bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration-aware real-time 3D reconstruction of leaking gas clouds based on two-view bandpass optical gas imaging
Authors: Cai Lijing , Shi Zhan , Zi Chongde , Chen Linsen , Cao Xun
Published: January 2025

Gas diffusion trend tracking and concentration perception are critical challenges in chemical safety. Existing methods suffer from different limitations such as restricted sensing range, sluggish response, high costs, and weak localization. In sight of this, we endeavor on a scarcely explored task known as real-time reconstruction of gas clouds based on two-view signals, aiming to advance dynamic 3D gas cloud visualization and concentration characterization. Based on cost-efficient bandpass OGI systems, we decompose the task into two main components: (i) establishing the relationship between images and gas column density, and (ii) reconstructing 3D gas clouds from two views. Initially, we revisit the imaging mechanism and establish a comprehensive spectral signal transmission model, introducing a physics-driven method for column density inversion. Subsequently, inspired by the Gaussian dispersion model and the system’s observational mode, we introduce a gas cloud real-time reconstruction network that facilitates the reconstruction of gas distribution through angle encoding and spatiotemporal feature fusion. Experimental results demonstrate that the inversion method achieves low relative errors, and the reconstruction algorithm effectively models geometrically irregular and ever-changing gas at the video level. Noteworthily, real-world experiments validate that the proposed pipeline enables rapid perception of gas diffusion trends and 3D concentration distributions, providing a new avenue for real-time gas leak monitoring.
Compact and low-loss on-chip silicon crossing based on subwavelength grating slot waveguides
Authors: Zhu Jiabao , Yu Qianli , Jin Yuelong , Huang Chongjia , Guo Zhenzhao , Hao Peng , Xiao Jinbiao , Wu Shengbao
Published: January 2025

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact crossing based on a subwavelength grating slot waveguide (SWG-SW), leveraging the anisotropic properties of two orthogonal SWG-SWs to suppress diffraction effects in the crossing region for the input TE polarization mode. The design utilizes the unique mode characteristics of the SWG-SW, enabling low-loss mode transitions through the crossing with a simple and compact hollow structure design at its center. By integrating the above crossing with a well-designed slot-to-SWG-SW mode converter, a crossing for the widely used slot waveguides is achieved, with a footprint of ∼ 18×18 μm2. Simulation results show that the device achieves an insertion loss (IL) of <0.35 dB and a crosstalk (CT) of <-40 dB over a bandwidth range of 1500–1600 nm. Experimental results confirm that within the wavelength range of 1500–1580 nm, the IL is approximately 0.4 dB, and CT values are below -28 dB. To further improve the device performance, additional side grating arrays are incorporated into the design. The optimized structure with side gratings achieves IL of <0.13 dB and CT values around -35 dB. Experimental measurements of the device with side gratings demonstrate a stable IL of approximately 0.1 dB and CT values consistently below -35 dB, marking a significant improvement over the original design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimentally verified crossing for slot waveguides. Further analysis indicates that the device exhibits an exceptionally broad bandwidth of approximately 576 nm (1257 nm to 1833nm) with IL < 1 dB and CT < −30 dB.
Parabolic dielectric reflector for extreme on-chip spot-size conversion with broad bandwidth
Authors: Moreno-Pozas Laureano , Barona-Ruiz Miguel , Halir Robert , de-Oliva-Rubio José , Rivas-Fernández Jorge , Molina-Fernández Iñigo , Gonzalo Wangüemert-Pérez J. , Ortega-Moñux Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Spot-size converters (SSCs) are key for efficient coupling of light between waveguides of different sizes. While adiabatic tapers are well suited for small size differences, they become impractically long for expansion factors around ×100, which are often required when coupling integrated waveguides and free-space beams. Evanescent couplers and Bragg deflectors can be used in this scenario, but their operation is inherently limited in bandwidth. Here, we propose a solution based on a parabolic dielectric interface that couples light from a 0.5μm wide waveguide to a 285μm wide waveguide, i.e., an expansion factor of ×570. We experimentally demonstrate an unprecedented bandwidth of more than 380 nm with insertion losses below 0.35 dB. We furthermore provide analytical expressions for the design of such parabolic spot-size converters for arbitrary expansion factors.
On-chip bidirectional optical frequency shifter for optical frequency transfer
Authors: Qiu Ziang , Zhou Zijie , Zhong Hanzhao , Zhao Liang , Zhang He , Hu Liang , Wu Guiling , Chen Jianping
Published: January 2025

We report on the realization of an on-chip bidirectional frequency shifting device (BFSD), which can be well applied to optical frequency transfer (OFT) systems. The BFSD mainly consists of two cascaded traveling wave phase modulators (PMs), and after applying the serrodyne modulation, the optical frequency signal can be efficiently shifted bidirectionally. We fabricate the proposed BFSD on a thin-film lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform with a measured half-wave voltage of about 2.3 V. The frequency shifting efficiency is more than 98.8%, and the carrier suppression (CSR) and sideband suppression ratio (SSR) can reach 42 dB and 31 dB, respectively. Promisingly, the BFSD-based OFT system can achieve the theoretical phase noise suppression capability. This technique paves the way for the construction of chip-based optical frequency transfer networks.
Impact of angular displacement between dual plasmonic layers in LSPR-PCF sensing
Authors: Hasan Md Jahid , Al Naser Ahmed Mujtaba
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a pioneering method to enhance sensitivity in plasmonic photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensors by integrating localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) with dual plasmonic materials, gold and Aluminium Zinc Oxide (AZO). The uniqueness of the proposed work lies in the analysis of the angular displacement between the dual plasmonic materials at four discrete angles (0, 60, 120, and 180) while maintaining other structural parameters constant. The air hole combinations are also strategically arranged to ensure proper light guidance to the plasmonic layers. An enhancement of 1.8x has been achieved for the maximal WS by altering the angular displacement. A modified method of evaluating AS has been proposed through which the attainable value is -9970.36 RIU-1, while eliminating off-resonant dips in the spectra. This value surpasses those reported in recent works, which focused on limited angle configurations. Apart from the promising improvements in sensing parameters, riveting information regarding the electric field pattern of the plasmonic modes and the trend in the confinement loss are obtained which are critical for machine learning integration in photonics. The novelty of this work lies in achieving preferable optical parameters using a specific combination of plasmonic materials and air holes without altering their original dimensions, a feat not previously demonstrated. This study opens new avenues for advancing sensitivity in plasmonic PCF sensors, offering promising prospects for diverse sensing applications.
Azimuthally segmented achromatic binary flat lenses with extended depth of focus
Authors: Rodrigues Manuel , Dias Ana , Shanker Aamod , Camarneiro Filipe , Aguiam Diogo
Published: January 2025

Lenses are ubiquitous elements in any optical system. With technological advances and the widespread use of optical systems in fields such as optical communication, medical imaging, computer vision, optical sensing, the creation of optical elements that are smaller, lighter, and reliable over a broad-spectrum is of key interest. Flat and meta lenses try to answer the demand for such solutions. However, these structures are known for being highly wavelength-dependent due to their diffraction-based operation. In this work, we present a set of binary phase Fresnel zone plates with an azimuthally segmented design to provide polychromatic or continuous achromatic focusing over the visible spectrum. The focusing efficiency and the imaging properties of the lenses are analyzed both experimentally and through simulation via scalar diffraction theory, demonstrating their potential for broad-spectrum applications. We also evaluate the extended depth of focus obtained for the achromatic lens, achieving a range of 10 mm where the probing spectral region is efficiently focused.
Giant second-harmonic generation in rhombohedral transition metal dichalcogenide metasurfaces
Authors: Tang Jiao , Gao Mingsheng , zhang qing , Yang Yuanjie
Published: January 2025

The emerging rhombohedral (3R) stacked transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with the broken inversion symmetry in bulk crystal, exhibit significant second-order nonlinear coefficients and high optical index, which playing an increasingly important role in nonlinear nanophotonics. Here, we direct design bound states in the continuum (BICs) metasurface in ultrathin 3R-TMDs layers, and further study the interplay between q-BIC mode and nonlinear polarization of 3R-TMDs to form giant enhanced and angle-dependent second-harmonic generation (SHG). With elaborately designed BIC cavity to satisfy maximum alignment between the BIC states and the second-order susceptibility, the nonlinear conversion efficiency can achieve at least 60000 times enhancement than that from the bulk film of the same thickness. Our work provides a robust platform to construct nanophotonic cavities for enhanced second-order nonlinear process and quantum optics.
Disparities of women’s authorship in Colombia: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Gutiérrez Torres María Alejandra , Ruiz Silvana , Morales Karen , Rincon Laura , Serpa Frans , Gómez Camila , Ahrens Michelle M. , Duran Felipe , Manzano Abul Ariza , Callegari Santiago
Published: January 2025

Accepted manuscripts published in medical journals play a crucial role within the scientific community. Over the past few decades, there has been a gradual increase in the number of women entering the medical field. However, women remain underrepresented as first and last authors in medical journals. This lack of representation makes it harder for them to reach leadership roles and advance academically. Even if this has been studied in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries still lack evidence to prove this fundamental problem. This study aims to do this by investigating the gender distribution among authors and exploring disparities in authorship in Colombia. The analysis encompassed 6,088 articles derived from 54 research journals obtained from the official website of Colombia’s Ministry of Health. The journals included enhance the significance of this paper, as they are typically not included in indexed databases. Consequently, their inclusion in gender evaluations has been limited in previous studies. These were predominantly original research articles, although case reports and reviews were also present. Until now, there has been no assessment of gender disparities in authorship within medical and surgical specialty journals in Colombia. The presence of enduring gender differences in medical authorship in Colombia remains evident, independent of the temporal, geographical, or academic domain. Even when factors such as medical specialization and geographic location influenced women’s authorship proportions, the gap persisted in all cases. This highlights the critical need for increased support for women researchers and equitable resource allocation to address the specific medical specializations as well as geographical locations that we found were even more affected by these gender disparities. This paper highlights the urgent need to address gender disparities in the authorship of medical and surgical research publications in Colombia and other Latin American countries. Addressing these disparities is a critical step toward assisting women in advancing in an equal and fair medical profession.
Female Brain and Endocrinological Research–Veteran (FemBER-Vet) study: A study protocol for identifying endocrinological, lifestyle and psychosocial determinants of brain health outcomes in female veterans for future intervention success
Authors: Watermeyer Tamlyn , Atkinson Elliott , Howatson Glyn , McGill Gill , Dodds Christina , Ansdell Paul , Udeh-Momoh Chinedu
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated a greater risk of dementia in female veterans compared to civilians; with the highest prevalence noted for former service women with a diagnosis of psychiatric (trauma, alcoholism, depression), and/or a physical health condition (brain injury, insomnia, diabetes). Such findings highlight the need for increased and early screening of medical and psychiatric conditions, and indeed dementia, in the female veteran population. Further, they call for a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that might confer heightened risk for female veterans, to tailor preventative and interventional strategies that support brain health across the lifespan.

Methods

The Female Brain and Endocrinological Research–Veteran (FemBER-Vet) Study will create a highly-phenotyped readiness cohort of ex-service persons as well as non-veterans to assess the impacts of, and risks associated with, military service on brain health, using state-of-the-art non-invasive cognitive, physiological and biomarker capture techniques. FEMBER-Vet will include 90 participants across three study groups (30 female veterans, 30 male veterans, 30 female civilians) to delineate the precise biological, socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, military-related, and life-course determinants of brain health outcomes (psychosocial, cognitive, neurophysiological, and other biomarkers).

Discussion

This work addresses the poorly understood biopsychosocial outcomes that female veterans experience compared to their male counterparts and the general female population. Ultimately, it will provide evidence to support the development of tailored interventions for an emerging health priority that currently lacks sufficient evidence for screening and therapeutic intervention.
Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of “Star Homes” in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania
Authors: Mshamu Salum , Meta Judith , Adhikari Bipin , Halifa Salma , Mmbando Arnold , Wood Hannah Sloan , Wood Otis Sloan , Bøjstrup Thomas Chevalier , Day Nicholas P. J. , Lindsay Steven W. , Knudsen Jakob , Deen Jacqueline , Seidlein Lorenz von , Pell Christopher
Published: January 2025

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of a novel design “Star Home” on the incidence of malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases among children, randomly selected households in Mtwara, Tanzania were offered a free, new Star Home. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative research that accompanied the Star Homes study, this article describes the experiences of residents and the wider community of living with these buildings.

Methods

A total of four rounds of face-to-face interviews were undertaken with residents of Star Homes (n = 37), control (wattle/daub) homes (n = 21), neighboring households n = 6), community members (n = 17) and community leaders (n = 6). The use of Star Homes was also observed over these four time periods between 2021 and 2023. Interviews were conducted in Swahili, transcribed, and translated into English for thematic analysis.

Results

Star Homes residents appreciated several aspects of the Star Homes, including overall comfort, access to water and electricity, and clean toilets. There were concerns about some design elements, such as poorly closing doors, stoves perceived as inefficient, and the façade, which was susceptible to rainwater ingress. The houses were not always used as intended by their developers, for example, residents were sleeping downstairs instead of upstairs because of cold floors or difficulties using the stairs. Star Homes residents described how the structures triggered praise but also envy from other community members.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need for close attention to the use of novel design houses and careful sensitization around the potential benefits of dwellings to ensure that the intended health impacts of interventions are achieved.
Prevalence of mortality caused by injuries at Livingstone University Hospital, Zambia. A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Siame Lukundo , Malumani Malan , Kaseya Chiyeñu O. R. , Ivashchenko Sergiy , Nombwende Leah , Masenga Sepiso K. , Hamooya Benson M. , Miyoba Michelo Haluuma
Published: January 2025

Background

Trauma is a major global public health issue, with an annual death toll of approximately 5 million, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Zambia bears a significant burden of trauma-related mortalities, contributing to 7% of all annual deaths and 1 in 5 premature deaths in the country. Despite the significant burden of trauma in our country, few studies have been conducted, with most focusing on high-population centers, and there is a lack of epidemiological data on trauma-related deaths in our region. Therefore, our aim was to estimate the proportion of deaths caused by injuries at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, a tertiary hospital located in Zambia’s southern province.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from June 22, 2020, to June 22, 2021, among 956 individuals from 1 month old (29 days of age) to 100 years. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patient’s records from Accident and Emergency department. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi square, mann-whitney test and multivariable logistic using forward stepwise generalized linear model equations (GLM) to identified factors associated with mortality, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.

Results

Among the study participants, the median age was 26 years (interquartile range (IQR) 15, 37) and the majority were males (74.2%, n = 709). Prevalence of mortality was 1.0% (n = 10). The deaths were caused by burns (60%, n = 6), violence (30%, n = 3), and traffic accidents (10%, n = 1). Among those who died, the majority of the trauma occurred at home (90%, n = 9), followed by road (10%, n = 1) and were as a result of burns (60%, n = 6) and community violence (30%, n = 3). Survivors had significantly higher treatment costs (ZMK 9,837 vs. ZMK 6,037, p<0.005). Having burns (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.09, p< 0.001) and hospital stay of one day (AOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.05, p< 0.001) was positively associated with mortality, while hospital stay of more than five days (AOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.99, p = 0.002) was negatively associated with mortality.

Conclusion

The prevalence of death due to trauma was relatively low, with the majority experiencing multiple traumas. Burns were the most common cause and were associated with death, occurring within a day of hospitalization. The findings underscore the need for targeted preventive measures, improved access to quality emergency trauma care, and rehabilitation services, especially among patients with burns.
Walking coral: Complex phototactic mobility in the free-living coral Cycloseris cyclolites
Authors: Lewis Brett M. , Suggett David J. , Prentis Peter J. , Nothdurft Luke D.
Published: January 2025

Not all corals are attached to the substrate; some taxa are solitary and free-living, allowing them to migrate into preferred habitats. However, the lifestyle of these mobile corals, including how they move and navigate for migration, remains largely obscure. This study investigates the specific biomechanics of Cycloseris cyclolites, a free-living coral species, during phototactic behaviour in response to blue and white light stimuli. Our results indicate a strong positive phototactic response to blue light with 86.7% (n = 15) of samples moving towards the light source, while only 20% (n = 15) samples responded similarly to white light (400–700 nm). Locomotion, characterised by periodic pulses lasting 1–2 hours, involved distances up to 220 mm in blue light trials, whereas significantly shorter distances were observed in white light trials (2, 5 and 8 mm). Trails with two light sources reinforced the preference for blue light over white, with all samples consistently moving towards the blue light and away from the white (11, 15 and 3mm). High-resolution time-laps captured the biomechanics of forward motion that appeared driven by three key factors: tissue inflation, which increased contact surface area for lift and friction; the ventral foot/pads, adjusting substrate interaction/friction; and the contraction and twisting of lateral peripheral tissues, which propelled the coral forward in a coordinated manner resembling the pulsed swimming motion of jellyfish. Our findings provide new insights into coral mobility mechanisms, emphasising the role of tissue inflation in active locomotion, with potential implications for coral neural systems, vision and habitat selection.
Transformation of sperm structure in Octopus vulgaris: From spermatogenesis to spermatophoric release
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jin , Park Jung Jun , Lee Jung Sick
Published: January 2025

The present study describes the differentiation process of male germ cells in Octopus vulgaris, the morphology of sperm in the testis and spermatophore, and the sperm released after the spermatophoric reaction. During spermatogenesis, the male sperm cell gradually elongates from a round shape, with cytoplasm shifting toward the head and the acrosome forming. Additionally, in the spermatid stage, the flagellum develops within the posterior nuclear channel and extends outside the cytoplasm. The sperm is composed of a head and a tail. The head is approximately 17.9 μm long and consists of a highly electron-dense nucleus and a helical acrosome. The tail is divided into three parts: the mid-piece, principal-piece, and end-piece. The mid-piece forms a mitochondrial sheath with 7–8 mitochondria surrounding a “9+2” axoneme. The principal-piece is composed of an axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath, while the end piece lacks outer dense fibers or fibrous sheath. The sperm in the testis and spermatophore, and the sperm released after the spermatophoric reaction have the same structure. However, in the sperm located in the testis and spermatophore, the structure of the acrosome is unclear due to the presence of cytoplasm in the head. In contrast, sperm released after the spermatophoric reaction lack their cytoplasm, revealing the helical acrosome. This unique sperm morphology, adapted for internal fertilization, is thought to be advantageous for fertilization and long-term storage within the female reproductive system.
Egypt’s folk devils? Metal music as a pious alternative for Egyptian metal fans
Authors: al-Soukkary Wael
Published: January 2025

The Egyptian metal scene has persevered with a committed and enduring community since the late 1980s, despite facing significant challenges and enduring stigmatization. This article examines the resilience of Egyptian metal enthusiasts in the face of adversities. It explores the religious reasons behind some Egyptian metal fans’ unwavering dedication to cultivating and sustaining their metal subculture. The dominant narrative in Egyptian public opinion has long associated metal fans with Satanism, leading to confrontations with the media and law enforcement. Nevertheless, the metal community in Egypt has persisted, actively organizing events and fostering a sense of camaraderie, even amidst occasional internal tensions. Notably, the allure of metal music for some Egyptian fans is uniquely influenced by religious considerations, providing a pious alternative to local and western musical offerings. Drawing from existing literature on the appeal of metal music and using first-hand sources gathered through interviews with many Egyptian metal fans, the article presents personal accounts from several Egyptian metalheads, focusing on their experiences of pious self-cultivation through metal music. These accounts challenge stereotypes, revealing the intense passion and personal motivations that sustain the Egyptian metal scene. The findings suggest that metal music serves as a means of pious self-cultivation for some Egyptian fans. By presenting a nuanced view of the Egyptian metal scene, this article contributes to understanding metal subcultures and their relationship with religion and spirituality. This research highlights the resilience and determination of Egyptian metal fans, shedding light on the complex reasons behind their continued involvement in the metal scene. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these accounts, calling for further exploration of how metal music provides a unique avenue for self-expression and religious devotion among Egyptian metal fans, defying societal stigmas and enriching the diverse cultural landscape of Egypt’s music scene.
Evolución de la normativa referente a la protección social para ejercer la profesión cuando es obligatorio darse de alta en el colegio profesional correspondiente
Authors: LEGUA RODRIGO MARIA CARMEN
Published: January 2025

Los profesionales que para el ejercicio de su profesión era obligatorio la incorporación a un colegio profesional quedan fuera del sistema de la Seguridad Social, porque junto a los requisitos objetivos y subjetivos para darse de alta en RETA se exigía la necesidad que el trabajador por cuenta propia estuviera integrado en una entidad sindical donde estuviera encuadrada su actividad, este requisito se eliminó pero debían ser los representantes de los colegios profesionales quienes solicitaran la integración en el RETA y la efectiva incorporación mediante Orden Ministerial, siendo respaldada esta postura por el Tribunal Constitucional.
Ante esta situación la mayoría de colegios profesionales, establecieron sus propias mutualidades de previsión social.
Hasta la Ley 30/1995 no se produjo la posibilidad de afiliarse al RETA , se establecieron nuevas regulaciones para las Mutualidades de previsión Social, pudiendo ser de manera individual la elección de solicitar el alta en RETA o en la Mutualidad, siendo compatibles, en este sentido lo avala la jurisprudencia.
La consecuencia cuando el profesional además de trabajar por cuenta propia también trabaja por cuenta ajena las consecuencias en caso de jubilación y compatibilización de pensión y ejercicio de profesión son distintas, según si opto por RETA o por Mutualidad.
The Edible I in Kim Fu’s For Today I Am a Boy
Authors: Austen Veronica
Published: January 2025

This article explores Kim Fu’s 2014 For Today I Am a Boy through the lens of critical eating studies. In this novel’s portrayal of Peter (see note 3), the trans woman protagonist, images of food and acts of eating (or the denial of these acts) are deployed as a meditation on the navigation of body, hence of self. This paper positions the act of eating as representing more than just a physical, biological process, but rather a placing of people in relationship with the edible matter and all the conditions of its production, including its socio-cultural/familial meanings. In interpreting Peter’s experiences of self in continuum with the experiences of both Peter’s mother and Mrs. Becker (the mistress of Peter’s father), this paper observes characters figured not only as hungry, but also as edible due in part to their battered subject positions but even more so due to the forced repression and denial of these identities.
UK-Commonwealth Trade After Brexit
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Badri , Bharathi Sindhu , Chakravarthy Sumathi
Published: January 2025

Post-Brexit trade deals between the United Kingdom and the USA, Japan, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Canada include the elimination of various tariffs. This paper employs a dynamic computable general equilibrium model to analyse the impact of this on the Commonwealth countries. Assuming the status quo in terms of tariffs and free trade agreements (FTA) to prevail after the UK’s transition from the EU, it uses a simulation to predict and analyse the trade dynamics, while assuming the conclusion of zero-tariff trade deals of the UK with (a) Japan and Australia by 2021; (b) The USA by 2022; and (c) New Zealand by 2023, while also considering the impact of COVID-19 as part of the baseline. It also simulates the impact of the anticipated deal between the UK and Canada. In both scenarios, the model predicts a negative impact for many Commonwealth countries in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), trade, investment and employment. This is more pronounced in least developed countries (LDCs). It also forecasts that countries that are highly reliant on UK markets for their exports, such as Belize, Kenya and Sri Lanka, might suffer a slump in their GDP, trade, output and investment.
Flannery at the Grammys
Authors: Streight Irwin H.
Published: January 2025

A devout Catholic, a visionary—and some say prophetic—writer, Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964) has gained a growing presence in contemporary popular culture. While O’Connor professed that she did not have an ear for music, allusions to her writing appear in the lyrics and narrative form of some of the most celebrated musicians on the contemporary music scene. Flannery at the Grammys sounds the extensive influence of this southern author on the art and vision of a suite of American and British singer-songwriters and pop groups. Author Irwin H. Streight invites critical awareness of O’Connor’s resonance in the products of popular music culture—in folk, blues, rock, gospel, punk, heavy metal, and indie pop songs by some of the most notable figures in the popular music business. Streight examines O'Connor's influence on the art and vision of multiple Grammy Award winners Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, R.E.M., and U2, along with celebrated songwriters Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Sufjan Stevens, Mary Gauthier, Tom Waits, and others. Despite her orthodox religious, and at times controversial, views and limited literary output, O’Connor has left a curiously indelible mark on the careers of the successful musicians discussed in this volume. Still, her acknowledged influence and remarkable presence in contemporary pop and rock songs has not been well noted by pop music critics and/or literary scholars. Many years in the making, Flannery at the Grammys achieves groundbreaking work in cultural studies and combines in-depth literary and pop music scholarship to engage the informed devotee and the casual reader alike.
Mary Gauthier
Authors: Streight Irwin H.
Published: January 2025

This chapter discusses the songwriting art and personal history of Grammy nominated Americana artist Mary Gauthier. Like Springsteen, Gauthier has a writer’s gift for creating revealing character-centered songs with a remarkable lyric economy. Like O’Connor, she is not afraid to shock or disturb her audience with uncomfortable songs about abandonment, dereliction, addiction, and other forms of self-destructive behavior. As this chapter makes evident, of the songwriters discussed in this study who acknowledge O’Connor’s influence, Gauthier comes closest in her largely confessional songs to presenting O’Connor’s sense of the all-encompassing agency of grace and divine mercy in fumbling human affairs.
Sublime Machines
Authors: Cohn Jesse S.
Published: January 2025

This chapter looks more closely at the way fantastic narratives disturb the boundaries between self and non-self, intelligence and non-intelligence, living and non-living matter. When this happens, an effect of the “biotechnical sublime” can arise, oscillating between disenchantment (all life is only technical) and reenchantment (everything is technical!). A rereading of Searle’s famous “Chinese Room” thought-experiment is proposed in which the intended result (disenchanting) gives way to alternative interpretations (reenchanting). A similarly sublime moment occurs within the failed scientific research program of the “plasmogenists,” the aim of which was to show that all matter is incipiently alive. Science thus arrives at a fantastic (Gothic) conception of life, which implies a revalorization of fetishism, the phenomenon in which the non-living takes on the attributes of life.
The Rhetoric of Fictive Science; Or, The Academy of Outrageous Books
Authors: Cohn Jesse S.
Published: January 2025

This chapter shifts attention from the rhetoric of science fiction to the rhetorical uses of fictive sciences. Obsolete scientific knowledge lives on in the manner of a fictive science within the discourse of the humanities, conferring a faux scientificity upon theory. The so-called Science Wars of the 1990s never really ended; indeed, humanistic researchers are commanded as never before to make their work count for something, in the arithmetic of austerity, by counting things, quantifying their work. Accordingly, the chapter begins with a re-examination of the equations used by theorists from Karl Marx to Donna Haraway. It concludes by arguing that the pragmatist stance of metafetishism can help us to think of a different relation to theory, in effect reading theory as a kind of science fiction, a discourse of questionable truth-value that nonetheless affords considerable use-value. In so doing, we can invite the STEM fields to divest themselves of scientism, the inappropriate demand for universal quantification and a narrow empiricism.
“You Chose Black”
Authors: Parks Keyana
Published: January 2025

The process by which the show’s Black female lead, Vanessa “Van” Keefer, fashions her own self-worth across the show’s four seasons punctuates Atlanta’s exploration and indictment of Black gender politics informed by the contradictions of stereotype, respectability, and masculinity. Although the show itself presents as superficially hypermasculine and Van appears on camera in only about half of Atlanta’s episodes, her character nevertheless plays a central role in conveying the show’s satirical critique of Black gender politics. The series interrogates how misogynoir contributes to a Black gender politics in which Black women remain undervalued and misunderstood, particularly regarding the presumption that they make choices contrary to their best interests. Atlanta employs a convergence of the satiric, the surreal, and the hyperreal that makes intelligible the absurd ways respectability limits a progressive Black gender politics of choice, particularly when coupled with stereotypes that reflect both white gender norms and Black pathologies.
William Faulkner, Richard Wright, and the Writing of African American Consciousness
Authors: DeRouen Anita , MacMaster Anne
Published: January 2025

Focusing on Black consciousness in fiction, this essay proposes a mutual influence between William Faulkner and Richard Wright. First comparing Wright’s treatment of Bigger Thomas in Native Son to Faulkner’s treatment of Joe Christmas in Light in August, the essay argues that Wright’s handling of Bigger’s interiority may have contributed to the shift in Faulkner’s career that occurred after 1940, when Faulkner began to represent Black characters more humanely and to approach questions of racial justice more progressively than before. Then turning to the 1940s, the essay shows how Faulkner’s methods of representing Black interiority evolved alongside his awareness of Wright’s works and career. Following the character Lucas Beauchamp from the magazine stories, through Go Down, Moses, to Intruder in the Dust, the essay tracks how Faulkner’s approach to Lucas’s interiority develops in tandem with confluences between Wright’s career and his own.
Captain America and Wonder Woman
Authors: Claverie Ezra
Published: January 2025

This chapter argues that the historic and narrative parallels between two films produced by rival studios, Captain America: The First Avenger (Joe Johnston, 2011) and Wonder Woman (Patty Jenkins, 2017), reveal the priorities and workings of the culture industries. Here, the melodrama of intellectual property operates at a different level, as each film presents its protagonist first as a work, languishing hidden from the world until it gains autonomy and fulfills its heroic destiny. Although many commentators adopted the studios’ line that Captain America and Wonder Woman had “endured” since World War Two, I argue instead that both the characters’ publishing histories as well as the production circumstances of these films support the opposite conclusion: the public forgot about these characters until media conglomerates thrust them into view as elements of planned franchises. Each film, therefore, represents a successful case of the corporate manufacture of bogus popular culture.
Introduction
Authors: Stańczyk Ewa
Published: January 2025

This introductory chapter provides an historical overview of the “Jewish question” in interwar Poland, and shows how the satirical magazines and visual satire, which proliferated during the period, were an important medium with which to disseminate antisemitism and to comment on its rise. Arguing for a historically-grounded reading of the antisemitic cartoon, the introduction sets out the parameters of the monograph as a whole. This includes the scholarly context, which the chapter places at the intersection of cartoon studies and Polish-Jewish history, as well as a discussion of primary sources and methodology. The introduction emphasizes the importance of studying antisemitic caricature as a product of a certain political economy which not only includes the artists and editors, but also the sources of funding, political ideology, and the impact of state censorship. The Introduction ends with an outline of chapters.
Marvel, Black Power, and Blaxploitation
Authors: Smith Troy D.
Published: January 2025

Chapter Two provides context about the history and philosophies of the Black Power movement, the development of the Blaxploitation film genre, and the decision by Marvel Comics to introduce a Black superhero with the sensibilities of the street-smart detective in the popular movie Shaft. Such a character would be vastly different from the two most famous black heroes featured by Marvel at the time, both created in the 60s: the Black Panther (a noble African prince) and the Falcon (the partner of Captain America). Luke Cage, though, would operate in Harlem and speak in a Black dialect (albeit a poorly imitated one). Before long, however, Marvel started making changes to the character to make him more palatable to mostly white audiences, tamping down the dialect and his anger. Black fans were divided, with some embarrassed by the “jive-talking” version and others requesting a character with authentic Blackness instead of more respectability.
Persistent Poverty in the African American Community
Authors: Hall Precious D. , Cooper Daphne
Published: January 2025

This chapter investigates the enduring economic inequality and poverty within the African American community, highlighting the connection between racial and economic justice central to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mission. It stresses that public policies have perpetuated African Americans as a permanent underclass by focusing on micro-level individual fixes rather than addressing systemic structural failures. It also presents the persistent poverty faced by African Americans, characterized by inadequate health care, housing, and social welfare, as a direct consequence of institutionalized discrimination and flawed federal policies. The chapter connects these issues to Dr. King's broader critique of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism. It demonstrates how these failed policies have entrenched poverty, shaping a culture of adaptation to impoverished conditions among African Americans.
The Decline of US Authenticity in the Middle East
Authors: Clemons Michael L.
Published: January 2025

This chapter discusses the historical and political significance of Jerusalem and the impact of key events that have shaped its status. It delves into the implications of President Donald Trump's 2017 decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that disrupted the long-standing role of the United States as a neutral mediator in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It also traces the roots of the conflict back to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which laid the foundation for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine that lead to decades of tension and violence. The chapter reflects on the broader geopolitical dynamics, including the alignment between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which have further complicated the prospects for peace in the region. It underscores how these developments have reinforced divisions rather than fostering the cooperation needed for a lasting solution.
Strategies of Memory Construction in Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman
Authors: Susan Owen A. , Ehrenhaus Peter
Published: January 2025

This chapter focuses on Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, a film that ignited debates about its representation of historical and contemporary white supremacy. It details how Lee masterfully used film techniques like parallel editing and genre pastiche to connect the past with the present, highlighting the ongoing relevance of racism in America. Critics praise the film for its cultural critique, especially in scenes like Harry Belafonte's recounting of a 1916 lynching. However, some critics, including Boots Riley, challenge the portrayal of the police as allies to Black activists and the depiction of the Klan as ineffectual, arguing that these choices diminish the film's political impact. The chapter delves into how Lee uses cinematic elements to critique both historical and contemporary racism, linking the film's themes to events like the 2021 Capitol attack.
The Hateful Eight As a Contemporary Allegory of Anti-Blackness and Postracial Rifts
Authors: Thomas Erika M. , Bugrov Maksim
Published: January 2025

This chapter underscores how Afropessimism disrupts the postracial ethos in American media culture, particularly as shaped by neoliberal multiculturalism and neoconservative colorblindness since Barack Obama's 2008 election. Through an analysis of Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, it argues that the film challenges the optimistic and comforting portrayals of American racial politics. It also details how Tarantino's film exposes the deep-seated racism that underpins society's structural reliance on Black suffering. The chapter examines the film's visual rhetoric, symbolic imagery, and plot devices, suggesting that The Hateful Eight allegorically reveals the parasitic nature of postracial rhetorics on Blackness. It critiques how such representations serve to obscure rather than confront the realities of racial domination.
Emily’s Afterlives
Authors: Ulanowicz Anastasia
Published: January 2025

This chapter provides a consideration of Emily prompted by the cycles of trauma and re-reading in the time loop television series Russian Doll. More than a comparison between the two texts, Ulanowicz’s analysis models a meditation on reading, re-reading, and not-reading, on how any text must be repeatedly re-approached from different points in our lives to be understood, if only fleetingly.
Can Transgender Representation Get More Fantastic?
Authors: Corbett Emily
Published: January 2025

This chapter looks at the contribution of speculative trans young adult (YA) fiction to expanding transgender representation in YA literature. It argues that while realism has traditionally dominated YA fiction due to its perceived capacity to guide adolescents through real-life issues, speculative fiction offers a valuable alternative. By analyzing the rise of speculative trans YA texts since 2015, the chapter demonstrates how these narratives create imaginative worlds that challenge normative structures like cisnormativity and heteronormativity, offering trans teens empowering reflections of their identities. The chapter explores allegory and metaphor in fantastical settings that provide readers with unique perspectives on identity and empowerment. It highlights how speculative fiction disrupts conventional narratives while offering trans adolescents both escapism and more diverse, imaginative mirrors of their experiences.
The Effect of Internal Bank Aspects to Sharia Bank Performance with Financing Risk as Mediator
Authors: Lestari Nimas Dewi , Qanita Ariza , Suyuti Mufit , Prajawati Maretha Ika , Ningtyas Mega Noerman
Published: January 2025

This study aims to examine the factors that affect financing risk and its influence on the financial performance (profit) of Islamic banking in Indonesia. The study includes an overview of internal conditions including capital elements and bank operating costs. This study uses a quantitative method with a path analysis approach. The object of study is Islamic general banking in Indonesia which is registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) for the 2019-2023 period. The sampling technique uses the purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 9 Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia. The results of this study show that CAR has a significant effect on NPF, OER does not have a significant effect on NPF, directly CAR and NPF do not have a significant effect on ROA, directly OER has a significant effect on ROA, indirectly through NPF, CAR and OER do not have a significant effect on ROA. The results of this study conclude that Islamic public banks in Indonesia must be able to efficiently manage capital reserves and company operating costs. This aims to maintain the stability of banking performance and ensure that Islamic banks can mitigate the level of risk that occurs in banking operational activities.
“They Edited Out her Nip Nops”: Linguistic Innovation as Textual Censorship Avoidance on TikTok
Authors: Calhoun Kendra , Fawcett Alexia
Published: January 2025

In response to content moderation that disproportionately censors discourse by and about marginalized users, content creators on the video sharing platform TikTok have developed a linguistic repertoire whose communicative effect is akin to that of an avoidance register. Creators manipulate sound, morphology, meaning, orthography, and gesture to circumvent lexical items that may be censored based on notions of “appropriateness” articulated in the platform’s community guidelines. The strategies they use parallel documented forms of language play online and offline, as well as censorship avoidance on other social media platforms. These strategies are used most frequently on words related to contested ideas such as race, gender, and sex(uality). However, because of the memetic culture of TikTok, the practice of linguistic self-censorship has expanded to contexts where content is at little risk of top-down censorship, instead functioning to reflect creativity, make social commentary, and index sociopolitical alignment.