiting car driving. Moreover, the public might better understand the costs of climate change via tools that map how solutions influence different sectors and outlining the costs in evaluating the benefits for health and the environment.
Precise acoustic drone localization and tracking via drone noise: Steered response power - phase transform around harmonics
Authors: Uluskan Seçkin
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a new method for precise acoustic drone localization and tracking via the noise generated by the drone. Drone noises include harmonic frequency components which are related to the rotational speed of the propeller and the number of blades. This study integrates utilization of the frequency components around harmonics into Steered Response Power - Phase Transform (SRP-PHAT). First, a custom discrete Fourier transform (namely DFT-Harmonics) is defined which concentrates only on the vicinities of harmonics to capture the frequency components possibly related to the drone sound. Then, DFT-Harmonics is integrated into SRP-PHAT, which is named SRP-Harmonics. The benefits of SRP-Harmonics are explained and illustrated via SRP maps and videos. Experiments with real microphone array data show that SRP-Harmonics is precise in localizing and tracking a drone, while the ordinary SRP-PHAT can not be reasonably successful. Moreover, SRP-Harmonics after Kaiser window can maintain its performance even when significant level of artificial white noise or natural wind noise exists in the data.
The Value of Perioperative Immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Pool- and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Yanmeng , Hu Lin , Zhang Shuling , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Electronic literature searches were conducted in PubMed, OVID, Web of SCI, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The deadline for literature update and retrieval is February 16, 2024. Studies presented at meetings were also screened. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single-arm trials were included, and the data were extracted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata (16.0) software. Results: A total of 5850 patients in 11 RCTs and 6 single-arm trial studies involving neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies were included. Regarding neoadjuvant therapy, the overall complication rate after surgery reached 35% (95% CI, 0.21-0.49). Higher rates of pathological complete response (OR = 7.83; 95% CI, 5.95-10.31; P < .001) and major pathological response (OR = 5.13; 95% CI, 3.56-7.40; P < .001) were found in the resectable NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant therapy with ICIs combined with chemotherapy compared with patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Of note, compared with chemotherapy, neoadjuvant ICIs combined with chemotherapy significantly improved the overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.82; P < .001) and event-free survival (EFS) (HR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.52-0.67; P < .001) in patients with resectable NSCLC. Regarding adjuvant therapy, a lower risk of disease progression or death (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.90; P < .001) was found in the adjuvant ICI group compared with the adjuvant chemotherapy-alone group. In terms of safety, perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy did not increase toxicity compared with chemotherapy alone. Conclusion: In patients with resectable NSCLC, perioperative immunotherapy was safe and efficacious. Perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy improved the pathologic response and EFS/DFS/OS over chemotherapy alone without increasing toxicity.
Maternal and Paternal Parenting and Maltreatment in Relation to Callous-Unemotional Traits in Detained Male Adolescents
Authors: Cassart Thomas , Vandevelde Stijn , Colins Olivier F.
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the relationship between parenting practices, childhood maltreatment (CM), callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms among 275 detained adolescent boys (Mage = 16.96). CU traits, and paternal and maternal parenting were assessed via self-report questionnaires. A diagnostic interview was used to assess CD symptoms. Regression analyses revealed that harsh parenting and physical maltreatment were positively associated with CU traits after controlling for CD symptoms, whereas warm parenting was significantly negatively related to CU traits. After controlling for the overlap between parenting and CM, only parenting was significantly positively related to CU traits. Findings, finally, showed that CU traits did not moderate the link between parenting (or CM) and CD symptoms. The study underscores that it is important to consider experiences with parenting practices and CM in detained adolescents with heightened CU traits.
Comparative meta-analysis of endovascular strategies for intracranial dissecting aneurysms: Flow diverters versus stents with or without coiling
Authors: Amoukhteh Melika , Hassankhani Amir , Jannatdoust Payam , Valizadeh Parya , Ghozy Sherief , Bilgin Cem , Kallmes David F
Published: June 2024

Background

Intracranial dissecting aneurysms present a challenging subset linked to considerable morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies to prevent complications. Traditional treatments face technical limitations, while emerging endovascular modalities like stent-assisted coiling, multiple stenting, and flow-diverting devices (FDDs) offer promise in reducing periprocedural risks and enhancing patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy outcomes of endovascular treatment for intracranial dissecting aneurysms using FDDs versus stents (with or without coiling).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. The search included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 30, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest in both FDD and stent-treated groups were included, and the data was extracted and analyzed using STATA software.

Results

Six studies were analyzed, involving 131 patients in the FDD group and 199 patients in the stent group. The pooled rates for favorable functional outcomes (86.8% vs. 86%), mortality (3.9% vs. 6%), adequate occlusion (79.7% vs. 86.3%), aneurysm recurrence (1.3% vs. 13.3%), in-stent stenosis/thrombosis (7% vs. 6.9%), ischemic events/infarctions (6.7% vs. 7.8%), retreatment (7% vs. 8.6%), and technical success (100% vs. 98.7%) were comparable in individuals treated with FDDs and stents (p > 0.05 in all cases). Additionally, complete occlusion rates were not significantly different between FDD (62.7%) and stent-treated patients (75.2%) (p = 0.06). However, after excluding one study in a leave-one-out analysis of the random effects meta-analysis, a significant difference in the pooled rates of this outcome was observed between the FDD (59.2%) and stent (75.2%) groups (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

FDDs present a promising approach for the treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysms, yielding outcomes that are roughly comparable to stent-based methods. However, the absence of randomized trials and data limitations highlight the need for further research to enhance treatment strategies.
Active suspension and steering system control of emergency rescue vehicle based on sliding mode dual robust coordination control
Authors: Zhao Donghua , Gong Mingde , Zhao Dingxuan , Liu Wenbin , Chen Wenbin
Published: June 2024

The multi-axle emergency rescue vehicle has dangerous driving conditions, high body height, and large weight, and the coupling of each subsystem of the chassis is more complicated. In order to solve the coordination problem between the vehicle suspension system and the steering system, the vehicle can drive more smoothly on uneven road surfaces and improve the riding comfort of passengers. A sliding mode dual robust coupled collaborative control strategy is proposed to address the impact of the multi-axis steering system and active suspension system on driving smoothness and handling stability of emergency rescue vehicles. The active suspension system and multi-axle steering system are synergistically controlled. Firstly, an active suspension sliding mode variable structure controller is designed to improve vehicle ride comfort. Secondly, A new dual robust controller is proposed to realize the handling stability of the vehicle’s all-wheel steering system. Thirdly, the coupling cooperative controller of the active suspension system and all-wheel steering system is designed and simulated under different working conditions. The experimental results show that the root-mean-square values of body roll angle, body roll angle acceleration, and yaw angle acceleration with cooperative control are reduced by 26.58%, 30.54%, and 21.92% respectively; moreover, the lateral acceleration and vertical acceleration of the vehicle body are effectively reduced. The use of cooperative control effectively improves the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle.
The effect of incremental increases in the number of packed red blood cell units transfused on perioperative outcomes in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Yau Patricia , Liu Bryce , Friedmann Patricia , Lipsitz Evan , Koleilat Issam
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Despite abundant evidence in the surgical and critical care literature demonstrating inferior outcomes in transfused patients, liberal use of blood transfusion, particularly after the initial unit, remains common in vascular surgery. We therefore sought to investigate the incremental risk of each additional unit of blood transfused intraoperatively for patients undergoing elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with regards to postoperative mortality and complications.

Methods

Patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry undergoing elective open infrarenal AAA repair from 2003 to 2020 were included. Exclusion criteria were age greater than 90, prior aortic surgery, concomitant iliac aneurysm, and concomitant additional major procedure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality with incremental increases in packed red blood cells (pRBCs) given intraoperatively. Univariate analysis was performed for secondary outcomes including postoperative cardiac, respiratory, renal, and wound complications.

Results

Of 4608 patients who underwent elective open AAA repair, 796 patients (16.9%) underwent perioperative transfusion. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.5%. Adjusting for relevant factors, there was an increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality of 24% for each additional unit transfused. Incremental increases in the number of units transfused were associated with significantly higher risk of postoperative myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pulmonary complications, renal failure, and wound complications.

Discussion

There appears to be an important increase in the odds of mortality for each additional unit transfused during infrarenal open AAA repair even when controlling for confounders.
Perception of second language phonetic contrasts by monolinguals and bidialectals: A comparison of competencies
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P , Giannakou Aretousa , Alexander Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

This study aims to examine the perception of English vowels by Greek monolingual and bidialectal speakers of English as a second language (L2) and assess the predictions of the Universal Perceptual Model (UPM). Adult Cypriot Greek (CG) bidialectal speakers and Standard Modern Greek (SMG) monolingual speakers participated in classification and discrimination tests. The two groups were matched for various linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cognitive factors. Another group of adult English speakers served as controls. Data analysis has been conducted with the use of Bayesian regression models. The results of the discrimination test were predicted by acoustic similarity only to some extent, whereas perceptual similarity predicted most contrasts, confirming the hypotheses of UPM. A crucial finding was that bidialectals outperformed monolinguals in the discrimination of L2 contrasts. The advantage observed in bidialectals could be attributed to the greater flexibility of their speech categories, stemming from exposure to more diverse linguistic input.