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Open Issues in Non-Gaussian Transport and Acceleration of Charged Energetic Particles in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas
Get PDFThis review explores the anomalous transport and acceleration of charged energetic particles in heliospheric and astrophysical plasmas. Traditional diffusion-advection models can be insufficient to fully describe the observed behavior of energetic particles, prompting the need for alternative frameworks based on non-Gaussian stochastic processes and fractional differential equations to capture regimes of subdiffusion and superdiffusion of energetic particles. We discuss the theoretical basis of these non-Gaussian transport processes and examine the influence of magnetic turbulence, nonlinear diffusion, and field line random walk on particle dynamics. Superdiffusion, where the particle mean-square displacement grows faster than linear with time, and subdiffusion, with slower-than-linear growth, are observed across a range of environments from solar energetic particles to supernova remnants. This review highlights several examples from space and astrophysical plasmas that demonstrate instances of anomalous transport and acceleration, with a particular focus on its potential influence on fundamental processes such as shock acceleration and heliospheric energetic particle propagation. Long-range correlations and structures in space plasmas can impact both parallel and perpendicular transport. In the context of interplanetary shocks in the solar wind, parallel superdiffusion predominates due to a distinct pitch-angle scattering process not accounted for by quasi-linear theory, emphasizing the significance of nonlinear interactions and trapping effects. At quasi-parallel shocks in supernova remnants, parallel superdiffusion can also occur, leading to different acceleration spectra. In contrast to this superdiffusion along the magnetic field, field line random walk in combination with parallel particle diffusion can result in compound subdiffusion perpendicular to it. The review concludes with open questions and future directions for research that could deepen our understanding of particle transport in the turbulent environments of space and astrophysical plasmas
SABA: Scale-adaptive Attention and Boundary Aware Network for real-time semantic segmentation
No full textBalancing accuracy and speed is crucial for semantic segmentation in autonomous driving. While various mechanisms have been explored to enhance segmentation accuracy in lightweight deep learning networks, adding more mechanisms does not always lead to better performance and often significantly increases processing time. This paper investigates a more effective and efficient integration of three key mechanisms—context, attention, and boundary—to improve real-time semantic segmentation of road scene images. Based on an analysis of recent fully convolutional encoder–decoder networks, we propose a novel Scale-adaptive Attention and Boundary Aware (SABA) segmentation network. SABA enhances context through a new pyramid structure with multi-scale residual learning, refines attention via scale-adaptive spatial relationships, and improves boundary delineation using progressive refinement with a dedicated loss function and learnable weights. Evaluations on the Cityscapes benchmark show that SABA outperforms current real-time semantic segmentation networks, achieving a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of up to 76.7% and improving accuracy for 17 out of 19 object classes. Moreover, it achieves this accuracy at an inference speed of up to 83.4 frames per second, significantly exceeding real-time video frame rates. The code is available at https://github.com/liuchunyan66/SABA
Trauma-informed assessment and intervention with Indigenous youth: Exploring the impact of colonisation, culture, and adverse childhood experiences on behaviour
Get PDFThe aim of this PhD was to clarify the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and youth externalising behaviour with consideration for cultural differences, and to propose a conceptual framework for trauma-informed supports. A connection between ACEs and youth behaviour has been consistently observed (e.g., Basto-Pereira et al., 2016; Fox et al., 2015; Tsang, 2018). In North America, colonial impacts have increased the risk of ACEs for Indigenous youth (Burnette & Renner, 2017; Gone, 2013; 2023; Serin et al., 2011), who are also overrepresented within the juvenile justice system (StatsCan, 2023). Traditional developmental models of behaviour and delinquency lack a defined role for historical trauma (e.g., Farrington, 2003; Agnew, 2001; Hirschi, 1969), and most interventions inadequately account for cultural differences (Kumpfer & Alvarado, 2003; Thomas et al., 2019).
The research commenced with two systematic reviews. The focus of the first was whether certain ACEs, some of which cultural minority youth may be more likely to be exposed to, were more strongly associated with particular externalising outcomes. The second examined trauma-informed group behavioural interventions, aiming to identify common and effective practices. Three themes were identified in the first systematic review: 1) a consistent association between ACEs and externalising behaviour, 2) disciplines differ in methodology and terminology, and 3) a lack of generalisability. Four themes were discussed in the second systematic review: 1) Externalising behaviour as a poorly defined construct, 2) effective approaches to address externalising behaviours in trauma-affected youth vary, 3) a lack of reference to trauma theory, and 4) limitations to cultural inclusivity. Minimal inclusion of Indigenous participants and consideration for cultural differences were noted across all reviewed studies.
Next, a Delphi was conducted to survey practices in trauma-informed behavioural intervention with culturally diverse youth. Researchers and clinicians (n = 10) with experience addressing externalising behaviour in these populations were surveyed over three rounds regarding best practices across several topic areas. Consensus was reached on essential components of intervention, approaches to expanding cultural understanding and accounting for differences, and barriers to services. Theories consulted to inform practice differed. Overall results suggested common understandings and strategies when working inter-culturally, but little reference to non-Western theories and models.
Study two was designed to address the absence of Indigenous and non-Western perspectives by explicitly seeking input from First Nations people. There were two components: a review of psychoeducational reports and interviews with First Nations and non-Indigenous educators, with most data being collected from on-reserve communities in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The reports evidenced the shortcomings of formalised assessment practices in capturing the experiences of First Nations youth (e.g., Dauphinais et al., 2018; Johnson, 1992). Findings from the interviews were examined using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2019) with reference to Indigenous methodology (Kovach, 2020). Overall, First Nations and non-Indigenous perspectives differed regarding challenges in behavioural and mental health impacting youth as well as effective approaches to treatment. First Nations participants emphasised more holistic challenges (e.g., related to family and community) and the value of land-based, hands-on activities as treatment. Non-Indigenous contributors spoke more often to students’ individual needs and experiences, emphasising formal mental health services. Responses aligned with previously observed differences in worldview (e.g., Kirmayer, 2007; Linklater, 2017).
The third study was designed to examine the relationship between treatment preferences and individualist and collectivist attitudes (Triandis & Gelfand, 1998). American and Canadian participants (n = 405) from five ethnic groups (i.e., Asian; Black; First Nations, Inuit, Metis, or Indigenous (FNIMI); White; and “I describe my ethnicity in another way” [IDAW]) were recruited using Prolific. Participants rated the helpfulness of and categorised (e.g., engagement vs. diversion) a selection of activities identified previously as useful to address trauma and behavioural symptoms. ACEs, intergenerational trauma, and treatment experience were also queried. Women, FNIMI, and IDAW participants reported significantly more ACEs. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) indicated five classes: 1) Polyvictimised racialised women, 2) Emotional and observational adversities in racialised groups, 3) Non-racialised polyvictimisation, 4) Racialised low-adversity, and 5) Non-racialised low-adversity. Activity helpfulness ratings were somewhat associated with individualist or collectivist beliefs, with collectivism predicting higher helpfulness ratings for community events, cultural activities, or religious ceremonies.
The programme of research culminated in the Framework for Relational and Reflexive Assessment and Intervention for Trauma (FRRAIT). It encourages practitioners and researchers to 1) practice reflexivity, 2) query differences in worldview, 3) prioritise relationship building, 4) consider alternatives to Western assessment and healing approaches, and 5) account for the impact of historical trauma.
Finally, limitations and avenues for future exploration were outlined. Concerns including representativeness of sampling and recruitment strategies and the cultural relevance of the applied methodology are highlighted. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to continue challenging Western-centric epistemology and methodology alongside opposing the clinical and political status quo that restricts engagement with Indigenous ways of knowing and healing
Cross-Border Remittances and Mobility in North Korea
Get PDFNon-governmental organisations have developed a repertoire of information campaigns to expand information dissemination in North Korea through pamphlets, radio broadcasts, and outside media. The main purpose of the information campaigns by NGOs has been to educate North Koreans about universal rights and the outside world, but they have had the unintended effect of driving outflows of people seeking the opportunities and freedom other countries offer. Simultaneously, the transnational networks crossing the borders to assist North Koreans in escape and bring items, messages, and money into the country have solidified and entangled themselves with the border economy. Academic research has focused on the non-personal information flows into the country and the financial remittance impact on the local economy and border-crossing, overlooking how social remittances can shape mobility. With this in mind, this thesis aims to examine the role of financial and social remittances in North Korean migration, stemming from the understanding that migration is a two-step process in which individuals first want to migrate to accomplish or attaint something and then they migrate using their capabilities. In doing so, this study has addressed the following research questions: do financial and social remittances prompt aspirations to leave North Korea?; and is mobility enabled through social remittances? This research has taken a qualitative case study approach including in-depth semi-structured interviews with North Koreans, and scholars and individuals working on North Korea or with North Koreans, a qualitative survey, and review of published materials. It has used the Aspiration and Ability model to trace the influence of remittances in each migration step. The findings of this research show that financial remittances act both as mobility deterrents and enablers as they provide enough capital to potentially cover migration fees. At the same time, however, receivers live more comfortably or become entrepreneurs in North Korea. Social remittances are mobility drivers as they carry trustworthy information about life outside, disseminate know-how about how to escape, and share crucial information about the broker networks to contact. The study argues financial remittances have the dual effect of enabling migration while simultaneously giving economic comfort to the receivers. Social remittances are crucial in the migration process and make the journey safer for receivers. Remittance-receiving through communication with trustworthy individuals along with financial inflows are key contributors to successful voluntary mobility out of North Korea
AN EXPLORATION OF THE VERTICAL GROUND REACTION FORCES ON DIFFERENT STEPS DURING STAIR ASCENT AND DESCENT IN HEALTHY ADULTS
No full textSa2096: TOWARDS A DEFINITION OF REFRACTORY/ THERAPY-RESISTANT/INTRACTABLE CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL, QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED, ONLINE SURVEY
No full textIntroduction
No full textNo other word may describe South Korean society more aptly than the word dynamic. South Korea’s unique trajectory of modernization, often referred to as compressed modernity, presents fertile ground for scholarly inquiry. This volume, Changing Cultural Landscapes of South Korea, offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic nature of South Korea, around five key themes: Media, Race and Ethnicity, Tradition, Religion, and Social Movements
Health coaching for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A commentary on a systematic review.
Get PDFChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. The symptomatic burden, including breathing difficulties and fatigue, has a profound impact on health-related quality of life and utilisation of health services. The role of health coaching is developing in the health and care system with a focus on improving patient outcomes through personalised goal setting and behaviour change. A systematic review by Long et al. (2019) explored the effectiveness of health coaching for people with COPD on health related, quality of life, mood, physical activity, self-care behaviour and hospital admissions. This commentary critically appraises a systematic review by Long et al. (2019) and considers the findings for COPD care, training and support available for health coaches, coaching psychology for developing research and practice, and the requirements for further research
