bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRTPillar: boosting real-time 3D object detection based point cloud and RGB image fusion in autonomous driving
Authors: Zhang Zhitian , Zhao Hongdong , Zhao Yazhou , Chen Dan , Zhang Ke , Li Yanqi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In autonomous driving, the inherent sparsity of point clouds often limits the performance of object detection, while existing multimodal architectures struggle to meet the real-time requirements for 3D object detection. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to significantly enhance the detection performance of objects, especially the recognition capability for small-sized objects and to address the issue of slow inference speed. This will improve the safety of autonomous driving systems and provide feasibility for devices with limited computing power to achieve autonomous driving.

Design/methodology/approach

BRTPillar first adopts an element-based method to fuse image and point cloud features. Secondly, a local-global feature interaction method based on an efficient additive attention mechanism was designed to extract multi-scale contextual information. Finally, an enhanced multi-scale feature fusion method was proposed by introducing adaptive spatial and channel interaction attention mechanisms, thereby improving the learning of fine-grained features.

Findings

Extensive experiments were conducted on the KITTI dataset. The results showed that compared with the benchmark model, the accuracy of cars, pedestrians and cyclists on the 3D object box improved by 3.05, 9.01 and 22.65%, respectively; the accuracy in the bird’s-eye view has increased by 2.98, 10.77 and 21.14%, respectively. Meanwhile, the running speed of BRTPillar can reach 40.27 Hz, meeting the real-time detection needs of autonomous driving.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a boosting multimodal real-time 3D object detection method called BRTPillar, which achieves accurate location in many scenarios, especially for complex scenes with many small objects, while also achieving real-time inference speed.
Paying for individual performance and job satisfaction: the role of self-concern and other-orientation
Authors: Chen Long , Yao Feisi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the influence of pay for individual performance on job satisfaction. This study aims to investigate how and when pay for individual performance impacts employee job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of self-determination theory, this study examines the moderating effect of self-concern and other-orientation on the association between pay for individual performance and employee job satisfaction through the mediation of intrinsic motivation. This study tests the proposed hypotheses using a two-wave survey study (n = 701) and an online experiment study (n = 440).

Findings

The findings reveal that pay for individual performance has an indirect positive (negative) effect on employee job satisfaction through intrinsic motivation among those with high self-concern or low other-orientation (high other-orientation).

Originality/value

These results underscore the substantial role of individual differences in prosocial orientations when explaining how pay systems shape employees’ attitudes.
Strengthening the body and mind: a Chinese martial arts school outreach program in post-COVID Hong Kong
Authors: Lui Kylie Chiu Yee
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had amplified feelings of isolation and alienation, particularly among school-aged children. The pandemic-related social distancing policies had led to a marked decline in students’ physical and social well-being, potentially fostering a sense of apathy among them. Upon returning to the “normal” in late 2022, a Chinese martial arts Outreach Program was launched in over 50 schools in Hong Kong, involving the entire student body and teachers at each school. This paper aims to explore the potential role of sports in enhancing student well-being in post-COVID times and as a societal response to the evolving sociopolitical landscape in Hong Kong, using the program as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ethnographic immersion, participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study examines how the program sought to overcome the challenges students were facing during the pandemic through Chinese martial arts instruction and the teaching of traditional Chinese values.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that the objectives of the Chinese martial arts Outreach Program not only centered on students’ immediate personal well-being but also entailed broader goals of advancing national education. The program’s design, which integrated sports and national education, emerged as a response to the pandemic and the sociopolitical transformations in Hong Kong, particularly following the implementation of the National Security Law.

Originality/value

The findings will deepen the understanding of how sport has been politicized as a means to respond to the societal changes in Hong Kong, especially after the pandemic.
Measuring climate change from an actuarial perspective: A survey of insurance applications
Authors: Zhou Nan , Vilar‐Zanón José Luis , Garrido Jose , Heras‐Martínez Antonio José
Published: December 2024

Climate change refers to persistent alterations to global Earth's climate, such as a rise in global temperatures, which have reached unprecedented peaks in recent years. At the same time, global mean ocean‐and‐sea levels are on an upward trajectory. These climatic shifts significantly influence the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy precipitations, droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones, which represent substantial risks and challenges for the insurance industry. This paper delves into the profound impact of climate change on the insurance sector, with a particular focus on the agriculture, property, health, and life insurance industries. Our scientific approach consists in measuring climate change through an index composed of a basket of climate and weather‐related extremes, such as the Actuarial Climate Index™ (ACI) defined in and for North America, and its European counterparts, the Iberian ACI (IACI) and French ACI (FACI) climate indices. We discuss how these indices help quantify the impact of climate change on the balance sheets of insurance companies and, therefore, its impact on the sustainability of the insurance business. The paper underscores the pressing need for the insurance industry to adapt and strategically plan for the increasing risks associated with climate change.
Being born extremely preterm with low‐grade intraventricular haemorrhage had no impact on brain volumes or neurodevelopment in later childhood
Authors: Broström Lina , de Gamarra‐Oca Lexuri Fernández , Kvanta Hedvig , Örtqvist Maria , Padilla Nelly , Ådén Ulrika
Published: December 2024

Aim

Our aim was to investigate the impact that low‐grade intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) had on neonatal morbidities, brain volumes and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born extremely preterm (EPT) and compare them with children born EPT without low‐grade IVH.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was carried out in Stockholm, Sweden. It focused on 103 children born EPT from 2004 to 2007, at less than 27 weeks of gestation, without major brain injuries. The group with low‐grade IVH, defined as grades I–II, were compared with children born EPT without IVH. Around half (45%) underwent MRI scans at 10 years of age and 55% had neurodevelopmental assessments at 12 years.

Results

The low‐grade IVH group was sicker during the neonatal period than the children born EPT without IVH. They had lower gestational ages at birth, more days on mechanical ventilation, a higher incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and were more likely to need surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. However, they did not have significantly smaller brain volumes at 10 years of age or worse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 years of age.

Conclusion

Brain volumes or neurodevelopment were not affected in children born EPT with low‐grade IVH, compared to children born EPT without IVH.
Micrognathia and cleft palate as a cause of obstructive sleep apnoea in infants
Authors: Kirjavainen Turkka , Vuola Pia , Suominen Janne , Saarikko Anne
Published: December 2024

Aim

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Robin sequence (RS). We investigated the significance of micrognathia, cleft palate and sleep positioning on OSA in infants.

Methods

We analysed our 13‐year national reference centre polysomnography (PSG) dataset. PSG was performed as daytime recordings (97%) in the supine‐, side‐ and prone sleeping position at the median age of 5 weeks (interquartile range 3–8 weeks).

Results

Our study included 113 infants with RS and cleft palate, 10 infants with RS but intact palate and 32 infants with cleft palate without micrognathia. The degree of OSA in infants with cleft palate without micrognathia was less severe than in infants with RS in terms of obstructive events (median OAHI 4 vs. 32 h−1, respectively), SpO2 desaturations (ODI≥3OAH 0.4 vs. 3 h−1), transcutaneous pCO2 levels (TcCO2P95, 41 vs. 46 mmHg) (p < 0.0001) and work of breathing (p = 0.01). In the RS group, OSA was sleep‐position dependent, with fewer obstructive events apparent in the side (18 vs. 24 h−1, p = 0.005) and prone (39 vs. 27 h−1, p = 0.003) sleeping positions than when supine.

Conclusions

The degree of OSA in RS infants is more dependent on micrognathia than on cleft palate.
Rectal mast cell tumour in a dog with lower grade features of biological aggressiveness
Authors: Tay LYC , Brockley L
Published: December 2024

An 8‐year‐old, neutered female, Australian Silky Terrier presented to her primary veterinarian with non‐specific clinical signs of general unwellness, shaking, lethargy, inappetence and no defecation for 2–3 days. A rectal mass was found on physical examination. The rectal mass was surgically resected and histopathology was consistent with a mast cell tumour (MCT) with a mitotic count of 0 per 2.37mm2. The dog had follow‐up chemotherapy protocol comprising of vinblastine and prednisolone and was doing well with no evidence of tumour recurrence 30 weeks post surgical resection and is still alive and clinically normal at the time of writing, 9 months post initial diagnosis. Primary MCTs of the gastrointestinal tract have previously been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis. This is the first report of a canine rectal mast cell tumour with lower grade features of biological aggressiveness and a possibly more favourable prognosis compared with the current published literature.
Enabling Inclusion: An Analysis of Positive and Negative Outcomes of Discretionary Work Arrangements for Employees With Disabilities
Authors: Booth Jonathan E. , Lup Daniela
Published: December 2024

While it is well‐known that employees with disabilities have significantly more negative work experiences compared to other employees, research geared towards understanding how employers could improve some of these experiences is still underdeveloped. To advance this research agenda, this study investigates links between five distinct types of discretionary arrangements (work discretion, scheduling discretion, part‐timing, homeworking and pay for individual performance), and outcomes related to work experiences and the wellbeing of employees with disabilities (job satisfaction, perception of fairness, recognition, motivation, engagement, work stress and work‐life interference). To explore these links, we use data from the European Working Conditions Survey (2015). We find that not all work arrangements that increase discretion at the workplace have a positive impact on employees with disabilities and that some can be especially detrimental. By unpacking the multiple ways in which various types of discretion at the workplace affect employees with disabilities, this study not only makes a theoretical contribution but also provides employers who aim to improve the working experiences of employees with disabilities with some empirical evidence to help them take more inclusive actions.
Biodiversity conservation, consistency, and Mus musculus
Authors: Rohwer Yasha , Palmer Clare , Searle Jeremy B.
Published: December 2024

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is often thought of as a pest species in biological conservation, in agriculture, and in urban areas. As a result, populations are frequently targeted for control and eradication. However, M. musculus has notable within‐species biodiversity: it has genetically, morphologically, and behaviorally distinct subpopulations. Conserving biodiversity is usually considered the paramount goal of conservation biology, not least because biodiversity is claimed to have intrinsic value. But the biodiversity in mouse populations is often overlooked. In particular, conservationists do not call for the unique diversity represented by threatened mouse populations to be protected. This is illustrative of the inconsistent valuing of biodiversity in conservation. If biodiversity is intrinsically valuable, then it should be valued; however, it reveals itself. And yet, in examples presented here, unique populations of house mice with clear biodiversity value are threatened by eradication campaigns on islands and by changing agricultural practices on the Swiss–Italian border. The inconsistent valuing of biodiversity in the case of M. musculus raises important questions about whether the intrinsic value of biodiversity in conservation is, in practice, conditional on other implicit assumptions.
Comparing NIRA and Traditional Network Approaches: A Study Case With Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits
Authors: Machado Gisele Magarotto , Skjeldal Knut Erik , Grønnerød Cato , de Carvalho Lucas de Francisco
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study explores the NodeIdentifyR algorithm (NIRA) as a novel network analysis method for examining Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) traits.

Methods

Using a sample of 2230 Brazilian adults (aged 18–73 years) who responded to ASPD‐related factors of the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5), we applied NIRA to an ASPD network and compared its results with traditional network analysis methods.

Results

Our findings revealed that deceitfulness emerged as the most central trait across both methodologies. NIRA provided additional insights, indicating that simulated decreases in the likelihood of irresponsibility reduced the presence of other traits, while a simulated increase in deceitfulness amplified the likelihood of other ASPD pathological traits.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that traditional network centrality measures converge with NIRA's simulated increase results, but NIRA's simulated decrease provides additional information not captured by traditional centrality estimates. We recommend further research to validate these findings across different psychopathologies and refine NIRA use in clinical settings. The insights from this study could serve as a foundation for developing targeted interventions and enhancing our understanding of ASPD trait dynamics.
Thermoregulation and diurnal roost selection of boreal bats during pre‐hibernation period
Authors: Suominen Kati M. , Fritzén Niclas R. , Aas Fjelldal Mari , Blomberg Anna S. , Viljamaa Minna J. K. , Lilley Thomas M.
Published: December 2024

Living in a seasonal environment poses challenges for small mammals, such as bats, reliant on insects as their primary food source. Bats may adeptly navigate these energetic challenges by reducing their metabolism and body temperature, entering a state of torpor. Particularly during the winter, bats remain torpid for extended periods but are dependent on sufficient energy reserves to survive until spring. With the onset of autumn and declining temperature, bats face the challenge of building their fat deposits during a time of decreasing food availability. Bats may therefore transition to cooler roosts to initiate torpor, thereby reducing energy expenditure. However, little is still known about torpor use or roost selection by bats in autumn. This study explores the factors influencing roost selection and the use and duration of torpor in two bat species during this critical transition period between the breeding and overwintering season. We show that date in autumn is a stronger driver of torpor use than prevailing ambient temperature, indicating that there are other temporal changes (e.g. insect availability, individual body mass) affecting torpor use than solely day‐to‐day temperature conditions. We also show that bats employ specific strategies in which they first increase daytime torpor use before also increasing the use of night‐time torpor during the pre‐hibernation fattening period, most likely to facilitate rapid fat accumulation. Notably, bats commenced night‐time torpor use after spending entire days in torpor. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of torpor and the energy‐saving strategies employed during the crucial pre‐hibernation period, marking the transition from summer to winter.
Nucleation in temperate woodland regeneration: dual mycorrhizal Salix facilitate ectomycorrhizal tree establishment
Authors: Martius Lion R. , Fielding Debbie , Brown Paige , Milligan Kerri , Turner Malcolm , Taylor Andy F. S.
Published: December 2024

There is an urgent need for woodland expansion to help enhance and restore vital forest ecosystem services. However, the process of natural regeneration of woodlands is often slow, requiring active reforestation approaches. Factors limiting regeneration are complex, but there is increasing evidence that natural woodland expansion onto sites that have been treeless for a long period of time may be limited by the loss of microbial woodland‐soil properties. This study explored a potential role for mycorrhizal associations in facilitating obligate ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree establishment, with potential implications for active reforestation practices. We determined the spatial distribution patterns of ECM tree seedlings – Pinus sylvestris and Betula spp. – outwith a woodland, in relation to existing dual‐mycorrhizal Salix plants. There was very strong evidence that ECM tree seedlings were more likely to be found growing within groups around Salix than as isolated individuals, supporting the view that Salix drives the current spatial distribution patterns of ECM tree establishment. We suggest that the ability of Salix to form dual AM and ECM associations allows it to become established across the open AM dominated vegetation. Over time these plants become colonised by ECM fungi via aerial spores and then can act as a source of inoculum for obligate ECM tree seedlings, which arrive as seeds in the vicinity of Salix. This study highlights the potential role of dual‐mycorrhizal Salix as a nurse plant in supporting secondary forest succession of obligate ECM boreal/temperate woodland species onto adjacent open areas through nucleation. Overall, we concluded that there is potential for existing ECM networks to aid tree establishment and propose a nature‐based approach to maximize reforestation efforts by targeting existing symbiotic fungal networks as nucleation points for tree planting. Our findings contribute to understanding the ecological dynamics involved in woodland expansion and restoration.
Neighbourhood Deprivation and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Arizona From the AzPEARS Study
Authors: Parra Kimberly L. , Farland Leslie V. , Harris Robin B. , Toro Matthew , Furlong Melissa
Published: December 2024

Background

The maternal population residing in rural areas, tribal lands or near the United States‐Mexico border are at high risk for adverse pregnancy complications, notably gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Few studies have considered the socioeconomic status (SES) attributes of neighbourhoods on maternal health during gestation. Given that the national and global rate of GDM is rising, this analysis moves beyond individual‐level factors and investigates the role of neighbourhood deprivation on GDM risk.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between neighbourhood deprivation and risk of GDM using Arizona state birth records.

Methods

This population‐based study of singleton live births (N = 481,113) utilised birth certificates from 2014 to 2020 from the AzPEARS study. Using American Community Survey (5‐year data) linked to 2010 US Census tracts, a composite neighbourhood deprivation index (NDI) score (continuous and quartiles) was derived from 8 socioeconomic indicators. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to examine the association between NDI and GDM risk, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, race/ethnicity, parity, rurality, and birth year.

Results

The state‐wide incidence of GDM was 7.8% (n = 37,636) with variation by neighbourhoods (4% to 12%). GDM risk was highest for Native Americans (17.6%), Asian/Pacific Islanders (13.7%) and Hispanic/Latinas (8.3%). Compared to mothers living in areas with the lowest quartile of NDI, mothers living in neighbourhoods with the highest deprivation had an adjusted risk ratio of 1.21 for developing GDM (95% CI 1.18, 1.26).

Conclusions

We observed that neighbourhood deprivation was positively associated with a higher risk of GDM for each increase in quartile. These results suggest that NDI, a proxy for neighbourhood socioeconomic status, may contribute to GDM risk. Identifying high‐risk neighbourhoods for place‐based interventions targeting the most vulnerable birthing populations may be an effective strategy in the prevention of GDM.
Effective Government and Regional Technological Innovation: Evidence From 284 Cities in China
Authors: Fan Hongmin , Liang Chen
Published: December 2024

Based on the exogenous shock of incorporating environmental performance into local officials' evaluations, this paper manually collects and collates publicly available data on environmental target constraints (constraints on government environmental indicators for the coming period) from city government work reports as well as panel data from 284 cities in China from 2003 to 2018, and adopts the DID model to explore the impact of local government environmental target constraints on technological innovation after the implementation of the environmental target responsibility system. Our analysis reveals the following key aspects. First, local government environmental target constraints can significantly enhance the quantity of technological innovation, and the conclusion is robust and reliable. Second, the mechanism test shows that local government environmental target constraints can significantly increase the probability of local governments setting soft constraints on economic growth targets, increasing local investment in science and education, and improving the intensity of environmental regulation to promote regional technological innovation. Third, local government environmental target constraints can more effectively promote technological innovation in cities with low fiscal pressure, weak local government competition, and higher level of economic development. Further analysis finds that the autonomous constraint on the environmental target of local government can promote effectively green substantive innovation. This research highlights the crucial role of environmental policy in influencing sustainable technological progress by demonstrating how local government environmental target constraints can act as a stimulus for technological innovation, especially green innovation.
When issues matter: A Survey Experiment with Local Leaders
Authors: Borgeat Quentin
Published: December 2024

Parties and politicians strategically shape their electoral campaigns by meticulously selecting which issues to highlight, sometimes emphasizing specific aspects of these issues to exploit electoral opportunities. This assertion, derived from the issue yield theory, represents a unified vision of valence and positional issues. While this vision considers one aspect of the issue emphasis debate, the issue yield theory has yet to investigate the moderating influence of issue saliency on its predictions. I address this gap by employing innovative data on party leaders. The findings from a survey experiment involving Swiss local politicians (N = 693) demonstrate that issue saliency indeed moderates the issue yield mechanism, influencing party leaders' choices regarding issue emphasis. This underscores the pivotal role of issue saliency and emphasizes the need to account for it in both the issue yield literature and broader contexts.
Stream segregation, musical abilities, and the development of speech perception in noise
Authors: Benocci Elena , Calcus Axelle
Published: December 2024

Nonlinguistic auditory abilities (e.g., stream segregation, musical perceptual abilities) are thought to contribute to speech perception in noise. How their development interacts with that of speech perception in noise remains unknown. Here, we aimed to (i) investigate the development of speech perception in noise and stream segregation and (ii) explore the relationship between musical abilities, stream segregation, and speech perception in noise throughout development. Our results confirmed the protracted developmental trajectory of both stream segregation and speech perception in noise. Importantly, they suggest that musical perceptual abilities indirectly contribute to speech perception in noise by means of improved stream segregation.
Implantation dermoid cyst post cochlear implantation: an unusual complication
Authors: PS Suhaima , Bhavana Kranti , Vishwakarma Rajesh , Ouseph Sheelia
Published: December 2024

Epidermal inclusion cysts are benign epithelial tumours that can occur in any part of the body. It can be primary or secondary to trauma or surgery that leads to the implantation of the epidermal elements into dermis and subcutaneous tissue forming a benign cyst. There is paucity of literature reporting postauricular epidermal inclusion cysts following a cochlear implant surgery with the functioning implant in situ. We are reporting such a case of postauricular implantation dermoid following cochlear implant surgery, which was successfully managed surgically at our centre without compromising the functioning cochlear implant.
Associations Between Childhood Bullying Victimization and Adult Income: Longitudinal Evidence From a Representative US Sample
Authors: Conway Harrison M. , Conway Sadie H. , Schroeder Bret , Peskin Melissa F. , Jetelina Katelyn K.
Published: December 2024

Bullying victimization in childhood and adolescence is a global health priority, but little is known about the long‐term economic impacts of bullying on the victim. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between bullying victimization in pre‐ or early adolescence and young adult income in a representative cohort of US youths. Data from a nationally representative longitudinal survey were analyzed. A total of 525 US youth‐completed surveys that included questions on bullying victimization in 2002/2003 (at ages 9–14 years) and 2007/2008 (at ages 14–18 years) as well as provided their income at age 25 (±1 year) (mean follow‐up time: 13.2 years). Associations between different types of bullying victimization (e.g., verbal and physical) and income at age 25 (±1 year) were assessed using multivariable linear regression, stratified by gender. Approximately half of participants reported being picked on at least once in the past month, and about one‐fourth reported being left out of activities at least once in the past month. Bullying victimization at ages 9–14 years was negatively associated with income levels later in life, but victimization at older ages was not. Only two exposures were associated with adult income when adjusting for sociodemographic covariates: being left out of things and having your things taken by others. Among females, reporting being left out of things at least 2–3 days per week was associated with decreased adulthood income. Among males, having your things taken about once per week or more was significantly associated with income, but the pattern was inconsistent. This study provides evidence of differences in the relationship between bullying victimization and income between males and females, with females’ income differences associated with less aggressive forms of bullying than males.
Dynamics of Functional States in Shift Personnel at an Oil Exploration Enterprise as Influenced by Workplace Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Korneeva Yana A. , Simonova Natalya N. , Korneeva Anastasiya V. , Dobrynina Marina A.
Published: December 2024

Background. Scientific research provides insufficient information on the influence of psychosocial factors in the workplace of employees at an oil exploration company in the southeast of the Russian Federation on the dynamics in their functional states during the shift period.
Objective is to identify and describe the key psychosocial factors at the workplace of the personnel of an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation that affect the dynamics of their functional states during the shift period.
Study Participants. The study was carried out by means of a scientific expedition in 2022 at one of the sites of an oil exploration enterprise in the Orenburg region. The study involved 58 workers with a 30 days' shift period.
Methods. Daily monitoring was carried out in the morning and in the evening of the workers' functional states by objective (variocardiointervalometry, complex visual-motor reaction) and subjective (assessment of the state of reduced performance) methods. The assessment of psychosocial factors in the workplace was carried out using the QPSNordic method. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using correlation analysis.
Results. It has been established that the employees of the oil exploration enterprise during the shift race are characterized by moderate severity of fatigue, monotony, stress and satiety, an acceptable level of general functional state and an average level of efficiency. Psychosocial factors of work requirements, role expectations, control, social support, mastery, teamwork and work motives influence the dynamics of the functional states of workers measured by objective and subjective methods. Factors of social support, management and group work are differentially related to the objective and subjective parameters of the functional states of workers in the dynamics of the shift.
Conclusions. Psychosocial factors in the workplace from among role expectations, control, skill, leadership, social support, teamwork and work motives affect the dynamics of the functional states of the personnel of an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation during the shift period.
Attacking Muslim Minority Women Online
Authors: Topidi Kyriaki
Published: December 2024

Against continuing attempts in Europe to draw an “essentialized” picture of Muslims as a group characterized by foreignness, backwardness, threat, and cultural incompatibility with core European values, this article focuses on the implications of a “racialized” representation of Muslims online, placing emphasis on women. An intersectional analysis of the impact of online hate speech is justified by the fact that this category of persons experience harm as a consequence of the interaction of their gender, religious affiliation, and ethnic origin as identity markers that single them out as “targets” for online hate speech. Taking into account the exponential growth of online hate speech targeting Muslims, the aim of the analysis is to show the need for an intersectional approach to anti-Muslim hatred online, especially in connection with the harm that such speech creates for women. By securitizing Muslim communities, online hate speech sets the basis for serious limitations on the freedom of expression, freedom of association, and political participation of a vulnerable segment of contemporary European societies.
A Symbol of ‘Gender Transformation’: Cross-Dressing in Female Tanci of Late Imperial China
Authors: Chen Jingyi
Published: December 2024

Tanci was one of the most popular literary forms among classical Chinese women writers, emerging in the middle of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and becoming extremely prominent during the Qing dynasty (1636–1912). This article explores five tanci stories centred on female-to-male cross-dressing inspired by Judith Butler’s performative theory. It discusses the varied applications of it by the authors and uncovers the commonalities hidden between the differences. In these works, cross-dressing is a common symbol of an attempt to cross the boundaries of gender identity and personal values outside the home. The meaning given to this symbol by female writers is a form of escape from their limited social living spaces. Their stories reflect their efforts to experience the same freedom and personal values outside the home as men had in Confucian society at the time. However, their resistance conforms to the existing social constructs of gender.
A contribution to the aphid fauna (Homoptera, Aphidinea) of the Republic of Dagestan (the Russian Federation), with descriptions of three new species, redescription of Macrosiphum pulcherimum Nevsky, 1928, and descriptions of previously unknown morphs of three species
Authors: STEKOLSHCHIKOV ANDREY V.
Published: December 2024

An updated aphid (Homoptera, Aphidinea) check-list of the Republic of Dagestan (the Russian Federation) is presented, it includes 125 species and 2 subspecies. Three new aphid species are described here: Aphis dagestanica sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, oviparous females and apterous male, living on Caucasalia parviflora (Asteraceae), Aphis epilobiphaga sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, living on Epilobium colchicum (Onagraceae) and Aphis oxalicola sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, living on Oxalis stricta (Oxalydaceae). Redescription of Macrosiphum pulcherimum Nevsky, 1928 based on apterous viviparous females are given, a lectotype is designated and data provided on the distribution and biology of this species. Previously unknown males and oviparous females of Aphis leontodontis (Börner, 1950) and Brachyunguis zygophylli (Nevsky, 1928) and oviparous females of Aphis apocynicola Holman, 1992, are described. Notes about the distribution and biology of aphids recorded in Dagestan and on the completeness of the list are given.
Automation of a Pharmaceutical Batch Mixer Using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA)
Authors: Mbeah Augustine , Normanyo Erwin
Published: December 2024

This research results from the need for an effective, reliable, and highly flexible method of control of processes within a small pharmaceutical environment and will be programmed using Ladder Logic programming Language, Siemens Step 7, which entails integrating hardware and software to provide dependable and effective operations. The mixer is controlled through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and programmed using Ladder Logic in Siemens Step 7 PLC Programming Software. Temperature control, agitation control, and ingredient addition sequences were all integrated by the automated system. The performance of the modeled system is validated through computer simulations. The Batch Mixer is controlled using a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), enabling precise execution of the required processes throughout the entire mixing cycle. Each phase of the process is carefully controlled and monitored, with detailed simulation results demonstrating enhanced performance and efficiency in the proposed batch mixer system, as well as offering a mathematical model of the Batch Mixer and outlining the performance variables that the PLC systems use in detail. As a backup validation tool, Rockwell Automation's RSLogix 5000 PLC is used to verify the validation. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using Siemens STEP 7 PLC for automation and validation, and with RSLogix 5000 PLC for confirmation of validation, ensuring reliable and efficient pharmaceutical batch mixing operations.
Modeling the Effects of Social Factors on Population Dynamics Using Age-Structured System
Authors: Kemei Zachary , Bitok Jacob , Rotich Titus
Published: December 2024

The study of demographics is important not only for policy formulation but also for better understanding of human socio-economic characteristics, and assessment of effects of human activities on environmental impact. It is interesting to note that apart from the common population control strategies, industrialization, economic development and improvement of living standards affects population growth parameters. In this paper, an age-structured model was formulated to model population dynamics, and make predictions through simulation using 2019 Kenya population data. The age-structured mathematical model was developed, using partial differential equations on population densities as functions of age and time. The population was structured into 20 clusters each of 5 year interval, and assigned different birth, death rate and transition parameters. Crank-Nicolson numerical scheme was used to simulate the model using the 2019 parameters and population as initial conditions. It was found that; provision of social factors to an efficacy level of δ≥0.75 to a minimum of 70% population leads to a decrease of mortality rate form μold=0.0313 to μnew=0.00184 and an increase in birth rate from βold=0.02639 to βnew=0.05104. This collectively leads to an increase in population by 50% from 38,589,011 to 57,956,100 after 35 years. The initial economic dependency ratio of 1:2, was also improved due to changes in technology and improvement of living standards, to a new ratio of 1:1.14. The graphical presentation in form of a pyramid showed a trend of transition from expansive to constrictive population pyramid. This population structure is stable and remains relatively constant as long as the social factors are maintained.
Démence Précoce: Historical Conceptualization of the Concept
Authors: Sousa Barbara , Sá Zoe , Ramos Joana
Published: December 2024

Schizophrenia, like many mental disorders, was historically viewed as madness or demonic possession until the 18th century when psychiatry began to emerge as a scientific discipline. French psychiatrist Bénédict Morel played a pivotal role in this transformation by coining the term "démence précoce." He used this term to describe a set of clinical features observed in schizophrenia, suggesting that it was due to an inherent biological defect that progressively worsened through successive generations. German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin further refined Morel's ideas by developing the concept of "dementia praecox". He described a cluster of symptoms and signs characterized by a specific course and outcome, emphasizing the chronic and deteriorative nature of the illness. Kraepelin's work laid the groundwork for modern understanding, emphasizing the classification of psychiatric conditions based on symptom clusters, progression, and outcomes. In the early 20th century, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler introduced the term "schizophrenia", marking a significant shift in the conceptualization of the disorder. He viewed it not as a single disease but as a group of related disorders, which he called the "group of schizophrenias." Bleuler focused on the splitting of cognitive functions—such as thinking, feeling, and behavior—recognizing a broader spectrum of symptoms beyond the purely degenerative model proposed by Kraepelin. The evolution of schizophrenia's conceptualization reflects broader developments in neuropsychiatry, neuropsychopharmacology, and neuroscience. Advances in these fields have refined diagnostic criteria, understanding of neurobiological underpinnings, and treatment approaches. However, the journey to fully understanding schizophrenia is ongoing. The complexities of its causes, manifestations, and treatments mean that its history—and the final chapter of its understanding—remains to be written, as new research continues to challenge and expand upon existing knowledge.
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics in Children and Adult Patients with Influenza A and B
Authors: Zou Seyin , Mohtar Siti , Othman Roshani , Hassan Rodiah , Lei Da , Liang Kun , Xu Shuyao
Published: December 2024

Background. Seasonal influenza of each year with different severity can cause a high infection rate and death rate over the world. Few studies about the comparision of the clinical characteristics between children and adult patients with influenza A and B from China were reported. Objective. Aimed to provide the data of differences in clinical characteristics for influenza infected children and adults. Methods. Baseline characteristics were collected and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables in patients with influenza. Results. 1663 influenza cases were included, no significant difference was observed in the gender ratio of children between influenza A and B group (P > 0.05), while less adult male were infected with influenza B (P = 0.038). Children with influenza B showed more occuring frequency in bronchitis and pneumonia when compared to children with influenza A (P < 0.05). Most children had fever and laryngopharyngitis both occurred over 60.8% in influenza A and B group. While fever is the most occurred symptom among adult patients both in influenza A group and influenza B group with a proportion of 80.4% and 74.7% respectively. Conclusions. Fever was the most occured symptoms in children and adult patients with influenza. Children with influenza are more susceptible to occur lower respiratory tract infection (bronchitis and pneumonia) than adult patients did.
New Classification of Tumor Microvessels and the Risk of Regional Metastasis in Squamous Cell and Glandular Cancers
Authors: Senchukova Marina
Published: December 2024

Previously, we proposed a new classification of tumor microvessels (MVs) on the basis of their morphological features and clinical significance. The aim of this study was to summarize the obtained results and establish the predictive value of different types of tumor MVs for assessing the risk of metastasis to regional lymph nodes (RLNs) in glandular and squamous cell carcinomas. Materials and methods. A total of 385 archival samples of gastric cancer stages I--III, breast cancer stages I--IIIA, cervical squamous cell carcinoma stages I--IIA, and lung squamous cell carcinoma stages I--IIIA were studied. The tumor sections were processed routinely and subjected to immunohistochemistry with antibodies against cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) and podoplanin. To assess independent predictors of the risk of metastasis to RLNs, correlation analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was performed via Statistica 10.0 software. Results. For patients with gastric cancer and breast cancer, the independent predictors of a high risk of metastasis to RLNs are T2 (p=0.007) and T3 (p<0.00001) stages, tumor grade 3 (p=0.0002), the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p=0.044) and peritumoral retraction clefts (p=0.008). For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and lung, independent predictors of a high risk of metastasis to RLNs are the T2 (p=0.01) and T3 (p=0.007) stages, the presence of LVI (p=0.0014), dilated capillaries (DCs) of the "contact type" (p=0.0007), capillaries in the tumor solid component (p=0.046) and peritumoral retraction cleftings (p=0.0006). Conclusion. The results of the present study indicate that when assessing the risk of metastasis to RLNs, it is advisable to consider the presence of peritumoral retraction clefting and LVI in both glandular and squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, in squamous cell carcinomas, the accuracy of assessing the risk of metastasis to RLNs can be increased by taking into account "contact-type" DCs and capillaries in the solid component of the tumor.
Assessment of the Healthcare Waste Infrastructure at Kambia Government Hospital, Sierra Leone
Authors: Kamara Abubakarr , Thullah Gibrilla , Mansaray Hamidu , Kawa Yahaya
Published: December 2024

This study assessed the healthcare waste management (HCWM) infrastructure at Kambia Government Hospital (KGH), Sierra Leone. We evaluated various aspects of HCWM, including waste segregation, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal. Our findings revealed critical deficiencies, such as inadequate storage facilities, insufficient waste bins, and a lack of dedicated transportation systems. These shortcomings pose significant risks to healthcare workers, the general public, and the environment, including the potential for the spread of infectious diseases and contamination of the environment. To improve HCWM practices at KGH, we recommend implementing several key strategies. These include investing in adequate storage facilities, providing appropriate waste bins, establishing a dedicated waste transportation system, and conducting comprehensive staff training on HCWM protocols. Regular training sessions should cover topics such as waste classification, segregation, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal techniques. By empowering healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can significantly enhance HCWM practices at KGH. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of HCWM interventions. Regular inspections of storage areas, waste bins, and transportation vehicles can help identify and address potential issues. By implementing these recommendations, KGH can improve its HCWM practices and contribute to a healthier and safer environment for its community. Effective HCWM is essential to protect public health and the environment. Poor management of healthcare waste can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, contamination of water sources, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. By addressing the identified deficiencies and implementing best practices, KGH can significantly improve its HCWM performance and reduce the associated risks.
Regeneration and Diameter-Height Distribution Under Irregular Shelterwood System: A Case Study from Banke District
Authors: Malla Kushma , Subedi Sushil , Upadhyay Jharana
Published: December 2024

This study was aimed to assess the regeneration composition and status and species diversity of blocks of compartment C4S6 with 8 sub-compartment C4S1, C4S2, C4S3, C4S4, C4S5, C4S6, C4S7, And C4S8 under Irregular Shelterwood System (ISS) based scientific forest management in Samshergunj-Mathebas block forest, Banke district, Nepal. The systematic random sampling method was used for allocating circular sample plots (of radius 1.78 m for seedlings and 2.82 m for sapling) for collecting data from the field. Altogether 40 sample plots were taken to collect the required data from the blocks forest. The total regeneration per hectare in the block is 76870. In the blocks forest the total number of seedlings and saplings per hectare was 65150 and 11720 respectively. The IVI value showed that both seedling and sapling of Shorea robusta was dominant species and Terminalia alata was 1st codominant species in the blocks. Vegetation study is crucial for balancing the ecosystem as well as for biophysical environment. Forest inventories helps to determine the growing stock as well as annual increment in order to balance between harvesting and re-growth. In my study area there is abundant regeneration in the forest but their effective assessment is lacking and research on it is insufficient. Due to the lack of sustainable management, open grazing, illegal harvesting of wood, and forest fire, Productivity of forest is decreasing day by day. And at present, there can be seen Asna (Terminalia alata), and other Sal associates like Botdhairo instead of Sal. Graduation of seedling into sapling with time is key necessity in maintaining sustainable forest regeneration. Thus, this study was conducted for assessing regeneration composition and diameter and height class distribution after implementation of irregular Shelterwood system (ISS) in western terai. This study will be useful for policy makers working in conservation biology.