bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention and Multi-Scale Fusion for Shadow Removal of Embedded Basketball Players
Authors: Li Zhou
Published: December 2024

Player shadows in basketball games show complexity and diversity due to various factors such as lighting conditions, player movements, camera positions, etc. In the shadow removal task, the attention mechanism aids the model in focusing on the key areas in the image, that is, the players themselves and the shadows around them, and may ignore some details, resulting in poor effects in the shadow removal of embedded basketball game players. To this end, a shadow removal method for embedded basketball game players with design attention and multi-scale fusion is proposed. By extracting the texture of the shadow image area of the local embedded basketball player, setting the gray value threshold of the center point of the image area window, obtaining the Local Binary Patterns (LBP) code of the local texture feature structure of the image, scanning the LBP code of the shadow image of the embedded basketball player, and obtaining the final characteristic parameters of the shadow image of the embedded basketball player, the pixels of the shadow image of the embedded basketball player are balanced and adjusted, and the size of the image is determined by the slope of the transformation function, and the shadow image of the embedded basketball player is within the normal proportion range. The consistency of multi-scale detail pixels is adjusted to achieve pixel segmentation of shadow images of embedded basketball players. Analyzing the basic principles of the attention mechanism, the shadow images of embedded basketball players are collected for key-value pairs to represent action information, and a key-value set is set. Encoding is carried out by the encoder in the attention mechanism, and the dependence of the foul action after encoding is calculated and decoded to determine the shadow image of the embedded basketball player to achieve shadow recognition by obtaining the shadow pixel point chromaticity space of the embedded basketball player color vector value, we determine the chromaticity similarity difference, compare the chromaticity similarity difference with the threshold, design a multi-scale fusion embedded basketball player shadow removal model, and implement the research. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively remove the shadow of embedded basketball players.
Conference Reports
Authors: Dennis Louise A.
Published: December 2024

This section is compiled from reports of recent events sponsored or run in cooperation with ACM SIGAI. In general these reports were written and submitted by the conference organisers.
HSPA: High-Throughput Sparse Polynomial Multiplication for Code-based Post-Quantum Cryptography
Authors: He Pengzhou , Tu Yazheng , Bao Tianyou , Koç Çetin Çetin , Xie Jiafeng
Published: December 2024

Increasing attention has been paid to code-based post-quantum cryptography (PQC) schemes, e.g., HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) and BIKE (Bit Flipping Key Encapsulation), since they’ve been selected as the fourth-round National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) PQC standardization candidates. Though sparse polynomial multiplication is one of the critical components for HQC and BIKE, hardware-implemented high-performance sparse polynomial multiplier is rarely reported in the literature (due to its high-dimension and sparsity of polynomials involved in the computation). Based on this consideration, in this article, we propose two novel
H
igh-throughput
S
parse
P
olynomial multiplication
A
ccelerators (HSPA) for the mentioned two code-based PQC schemes. Specifically, we have designed the two accelerators based on two different implementation strategies targeting potential applications with different resource availability, i.e., one accelerator deploys a memory-based structure for computation while the other does not need memory usage. We have proposed three layers of coherent interdependent efforts to obtain the proposed accelerators. First, we have proposed two implementation strategies to execute the targeted sparse polynomial multiplication, i.e., a new parallel segment based accumulation (PSA) approach and a novel permutating-with-power (PWP)-based method. Then, the proposed two hardware accelerators are presented with detailed structural descriptions. Finally, field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based implementation is presented to showcase the superior performance of the proposed accelerators. A proper comparison is also carried out to confirm the efficiency of the proposed designs. For instance, the proposed accelerator (using memory-based structure) has 56.84% and 80.25% less area-delay product (ADP) than the existing memory-based design (an extended high-speed version) on the UltraScale+ device, respectively, for
n
=17,669 and ω =75 (HQC) and
n
= 12,323 and ω =142 (BIKE). The proposed design strategy fits well with the two targeted code-based PQC schemes, which can be extended further to construct high-performance hardware cryptoprocessors. We hope the results of this work will be useful for the ongoing NIST PQC standardization process.
Towards Effective Detection of Ponzi schemes on Ethereum with Contract Runtime Behavior Graph
Authors: Liang Ruichao , Chen Jing , Wu Cong , He Kun , Wu Yueming , Sun Weisong , Du Ruiying , Zhao Qingchuan , Liu Yang
Published: December 2024

Ponzi schemes, a form of scam, have been discovered in Ethereum smart contracts in recent years, causing massive financial losses. Existing detection methods primarily focus on rule-based approaches and machine learning techniques that utilize static information as features. However, these methods have significant limitations. Rule-based approaches rely on pre-defined rules with limited capabilities and domain knowledge dependency. Using static information like opcodes for machine learning fails to effectively characterize Ponzi contracts, resulting in poor reliability and interpretability. Our research shows no significant difference between Ponzi and non-Ponzi contracts at the opcode level. Moreover, relying on static information like transactions for machine learning requires a certain number of transactions to achieve detection, which limits the scalability of detection and hinders the identification of
0-day
Ponzi schemes.

In this paper, we propose
PonziGuard
, an efficient Ponzi scheme detection approach based on contract runtime behavior. Inspired by the observation that a contract’s runtime behavior is more effective in disguising Ponzi contracts from the innocent contracts,
PonziGuard
establishes a comprehensive graph representation called
contract runtime behavior graph
(CRBG), to accurately depict the behavior of Ponzi contracts. Furthermore, it formulates the detection process as a graph classification task on CRBG, enhancing its overall effectiveness. The experiment results show that
PonziGuard
surpasses the current state-of-the-art approaches in the ground-truth dataset, achieving a precision of 96.9%, recall of 98.2%, and F1-score of 97.5%. It also exhibits the highest level of interpretability among the current tools. We applied
PonziGuard
to Ethereum Mainnet and demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Using
PonziGuard
, we identified 805 Ponzi contracts on Ethereum Mainnet, which have resulted in an estimated economic loss of 281,700 Ether or approximately $500 million USD. We also found
0-day
Ponzi schemes in the recently deployed 10,000 smart contracts.
Adapting Public Health and Health Services Interventions in Diverse, Real-World Settings: Documentation and Iterative Guidance of Adaptations
Authors: Rabin Borsika A. , Cain Kelli L. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: December 2024

When complex public health and health services interventions are implemented in real-world settings, adaptations should be expected, embraced, and studied rather than suppressed and ignored. A substantial amount of recent research has been conducted on the assessment of some types of adaptations, and interest in guiding adaptations to both interventions and implementation strategies is growing. However, there is still a need to investigate the optimal ways to systematically and pragmatically document, analyze, and iteratively guide adaptations as well as to measure the impact of those adaptations on implementation and effectiveness outcomes. This article reviews key findings from the adaptations assessment literature, frameworks to guide classification of adaptations, and methodologies to study adaptations and their impact. We summarize research from diverse settings and populations from public health and health services research on the use of these methodologies and make recommendations for research, practice research, and practice.
Strategies for Effective Public Health Communication in a Complex Information Environment
Authors: Niederdeppe Jeff , Boyd Amanda D. , King Andy J. , Rimal Rajiv N.
Published: December 2024

Development and amplification of effective, culturally resonant, trustworthy, and evidence-based public health communication are urgently needed. Research evidence, theory, and practical experience from within and beyond the interdisciplinary field of health communication are well-positioned to help public health authorities, researchers, and advocates navigate the complex societal challenges that influence health and well-being in global contexts. This review offers a broad overview of the field, considers what constitutes “effectiveness” versus “effects” in public health communication, and describes core concepts of public health communication as a process rather than a product. We review domains and dominant foci of public health communication research, articulate challenges for health communication to advance health and social equity and address mis-/disinformation, and offer practical guidance on message development, audience segmentation, multilevel intervention, and evaluation of communication programs. We conclude by identifying important questions for future public health communication research, interventions, and funding.
Yield, Growth Characteristics, and Forage Quality of Amaranth and Conventional Small‐Grain Crops as Forage in Southern Kyushu
Authors: Zhong Zixuan , Niimi Mitsuhiro , Tobisa Manabu , Idota Sachiko , Ishii Yasuyuki
Published: December 2024

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a potential C4 food and forage crop with high yield and quality, which is expected to improve quality forage supply in southern Kyushu region. However, the use of amaranth as a forage crop is limited in southern Kyushu, Japan. Amaranth was seeded in early May 2020 and 2022 to test its adaptability, yield, and forage quality. These characteristics were compared with those of four typical small‐grained forage species that is foxtail millet (Setaria italica), Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), and forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). In both years, the highest yield and the rate of crop growth were observed in the first harvest plants in the amaranth. In addition, amaranth also had the highest in vitro​ dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein (CP) content in addition to the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in 2020. Both IVDMD and CP content were lower in 2022, due to the fact that the crops were more mature at harvest, although NDF content was the lowest. Among small‐grained forage plants, forage sorghum had the second highest yield after amaranth and the highest IVDMD in first‐cut plants. The amaranth crop was extensively damaged in 2020, when 31.7% of the crop was lodged by a strong wind from typhoon No. 5. Compared to conventional small grain forage species, amaranth has the potential for high forage yields and quality. However, protecting amaranth plants from typhoon damage requires further study.
Role of Cooking Practices on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Fresh Sausages
Authors: Cavalheiro Carlos Pasqualin , Ruiz-Capillas Claudia , Herrero Ana M. , da Silva Maurício Costa Alves , Passos Rafael Sepúlveda Fonsêca Trevisan
Published: December 2024

This study analyzed the effect of different cooking practices on the physicochemical (cooking loss, pH, proximate composition, mineral content, color, and texture) and sensory characteristics of cooked longanizas. Four cooking methods were tested: an air fryer oven (AF; 15 min at 180°C), a convection air mode oven (HD; 15 min at 180°C), a combi‐steam mode oven (HW; 15 min at 180°C), and a saturated steam mode oven (HS; 45 min at 90°C). The cooking loss and pH were significantly higher in HS longanizas. The cooking process affects the composition differently. The HS treatment resulted in the lowest (p < 0.05) moisture and the highest (p < 0.05) fat content, while the AF treatment showed significant sodium content. Cooking methods significantly increased L∗ values, with HD showing the highest (p < 0.05) among the cooked treatments. HS longanizas exhibited the lowest (p < 0.05) Kramer shear force (KSF), likely related to the prolonged cooking time. Regarding sensory aspects, no differences were found among the samples.
Molecular Docking Analysis, Chemical Composition, and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Insecticidal Activity of Salvia officinalis Essential Oil
Authors: Rhaimi Safaa , Taibi Mohamed , Barrahi Mariam , El Hartiti Hajar , Elbouzidi Amine , Allali Aimad , Barrahi Asma , Bellaouchi Reda , Chaabane Khalid , Addi Mohamed , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Salvia officinalis has been used for so many years as a traditional remedy and still used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries, which made it an interesting subject for researcher of natural alternatives. Enhancing the value of Moroccan S. officinalis essential oil, which is grown at Sidi Taibi in the Rabat‐Salé‐Kénitra Region, was the goal of this project, through analyzing its chemical composition and assessing its insecticidal and antibacterial activities. This latter was estimated by comparison with the antibiotic ceftriaxone. The main components identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were camphor, eucalyptol (1,8‐cineole), α‐thujone, β‐thujone, ledol, and isoterpinolene with values of 19.72%, 15.64%, 15.05%, 9.74%, 7.27%, and 3.24%, respectively. A study of antibacterial activity revealed that while ceftriaxone seemed useless against the bacteria tested (all the bacteria proved resistant to the antibiotic), the essential oil of S. officinalis showed an inhibitory effect on the four bacteria tested, with MIC values ranging from 1/100 to 1/500 and a CMB value of 1/100. Using several dosages of pure essential oils (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 μL), fumigant toxicity was ascertained. The mortality rate in individuals of Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica reached a value of 100% when applying a dose of 10.00 μL/L of air to individuals of S. oryzae during 36 h of exposure and 24 h to individuals of R. dominica. The LC50 was determined at 2.51 and 6.02 μL/L for R. dominica and S. oryzae individuals successively, and the LC95 was determined at 5.45 and 12.61 μL/L of air over 12 h for R. dominica and S. oryzae individuals successively. Molecular docking analysis revealed ledol as a potent inhibitor of three key enzymes involved in the insecticidal effect of S. officinalis essential oil, mainly as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA), and ryanodine receptor.
Ethnomedical Use, Phytochemistry, Nutritional Profile, Commercial Potential, and Other Potential Applications of Psidium guajava (Guava)
Authors: Worku Limenew Abate , Zebeaman Meseret , Bachheti Rakesh Kumar , Bachheti Archana , Rawat Yashwant S. , Husen Azamal , Shiferaw Rahel Gebeyehu
Published: December 2024

Psidium guajava (Family: Myrtaceae) is a well‐known fruit in tropical and subtropical areas of nations such as India, South America, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This study seeks to provide a thorough overview of the pharmacological characteristics, phytochemistry, nutritional profile, ethnomedical use, and possible applications of P. guajava. Several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, served as the primary data sources for this study. Different parts of this plant, fruit, pulp, peel, seeds, leaves, bark, and oil, are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which are responsible for various biological activities as well as for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The fruit of P. guajava has been used to produce processed food items such as juice, cake, puree, jelly, jam, toffee, pickles, and wine. The leaf extract has also been used to heal wounds with swollen gums, cough, diarrhea, and oral ulcers. Iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and minerals are abundant in P. guajava fruit. The fruit, seed, leaf, and peel of P. guajava are rich in organic and inorganic elements. Although plant extracts have an outstanding nutritional and phytochemical profile, more in‐depth clinical research and effective commercialization of P. guajava‐based processed food are still required to confirm their usefulness. In addition, using P. guajava to synthesize nanoparticles for industrial applications has untapped scientific potential that calls for more examination and exploration.
The Correlation between Age at Implant, Consistent Device Use, and Language Outcomes for Children Implanted under 18 Months
Authors: McCall Matthew , Jayawardana Janitha , Mustard Jill , Lake Joanne , Pearson John , Bird Philip
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Research suggests deaf children who receive cochlear implants (CIs) at an early age can achieve age-appropriate language. Recent studies suggest age at full-time CI use is a better predictor of language outcomes than age at implant. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are correlations between age at implantation, establishing consistent device use, and language outcomes in a cohort of young children in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted. The study included 46 participants, implanted by the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme by age 18 months. The median age at implant was 8 months. Device use was measured via data logging. Consistent device use was defined as ≥8 h per day. Language outcomes were measured at 2- and 3-year post-implantation using PLS-5. Results: Consistent use was established by 78.3% by 3 years. Language results were at least one SD higher for children who achieved consistent use within 2 years of implant. Language scores for Maori children were more than one SD lower than non-Maori, a finding not entirely explained by less usage. There was no correlation between age of implantation and length of time to consistent device use. The presence of additional disabilities affected consistent device use. Conclusion: Simply offering CIs earlier is not sufficient to improve language outcomes in the congenitally deaf population. Earlier consistent use was associated with better language outcomes for those implanted before 18 months of age, and language scores were higher for children who achieved consistent use within 2 years of implantation. There is a need to understand why children with pre-lingual deafness may not be achieving consistent device use, and by doing so, we would be a step closer to being able to tailor culturally appropriate supports and services that could help more children achieve better outcomes.
First in Human Evaluation of a Novel Thin Convex Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound System
Authors: Pastis Nicholas J. , Aroumougame Vidhya Y. , Gilbert Christopher R. , Fox Adam H. , Tanner Nichole T. , Ferguson Travis L. , Silvestri Gerard A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The incidence of pulmonary imaging abnormalities continues to increase. While standard CP-EBUS is safe and accurate, it has limited reach through smaller bronchi. Olympus BF-Y0069 TCP-EBUS has smaller diameter and improved angulation. We assessed safety and feasibility of the TCP-EBUS to evaluate lesions not accessible with CP-EBUS.
Methods: A single-center, prospective, pilot study evaluating TCP-EBUS enrolled patients undergoing bronchoscopy for lesions within the inner two-thirds of the lung. Patients underwent CP-EBUS to attempt visualization and biopsy. If unsuccessful, TCP-EBUS was used. Safety, lesion characteristics, and pathology results were collected.
Results: 51 patients were enrolled with multiple lesion locations and no adverse safety events with TCP-EBUS. Seven cases(13.7%) were omitted as the target lesion was visualized by CP-EBUS and TCP-EBUS. CP-EBUS failed to provide biopsy for 44 cases. CP-EBUS visualized 7/44, however, was unable to biopsy. TCP-EBUS visualized 36/44(81.8 %) lesions and biopsied 27/44(61%) lesions. 8/44(15.7%) lesions could not be visualized with either device. Median lesion size biopsied with CP-EBUS was 41mm(IQR 22-48). Median size of lesions visualized with TCP-EBUS was 20mm(IQR 15.3-38), range 8-70. The median distance from the main carina was 62mm(IQR 60-89) for lesions biopsied with the CP-EBUS and 63.3(IQR 48.5-78.8) for TCP-EBUS. While average distances from main carina were similar in both groups, the furthest lesion TCP-EBUS visualized was 120mm from the carina compared to 100mm with CP-EBUS.
Conclusions: The use of TCP- EBUS was safe and effective without observed patient-associated complications, and it provided real-time ultrasonographic visualization and biopsy of lesions not accessible with CP-EBUS.
The Impact of Acne on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study from Egypt
Authors: Elradi Mona , Hamed Dina E. , Eltwansy Maha S. , Hosny Doaa
Published: December 2024

:
Introduction: Nowadays, the impact of acne on the psyche of patients is evident to physicians and patients themselves. Studies concerned with the relation between acne and quality of life (QOL) are scarce in the Middle East.
Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 247 patients. The severity of acne was evaluated using the Global Acne Grading system (GAGS). Then, patients were asked to fill in the Arabic versions of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI).
Results: The mean CADI and DLQI scores were 6±3.2 and 9.8±5.5, respectively. There was a weakly significant positive correlation between CADI and GAGS, gender, cheek, chin, chest, and upper back localization of lesions (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there was a weakly significant positive correlation between only GAGS and DLQI (r=0.125, p=0.000).
Conclusion: Acne has an evident negative impact on the QOL of the participants. Assessing the QOL of acne patients and psychiatric consultation are advised to be standard measures of any management approach for acne patients for their well-being.
Phylogeny of the high-altitude tarantulas Hapalotremus Simon, 1903 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) with the description of a new species
Authors: Ferretti Nelson , Chaparro Juan C. , Ochoa José A. , West Rick
Published: December 2024

A cladistics analysis of the high-altitude tarantulas of the genus Hapalotremus was carried out for the first time with a matrix of 21 taxa and 69 morphological characters using both equal and implied weights. Two consistent topologies were obtained with a concavity = 10.541, resulting from a sensitivity analysis. Both cladograms suggest Hapalotremus as monophyletic. Hapalotremus synapomorphies are females with spermathecae consisting in a single oval receptacle and tibia of the first pair of legs of males very short. Hapalotremus is composed of 15 species including a new species: Hapalotremus munaycha sp. nov. This new species was found to be the sister species of H. vilcanota and is distributed in central Peru at elevations about 4000 m.a.s.l. on interandean valleys. The new species distinguishes from the other known species of the genus by the intense white color on legs, carapace and cheliceae, together with a male palpal bulb carrying a slightly developed prolateral superior keel and the subapical keel ending with two very small teeth. Also, females of Hapalotremus munaycha sp. nov. are characterized by the spermathecae with very wide basal portion and small apical projections pointing upwards.
Japan
Authors: Ishibashi Kanami
Published: December 2024

Among South Korean state practices, those related to Japan have become particularly flexible in recent years. Although South Korean domestic courts continue to take tough stance on the issue of comfort women and forced labor, which has long been a source of conflict between the two countries, the current government is trying to move forward, for example for forced labor issue, with a solution by establishing a foundation to take responsibility for compensation from the Japanese government and Japanese companies. This kind of Korean state practice is a great opportunity for Japan to strengthen friendly relations with South Korea. On the other hand, the newly emerging issue of the discharge of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea has been met with strong protests from Korean civil society, and the current government’s intention to show understanding on this issue is not necessarily supported. It will be crucial to pay close attention to whether or not Korea’s “flexible” state practice will continue even in face of such current issues.
Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Muhammad Ekramul
Published: December 2024

This article evaluates South Korea’s state practice of international law, highlighting its consistent adherence to fundamental principles and active contributions to new norm development. The Korean Constitution’s monistic approach integrates international treaties and customary international law as part of domestic law, promoting harmony between national and international legal standards. The analysis covers Korea’s judicial support for international norms, commitment to peace under Article 5 of the Constitution, treaty-making mechanisms, and significant contributions to maritime safety and human rights. By exploring these diverse areas, the article argues that Korea is both a norm-taker and a norm-maker, aligning with modern international law principles while fostering the development of new norms.
Korean Judicial Decisions
Authors: Baek Buhm-Suk , Ahn Hosung
Published: December 2024

This paper reviews seven selected major decisions by domestic courts from the second half of 2023 to the first half of 2024 by taking a closer look at the changing legal practices and attitudes of the Korean judiciary in applying international law in domestic cases.
The Autobiography of Weni I: An Additional Source on Egypt’s Nautical Activities during the Old Kingdom
Authors: Al-Sharkawy Mohammad Abd Al-Rahman , El-Maguid Mohammad Mostafa Abd
Published: December 2024

Weni’s autobiography has been the subject of numerous publications since 1864. This autobiography recounts Weni’s various actions and his service to three kings of the Sixth Dynasty (ca. 2345–2181 BCE). Among these works are various nautical activities, whether in the Nile or in the Mediterranean Sea during the reigns of Pepi I and Merenre. Although he listed some details, Egyptologists did not analyze them at an adequate level. Perhaps because they are not specialized in the field of nautical archaeology. Therefore, this paper focuses on highlighting Weni’s nautical activities and its importance as a source of knowledge at the end of the Old Kingdom. The research describes the five missions with navigational parts. It studies and analyzes in detail its various elements such as the types of ships, their names, sizes, types of wood used in building ships and their construction methods from the point of view of nautical archaeology. The importance of re-studying Weni’s autobiography lies in trying to deal with this activity in an integrated manner between Egyptology and nautical archaeology. The research concluded the existence of major economic activities and great projects in the Sixth Dynasty and the end of the Old Kingdom, despite the old beliefs about the weakness of the State in that period. It also clarifies and interprets some of the ambiguities of the text by subjecting it to the science of nautical archaeology.
Taxonomic revision of the bamboo genus Schizostachyum (Bambusoideae: Melocanninae) in Thailand, with two new species and five new records, lectotypifications and nomenclatural corrections
Authors: SUNGKAEW SARAWOOD , ARTHAN WATCHARA , WONG KHOON MENG , HODKINSON TREVOR R. , THAMMANU SIRILUCK , CHEYSAWAT SOMBOON , TEERAWATANANON ATCHARA
Published: December 2024

There is ongoing discovery of new bamboo species and records in the Thai–Indo-Chinese region. As part of this work, the taxonomic documentation of the bamboo genus Schizostachyum requires improvement in its native distribution ranges, especially in Thailand. This study, for the first time, delivered a taxonomic revision of Thai Schizostachyum to provide an updated account of its species diversity. The circumscription of the genus Schizostachyum was interpreted in a broad sense includes Neohouzeaua, Teinostachyum and some species of Cephalostachyum, based on previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Species enumeration of Schizostachyum in Thailand is updated to include 15 species, of which, two are new species (S. kohchangense and S. nigrum) and four are official new records (S. cambodianum, S. chinense, S. helferi and S. strictum) for Thailand. Merely five species were previously reported from Thailand, which is only a third of the number of Thai Schizostachyum species documented in this study, of a global total of approximately 60 species. The taxonomic revision of Schizostachyum presented here provides a new key to species. Lectotypifications were made for species S. brachycladum, S. chinensis, S. grande, and S. zollingeri. An epitype was chosen to supplement the holotype of S. helferi. Morphological and nomenclatural notes are included to elucidate range of variation useful for more precise species identification and increase taxonomic stability, respectively. The analyses of conservation status assessments were performed to fulfill global-scale IUCN Redlist scheme.
A New Robust Frontal Disturbance Index of the Oyashio Extension Sea Surface Temperature Front
Authors: Hall Richard J. , Czaja Arnaud , Danabasoglu Gokhan , Deser Clara , Frankignoul Claude , Kwon Young-Oh
Published: December 2024

The Oyashio Extension (OE) frontal zone in the northwest Pacific Ocean is associated with strong gradients of sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity. The OE front enhances baroclinicity and anchors the storm tracks; changes in its position and strength may impact atmospheric variability. North–south shifts in the OE front are often defined using the leading principal component for the latitude of the absolute maximum SST gradient in the northwest Pacific (145°–170°E), the so-called Oyashio Extension index (OEI). We show that the OEI is sensitive to the choice of SST dataset used in its construction, and that the significance of regressions of atmospheric fields onto the OEI also depends on the choice of SST datasets, leading to nonrobust results. This sensitivity primarily stems from the longitudinal domain used to define the OEI including a region with parallel or indistinct frontal zones in its central section (155°–164°E), leading to divergent results across datasets. We introduce a new index that considers the extent to which the SST front across this central section departs from climatology, the frontal disturbance index (FDI). For the months considered and over short time lags, the FDI produces more consistent results on air–sea interactions and associated high-frequency storm-track metrics than the conventional OEI, with a southward shift of the storm track for a more positive FDI. The FDI appears to be related to oceanic mesoscale eddy activity in the central OE region. There are significant asymmetric associations between the FDI and storm-track metrics dependent on the sign of the FDI.

Significance Statement

In this study, we aim to understand how the choice of dataset may influence the interpretation of interactions between the ocean and the overlying atmosphere near sea surface temperature (SST) fronts. We find that using different SST datasets affects the results, due to slight differences in the representation of the location of the maximum SST gradient. To understand this, we develop a new index which relates to the degree of disturbance of the SST front. The new index produces regression results that are more consistent across the different datasets. We also identify some possible links between the frontal disturbance and the presence of ocean eddies. We advise that the sensitivity to dataset choice is given due consideration in regions near SST fronts.
Hostility towards the Press in Nigeria: Examining Online Responses to the Burning of TVC Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Uwalaka Temple , Amadi Fred , Enyindah Stella Chinyere
Published: December 2024

This study examines responses from Facebook and X users regarding the burning of TVC headquarters by protesters in Lagos, Nigeria. Data for the study were from a mix of quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Facebook and X posts ( N = 41,188) of netizens in Nigeria who responded to the burning of TVC headquarters in Lagos. The thematic content analysis categorised the responses into Validators, Defenders, Intimidators and Accusers. We show that greater percentage of Facebook and X users in Nigeria validated and encouraged violence against journalists in Nigeria. We highlight the seriousness of harassment of journalists and its impact to press freedom.
Principals and the careless erosion of employment standards in the context of school autonomy and marketisation: a case study of school support staff
Authors: Gobby Brad , Blackmore Jill , Eacott Scott , Keddie Amanda , MacDonald Katrina , Niesche Richard , Wilkinson Jane
Published: December 2024

Devolved governance, school autonomy and marketisation impact the employment practices of schools and the working conditions of teachers. However, the employment-related effects on school services staff are under-researched. This study draws on data from interviews with staff at one public high school to analyse school services staff experience of school autonomy and the employment practices of principals in the context of competitive education markets. This case study illustrates how a principal's management of employment and labour relations in a school experiencing declining enrolments and reduced resources impacted the labour and working conditions of school services staff. We argue that the principal applies a calculation of utility-maximisation and entrepreneurship to the non-teaching staff's employment and carelessness to their employment conditions, thereby producing flexploitation that relies on the unpaid time and emotional commitment of their staff to do the best for the students. We recommend systemwide policies and practices that effectively train and support principals to protect the employment rights of all school staff should accompany decentralisation policies where responsibility for staffing is devolved to principals.
Guidance on the assessment of learning outcomes for those designing procedures and projects – Report of an ETPLAS Working Group
Authors: Dontas Ismene A , Fry Derek J , Lewis David I , Applebee Kenneth , Fentener van Vlissingen Martje , Marinou Katerina , Schenkel Johannes
Published: December 2024

This document provides assessment criteria for evaluation of each of the Learning Outcomes of the Modules specified (in addition to the Core Modules) for those designing procedures and projects in the Education and Training Framework guidance document by the European Commission and endorsed by the Member States Competent Authorities. This Working Group was tasked to produce these criteria by the Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science, which was funded by the European Commission to this aim. The assessment criteria address knowledge and skills (including critical thinking) expected to be acquired during education and training of persons preparing to design research procedures and projects using animals under the scope of Directive 2010/63/EU. Recognizing the diversity of expertise and experiences of those being educated and trained, we provide two levels of attainment, an ideal response and one that would be acceptable for each Learning Outcome. The balance between ideal and acceptable could be decided by the particular course providers and/or assessors, according to their local requirements. We envisage that the use of these assessment criteria by training providers and accrediting or approving bodies will help harmonize the education and training for those who will design procedures and projects using animals for scientific purposes. In Europe, this may also contribute to mutual recognition of training, and facilitate free movement of scientists.
Urban infrastructures, metabolic resource flows and the contradictions of circular economy ‘solutions’ in Nantes and Gothenburg
Authors: Bahers Jean-Baptiste , Rutherford Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Urban infrastructures, as socio-technical systems that transform metabolic flows, are a key focus for efforts at initiating a more circular economy of resource use and waste recovery. Beyond exemplar discourses and claims, an infrastructure-mediated understanding of and focus on actually existing circularity projects attends to the diverse array of components, sites and exchanges through which transformative socio-technical change is envisaged, enacted and challenged. This article uses in-depth studies of circularity infrastructure initiatives in Nantes (France) and Gothenburg (Sweden) that involve a range of public and private stakeholders. We focus on the contradictions and tensions in these initiatives to draw attention to circularity as a material and political process of relocalising resource use while spatially expanding resource networks. We show how this process involves reworking large-scale infrastructure while nurturing community-level initiatives of the foundational economy, and thereby shaping urban futures through reuse and recycled flows but with a view to sustaining economic growth strategies. We argue that the materialist and productivist logic underpinning the urban infrastructures of the circular economy largely serves to aggravate the underlying fundamental systemic concerns that circularity was supposed to address in the first place.
Performance, Democracy, and the Commune in the Black Sheep Revolution
Authors: Marino Angela
Published: December 2024

This article analyzes cultural production in theaters across three pivotal historical moments from the 1980s to the present, including the theater as ruins, refuge, and resistance. It begins with the theater in ruins as depicted in the 1986 film, The Black Sheep, by the legendary playwright, director, and filmmaker, Román Chalbaud, in which a commune of artists, outcasts, and misfits squat in the theater, taking shelter from a storm of state-sponsored neoliberal austerity, corruption, and persecution in the pre-Chávez era of Venezuela. The article then turns to the work of community groups during Chávez-led revolutionary reforms to recuperate abandoned theaters as vital spaces for democratic assembly through municipal government programs. The last section of the article juxtaposes the advanced democratization of theaters and cultural production in Caracas during the Maduro era with a phase of violent street mobilizations in middle-class and wealthy sectors of the city (known as guarimbas), to raise questions about the role of the media as an intervening character in global theaters of illusion. Where the spotlight shifts in location from stages to streets, and the street to the screen, the actual conditions of democratized access are happening behind the unlit marquis, a global majority operating in an ‘underground’ commune in the same scenario as the film. Except in this case, the military-media arm of the US polices the ‘streets’ of the global media commons to malign the Bolivarian Revolution as a black sheep political project. The conclusion points to the media’s role in promoting a dangerous misperception of reality by erasing the constituent power of a revolutionary society and the perpetuation of violence against them.
Populist Rhetoric and Political Polarization: Insights from Venezuela
Authors: Teichman Judith
Published: December 2024

While much of the literature on populism has focused on the role of the populist leader in creating political polarization, this work asks what role context, particularly anti-populism, plays in exacerbating the often vitriolic nature of populist rhetoric. This work explores this question by examining the speeches of Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, from 1998 to 2012. It argues that Chavez’s populist rhetoric, initially conciliatory, developed its radical, polarizing features over time in response to the interplay between contextual circumstances (particularly opposition actions and rhetoric) and social welfare goals. The Venezuelan case offers insight into how anti-populism can contribute to populism’s polarizing process and challenges more commonly accepted notions of the primacy of the populist leader in bringing about political polarization. While critiques of populism have often focused on the threat to political rights posed by populism, this analysis suggests that anti-populism’s neglect of social rights and disparagement of popular identity claims may play a role in exacerbating the deep divide between populists and anti-populists.
Complete Palatal Obstruction on Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Just Mouth Breathing?
Authors: Harkins Tice R. , Rodin Julianna G. , Phung Chau M. , Seay Everett , Thuler Eric , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: December 2024

A 70-year-old obese male with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sought alternative treatment after failing to tolerate positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. He underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) with a nasal cannula and oral thermistor to differentiate nasal from oral breathing and a thoracoabdominal belt to track respiratory effort. DISE revealed a complete velum collapse in the anterior-posterior direction, consistent with his awake, supine computed tomography scan, yet the oral thermistor confirmed stable mouth breathing without respiratory distress. A mouth closure maneuver partially reopened the velum and appeared to enlarge the retroglossal airway. This case underscores the importance of evaluating a patient’s primary breathing route during DISE, as standard interpretations of airway collapse may be misleading without this information. Mouth breathing may bypass obstructions at the velum, affecting PAP efficacy and influencing treatment decisions. To address this gap in the VOTE (velum, oropharyngeal lateral walls, tongue base, and epiglottis) classification system, we propose “VM” to denote velum collapse in the context of mouth breathing. This addition could aid in tailoring OSA treatments, particularly for patients who predominantly breathe orally. Our findings advocate for a more patient-specific approach to DISE interpretations, emphasizing the physiological and anatomical aspects of airway collapse.
Incubating Farmer Producer Companies: The Missing Middle
Authors: Govil Richa , Neti Annapurna
Published: December 2024

Thousands of farmer-producer companies (FPCs) have been registered in India due to national and state policies. Given their resource-constrained environments, most FPCs face myriad challenges and are struggling to become viable. While the policies provide for incubation support for FPCs, the level of support has been inconsistent and inadequate. This paper proposes a framework for classifying FPCs and their differing incubation needs and advocates for a stronger incubation ecosystem for FPCs, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. It also suggests prioritising incubation support for an oft-overlooked category of FPCs with the potential for generating remunerative returns.
Assembling traces of border violence. Counter-mapping as counter-archiving
Authors: Tazzioli Martina
Published: December 2024

This article develops the analytics of counter-mapping as counter-archiving in order to account for the continuum of violence that migrants experience during their journeys: building on administrative traces produced by states – such as expulsion orders, refusal of entry, identification papers – and combining these with migrants’ testimonies, it investigates how migrants’ geographies are affected, disrupted and rerouted by heterogenous paper trails. Focusing on migrants’ passages at the French-Italian Alpine border, both in the present and in the past, the article proceeds in three sections. It starts by introducing the analytics of counter-mapping as counter-archiving, and it takes into account migrants’ maps, showing how these rely on sort of counter-archiving processes. The second section draws on archival material and provides a historical insight into migration paper trails at the French-Italian border during the timeframe 1945–1966. The paper moves on dealing with the present context, retracing bio-geographies, drawing on heterogenous administrative traces. The article concludes by pointing to the need of re-articulating a critique of the border regime that centers on the continuum of violence experienced by migrants, which includes the impact of paper trails.
An analysis of leaf springs with triangular, rectangular, and trapezoidal endings of leaves
Authors: Lubarda Marko V , Lubarda Vlado A
Published: December 2024

An analysis of elastic multi-leaf springs with triangular, rectangular, and trapezoidal leaf endings is presented, offering valuable insights from both research and educational points of view. Heuristic arguments are first provided explaining why the maximum stress and maximum deflection in a multi-leaf spring of uniform strength are the same as in the triangular cantilever from which the spring is created by dissection, complementing an intuitive deduction of this result commonly used in engineering design textbooks. A rigorous proof based on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is then presented. It is shown by a matrix analysis that for springs with uniform length decrement and constant leaf thickness, the contact forces between all leaves are equal and that all leaves are of uniform strength. In contrast, for multi-leaf springs with rectangular leaves, the contact forces between different leaves are different, and the leaves are not of uniform strength. New expressions are derived for the spring rate and maximum stresses in springs consisting of graduated-length rectangular leaves, strengthened by additional full-length leaves. The results are compared with the results obtained for multi-leaf springs consisting of graduated-length leaves of uniform strength and added full-length leaves. Two alternative analyzes are then presented, dealing with nipping of springs that results in equal maximum stress across all leaves. The analysis of springs with trapezoidal leaf endings, from which the results for triangular and rectangular leaf endings can be recovered as particular cases, is presented in the Appendix. The presentation throughout the paper is accompanied by a variety of problems intended for student exercise in undergraduate mechanical engineering design courses.