bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Characteristics of the Manifestation of Optimism and Pessimism in Students
Authors: Chernyshova M. , Artemyeva S. , Shmeleva S. , Rybakova A.
Published: April 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the phenomena of optimism and pessimism, which represent diametrically opposed worldviews. Optimism and pessimism are considered as significant psychological constructs that have a close relationship with such phenomena as stress, distress, depression, achievement motivation and coping behavior, which has a significant impact on various spheres of an individual's life.

Each personality has a certain degree of optimism and pessimism, which, being relatively stable personal characteristics, coexist in unity and are in constant interaction. The formation of these characteristics occurs in childhood and adolescence, and later they undergo transformation.

The study showed that the psychological components of the worldview of optimistic and pessimistic students have significant substantive differences. These differences have an impact on purposefulness, emotional saturation of life and satisfaction with self-realization among representatives of these groups.

The results of the study demonstrate gender differences in the tendency to optimism: among girls, the tendency to optimism is higher than this indicator among boys. There is only a slight difference in indicators depending on the year of study, and at senior courses the ratio of optimists and pessimists is equalized (51% and 49%, respectively).
Positive Strategies in Corporate Sustainability Reports
Authors: Nesova N.
Published: April 2024

This article explores the paradoxical discourse of sustainability reporting, which is characterized by significant costs associated with sustainable practices yet lacks direct economic benefit from such investments. The paper aims to resolve this paradox through a linguistic lens and seeks to understand the motivations behind the publication of sustainability reports. The primary value of the study lies in assessing the role of these reports within corporate communication: whether they genuinely and objectively provide information on sustainability or are more akin to tools of public relations and marketing. The article tests this assumption by analyzing the use of optimistic linguistic strategies in corporate sustainability reports compared to other types of official documentation. The research underscores the importance of establishing unified standards for sustainability reporting, which could lead to greater transparency within corporations.
Complexity of Formulas and Methods for Solving Tasks on MKT, Thermodynamics, Optics, Microcosm Physics and STR
Authors: Mayer R.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of determining the complexity of formulas and methods used to solve school problems in molecular physics and thermodynamics, optics, microcosm physics and the special theory of relativity. As a result of the content analysis of school textbooks, all formulas related to the listed sections were written out and 17 topics are identified, each of which corresponds to its own method of solving problems. In order to determine semantic complexity, formulas are presented in the form of statements that are stored in a text file Formuli.txt. To a file Slovar.txt the list of concepts denoting physical quantities is placed, indicating their complexities. Using a special computer program that analyzes the file Formuli.txt the semantic complexities of the formulas, their volume and the information folding coefficient are determined. The complexities of the methods are calculated, the distributions of formulas in the space of "semantic complexity - volume" signs are analyzed. Based on the number of formulas in each method and the number of methods in each section, the complexity of choosing a suitable formula for independent solving a single-formula task is estimated. It is shown how to take into account the uncertainty of the choice of formulas when solving two- and three-formula tasks to find their complexities.
The Influence of the Conscious and Unconscious on the Transfer of Speech Skills in Foreign Language Learning: an Analysis of Theories
Authors: Yulina Galina , Alieva P.
Published: April 2024

In the scientific article presented for consideration the research on the significance and functions of conscious and unconscious in the psychological construction and transfer of speech skills of foreign language learners is carried out. The components of actions in the structure of speech activity that differ in the degree of consciousness have been identified and their characteristics in the process of transfer of speech skills have been considered. To prepare and conduct research work on the given topic, the methods of literary analysis were used: the study of existing scientific articles, books, monographs, dissertations and other sources on the topic, which allowed us to get a general idea of the available theories and studies related to the functions of consciousness and subconsciousness in the transfer of speech skills. The method of analyzing empirical research was also used: the study of scientific research conducted using various methods and techniques including observation, experiments, questionnaires and interviews, which helped to highlight the main results and patterns found in scientific papers. The results of the study showed that the transfer of speech skills relies on the complex interaction of conscious and unconscious in the sending of speech acts. The conclusion emphasizes that the learning process should contain elements that ensure the development of cognitive, evaluative and corrective functions of consciousness. The role of native language in the transfer of speech skills in a foreign language is also noted. The influence of the native language acquires the significance of a regulator of the deployment and realization of speech action. The article concludes by pointing out that the modern understanding of behavior regulation allows us to revise the ideas about speech automatisms and expand their understanding. The study is relevant in the field of speech psychology and can be used in the development of effective teaching methods.
Socio-Psychological Factors Influencing the Recruitment of Police Patrol Units at the Regional Level: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Maltseva T. , Konovalova O.
Published: April 2024

Relevance. Over the past five years, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been experiencing an acute shortage of personnel, which has become critical. The personnel shortage is especially acute for police patrol units, and in fact they act as the main means of ensuring proper public order and combating offenses and crime in public places, which is especially important in changing socio-economic conditions. Problem. The outflow rate of employees significantly exceeds the rate of admission in the following regions of the Russian Federation: Tula Region, Sverdlovsk Region, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Vologda Region, Chelyabinsk region. Goal. To analyze the factors influencing the decrease in the staffing of PPSP units at the regional level and carry out their scientific processing, as well as to develop the main directions for improving the organizational and legal mechanism for recruiting police patrol units at the regional level. Methods: scientific analysis, induction, comparison, generalization, classification. Conclusions. According to the results of the study, it was found that at the regional level there are a number of problems in the field of recruitment of combatant units of the PPSP, which have developed against the background of negative socio-economic factors, increased staff outflow and increasing workload on active personnel
Artistic Heritage in the Actualization of Traditional Pedagogical Technologies and the Implementation of Innovative Educational Ideas Artistic Heritage in the Actualization of Traditional Pedagogical Technologies and the Implementation of Innovative Educational Ideas
Authors: Ul'yanova N.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the research is to create a comprehensive methodology with the inclusion of traditional pedagogical technologies based on the system of the historical Russian school of fine arts. Using the example of planning ensembles of a Russian manor with the definition of their influence on the cultural development of life in urban suburbs during the heyday and development of art workshops and crafts in the late XVIII and early XIX centuries. The paper provides an analysis of a number of methodological approaches in the educational system, which is based on the educational and cultural component of art education. The purpose of this article was to analyze the social features of the planning, content and distribution of functions of the socio-cultural development of the Russian estate. The research can be successfully applied in educational programs and additional education, in the field of architecture, design, restoration and ecology.
Motivating Employees for Professional Training
Authors: Logunova N. , Rabadanova Raziyat
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the main ways to motivate employees for professional training and their comparison. motivating staff to learn remains relevant in light of the rapidly changing business environment and the need of companies to maintain the qualifications of their employees at an up-to-date level. Organizations that pay attention to this topic and develop effective training incentive programs can gain a competitive advantage and long-term success.
IX Wiosenne Spotkania Archiwalne: „Dokumenty w postaci elektronicznej. Problemy zarządzania”. Toruń, 11–12 maja 2023 r.
Authors: Smoczyński Marcin
Published: April 2024

Sprawozdanie z 9. konferencji z cyklu „Wiosenne Spotkania Archiwalne”, która w dniach 11–12 maja 2023 r. odbyła się w Toruniu. Przedmiotem tego spotkania były „Dokumenty w postaci elektronicznej. Problemy zarządzania”.
Kongres Międzynarodowej Rady Archiwów. Abu Dhabi, 9–13 października 2023
Authors: Nowosad Wiesław Józef
Published: April 2024

Sprawozdanie z Kongresu Międzynarodowej Rady Archiwów, który w dniach 9–13 października 2023 r. obradował w Abu Dhabi pod ogólnym hasłem „Wzbogacanie społeczeństw wiedzy”.
O przysłówkach w przekładzie i o wartościowaniu w tekście – na przykładzie wybranych fragmentów polskich tłumaczeń książek Richarda Dawkinsa
Authors: Konik Tomasz
Published: April 2024

ON ADVERBS IN TRANSLATION AND ON EVALUATION IN TEXT – BASED ON SELECTED FRAGMENTS IN THE POLISH TRANSLATIONS OF BOOKS BY RICHARD DAWKINS
The use of adverbs can be related to the expression of evaluative meanings, which play a key role, for example, in the argumentative discourse of popular science. The way evaluative elements are rendered in translation may be important for maintaining the persuasive power of the original text. The aim of the paper is to look at selected fragments of the Polish translations of two popular science books by Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion and Outgrowing God, and to see how English adverbs expressing evaluative and volitional meanings were rendered in them, and how the choices made may affect the perception of the text. The analysis uses models of appraisal in language and discourse developed by researchers in the field of English-language text linguistics and discourse studies.
Transanal irrigation: an update on current practice and guidance
Authors: Yates Ann
Published: April 2024

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is now a recognised intervention for bowel dysfunction whether it is constipation or faecal incontinence and is becoming a more popular treatment therapy. However, there is a myriad of devices now available and professionals need to be aware of the most appropriate device for the right individual. They need to understand how to assess for the most effective device and be aware of patient benefits and complications, but also be aware of adherence issues. This article will look at these points in depth and try to unravel some of these issues.
The Major Conditions Strategy: implications for GI nurses
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: April 2024

With the government's launch of the The Major Conditions Strategy, Penny Harrison considers the effects it may have on GI nurses in practice
Study scope
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: April 2024

A brief overview of recently published articles on endoscopy, this month focusing on artificial intelligence
X’s and Y’s in the Midst of the Pandemic: Generational Identity, Mental Well-being and Life Satisfaction Among Filipino Adult Learners
Authors: Dela-Rosa Ronnell D. , Cleofas Jerome V. , Oducado Ryan Michael F.
Published: April 2024

The 2019 novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has increased the mental health challenges and decreased the quality of life among students and the general adult population. However, adult learners and non-traditional students who are currently at their quarter and midlife during the pandemic, remain underrepresented in well-being research. Moreover, the unique sociocultural and historical contexts specific to generational cohorts may have an impact on the way they experience and cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic. This study sought to determine the relationships among generational identity, mental well-being and life satisfaction among Millennial and Generation X Filipino adult learners. A total of 543 adult learners participated in this online cross-sectional study. Findings suggest that young millennials reported lower levels of mental well-being and life satisfaction compared to old millennials and Gen Xers. Moreover, mental well-being was found to be a predictor of life satisfaction among Filipino adult learners, regardless of their generational identity. Schools must implement initiatives to monitor and address mental health issues among adult learners, contextualized to quarter and midlife contexts.
Obstacles to a Favorable Attitude Towards Reflective Practices in Preservice Teachers in Training
Authors: Barra Alejandra Nocetti-de-la , Pérez-Villalobos Cristhian , Philominraj Andrew
Published: April 2024

Reflective practices have been recognized as a predictor of professional development because they favor teaching changes that improve the students’ learning. The expressions reflection, practice, and reflective professionals are very present in training programs, but with a diversity of meanings and interpretations. The concept of reflection is linked to professional development and teaching identity. The goal of training reflective teachers is shared on an international level, however, the educational conditions that favor a positive attitude toward reflection have not been sufficiently researched. This article aims to describe the obstacles to a positive attitude toward reflection in pedagogy students according to their teachers. This study is qualitative with an interpretive approach for which an instrumental case study was conducted with 15 university teachers in six Chilean regions.  The results show that both inter-institutional conditions negatively affect attitudes, as well as the lack of models of reflective practice, insufficient teaching, the way teacher reflection is evaluated, and the barriers to reflective practice in schools. The results indicate the need to intentionally teach pedagogical reflection practices and help to recognize its benefits for teaching.
Self-Directed Learning Readiness Model: A Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy among Need-Supportive Teaching Style, Transformational Parenting and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Prihastiwi Wiwik Juwarini , Wiyono Bambang Budi , Chusniyah Tutut , Eva Nur
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to explore the self-directed learning readiness model and its relationship with various factors such as emotional intelligence, transformational parenting, need-supportive teaching style, and self-efficacy as potential mediators. The research was conducted with 415 junior high school students in Surabaya, Indonesia. To ensure the reliability and validity of the instruments used in the study, confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The loading factor values of all the items in the instruments were found to be greater than .50 indicating a satisfactory level of validity. Additionally, the reliability coefficient of all the instruments exceeded .90 demonstrating good internal consistency. Analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that the theoretical model of self-directed learning readiness was consistent with empirical conditions because it meets the standard value of goodness of fit. Furthermore, through the indirect effect tests, it was discovered that need-supportive teaching style, emotional intelligence, and transformational parenting significantly influenced self-directed learning readiness, with self-efficacy acting as a mediator. Among the factors examined, self-efficacy was found to have the greatest impact in explaining readiness for self-directed learning readiness.
Manifestations of 21st Century Skills Development Under the SPRING Online Flipped Learning Model in a College Physical Education Course
Authors: Dimarucot Heildenberg C. , Andres Elaine Carie A. , Matitu Bayani C. , Santiago Rosalinda B.
Published: April 2024

Flipped learning (FL) is one of the recent pedagogical models that seeks to promote student agency and hone 21st century skills for lifelong learning through its emphasis on collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and autonomy. However, only some physical education (PE) classes globally have adopted this method and researched its effectiveness. Thus, this qualitative study discovered how the SPRING online FL model helped enhance the 21st century skills of college PE students. From the students’ responses in the questionnaire and the teacher-researchers observation notes, it was revealed that FL aids in the students’ 21st century skills as it allows the students to collaborate and improve their social skills; analyze people, tasks, and situations to create an output that is not only ingenuous and entertaining but beneficial to all; and study and master the skills independently at their own pace. Future studies can explore testing the SPRING model's effectiveness in younger students and other learning contexts.
Comprehensive and personalized approach is a critical area for developing remote cardiac rehabilitation programs
Authors: Pepera Garyfallia , Antoniou Varsamo , Su Jing Jing , Lin Rose , Batalik Ladislav
Published: April 2024

In the evolving landscape of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), adopting digital technologies, including synchronous/real-time digital interventions and smart applications, has emerged as a transformative approach. These technologies offer real-time health data access, continuous vital sign monitoring, and personalized educational enhanced patient self-management and engagement. Despite their potential benefits, challenges and limitations exist, necessitating careful consideration. Synchronous/real-time digital CR involves remote, two-way audiovisual communication, addressing issues of accessibility and promoting home-based interventions. Smart applications extend beyond traditional healthcare, providing real-time health data and fostering patient empowerment. Wearable devices and mobile apps enable continuous monitoring, tracking of rehabilitation outcomes, and facilitate lifestyle modifications crucial for cardiac health maintenance. As digital CR progresses, ensuring patient access, equitable implementation, and addressing the digital divide becomes paramount. Artificial intelligence holds promise in the early detection of cardiac events and tailoring patient-specific CR programs. However, challenges such as digital literacy, data privacy, and security must be addressed to ensure inclusive implementation. Moreover, the shift toward digital CR raises concerns about cost, safety, and potential depersonalization of therapeutic relationships. A transformative shift towards technologically enabled CR necessitates further research, focusing not only on technological advancements but also on customization to meet diverse patient needs. Overcoming challenges related to cost, safety, data security, and potential depersonalization is crucial for the widespread adoption of digital CR. Future studies should explore integrating moral values into digital therapeutic relationships and ensure that digital CR is accessible, equitable, and seamlessly integrated into routine cardiac care. Theoretical frameworks that accommodate the dynamic quality of real-time monitoring and feedback feature of digital CR interventions should be considered to guide intervention development.
The signless Laplacian spectral radius of graphs without intersecting odd cycles
Authors: Chen Ming-Zhu , Liu A-Ming , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: April 2024

Let $F_{a_1,\dots,a_k}$ be a graph consisting of $k$ cycles of odd length $2a_1+1,\dots, 2a_k+1,$ respectively, which intersect in exactly one common vertex, where $k\geq1$ and $a_1\ge a_2\ge \cdots\ge a_k\ge 1$. In this paper, we present a sharp upper bound for the signless Laplacian spectral radius of all $F_{a_1,\dots,a_k}$-free graphs and characterize all extremal graphs which attain the bound. The stability methods and structure of graphs associated with the eigenvalue are adapted for the proof.
Consumer Perceptions toward the Use of Reclaimed Wood in Secondary Wood Products
Authors: Craig Mia , Montague Iris , Shmulsky Rubin
Published: April 2024

Reclaimed wood is a repurposed building material salvaged from old or abandoned buildings that offers a sustainable approach to using wood in communities. Although there have been some studies on reclaimed wood, there has been a limited amount linking reclaimed wood to consumerism. In August 2021, an online survey was conducted to gauge adult consumers’ knowledge of the wood products industry and their attitudes on reclaimed wood practices. Adult consumers are defined as individuals residing in the United States who are 18 years of age or older. Study results indicate that many respondents have little to no knowledge of reclaimed wood. Of the 1,516 respondents, only 44% have any knowledge of reclaimed wood. Most respondents are not aware that reclaimed wood is a separate sector in the industry. Caucasian men were the most knowledgeable of all respondents. Respondents believe that reclaimed wood is environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing and that there should be better marketing practices for reclaimed wood. Respondents’ top three reasons for purchasing reclaimed wood was to promote sustainability, for the aesthetics, and because there was a need. Respondents also acknowledge the importance of knowing where their wood products come from and believe that the reclaimed wood sector is very important.
Pricing of Climate Risks in the Capital Market of South Africa
Authors: Ayamga Eric Atanga , Amporfu Eugenia , Sakyi Daniel
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Climate risk represents an increasingly vital issue to countries, companies, and institutional investors, making it a reality but not a distant threat to humanity. Considering the effects of climate risks on firms' financial indices and financing options, the study investigates whether climate risk is priced by the capital markets of South Africa. The study used reported carbon emissions as a measure of climate risk of 81 listed companies in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2020 to examine whether climate risk is considered and priced by the South Africa capital market. Data was sourced from DataStream database- a global financial and macroeconomic time-series database providing data on equities, stock market indices, currencies, company fundamentals, fixed income securities, and key economic indicators. We used the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments estimation technique that copes with endogeneity concerns to corroborate the effects of climate risk on cost of capital and capital structure. We find that climate risk is priced in both cost of debt capital and cost of equity capital. Specifically, we find that an increase in a firm's exposure to climate risk increases the cost associated with issuing debt and equity capital. We also find that climate risk exposure decreases the debt-equity ratio. Additionally, the study showed that firm size, leverage ratio, capitalization, profitability, and turnover affect both cost of capital and capital structure of listed firms. The study concludes that climate risk is priced in cost of financing in the capital market of South Africa. The study recommends that firms should invest in installing eco-friendly machinery that aligns with changing market expectations in order to reduce their carbon emissions. The study therefore highlights the need for companies to proactively assess and manage climate risks, incorporate climate considerations into their strategic decision-making, and enhance their resilience to climate-related challenges.
Internal Migration in Pakistan: Some Socio-Economic Determinants and Significances
Authors: Akram Naeem
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Since early years, humans are migrating to ensure their survival or to improve their socio-economic position in society. In Pakistan, internal migration has not been given proper attention in policy making. Consequently, government is facing problems in managing the challenges and opportunities posed by internal migration. The present study attempted to analyse socio-economic factors that play crucial role in a household's decision to migrate internally by using data of Labour Force Survey 2020-21. In the questionnaire of labour force survey, there is a specific section related to migration. The migration is defined as 'households that has moved from one district to another district or to different country', it excludes the migration within district. The logit regression has been used to estimate the model. It has been found that more educated people particularly having professional and technical education tends to migrate. The internal migration increases with age, but after certain level it tends to start declining. It has also concluded that employment in public sector (due to job security or provision of housing facilities) motivate people to internally migrate. People belonging to middle income families are more likely to migrate in comparison to rich or very poor. Study confirms that search of better job opportunities and family compulsions are major factors in internal voluntary migration. However, law and order situations emerge as a significant factor in forced migration. As the internal migration are much higher than international migration so there is need that role of internal migration may be recognised in reducing poverty, employment and socio-economic development. Unfortunately, there exists lack of policy on internal labour flows. Most the labour force is not even registered at migration destinations. It is very crucial to calculate value of domestic remittances. It will be helpful in devising the policy to improve the status of internal migrants by providing them targeted technical and vocational education training so that they can get better job opportunities in destination places.
Financial Proximity and Agricultural Productivity: New Evidence from Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Koloma Yaya , Bah Mamadou , Kemeze Francis H.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Agriculture plays a vital role in driving economic output and employment in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Despite some progress, agricultural productivity in SSA still lags behind other regions. Limited access to finance remains a significant impediment to improving agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper investigates the effect of financial proximity on agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan African countries. The study primarily employs the system GMM estimator, chosen to address the endogeneity issue typical in macro panel data. This method is also well-suited to our study because it accommodates a high number of cross-sections relative to the number of periods within each cross-section. Additionally, the IV-2SLS method is employed to check the robustness of the findings. The study uses an unbalanced panel for the 36 African countries with data for the period 2004-2019. Our findings show that increasing the financial proximity favors agricultural productivity in SSA countries. Specifically, the number of commercial bank branches (CBB) and the number of automated teller machines (ATM) per 100 000 adults, as indicators of financial proximity, have positive and significant effects on agricultural value added per worker in SSA. Additionally, our findings show that rainfall, arable land, and institutional quality are robust determinants of agricultural productivity. The positive effects of the number of CBB and the number of ATM are even more pronounced on agricultural productivity when coupled with strong institutional quality. Our findings suggest that improving financial services' accessibility in rural areas, coupled with enhanced institutional quality, regular rainfall, ample arable land, and increased access to water and land, are pivotal steps for achieving sustainable enhancements in labor productivity. This, in turn, leads to increased returns through value-added growth and expanded employment in the agricultural sector.
Does the Capital Market Value Carbon Emission Reductions? Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Junqin , Wang Fangjun , Wang Xuanzi
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: An increasing number of Chinese companies are strengthening their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by reporting their carbon emission reductions. Research suggests that such voluntary environmental disclosures can reduce information asymmetry, decrease the cost of capital, and thus enhance firm value. However, a significant research gap exists because this evidence mainly derives from developed countries, with limited consideration given to emerging countries, where the capital market often lacks robust informational content. To fill this research gap, we endeavor to explore the firm-value effects of the disclosures and the magnitude of carbon reduction in China, the largest emerging market. By manually collecting data on carbon emission reductions from the CSR reports of Chinese listed companies from 2008 to 2013, we employ the balance sheet valuation model and ordinary least squares regression to investigate the firm-value effects of the disclosures and the magnitude of carbon emission reductions. The empirical results show that firm value is positively associated with not only voluntary carbon emission reduction disclosures, but also the magnitude of carbon emission reductions. In our sample, for every additional ton of carbon emission reduction, firm value increases by approximately 340 yuan (equivalent to 44 euros or 52 US dollars). We also find that the firm-value effects of carbon emission reductions are more pronounced in high-pollution industries than those in low-pollution industries. Further channel tests reveal that on average, agency problems, as measured by selling, general, and administrative expenses, are lower in firms that disclose carbon emission reduction information than those that do not. In addition, firms with carbon emission reduction disclosures can obtain more green subsidies than those without such disclosures. To mitigate climate risk, firms should proactively engage in carbon emission reductions, which can potentially receive a positive recognition from the capital market. Our study also provides valuable insights for regulators in terms of establishing and enhancing carbon accounting standards to encourage corporate involvement in carbon reductions.
“Autumn”: John Clare and the Altered Fenland
Authors: MacKenney Francesca
Published: April 2024

abstract: The draining of the fens has been described as “England’s greatest ecological disaster.” This article delineates how John Clare’s ‘flitting’ to Northborough in the spring of 1832 fatefully coincided with a new, more efficient—or, in ecological terms, more disastrous— era of wetland drainage projects in the late 1820s and 30s. Focusing on his late (and sadly neglected) prose essay “Autumn” (1841), I explore how Clare recalls and recasts some of the enduring themes of both Romanticism and his own early poetry as he surveys the ecological disaster he had lived to see unfold.
“The Slave of Your Wishes”: Re-Reading Race in Charlotte Dacre’s Zofloya; or, the Moor (1806)
Authors: Desjardins Molly
Published: April 2024

abstract: This essay re-reads Charlotte Dacre’s depiction of the Gothic villain Zofloya in terms specific to the European racialization of Moorish identity in 1806. Contrary to existing critical accounts, this essay suggests that Dacre’s construction of Zofloya’s non-whiteness should not be conflated with the “blackness” of the enslaved as it was being constructed in either abolitionist or anti-abolitionist texts.
Women and their Voices in Plautus’ Rudens
Authors: Moore Timothy J.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The women who performed Plautus’ Rudens at Washington University in 1884, though they eliminated much misogyny from the play, left in a verse in which a character argues that good women should be silent. The women would have been aware that the line is deeply ironic, as the play offers one of Roman comedy’s most rewarding presentations of women’s voices, which are essential for the successful resolution of the plot. The verse reflects not a belief that women should be silent, but rather an awareness of the necessity for women to use their voices strategically in a patriarchal society.
The Local Memory of Repression, and Who Fights
Authors: Henn Soeren J. , Huff Connor
Published: April 2024

abstract: How does the local memory of past repression affect whether individuals fight for or rebel against the government perpetrator? The authors theorize how information about past repression is transmitted across generations to shape long-run patterns of loyalty and rebellion toward the state. To assess this argument, they study how the legacies of the 1845–49 Irish Potato Famine affected the decisions of subsequent generations of Irishmen to fight for or against Britain. Leveraging data on more than 150,000 Irish combatants, the authors show that individuals in places more severely affected by the Famine fought in the pro-British Irish Militia and the British military in World War I at lower rates. By contrast, those individuals rebelled against Britain at higher rates. Additional quantitative analysis provides evidence consistent with the theoretical argument: constituencies more severely affected by the Famine were more likely to vote for the pro-Irish, anti-British Sinn Féin Party. This article demonstrates how the local memory of past repression can play a crucial role in shaping long-run patterns of participation in conflict.
Igniting Solidarities across Borders: South Feminist Futures (SFF) and the Promise of the South Feminist Manifesto
Authors: Chakma Trimita
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article examines the forthcoming South Feminist Manifesto spearheaded by South Feminist Futures, a transnational network of feminists from the Global South. Through extensive cross-regional consultations, the manifesto initiative promises to build solidarity and advance decolonial, anti-capitalist feminism across the Global South. It aims to center plural Southern voices and contexts, integrating diverse critical frameworks from Third World feminism to queer theory. By foregrounding lived realities of Southern women and trans and nonbinary people, the manifesto promises to generate fresh insights and creative South-South solidarities. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering Women's Manifesto for Ghana , it strives to catalyze feminist consciousness raising, movement revival, and more caring, just futures across borders. The article analyzes the manifesto's transformative promises.
SFNDHE: Feminist Scholars Demand Higher Education for All
Authors: Boris Eileen , Loiselle Aimee , Mittelstadt Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Scholars for a New Deal for Higher Education (SFNDHE) emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate and help drive a coordinated response across the country and its territories to the assaults on the funding of higher education, the precariousness of academic labor, and the burden on students. This essay describes its founding, programs, and ongoing fight to obtain federal support for free college combined with fair labor standards for staff, substituting secure jobs for contingent labor.
Making Gender and Sexuality Studies Illegal: Heteronationalism, Anti-gender Mobilization, and the Neoliberal "Utopian" Gaze in Bulgaria, 2018–2023
Authors: Darakchi Shaban
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The past decade has witnessed an escalating, well-financed, and well-organized international mobilization against any study, policy, or discussion related to gender or LGBTQI+ issues in many parts of the world. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been disproportionately affected by this backlash, resulting in public threats and violence against scholars and representatives of the nongovernmental sector who work on gender and LGBTQI+ issues. The anti-gender mobilization has been extremely successful in Bulgaria, where there have been numerous threats against scholars, nongovernmental organizations, and public figures dealing with gender and sexuality issues. The Bulgarian Constitutional Court was the first court on a global level to pronounce the term "gender" anti-constitutional in response to a request submitted by the government regarding ratification of the so-called Istanbul Convention. Dealing with gender and LGBTQI+ studies in Bulgaria is believed to be "illegal" by many, based on the court's decision. As a result, any approaches to gender and sexuality that do not fit essentialist and religious beliefs have become dangerous and have endangered knowledge in many contexts. In this paper, I discuss the rapid development of the anti-gender mobilization within certain neoliberal discourses and values, and using the concept of a "neoliberal utopian gaze," I outline the challenges gender and sexuality studies have faced. Based on case studies, personal experiences, and public discourses, the paper explores how gender and sexuality studies have been affected by (1) institutional decisions, (2) manipulation of scientific information, (3) radical political populism, (4) transnational religious movements, and (5) the advancement of social media. Finally, the paper discusses possible solutions to this alarming trend, paying particular attention to academic solidarity, knowledge production, and institutionally coordinated policies.
Contesting Post-truth Chaos through Interdisciplinary Heterotopias
Authors: McVicker Jeanette
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Recent populist rhetoric and politics seek to undermine existing democratic institutions and efforts to make them more inclusive. Connecting new feminist scholarship that confronts the multidisciplinary implications of post-truth populist politics and discourse, especially for higher education, with exemplary heterotopic feminist responses to pandemonia over the past century, this essay considers how previous tactics might be recast to disturb and provoke the existing status quo, creating new strategies for countering contemporary anti-democratic practices.
Speckle-enabled in vivo demixing of neural activity in the mouse brain
Authors: Sarafraz Hossein , Nöbauer Tobias , Kim Hyewon , Soldevila Fernando , Gigan Sylvain , Vaziri Alipasha
Published: April 2024

Functional imaging of neuronal activity in awake animals, using a combination of fluorescent reporters of neuronal activity and various types of microscopy modalities, has become an indispensable tool in neuroscience. While various imaging modalities based on one-photon (1P) excitation and parallel (camera-based) acquisition have been successfully used for imaging more transparent samples, when imaging mammalian brain tissue, due to their scattering properties, two-photon (2P) microscopy systems are necessary. In 2P microscopy, the longer excitation wavelengths reduce the amount of scattering while the diffraction-limited 3D localization of excitation largely eliminates out-of-focus fluorescence. However, this comes at the cost of time-consuming serial scanning of the excitation spot and more complex and expensive instrumentation. Thus, functional 1P imaging modalities that can be used beyond the most transparent specimen are highly desirable. Here, we transform light scattering from an obstacle into a tool. We use speckles with their unique patterns and contrast, formed when fluorescence from individual neurons propagates through rodent cortical tissue, to encode neuronal activity. Spatiotemporal demixing of these patterns then enables functional recording of neuronal activity from a group of discriminable sources. For the first time, we provide an experimental, in vivo characterization of speckle generation, speckle imaging and speckle-assisted demixing of neuronal activity signals in the scattering mammalian brain tissue. We found that despite an initial fast speckle decorrelation, substantial correlation was maintained over minute-long timescales that contributed to our ability to demix temporal activity traces in the mouse brain in vivo. Informed by in vivo quantifications of speckle patterns from single and multiple neurons excited using 2P scanning excitation, we recorded and demixed activity from several sources excited using 1P oblique illumination. In our proof-of-principle experiments, we demonstrate in vivo speckle-assisted demixing of functional signals from groups of sources in a depth range of 220–320 µm in mouse cortex, limited by available speckle contrast. Our results serve as a basis for designing an in vivo functional speckle imaging modality and for maximizing the key resource in any such modality, the speckle contrast. We anticipate that our results will provide critical quantitative guidance to the community for designing techniques that overcome light scattering as a fundamental limitation in bioimaging.
Breastfeeding practices and social norms in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A qualitative study
Authors: Babakazo Pélagie , Piripiri Lina M. , Mukiese Jean-Marie , Lobota Nelly , Mafuta Éric
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mothers and children. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. However, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, slightly under half of children under six months are exclusively breastfed. This study aimed to describe breastfeeding practices and to explore perceived social norms regarding breastfeeding among mothers in Kinshasa.

Materials and methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Kinshasa from June to July 2013. This study purposively sampled 54 mothers of infants aged 6 to 12 months, who participated in six focus group discussions. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the discussion guide explored infant feeding in the first six months, knowledge of breastfeeding, perception of the feasibility of exclusive breastfeeding, and perception of the social norms with regard to exclusive breastfeeding. The content analysis approach was used to analyse data.

Results

Mothers had good breastfeeding knowledge; however, few of them had practised exclusive breastfeeding as recommended during the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding was considered unfeasible in their context. Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were reported as baby’s cries, social pressure, warm climate, and poor maternal diet. Social norms were supportive of breastfeeding but unfavourable to exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion

In Kinshasa, mothers have a good knowledge of breastfeeding. However, few practise exclusive breastfeeding. Social pressure plays an important role in the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months. In order to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in this context, social and behaviour change programmes should target the entire population rather than mothers only.
Facilitators and barriers to integrated malaria prevention in Wakiso district, Uganda: A photovoice study
Authors: Musoke David , Lubega Grace B. , Niyongabo Filimin , Nakalawa Suzan , McMorrow Shannon , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Kamya Moses R.
Published: April 2024

Malaria continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Appropriate combinations of non-chemical and chemical methods of malaria vector control in the context of integrated vector management have been recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of the study was to explore facilitators and barriers to using integrated malaria prevention in Wakiso district, Uganda. This qualitative study employed photovoice among 20 community members in Kasanje Town Council, Wakiso District. The photos taken by participants for 5 months using smartphones were discussed during monthly meetings with the researchers. The discussions were audio-recorded, and resulting data analysed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo (2020) QSR International. Findings indicated that various conventional and non-conventional measures were being used for preventing malaria such as: insecticide treated nets; clearing overgrown vegetation; draining stagnant water; mosquito coils; smouldering of cow dung; spraying insecticides; plant repellents near houses; eating of prophylactic herbs; as well as closing doors and windows on houses early in the evening. Facilitators supporting the use of several malaria prevention methods holistically included: low cost and accessibility of some methods such as slashing overgrown vegetation; and support provided for certain methods such as receiving free mosquito nets from the government. Barriers to using several malaria prevention methods holistically included: inadequate knowledge of some methods such as housing improvement; allergic reactions to chemical-based methods such as insecticide treated nets; unaffordability of some methods such as insecticide sprays; and inaccessibility of certain methods such as body repellents. These barriers to integrated malaria prevention need to be addressed to achieve greater impact from the combination of methods in endemic communities.
Effect of fasting plasma glucose level in severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome patients without diabetes
Authors: Pan Jun , Yang Zhihao , Xu Wen , Tian Shan , Liu Xiaobo , Guo Chunxia
Published: April 2024

Hyperglycemia is correlated with worse in-hospital outcomes in acute infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). This study assessed the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and in-hospital mortality, disease type, and secondary infections among individuals with SFTS without preexisting diabetes. The clinical data and laboratory results upon admission of 560 patients with SFTS without preexisting diabetes meeting the inclusion criteria at Wuhan Union Hospital were collected. FPG levels in surviving patients with SFTS subjects were significantly lower than those in patients with SFTS who had died (P<0.0001). In multivariate Cox regression, high FPG level (≥11.1 mmol/L) was a risk factor independently associated with the in-hospital death of patients with SFTS without preexisting diabetes. Similarly, the FPG levels in general patients with SFTS were significantly lower than those in patients with severe SFTS (P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression identified high FPG level (7.0–11.1 mmol/L) as a risk factor independently associated with SFTS severity. While FPG levels were comparable between patients with SFTS with and without secondary infection (P = 0.5521), logistic regression analysis revealed that high FPG levels were not a risk factor for secondary infection in patients with SFTS without preexisting diabetes. High FPG level on admission was an independent predictor of in-hospital death and severe disease in individuals with SFTS without preexisting diabetes. FPG screening upon admission and glycemic control are effective methods for improving the prognosis of patients with SFTS.