Globally Research Articles

Language and Education: Ideologies of Correctness

This review illustrates how language ideologies about correctness, in speaking and writing, have been discussed in research on the role of language in education. Research illustrates a give-and-take between the interests of multilingual speakers and advocates of language diversity on the one hand and, on the other, the correctness ideologies embedded in institutional demands for correctness and standardization (in schools and language policies) and commodification (in the global educational marketplace). More subtle than ideologies of correctness, language ideologies about “appropriate” language emerge as related to race, ethnicity, gender, and other embodied biases, and the nuanced mechanisms of language socialization illuminate the persistent dynamics of these appropriateness ideologies. Finally, we discuss the relevance of postcolonial epistemologies, the collaborative participatory research methods that are reframing what counts as correct and appropriate for the study of language and education, and the emerging role of generative artificial intelligence for language in education.

YOLO-ESL: An Enhanced Pedestrian Recognition Network Based on YOLO

Pedestrian detection is a critical task in computer vision; however, mainstream algorithms often struggle to achieve high detection accuracy in complex scenarios, particularly due to target occlusion and the presence of small objects. This paper introduces a novel pedestrian detection algorithm, YOLO-ESL, based on the YOLOv7 framework. YOLO-ESL integrates the ELAN-SA module, designed to enhance feature extraction, with the LGA module, which improves feature fusion. The ELAN-SA module optimizes the flexibility and efficiency of small object feature extraction, while the LGA module effectively integrates multi-scale features through local and global attention mechanisms. Additionally, the CIOUNMS algorithm addresses the issue of target loss in cases of high overlap, improving boundary box filtering. Evaluated on the VOC2012 pedestrian dataset, YOLO-ESL achieved an accuracy of 93.7%, surpassing the baseline model by 3.0%. Compared to existing methods, this model not only demonstrates strong performance in handling occluded and small object detection but also remarkable robustness and efficiency.

A Candy Defect Detection Method Based on StyleGAN2 and Improved YOLOv7 for Imbalanced Data.

Quality management in the candy industry is a vital part of food quality management. Defective candies significantly affect subsequent packaging and consumption, impacting the efficiency of candy manufacturers and the consumer experience. However, challenges exist in candy defect detection on food production lines due to the small size of the targets and defects, as well as the difficulty of batch sampling defects from automated production lines. A high-precision candy defect detection method based on deep learning is proposed in this paper. Initially, pseudo-defective candy images are generated based on Style Generative Adversarial Network-v2 (StyleGAN2), thereby enhancing the authenticity of these synthetic defect images. Following the separation of the background based on the color characteristics of the defective candies on the conveyor belt, a GAN is utilized for negative sample data enhancement. This effectively reduces the impact of data imbalance between complete and defective candies on the model's detection performance. Secondly, considering the challenges brought by the small size and random shape of candy defects to target detection, the efficient target detection method YOLOv7 is improved. The Spatial Pyramid Pooling Fast Cross Stage Partial Connection (SPPFCSPC) module, the C3C2 module, and the global attention mechanism are introduced to enhance feature extraction precision. The improved model achieves a 3.0% increase in recognition accuracy and a 3.7% increase in recall rate while supporting real-time recognition scenery. This method not only enhances the efficiency of food quality management but also promotes the application of computer vision and deep learning in industrial production.

Civilian knowledge industries and the ascendance of small and medium-sized states in world politics

In the evolving landscape of international politics, the ascent of small and medium-sized (SMS) states in knowledge industries is notable. As these states, exemplified by Israel, Sweden, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, harness advanced technological capabilities, their global influence grows. Unlike great powers, SMS states face a heightened risk in developing advanced technology due to limited national resources and the absence of technological redundancies. Our examination of Israel’s experience in the satellite, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence industries serves as a case study demonstrating how an SMS state can establish competitive knowledge sectors. These technologically advanced SMS states attain a status akin to middle powers, challenging conventional perceptions. Analyzing Israel’s commitment to securing these technological fields reveals government intervention aimed at cultivating sustainable knowledge industries and preserving critical knowledge. While diverse motivations drive the technological development of SMS states, their capabilities reshape conventional notions of middle powers and global power distribution.

Temporal Knowledge Graph Reasoning Based on Dynamic Fusion Representation Learning

ABSTRACTRecently, significant progress has been made in completing static knowledge graphs. However, knowledge tends to evolve with time, and static knowledge graph completion (KGC) methods struggle to capture the changes. Therefore, temporal knowledge graph (TKG) reasoning has become a focus of research. Most existing TKG methods incorporate temporal information into triplets and transform them into KGC tasks, ignoring the important influence of time information and implicit relationships between entities. In this paper, we propose a new method called TD‐RKG, which addresses the challenges of temporal variability and implicit entity correlations based on a dynamic fusion representation learning approach. The method consists of four modules: dynamic local recurrent encoding layer, dynamic implicit encoding layer, dynamic global information attention layer and decoding layer. Experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrate substantial improvements in TD‐RKG across multiple evaluation metrics.

Research Progress on Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes Related to Milk Composition Traits of Dairy Goats Based on Functional Genomics: A Narrative Review.

Goat milk has gained global attention for its unique nutritional properties and potential health benefits. Advancements in functional genomic technologies have significantly progressed genetic research on milk composition traits in dairy goats. This review summarizes various research methodologies applied in this field. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genomic regions associated with major milk components, with the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene and casein gene cluster consistently linked to milk composition traits. Transcriptomics has revealed gene expression patterns in mammary tissue across lactation stages, while the role of non-coding RNAs (such as miRNAs and circRNAs) in regulating milk composition has been confirmed. Proteomic and metabolomic studies have not only helped us gain a more comprehensive understanding of goat milk composition characteristics but have also provided crucial support for the functional validation of genes related to milk components. The integration of multi-omics data has emerged as an effective strategy for elucidating complex regulatory networks from a systems biology perspective. Despite progress, challenges remain, including refining reference genomes, collecting large-scale phenotypic data, and conducting functional validations. Future research should focus on improving reference genomes, expanding study populations, investigating functional milk components, exploring epigenetic regulation and non-coding RNAs, and studying microbiome-host genome interactions. These efforts will inform more precise genomic and marker-assisted selection strategies, advancing genetic improvements in milk composition traits in dairy goats.

Multifunctional lignin-reinforced cellulose foam for the simultaneous removal of oils, dyes, and metal ions from water

Pollutants emitted by industry pose an emerging threat to ecosystems, human health and native species, which has attracted global attention. At present, most of the biomass-based water remediation materials suffer from the poor mechanical properties, complexity of the modification process, single function and low adsorption capacity. Therefore, a high-strength lignin/cellulose foam absorbent (LCMA) with super-hydrophilic surface was developed for wastewater treatment by using lignin as the skeleton to crosslink cellulose through sol-gel method. Combined with an abundance of reactive functional groups and a highly porous structure, LCMA demonstrated a superior absorption and removal performance for cationic dyes and heavy metal ions, with separation efficiencies exceeding 99.76 % for cationic dyes and 99.85 % for heavy metal ions. Further modification of LCMA by a facile method using polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) imparted superhydrophilicity to the foams. The developed LCMA@PDA@PEI exhibited an impressive immiscible oil-water separation performance and emulsion separation performance (Separation efficiency >99.95 % for immiscible oil-water mixtures and >99.05 % for oil-in-water emulsions). With the capabilities of simultaneous removal for dyes, heavy metal ions and oil pollutants from water, LCMA holds a broad application prospect in the water remediation, especially in the treatment of polluted water with complex components.

Analyzing China's Global Influence Through the Belt and Road Initiative: A Case Study of the Pakistan-China Energy and Economic Corridor

This article attempts to explain how China has used the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) to increase its economic power and geopolitical influence by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the Pakistan-China Energy and Economic Corridor (PCEEC). During this process, China has gained actual control over these countries' strategic resources and transportation hubs by providing debt and building infrastructure. This control not only improves Chinas international trade volume and economic development, but also enables it to influence the policy formulation and sovereign decision-making of these countries. The expansion of its economic and political influence has given China a greater voice in regional and international affairs in order to more effectively promote international agendas and rule-making that are in line with its own interests. Therefore, China has successfully improved its global influence and leadership through a combination of economic investment and political strategies, but has also aroused international attention and discussion on sovereign independence and regional balance.

Environmental assessment of toxic heavy metals and natural radionuclides in irrigation water from Rustenburg, South Africa

Water is a transparent, tasteless and odourless inorganic compound, essential for life and sustainable development. It is important for food and energy production, socio-economic growth, healthy ecosystems and human existence. Global attention is given to water quality monitoring due to the role it plays in human exposure to different kinds of contaminants, including radioactive and toxic contaminants from industrial, agrochemicals, mining and other anthropogenic activities. This work presents the results of measured natural radionuclides and toxic heavy metals in Rustenburg, and their associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk. The average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn are 0.00007 mg/l, 0.0087 mg/l, 0.0033 mg/l, 0.0636 mg/l, 0.0052 mg/l, 0.0217 mg/l, 0.0003 mg/l and 0.0047 mg/l respectively and are below the safe limit of toxic heavy metals in water. The activity concentration of 40K and 238U ranges from 7.07 Bq/l to 13.2 Bq/l and 1.24 × 10−04 Bq/l to 1.09 × 10−02 Bq/l, with a mean activity concentration of 11.6 Bq/l and 2.78 × 10−03 Bq/l respectively. 232Th was not found in all measured water samples. The estimated average committed effective dose from ingestion of natural radionuclides was observed to be below 170 μSv/yr for 40K, 120 μSv/yr for 232Th and 238U, and a total of 290 μSv/yr reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The assessment of human health risks resulting from exposure to toxic heavy metals shows negligible carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to the exposed population, making the water sources from which the sample was collected, safe for agricultural and domestic use. The obtained results will also serve as reference data for future environmental studies.

Graph Attention Networks with Local and Global Attention Mechanisms for Learning Single-Shot Omics Data Representations

Aiming at the high-dimensional " size " problem in biological omics data where the number of genes is much larger than the number of samples pn, a graph attention network GATOr with local and global attention mechanisms is proposed. The model first calculates the correlation between features using the Pearson correlation coefficient on omics data and constructs a single-sample network of omics data. Then, a graph attention network combining local and global attention mechanisms is proposed to learn graph-based omics feature representation from the single-sample network, thereby converting the high-dimensional characteristics of omics data into low-dimensional representation. Experimental results show that GATOr has achieved better performance in classification task accuracy and other indicators than other traditional classification algorithms.

Multi-layer feature fusion and attention enhancement for fine-grained vehicle recognition research

Abstract Vehicle recognition technology is widely applied in automatic parking, traffic restrictions, and public security investigations, playing a significant role in the construction of intelligent transportation systems. Fine-grained vehicle recognition seeks to surpass conventional vehicle recognition by concentrating on more detailed sub-classifications. This task is more challenging due to the subtle inter-class differences and significant intra-class variations. Localization-classification subnetworks represent an efficacious approach frequently employed for this task, but previous research has typically relied on CNN deep feature maps for object localization, which suffer from the low resolution, leading to poor localization accuracy. The multi-layer feature fusion localization method proposed by us fuses the high-resolution feature map of the shallow layer of CNN with the deep feature map, and makes full use of the rich spatial information of the shallow feature map to achieve more precise object localization. In addition, traditional methods acquire local attention information through the design of complex models, frequently resulting in regional redundancy or information omission. To address this, we introduce an attention module that adaptively enhances the expressiveness of global features and generates global attention features. These global attention features are then integrated with object-level features and local attention cues to achieve a more comprehensive attention enhancement. Lastly, we devise a multi-branch model and employ the aforementioned object localization and attention enhancement methods for end-to-end training to make the multiple branches collaborate seamlessly to adequately extract fine-grained features. Extensive experiments conducted on the Stanford Cars dataset and the self-built Cars-126 dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our method, achieving a leading position among existing methods with 97.7% classification accuracy on the Stanford Cars dataset.

The innovative application of phase change materials in heat storage products: warmer pads

As the issue of energy shortage becomes increasingly severe, energy storage technology has gradually attracted global attention, with the application of phase change materials (PCMs) being particularly widespread. This paper focuses on a common daily product: the warmer pad, and investigates the selection and ratio of suitable PCMs to achieve a recyclable heat storage solution. The study first outlines the research background, significance, and methods, then summarizes the basic principles of phase change and the role of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the study of phase change heat storage. Finally, the properties of PCMs with different proportions were tested, and the DSC curves were analyzed. The results showed that the phase change material mixture with a ratio of paraffin: OBC: expanded graphite = 77:20:3 exhibits excellent performance in heat storage, with a thermal conductivity of 0.547 W/mK, a phase change latent heat of 150 J/g, and a phase change temperature of 41.9C. The warmer pad achieved a surface temperature close to 40C and a heat release duration of nearly one hour. This study aims to promote the industry's transformation towards sustainable development and provide a reference for research in the field of daily-use products with phase change heat storage.

Modelling the Effects of Forest use Change on Brownification of Finnish Rivers under Atmospheric Pressure.

Browning of surface waters due to increased terrestrial loading of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is observed across the Northern Hemisphere. The effects influence several ecosystem services from freshwater productivity to water purification. Brownification is often explained by changes in large-scale anthropogenic pressures and ecosystem functioning (acidification, climate change, and land cover changes). This study examined the effect of forest use changes on water browning in Finland, considering the effects of global pressures. Our goal was to find the ecosystems and geographic areas that are most sensitive to environmental pressures that increase the loading of DOM. We were also looking for land use strategies that decrease browning. We combined mathematical watershed modelling to scenarios of climate change, atmospheric deposition, and forest use change. Changes included scenarios of forest harvest and protection on forest, that were derived from European Union's regulation. The study area covered 20 watersheds from south to north of Finland. In northern Finland brownification continue. In southern Finland global influence (atmospheric deposition, climate change) seem to weaken, giving more space for local forest use change having an influence on brownification. Forest use change was more influential in river basins dominated by organic soils than in mineral soils. Extending forest protection decreased brownification especially in areas where the influence of atmospheric pressure is decreasing. When forest protection is planned to provide a carbon storage and sequestration potential and to favor biodiversity, it has favorable effect on surface water quality as well.

Commercial Law and its Evaluation in International Law

The ease and prevalence of capital movement across international borders has led to its expansion in trade and the economy in recent years, and this may make resolving legal disputes more challenging. As a result of all these changes, national markets are becoming more and more global marketplaces, and commerce is expanding. Legal processes in this process must first be identified, and their characteristics ascertained in order to resolve legal disputes. While research has been done on qualified merchants in commercial law and related fields, no research has been done on qualified merchant requirements on an international scale. This study has, therefore, evaluated the global nature of the qualified trader under commercial law. Semiotic analysis and content analysis techniques were used in the study to evaluate conceptual studies carried out in academic settings. The research findings indicate that while certain national laws exist in the field of commercial law for eligible merchants, significant shortcomings persist in this domain, even within domestic legal frameworks. Confusion in domestic law stems from a number of factors, including the distinction made between the concepts of tradesman and merchant, the definition of "commercial enterprise," and the use of the term "part of" in reference to the requirement of operating a portion of the commercial company. International legal confusion results from inadequate representation of the qualifications of domestic and foreign traders in the legal system, which in turn affects local and national definitions of qualified traders and international activity areas. As a result, both domestically and globally, a more flexible, inclusive, and problem-solving legal strategy is needed.

The Economic and Geopolitical Significance of the Brics Nations: A Comparative Analysis of Their Global Influence in the 21st Century

The research investigates how BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) influence global economics and political leadership while noting the opportunities and obstacles the alliance encounters. As a powerful influence in finance and trade globally, BRICS confronts the Western institutions that used to dominate. The collective has challenges from its members' vast economic and political variation, even with important milestones like the setup of the New Development Bank. In addition, outside influences from political tensions, mainly with the G7 and global competition, obstruct detailed cooperation. This research examines how the future of BRICS might develop, especially with the BRICS+ initiative, which is designed to include members from the Global South. The growth shows BRICS's purpose to shape global governance more strongly. The study recognizes a requirement for better political and economic integration among BRICS and points out that greater collaboration within the group may promote sustainable growth and financial strength. Limitations in methodology and data quality are recognized along with time constraints relating to the trustworthiness of macroeconomic information from the BRICS countries. This study ends by suggesting ways to enhance BRICS collaboration and identifies new research inquiries regarding the alliance's future direction and its impact on a more diverse world order

Unveiling the Cultural and Entrepreneurial Potential of Música Popular Brasileira

Música popular Brasileira (MPB) is a genre of Brazilian music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by its eclectic mix of samba, bossa nova, tropicalia, rock, pop, electronic, and samba-pop incorporating elements from African, European, and indigenous Brazilian music traditions. MPB is known for its rich lyrical content, which often addresses social, political, and cultural themes, and its innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary musical styles. This paper explores the allure and entrepreneurial prospects of MPB in the global music sphere. Through qualitative analysis of insights from industry experts Beatriz Malnic, Bruno Miranda, and Derris Lee, it delves into MPB's distinctive elements, its global influence, and strategies for enhancing its commercial success. Despite barriers, MPB's diversity, rhythmic appeal, and genre fusion captivate audiences globally. The paper advocates for collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, language-inclusive promotion, and digital engagement to expand MPB's reach. Embracing MPB's cultural legacy and entrepreneurial ethos can deepen connections with audiences and enrich the global music landscape with Brazil's musical treasures.

Drag Artists in Shanghai: Balancing Local and Global Influences in Queer Cultural Production

This article discusses a case study of a group of local and expat drag artists based in Shanghai, China. Theoretical perspectives of “global gay” discourse, queer temporality and Chinese-centric queer theories were employed to question how Shanghai’s drag artists navigate drag’s growing popularity, Chinese state restrictions and Western dominance. Through analysing semi-structured interviews and performance video samples of seven drag artists and one LGBTQ+ venue owner, queer cultural productions in China were explored to ask how they offer new possibilities for queer knowledge production, and propose futurities that are simultaneously transnational and rooted in China. While the influence of Euro-American LGBTQ+ discourse was documented and acknowledged, other perspectives revealed more nuanced conceptualisations of the binary between copy/original, the frictions inherent in cultural exchange, and diverse forms of resistance. Shanghai’s drag scene is evolving in distinct ways, incorporating both global and local influences and cultural traditions. With queer knowledge still largely attributed to the West, and non-Western experiences vastly underrepresented, it is important to recognise what underground cultural productions such as those in Shanghai offer global queer cultural exchange.

The critical cognitive analysis of “hyper-securitization” strategy: A case study of China’s official discourse on the “Japan nuclear contaminated water discharge incident”

On August 24, 2023, Japan began discharging nuclear contaminated water into the ocean, drawing global attention. Environmental security, closely tied to human well-being, has become a critical issue in both academic and public discourse, particularly amid recurring challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and pollution. This study employs the proximization theory and its derivative theory of distanciation to conduct a critical cognitive analysis of “hyper-securitization” in environmental security discourse, using China’s official discourse surrounding the “Japan Nuclear Contaminated Water Discharge Incident” as the corpus. The analysis focuses on the discursive strategies employed by China before and after Japan’s discharge, revealing how these strategies aim to achieve the objectives of “hyper-securitization.” The discourse features identified in this study provide new perspectives for research on “hyper-securitization” in the fields of environmental security and international politics.

Value orientations of youth and the formation of cultural memory in the region (On the example of the Chechen republic)

The article analyzes the characteristics of the Chechen youth, their value attitudes and roles in the formation of cultural memory. The methodological framework covers theoretical and methodological areas of research of two social phenomena that are important signs of the changing world at the beginning of this millennium: cultural memory and the attitude of the younger generation towards it. The analysis of these phenomena is studied on the example of a specific region as a social space at a certain stage of socio-public transformation, where the foundations of traditional society with the prevalence of vertical connections continue to play an important role. At the same time, young people have a special place in the perception and transformation of values, experiencing at the same time a great influence of globalization and information technologies. The empirical basis of the study was socio-demographic data on the Chechen Republic, quantitative and qualitative methods of surveying the youth of the republic: an online survey was conducted among students (N = 92) aged 19-24 years and in-depth interviews among young people (N = 21), whose average age was 30 years. Additional materials were data from the database of surveys and focus groups collected in recent years. The results of the study showed that the transformation of cultural memory in the region is influenced by both structural factors, primarily demographic, migration dynamics, socio-economic living conditions of the population, etc., and cultural and institutional factors that determine the value attitudes of various segments of the population, the discourses prevailing in the society, attitudes to history, politics, etc. The value landmarks of young people play an important role in the formation of the cultural memory of the Chechen society and act as means of stabilizing and renewing the society. A key feature of the Chechen society is a respect towards elders. The succession of values is under threat of breaking intergenerational ties and subject to an unprecedented information aggression. The issues of an objective attitude to history, developing a position on the modernization of the society are acute.

Analysis Of Social Media Promotion and Marketing Strategies for Disney Movies: A Case Study on Zootopia & Frozen 2

This study aims to deeply analyze the successful strategies of Disney movies in social media marketing, taking “Zootopia” and “Frozen 2” as case studies. With the expansion of the global movie market and the diversification of audience demand, animated movies are highly competitive, and Disney occupies a leading position with its strong strength and perfect network. The study first introduces the background of The Walt Disney Company, explaining the study's purpose and significance and the framework. Then it analyzes the global influence and marketing strategy of “Zootopia” respectively, including its background, the current fire situation, social media promotion techniques innovative parts, and offline promotion strategy. Then the background, audience reaction, social media promotion methods, and effects of Frozen 2 are discussed. It then compares the differences and changes in the marketing strategies of the two films, including social media strategies, offline promotion focus, cross-border cooperation methods, etc. It also discusses the evolution of marketing strategies, such as digital transformation, emphasizing user-generated content, exploring the application of new technologies, etc., as well as cross-cultural communication strategies. Finally, suggestions and expectations for movie marketing in the digital era are given, including strengthening innovation, building a social interaction ecology, pursuing content quality, and deepening cross-cultural communication strategies. The study summarizes the results, points out the limitations, and offers an outlook on future research directions, providing valuable experience and inspiration for the film industry.