bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative, Metaphor, and Conceptual Blending in “The Hanging Tree”
Authors: Sayrs Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Using traditional analytic techniques as well as methods drawn from narrative theory and cognitive linguistics, this paper explores the relationships between the song “The Hanging Tree” (performed by Marty Robbins), its original use in the 1959 Western of the same name (scored by Max Steiner), and the novella on which the movie is based (by Dorothy Johnson). Lakoff and Johnson’s “Location Event-Structure Metaphor” allows Zbikowski’s conceptual metaphor PITCH RELATIONSHIPS ARE RELATIONSHIPS IN VERTICAL SPACE to engage concepts of time, events, and narrative. This context reveals a contradiction in the cross-domain mapping between music and text in the song. The seventh scale degree is “left hanging” in the body of the song, pointing to the imminent event of hanging. Yet after the hanging is averted, the leading tone is prominently regained in the same register and resolved. Two possibilities are considered: 1) Conventional tonal metaphors rather than locally-defined metaphors have priority at various moments in a particular genre. 2) The metaphor is musically transformed through “frame-shifting” to create a new conceptual blend. Finally, the re-arrangement of the song in the movie causes this shift to occur differently, raising issues concerning the role of the singer as cinematic narrator.
Violent Conflict and Informal Institutions: Evidence from a Civil Conflict in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Muhsin , Khan Karim
Published: February 2024

Conflicts have a variety of economic, social, and institutional consequences. In this study, we analyse the institutional legacies of violent conflicts by providing evidence from a civil conflict which occurred in the district Swat of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. We consider three dimensions, i.e. Trust, Participation, and Cooperation, of informal institutions. District Buner—the neighboring district, is taken as the control district. A random sample of 500 households from each district is selected and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Spatial Regression Discontinuity Design (SRDD) are employed for estimation. We find that exposure to violence undermines out-group trust and trust in governmental organisations; however, it promotes within-group trust and trust in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Likewise, conflicts stimulate participation in social organisations, political activities, and nongovernment structures but discourage participation in formal government structures. With regard to cooperation, conflicts have beneficial effects on within-group cooperation, collective problem solution, and cooperation with NGOs. However, they retard cooperation with formal government structures. The intensity of these effects is influenced by the location of the individuals as is shown by the results of SRDD. Alternatively, highly exposed areas exhibit comparatively higher changes in trust, participation, and cooperation as compared to the moderately and least affected areas.
An Evaluation of Different Tax Reform Proposals in Pakistan using CGE Model
Authors: Muhammad Nadeem Sarwar
Published: February 2024

Taxes are an important tool of fiscal policy. However, the taxation system of a country also affects its economic growth and the welfare of the people. Since a change in tax policy has far-reaching consequences for various interconnected economic agents, computable general equilibrium model is used to quantify the impact of changes in direct and indirect tax rate policies on various economic indicators. For this, first a social accounting matrix based on 2017 data is also developed. The results show that in the long run under the unbalanced budget condition, reducing personal income tax rates results in increased consumption, government expenditures, and incomes of various types of labour, but decreased economic growth and exports. However, introducing a flat and low-income tax rate along with decreasing corporate tax, sales tax, and customs duties results in higher economic growth, exports, consumption expenditures, and household income. On the other hand, a balanced budget condition produces better economic results.
Congenital heart diseases with neonatal onset: Prevalence and circumstances of diagnosis in the newborn
Authors: Ouahiba Benrabah  , Tahar Ait Mouheb  , Rachida Dahmoune  , Sihem Bellouti  , Lynda Ait Mokhtar  , Zakaria Amine  , Abdelmadjid Maoudj
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation. Their prevalence remains underestimated in our country despite the improvement in diagnostic means. Objective: determine the prevalence and circumstances of diagnosis of CHD in a neonatology department. Materials and methods: We carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study which included all live births with congenital heart disease, in the neonatology department of Hussein Dey University Hospital over a period of seven years (2016-2022). Data collection was done as the diagnosis progressed. We didn’t include non-malformative cardiac abnormalities. Results: We collected 231 cases of congenital heart disease (CHD) out of 66,520 live births (LV), i.e. a prevalence of 3.41‰ LV. Antenatal diagnosis was made in 89 cases (45%). Ultrasound diagnosis was made in 70% of cases in the first 3 days with 46% of cases in the first 24 days of life. Physical signs were dominated by cyanosis in 38%. Congenital heart disease with a high neonatal risk level was in 15 cases (6.5%), including 14 cases of TGV and a single case of total RVPA. Heart disease with a medium to high neonatal risk level was represented by ductal-dependent heart disease in 95 cases (41.3%) of which 30% of cases were straight obstacles including 10.8% T4F. Cardiac diseases with low neonatal risk were in 94 cases (40.8%), of which 38% of cases represented by IVC followed in 29% by AVC and 10.6% by IAC. Conclusions: Given the insufficiency of antenatal diagnosis in our cohort, congenital heart diseases were mainly diagnosed after birth in the face of suggestive clinical symptoms, thus ,The best ways to improve early diagnosis of congenital heart disease would be antenatal screening using fetal echocardiography and the introduction of systematic postnatal screening by the systematic measurement of pre- and post-ductal saturation and the generalization of echocardiography in neonatology departments.
The securitization theory
Authors: Titilayo Aishat Otukoya
Published: February 2024

Securitization theory provides a powerful lens for understanding how seemingly ordinary issues can be transformed into urgent security threats, demanding extraordinary measures. This paper, focusing on the War on Terror as a case study, examines the theory's strengths and limitations in illuminating this complex phenomenon. Drawing on the Copenhagen School's framework of speech acts, securitizing moves, and desecuritization, we analyze how terrorism has been discursively constructed as an existential threat to international security, justifying exceptional measures with significant geopolitical, policy, and human rights consequences. The War on Terror exemplifies the strengths of securitization theory in demonstrating how securitized narratives can reshape political landscapes and empower governments to enact far-reaching security measures. However, the case study also exposes the theory's limitations, particularly its potential for over-securitization, the marginalization of non-state actors, and the erosion of individual liberties. Engaging with critiques from critical and feminist approaches, we explore these shortcomings and the ongoing debates surrounding the theory's adaptability to address contemporary challenges like balancing security with human rights and navigating non-state threats. The paper concludes by arguing that while securitization theory, particularly the Copenhagen School framework, requires significant adaptation to remain relevant in the 21st century, it still offers valuable insights into the construction of security threats and the dynamics of contemporary security landscapes. By acknowledging its limitations and fostering ongoing dialogue, securitization theory can retain its valuable role in guiding our understanding of complex security challenges and their consequences for individuals, states, and the international community as a whole.
Wildlife crime: causes, consequences and countermeasures: A review
Authors: Vaishnavi Narreddy  , Shashidhar E S
Published: February 2024

Wildlife crime, encompassing illegal activities such as poaching, trafficking and habitat destruction, poses a critical threat to global biodiversity and ecological stability. This comprehensive review paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of wildlife crime, exploring its causes, consequences and the various strategies employed to combat it. Drawing from an extensive body of literature, this paper examines ecological, economic, social and ethical impacts of wildlife crime. It analyzes the role of organized crime networks, the challenges of law enforcement and prosecution and the effectiveness of international conservation initiatives. Furthermore, this review highlights the critical importance of public awareness and community engagement in addressing wildlife crime. By synthesizing diverse perspectives and research findings, this paper offers a holistic understanding of the issue and underscores the urgency of concerted global efforts to protect our planet’s invaluable biodiversity from the menace of wildlife crime.
Analysis of the physical chemistry of domestic water supply sources in choba, Port Harcourt, rivers state
Authors: Godspower Imiete  , MeeluBari Barinua Tsaro Kpang  , Patience Obioso
Published: February 2024

Water are used for several important purposes but the most essential use considered on the basis of social and economic significance as it relates to the health of the population is human consumption and sanitation. Man needs constant and accessible supply of water to provide necessary prerequisite for important physiological and biochemical processes. On account of the general contention that water is more basic than all other critical stuff to life and in its pure state is commended key to health. This study aimed at to examine the physical characteristics of the water supply sources in Choba as a crucial factor for development and upon which the quality of life depends. Thus, water samples were collected from borehole and well water sources being the only available major sources of water supply in Rumuokocha, Rumuchakara, Igbogo, Owhipa, Ndudor and Rumualoghu communities that make Choba and the parameters investigated include pH, Temperature, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Salinity. The results of the analyses for temperature was t= 0.751 and t= 0.547 both at p<0.05 for borehole and well water sources implying no significant difference from the allowable limit by WHO whereas for DO, pH, salinity, TDS and conductivity, t= -51.966; -24.027; -24.796, -19.546 ;2.321and t= -51.966; -24.027; -16.966, -20.024; 2.272 for borehole and well water sources respectively indicating a statistically significant difference between the parameters investigated and the allowable limits. Similarly, the ANOVA result shows F= 400.384; 23.262; 19.997; 8502.215at p<0.05 for parameters like temperature, salinity, TDS and conductivity of the available water sources do not vary significantly in the area. Therefore, constant monitoring and assessment of physical water quality parameters, water treatment and assessment of bacteriological content and other relevant water parameters to holistically ascertain it suitability for adequate human use were recommended.
Effects of teachers’ stress and burnout on their professional performance in public secondary schools in Kenya
Authors: Kimama Rose Catherine W  , George A. Onyango  , Joseph G. Mungai
Published: February 2024

This study explores the effects of stress and burnout on teachers in public secondary schools in Kenya. The research aims to assess the prevalence of stress among teachers, examine its diverse effects on professional performance, and propose implications for educational stakeholders. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data was gathered through self-constructed questionnaires and interviews. The sample size of the study consisted of 240 teachers and 20 principals from 20 secondary schools. The findings reveal a significant majority of teachers (81.9%) acknowledging the influence of stress and burnout on their performance. This study illustrates the adverse effects reported by teachers, including low output, poor delivery in class, demotivation, lack of concentration, and disorganization. These outcomes underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance teacher well-being and the overall quality of education in the region. Implications for policymakers and educational institutions involve prioritizing teacher well-being, implementing organizational support structures, and integrating stress management modules into professional development programs. The study also emphasizes the need for ongoing research to further understand the specific causes and manifestations of stress among teachers in the Kenyan context. Addressing these challenges not only safeguards the well-being of individual educators but also bolsters the resilience and effectiveness of the teaching community, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for students.
LNG as a bridge fuel in the transition to renewable energy: A global perspective
Authors: Gloria Siwe Usiagu  , Oladipupo Olugbenga Adekoya  , Chinelo Emilia Okoli  , Cosmas Dominic Dauda  , Ifeanyi Onyedika Ekemezie  , Olushola Babatunde Ayorinde
Published: February 2024

The global energy landscape stands at the precipice of transformation, with a growing consensus on the imperative to shift towards sustainable and renewable sources. Amidst this transition, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) emerges as a pivotal bridge fuel, strategically positioned to facilitate the journey towards renewable energy. This review encapsulates the essence of the comprehensive review, delving into the global perspective on LNG's role as a bridge fuel in the renewable energy transition. The narrative unfolds with a contextualization of the pressing need for a renewable energy transition, acknowledging the escalating environmental concerns and the imperative to reduce carbon footprints. It then seamlessly transitions to the concept of LNG as a bridge fuel, elucidating its capacity to serve as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and its role in mitigating the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy sources. Examining LNG's significance on a global scale, the review navigates through key aspects. It scrutinizes the environmental considerations and carbon reduction goals that position LNG as a pragmatic choice in the decarbonization journey. The analysis extends to policy factors influencing LNG demand, unraveling the intricate tapestry of governmental initiatives supporting its adoption and the dynamic interplay with renewable energy policies. Economic drivers take center stage in the exploration of LNG's role as a bridge fuel. The review investigates the cost competitiveness, market dynamics, and the industrial demand propelling its consumption. The comprehensive examination encompasses the expansion of global LNG production capacity, featuring key exporting nations and the technological innovations transforming LNG production processes. Regional dynamics further enrich the narrative, providing insights into LNG's impact on major economies across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. The review culminates in a nuanced exploration of the geopolitical implications surrounding LNG trade, emphasizing its role in geopolitical events, trade agreements, and potential risks for stakeholders. In essence, this review serves as a guide to stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players navigating the complex interplay between LNG and renewable energy in the global quest for a sustainable energy future.
Educational reforms and their impact on student performance: A review in African Countries
Authors: Idowu Sulaimon Adeniyi  , Nancy Mohd Al Hamad  , Ololade Elizabeth Adewusi  , Chika Chioma Unachukwu  , Blessing Osawaru  , Chisom Nneamaka Onyebuchi  , Samuel Ayodeji Omolawal  , Aderonke Omotayo Aliu  , Isiah Oden David
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive review delves into the educational reforms implemented across various African countries and assesses their impact on student performance. With a focus on the evolving educational landscape in the continent, this study aims to analyze the multifaceted reforms undertaken by diverse nations and their implications for student learning outcomes. The African continent has witnessed a dynamic shift in educational policies and practices over the years, driven by a commitment to enhance the quality and relevance of education. The paper scrutinizes the diverse reforms, encompassing curriculum modifications, teacher training initiatives, and advancements in educational technology. By examining these reforms through a critical lens, the review aims to provide nuanced insights into their effectiveness and the underlying factors influencing their outcomes. The impact of educational reforms on student performance serves as a central theme, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere policy implementation and delve into the tangible effects on learners. The review considers various performance metrics, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, and qualitative assessments, to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the reforms' success. Furthermore, the paper explores the contextual factors shaping the implementation and outcomes of educational reforms in African countries. Socio-economic disparities, cultural influences, and infrastructural challenges play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of reforms. By acknowledging these complexities, the review contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between policy initiatives and the diverse contexts in which they are implemented. In conclusion, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of educational reforms in African countries and their direct impact on student performance. The nuanced examination of policies, practices, and contextual influences provides a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of educational transformations in the African context. The findings presented in this review aim to inform future educational strategies, fostering a more equitable and effective learning environment for students across the continent.
Factors associated with Low Back Pain (LBP) complaints in workers: A literature review
Authors: Jasmine Zealadies Asfara  , Indriati Paskarini  , Yustinus Denny Ardyanto Wahyudiono
Published: February 2024

Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the health problems often experienced by workers in various industries. This study aims to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of LBP in workers based on the analysis of 10 related research articles. The results of the analysis show that working period, work attitude, and age are the factors that have the most influence on LBP complaints in workers. The longer a person's working period, the higher the risk of experiencing LBP. Incorrect work attitudes, such as prolonged bending and stooping, also increase the risk of LBP. In addition, older age also contributes to the risk of LBP due to decreased bone elasticity. Other factors that contribute to LBP complaints in workers include workload, smoking habits, Body Mass Index, work position, and physical activity.
Skin cancer classification using Inception Network
Authors: Ehsan Bazgir  , Ehteshamul Haque  , Md. Maniruzzaman  , Rahmanul Hoque
Published: February 2024

Since skin disease is a universally recognized condition among humans, there has been a growing interest in utilizing intelligent systems to classify various skin ailments. This line of research in deep learning holds immense significance for dermatologists. However, accurately determining the presence of a disease is a formidable task due to the intricate nature of skin texture and the visual similarities between different diseases. To address this challenge, skin images undergo filtration to eliminate unwanted noise and undergo further processing to enhance the overall quality of the image. The primary purpose of this study is to construct a deep neural network-based model that is capable of automatically classifying several types of skin cancer as either melanoma or non-melanoma with a prominent level of accuracy. We propose an optimized Inception architecture, in which the InceptionNet model is enhanced with data augmentation and basic layers. The strategy that has been proposed enhances the model's capacity to deal with incomplete and inconsistent data. A dataset of 2637 skin images are used to demonstrate the benefits of the technique that has been proposed. We analyze the performance of the suggested method by looking at its precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the ROC curve. Proposed InceptionNet provides an accuracy of 84.39% and 85.94%, respectively for Adam and Nadam optimizer. The training process in each subsequent layer exhibits a notable enhancement in effectiveness. An examination of this inquiry can assist experts in making early diagnoses, thereby providing them with insight into the nature of the infection and enabling them to initiate the necessary treatment, if deemed necessary.
Ectoparasitic profile of apparently healthy chicken in Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Kelechi Nkechinyere Mbah-Omeje
Published: February 2024

Parasites constitute a major obstacle to poultry production, leading to significant losses in many poultry farms. The study examined the prevalence of ectoparasites on healthy poultry chickens in eight selected poultry farms in Agbani, Enugu State between the months of February and March 2023. A total of 300 chickens were examined from local and commercial farms. The farms comprised of 5 free-breed local farms (115 birds) and 3 commercial farms (185 birds) . Each of the sampled bird was placed on a white sheet of paper and examined for ectoparasite by ruffling the feathers with fine blunt toothed brush. Different parts of the body were thoroughly examined and in some cases with the aid of hand lens. Ectoparasites that fell on the paper were collected for further identification. The results showed that out of the 300 chickens sampled 130(43.3%) were found positive with ectoparasites. Two group of ectoparasites were identified from the sampled farms which were lice and mite. Lice occurred more in prevalence at 125(41.6%) in local farms than in commercial farms. Four species of lice identified were Liperus caponis (wing lice at 54(41.5%), Goniodes gigas (large chicken lies) at 33(25.3%), Menopon gallinae (shaft lice) at 31(23.8%) and Goniocotes gallinae (fluff lice) at 7(5.3%) while the two species of mite identified were Dermanyssus gallinae (red mite) at 4(3%) and Knemidocoptes mutans (scaly leg mite) at 1(0.7%). Multiple infestations of lice and mites were encountered only in local farms L2: 20(90%) lice, 2(9%) mite; L4: 18(90%) lice, 2(10%) mite and L5: 17(94%) lice, 1(5%) mite. The study indicated that ectoparasites were highly prevalent in free-breed local chicken and may be associated with poor hygienic practices. Therefore, application of integrated control strategy, good management practices and high level of proper hygiene practices are recommended.
The womanliness of upper-class Russian females during the 18th and 19th centuries
Authors: Lijuan Deng , Qingqing Wang
Published: February 2024

Based on the research of how the Russian womanliness was formed during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially its origins and limitations, this study tries to explore the root cause of Russian women's “absence” in public sphere and the factors that may influence sociohistorical development, which may be a new approach to this research field.
Inclusive processes in Russia with respect to “atypical” children: historical retrospective
Authors: Zhigunova Galina , Afonkina Yulia
Published: February 2024

The article presents a socio-historical analysis of atypical childhood phenomena in Russia in the context of inclusive processes formation as a social way to overcome discrimination and segregation of children with disabilities, that is especially important in the Decade of Childhood announced in Russia for 2018-2027. The attitude of society towards children with disabilities “atypical" representatives of society is, in our opinion, a marker of development level of social institutions and public consciousness, that determines the relevance of this study.
A historical comparative study of data cross-border policies: a perspective based on global political diplomacy
Authors: Gao Ran , Gao Yue , Li Linfei
Published: February 2024

Digital diplomacy is a new form of diplomacy that has emerged along with the development of digital technology. Through a historical comparison of the US, the EU, China, and Russia data cross-border policies, this article shows how with the help of network technology can help China transform from traditional diplomacy to digital diplomacy.
Evolution of the CPC’s Conception of the Era: a century of experience and practice
Authors: Bo Yang
Published: February 2024

In 2021, on the occasion of the centenary of the Communist Party of China, a historic resolution was adopted which systematically summarizes the centuries-old experience and lessons of the CPC on internal affairs and foreign policy. The relevance of the analysis of the evolution of the CPC's era concept lies in the adequate definition of modern trends in order to help China further shape and lead a new historical era in the next 30 years through active interaction with the international community.
The multimodality of Russian TV series: interactive meaning and foreign reception
Authors: Shizhang Yang , Xiwen Xue
Published: February 2024

Russian television series, as a product of Russian culture, reflect the social landscape of Russia and its values. According to semiotics and multimodality, a television series is a kind of film and TV texts, consisting of different modes. This paper revealed the modal diversity of semantic sources of film and TV texts, and also systematically explored the role of five types of modes, including moving pictures, speech, written credits, music and sound effects in the construction of a semantic gestalt of text.
Calf and forearm compression garments incorporating “AF pads” significantly increases reaction times for esports
Authors: Fraser-Murison James , Whiteley Mark Steven , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle
Published: February 2024

Aims:Video gaming (e-gaming|) is a wide-spread pastime with over 3 billion regular gamers, which continues to grow. Esports (competitive e-gaming) is very lucrative for top players with one competition recently topping $40 million in the prize pool. Anything that might improve a gamer’s performance would have wide appeal. We studied the effects of arm and calf compression sleeves lined with patented ‘AF pads’ (Anatomic Focus, West Sussex, UK) on e-gamers.Methods: 38 gamers (M:F 31:7, age range 16-18 years) played the same video game for 6 hours continuously, on two separate occasions, at least 48 hours apart. For the first session, the gamer wore their normal clothing, without any compression on their limbs. During the second session, the gamers wore fitted compression sleeves lined with AF pads, on both arms and legs. The gamers measured their reaction times before they started to play, and then after each hour of play up until 6 hours. Results: Before the game was started, as would be expected, there was no significant difference in reaction times. However, after 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 hours of gaming, there was a significant improvement in reaction times when the gamer was wearing the compression sleeves lined with AF pads. Improvement in reaction times failed to reach statistical significance at only one time period, at 4 hours, for no apparent reason. Conclusion: Compression sleeves lined with AF pads worn on the arms and legs during esports significantly improves reaction times in e-gamers. We suggest that this improvement may be due to the improved venous return (and hence, circulatory enhancement) from the limbs during these games when the gamer is largely sedentary for hours at a time.
Improving urban resilience actions efficiency and impact: a multidimensional resilience framework
Authors: Badolo Mathieu
Published: February 2024

Almost all cities in the world have developed plans to integrate climate change and its impacts into their development policies. These plans aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change on economic sectors, basic social services, infrastructure, institutions and governance mechanisms. Cities are complex systems due to their multidimensional dynamics. To produce the desired impact in terms of reducing vulnerability to climate change, this resilience plans should be developed using scientific frameworks that integrate cities complexities and particularities.The purpose of this article is to describe the Badolo UrbanResilience scientific framework, a new scientific framework for improving the impact of cities' responses to climate change. It includes methodological tools, information and solutions families and a scheme for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating responses to climate change. The main specificity of the Badolo UrbanResilience Framework is to partition the complex challenge of cities resilience to climate change into resilience sub-challenges of less complexity. It achieves partial resilience configurations by subdividing resilience trajectories into resilience trajectory segments.The results of this article are the methodological tools, information and solutions families, resilience configurations and trajectories matrix of the UrbanResilience Framework for improving urban resilience actions efficiency and impact.The UrbanResilience framework suggests a participatory and inclusive governance of city resilience to climate change. The development of resilience information families, partial resilience configurations specification and the management of resilience trajectories should be considered in a participatory and inclusive manner.
The immediate effect of discrimination on mental health: A meta-analytic review of the causal evidence
Authors: Emmer Christine , Dorn Julia , Mata Jutta
Published: February 2024

This meta-analysis synthesizes experimental studies on the immediate effects of discrimination on mental health, exploring the effects of different paradigms and discrimination types on diverse facets of mental health. We analyzed data from a systematic literature search (73 studies; 12,097 participants; 245 effect sizes) for randomized controlled trials with manipulation of discrimination as a predictor and mental health as an outcome using a three-level random-effects model. Experimentally manipulated discrimination led to poorer mental health (g = −0.30), also after controlling for publication year, region, education level, and methodological quality. Moderator analyses revealed stronger effects for pervasive (g = −0.55) compared to single-event manipulations (g = −0.25) and a trend toward weaker effects for samples with nonmarginalized (g = −0.16) compared to marginalized identities (g = −0.34). Gender and age did not moderate the effect. Discrimination had the largest effects on externalizing (g = −0.66) and distress-related outcomes (g = −0.41); heterosexism (g = −0.66), racism (g = −0.32), and sexism (g = −0.30) had the largest effects on mental health. Convenience sampling compromised generalizability to subgroups and the general population, downgrading methodological quality for all included studies. When interpreting the findings, selective samples (mostly young female adults with higher education), often limited ecological validity, and ethical restrictions of lab-induced discrimination need to be considered. These constraints likely led to conservative estimates of the mental health effects of discrimination in this meta-analysis. Future research should investigate more diverse samples, further explain the heterogeneity of findings, and explore protective factors of the effects of discrimination on mental health.
The Challenges of Line Buffers
Authors: Leitgeb Šimon
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses the challenges of flat-cap and other linestring buffers, especially in automated applications. The pitfalls of existing implementations are introduced, stemming from the lack of a satisfactory definition of some linestring buffer variants. The buffers' roots in computational geometry are explored. Several candidate methods for robust buffer construction are described, and a novel method is proposed.
Intrinsic brain activity in sensorimotor cortices characterises substance use disorders: An activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis
Authors: Fascher Maximilian , Nowaczynski Sandra , Muehlhan Markus
Published: February 2024

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are severe psychiatric illnesses. Seed region and independent component analyses are currently the dominant connectivity measures but carry the risk of false negatives due to selection. They can be complemented by data-driven whole-brain metrics of intrinsic brain activity (IBA). We meta-analytically integrated voxel-wise IBA measures of regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), voxel-mirrored homotopy connectivity (VMHC) and degree centrality (DC) across different SUDs using the Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) algorithm, functionally decoded emerging clusters, and analysed their connectivity profiles. Our systematic search identified 51 studies including 1,439 SUD participants. Although no overall convergent pattern of alterations across IBA measures in SUDs was found, sensitivity analyses demonstrated two ALE-derived clusters of increased ReHo and ALFF in SUDs, which peaked in the left pre- and postcentral cortices. Subsequent analyses showed their involvement in action execution, somesthesis, finger tapping and vibrotactile monitoring/discrimination. Their numerous clinical correlates across included studies highlight the under-discussed role of sensorimotor cortices in SUD, urging a more attentive exploration of their clinical significance.
Moral learning and decision-making across the lifespan
Authors: Lockwood Patricia , van den Bos Wouter , Dreher Jean-Claude
Published: February 2024

Moral learning and decision-making are crucial throughout our lives from infancy to old age. Emerging evidence suggests that there are important differences in how we learn and decide in moral situations, and these may be underpinned by co-occurring changes in the use of model-based values and theory of mind. Here, we review the decision neuroscience literature on moral choices and moral learning considering four key concepts. These concepts are learning and experiencing moral emotions, learning and deciding about other's moral character, moral learning and deciding for others, and moral influence and contagion. We focus on recent behavioural and neuroimaging findings using a value-based decision-making framework, showing how mathematical models of decision-making can be used to determine the computational mechanisms underlying these concepts, uncover their neural correlates, and ultimately provide a mechanistic account of morality across the whole lifespan.
The history of mindset: Honouring lineage, transcending partial stories, making mindset research and practice an interdisciplinary and intergenerational project.
Authors: Buchanan Ash
Published: February 2024

Mindset history is an important area of study for anyone who works with or refers to mindset in their life or work. Yet, mindset history is an area of study where little peer-reviewed research exists, and the small amount of research that is available, is typically partial and incomplete, and sometimes contains inaccurate and unsubstantiated claims. This paper aims to address this gap by being the first peer-reviewed study to inquire into the origins, history, and lineage of mindset, to gain a broad understanding of some of the various mindset psychologies that have been developed over time and across generations, as well as to gain a sense of the collective wisdom that is present in the field as a whole. This review found that mindset psychology has a diverse, century-long history of explicit research and practice, with its origin phase taking place between 1908 and 1939, early inquiries occurring between 1940 and 1987, and contemporary bodies of work emerging in, and beyond 1988. This review also identifies some of the traditions of research and practice that are closely related to the origins and history of mindset psychology, some of which span back hundreds and thousands of years. The paper concludes with a reflection on my lived experience as a mindset practitioner and the journey of transformation I moved through to embrace a more holistic and intergenerational understanding. You are invited to become part of the future of mindset psychology by deepening your understanding of its history, and by grounding your work in a comprehensive understanding of the entire field.
Vanishing Boundaries: A Unifying Account of Multidimensional Emotion Dynamics and Alterations in Depression
Authors: Bucur Ana-Maria , Koosha Tahmineh A , Cosma Adrian , Flek Lucie , Thanarajah Sharmili Edwin , Bernhard Felix , Rosso Paolo , Jamalabadi Hamidreza
Published: February 2024

Emotions are fundamentally integral to shaping the order and disorders in humanlives. Yet, a principled, quantitative framework explaining emotional dynamicsand their alteration in mental disorders has been elusive. This challenge arisesfrom the complex and multidimensional nature of emotions but also, at leastpartially, due to a shortage of large longitudinal measurements and the use ofgenerative mathematical models, leading to a spectrum of partially contrastingtheories. Our study seeks to overcome these challenges by employing dynamic systems theory, the mathematical study of complex systems. We apply this approach to a dataset containing over 400,000 texts from more than 1,600 individuals, with half reporting a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), collected from X (previously Twitter). We examined the emotional experiences and significant life events described in these texts across one month, which we extracted using state-of-the-art natural language processing. The key result of our research is the discovery of emotion-specific dynamics – the unique ways in which different emotions maintain their influence over time. In individuals diagnosed with MDD, we observed a ’blunting’ of the inter-emotional dynamics; this is not merely a dulling of emotions, but rather a vanishing of the boundaries between them. Our findings thus challenge and unify traditional views in this area: if viewed in isolation, this blending of emotions could be misinterpreted as augmented negative, blunted positive emotions, and as Emotional Context Insensitivity (ECI). Our study therefore offers a principled mathematical understanding of emotion dynamics and their alterations within mental disorders, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic interventions.
Gender role attitudes and prosecutorial decision making in a case of intimate partner violence
Authors: MacNeil Elizabeth , Cox Jennifer , Daquin Jane C. , Neal Tess M.S.
Published: February 2024

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health crisis that impacts individuals across the gender spectrum. Traditionally, IPV is conceptualized through a gendered lens, with men as the perpetrators and women as the victims. The current study explored the association between perpetrator/victim sex, prosecutor gender role attitudes, and prosecutorial decision-making in a case of alleged IPV. We hypothesized prosecutors with more traditional gender role attitudes would be more lenient, and this effect to be exacerbated in cases involving a female perpetrator. Criminal prosecutors across the U.S. (N = 94) completed the Male Role Norms Inventory- Revised and read case materials describing the alleged IPV between a heterosexual couple (e.g., arrest report, medical records). The victim/perpetrator sex was manipulated to involve either a female- (male victim) or male- (female victim) perpetrated IPV case. Results indicate gender role attitudes were not associated with prosecutorial decision-making. However, prosecutors perceived the violence as more serious and the perpetrator as more likely to reoffend when the perpetrator was male; further, they attributed more blame to the female victim. An interaction between perpetrator sex and prosecutor gender role attitudes indicates those with more traditional beliefs were more likely to blame the female (rather than male) victim. These data suggest extralegal factors related to the perpetrator (i.e., perpetrator sex), rather than prosecutor individual differences (i.e., gender role attitudes), are associated with prosecutor discretionary decision-making. In tandem with real-world disparities in the prosecution of IPV based on perpetrator sex, the current research stresses the importance of exploring a diversity of factors that account for these observed differences.
Assessment of the long-term effect of Miscanthus sacchariflorus growth on soil properties
Authors:   Siberian Research Institute for Plant Industry and Breeding, a Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Kapustyanchik S.Yu. , Yakimenko V.N. ,   Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the effectt of different-age plantations of Miscanthus sacchariflorus cv. Soranovsky on the gray forest soil properties in the forest-steppe of West Siberia, Russia. Location and time of the study. The experimental part of the research was carried out at the Research Experimental Station of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS (Novosibirsk) in 2018-2020. Methodology. The methods employed in the stydu were the most common ones for chemical and physical analyses of soils and plant samples. Results. Differently aged plantations of Miscanthus sacchariflorus allowed obtaining 12-15 tons of dry mass per 1 hectare for 14 or more years without reducing the productivity. Miscanthus sacchariflorus can grow effectively in soils with low fertility. The humus content in light-textured soil increased by 0.3-0.4% over 11 years of Miscanthus growth, as compared with the fallow soil. Miscanthus sacchariflorus plantations showed a positive environment-forming effect, favourably affecting ecological and agronomic soil properties of the agrocenoses. Conclusions. Miscanthus has broad adaptation potential in relation to low-fertility lands, preventing their progressive degradation, improving the ecological and agrochemical state of the ecosystems and facilitating agronomic production. Miscanthus has a beneficial environment-forming effect on low-fertility soils by enriching them with mineral nutrients and improving their humus and texture condition.
Conventional Fiscal Policy System and Islamic Economics in The Indonesian Economy
Authors: Kadir Syahruddin , Fahrika A. Ika , Misbach Irwan
Published: February 2024

The economic crisis and political turmoil in the 1990s did not guarantee the strength of Indonesia's economic situation, therefore political and fiscal decentralization was initiated and Law No. 25 was passed in 1999. This research aims to understand conventional fiscal policy and Islamic economics in the Indonesian economy. This research method uses literature study through secondary data collection. The results of this research show that conventional fiscal policy has a stability function that aims to, among other things, maintain high employment opportunities, relatively stable price levels, and economic growth rates. This function shows the similarity of the functions and benefits of zakat, jizyah, khums, and kharaj in Islamic economic fiscal policy. If zakat, jizyah, khums, and kharaj are instruments of fiscal policy, the redistribution of income and wealth will take place, then the problem of poverty and economic growth can be reduced and will have a good impact on economic and political stability. According to experts, the concept of contractionary fiscal policy is reducing government spending so that the money supply can be reduced through income redistribution. This is in line with the aim of fiscal policy instruments in Islamic economics to improve the living standards of the poor by redistributing the income of the rich to the poor.
Mindfulness and posttraumatic growth in childhood sexual abuse and psychological maltreatment survivors
Authors: Dussault Éliane , Fernet Mylène , Guyon Roxanne , Godbout Natacha
Published: February 2024

Many studies focusing on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may have neglected the consequences related to experiencing other types of childhood maltreatment, such as psychological maltreatment. Moreover, the literature has focused more on negative consequences related to CSA, hence potentially leaving out more adaptive and resilient trajectories. This qualitative study aimed to explore childhood psychological maltreatment and CSA, mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships in adult survivors. The interview data from 19 individuals who experienced CSA and psychological maltreatment were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Four conceptual categories developed: (a) an unsafe family environment that hindered the development of positive experiences and relationships; (b) impaired mindfulness dispositions: the reliving of trauma, the avoidance of suffering, and feeling engulfed; (c) impaired intimacy: instability, codependence, emotional distance, and self-silencing; and (d) mindfulness dispositions and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in participants’ intimate lives. These findings highlight that mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships are often poor among survivors of psychological maltreatment and CSA. Yet opportunities to develop mindfulness dispositions appear to enhance PTG in survivors’ intimate relationships, significantly contributing to survivors’ healing processes.
Sexual health practices: A comparison of international and domestic students on Canadian campuses
Authors: de Moissac Danielle , Graham Jan Marie , Gueye Ndeye Rokhaya , Penner Kailey
Published: February 2024

Since 2011, an increasing incidence of sexually transmitted infections and risky sexual practices has been reported among young adults in Canada. However, research on sexual risk behaviours of international students in North America is limited, despite an increasing number of students from abroad attending higher education institutions on this continent. This article shares research findings comparing the sexual practices of international and domestic students in five postsecondary institutions in three Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec). Two hundred forty-two international students and 1220 domestic students took part in the bilingual online and paper-based survey. Female international students were less likely to be sexually active than international male, domestic male, and domestic female students. International students were significantly less likely to partake in many risky sexual behaviours, such as inconsistent condom use and unplanned sex after consuming alcohol or drugs. However, male international students were more likely to report having multiple sexual partners than male domestic students. These findings are relevant to those who counsel and advise postsecondary students on Canadian campuses and for healthcare practitioners to better understand postsecondary students’ sexual practices. Strategies to enhance sexual health and knowledge include targeted promotion of safe sexual practices and sexual education in postsecondary institutions.