bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights of machine learning-based threat identification schemes in advanced network system
Authors: Narasimhamurthy Thanuja , Hosahalli Swamy Gunavathi
Published: June 2024

An advanced network system (ANS) is characterized by extensive communication features that can support a sophisticated collaborative network structure. This is essential to hosting various forms of upcoming modernized and innovative applications. Security is one of the rising concerns associated with ANS deployment. It is also noted that machine learning is one of the preferred cost-effective ways to optimize the security strength and address various ongoing security problems in ANS; however, it is still unknown about its overall effectivity scale. Hence, this paper contributes to a systematic review of existing variants of machine learning approaches to deal with threat identification in ANS. As ANS is a generalized form, this discussion considers the impact of existing machine learning approaches on its practical use cases. The paper also contributes towards critical gap analysis and highlights the study's potential learning outcome.
Optimizing credit card fraud detection: a deep learning approach to imbalanced datasets
Authors: Ndama Oussama , Bensassi Ismail , En-Naimi El Mokhtar
Published: June 2024

Imbalanced datasets pose a significant challenge in credit card fraud detection, hindering the training effectiveness of models due to the scarcity of fraudulent cases. This study addresses the critical problem of data imbalance through an in-depth exploration of techniques, including cross-entropy loss minimization, weighted optimization, and synthetic minority oversampling technique-based resampling, coupled with deep neural networks (DNNs). The urgent need to combat class imbalances in credit card fraud datasets is underscored, emphasizing the creation of reliable detection models. The research method delves into the application of DNNs, strategically optimizing and resampling the dataset to enhance model performance. The study employs a dataset from October 2018, containing 284,807 transactions, with a mere 492 classified as fraudulent. Various resampling techniques, such as undersampling and SMOTE oversampling, are evaluated alongside weighted optimization. The results showcase the effectiveness of SMOTE oversampling, achieving an accuracy of 99.83% without any false negatives. The study concludes by advocating for flexible strategies, integrating cutting-edge machine learning methods, and developing adaptive defenses to safeguard against emerging financial risks in credit card fraud detection.
A new highly efficient MAC protocol for WBAN: exceptional performance in the face of selfish behaviors
Authors: Azdad Nabila , Elboukhari Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Over the last two decades, wireless body area networks (WBANs) have gained significant traction in healthcare applications. These networks facilitate connections among various sensors, which can be integrated into clothing, placed directly on the body, or implanted beneath the skin. While these sensors typically serve a single application, they generate traffic with diverse requirements. Managing this diversity necessitates tailored treatment to meet specific traffic needs while satisfying application requirements such as reliability and timeliness. In this paper, we propose a novel, flexible, and power-efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol designed to seamlessly complement existing solutions. Our protocol, available in two versions as an enhancement to the beacon-enabled mode of IEEE 802.15.4, aims to optimize quality of service (QoS) for periodic traffic applications within WBANs, irrespective of traffic and density conditions, without compromising energy efficiency. Our results demonstrate significant improvements compared to the standardized IEEE 802.15.4-MAC protocol across all test scenarios, even in the presence of selfish behaviors. These findings underscore the protocol’s efficacy in enhancing reliability and efficiency in wireless healthcare systems.
Ransomware attack awareness: analyzing college student awareness for effective defense
Authors: Syamsuar Dedy , Pakdeetrakulwong Udsanee , Jacob Deden Witarsyah , Chandra Felixius Arelta
Published: June 2024

There are growing concerns about security as the usage of computers in academic settings continues to increase. This research aims to investigate the level of awareness among university students regarding security threats associated with ransomware. This study examines students' behaviour and preventive motivation for ransomware attacks, along with the measures taken to mitigate these security threats. The study model combines the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and preventive motivation theory (PMT) with additional threat awareness (TA) variables. The research findings indicate a high level of awareness regarding the dangers. TA has a positive influence on other factors, as indicated by the significant t-values (perceived severity (PS)=4.479, perceived vulnerability (PV)=3.251, response efficacy (RE)=14.344, and self-efficacy (SE)=8.034). This research also demonstrates that subjective norm (SN) and affective responses (AR) have a key impact on behavioural intention (BI). Moreover, two of the preventive motivation factors, PS and PV, significantly contribute to BI, while the other two (RE and SE) did not show a significant contribution to BI.
A relational background knowledge boosting based topic model for Chinese poems
Authors: Peng Lei , Porntrakoon Paitoon
Published: June 2024

Classical Chinese poetry has been increasingly popular in recent years, and modeling its topic is quite a promising area of research. Chinese poems have the characteristic of short in length, but traditional topic models perform poorly when faced with short texts due to the text sparsity. Therefore, topic model should be improved to satisfy the scenario of classical Chinese poems. In this paper, a relational background knowledge boosting based topic model (RBKBTM) was proposed to overcome the text sparsity of Chinese poems. We incorporated background information into the model, which expanded the text content from the semantic perspective. The background knowledge was combined using word embedding and TextRank and was then fed into the core computing process. Subsequently, a new sampling formula was derived. Our proposed model was tested on three different tasks using three different datasets. The results demonstrate that the incorporated background knowledge can effectively overcomes text sparsity, improving the performance and effectiveness of the topic model.
Combined wavelet transforms and neural network feed-forward model for ECG peak detection and classification
Authors: Badiger Raghavendra , Manickam Prabhakar
Published: June 2024

We have focused on development of a combined approach for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal filtering and various ECG peak detection. The filtering model is based on the combination of wavelet transform and neural network where after computing the wavelet coefficients the neural network feed-forward model is used to update the weights. The filtered signal is processed through the convolution layers and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) architecture to perform the ECG peak detection. Further, we apply a combined feature extraction strategy where wavelet transform and morphological feature are extracted to classify the ECG beats as classify 5 different types of heartbeats, including premature ventricular contraction (PVC), left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), PACE, and atrial premature contraction (APC) to examine the heart condition. The feature extraction phase uses wavelet transform, morphological features and high-order statistics to generate the robust features. The obtained feature vector is processed through the principal component analysis (PCA) module to reduce the dimension of feature vector. These features are trained by using support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) supervised model. The proposed approach is tested on publicly available MIT-BIH dataset where performance analysis shows that the proposed approach obtained average precision, sensitivity and error as 99.98%, 99.96%, and 0.101 which outperforms the existing filtering and peak detection schemes.
Dual tri-isolated DC H-6 inverter with minimal power components design
Authors: Maheswaran Anusuya , Ramanujam Geetha , Rengaraju Ilango , Arumugam Iyyappan S. , Ramachandran Gayathri
Published: June 2024

Multilevel inverters have been forecasted in recent years for industrial and renewable energy applications due to its inherent characteristics of shaping the output voltage nearer to sinusoidal shape through concatenating several two/three level inverters using isolated DC sources or DC-link capacitors. However, the classical topologies used for synthesizing stepped voltage have several outwards like more number of DC sources or DC-link capacitors and switching devices used. In this paper, an effort has been sighted to bring a new topology for generating stepped voltage to overcome the above mentioned demerits. In addition to this, a new digital pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy is developed in-line with a new topology to eliminate the use of carrier and reference signals. The performance of the proposed topology and developed control strategy are evaluated in MATLAB/ Simulink platform and an laboratory prototype is constructed for experimental investigations to accord the simulation results.
Assembling and testing optoelectronic system to record and process signals from fiber-optic sensors
Authors: Kalizhanova Aliya , Kozbakova Ainur , Wojcik Waldemar , Kunelbayev Murat , Amirgaliyev Beibut , Aitkulov Zhalau
Published: June 2024

The given research presents assembling and testing optoelectronic system to record and process signals from fiber-optic sensors. The main optoelectronic systems to record and process the signals from fiber-optic sensors are light source controller and optical power detector. There was assembled controller diagram, which apart from light source includes current source for its adequate operation, as well as the systems necessary for stabilizing its working point. The scheme was modelled for specifying nominal and maximum operation criteria. Construction has been designed in the way, that light source controller includes structures of the current regulation and stabilization super luminescent diode (SLED) and temperature stabilization. Apart from that, there was assembled the microsystem of optical power detector additionally to the light detector, which includes the microsystems of intensification and filtration of the signal measured, processing analog data into digital form, microcontroller, used for preliminary data analysis. Data of optoelectronic systems diagram to record and process the signals from fiber-optic sensors has high response speed, low noise level and sufficient progress.
A time-efficient nonlinear control method for the hyperchaotic finance system synchronization
Authors: Haris Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad , Ahmad Israr , Ali Zulfiqar , Manickam Geethalakshmi , Ghaffar Abid
Published: June 2024

Irregular and complex behavior in the financial system can disrupt stability and smooth economic growth. It causes randomness within the system, generating chaos; hindering synchronization behaviour. Achieving smooth and rapid synchronization between two coupled hyperchaotic finance (HF) systems with lessened fluctuation of input and output signals is vital for continuing financial stability and fostering economic growth, a challenge addressed in this article. The paper proposes a novel time-efficient nonlinear control (TENLC) technique and investigates HF systems synchronization using the drive-response system (DRS) arrangement. The proposed TENLC strategy realizes fast and smooth synchronization behaviour between two coupled HF systems, reducing closed-loop state-variable trajectory oscillations. The controller is designed to retain the nonlinear components within the closed-loop system and does not depend on the system's parameters, simplifying the design and analysis process. The Lyapunov stability technique confirms the closed-loop's global stability at the origin. Proofs of mathematical analysis and computer-based simulation results validate the theoretical findings, showing that the presented TENLC strategy converges the state error trajectories to zero in a short transient time with lessened fluctuations for all signals. The comparative computer-based simulation analysis confirms that the presented TENLC approach outperforms other synchronization control techniques.
Processes monitoring using adaptive confidence limit based on T-S fuzzy model and Luenberger observer
Authors: Bouzenad Khaled , Rahmouni Salah , Ramdani Messaoud
Published: June 2024

In hazard-sensitive processes, the monitoring upsets and malfunctions correctly is an important challenge to operation safely and enhance the performance. Conventional process monitoring frequently assumes that process data follow only one Gaussian distribution, which generates a constant confidence limit and hence produces a high number of false alarms. However, in fact, industrial processes usually include various operating modes. To ovoid this drawback, the suggested approach employs an adaptive confidence limit (ACL) when a substantial number of false alarms are created. The fundamental concept underlying this study is to extract internally several local linear sub-modes of the monitored variables. In typical operating circumstances, the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is utilized to extract several local linear sub-modes, followed by fuzzy linearization using the Takagi-Sugeno model, thereafter a bank of Luenberger observers to construct the residual spaces. An abnormal event is detected when the squared prediction error (SPE) is too great or exceeds the adaptive threshold designed to prevent the false alarms. Furthermore, an enhanced contribution plots is effectively used to identify the defective variable.
Major depressive disorder: early detection using deep learning and pupil diameter
Authors: Mohamed Islam Ismail , El-Wakad Mohamed Tarek , Shafie Khaled Abbas , Aboamer Mohamed A. , Rahman Mohamed Nader A.
Published: June 2024

Major depressive disorder stands as a highly prevalent mental disorder on a global scale. Detecting depression at its early stages holds paramount importance for effective treatment. However, due to the coexistence of depression with other conditions and the subjective nature of diagnosis, early identification poses a significant challenge. In recent times, machine learning techniques have emerged as valuable tools for the development of automated depression estimation systems, aiding in the diagnostic process. In this particular study, a deep learning approach utilizing pupil diameter was employed to distinguish between individuals diagnosed with depression and those who are considered mentally healthy. Pupillometric recordings were collected from a total of 58 individuals, comprising 29 healthy individuals and 29 individuals diagnosed with depression. Pupil size was recorded every 4 ms. The performance of three pretrained convolutional neural networks (GoogLeNet, SqueezeNet, and AlexNet) was evaluated for depression classification using the pupil size data. The highest accuracy of 98.28% was obtained with AlexNet. This finding highlights the potential of utilizing pupil diameter as a reliable indicator for objectively measuring depression.
Design and fabrication of S-band power amplifier for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hoi Tran Van , Lanh Ngo Thi , Duong Bach Gia
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses the process of designing and manufacturing a wideband power amplifier operating in the S-band. To amplify a low power and broadband radio frequency signals from 2.1 GHz to 2.5 GHz, the proposed power amplifier uses a diagram of a two-stages amplification with peak offset amplification frequency 2.3 GHz. The power amplifier is designed with a center frequency difference of 2.2 GHz and 2.4 GHz respectively to achieve a bandwidth of 400 MHz. The proposed power amplifier (PA) uses RF transistor SHF-0589 using gallium arsenide heterostructure field-effect transistor (GaAs HFET) technology for high gain and low power consumption. The complete amplifier achieves power gain 21.1 dB inband 2.1-2.5 GHz and achieve maximum power gain of 22.5 dB at the frequency of 2.4 GHz; the output power rise up to 33 dBm; input reflection coefficient (S11) reaches -19.2 dB and output reflection coefficient reaches -17.2 dB. The designed amplifier circuit can be used for wireless sensor networks operating at S-band.
Discussões Sobre a Representatividade no Brasil: reflexos de um país desigual
Authors: Diniz Henrique Jordão , Silva Nicolas Raposo , Oliveira Maria Clara de , Gallo Ravi Nesteriuk Silva
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo consiste em demonstrar, por meio de referências literárias e pesquisas científicas, como a colonização, o capital e o eurocentrismo mudaram o curso mundial para o que se tem nos dias de hoje. E principalmente, um enfoque na questão colonial e eurocêntrica, em como as antigas colônias, com enfoque no Brasil, enxergam sua própria identidade, principalmente na disposição do sistema político. O artigo apresenta referência a autores clássicos como Karl Marx e Max Weber, bem como pensadores modernos como Guillermo O' Donnell. Em suas concessões finais, nota-se como o curso histórico político abrange preconceitos que foram enraizados com a falta de identificações minoritárias em seu sistema político, enfraquecendo assim, um sistema democrático de direitos e ações em políticas públicas. Porém, reforça a importância do fortalecimento democrático, o investimento em ferramentas e sistemas de cada vez mais transparência e inclusão do cidadão nos processos decisórios, fundamentando, assim, o processo participativo.
O clima como novo comum urbano: conforto térmico na agenda do direito à cidade
Authors: Nichi Jaqueline , Fassina Caroline Malagutti , Soeira Marcelo Rezende Calça
Published: June 2024

This article seeks to contribute to the theoretical debate on the urbanization process and its impact on the use of common resources in cities (urban commons) in the face of climate change inherent in the contemporary urbanization model. Parks, streets, buildings, energy, and water are recognized as urban common goods, however, with the increase in climatic risks inherent to the process of densification of these spaces, the increase in temperatures has generated discomfort and health problems for its inhabitants. In this work, we approach the climate as a common good, associated with the concern of climate change in cities from the concept of thermal comfort (cooling the commons). Based on a dialectical approach to the contradictions and limits of Ostrom's theory of the commons adapted to the urban context, we aim to contribute to the theoretical debate on urban commons through articulation with Lefebvre's “right to the city” claims. In order to go beyond the public-private antithesis, State-market, it is possible to rethink shared and sustainable practices and alternatives for the social production of space so that urban praxis is socially and environmentally fair for all.
En el fondo del lodo: visualidades emergentes en la producción audiovisual de la Folha de São Paulo.
Authors: Gómez Ilanos Gober Mauricio , Rocha Simone Maria
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es comprender la visibilidad de los actores y los conflictos que emergieron con el rompimiento de la represa de residuos de minas de Samarco en Mariana en 2015. Para tal propósito adoptamos la perspectiva de los estudios visuales, para detenernos en el análisis audiovisual de dos video-reportajes producidos por la Folha de São Paulo e disponibles en su canal en Youtube, durante el periodo de 2015 y 2017. Los estudios visuales, a partir de la perspectiva de Mitchell (2009), es un abordaje teórico – metodológico que propone dar imagen a la teoría, para abrir la heterogeneidad del medio y las imágenes que la componen, hacia cuestiones sociales, históricas y políticas: Las visualidades que emergen nos obligan a cuestionar el paradigma civilizatorio moderno y el modelo económico extractivista neoliberal, sustentado en el colonialismo y discutido a través de Krenak A. e Achille M.
Relato de caso: remoção endoscópica de corpo estranho do trato digestivo superior: lâmina de bisturi
Authors: Silva Natália Rodrigues Moraes , Rios Júnior Edson Araújo , Trindade Clara Lemos Carneiro , Greco Giovanni Coelho
Published: June 2024

A presença de corpo estranho no trato gastrointestinal (TGI) superior não é incomum, principalmente em crianças e pacientes psiquiátricos. A grande maioria dos objetos ingeridos permanece no TGI superior. As complicações variam conforme as características do corpo estranho e a forma como são ingeridos. Grande parte não precisará de abordagem qualquer. No entanto, cerca de 10% a 20% dos casos necessitarão de abordagem endoscópica. O caso em questão trata sobre um paciente idoso, previamente hígido, submetido à cirurgia ortodôntica, com ingestão acidental de lâmina de bisturi e posterior impactação da mesma no estômago. Foi submetido à radiografia de tórax e endoscopia digestiva alta, com finalidade diagnóstica e terapêutica. Não houve lesão causada pela lâmina durante o trajeto e/ou durante a remoção, seguindo o procedimento sem intercorrências e recuperação plena do paciente.
A presença da figura do estrangeiro em “orientação” e “o cavalo que bebia cerveja”, de João Guimarães Rosa
Authors: Würmli Robert Thomas Georg
Published: June 2024

O presente trabalho busca examinar como o autor modernista brasileiro João Guimarães Rosa trabalhou a figura do estrangeiro em sua obra, possuindo como corpus de análise dois contos produzidos pelo escritor: “Orientação” e “O Cavalo que Bebia Cerveja”, em que há o desvelar do Outro, em que o revelar da alteridade se faz presente. Kristeva (1991), Todorov (1983) e Simmel (1971) tornam-se relevantes ao artigo, ao observarem o estrangeiro.
A vida ancestral em conflito com os processos históricos de Moçambique - Uma possível leitura do conto "O regresso do morto", de Suleiman Cassamo
Authors: Colosovski Laiz
Published: June 2024

O presente texto tem por objetivo analisar como se configura o embate entre o pensamento e as vivências tradicionais africanas e o contexto histórico de Moçambique na literatura de Suleiman Cassamo. Através do estudo do conto “O Regresso do Morto”, que encerra o livro homônimo do autor, tentaremos compreender como a figura do ancestral e a elaboração da morte no entendimento africano apreendem, no conto em questão, uma realidade causada por um duro processo histórico.
Reabilitação no território; construindo a participação na vida social
Authors: Oliver Fátima Corrêa , Ghirardi Maria Isabel Garcez , Almeida Marta Carvalho de
Published: June 2024

This work is meant to present and reflect upon principies for the development of territorial care in rehahilitation for handicaps. First, we consider that the actions of rehahilitation must be part of public policies of care to this sector of population, based on the right to health, on the need for universalization of assistance as part of processes of equalization of opportunities(ONU, 1992). Assistencial policies with such features create conditions to change the logic of philanthropic and beneficent care, typical of current public policies in this area. Second, we consider that the reference of Psychosocial Rehahilitation, taken from the field of mental health care (SARACENO, 1999), provides elements to structure care. Categories as "living", "making social exchanges" and "producing and exchanging goods and values" are brought to this context, in experiments in rehahilitation in a territorial basis, developed in poor suburban districts of the city of São Paulo. Home care, the recognizement and potentialization of the social net and of the support from and to handicaps, along with work and revenue generation programs, open to the participation of ali dwellers of those districts, are some of the features of this work. Actions like these are related to the needs ofinvestment in alternatives for local social development, demanding the active participation of handicaps, their families and neighbours. The support to initiatives of the local Cultural Association aims to make the constitution of participative processes easier, enhancing the dialogue between the needs and the search for collective solutions to problems like: unemployment, fear of violence, lack of room in schools, home confinement, lack of public places for leisure and culture, among others. Citizenship is constituted in this process, as a permanent individual and collective practice.
Grupo de sala de espera: relato de experiência de ensino de Terapia Ocupacional em serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde
Authors: Rosa-Cómitre Ana Carolina Diniz , Rosa Soraya Diniz , Quirino Ana Laura Santos , Almeida Ingrid Adrielli da Cunha
Published: June 2024

The present article describes teaching-learning interventions in the context of a mandatory curricular internship in Occupational Therapy conducted at a Family Health Basic Unit. This work is justified by the importance of presenting the outcomes of occupational therapy through the description of a concrete activity. The objective is to reflect on the practice and present the possibilities of action in primary care with a health education group. This is a descriptive study, in the form of an experience report, developed during the implementation of a waiting room group in a service located in the interior of São Paulo/SP, from August to December 2022. Data collection was carried out based on the field diaries of the interns and group coordinators, as well as reports reviewed by the faculty member and internship supervisor. The analytical phase considered the group experience, encompassing the participants, their histories, knowledge, cultures, and emotions, but also the narratives and experiences of the interns. The results indicate the transformation of the waiting room into a productive space, a redefinition of habits, and reflections on daily life, relationships, healthcare, through the sharing and construction of knowledge and wisdom, legitimizing the right to health information.
Uma inquietação da história. Sobre a gênese da história da Historiografia na França - 1940-1990
Authors: Brandi Felipe
Published: June 2024

Studies on Theory of History and Historiography have achieved remarkable success in Brazil. However, despite the increasing number of publications and the current vogue of topics stemming from the field of Historiography, this field remains, throughout the world, barely recognized, lacking a strong institutional background. This paper seeks to retrace some forgotten milestones of the rise of historiographical studies among French historians since the World War II. Our aim is twofold: a) to prevent so many French efforts aimed at fostering Historiography and bringing together empirical and theoretical historians from being lost in oblivion; b), but also to denounce how fragile is the current institutional situation of historiographical and theoretical studies both within the French historical school and beyond. Such institutional fragility is today all the more disturbing as it appears overshadowed by the plethora of publications of our times.
Cooperação Internacional apesar da Guerra Fria? Aproximações entre a Federação Democrática Internacional de Mulheres e a Liga Internacional de Mulheres Pró-Paz e Liberdade (1945-1963)
Authors: Nunes Guilherme Machado
Published: June 2024

After the Second World War, international women’s organizations that already existed before the War, such as the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), began to coexist with new actors. One of them argues that women’s issues could not be separated from themes such as colonialism, imperialism and protection of motherhood and childhood: the Women’s International Democratic Federation (WIDF). Although there were moments of conflicts and disputes typical of the period, the main goal of this article is to explore the attempt at cooperation, as well as the circulation of these women through countries and organizations that had the Cold War not only as a limiter, but also a field that enabled new channels and ways of communication. In this process, women in Latin America played an important role in trying to overcome the Cold War obstacles, especially through initiatives related to motherhood in the 1950s.
Ensino Secundário e os Desafios do Professorado na Guiné-Bissau: o caso dos professores novos ingressos (2019 – 2022)
Authors: Nhaga Ivaldino Carlitos
Published: June 2024

El presente trabajo es un estudio sobre los principales desafíos a los que se han enfrentado los docentes de nuevo ingreso en la educación secundaria pública de Guinea-Bissau durante el período 2019 - 2022. Se trata de una investigación con enfoque cualitativo, con carácter documental y bibliográfico, con la aplicación de un cuestionario con preguntas abiertas como instrumento de recolección de datos. Los resultados apuntan como principales dilemas de estos docentes: falta de materiales didácticos para enseñar; salarios bajos y pagos atrasados; falta de motivación y seguimiento; ausencia de una política de inspección para el ejercicio funcional de sus actividades y; las precarias condiciones de la infraestructura escolar. Dado lo anterior, se espera que el gobierno desencadene nuevas dinámicas, para implementar políticas educativas capaces de atender las aspiraciones que estos docentes han venido exigiendo en los últimos cuatro años.
How Competition Shapes Peer Effects: Evidence from a University in China
Authors: Chen Siyu , Hu Zihan
Published: June 2024

Competition is widely used to enhance effort and performance. However, in many domains, like education, competition could backfire, as performance is not solely reliant on individual efforts but also on collaboration endeavors among peers. Utilizing university administrative data, we examine how competition changes peer effects and peer interactions. Exploiting randomly assigned roommates, we first demonstrate that high-ability roommates have detrimental effects on the academic performance of high-ability students. More importantly, such negative peer effects significantly increase along various dimensions of competition intensity within dorm rooms. Follow-up survey findings reveal that competition hinders mutual assistance and fosters unfriendly behaviors among roommates.
Local Council Oversight and Executives Accountability in Amhara Region
Authors: Belay Degwale Gebeyehu , Abitew Endalsasa Belay , Mengistu Ebabu Chekole , Engdaw Besfat Dejen , Megbaru Abeje Tafere , Wondim Yetimwork Aniteneh , Ayalew Sisay Tamrat
Published: June 2024

Local councils are the core units of decentralised governments. They represent the people, and make the executive accountable. Effective council enhances the government’s legitimacy by increasing its responsiveness, inclusiveness, and representativeness. This study assessed the effectiveness of the council’s oversight over the executive in Amhara region. Three Zones, five Worerdas, and ten Kebeles were selected. Data was collected from the Woreda and Kebele council members, members of the executive, council speakers, and council standing committee members. A total of 405 council members were used to collect the survey data. Data was also collected using key-informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that the local council both at Kebele and Woreda levels less influencing the executive. Low literacy levels and party affiliation in the councils’ are the critical challenges of council oversight. Due to this, the needs and interests of the community are less represented.
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the African Continental Free Trade Area
Authors: Lalude Olalekan Moyosore
Published: June 2024

Article 4 of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, provides against the discrimination of nationals of state parties to the treaty based on their sex. The discrimination against women extends to stereotypes that often put them at risk in other countries where they might be domiciled. And this is further worsened by the fact that many of these women are not informed about their rights. The study would focus on the issues that result from the discrimination against women in Africa and how this would impact women’s economic capacity to trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This research engaged the doctrinal approach and the Realistic Conflict Theory. Content analysis was done on the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Trade and Services, the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, institutional reports, and journal articles. This study concluded on the opportunities that the inclusive approach of the AfCFTA could bring, if states could leverage on the AfCFTA through states mechanisms to provide equitable means for women to thrive in an export sector, culturally inclined to constrain gender inclusion.
Understanding Structural Factors in Women’s Political Participation
Authors: Muhammed Muhammed Hamid
Published: June 2024

This study explores how system/structural factors influence the political participation of women at the local level in Ethiopia using two districts in the Amhara region as a case study. The research employs Recruitment theory as a theoretical framework and examines the role of systemic/structural factors and their influence on the political participation of women in local administrations. It uses a qualitative approach to explore how the factors enable or constrain women’s involvement in local governance. Diverse perspectives from female local council members, governmental institutions, and other stakeholders were included using key informant interviews, document analysis, and observation. The findings demonstrate that the electoral system, party system, quota system, and affirmative action have affected women’s political engagement in a different level in the two local governments.
A new polyembryonic species of Eriotheca (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: YOSHIKAWA VANIA N. , MARINHO RAFAELA C. , MENDES-RODRIGUES CLESNAN , OLIVEIRA PAULO E. A. M. , DUARTE MARÍLIA C.
Published: June 2024

We describe a new species endemic to the Cerrado province from the state of Minas Gerais: Eriotheca luzensis (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae). This new species can be identified by its yellow pubescent indumentum associated with ferruginous scales, mainly grouped in the calyx apex. We provide a diagnosis, complete description, taxonomic comments, a key to differentiate E. luzensis from its congeners from the state of Minas Gerais, a plate with diagnostic features, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation status. We also included notes on the reproductive system with information on the occurrence of polyembryony in the new species.
Taxonomic study of the leafhopper genus Tautoneura Anufriev with four new species and one new record, and one new species for Qadria Mahmood (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini) from China
Authors: LIN SHUANGHU , ZOU HONGFEN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: June 2024

The genus Tautoneura Anufriev is reviewed with four new species and one new record from China: T. apicidentata, T. bicruris, T. bracteiformis, T. gigaerythromacula spp. nov. and T. indefinita (Dworakowska, 1970) n. rec. In addition, Qadria longibinata sp. nov., externally resembling members of above genus is also reported in this study. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of these five new species and a key to all known species (males) of Tautoneura Anufriev from China are provided.
Fourteen new species of demosponges (Porifera) from three coastal fjords in southern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: OTT B. , MCDANIEL N. , HUMPHREY E.
Published: June 2024

Collections of encrusting sponges from the shallow subtidal zone of three southern fjords in British Columbia, Canada, and adjacent waters provided the material for the description of 14 new species. Species represent 5 orders, 8 families and 11 genera providing a cross section of British Columbia shallow water fjord Demospongiae. New species include Eurypon reiswigi n. sp., E. scruposus n. sp., E. microtuberculatum n. sp., Hymeraphia pacifica n. sp., Hamigera bakusi n. sp., Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) anvilensis n. sp., Hymetrochota austini n. sp., Discorhabdella atypica n. sp., Antho (Acarnia) flavoaurantiaca n. sp., Clathria (Microciona) aquaradiata n. sp., Hymeniacidon globularis n. sp., Oceanapia polytuba n. sp., O. flava n. sp., and Spongionella tenuis n. sp. Species range from uncommon to common both within and outside fjord environments. Range extensions of genera include: Eurypon, Northeast Pacific range extension from Mexico to BC; Hymeraphia, range extension to the Northeast Pacific, Hamigera, range extension to the Northeast Pacific, Hymetrochota, range extension to the Northeast Pacific and depth extension to shallow water, and Oceanapia, Northeast Pacific range extension from the Gulf of California to central BC.
A new species-group in Calliscelio Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) takes shape
Authors: POPOVICI OVIDIU ALIN , FALLAHZADEH MAJID , SAGHAEI NAZILA , COPELAND ROBERT , TALAMAS ELIJAH
Published: June 2024

Two new species of Calliscelio Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) are described: C. safavii Popovici & Talamas, sp. nov. from Iran and C. rungu Talamas & Copeland, sp. nov. from Kenya. Bidentate mandibles are found in both species, a rare condition for Calliscelio that is also known from two other species in Africa, C. erana (Nixon) and C. aphrodite (Nixon). Furthermore, C. rungu has two characters that are unique within Calliscelio: a frontal ledge and broad, colorful setae on the dorsal head and mesosoma.
A new species of Homidia (Collembola: Entomobridae) from Korea, with notes on its DNA data
Authors: LEE INAE , PARK KYUNG-HWA
Published: June 2024

A new species, Homidia pseudokoreana sp. nov., from South Korea described based on morphological data and DNA barcodes. This species is morphologically characterized by the body color pattern with a longitudinal dark stripe on medial area of Th. II to Th. III, coxal macrochaetal formula as 3/4+1,3/4+2, and unguis III with three inner teeth. In this study, DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were used as DNA barcode to distinguish species. It showed distinct differences in genetic distances between Homidia species. DNA barcoding was a useful tool when identifying morphologically closely related species in Homidia.
Adrian
Authors: Gaston Bruce
Published: June 2024

Adrian, a social climber from a working-class family, does his best to present himself as a member of high society. The aunt of one of his well-off friends takes him under her wing and invites him to accompany her on a holiday to the Alps. There Adrian gets carried away by high spirits and causes trouble by first introducing a baby dressed up as a pig into one of the entertainments that had been organised for the guests and then by swapping all the room numbers on the doors in their hotel. The story ends with the aunt desperately contacting her nephew so that he can help her contact Adrian’s mother and have him brought home.
The Optimist
Authors: Gaston Bruce
Published: June 2024

Having got lost while out riding with a hunt, Richard Duncombe stops at a farmhouse so his horse can rest and have some water. The lady of the house invites him in for tea, which he takes with the teenage children of the family. Although the mother is friendly to him, Duncombe senses a slightly strained, defensive atmosphere nonetheless. At one point the son, around seventeen, is called for and leaves. After this the mother tells Duncombe about her family, stressing its respectability. Duncombe assumes that the family’s social situation has declined and when he later meets the son in a train he takes it upon himself to encourage the boy to do his best to restore his family’s good-standing. His well-meaning counsels are met with silent embarrassment and only at the end of the journey does Duncombe realise that the policeman sitting in the same carriage is actually escorting the young man to prison.
Prolonged Grief Disorder, but Not Death From COVID-19, Elicits Public Stigma: A Vignette-Based Experiment
Authors: Zammit Tamara , Mancini Vincent O. , Reid Carly , Singer Jonathan , Staniland Lexy , Breen Lauren J.
Published: June 2024

We investigated the effects of cause of death (COVID-19 with an underlying medical condition vs. without) and prolonged grief disorder status (PGD present or absent) on participants’ reported public stigma towards the bereaved. Participants ( N = 304, 66% women; Mage = 39.39 years) were randomly assigned to read one of four vignettes describing a bereaved man. Participants completed stigma measures assessing negative attributions, desired social distance, and emotional reactions. Participants reported significantly stronger stigmatizing responses towards an individual with PGD (vs. without PGD) across all stigma measures. There was no significant difference in stigma based on cause of death; however, stigma was reported regardless of cause of death. There was no significant interaction between cause of death and PGD on stigma. This study supports the robust finding of public stigma being reported toward an individual with PGD, suggesting these individuals are at risk of public stigma and not receiving adequate bereavement support.
An Attractiveness Bias? How Women Entrepreneurs’ Physical Appearance Affects Men Investors
Authors: Schreiber Robert , Hess Manuel , Grichnik Dietmar , Shepherd Dean A. , Tobler Philippe N. , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2024

Women founders frequently appear to encounter varied and often negatively biased decisions from investors. Our study builds on the theoretical and practical interest in understanding whether and how biases against women entrepreneurs are attributed to men investors’ cognitive and physiological (i.e., hormonal) responses to the women’s physical appearance. Using a cross-sectional research design, we recruited 106 experienced investors and randomly assigned them to one of two versions of a prerecorded pitch to test the effect of a woman entrepreneur’s physical attractiveness. The versions were identical in content and form but were delivered by different actresses, one of whom was considered highly attractive. We asked participants to observe the pitch and answer questions on related topics, including how likely they believed the business described would successfully progress through the screening stage of the investment process. In contrast to our hypothesis, we find that a woman entrepreneur’s attractiveness positively influences men investors’ assessments of her competence. These competence assessments lead to evaluations that the entrepreneur’s proposal would progress through the investment screening stage. We also theorize and find that men investors have a marked increase in cortisol levels when presented with an attractive woman entrepreneur. This increased cortisol leads to evaluations that the entrepreneur’s proposal would progress through the screening stage. Identifying the role physiological mechanisms play in investment evaluations underscores the importance of adopting proactive measures to ensure equitable and fair investment practices alongside fostering introspection within the investment community.
Employed Mothers’ Justifications for Using Child Home Care Allowance in Finland
Authors: Lammi-Taskula Johanna , Hietamäki Johanna , Repo Katja
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the justifications for using the Child Home Care Allowance given by Finnish mothers with a one-year-old child, and the factors associated with these justifications. The study is based on a survey with parents, focussing on mothers with existing employment contract and spouse ( n = 530). The main justification for home care of a one-year-old child was that the child is too young for out-of-home day care. Experiencing home care as the best interest of the child did not vary according to socioeconomic background. Normative views of motherhood as well as criticism towards the quality of day care was more likely among mothers with a lower occupational status. The practical difficulties of working life were more pronounced among mothers with irregular working hours. The financial unprofitability of employment as a reason for home care was related to the mother’s weaker subjective health, lower socioeconomic status, and higher number of children in the family.
Minimally invasive versus conventional methods for aortic root surgery: Choosing the right approach
Authors: Karadzha Anastasiia , Sharifulin Ravil , Khrushchev Sergey , Afanasyev Alexander , Sapegin Andrey , Zheleznev Sergey , Chernyavsky Alexander , Bogachev-Prokophiev Alexander
Published: June 2024

Objective

Partial upper sternotomy is preferred for isolated aortic valve replacement because of its optimal surgical visibility and favorable cosmetic outcomes; however, it is not commonly used for aortic root surgery, and the conventional median sternotomy is still the preferred method for most surgeons. We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive approach (partial sternotomy [PS]) and conventional approach (median sternotomy [FS]) for aortic root surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent aortic root surgery at our hospital from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups. After propensity score matching, the conventional group included 156 patients and the minimally invasive group—57 patients.

Results

Bicuspid aortic valves were observed in 63 (40.4%) and 33 (57.9%) patients in the FS and PS groups, respectively. Valve-sparing surgery was performed on 69 (44.2%) and 30 (52.6%) patients in the FS and PS groups, respectively. The minimally invasive approach was beneficial in terms of blood loss during the first 24 h after surgery ( p = 0.029) and postoperative blood transfusion ( p = 0.023). The survival rates and freedom from reoperation or severe aortic regurgitation after the David procedure were comparable between the standard and minimally invasive groups ( p = 0.25; p = 0.66) at mid-term follow-up.

Conclusions

A minimally invasive approach for aortic root surgery can be safely performed as the standard approach. Partial upper sternotomy has the advantage of lower blood loss in the early postoperative period and does not negatively affect the results of valve-sparing root replacement.
Abolishing UCHL1’s hydrolase activity exacerbates ischemia-induced axonal injury and functional deficits in mice
Authors: Mi Zhiping , Povysheva Nadya , Rose Marie E , Ma Jie , Zeh Dennis J , Harikumar Nikitha , Bhuiyan Mohammad Iqbal H , Graham Steven H
Published: June 2024

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a neuronal protein important in maintaining axonal integrity and motor function and may be important in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. UCHL1 may ameliorate acute injury and improve recovery after cerebral ischemia. In the current study, the hypothesis that UCHL1’s hydrolase activity underlies its effect in maintaining axonal integrity and function is tested after ischemic injury. Hydrolase activity was inhibited by treatment with a UCHL1 hydrolase inhibitor or by employing knockin mice bearing a mutation in the hydrolase active site (C90A). Ischemic injury was induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in brain slice preparations and by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) surgery in mice. Hydrolase activity inhibition increased restoration time and decreased the amplitude of evoked axonal responses in the corpus callosum after OGD. Mutation of the hydrolase active site exacerbated white matter injury as detected by SMI32 immunohistochemistry, and motor deficits as detected by beam balance and cylinder testing after tMCAO. These results demonstrate that UCHL1 hydrolase activity ameliorates white matter injury and functional deficits after acute ischemic injury and support the hypothesis that UCHL1 activity plays a significant role in preserving white matter integrity and recovery of function after cerebral ischemia.