Hostile Environment Research Articles

Europeanization as Pragmatic Politics: Italy’s Civil Society Actors Operating in the Face of Right-Wing Populism

This article examines how and under what conditions Italy’s civil society organizations (CSOs) have resorted to transnational activism and to what extent these efforts translate into impactful political advocacy. The analysis focuses on the action strategies of these civil society actors that have come under considerable pressure through the resurgence of populist–nationalist actors in the domestic arena. Developing an actor-centred perspective from below, this article draws on a series of 27 interviews conducted with these organizations’ representatives working primarily on issues related to migration and refugees in Italy. The empirical study examines some key initiatives that see domestic CSOs as protagonists in the transnational realm and explicates their motivations, approaches, and experiences. Conceptually, the article distinguishes between the vertical and horizontal Europeanization of CSOs. While there are notable opportunities for CSOs to engage in Brussels-centred governance and policy making, the effectiveness of horizontal Europeanization in the form of cross-border networking is—at first sight paradoxically—limited by the EU’s system of multi-level governance. The central argument about Europeanizing civil society activism is that these processes are primarily driven by a pragmatic pursuit of solutions to concrete political challenges that could not be properly addressed in an increasingly hostile domestic environment.

Baicalin Weakens the Virulence of Porcine Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli by Inhibiting the LuxS/AI-2 Quorum-Sensing System.

Porcine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes huge economic losses to the pig farming industry and considerably threatens human health. The quorum sensing (QS) system plays a crucial role in the survival and pathogenesis of pathogenic bacteria. Hence, it is a viable approach to prevent ExPEC infection by compromising the QS system, particularly the LuxS/AI-2 system. In this study, we investigated the effects of baicalin on the LuxS/AI-2 system of ExPEC. Baicalin at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL significantly diminished the survival ability of ExPEC in hostile environments and could inhibit the biofilm formation and autoagglutination ability in ExPEC. Moreover, baicalin dose-dependently decreased the production of AI-2 and down-regulated the expression level of luxS in PCN033. These results suggest that baicalin can weaken the virulence of PCN033 by inhibiting the LuxS/AI-2 system. After the gene luxS was deleted, AI-2 production in PCN033 was almost completely eliminated, similar to the effect of baicalin on the production of AI-2 in PCN033. This indicates that baicalin reduced the production of AI-2 by inhibiting the expression level of luxS in ExPEC. In addition, the animal experiment further showed the potential of baicalin as a LuxS/AI-2 system inhibitor to prevent ExPEC infection. This study highlights the potential of baicalin as a natural quorum-sensing inhibitor for therapeutic applications in preventing ExPEC infection by targeting the LuxS/AI-2 system.

A cloud-edge computing architecture for monitoring protective equipment

The proper use of protective equipment is very important to avoid fatalities. One sector in which this has a great impact is that of construction sites, where a large number of workers die each year. In this sector as in others, employers are responsible for providing their employees with this equipment. In addition, employers must monitor and ensure its correct use. These tasks are usually performed using manual procedures. Existing tools to automate this process are unreliable and present scalability issues. In this paper, we research the benefits of using a cloud-edge computing architecture to automate the monitoring of protective equipment. The solution we propose successfully addresses all the problems that appear in hostile and unstructured work environments such as construction sites. Although these sites are used as a use case, the approach presented can also be deployed in other sectors with similar characteristics and restrictions.

High-speed fluidic processing circuits for dynamic control of haptic and robotic systems.

Fluidic logic circuits simplify system design for soft robotics by eliminating bulky components while enabling operation in a range of hostile environments that are incompatible with electronics but at the expense of limited computational capabilities and response times on the order of seconds. This paper presents a four-terminal fluidic transistor optimized for fast switching times, reduced component count, low unit cost, and high reproducibility to achieve complex fluidic control circuits while maintaining flow rates of liters per minute. A ring oscillator using three fluidic transistors achieves oscillation frequencies up to a kilohertz with full signal propagation, tolerating billions of cycles without failure. Fundamental processor circuits like a full adder and a 3-bit analog-to-digital converter require just seven transistors each. A decode circuit drives a high-resolution soft haptic display with refresh times below the human perception threshold for latency, and an electronics-free control circuit performs closed-loop position control of a pneumatic actuator with disturbance rejection, demonstrating the value across domains.

Bacillus spp. isolated from intestine of Oreochromis mossambicus: Identifying a potential probiotic for tilapia culture

Aquaculture industries are currently facing a wide array of challenges including emergence of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens, increased susceptibility to diseases, lack of healthy fingerlings and overall decrease in productivity. Probiotics are safer alternatives to antimicrobials and serves as a solution all these concerns. Oreochromis mossambicus is a commercially significant fish species of the cichlid family due to its richness in micro and macronutrients, adaptability and feed efficacy. Management of pathogenic infections and availability of healthy fingerlings are two major challenges faced by the tilapia farmers at present. The current research was conducted to identify a potent bacterial strain from the intestine of O. mossambicus with active probiotic properties. A potent Bacillus strain that surpassed the safety assessments and exhibited antagonistic activity against the potential aquaculture pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes were selected for determination of specific probiotic properties. The strain was found tolerant to 0.3% bile, acidity up to pH 2 and 5% NaCl concentrations, substantiating its potential to survive the hostile gut environment of the host fish. Additionally, the strain exhibited auto aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity, which are essential probiotic properties. It showed 63±3.32%. hydrophobicity and 56.65±1.65% auto aggregation in spectrophotometric studies. Moreover, it also demonstrated proteolytic activity that could benefit the host in the digestion processes. As the strain exhibited desirable probiotic traits, it was subjected to molecular characterization and identified as Bacillus tropicus ACS1. Further research is warranted to elucidate its complete potential in promoting the health, immunity and productivity of aquaculture industries.

The Hero, the White Savior, and the Smuggler: Criminalized Figures in the Landscape of Solidarity Toward Migrants

One recent shift in the ever-expanding crackdown on migration and implementation of a hostile environment for migrants in the EU has been the criminalization of migrant solidarity. Using various legal tools, EU governments have been trying to hinder solidarity actions from civil society. In particular, a narrative depicting civilians helping migrants as criminals has been elaborated by European organizations and strengthened by far-right groups and dominant press outlets. In reaction, a counter-narrative has been constructed and spread by pro-migrant groups and liberal media, which presents criminalized activists as criminalized heroes and their actions as humanitarian. Based on a critical discourse analysis of academic texts, press articles, and empirical research with pro-migrant activists, this article examines two criminal figures from the civilian search and rescue field: the “activist associated with smugglers” and its counterpart, the “criminalized hero.” Through the lens of figuration of crime and social justice, the article brings a new understanding of the de- and repoliticization processes that occur in the field of humanitarian help and migration. By analyzing these two figures, the paper also contributes to a better understanding of the competing moral orders underpinning criminal and social justice claims in the field of solidarity toward migrants. On the one hand, the figure of the activist associated with smuggler is part of a criminal justice narrative depicting migration as a threat to political, social, and economic stability. On the other hand, the criminalized hero figure includes a counter-narrative to this moral order based on the defense of a social justice frame of solidarity and the protection of human rights. Within the pro-migrant activist’s scene, the criminalized hero and its social justice frame are criticized for reproducing racist and post-colonial practices of humanitarianism.

Truculent Post Analysis for Hindi Text

INTRODUCTION: With the rise of social media platforms, the prevalence of truculent posts has become a major concern. These posts, which exhibit anger, aggression, or rudeness, not only foster a hostile environment but also have the potential to stir up harm and violence.
 OBJECTIVES: It is essential to create efficient algorithms for detecting virulent posts so that they can recognise and delete such content from social media sites automatically. In order to improve accuracy and efficiency, this study evaluates the state-of-the-art in truculent post detection techniques and suggests a unique method that combines deep learning and natural language processing. The major goal of the proposed methodology is to successfully regulate hostile social media posts by keeping an eye on them.
 METHODS: In order to effectively identify the class labels and create a deep-learning method, we concentrated on comprehending the negation words, sarcasm, and irony using the LSTM model. We used multilingual BERT to produce precise word embedding and deliver semantic data. The phrases were also thoroughly tokenized, taking into consideration the Hindi language, thanks to the assistance of the Indic NLP library.
 RESULTS: The F1 scores for the various classes are given in the "Proposed approach” as follows: 84.22 for non-hostile, 49.26 for hostile, 68.69 for hatred, 49.81 for fake, and 39.92 for offensive
 CONCLUSION: We focused on understanding the negation words, sarcasm and irony using the LSTM model, to classify the class labels accurately and build a deep-learning strategy.

Access Denied: A qualitative Study on transgender health policy in Egypt

For this paper, I conducted an interdisciplinary qualitative study to investigate transgender experiences accessing gender-affirming healthcare (GAH) in Egypt. I outline how the current health policy on GAH was developed and its negative impact, celebrating the resilience of transgender people in navigating the hostile anti-transgender environment, and conclude by offering some health policy recommendations to improve the GAH situation. Since 2003, Egypt has introduced an Islamic Sharia-influenced policy that banned accessing GAH for transgender people, placing professional and legal liability on healthcare providers. The policy created an anti-transgender medical environment, forcing transgender people to rely on Do-It-Yourself GAH or underground, risky, ill-equipped, and overpriced medical facilities. Other non-medical factors also impacted transgender people's ability to access GAH: social stigma, family rejection, state persecution, and economic insecurity. Despite this multilayered anti-transgender environment, transgender people proved to be innovative and resilient, creating ways to overcome these challenges and continue to exist. Transgender people created communal spaces online to guide each other in navigating the challenges of accessing GAH and used various means to challenge bans on GAH.Egypt, Gender-Affirming Health Care, Islam, Policy, DIY, Transgender, Law.

Suzanne Berlioux, a pioneer in swimming training (1930s–1960s)

ABSTRACT Suzanne Berlioux (1898–1984) is the epitome of a self-taught swimming coach. She managed to carve out an increasingly remarkable place for herself at the edge of the pools, which was populated almost exclusively by male coaches. Her coaching career began in the late 1920s and lasted until 1972. Her exceptional longevity is, without doubt, owing to her different successes with different French female swimmers, almost all of them backstroke specialists. Because of her pragmatism, common sense, and proximity to her pupils, Suzanne Berlioux acquired a reputation and even notoriety, which translated to media recognition during the 1960s, especially after the successes of Christine Caron, her well-known protégé. But this should not let us forget how many difficulties this coach had to overcome to exist in a masculine and sometimes hostile environment.

The convergence approach may be critical to improving early situational awareness in hostile radioactive environments

This study explores the impact of a simulated radiological dispersal device (RDD) event in an urban area on young adults around 20 years old. The RDD releases radioactive Cs-137 (7.0E+3 Ci), a common industrial sterilization source. The study aims to demonstrate that combining computational codes and epidemiological models can produce valuable data to guide initial actions when confronting a hostile radioactive environment. The HotSpot Health Physics and RESRAD-RDD codes were used in the simulation to evaluate the event's initial phase. The codes were executed together, and the HotSpot output data was input into RESRAD-RDD. Based on simulated radiation dose levels, estimated doses were incorporated into radioepidemiological models proposed by the Committee on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR V or VII report). Despite limitations, data transfer between the models revealed no discontinuities or antagonisms. Radiation doses were simulated under three exposure conditions and two atmospheric release modes (day or night), suggesting that atmospheric conditions, sex, and exposure routine can strongly influence the perception of radiation impacts. This combination of methods can increase situational awareness and help with decision-making and developing coping strategies.

The History of Rugby in Spain: Part 2. From 1924 to the Second Republic

Following the establishment of rugby in Catalonia at the beginning of the 1920s, it was also introduced in the “Central region”. This coincided with the dictatorship period of Miguel Primo de Rivera, a time when the first federation matches between Barcelona and Madrid were taking place. There were underlying personal interests at the heart of the question but also conditioning political factors. The objective is to continue to provide information about the development of Spanish rugby, but taking into account the social and political setting of that time in history. This is made possible through an exploration of the historical sports and news press but also a review of other studies that are pertinent to the contextualisation. It is concluded that during the dictatorship Spanish rugby found itself in a difficult centralised and repressive political context, which produced a hostile environment for any manifestation of Catalan sporting nationalism. While the hegemony of Catalan rugby was never in question, by the 1930s the sport had also become firmly rooted in university settings in the Spanish capital.

The emergence and importance of DevSecOps: Integrating and reviewing security practices within the DevOps pipeline

The emergence of DevSecOps marks a significant paradigm shift in software development, focusing on integrating security practices seamlessly into the DevOps pipeline. This paper explores the evolution, principles, and importance of DevSecOps in contemporary software engineering. DevSecOps arises from the recognition that traditional security measures often lag behind the rapid pace of DevOps development cycles, leading to vulnerabilities and breaches. By integrating security early and continuously throughout the software development lifecycle, DevSecOps aims to proactively identify and mitigate risks without impeding the agility and speed of DevOps practices. This paper delves into the core principles of DevSecOps, emphasizing automation, collaboration, and cultural transformation. Automation streamlines security processes, enabling the automated testing and validation of code for vulnerabilities. Collaboration fosters communication and shared responsibility among developers, operations, and security teams, breaking down silos and promoting a collective approach to security. Cultural transformation involves cultivating a security-first mindset across the organization, where security is not an afterthought but an inherent part of the development process. The importance of DevSecOps cannot be overstated in today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are omnipresent and the cost of security breaches is staggering. By integrating security into every stage of the DevOps pipeline, organizations can enhance their resilience to cyber attacks, comply with regulatory requirements, and build trust with customers. DevSecOps represents a holistic approach to software development that prioritizes security without compromising speed or innovation. Embracing DevSecOps principles is imperative for organizations seeking to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and hostile digital environment.

Triterpene Glycosides from the Viscera of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus with Embryotoxicity.

Sea cucumbers release chemical repellents from their guts when they are in danger from predators or a hostile environment. To investigate the chemical structure of the repellent, we collected and chemically analyzed the viscera of stressed sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) in the Yellow Sea of China. Two undescribed triterpene glycosides (1 and 2), together with a known cladoloside A (3), were identified and elucidated as 3β-O-{2-O-[β-d-quinovopyranosyl]-4-O-[3-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-β-d-xylopyranosyl}-holosta-9(11),25(26)-dien-16-one (1), 3β-O-{2-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]-4-O-[3-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-β-d-xylopyranosyl}-holosta-9(11),25(26)-dien-16-one (2), 3β-O-{2-O-[3-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-quinovopyranosyl]-β-d-xylopyranosyl}-holosta-9(11),25(26)-dien-16-one (3) by spectroscopic analysis, including HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 display embryonic toxicity, as indicated by their 96-hour post-fertilization lethal concentration (96 hpf-LC50) values of 0.289, 0.536, and 0.091 μM, respectively. Our study discovered a class of triterpene glycoside compounds consisting of an oligosaccharide with four sugar units and a holostane aglycone. These compounds possess embryotoxicity and may serve as chemical defense molecules in marine benthic ecosystems.

Bacillus subtilis remains translationally active after CRISPRi-mediated replication initiation arrest.

Initiation of bacterial DNA replication takes place at the origin of replication (oriC), a region characterized by the presence of multiple DnaA boxes that serve as the binding sites for the master initiator protein DnaA. This process is tightly controlled by modulation of the availability or activity of DnaA and oriC during development or stress conditions. Here, we aimed to uncover the physiological and molecular consequences of stopping replication in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. We successfully arrested replication in B. subtilis by employing a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) approach to specifically target the key DnaA boxes 6 and 7, preventing DnaA binding to oriC. In this way, other functions of DnaA, such as a transcriptional regulator, were not significantly affected. When replication initiation was halted by this specific artificial and early blockage, we observed that non-replicating cells continued translation and cell growth, and the initial replication arrest did not induce global stress conditions such as the SOS response.IMPORTANCEAlthough bacteria constantly replicate under laboratory conditions, natural environments expose them to various stresses such as lack of nutrients, high salinity, and pH changes, which can trigger non-replicating states. These states can enable bacteria to (i) become tolerant to antibiotics (persisters), (ii) remain inactive in specific niches for an extended period (dormancy), and (iii) adjust to hostile environments. Non-replicating states have also been studied because of the possibility of repurposing energy for the production of additional metabolites or proteins. Using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) targeting bacterial replication initiation sequences, we were able to successfully control replication initiation in Bacillus subtilis. This precise approach makes it possible to study non-replicating phenotypes, contributing to a better understanding of bacterial adaptive strategies.

ANGLO-RUSSIAN RAPPROCHEMENT (1728-1731)

“Russia was a growing power in 18th century thanks to efforts of Peter the Great. In his time Russia, started to play important role in European politics and started to involve in European affairs. However rise of the Russia, was detrimental to Britain who construct her foreign policy upon five main pillars. In early 1720’s Russia was threatening every pillar of the British foreign policy. Thereby two powers came to brink of war. Conclusions of the Treaties of Vienna and Hannover, served only to increase the polarisation. Yet after the death of George I’s- first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, conjecture started to change. Europe entered a “détente” period and Russia’s enmity towards to Great Britain started to vanish. Tensions were easing and Russia started to abandon her expansionist policies. British government was aware of potential of Russia and therefore sent two representatives to Russia: Claudius Rondeau and Thomas Ward. Main aim of these representatives was to protect the rights of the British merchant and observe the moves of the Russian government. Their arrival represents a new epoch in Anglo-Russian relations: A period of rapprochement. British pair, who found themselves in a hostile environment, without an official character, worked three years under difficult conditions, and finally they managed to restore the old friendship between two powers. Their works would pave way for future close cooperation, which would endure until the end of 18th century. This paper will first explain the reasons of the estrangement between Great Britain and Russia. Then, activities of Claudius Rondeau and Thomas Ward, which would be ended with the completion of rapprochement, will be examined. Finally reasons that why did the British government decided to restore her relations with Russia will be investigated.

Analysis of the influence of backflow on the internal flow characteristics of the hydrogen circulating pump in fuel cell vehicle

Facing an increasingly hostile ecological environment, the imperative for advancing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has become more pronounced. This paper establishes a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of a Roots-type hydrogen circulating pump by utilizing the generalized type line equation of the Roots rotor. Delving deep into the intricate interplay of backflow phenomena on the internal flow dynamics and operational efficiency of the Roots-type hydrogen circulation pump across various scenarios. The results reveal that mass flow rate and velocity vary continuously and with the same pulsation frequency as rotation angle or time during a complete rotation cycle. As the rotational speed increases, the number of backflow occurrences decreases, the frequency of backflow currents in the rotor basin decreases, and the temperature rise in both the suction and exhaust chambers decreases. It becomes evident that the rotational speed wields a more profound influence on the Roots pump's performance than temperature: the volumetric and isentropic efficiencies of the Roots-type hydrogen circulating pump decrease by 3.5% and 4.6%, respectively, with increasing temperature, while the volumetric and isentropic efficiencies of the pump increase by 32.6% and 24.0%, respectively, with increasing rotational speed.

Embracing diversity: Exploring attitudes and beliefs toward transgender and gender-diverse people in the LGBTQIA + communities

Introduction LGBTQIA + communities can be considered collectivist communities, transcending geographical limitations and characterized by shared values, traits, and experiences. Community resources play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of stress and fostering positive health outcomes from exposure to hostile environments. However, not all members of LGBTQIA + communities have equal access to these resources, particularly transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Method The present study explores the mechanism of discrimination and inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse minorities in a population of 1,486 gender and sexual minoritized individuals residing in Italy. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire regarding sociodemographics and identitarian factors and their levels of psychological sense of community, social justice, binary genderism and transphobia, and gender and sex diversity beliefs. Results Being younger, trans or gender-diverse, being a LGBTQIA + activist, and experiencing multiple systems of oppression proved to be related to stronger bonds with LGBTQIA + communities, higher levels of social justice, less rejective and discriminating attitudes, and stronger inclusive beliefs toward gender minoritiezed groups. Moreover, the mediation models highlighted the positive direct influence of psychological sense of community on promoting inclusive attitudes and beliefs and its indirect positive effect through social justice. Discussion The study reflects on the pivotal role of psychological sense of community and social justice as building blocks of inclusive attitudes toward transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

A Hybrid Approach That May Facilitate the Repair of Traumatic Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysms.

Traumatic popliteal pseudoaneurysms may occur in accidents or as an iatrogenic complication of a total knee arthroplasty. Complications often arise in open repair because of distorted anatomy. Up to 22% of the patients may suffer above-knee amputation. Endovascular treatment has proven to be an effective solution. However, the long-term performance of stents at the hinge point of the popliteal artery is questionable. We present a hybrid technique that was used successfully in 2 cases. Our approach takes advantage of both open and endovascular techniques. At first, we apply a stent graft at the side of the injury to cover the arterial trauma and stop blood leakage to the aneurysm sac. This allows for a safer dissection and open repair. We clamp the artery proximally and distally, open the sac, extract the stent graft, and extend to a longitudinal arteriotomy. We then reconstruct the entire area with a standard in lay end-to-end anastomosis using a vein graft. This hybrid technique may reduce the risk of uncontrollable bleeding and allow for a safer nerve decompression. Repair of such injuries is technically demanding. A hybrid approach may reduce the risk of complications and offer excellent long-term outcomes. The hybrid approach to the treatment of traumatic popliteal pseudoaneurysms combines the advantages of both open and endovascular approaches. It may be possible to make an acute operation just as safe as an elective operation by implementing the proposed strategy. The procedure can be performed by surgeons of all levels, and patients may benefit from a safer surgical dissection with fewer complications and blood loss. This smart combination of standard techniques may prove invaluable in a hostile surgical environment where limb loss is likely.

Displacing power for displaced people: The inaccessibility of maternity care for undocumented migrant women in the UK’s hostile environment.

Displacing power for displaced people: The inaccessibility of maternity care for undocumented migrant women in the UK’s hostile environment.

Caring and building friendships in the UK’s asylum system

To care and feel cared for are considered fundamental to what makes us human, and what enables us to live and thrive in this world. Yet for the UK’s asylum-seeking population who is living with uncertainties for the future, care appears absent. In such contexts, it is imperative to understand how care is enacted, experienced, and valued amongst spaces and people often considered to be care-less. Drawing on data collected in four collaborative photographic workshops and photo elicitation interviews with asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs) (N: 7), this study aims to gain insight into how ASRs in the UK care and feel cared for and their relative ability to forge friendships during their migration journey. We show how their relationship to caregiving and care-receiving changes over time and is deeply influenced by asylum policies and the refugee experience more generally. Responding to feminist scholars’ calls to disrupt the normative assumptions about how and between whom care is exchanged, this article highlights the diversity of friendships forged while on the move and seeking asylum as well as the caring practices emerging in situations of precarity, the pervasive impacts of the hostile environment on disrupting and distorting such caring relationships, and cautious but agentic and caring ways that ASRs seek to navigate the ambiguities of friendships in hostility. In doing so, the article provides an important counter-narrative to the dominant portrayal of ASRs as passive recipients of care, by highlighting how their way to approach care and friendship varies across time and circumstances.