bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of impeller blade number on centrifugal pump performance under critical cavitation conditions
Authors: Sakran Hayder Kareem , Abdul Aziz Mohd Sharizal , Abdullah Mohd Zulkifly , Khor Chu Yee , Mohd Arif Zainol Mohd Remy Rozainy
Published: September 2024

The number of impeller blades is a significant geometric parameter that considerably impacts centrifugal pump performance. A transient numerical analysis of a centrifugal pump is conducted to examine the influence of the variable impeller blade number on pump performance under critical cavitation conditions. Six different impellers with 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11 blades are examined numerically at a rotational speed of 2900 r/min when other impeller parameters remain unchanged. Fields of interior flow and properties of centrifugal pumps are studied concerning static pressure, velocity magnitude, and vapor volume fraction using ANSYS Fluent to perform the numerical simulation. The results show that numerical analysis can accurately predict centrifugal pump internal flow. The current results match experimental and numerical data for the NPSH, with a 4.65% discrepancy. Blade numbers affect the flow field and pressure amplitude, especially at the outlet region. As blade numbers increase, pressure increases, and the impeller with 11-blade has the maximum pressure amplitude. The impeller with a seven-blade achieved its highest efficiency level, exhibiting a 0.48% improvement under non-cavitation conditions and a 1.4% improvement under critical cavitation conditions compared to the original model. Furthermore, the cavity size on an individual blade of a model with three-blade is more extensive compared to other models. In addition, the impeller with a nine-blade exhibits the lowest value of the vapor volume percentage. This research analyses the influence of different blade numbers on the performance of centrifugal pumps while operating under critical cavitation conditions. It aims to provide novel insights into the flow characteristics associated with such circumstances.
Vibrational analysis of polyurethane-sandwiched bridge decks with variable skew angles
Authors: Anand Ashwin , Singh Deepak Kumar , Agarwal Preeti
Published: September 2024

Bridge decks are the surface of bridges that carry the weight of the vehicles and pedestrians crossing over them. The design of bridge decks varies depending on the span, traffic volume, and material availability. But nowadays, the need for a sustainable approach is required. So, use of a sustainable material for construction and retrofitting purposes is the need of the hour. In the present study, a novel synthetic material polyurethane has been used in bridges. The study deals with the variation in skew angles to determine the response of the bridge deck. The response of natural frequencies on the bridge deck due to the variation in skewness and thickness of steel are analysed under simply supported and clamped boundary conditions. Further, the bridge deck is sandwiched using steel and polyurethane having different thicknesses, and the responses are recorded. Afterwards, a bridge deck is modelled using polyurethane as a special case, to pursue sustainability and justify the RRR (reduce, reuse, and recycle) concept of waste management. A comparative study is also performed between the isotropic steel deck and sandwiched deck by varying the skewness. The skew angle is varied from 0° to 60° with a difference of 10°, i.e., 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°. The frequencies of the isotropic steel and sandwiched decks are increasing when the skewness is increased. Also, the decks may be modelled in a way to enhances the vibration behaviour by sandwiching the existing steel decks. The free vibration frequencies of the sandwiched decks are comparable to the steel deck of similar thickness, which shows the use of polyurethane as the core material does not affect the vibrational characteristics of the deck, while at the same time reducing the cost significantly. The research lays the groundwork for the creation of engineering recommendations that practitioners can use.
Propagation characteristics of show sea seismic wave in different underwater media
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Li Jie , Chen Xiaoming , Guo Cean , Zhang Jian , Zhao Shuang
Published: September 2024

The propagation characteristics of sea seismic wave (SSSW) in different underwater media are different. This study mainly focuses on the propagation characteristics of SSSW in different underwater media to improve the detection ability of SSSW mines. The propagation of SSSW in different underwater media, including clay, sandy clay, sandstone, mudstone, hard stone, and dolomite, is simulated using the staggered grid finite difference method. The dispersive energy maps of different underwater media are extracted using the f-k dispersive energy extraction method. Compared with the results of Scholte wave dispersion characteristic equations, the simulation results are consistent with the theoretical results. At the same time, the attenuation law of the SSSW train is obtained. The results provide a theoretical basis for developing SSSW mine fuses.
Average treatment effect on the treated, under lack of positivity
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Huiyue , Zhou Yunji , Matsouaka Roland A
Published: September 2024

The use of propensity score methods has become ubiquitous in causal inference. At the heart of these methods is the positivity assumption. Violation of the positivity assumption leads to the presence of extreme propensity score weights when estimating average causal effects, which affects statistical inference. To circumvent this issue, trimming or truncating methods have been widely used. Unfortunately, these methods require that we pre-specify a threshold. There are a number of alternative methods to deal with the lack of positivity when we estimate the average treatment effect (ATE). However, no other methods exist beyond trimming and truncation to deal with the same issue when the goal is to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT). In this article, we propose a propensity score weight-based alternative for the ATT, called overlap weighted average treatment effect on the treated. The appeal of our proposed method lies in its ability to obtain similar or even better results than trimming and truncation while relaxing the constraint to choose an a priori threshold (or related measures). The performance of the proposed method is illustrated via a series of Monte Carlo simulations and a data analysis on racial disparities in health care expenditures.
Identifying Development Priority Areas Using Index of Dissatisfaction: A Case Study of a Coastal Town in the Philippines
Authors: Fernandez Elaine Grace , Fernandez-Abila Cheryl Joy , Subade Rodelio
Published: September 2024

In local planning practice, subjective well-being (SWB) approaches continue to gain traction. For the past two decades, researchers have devised tools that generate action or priority lists, such as by asking self-reported life satisfaction or satisfaction levels across aspects of their lives (e.g., health, finances). These listings are especially beneficial for rural areas where local income and other resources are inadequate and misdirected. This article examines residents’ perceptions of a rural coastal community in the Philippines on various personal and related factors affecting their well-being. A comprehensive collection of quantitative tools (e.g., principal component analysis, seemingly unrelated regression, and Index of Dissatisfaction (IDS) scores) were used to identify priority development areas and to understand the factors influencing such decisions. The research process, which was both comprehensive and inclusive, took into account various locations, ages, levels of formal education, household sizes and employment characteristics, which have distinct choices. This broad scope of the research ensures that the voices and needs of all residents are heard and considered, promoting a sense of fairness and equity in the planning process and making the audience feel more informed and involved in the process of regional development.
Effect of Age and Gender on Nasalance Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , Ching Emily See-Man , She Joanna Hoi-Man , Yu Wilson Shing , Lau Kendy , Tong Michael Chi-Fai , Lee Kathy Yuet-Sheung
Published: September 2024

The Nasometer® is a widely used clinical and research tool with diagnosis and outcome measurement utility. The objective of this study was to systematically examine the effect of age and gender on nasalance across the lifespan.

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020).

University.

Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Covidence Better Systematic Review Management; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Methodology (SIGN) Checklist 3 for risk of bias; Levels of evidence, Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence hierarchy; and effect size calculations using G*Power 3.

Nasalance (%) from the Nasometer™.

50 studies (from N = 1884) were included in the review. All were Level 3 (non-randomized controlled cohort) observational-analytic type studies. Only 10 (20%) of studies met a High Quality (low risk of bias) rating. Effect sizes were moderate for adults versus children ( d = 0.717) and adults versus adolescents ( d = 0.521) for oral text/passage. Gender differences were clinically significant for adolescent males and females with a moderate effect size ( d = 0.545) for oronasal text/passage.

The systematic review provides objective and defined evidence as to the effects of age and gender on nasalance. Separate normative databases are implicated for specific age subgroups across the lifespan and for gender, particularly in adolescence. Review findings are applicable to other clinical groups where acquisition and/or progression occurs in adulthood/older adulthood.
Fighting Misinformation on Social Media: An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of Prominence Reduction Policies
Authors: Mudambi Maya , Clark Jessica , Rhue Lauren , Viswanathan Siva
Published: September 2024

Misinformation has dire implications for both public welfare and the operational aims of user-generated content platforms. As a result, platforms have adopted various content moderation policies aimed at decreasing the volume and impact of misinformation. However, implementing new platform policies runs the risk of decreasing user contribution and alienating core users, and results regarding the efficacy of such policies are mixed. Herein, we empirically assess a prominence reduction policy applied to a problematic group that is high in misinformation. The goal of this policy is to reduce the visibility of misinformation on the platform (rather than deleting misinformation or banning users). The results show that while prominence reduction diminishes misinformation dissemination in the focal group, this method also results in a spillover of misinformation to topically related spaces. This spillover is short-lived and driven primarily by a small set of problematic users. As misinformation is not contagious, we find that this spillover to external groups diminishes over time. Finally, prominence reduction is found to have no impact on non-misinformation contribution on the studied platform. The findings of this study have important implications for platform operations and provide useful recommendations for managers regarding effective ways to reduce the spread of misinformation.
On the Valuation and Monetization Roles of the Rolling Intrinsic Policy for Merchant Commodity Storage
Authors: Secomandi Nicola
Published: September 2024

Merchants use the rolling intrinsic policy to value commodity storage assets and monetize the values they attribute to these assets. A recent study ascribes to informational inconsistency two discrepancies between its partial monetization findings and the known excellent valuation performance of this method: (i) the rolling intrinsic policy can perform worse than the intrinsic policy and (ii) it appears to be far from optimal. This paper contends that this claim generally confounds informational inconsistency and the risk adjustment that underpins the common no-arbitrage valuation of this policy. In particular, lack of risk adjustment in that investigation explains at least the first difference and informational inconsistency cannot be associated with the second dissimilarity in about [Formula: see text] of its instances. Furthermore, this work establishes that equipping the rolling intrinsic policy with forward trading rules out the former disparity, whereas the latter one in general can persist. Finally, it uses known results to argue that in realistic settings this extended policy incurs small monetization losses on average for storage assets acquired at a fair price and outlines alternative monetization methods with potentially improved effectiveness.
Career Insecurity Scale Short Form (CI-S): Construction and Validation
Authors: Cai Zijun , Ji Xiaotong , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2024

To facilitate research on career insecurity, we develop and validate an eight-item short form of the 32-item original scale across three studies, namely the CI-S. In all studies, CI-S consistently showed high internal reliabilities and correlations with the full scale. Specifically, Study 1 finishes the preliminary item selection and makes an initial validation. Study 2 demonstrates that CI-S has a comparable criterion-related validity with the full scale. Study 3 examines a moderated mediation model of the relationship between career insecurity and workplace deviance and shows that using CI-S or the full scale does not change the results. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that CI-S is a psychometrically satisfying and practically useful measure of career insecurity that can be used with confidence in research and practice.
Predicting Trust Dynamics With Personal Characteristics
Authors: Chung Hyesun , Yang X. Jessie
Published: September 2024

Previous research into trust dynamics in human-autonomy interaction has demonstrated that individuals exhibit specific patterns of trust when interacting repeatedly with automated systems. Moreover, people with different types of trust dynamics have been shown to differ across seven personal characteristic dimensions: masculinity, positive affect, extraversion, neuroticism, intellect, performance expectancy, and high expectations. In this study, we develop classification models aimed at predicting an individual’s trust dynamics type–categorized as Bayesian decision-maker, disbeliever, or oscillator–based on these key dimensions. We employed multiple classification algorithms including the random forest classifier, multinomial logistic regression, Support Vector Machine, XGBoost, and Naive Bayes, and conducted a comparative evaluation of their performance. The results indicate that personal characteristics can effectively predict the type of trust dynamics, achieving an accuracy rate of 73.1%, and a weighted average F1 score of 0.64. This study underscores the predictive power of personal traits in the context of human-autonomy interaction.
NEAT: Nurse Effort Assessment Tool—Human Factors Considerations in Designing for Appropriate Staffing
Authors: Good Scott , Boyce Michael W. , Evans Leigh V. , Sevilla Mark
Published: September 2024

This research has developed an algorithm to measure behavioral health acuity that relies predominantly on patient-level information from electronic health records (EHRs) but also has nurse-input-driven parameters contributing to the tool, known as the Nurse Effort Assessment Tool (NEAT). The overall objective is to create the NEAT to address the increasing acuity of behavioral patients by moving away from subjective patient assessment to using an automated algorithm that draws predominantly from the rich data in EHRs. Data from over 9,000 patient records provided statistically significant results that the subjective rating both correlates and serves as significant predictors for the NEAT score. Future research looks to expand the algorithm and validate it across multiple clinical sites.
Disabled Individuals’ Negative Perceptions of Mobile Health Applications: Design Guidance for HFE Practitioners
Authors: Scheer Eleanore Rae , Arora Jessica , Rogers Courtney C. , Wellbeloved-Stone Claire , Collins Mary , Valdez Rupa S.
Published: September 2024

Disabled individuals experience significant inequities in healthcare access, healthcare quality, social determinants of health, and health outcomes compared to non-disabled individuals. By including people with disabilities in the co-design of mobile health (MHealth) applications, we gain valuable insights to improve alignment between users’ needs and MHealth technologies. Through a secondary analysis of mixed-methods data, this paper investigates negative perceptions of disabled individuals regarding MHealth applications to inform MHealth application design guidance for human factors practitioners. Fifty participants with physical, cognitive, sensory, and/or mental health-related disabilities interacted with three MHealth applications during task analysis sessions, revealing concerns about data security, data privacy, and unnecessary patient work. Recommendations include clear articulation of security measures, clarifications that patient profiles are not publicly available, and simplified data entry processes. Implementing these recommendations may enhance the accessibility and usefulness of MHealth applications, promoting healthcare access for a broader range of individuals.
Boosting the Beat: A Critical Showdown of Levosimendan and Milrinone in Surgical and Non-Surgical Scenarios: A Narrative Review
Authors: Quintero-Altare Alejandro , Flórez-Navas Catalina , Robayo-Amortegui Henry , Rojas-Arrieta Maria , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Bastidas-Goyes Alirio , Martínez-Delgado Laura , Casallas-Barrera Julián Orlando , Poveda-Henao Claudia , Buitrago-Bernal Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Acute heart failure, advanced cardiac failure, cardiac surgery, and sepsis are conditions that require simultaneous treatment to stimulate contractility and/or reduce systemic vascular resistance, with levosimendan and milrinone being treatment options. This research's aim is to review the current indications and evidence for these medications across various scenarios. Evidence suggests that levosimendan is a non-inferior alternative to dobutamine and superior to milrinone in treating low cardiac output syndrome following cardiac surgery. In cases of septic shock, levosimendan has been linked to lower mortality rates compared to placebo, while milrinone's efficacy remains inconclusive. Furthermore, postoperative patients undergoing correction for congenital heart disease have shown reduced mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stays when treated with levosimendan, although differences exist between the populations assigned to each intervention. In conclusion, levosimendan, compared to milrinone, appears to offer better hemodynamic favorability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, additional research is necessary to further understand its impact on hemodynamic outcomes, mortality, intensive care unit, and hospital stays in patients with cardiogenic shock of both ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies, as well as septic shock.
Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level Enhances the Impact of Lipoprotein(a) on Platelet Reactivity in PCI Patients Treated with Clopidogrel
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Li Jiawen , Li Yulong , Yan Kailun , Zhu Pei , Tang Xiaofang , Yuan Deshan , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Yuan Jinqing , Zhao Xueyan
Published: September 2024

Background

Recently, the effect of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] on thrombogenesis has aroused great interest, while inflammation has been reported to modify the Lp(a)-associated risks through an unidentified mechanism.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the association between platelet reactivity with Lp(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in percutaneous intervention (PCI) patients treated with clopidogrel.

Methods

Data were collected from 10,724 consecutive PCI patients throughout the year 2013 in Fuwai Hospital. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) and low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) were defined as thrombelastography (TEG) maximum amplitude of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet (MAADP) > 47 mm and < 31 mm, respectively.

Results

6615 patients with TEG results were finally enrolled. The mean age was 58.24 ± 10.28 years and 5131 (77.6%) were male. Multivariable logistic regression showed that taking Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP < 2 mg/L as the reference, isolated Lp(a) elevation [Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP < 2 mg/L] was not significantly associated with HTPR ( P = 0.153) or LTPR ( P = 0.312). However, the joint elevation of Lp(a) and hs-CRP [Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP ≥ 2 mg/L] exhibited enhanced association with both HTPR (OR:1.976, 95% CI 1.677–2.329) and LTPR (OR:0.533, 95% CI 0.454–0.627).

Conclusions

The isolated elevation of Lp(a) level was not an independent indicator for platelet reactivity, yet the concomitant elevation of Lp(a) and hs-CRP levels was significantly associated with increased platelet reactivity. Whether intensified antiplatelet therapy or anti-inflammatory strategies could mitigate the risks in patients presenting combined Lp(a) and hs-CRP elevation requires future investigation.
An improved Takagi–Sugeon–Kang-based FxLMS algorithm and its active noise control in electric bus driving position
Authors: Zhang Enlai , Peng Zhilong , Chen Yi , Chen Qian , Zhuo Jianming
Published: September 2024

This paper proposed an improved filtered-x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm based on the fuzzy control rule of Takagi–Sugeon–Kang (TSK) to solve the drawback of slow convergence for standard FxLMS algorithm. The TSK-FxLMS is a control framework with two inputs and three outputs constructed by the error signal and its integral as input variables. To validate its effectiveness and applicability, in-vehicle active noise control (ANC) modelling and adaptive noise reduction at the driver’s position of an electric bus are thoroughly investigated. Firstly, the four noise signals for the different working conditions at 50 km/h, acceleration, coasting and braking are collected, and their spectral analyses are performed. Secondly, the effects of step size and fuzzy control parameters of ANC model on weight convergence and noise reduction effect are analysed and determined. Finally, the results of calculating and comparing the residual signals’ waveforms, frequency spectra, sound pressure levels and tracking performance indicate that the proposed TSK-FxLMS algorithm outperforms the standard FxLMS algorithm with faster convergence and better noise reduction effect.
Suppression of solar array vibration by torque compensation using a magnetorheological actuator: A hardware-in-the-loop test study
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Qu Xian
Published: September 2024

Sun-tracking-induced vibrations of a large flexible solar array are characterized by a wide frequency range and persistent disruptions, making them an important challenge for a high-precision spacecraft. This paper describes a hardware-in-the-loop test for a novel vibration suppression method that employs magnetorheological torque compensation. To provide the compensating torque, a test bench is built using a magnetorheological actuator (MRA). A comprehensive model is employed to quantitatively analyze suppressions in terms of solar array driving, solar array motion, and spacecraft disturbance. For comparison, the test is run in both open-loop and closed-loop modes. The results demonstrate that with closed-loop control, the maximum fluctuation of driving torque decreases by 50.90%. The sun tracking achieves a more stable speed. Moreover, disturbances produced by the vibration of the solar array are decreased by 59.84%. These findings suggest that using torque compensation with an MRA can successfully reduce the sun-tracking-induced vibration of a large flexible solar array while minimizing the impact on the spacecraft platform.
Community-Based Violence Intervention in the Aftermath of Homicide: Community Violence Prevention Specialists’ Proximity to and Perspectives on Community Safety and Healing
Authors: Lund Julia J. , Aubel Amanda J. , Ivey Asia S. , Buggs Shani A. L.
Published: September 2024

Communities impacted by homicide endure profound loss and trauma, yet the voices of those intimately acquainted with navigating its aftermath are often overlooked and undervalued. In this study, we center the perspectives of community violence prevention specialists (CVPS) to understand the role of community-based violence intervention (CVI) in the aftermath of homicide and identify essential needs for fostering holistic and sustainable safety and healing following homicide. Qualitative data collected from in-person, semi-structured focus groups and interviews between March 2022 and April 2023 with 45 CVPS in Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Sacramento were coded and thematically analyzed. We identified various intersecting ways in which CVPS have unique proximity to and perspective on homicide via personal histories and community relationships, crisis response, preventative peacemaking and community healing, understanding violence drivers, CVI implementation challenges, and policy advocacy. Their perspectives reveal nuanced insights into the dynamics of homicide and its prevention. CVI plays a critical role in the aftermath of homicide, and CVPS have invaluable expertise navigating its multi-tiered dynamics, positioning them as strategic responders to homicide and as experts in identifying community needs and solutions specific to violence recovery. Their voices, work, and wellbeing deserve investment and close attention.
Globus service enhancements for exascale applications and facilities
Authors: Zheng Weijian , Kordas Jack , Skluzacek Tyler J , Kettimuthu Raj , Foster Ian
Published: September 2024

Many extreme-scale applications require the movement of large quantities of data to, from, and among leadership computing facilities, as well as other scientific facilities and the home institutions of facility users. These applications, particularly when leadership computing facilities are involved, can touch upon edge cases (e.g., terabyte files) that had not been a focus of previous Globus optimization work, which had emphasized rather the movement of many smaller (megabyte to gigabyte) files. We report here on how automated client-driven chunking can be used to accelerate both the movement of large files and the integrity checking operations that have proven to be essential for large data transfers. We present detailed performance studies that provide insights into the benefits of these modifications in a range of file transfer scenarios.
From permissive to resistive tactics: How audience members engage with and make sense of datafied journalism
Authors: Ovaska Liisa
Published: September 2024

While audience data are pivotal to producing journalism, audiences’ perspectives on the issue have received relatively little attention. Addressing this gap, the paper examines audience members’ tactics for making sense of and engaging with the datafied journalism into which they contribute with their data. Empirically grounded in group interviews and instant-messaging group chats with 21 readers of prominent Finnish tabloid Iltalehti, the author identified four tactics, along a continuum from permissive to resistive: an audience member may 1) happily benefit from datafied journalism; 2) be resigned to it yet reflect critically on it; 3) act to prevent effects on personal news-consumption patterns, by curating the content; or 4) entirely restrain themselves from engaging with it. Awareness of these tactics, which help individuals cope with and navigate the datafied-journalism landscape, facilitates grasping the factors in audiences’ relations to datafied journalism and, thereby, understanding their consumption of news and their relationship with journalism.
An efficient dynamic reliability method for maglev vehicle-bridge systems and its application in random controller parameters analysis
Authors: Wang Lidong , Li Qingrong , Zhang Xun , Bu Xiumeng , Hu Peng , Han Yan
Published: September 2024

This article presents an efficient method for analyzing the dynamic reliability of maglev vehicle-bridge coupled systems by combining a theoretical model with an adaptive surrogate model and the probability density evolution method (PDEM). First, a refined theoretical model of a maglev vehicle-bridge coupling system is established. Next, an adaptive surrogate model of the equivalent extreme value of the system dynamic response is established by combining an adaptive sampling method with radial basis functions. Finally, the adaptive surrogate model and PDEM are combined to further improve the efficiency of the dynamic reliability analysis. In the numerical example, the theoretical model of the maglev vehicle-guideway system was first validated by comparing with the measured data from the Shanghai high-speed maglev line. Then, by treating the controller parameters as normally distributed random variables, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed reliability method were verified through comparison with the Monte Carlo method and the one-stage sampling surrogate model. Additionally, the impact of the randomness of each controller parameter and the coefficient of variation of the controller parameters on the system’s dynamic reliability was discussed.
Influence of fish-scale powder addition and stacking order on mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid kenaf/glass polyester composites
Authors: Mishra Chandrakanta , Mohapatra Deepak Kumar , Deo Chitta Ranjan , Tripathy Chetana
Published: September 2024

The increasing concern for the environment has driven a surge in popularity of utilizing modern technology to develop new products from renewable resources. To address this, polymer composites are incorporating various bio-waste materials as filler components. This study focuses on fabricating four-layered hybrid polyester laminates using kenaf (K), glass (G), and reinforced with fish scale (FS) powder at concentrations ranging from 5 wt.% to 15 wt.%. Mechanical properties are assessed following ASTM standards to evaluate the optimal FS filler percentage. The results reflect that the KGKG laminate with 15 wt. % FS exhibits utmost tensile strength and hardness, while the same laminate with 10 wt. % FS shows optimal flexural and impact properties. Further, numerical analysis is performed using ANSYS 19.0 software to validate the experimental findings. It is marked that, the results of numerical analysis are align intimately with the experimental data, with a deviation of 5 to 10%. Additionally, the moisture absorption behavior is investigated, and the results revealing that FS filler reduced moisture uptake and enhanced dimensional stability. Further, the study is extended to investigate the thermal attributes of laminates through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The fractured surface morphology are studied through Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) and the findings reveal significant occurrences of matrix cracking, fiber withdrawal, and the separation of fibers from the matrix. Overall, this study suggests the incorporation of FS bio-fillers into hybridized kenaf/glass laminates in order to improve performance and create environmentally friendly options that suitable for automotive applications.
Collaborative effects of fuel properties and EGR on the efficiency improvement and load boundary extension of a medium-duty engine
Authors: Zhao Xumin , Zhou Guangmeng , Wang Hu , Zhang Zhongjie , Zheng Zunqing , Yao Mingfa
Published: September 2024

EGR dilution combustion has problems such as weakened anti-knock capability at high load, slow combustion speed and poor combustion stability, which results in limitations in the thermal efficiency improvement and load boundary extension of medium-duty highly-downsized engines. It is necessary to combine EGR dilution and other measures to collaboratively control the in-cylinder thermodynamic state and combustion process. The experimental investigations in this study isolate the effect of the ethanol blending ratio in ethanol gasoline on the anti-knock performance, combustion performance and thermal efficiency, and verifies the potential of collaborative optimization of fuel properties and EGR in improving the thermal efficiency and extending the load boundary for a medium-duty highly-downsized engine. The results show that as the load increases, the improvement effect of increasing the blending ratio of ethanol in the anti-knock performance, combustion speed, and the turbine inlet temperature reduction will become more obvious. At high load, using E20 fuel can improve the EGR tolerance, advance the spark timing and CA50, and thus increase the BTE. As the speed decreases, the thermal efficiency improvement effect of E20 fuel gradually increases, and the improved load range extends. The collaborative optimization of E20 fuel and EGR can further extend the high thermal efficiency area of the engine. And the Max. achievable load is 0.11 MPa higher than that of E10, which effectively extends the upper load limit during the stoichiometric combustion.
Representational visuals of abstract financial concepts: A means to foster financial literacy
Authors: Malik Awais , Fürstenau Bärbel
Published: September 2024

Financial literacy is crucial for making sound financial decisions and living a better life. However, the field of finance is full of abstract concepts, such as inflation, liquidity, asset allocation and credit. Abstract concepts may be harder to comprehend than concrete concepts due to their lack of tangible referents in the physical world. In contrast, concrete concepts (e.g., car or house) have a palpable form and can be directly experienced through the senses. Against this background, the question arises of how instructional material can be designed in a way that helps people acquire knowledge about abstract financial concepts. Multimedia learning theories suggest complementing verbal information with visuals that represent the respective topic or concept. Since abstract financial concepts lack palpable, concrete forms, these representational visuals are not simply available but have to be developed. Based on grounded cognition theory, this article discusses three approaches, ‘situations’, ‘emotions’ and ‘metaphors’, which might be used to generate representational visuals of abstract financial concepts. This study aims to provide ideas and enhance our understanding of how grounded cognition theory can be utilized as a guideline to create representational visuals of abstract financial concepts and thus multimedia learning material, which in turn may support increasing people's financial literacy.
Multi-objective optimization design for anti-fatigue lightweight of dump truck carriage combined with machine learning
Authors: Lan Kejun , Yu Wenyan , Huang Chengjie , Zhou Yongjian , Li Zihang , Huang Wei
Published: September 2024

As urbanization continues to accelerate, dump trucks assume an increasingly important role in the transportation and construction of infrastructure. The carriage represents a critical structural assembly of dump trucks. One of the primary failure modes of the carriage is weld fatigue failure, which frequently gives rise to the problem of weld fatigue cracking during transportation. To increase the fatigue life of welds and enhance the degree of structural lightweight of a heavy dump truck carriage, a method for anti-fatigue lightweight design based on machine learning and multi-objective optimization is proposed. A high-fidelity finite element model of the carriage is established for static simulation analysis of the typical conditions. Based on the virtual reliability simulation test of the dump truck and the equivalent structural stress method, the fatigue life of the critical welds in the carriage is calculated. The important part thicknesses are selected as design variables through the comprehensive contribution analysis method. The maximum displacement and maximum stress under the dangerous condition are considered as constraints. The mass of the carriage and the minimum fatigue life of the critical welds are considered as optimization objectives. The GA-XGBoost machine learning approximation models (GA-XGBoost-MLAM) and NSGA-II algorithm are employed for multi-objective optimization design of the carriage. The entropy weighted TOPSIS method is utilized for multi-objective decision-making of Pareto solutions. The design after optimization and decision-making shows that, while satisfying the requirements of static structural performance, the minimum fatigue life mileage of the critical welds of the carriage is increased by 157,570 km, representing an increase of 36.58%. Additionally, the mass of the carriage is reduced by 295.69 kg, representing a decrease of 9.47%. Therefore, the proposed design method achieves a good effect in the anti-fatigue lightweight of dump truck carriage.
Joint modeling and dynamic analysis of the microenvironment and life support performance of extravehicular spacesuits
Authors: Sun Yuehang , Li Yun-Ze , Yuan Man
Published: September 2024

The ability to maintain the microenvironment and life-support systems of an extravehicular spacesuit is an important factor in determining the duration of extravehicular activity (EVA). This paper introduces a joint human-spacesuit microenvironment dynamic model. The paper presents novel simplified human body models and analyzes expendable substances. These models can reasonably predict spacesuit safety performance, correctly respond to changes in loads, and aid in the optimization of the intensity of EVAs. According to the simulations, an 8-h EVA consumes approximately 1 kg of LiOH and 2.7 kg of water under the designed working conditions. Liquid cooling systems are the primary thermal management devices in microenvironments. Activity intensity and liquid cooling system flow rate are two important factors that influence the spacesuit microenvironment and life support material consumption. Activity intensity has a significant impact on LiOH consumption, with a threefold increase in metabolic heat increases LiOH consumption by about 2.5 times. Activity intensity plays an important role in the life-support performance of a spacesuit, and proper scheduling is critical to the efficiency and safety of EVAs. The material consumption model can estimate material consumption during the mission scheduling phase, resulting in efficient and dependable operation of the life support system.
Risk factor analysis and nomogram development for predicting 28-day mortality in elderly ICU patients with sepsis and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Haopeng , Zu Yaru , Wang Qinghua , Zi Tong , Qin Xin , Zhao Yan , Jiang Wei , Wang Xin’an , Xu Chengdang , Chen Xi , Wu Gang
Published: September 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly contributes to sepsis, with patients suffering from both conditions exhibiting greater severity and higher mortality rates compared to those with sepsis alone. Elderly individuals in the intensive care unit (ICU) are particularly prone to these comorbidities. A nomogram prediction model was developed to accurately assess prognosis and guide treatment for elderly patients with sepsis and T2DM. Methods: Data from 1489 patients with sepsis and T2DM in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database were analyzed and categorized into 28-days survival ( n = 1156) and 28-days death groups ( n = 333). The dataset’s clinical characteristics were employed to create a nomogram predicting 28-days mortality in elderly ICU patients with sepsis and T2DM. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression identified candidate predictors, followed by a multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporating variables with p < .05 into the final model. A nomogram was then constructed using these significant risk predictors. The model’s discriminatory power was evaluated through a receiver operating curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, model performance was assessed using a calibration plot and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (HL test), and clinical utility was examined via decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Risk factors incorporated into the nomogram included age, ICU length of stay, mean blood pressure (MBP), metastatic solid tumor, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) score, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and vasopressor use. The predictive model demonstrated robust discrimination, with an AUC of 0.802 (95% CI 0.768–0.835) in the training dataset and 0.753 (95% CI 0.697–0.809) in the validation set. Calibration was confirmed with the HL test ( p > .05), and DCA indicated clinical usefulness. Conclusion: This new nomogram serves as a practical tool for predicting 28-days mortality among elderly ICU patients with sepsis and T2DM. Optimizing treatment strategies based on this model could enhance 28-days survival rates for these patients.
How differentiated can a new tablet-based reading screening measure the reading proficiency of students with intellectual disabilities? Comparing the impact of disability, disability type and grade level on reading skills
Authors: Ebenbeck Nikola , Zentel Peter , Gebhardt Markus
Published: September 2024

All people have the right to learn reading. Understanding the factors influencing reading proficiency among students with intellectual disabilities is important for developing effective instructions. To accurately assess reading, suitable assessments that can effectively differentiate between low performance levels are necessary. We analyse results of 400 students (43 students with intellectual disabilities) in a digital reading screening and investigate the influence of disability severity, grade level and special educational needs status on the reading abilities of students with intellectual disabilities. The results indicate that the screening is suitable for assessing students with intellectual disabilities. A newly developed digital screening test for flash reading measures reliably. All presumed factors significantly impact the reading proficiency. However, substantial overlap exists between students with intellectual disabilities and those with other special needs. The necessity for structured reading interventions, irrespective of the disability label, and the importance of appropriate assessments for all students are discussed.
The effects of mindfulness-based techniques on self-rumination, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression among patients with major depression: a nursing perspective
Authors: Atta Mohamed Hussein Ramadan , El-Ashry Ayman Mohamed , Abd El-Gawad Mousa Marwa
Published: September 2024

Background:

Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) often struggle with adaptive strategies like self-reflection and cognitive reappraisal, relying instead on maladaptive ones like self-rumination and emotional suppression. Mindfulness-based techniques (MBTs) have been identified as a promising complementary psychological intervention for this population.

Aims:

To evaluate the effects of MBTs on mindful attention awareness, self-rumination, self-reflection, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in patients with MDD between patients who receive MBTs and those who do not.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental research was carried out at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics. A representative sample of 120 patients with MDD were randomly recruited to either a study group ( n = 60) or a control group ( n = 60). The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), The Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) and The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were utilised to collect data.

Results:

After participation in MBTs, the study group had significantly greater improvements in the mean scores of MAAS, RRQ, Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression compared to the control group ( p < 0.001 each).

Recommendations:

The study recommends developing and implementing training programmes for nurses to equip them with the skills and knowledge to effectively deliver MBTs as part of patient care. Conducting longitudinal studies is necessary to assess the sustainability of these improvements.
Selective IgG binding to the LPS glycolipid core found in bovine colostrum, or milk, during Escherichia coli mastitis influences endotoxin function
Authors: Hurst Suzanne M. , Flossdorf David A. L. , Koralagamage Don Raveen , Pernthaner Anton
Published: September 2024

The dynamic interplay between intramammary IgG, formation of antigen-IgG complexes and effector immune cell function is essential for immune homeostasis within the bovine mammary gland. We explore how changes in the recognition and binding of anti-LPS IgG to the glycolipid “functional” core in milk from healthy or clinically diagnosed Escherichia coli (E. coli) mastitis cows’ controls endotoxin function. In colostrum, we found a varied anti-LPS IgG repertoire and novel soluble LPS/IgG complexes with direct IgG binding to the LPS glycolipid core. These soluble complexes, absent in milk from healthy lactating cows, were evident in cows diagnosed with E. coli mastitis and correlated with endotoxin-driven inflammation. E. coli mastitis milk displayed a proportional reduction in anti-LPS glycolipid core IgG compared to colostrum. Milk IgG extracts showed that only colostrum IgG attenuated LPS induced endotoxin activity. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in milk granulocytes was only suppressed by colostrum IgG, while IgG extracts of neither colostrum nor E. coli mastitis milk influenced N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated ROS in LPS primed granulocytes. Our findings support bovine intramammary IgG diversity in health and in response to E. coli infection generate milk anti-LPS IgG repertoires that coordinate appropriate LPS innate-adaptive immune responses essential for animal health.
From Emotional Labour to Affectual Bodies: Moving Towards an ‘Affective Ethnography’ of the Criminal Court Space
Authors: Carline Anna , Gunby Clare , Munro Vanessa , Tinsley Yvette , Duncanson Kirsty , Flowe Heather
Published: September 2024

Participation in, and attendance at, court often positions people amid a charged emotional environment, where the evidence frequently involves distressing accounts and the stakes of decision-making are high. Research has explored the impact of this environment on various court protagonists. What this research has failed to consider in detail, however, are the ways in which such vectors of emotional reaction, containment and contagion interact and flow across the criminal court space: yielding affective environments in which emotion is not a commodity held (or denied) by one person, but a force that permeates and seeps into the spaces of justice. In this article, we set out the case for why such an understanding is necessary and instructive.