bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vulva Dialogues: The Sexual-Bodily Experience of Cisgender Women
Authors: Penna Quintão Adriana Maria
Published: April 2024

Sexuality is an essential part of our lives. Despite being personal, it is deeply impacted by our culture and social scripts. Thus, the sexual-bodily experience of the cisgender woman relates to her life experiences through her body. Nonetheless, the female body is often subjected to prejudice, stigma, and misconceptions, driving women into genital alienation. There is plenty of misinformation on the vulva and the clitoris, even within the scientific community, which not only contributes to many women’s unawareness of their own bodies, but also puts their health at risk in the hands of poorly trained surgeons. Furthermore, the sexual-bodily experience of the cisgender woman is commonly observed from a phallocentric perspective, which tends to override and neglect her agency. My research seeks to analyse the most relevant aspects of the sexual-bodily experience of Portuguese cisgender women who date mostly men, focusing on their relationship with their vulva, their clitoris, and their sexual pleasure. I also want to identify the role of medicine and health professionals in that relationship, within the Western medicine perspective of the female body. The fieldwork is being carried out by qualitative methods, divided into three parts: 1) a minimum of 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with health professionals (gynaecologists, gynaecological surgeons, and sex therapists) working in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA); 2) a minimum of 15 in-depth interviews via the Biographic-Narrative Interpretative Method (BNIM) with Portuguese cisgender women residing in the LMA who date mostly men; and 3) a review of how female genitalia are portrayed in anatomy books used in Portugal’s top medical schools. Therefore, I aim to understand how centuries of control over the female body and decades of medicalization of female sexuality have impacted the corporeality and sexuality of Portuguese cisgender women, to contribute to an in-depth debate on such matters in Sociology.
How to Measure the Impact Generated by the Gender Equality Plan?
Authors: Brescianini Aanna , Bannò Mariasole , Federici Camilla
Published: April 2024

Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) are the primary policy tool to advance gender equality in research and innovation in Europe. The European Commission has mandated an institutional requirement for all public and research performing organisations applying for Horizon Europe 2021-2027 grants. These entities must develop GEPs addressing organisational culture, work-life balance, gender balance in leadership, recruitment and career progression, gender mainstreaming in research and teaching, and measures against gender-based violence. The Commission has outlined four mandatory elements for GEPs: they must be public documents, allocate resources for implementation, be based on sex/gender-disaggregated data collection and monitoring, and include training and capacity building. This new requirement is expected to stimulate significant activity at institutional and state levels across EU countries. From the research presented here, we expect an ongoing self-assessment of the progress of the actions implementation to reduce gender inequality and valuable suggestions for the future GEP UniBs 2025-2027 design and planning.
Exploring Gender Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability in Family Firms
Authors: Ramos Adelinda , Jayantilal Shital , Sardo Filipe
Published: April 2024

In an ever-changing landscape, family businesses, characterized by their unique blend of tradition, familial bonds, and entrepreneurial spirit, stand as bastions of resilience and continuity, playing a pivotal role in economic growth and societal development. Indeed, family businesses account for 80 percent of all business enterprises worldwide, making them the prevalent form of conducting business. As these entities grapple with the imperative to remain economically viable while navigating the intricacies of the contemporary business landscape, the incorporation of sustainable practices into the organizational fabric takes centre stage. By actively seeking a harmonious and reciprocal relationship between financial objectives, social responsibility, and environmental accountability, family businesses can not only secure their own longevity but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global environment. This narrative becomes especially compelling at the intersection with gender. Exploring the intersection between gender and sustainability provides insights into how gender dynamics influence and are influenced by efforts to achieve sustainable development. Moreover, understanding and addressing this interplay is essential for devising holistic and effective strategies that promote social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. It underscores the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches in all aspects of sustainable development. Acknowledging the significance of this ongoing dialogue, this study delves into the intricate relationship between gender dynamics and the environmental dimension of sustainability within family businesses. Through a systematic literature review of empirical research, this work specifically aims to uncover the linkage between board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance. The findings indicate that gender-diverse boards improve environmental value creation, and women in leadership positions correlate positively with environmental disclosure in family-controlled businesses. Overall, a strong positive correlation emerges between the proportion of women directors on the board and the level of environmental sustainability. The findings of this study hold implications not only for family business practitioners but also for policymakers and academics interested in propelling gender equality and sustainability agendas, notably within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Exploring Gender Disparities and Psychosocial Factors in Kerala
Authors: Mohan Radhika , Menon Preetha , P. Rajan Neethu , M.S. Adithya
Published: April 2024

Despite notable progress in human development and gender equality indicators, mental health issues and gender disparities persist due to various socio-ecological factors in the southern state of Kerala, India. This study aims to identify the psychosocial factors of resilience that enabled rural and urban women to cope with during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, while also comparing the experiences of resilience among women in rural and urban areas of Malappuram district. A demographic profiler and semi-structured interview questions were employed to assess resilience in a cohort of 44 women in rural and urban settings and within the age range of 21-60 years. Interview questions were specifically based on the definition of resilience, resilience factors specific to women, resilience-boosting elements, and obstacles during COVID-19. Qualitative analysis of the participants’ responses revealed five key psychosocial factors (psychological factors, support, life experience, external factors, and gender) influencing women's resilience. Similar factors (support, psychological, and external factors) are critical in strengthening women's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also sheds light on subtle gender inequalities, underscoring the need for comprehensive initiatives to promote gender equity and improve men's attitudes towards women. The limitation of the study lies in the regional specificity, which affects its generalizability. The study highlights the importance of designing psychosocial interventions to promote resilience in women across diverse geographical contexts, presenting opportunities for empowering women through comprehensive strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, enabling the development of effective measures to uplift women and create a more equitable and resilient society. Further research is recommended to bridge knowledge gaps and formulate comprehensive strategies to enhance women's empowerment.
Critical Race Feminism and the Counterterrorism Strategy ‘Prevent’.
Authors: Barker Lilly
Published: April 2024

There is extensive academic attention on the effects of counterterrorism policy on the Muslim population. My paper goes further by providing an analysis of the intersectionality of religion, race, gender, and the impact of counterterrorism policy, namely ‘Prevent’. I focus upon understanding Muslim women’s experiences concerning the UK’s counterterrorism strategy Prevent, with a theoretical framework of Critical Race Feminism. My research demonstrates the UK government’s incorporation of Muslim women into countering violent extremism policies and how this categorises Muslim women as a tool within deradicalisation. I directly address the gap between feminist research and the lived experiences of Prevent for Muslim women in post-16 education. This is achieved by drawing upon the qualitative experiences of Muslim women in further and higher education in the UK. Through an empirical exploration of focus group and interview data, my PhD paper is one of the first to offer insights into Muslim women’s feelings surrounding how Prevent operates within the UK’s post-16 education sector. To aid this exploration, Critical Race Feminism is used as a theoretical framework to advance the discussion of intersectionality. Within the data collected, certain themes were evident such as: the self-censoring of students; the responsibilization of Muslim women and gendered Islamophobia. The findings state that there is a gendered impact of the Prevent strategy within the UK’s post-16 education sector. This paper should be added to the context of debate about the future of Prevent (if any), and to existing work that discusses the securitisation of racialised people.
Enhancing Workplace Inclusivity for TGNC (Transgender/Nonconforming) Communities: “A Path to Psychological-Safety”
Authors: Nguyen Colton
Published: April 2024

Discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals remains apervasive issue, significantly impacting their psychological safety and overall well-being. This marginalisedcommunity faces an array of challenges, including experiencing homelessness, poverty, and harassment, whichare interconnected and, to a considerable extent, a consequence of systemic discrimination. Studies by Tebbeet al. (2019) reveal that the TGNC community grapples with disproportionately high rates of homelessness,poverty, and harassment, thus highlighting the systemic nature of the challenges they confront. Workplacediscrimination within the TGNC community extends across a spectrum, impacting individuals’ authenticity andpotential for forced engagement in underground economy work to offset poverty, including survival sex workand drug dealing (Par & Howe, 2020).
Workplace discrimination is a pivotal determinant of psychological safety and well-being for TGNC individuals.Frazier et al. (2017) emphasise the critical importance of preventing discrimination and conflict in theworkplace, which contributes to negative mental health outcomes. The consequences of discrimination areprofound. A significant portion of the TGNC community reports a history of suicidal ideation, ranging from 45%to 77% (Testa et al., 2017). Promoting psychological safety and well-being for this marginalised community isnot only a moral imperative, but also a pathway to fostering more prosperous and inclusive societies. Thisresearch utilises a qualitative methodology, through semi-structured interviews among diverse genderidentities. By exploring the lived experiences of TGNC individuals in the workplace, this study uncovers theimpact of discrimination on psychological well-being. The results of the findings demonstrate how to improvethe psychological-safety of gender-diverse communities through
The Educational Potential of Cyberfeminisms: An Intersectional Analysis of @coletivoandorinha, @feministasemmovimento and @feministas.pt profiles
Authors: Godoy Clarissa , Cunha Maria João
Published: April 2024

Focusing on the dialogue between cyberfeminisms and education, through an intersectional perspective, this study combines the work of feminist authors such as Haraway (1991), DeLaurentis (2004), hooks (2013), Crenshaw (1991), and Butler (2011) with others recent works to address the following question: How do cyberfeminist Instagram profiles contribute to intersectional education for gender equality? To answer that, we analysed the profiles @coletivoandorinha, @feministasemmovimento and @feministas.pt between 2021 and 2023, using a qualitative method (Minayo, 2015), with semi-structured interviews to: 1. understand the strategies of the cyberfeminist profiles; 2. identify gender and race differences in the construction of cyberfeminist discourses; 3. identify the main challenges in translating cyberfeminist content into school vocabulary. Results show may enable understanding of how intersectionality is verifiable in cyberfeminist discourses, and how contents may prove adequate for educational purposes.
Malaysia’s Orang Asli Women Roles in Indigenous Community
Authors: Mustapha Ramlee , Abd Karim Rafidah , Aliasak Mohd Hasrol Haffiz , Abdul Wahab Norwaliza , Che Ghani Nurul Farhani , Zainol Nurul Shatirah
Published: April 2024

Globally, there are still many occurring social issues that may be a hindrance towards the achievement of the overall development of a nation, and one of them is gender equality. Although it is a social issue that can affect the society, gender equality however affects women more than men as it can put women at a more disadvantaged situations such as limited access towards good health and education, lower financial status, lower employment opportunities, and more. Gender equality should be properly addressed to ensure that women can enjoy the opportunities and rights that they deserved as part of the members of the society. In this study, we investigated the Orang Asli women roles from a selected tribes in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to explore how Orang Asli women contribute to the preservation of the indigenous community's culture, language, and beliefs. This study employed a qualitative case study research design. To obtain data, a semi-structured interviewing tool was used. We collected and analysed data from Orang Asli women as participants of the study. The study's findings demonstrated that the Orang Asli women had meaningful roles in their community. The study's conclusions are designed to provide insight into how indigenous women can carry out their responsibilities in promoting gender equality and sustainable development in the indigenous community.
Filipino Hospitality Industry Gender Disparities: Hiring Practices, Salary Levels, and Promotional Opportunities
Authors: Darroca Jeanneth , Formarejo Tadema , Alfonso Leizl , Corbo Mary Cosette
Published: April 2024

This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing the snowball sampling technique to conduct in-depth interviews with women from various roles within the Filipino hospitality sector. The study employs narrative analysis to elucidate discriminatory practices in hiring, remuneration, and professional advancement opportunities. Findings reveal a pattern of gender disparities, with biased recruitment practices directing women into lower-paid service roles while men ascend to leadership positions. A significant pay gap persists, attributed to occupational segregation and undervaluation of female-dominated professions. The study identifies unconscious biases, lack of mentorship, and a corporate culture favoring stereotypically "male" leadership attributes as barriers to career progression. Recommendations include advocating for anti-discrimination legislation, transparent hiring protocols, and addressing pay differentials through audits and awareness initiatives. Employers are urged to implement unbiased recruitment and mentorship programs, while educational institutions and civil society organizations play roles in empowering women and advocating for policy reform. The study underscores the need for collective commitment to gender equality to transform the Filipino hospitality industry into a model of inclusivity and collaboration.
How Much Does Gender Affect the Behaviour of Using Renewable Energy Resources?
Authors: Bogdan Victoria , Ban Olimpia Iuliana , Florea Adrian Gheorghe , Gonczi Jozsef
Published: April 2024

The transition to renewable energy resources is a challenge for Romania, as well as for the whole world. The goal of the European Commission is to accelerate the use of renewable resources to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Romania had in 2022, 40,171 prosumers with the forecast that they will reach 100,000 in 2023. The previous research carried out showed a positive attitude of the household population in Romania towards these energy resources, but also important barriers that considerably slow down the process, Romania being behind the target set by the European Commission. Through this research, we seek to identify how gender differences are reflected in the approach to renewable energy resources to facilitate this transition. The present research covers a gap in the specialized literature by investigating, differentiated by gender, the perception of Romanian residents regarding renewable energy resources. The case study was carried out in 2023 on residents of two cities out of the 266 in Romania, Oradea and Timișoara. The reasons for choosing the two cities are related to their similar economic development, positioning in the same part of the country, and, in particular, their performance in increasing the number of green energy prosumers. A questionnaire survey was carried out with a result of 1098 valid questionnaires with a gender structure that allows a differentiated analysis (42.53 men, 53.18 women, 4.28 unspecified). The internal consistency of the answers was carried out with αCronbach. The data processing methods used are Importance-Performance Analysis, RStudio202207.1+554, and qualitative processing with Atlas.ti22. A hypothesis we tested is whether women are more sensitive to environmental issues and the type of energy produced and consumed or the cost factor is the one that dictates. The results suggest gender-differentiated solutions for raising public awareness and encouraging action. Limits of the paper are found only in the two Romanian cities, the geographical extension of the sample being a possible future research direction.
The Growing Importance of Women in Portuguese Football and in the Sports Press
Authors: Loureiro Marlene , Alves Joana
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the processes of change in valuing women's participation in the world of football, as well as their recognition by sports journalism. The initial research question was: "What difficulties do women encounter in gaining acceptance in the world of football and in sports journalism in Portugal?". The main objectives were:
1) To analyse the role of women football players in Portugal;
2) To understand the position of women's football in Portugal;
3) To find out how Portuguese sports journalism treats women's football;
4) To investigate the role of communication in publicising women's football in Portugal;
5) To understand the perception of women's football in Portugal.
In order to achieve these objectives, the methodology involves carrying out an exploratory empirical study based on analysing the content of the main Portuguese sports newspapers and applying a questionnaire survey to the Portuguese population in general. The main aim of analysing the sports newspapers is to find out how Portuguese sports journalism treats women's football and how regularly and relevantly women's football is covered in the news. In turn, the questionnaire survey seeks to understand the perception, acceptance and information that the Portuguese population has about women's football.
The results obtained were very enlightening, showing that women's football in Portugal still needs a lot of development and acceptance and that the mass media is blamed for the lack of publicity and promotion of women's football in Portugal, which means that the majority of the population has no knowledge or information about what goes on in women's football. On the other hand, it was also possible to ascertain that there is still a certain stigma regarding women's football, denoting the existence of prejudice and unequal treatment, as reflected in its presence in sports journalism.
Confronting Conundrums of Care in College Student Advising
Authors: Schwartzman Roy , Simon Jenni , Zuckerman Hyman Cynthia
Published: April 2024

At colleges and universities throughout the United States, academic advisors play a central role in stemming the tide of declining student enrollment and academic underachievement—especially in the wake of academic, physical, emotional, and interpersonal setbacks incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many undergraduates, the mentoring relationship with their academic advisor provides the longest lasting and deepest connection with a faculty or staff member throughout their college experience. Increasingly, the expectations that institutions and students place on academic advisors have escalated far beyond simply guiding course selection and checking fulfillment of graduation requirements. While this more holistic approach to advising can cultivate a greater sense of belonging, it also places the advisors in a precarious position as the parameters of their responsibilities and the extent of caregiving continue to broaden. The ever-expanding expectations of caregiving placed on college academic advisors exemplify how pandemic-informed labor practices across many workplaces inadequately acknowledge caregivers while the care recipients may become overly dependent.
This study investigates how advising evolves to become an extrapolation of the caregiving demands socially placed upon women in traditional, patriarchally structured families and workplaces. Using methods derived from critical incident theory that identify systemic crisis points and opportunities for intervention, the authors examine narratives of two women who serve as the lead advisors for their departments in southeastern United States universities. Their narratives delineate two double binds. First, the presumably bottomless reservoir of care demanded from women places nurturance of students in tension with career advancement and other care responsibilities (e.g., self and family). Second, setting boundaries to caregiving may generate accusations of insensitivity, but boundless care can accommodate and encourage learned helplessness among students. The investigation concludes with suggestions to reform institutional policies and build student resilience that equips them to learn independently.
Attracting Female Engineers: A Qualitative Analysis in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
Authors: Werz Johanna M. , Daling Lea M. , Brueggemann Lisa , Borowksi Esther , Isenhardt Ingrid
Published: April 2024

The number of women working as engineers in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany has risen to eleven percent in 2023 – remaining at humble levels. In higher positions, the share is even lower. While around 20 % of engineering students at German universities are female, these women do not seem to be entering the sector or they are leaving it again. The question arises as to what companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector can do to attract female engineers after graduation. This study was conducted in cooperation with the German Engineering Association. The aim was to qualitatively explore the reasons why women enter, stay or leave the engineering sector and to include the industry’s perspective to obtain a holistic view of the situation. Therefore, on the one hand the perspective of female engineers was investigated and, on the other hand, combined with the perspective of companies. We provide insights from focus groups and interviews with 49 female engineers across all career levels, from an analysis of 90 online company websites and social media pages as well as from three on-site visits at exemplary companies. The findings point to unresolved issues in recruitment and beyond: highlighting role models of successful women in engineering, the need for companies to actively attract and support women in engineering, e. g. through recruiting strategies focusing on women, insights into the working culture, and transparency regarding career options. Overall, the study suggests that companies should embed gender diversity and group specific recruitment as important issues in their organizations. Consequently, the study provides recommendations for action for companies seeking to become a more inclusive and diverse industry. Limitations are discussed and further implications are presented.
Emotion Work of Paid and Unpaid Caregivers of the Elderly in Chile
Authors: Ganga-León Catalina
Published: April 2024

In most societies, care work is still considered a private, gendered activity, under the assumption that women would innately perform such tasks. Caring for the elderly represents particular emotional challenges, being emphasised that this dimension of caregiving needs more attention. Building on Arlie Hochschild’s (1983) conceptualisation of emotion work and incorporating Tonkens’ (2012) observation to include meso- and macro-level into the scope, I argue that emotion work is not only an individual experience, but it has a component in which the norms associated with the emotions to be displayed in caregiving correspond to a frame of reference historically constructed. Hence, this paper aims to understand how emotion work is characterised and configured by caregivers of the elderly in Chile. Using a qualitative approach, between April and June 2023 I conducted 9 in-depth interviews with caregivers of older adults in Chile (8 women, 1 man), and asked them to keep an ‘emotional diary’ for at least 4 weeks. Conducting a constructivist grounded theory analysis, the main findings indicate differences between the emotion work performed by paid and unpaid caregivers. Paid caregivers manage emotions regarding affection and pity towards older adults, and mainly anger towards older adults’ families, which is supported by a construction of old age based on the notions of abandonment and loneliness. Alternatively, the emotions of family caregivers are much more complex to manage, since they are permeated by the existing relationship with the old person being cared for, and they belong to life course decisions. It can be concluded that emotion work is a relational activity where familialistic narratives play a central role in Chile. The management of emotions in caregiving is permeated by the caregiver’s options of free decision-making, which are in tension with structures such as gender, class, or access to care support.
Neural model of the vehicle control system in a racing game. Part 1. Design and its implementation
Authors: Tchórzewski Jerzy , Bolesta Arkadiusz
Published: April 2024

The publication consist of two parts. Part 1 contains the results of research on the design, learning and implementation of the Perceptron Artificial Neural Network as a model of neural control of car movement on the racetrack. This part 1 presents the results of studies, including review of the methods used in video racing games from the point of view of the selection of a method that can be used in the own research experiment, selection of the Artificial Neural Network architecture, its teaching method and parameters for the intended research experiment, selection of the data measurement method to be used in ANN training, as well as development design of a car game, its implementation and conducting simulation tests. In designing the game of vehicle traffic on the racetrack, among others, Godot Engine game engine and MATLAB and Simulink programming environment. The numerical data (14 input quantities and two output quantities) for ANN training were prepared with the use of semi-automatic measurement of the race track control points. Part 2 shows i.a. the results of the testing and simulation experiments that confirm the correct functioning of both the game and the model of the neural control system. There were also shown, among others, the possibility of continuing research in the field of increasing the flexibility of the racing game, in particular the flexibility of the vehicle traffic control system through the use ofother artificial intelligence methods, such as ant algorithms or evolutionary algorithms.
Analysis of data quoted on the Day-Ahead Market of TGE S.A. using Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox
Authors: Tchórzewski Jerzy , Longota Bartłomiej
Published: April 2024

The publication contains the results of research in the field of cluster analysis carried out using data quoted on the Day-Ahead Market of TGE S.A. Two methods were used in the analysis, one hierarchical known as the Ward’s method, and the other non-hierarchical - the k-means method. Many interesting research results have been obtained, which are illustrated, among others, in in the form of dendrograms, silhouette graphs and graphs in the form of clusters. Data on the volume and the volumeweighted average price of electricity were examined for various types of quotations: fixing 1, fixing 2 and continuous quotations. The research was carried out in the MATLAB and Simulink environments using a library called Machine and Statistics Learning Toolbox. Selected test results were interpreted.
ICT security in revenue administration - incidents, security incidents - detection, response, resolve
Authors: Muliński Tomasz
Published: April 2024

The article shows the author's approach to the methods of acquiring and analyzing reports and security incidents, categorizing their sources in relation to the literature describing ICT security threats, taking into account the legal regulations in force in the Polish public administration. Methods of verification and analysis of detected threats, methods of threat resolution were presented. Tools and procedures used to evaluate reported incidents and assess the threat level of reported incidents were discussed. The incidents and events identified in the period April 2018 - February 2022 were analyzed. Due to the implementation of remote work, there were challenges related to the need to ensure secure remote access to ICT systems of the tax administration. This entailed the need to develop other methods of analysis, response and development of procedures for safe use of workstations by employees providing remote work. The article shows a wide variety of events that members of the security incident response team had to deal with. The obtained results will also be compared with the conducted scientific research on the perception of security threats in public administration and how changes in IT service in the studied organization influenced security management and affect the developed model of combating intentional security threats to information systems.
A methodology of identification and metaidentification research on the example of Day Ahead Market System
Authors: Marlęga Radosław
Published: April 2024

The paper contains selected research results in the field of identification and metaidentification of the Day Ahead Market system of TGE S.A. Due to the proposed new approach to identification, a methodology for conducting research has been developed, which requires eight stages. Then, both the tasks and research objectives as well as the form of research occurring at all stages of research in order to meet the distinguished specific objectives and the general purpose of the research were shown in detail. Then an example of both identification and metaidentification of Day Ahead Market systems was shown. The obtained models and metamodels confirm the need and possibility of conducting this type of research at TGE S.A.
Prediction capabilities of the LSTM and Perceptron models based on the Day-Ahead Market on the Polish Power Exchange S.A.
Authors: Ruciński Dariusz
Published: April 2024

The main purpose of the research was to examine the properties of models for two kinds of neural networks, a deep learning models in which the Long Short-Term Memory was chosen and shallow neural model in which the Perceptron Neural Network was chosen. The subject of the examination was the Day-Ahead Market system of PPE S.A. The article presents the learning results of both networks andthe results of the predictive abilities of the models. The research was conducted based on data published on the Polish Stock Exchange for the 2018 year. The MATLAB environment was chosen as a tool for providing the examinations. The determination index (R2) and the mean square error (MSE) was adopted as the network evaluation criterion for the learning ability and for the prediction ability of both networks.
Application of artificial neural networks and NEAT algorithm to control a quadcopter
Authors: Przychodzki Mateusz , Niewiadomski Artur
Published: April 2024

We present a framework for building ArtificialNeuralNetworks (ANNs) able to control a quadcopter and perform basic maneuvers, like hover or following waypoints. In this approach, we make use of the Neuroevolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm which is aimed at creating the network structure and the weights in result of evolutionary computations. In order to evaluate fitness of individuals, we use physics based, realistic simulation engine Gazebo, where each individual controls a drone in a simulated environment. Our approach is aimed at using one of existing, popular protocols used to remotely control drones, and train ANNs able to imitate signals received from a radio controller operated by a human pilot. Thus, contrary to the most of other approaches, our autonomous controller cooperates with standard drone software. Our ultimate goal is to train ANNs able to control a real-world quadcopter and perform advanced tasks autonomously. Not only such ANNs should be able to perform the maneuvers correctly, but they should be small enough to transfer them into a quadcopter’s limited memory. In this paper we report the first stage of our project - a successful development and deployment of the ANNs distributed training framework, and choosing the activation function for further research.
Towards explainability of hashtags in the light of Graph Spectral Clustering methods
Authors: Starosta Bartłomiej , Kłopotek Mieczysław A. , Wierzchoń Sławomir T.
Published: April 2024

Hashtags constitute an indispensable part of modern social media world. As more and more hashtags are invented, it becomes a necessity to create clusters of these hashtags. Nowadays, however, the clustering alone does not help the users. They are asking for justification or expressed in the modern AI language, the clustering has to be explainable. We discuss a novel approach to hashtag explanation via a measure of similarity between hashtags based on the Graph Spectral Analysis. The application of this similarity measure may go far beyond the classical clustering task. It can be used to provide with explanations for the hashtags. In this paper we propose such a novel view of the proposed hashtag similarity measure.
Universal structural map for indoor navigation in university campus
Authors: Świtalski Piotr , Salamończyk Andrzej
Published: April 2024

Mapmodeling is an important aspect of indoor navigation. It involves creating a digital map of the indoor environment that can be used for navigation purposes. The map can be created using various techniques such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, and computer vision. Once the map is created, it can be used to develop navigation algorithms that can help users navigate the indoor environment. In this paper, we propose a solution based on CAD files. These models can be used for a variety of purposes, includingindoor navigation. There are many CAD applications available, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and SolidWorks, among others. It is a relatively cheap method to model any indoor environment from scans of plans or CAD files. CAD files are the most accurate way to build a digital indoor map because these files can include 2D or 3D designs and usually contain important location information (e.g. floor level) within the layer properties. Moreover, we can map the CAD annotation to the following feature classes if they conform to the indoors model: types of rooms, types of doors, etc. We propose a solution based on DXF format files. We developed the parser to transfer the necessary data from the CAD files to the navigation system. It consists of processing existing maps from the CAD format to the appropriate structure, supplementing it with the data of BLE transmitters, and saving it as a graph suitable for determining routes and guiding the user along the route. We use our method in a system that supports navigation and user safety, emphasizing users with special needs, which we are implementing on our academic campus.
Drug-Induced QT Prolongation
Authors: Королева А.А. , Журавков Ю.Л.
Published: April 2024

Внезапная сердечная смерть является важной причиной смертности в развитых странах, большинство из этих случаев являются следствием желудочковых аритмий. Эти аритмии в некоторых ситуациях обусловлены удлинением интервала QT. Синдром удлинения интервала QT может быть врожденным и приобретенным. Ряд лекарственных препаратов могут увеличить риск удлинения интервала QT. Принимая во внимание тяжесть такого события, клиницистам важно знать риски, связанные с применением этих препаратов у определенных пациентов. В этой статье описываются препараты, удлиняющие интервал QT, факторы риска и взаимодействия лекарств, которые могут привести к удлинению интервала QT.

Sudden cardiac death is an important cause of mortality in developed countries, most of them being the consequence of ventricular arrhythmias. These arrhythmias, in some cases, owe to QT interval prolongation. Long QT syndromes can be either acquired or congenital. Several medicines can increase the risk of a long QT interval. Taking into account the severity that the occurrence of such an event may have, it is important for clinicians to know risks of these drugs in certain patients. This article describes the drug that prolongs the QT interval, risk factors and drug interactions that can lead to QT prolongation.
Periprosthetic Infection: Approaches to Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Талако Т.Е. , Абельская И.С. , Слободин Ю.В. , Галицкая С.С. , Качанко Е.Ф. , Козаченко М.Г. , Конончук С.Н. , Дудинский А.К.
Published: April 2024

Перипротезная инфекция суставов (ППИ) является одним из наиболее разрушительных и дорогостоящих осложнений после тотального эндопротезирования суставов (ТЭС). Диагностика и лечение ППИ является сложной задачей для врачей-ортопедов. Не существует «золотого стандарта» диагностики ППИ. Бывает достаточно сложно разобраться между септическими и асептическими нарушениями. Кроме того, некоторые из самых больших трудностей и противоречий связаны с выбором оптимального метода лечения инфицированного сустава. До сих пор ведутся серьезные дебаты относительно идеальной стратегии лечения ППИ, что привело к значительным международным различиям как в хирургическом, так и в нехирургическом лечении ППИ. Инфекция, связанная с артропластикой, или перипротезная инфекция сустава, является редким заболеванием и клинически отличается от инфекции нативной кости или сустава. ППИ предполагает взаимодействие между микроорганизмами, с одной стороны, и имплантатом и иммунной системой хозяина, с другой. Небольшое количество микроорганизмов может вызвать ППИ. Бактерии (и в редких случаях грибы) прикрепляются к поверхностям протезированного сустава и образуют биопленки. Биопленки, как правило, устойчивы ко многим противомикробным агентам и иммунной системе хозяина. Возбудителями может быть микробиота кожи, инокулированная при установке протеза.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating and costly complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Diagnosis and treatment of PJI is a challenging task for orthopedic physicians. There is no gold standard for diagnosing PJI. It can be quite difficult to understand between septic and aseptic disorders. Additionally, some of the greatest difficulties and controversies involve choosing the optimal treatment method for an infected joint. There is still considerable debate regarding the ideal treatment strategy for PJI, which has led to significant international variation in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of PJI. Arthroplasty-associated infection, or periprosthetic joint infection, is a rare condition and clinically distinct from infection of the native bone or joint. PPI involves an interaction between microorganisms, on the one hand, and the implant and the host’s immune system, on the other. A small number of microorganisms can cause PJI. Bacteria (and in rare cases fungi) attach to the surfaces of the prosthetic joint and form biofilms. Biofilms are generally resistant to many antimicrobial agents and the host immune system. Pathogens may be skin microbiota inoculated during installation of the prosthesis.
Further Restrictions on Use to Avoid Topiramate Exposure in Pregnancy
Authors: Кучко А.М. , Ефремова И.Н. , Федосеева И.И.
Published: April 2024

Существуют свидетельства о связи между применением топираматсодержащих лекарственных препаратов беременными женщинами и развитием серьезных нарушений внутриутробного развития плода (например, черепно-лицевыми дефектами, такими как заячья губа / волчья пасть, гипоспадией и аномалиями развития различных систем организма). В настоящее время также установлено, что лекарственные препараты, содержащие топирамат, при применении беременной женщиной могут повышать риск нарушений нейропсихического развития ребенка. В рамках функционирования системы фармаконадзора с целью минимизации риска неблагоприятного воздействия на плод в Республике Беларусь планируется внедрение дополнительной меры минимизации рисков – программы по предотвращению беременности для топираматсодержащих лекарственных препаратов.

Topiramate-containing medicines is known to be associated with an increased risk of congenital fetal malformations (particularly cleft lip/palate, hypospadias, and anomalies involving various systems) if used during pregnancy. It has been additionally established that topiramate-contained medicines used by woman during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. As part of the pharmacovigilance system functioning in order to minimize adverse effects on an unborn child, in the Republic of Belarus it is planned implementation of Pregnancy Prevention Program for topiramate-containing medicines.
"Сhess Studies" of Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Дедюшко Г.В.
Published: April 2024

В статье в научно-популярном стиле рассмотрена тема рациональной антимикробной терапии и представлены основные актуальные ее аспекты, ассоциированные с игрой в шахматы.

Updating the topic "Of rational antimicrobial therapy" in a popular scientific and literary style and presents its main relevant aspects associated with the game of chess.
Peculiarities of the Use of Medicines in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function
Authors: Кожанова И.Н. , Чак Т.А. , Мацкевич С.А. , Романова И.С.
Published: April 2024

Фармакокинетика многих лекарственных средств существенно изменяется у пациентов с заболеваниями печени и почек, что влечет за собой и изменение фармакодинамики с возможным увеличением вероятности нежелательных лекарственных реакций. Правильный подбор лекарственных средств и их дозирование для этих категорий пациентов является сложной задачей в клинической практике врача любой специальности. Большинство инструкций по медицинскому применению лекарственных препаратов предлагают коррекцию дозы при заболеваниях печени, основанную на оценке степени нарушения ее функции по шкале Чайлда – Пью. В статье рассмотрены системы оценки печеночной функции, такие как MELD (The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, 2016), критерии Национального института рака для определения стадии повреждения печени, шкала категорий тяжести Международной экспертной рабочей группы по лекарственно-индуцированным поражениям печени, и другие. Наиболее безопасными с точки зрения изменения фармакокинетики у пациентов с нарушением функции печени без сопутствующей почечной недостаточности являются лекарственные средства, выделяющиеся более чем на 90% в неизмененном виде с мочой.

The pharmacokinetics of many drugs changes significantly in patients with liver and kidney diseases. This entails changes in pharmacodynamics with a possible increase in the likelihood of undesirable drug reactions. The correct selection of drugs and their dosing for these categories of patients is a difficult task in the clinical practice of a doctor of any specialty. Most instructions for the medical use of medications offer dose adjustment for liver diseases based on the assessment of the degree of impairment of its function on the Child-Pugh scale. The article also discusses systems for assessing liver function, such as MELD (The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, 2016), the Criteria of the National Cancer Institute for determining the stage of liver damage, the scale of severity categories of the International Expert Working Group on Drug-Induced Liver Lesions, and others. The safest drugs for patients with impaired liver function alone are drugs that are excreted more than 90% unchanged in urine.
The Effect of Using (Microsoft Teams) to Teach the Physical and Health Education Teaching Methods Course on the Achievement of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University students and their Acquisition of Reflective Thinking Skills
Authors: Alwama Hussein Ali Mohammed , Albdour Amin Dakhalalah Abdallah
Published: April 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the effect of using the distance learning platform (Microsoft Times) to teach the physical and health education methods course on each of the study variables, namely: the achievement of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University students, and the students' acquisition of reflective thinking skills.
Methods: The study used the quasi-experimental approach by selecting two divisions from the Physical and Health Education Teaching Methods course and distributing them randomly into two experimental and control groups. The study used an achievement test and a reflective thinking test.
Result: In light of the statistical analysis, the results showed a statistically significant effect in the dimensional measurement of using the distance learning platform (Microsoft Teams) to teach the Physical and Health Education Teaching Methods course on the achievement and acquisition of reflective thinking skills by the students of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, in favor of the students of the experimental group.
Conclusions: In light of the results of the study, a number of recommendations were reached, the most important of which are: using the distance learning platform in university teaching and in other study courses.
Scaling up the Evaluation of Collaborative Problem Solving: Promises and Challenges of Annotating Chat Data with ChatGPT
Authors: Hao Jiangang , Cui Wenju , Kyllonen Patrick , Kerzabi Emily , Liu Lei , Flor Michael
Published: April 2024

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is widely recognized as a critical 21st century skill. Efficiently coding communication data is an outstanding challenge in scaling up research on assessing CPS. This paper reports the findings on using ChatGPT to directly code CPS chat data by benchmarking performance across multiple datasets and coding frameworks. We found that ChatGPT-based coding outperformed human coding in tasks where the discussions were characterized by colloquial languages but fell short in tasks where the discussions dealt with specialized scientific terminology and contexts. The findings offer practical guidelines for researchers to develop strategies for efficient and scalable analysis of communication data from CPS tasks.