Comparative Research Research Articles

Social media and political contention - challenges and opportunities for comparative research

ABSTRACT In this special issue, the authors theoretically, methodologically, and empirically address challenges and opportunities associated with comparative social media analysis in political contention. Actors from civil society, media, and institutional politics use social media to coordinate, mobilise, and communicate, turning public online communication into an arena of conflict that offers researchers valuable windows of observation. In this introduction to the special issue, we systematise comparative perspectives on social media and political contention. We outline the traditional comparative dimensions of space, time, platform, and case; and suggest an approach for comparison within dimensions that are less dependent on the rapidly changing social media environment and more attuned to the interconnection between social media and political contention.

Emulating randomised clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with non-randomised real-world evidence: an application using data from the MSBase Registry

BackgroundTo mimic as closely as possible a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and calibrate the real-world evidence (RWE) studies against a known treatment effect would be helpful to understand if RWE...

Formulation of tattoo paints from the assemblage of the Upper Paleolithic site of Ushki V (Kamchatka)

In recent times, the practice of body modification in sociocultural, psychological, and art studies contexts has gained a new impetus for research. This article presents the results of the analysis of pigments found on the sur-face of stone artifacts identified as tattooing tools from the assemblage of layer VII of the Upper Paleolithic site of Ushki V (13–12 ka calBP, Kamchatka Peninsula). The aim of this study is to reconstruct the formulation of paints discovered on the surface of stone tools from the collection of Ushki V, that could have been used for tattooing. The reconstruction was carried out by means of determining the composition and microstructure of the paints using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The conclusions about the structure of colouring substances and the composition of paints are based on the element mapping method, which allows determination of the relationships of chemical elements and establishing the chemical com-position of individual components of the microstructure. Seven samples of red and yellow paint from the surface of six tools (carvers) have been thoroughly analysed. As a result, it has been found that three recipes were used for the manufacture of the pigments. The first (red paint) was based on mixing crushed mineral pigment (hema-tite) with organic binder of animal or vegetable origin. The second (yellow paint) implied the use of limonite, or-ganic binder and a thickener (aluminosilicate material or crushed bone). The third recipe (dark orange paint) in-cluded the compound of limonite and organic binder without thickener. The comparison of the formulations with previously obtained data on the analysis of paints from Ushki V allows for the conclusion that there were continu-ous technological traditions determined by the desired color and purpose of the paint. It has been established that the formulations have analogies both among the assemblages of other Stone Age sites of Eurasia and in ethno-graphic materials. Theoretical and practical significance of this research lies within extending of focused studies of the culture of peoples of the North and initiating of comparative research into similar Late Paleolithic and Neolithic complexes in the territories adjacent to Kamchatka and in the New World.

Comparative Analysis of CNN-Based Smart Pre-Trained Models for Object Detection on DOTA

In this paper, we proposed comparative research on the classification of various objects in satellite images using some pre-trained models of CNN (VGG-16, Inception-V3, ResNet-50, EfficientNet-B7) and R-CNN. In this research work, we have used the DOTA dataset, which combines data from 14 classes. We have implemented above mentioned pre-trained models of CNN, and R-CNN to achieve optimal results for accuracy as well as productivity. To detect objects like ships, tennis courts, swimming pools, vehicles, and harbors from remotely accessed images. In this study, we have used a convolutional neural network (CNN) as the base model. The transfer learning mechanism is employed to speed up the results and for complex computations. We have discovered with the help of experimental analysis that R-CNN and Inception-V3 are performing best out of the five pre-trained models.

STYLISTIC ROLE OF DETERMINED VOCABULARY IN PUBLICISTIC STYLE (Based on the material of Lina Kostenko’s article “The Humanitarian Aura of a Nation, or The Defect of the Main Mirror”)

This research aims to analyze the stylistic possibilities of deterministic vocabulary in a journalistic style based on the material of Lina Kostenko’s article “The Humanitarian Aura of the Nation, or the Defect of the Main Mirror”. To achieve this goal, we have carried out a continuous selection of quotes from the analyzed article using lexical units that have undergone determination; described the thematic classes of deterministic lexemes, distinguished the decisions of the functional, lexical-semantic, and traced semantic-stylistic levels, the semantic modifications of the deterministic vocabulary; revealed the stylistic role of determinations for achieving a communicative goal. The article uses several linguistic and general scientific research methods: the continuous selection method that we used to single out quotes in which the author used deterministic lexemes; based on semantic analysis, we have carried out a thematic classification of the studied material; statistical methods made it possible to reveal quantitative parameters of thematic groups of deterministic vocabulary; with the help of structural-thematic and semantic analysis, we have classified selected lexemes according to the levels of determination; we have also applied the interpretive method to reveal the semantics of deterministic lexical units in specific contexts, of analysis. We have also used descriptive, comparative, component, and deductive research methods to accomplish the article’s aim. We have singled out 167 quotations with lexical units that underwent determination and were used for different stylistic or content purposes. We have identified 146 terms of twenty-one thematic groups. The most frequently presented general scientific terms (19.2%), political science (13.8%), psychological (9.6%), and historical (8.9%) terms, the dominance of which can be explained primarily by the content features of the analyzed work. Considering the degree of loss of the signs of the term by the lexeme, 67% of determined lexemes are functional determinations that belong mainly to the groups of general scientific terms and terms of the socio-political sphere. We have established that the functional determinations reflect the features of the modern communicative space, testify to the high intellectual level of the author, and are aimed at the same educated readers. Determinations of the lexical-semantic level arise due to the modification of term semantics and the emergence of a new, universal meaning of the lexeme, usually recorded in explanatory dictionaries. Thanks to the combination of language units from different thematic fields, seven intentions are actualized, additional common language connotations are superimposed, and original imagery arises – all this contributes to the emergence of a specific expression inherent in the journalistic style of literary language. We have revealed that the term gets the semantic-stylistic level of determination when it undergoes certain semantic modifications and becomes an element of an artistic device (trope, stylistic figure). The specificity of Lina Kostenko’s creative style determines the presence of complex artistic images in the analyzed work, which combine semantic transformations and stylistic means – figures, and tropes. Usually, artistic metaphors with antitheses, oxymorons, epithets, phraseology, etc., are intertwined in one quote. Determinations contribute to the semantic accuracy, exactness, and imagery of speech and reflect the author’s subjective perception of the corresponding subject or phenomenon, strengthen the author’s assessment of what was said, and contribute to the statement’s expression.

Microplastic accumulation, morpho-polymer characterization, and dietary exposure in urban tap water of a developing nation

The recent detection of microplastics (MPs) in a large number of commercially important food items and beverages, including tap water, has drawn significant attention because of direct exposure and negative health effects on humans. Nevertheless, there is insufficient information on microplastic contamination in the tap water of developing countries. In the present study, we primarily analyzed supplied tap water samples from four major cities in Bangladesh to determine and characterize MPs using a stereomicroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Several indices were employed to calculate human health exposures to microplastics. MPs were found in all of the water samples tested, with an overall mean of 35.33 ± 19.55 particles/L. The results of this study diverge from those of comparable research conducted globally, revealing that tap water in Bangladesh exhibited higher levels of contamination compared to other nations. MPs were found in three different shapes (fibers, fragments, and films), with fibers dominating the samples (96.2%), and 98.1% of the microplastics were less than 0.5 mm in size. Six different colors of MPs were observed, and transparent particles were dominant (63.9% of all observed MPs). FTIR infrared spectrum analysis revealed two major types of polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The projected daily consumption of microplastics was determined to be 2.65 particles per person per day, raising potential concerns for human health. The findings show that the treatment process of the water supply system is inadequate. Additionally, the sources of microplastics in tap water may come from where the water was collected for treatment and may be linked to a variety of anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization, sewage discharge, industrial waste disposal, and runoff from catchment areas.

Multicarrier PWM techniques for three phase modular multilevel converter application in MRI systems

This research paper presents about the performance analysis of three phase modular multilevel converter with level shifted (phase disposition pulse width modulation) and phase shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) method. This research not only discusses the significance of different modulation procedures in the context of modular multilevel converters but also carefully evaluates each of their unique performance characteristics. This research is based on the fundamental creation of pulses and patterns that can only be acquired by comparing sinusoidal reference signals with triangular carrier signal. Both levels shifted (phase disposition) and phase shifted PWM procedures are used to calculate the phase output voltage of a converter at 2N+1 level. The output waveform is crucially shaped by these modulation techniques, which also ensure effective energy conversion and lower harmonic content. On the basis of the output voltage waveform's quality, the comparative research is conducted and simulated results were presented.

Exploring relational aggression and gender dynamics: a global and Indonesian perspective

Girls generally use less physical aggression than boys. However, does this mean that girls are more likely to use relational aggression. With this question in mind, our study aims to analyze the relational aggression of students in Indonesia based on gender. This type of research used is comparative research. The sample in this study was 510 respondents consisting of 19.6% male and 80.4% female. The relational aggression scale (RAS) was used to collect data on student relational aggression in various regions in Indonesia. The analysis technique used is descriptive and differences with the Welch test. The results show that there are significant differences in male and female relational aggression, with an average score difference of -0.30 logit between men and women. In addition, there are fluctuations in the level of relational aggression in the context of gender from year to year in some countries, such as the United States, China, Australia, and others. Recommendations for future research are to integrate a more in-depth social and cultural analysis in Indonesia.

Prospective iterative data visualization (DV) study to enhance health literacy in prostate cancer (PC).

11061 Background: Methods used to visualize and present comparative effectiveness research (CER) impact patient (pt) and caregiver (CG) understanding and ultimately treatment decisions. Evidence-based approaches to optimize DV and comprehension in PC are lacking. We studied the presentation and DV of CER with key stakeholders aiming to overcome health disparity/inequity barriers related to understanding of CER DV. Methods: A panel representing pt and advocate, industry, and health care provider viewpoints provided qualitative feedback on multiple CER DV methods and generated a survey for US PC pts and CGs. Respondents were identified by a market research agency (buzzback, n=192) or a pt advocacy group (ZERO Prostate Cancer, n=58). Respondents first reported on comfort with and understanding of scientific data on PC using a Likert scale, then evaluated a randomly assigned graphic (1 of 2 versions each depicting the same information) for each of 4 topics. For efficacy and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) data, figures showed superiority of treatment over placebo; for safety, figures positively or negatively represented outcomes. For quality of life (QoL), overall QoL and specific QoL domains were illustrated. For each graphic, respondents first suggested their own key takeaway, then selected the best from 4 options, and reason for selection. Graphics were then assessed side by side with better key takeaway selected to create an overall story. Results: Respondents (pts, n=199; CGs, n=51) enrolled between Aug and Sep 2023; 54% were non-White; 52% had an annual income <$75,000/yr; 45% had no college degree. Some respondents reported being uncomfortable/neutral toward PC scientific data (26%) or found data difficult to understand (35%) or overwhelming (29%). >70% identified correct takeaways for Efficacy and PSA. Figures with numerical data showing a difference between treatment groups (Efficacy, PSA) more effectively communicated key takeaways than those without (Safety, QoL). Figures representing pts without toxicity (positive reporting) versus pts with toxicity (negative reporting) were better understood (62% vs 37%) and communicated (67% vs 33%). Respondents (~55-60%) chose the correct key takeaway for QoL figures, not containing quantitative data, and were divided as to which version best communicated the key takeaway. There were no consistent, robust patterns of differences in accuracy of interpretation based on respondent characteristics, especially for top performing Efficacy and PSA graphics. Conclusions: This is one of the first prospective multistakeholder studies in PC to explore comprehension and preferences from a diverse group of pts and CGs. Figures showing a difference between treatments were more accurately interpreted than those conveying parity. We provide a benchmark for best practices for CER DV for pts and CGs to assist in their education and optimize shared decision-making.

How do Chinese and Egyptian science textbooks differ? A cross-country comparative research

Textbooks have a crucial role in shaping students' knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes in different school subjects. This study compares the structure and content of science textbooks of grade nine in Egypt and China to reveal the common and different features in the textbook design. It opts for a horizontal analysis of four science textbooks in the associated countries. The results revealed that the distribution of science subjects has partial similarities to some extent among the preparatory stage between the Chinese and Egyptian science textbooks besides the overlapping in the associated topics, presenting Biology as a common subject of interest. Moreover, the number of activities distributed within units and subjects have the highest shares in the Chinese textbooks, and most of the activities in the Egyptian textbooks focused on Chemistry and Physics subjects. In addition to the structure analysis, this study also explored the textbooks content in both countries, covering three dimensions: (1) cognitive expectations, (2) learning goals, and (3) efficiency of illustration. The results provide valuable insights for textbook designers and curriculum developers to enhance the quality of science curricula and textbooks. Therefore, the study recommends considering instructional design and lesson plans when distributing the learning activities and developing international standards for designing school science textbooks.

Analysis of nursing doctoral dissertation formats over a decade: A comparative research between traditional and publication format at a university

Analysis of nursing doctoral dissertation formats over a decade: A comparative research between traditional and publication format at a university

Efficacy and safety of uncovered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction in unresectable non-pancreatic cancer.

The efficacy of uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) versus fully covered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction remains controversial. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the disease conditions has been indicated in previous studies because pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancers have different characteristics in clinical course. Therefore, the etiology of biliary obstruction necessitates investigations stratified by primary disease. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of UCSEMS, specifically for non-pancreatic cancer-induced distal malignant biliary obstruction. We conducted a single-center retrospective review to evaluate the time to recurrent biliary obstruction and frequency of adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving UCSEMS for unresectable non-pancreatic cancer-induced malignant biliary obstruction. Overall, 32 patients were enrolled in the study between January 2016 and December 2023. The median time to recurrent biliary obstructionwas 140 days. AE rates were low at 3.1% for both pancreatitis and cholecystitis, suggesting a potential benefit of UCSEMS in reducing post-procedural AEs. UCSEMS may reduce the risk of post-procedural AEs and should be considered in patients at high risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. However, the patency period may be shorter, necessitating future comparative research with fully covered self-expandable metal stentsto determine the optimal stent choice.

What to translate and how to translate in audio description: a case study of the Oscar-winning animated film Feast

ABSTRACT Introduction: Audio description (AD) enables access to blind/low vision audiences by translating visual content into narrated descriptions. This study examines AD translation approaches for the Oscar-winning animated short Feast. Methods: Chinese and English AD scripts from Feast were analyzed to compare priorities in content selection and patterns in translation techniques. Results: Both versions prioritized graphics and dynamic symbols when deciding what to translate. Shared translation techniques included compensation, iconic description, and substitution. Differences emerged with more reduction, adaptation, and technical descriptions in the Chinese AD, versus more generalization in the English AD. Discussion: Disparities highlight the linguistic and cultural factors integral to effective AD translation. Implications: This analysis offers practical customization guidelines for AD providers and theoretical insights into intersemiotic translation complexity. Further comparative research could support tailored AD practices and accessibility for diverse global audiences.

The Indigenization Strategies of Catholic Painting in Early 20th Century China

The spread of Christianity to China initiated a process of indigenization, particularly evident in Christian art. This study explores the indigenization of early 20th-century Chinese Christian paintings through literature reviews, case studies, and comparative research. The analysis covers four forms of primary research. First, it explores the indigenization of Christian concepts, tracing their development from the introduction of Nestorian Christianity in the Tang dynasty through the establishment of Fu Jen Catholic University in the Republican era. Matteo Ricci’s implementation of the “Ricci Rule” during the late Ming dynasty, subsequently expanded by Celso Costantini, played a crucial role in the indigenous adaptation of Christian painting in China. The second facet focuses on the Beijing Catholic School of Painting, led by Chen Yuandu, a group that innovated Chinese Christian art by integrating local artistic expressions with traditional depictions of saints, assimilating symbols from Chinese literati painting, and preserving time-honored Chinese painting techniques. The third facet examines the strategy behind Christian painting methods. Fourth, this study discusses how the Fu Jen School faced varied reception and evaluations from domestic and international audiences under the complex social currents of the Republic of China and how the artists reflected the national spirit and artistic responsibility in their narrative paintings. Fundamentally, the practice of Christian painting at the early 20th-century Catholic School is not only an innovative artistic endeavor but also a significant case of cultural exchange between East and West and religious localization.

Social-emotional learning profile of junior high school students in Java

Social-emotional learning is an essential aspect of an individual’s development. Thisresearch aims to determine the profile of social-emotional learning and differences in social-emotional learning scores based on gender and grade level among junior high school students in Java. This research uses a quantitative approach with a comparative research type. The sample in this study was 2036 junior high school students on the island of Java. The data collection technique in this research used a social-emotional learning scale, which was tested for validity and reliability using the RASCH model. Data analysis techniques were carried out using descriptive statistics and the ANOVA test. The results show that the majority of junior high school students in Java had a high score in social-emotional learning (N=65.4%), and only 0.1% of students categorized indeficient. Students' social-emotional levels were not influenced by gender or grade level. The self-management aspect had the lowest score, and the self-awareness aspect had the highest score in social-emotional learning. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide an overview of the conditions of social-emotional learning in students and become a reference for the development of social-emotional learning program in schools.Guidance and Counseling teachers can improve the lowest aspect of social-emotional learning through various techniques and methods so students can have good social-emotional learning skills in all aspects. Future research needs to explore the factors that influence high levels of SEL in students and expand the research sample to obtain broader generalizations.

Cetaceans are the next frontier for vocal rhythm research

While rhythm can facilitate and enhance many aspects of behavior, its evolutionary trajectory in vocal communication systems remains enigmatic. We can trace evolutionary processes by investigating rhythmic abilities in different species, but research to date has largely focused on songbirds and primates. We present evidence that cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—are a missing piece of the puzzle for understanding why rhythm evolved in vocal communication systems. Cetaceans not only produce rhythmic vocalizations but also exhibit behaviors known or thought to play a role in the evolution of different features of rhythm. These behaviors include vocal learning abilities, advanced breathing control, sexually selected vocal displays, prolonged mother–infant bonds, and behavioral synchronization. The untapped comparative potential of cetaceans is further enhanced by high interspecific diversity, which generates natural ranges of vocal and social complexity for investigating various evolutionary hypotheses. We show that rhythm (particularly isochronous rhythm, when sounds are equally spaced in time) is prevalent in cetacean vocalizations but is used in different contexts by baleen and toothed whales. We also highlight key questions and research areas that will enhance understanding of vocal rhythms across taxa. By coupling an infraorder-level taxonomic assessment of vocal rhythm production with comparisons to other species, we illustrate how broadly comparative research can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence, evolution, and possible functions of rhythm in animal communication.

“Minorities”, the nation and Europe in the history textbooks of Germany, Spain and Turkey

A feature of the concept of “minorities” is the invisibility and stigmatization of communities, more so within the idea of the nation. The European Union project stimulated new vistas, and offers challenges to reconcile peoples under a new political, social and economic concept. However, in the midst of crisis and war in Europe, mistrust and hostility are increasing, incited by right-wing populism and nationalism and these aims of the last century are slowly making their way into history textbooks. This article analyses the representation and construction of these complex concepts in eight German, Turkish and Spanish secondary school history textbooks. In times of strengthening nationalism, it is also discussed here whether the representations convey essentialist ideas and imperialistic structures hidden between the lines in school textbooks, or whether they reflect the concept of “minorities” as a component of a pluralistic and hybrid European society. The research is divided into two areas: 1) A quantitative analysis of textbooks: A comparative research will be carried out on the representation of 'minorities' in English, German, Turkish and Spanish history textbooks. The textbook research is temporally limited to the period from the sixteenth until the twenty-first centuries.

Research on the influence of flexible wheelset rotation effect on wheel rail contact force

PurposeUnder the high-speed operating conditions, the effects of wheelset elastic deformation on the wheel rail dynamic forces will become more notable compared to the low-speed condition. In order to meet different analysis requirements and selecting appropriate models to analyzing the wheel rail interaction, it is crucial to understand the influence of wheelset flexibility on the wheel-rail dynamics under different speeds and track excitations condition.Design/methodology/approachThe wheel rail contact points solving method and vehicle dynamics equations considering wheelset flexibility in the trajectory body coordinate system were investigated in this paper. As for the wheel-rail contact forces, which is a particular force element in vehicle multibody system, a method for calculating the Jacobian matrix of the wheel-rail contact force is proposed to better couple the wheel-rail contact force calculation with the vehicle dynamics response calculation. Based on the flexible wheelset modeling approach in this paper, two vehicle dynamic models considering the wheelset as both elastic and rigid bodies are established, two kinds of track excitations, namely normal measured track irregularities and short-wave irregularities are used, wheel-rail geometric contact characteristic and wheel-rail contact forces in both time and frequency domains are compared with the two models in order to study the influence of flexible wheelset rotation effect on wheel rail contact force.FindingsUnder normal track irregularity excitations, the amplitudes of vertical, longitudinal and lateral forces computed by the flexible wheelset model are smaller than those of the rigid wheelset model, and the virtual penetration and equivalent contact patch are also slightly smaller. For the flexible wheelset model, the wheel rail longitudinal and lateral creepages will also decrease. The higher the vehicle speed, the larger the differences in wheel-rail forces computed by the flexible and rigid wheelset model. Under track short-wave irregularity excitations, the vertical force amplitude computed by the flexible wheelset is also smaller than that of the rigid wheelset. However, unlike the excitation case of measured track irregularity, under short-wave excitations, for the speed within the range of 200 to 350 km/h, the difference in the amplitude of the vertical force between the flexible and rigid wheelset models gradually decreases as the speed increase. This is partly due to the contribution of wheelset’s elastic vibration under short-wave excitations. For low-frequency wheel-rail force analysis problems at speeds of 350 km/h and above, as well as high-frequency wheel-rail interaction analysis problems under various speed conditions, the flexible wheelset model will give results agrees better with the reality.Originality/valueThis study provides reference for the modeling method of the flexible wheelset and the coupling method of wheel-rail contact force to the vehicle multibody dynamics system. Furthermore, by comparative research, the influence of wheelset flexibility and rotation on wheel-rail dynamic behavior are obtained, which is useful to the application scope of rigid and flexible wheelset models.

Comparative Nordic cultural policy research

Comparative Nordic cultural policy research

Comparative Research of the Two International Financial Centers of Hong Kong and Singapore

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth study and comparison of the status and characteristics of the two major financial centers in Asia, Hong Kong and Singapore, in the international financial market. Research methods of qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics are applied to compare and analyze the geopolitical environment, regional economic background, policy support, international image, and relationship and cooperation with neighboring regions of Hong Kong and Singapore. The study finds that Hong Kong and Singapore each exhibit unique strengths and challenges. Hong Kong holds an important position in terms of the size of the international financial market and trading activities, while Singapore has an increasingly prominent role in fintech innovation. In addition, Hong Kong's close financial ties with Mainland China and Singapore's diverse cooperation with the rest of Asia have earned both places a unique position in the global financial landscape. These findings provide valuable leadership ideas for understanding the dynamics of Asia's financial markets and for policymakers around the world as they navigate their relationship with international financial markets.