bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of clamping methods on the ballistic performance of 3D shallow straight-joint woven fabrics
Authors: Wei Qingsong , Chen Jiaxue , Yang Dan , Pan Zhongxiang
Published: March 2024

The interlaminar strength and designability of three-dimensional shallow straight-joint woven fabrics make them a promising material for personal protective armor. This study investigated the influence of clamping methods on the ballistic mechanism of three-dimensional shallow straight-joint woven fabrics. The study used a mesoscopic yarn-level full-size model developed based on the finite element method to analyze the energy absorption patterns, back face deformation, and damage morphology of the three-dimensional shallow straight-joint woven fabrics under different clamping methods. The results show that the clamping method has a significant influence on the ballistic performance of the fabric. With the weft-sides clamped, its ballistic limit velocity and failure morphology are similar to four-sides clamping, with more negligible energy absorption and failure area. Warp-sides clamped is second, while the corner held undergoes the maximum out-of-plane displacement and energy absorption, exhibiting an utterly different failure mechanism. This study shows that the clamping method of a fabric affects its ballistic performance through interaction with the fabric’s internal structure.
Economic Inequality Reduces Preferences for Competent Leaders
Authors: Long Feiteng , Ye Zi , Liu Guohua
Published: March 2024

It is well-documented that economic inequality can harm political stability and social cohesion. In six experiments (total N = 1,907) conducted in China and the United Kingdom, we tested our primary hypothesis that high (vs. low) economic inequality leads to voters’ reduced preferences for competent political leaders. Across studies, this prediction was consistently supported by experimental evidence, regardless of the voter’s social status. We also found that high (vs. low) economic inequality indirectly diminished preferences for competent political leaders through heightened perceptions that politicians were less inclined to care about the populace in a highly (vs. lowly) unequal societal context. In essence, our findings underscore the idea that economic inequality curtails voters’ preferences for competent political leaders by amplifying their concerns about politicians’ indifference to the populace. It also stresses the need for policies and practices to address economic inequality and maintain the vitality of democracy.
The role of fetal hemoglobin in the artificial placenta: A premature ovine model
Authors: Spencer Brianna L , Fallon Brian P , McLeod Jennifer S , Cornell Marie , Perrone Erin E , Manthei David M , Rojas-Peña Alvaro , Hirschl Ronald B , Bartlett Robert H , Mychaliska George B
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A radical paradigm shift in the treatment of premature infants failing conventional treatment is to recreate fetal physiology using an extracorporeal Artificial Placenta (AP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of changing fetal hemoglobin percent (HbF%) on physiology and circuit function during AP support in an ovine model.

Methods

Extremely premature lambs ( n = 5) were delivered by cesarean section at 117-121 d estimated gestational age (EGA) (term = 145d), weighing 2.5 ± 0.35 kg. Lambs were cannulated using 10-14Fr cannulae for drainage via the right jugular vein and reinfusion via the umbilical vein. Lambs were intubated and lungs were filled with perfluorodecalin to a meniscus with a pressure of 5–8 cm H2O. The first option for transfusion was fetal whole blood from twins followed by maternal red blood cells. Arterial blood gases were used to titrate AP support to maintain fetal blood gas values.

Results

The mean survival time on circuit was 119.6 ± 39.5 h. Hemodynamic parameters and lactate were stable throughout. As more adult blood transfusions were given to maintain hemoglobin at 10 mg/dL, the HbF% declined, reaching 40% by post operative day 7. The HbF% was inversely proportional to flow rates as higher flows were required to maintain adequate oxygen saturation and perfusion.

Conclusions

Transfusion of adult blood led to decreased fetal hemoglobin concentration during AP support. The HbF% was inversely proportional to flow rates. Future directions include strategies to decrease the priming volume and establishing a fetal blood bank to have blood rich in HbF.
Effects of erythropoietin on cognitive impairment and prefrontal cortex activity across affective disorders: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Macoveanu Julian , Petersen Jeff Zarp , Mariegaard Johanna , Jespersen Andreas Elleby , Cramer Katrine , Bruun Caroline Fussing , Madsen Helle Østergaard , Jørgensen Martin Balslev , Vinberg Maj , Fisher Patrick M , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Hageman Ida , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Kessing Lars Vedel , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica
Published: March 2024

Background:

Persistent cognitive impairment is frequent across bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), highlighting an urgent need for pro-cognitive treatments.

Aim:

This study investigated effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on cognitive impairment and dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC) activity in affective disorders.

Methods:

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, cognitively impaired patients with remitted BD or MDD received 1 weekly recombinant human EPO (40,000 IU/mL) or saline infusion for a 12-week period. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment (week 3), immediately after treatment (week 13) and at 6-months follow-up. Participants underwent functional MRI during performance on a n-back working memory (WM) task at baseline and week 3, and for a subgroup 6 weeks post-treatment (week 18). The primary outcome was a cognitive composite score at week 13, whereas secondary outcomes comprised sustained attention and functioning. WM-related dPFC activity was a tertiary outcome.

Results:

Data were analysed for 101 of the 103 included patients (EPO, n = 58; saline, n = 43). There were no effects of EPO over saline on any cognitive or functional outcomes or on WM-related dPFC activity.

Conclusions:

The absence of treatment-related changes in cognition and neural activity was unexpected and contrasts with multiple previous preclinical and clinical studies. It is possible that the lack of effects resulted from a recent change in the manufacturing process for EPO. Nevertheless, the findings support the validity of dPFC target engagement as a biomarker model for pro-cognitive effects, according to which treatments that do not improve cognition should not modulate dPFC activity.

Trial registrations:

EudraCT no.: 2016–004023-24; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03315897.
Effects of discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants prior to psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram for major depression
Authors: Erritzoe David , Barba Tommaso , Spriggs Meg J , Rosas Fernando E , Nutt David J , Carhart-Harris Robin
Published: March 2024

Background:

There is growing evidence for the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for major depression. However, due to the lack of safety data on combining psilocybin with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and concerns that there may be a negative interaction on efficacy, participants enrolling in psychedelic trials are usually required to discontinue SNRI/SNRIs prior to enrolling.

Aims:

Using data from a recent clinical trial examining the comparative efficacy the psychedelic drug psilocybin (P) combined with approximately 20 h of psychological support to a 6-week (daily) course of the SSRI escitalopram plus matched psychological support for major depressive disorder, we explored the effects of discontinuing SSRI/SNRIs prior to study enrolment on study outcomes.

Methods:

Exploratory post hoc analyses using linear mixed effects model were performed to investigate the discontinuation effect on various validated depression symptom severity scales and well-being. The impact of SSRI/SNRIs discontinuation on the acute psychedelic experience was also explored.

Results/outcomes:

In the psilocybin group, there was a reduced treatment effect on all outcome measures for SSRI/SNRIs discontinuers compared with unmedicated patients at trial entry. However, no effects of discontinuation on measures of the acute psychedelic experience were found.

Conclusion:

Discontinuation of SSRI/SNRIs before psilocybin might diminish response to treatment; however, as we did not test SSRI/SNRI continuation in our trial, we cannot infer such causation. Moreover, the exploratory nature of the analyses makes them hypothesis generating, and not confirmatory. A controlled trial of SSRI/SNRI discontinuation versus continuation prior to psilocybin is urgently required.
Etiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Fu Xue , Long Ming-Wang , Ye Zhen-Xuan , Li Hong-Mei , Zhang Hai-Yan , He Yu , Yang Bi-Wei , Xu Bo , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2024

Objective

Acute respiratory infections are a major global public health concern. However, there are few epidemiological studies investigating pathogens associated with respiratory tract infections in Guizhou Province, China.

Methods

We collected 17,850 blood samples from Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital between November 2018 and May 2023 to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens and their spread during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Guizhou Province.

Results

We identified influenza virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the predominant pathogens involved in acute respiratory infections in the study area. Immunoglobulin M positivity for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and M. pneumoniae showed a strong correlation with the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. Seasonal epidemic patterns were observed for influenza A and B viruses. Following the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in the positive rates for most respiratory pathogens, particularly influenza A and B, Legionella pneumophila, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Conclusion

This retrospective study contributes to the epidemiological evidence regarding respiratory pathogens in Guizhou Province, thereby enhancing the surveillance network for respiratory pathogens in China and providing valuable guidance for local hospitals.
Indigenous DNA as a metaphor: Nation-building and scientific debates on the rediscovery of Taiwanese ancestry
Authors: Tsai Yu-Yueh
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I investigate the co-production of genetic research and national politics in post-martial law Taiwan. This entails analyzing two co-produced phenomena: the nationalization of biomedicine—in which the national discourse over racial/ethnic categories and ancestral origin increasingly shapes scientists’ biomedical research; and the biomedicalization of the nation—in which people in public discourse increasingly use biomedical categories in characterizing national differences and identities. I analyze how the production and representation of scientific knowledge of the ancestral origins and genetic make-up of Taiwan have been embedded in Taiwanese politics. This includes the emergence of a new categorization into four great ethnic groups, multiculturalism, and the assertion of a distinct Taiwanese national identity, particularly in response to the People’s Republic of China's claims of common ancestry. I also examine how the scientific findings produced in the lab have spilled out into both Taiwan and China through journals, media, history textbooks, and public disputes since the 1990s and brought about significant social impact.
Long-term quality of life, psychological distress, and caregiver burden in octogenarians with LVAD: A single-centre experience
Authors: D’Andria Ursoleo Jacopo , Pieri Marina , Calvo Francesco , Altizio Savino , Gramegna Mario , Pontillo Domenico , Ajello Silvia , Scandroglio Anna Mara
Published: March 2024

With the general population aging, both life expectancy and the number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations in elderly patients are growing. Nevertheless, their perceived long-term quality of life, including psychological aspects, coupled with the respective caregiver’s burden, remain under-reported. In light of the rising number of octogenarians with LVAD who necessitate broader healthcare provider involvement, we assessed the long-term quality of life, as defined by both the 36-item short-form health (SF-36) survey and the EuroQol 5 dimensions, 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)—including the visual analog scale—in octogenarian LVAD patients who had received treatment at our institution. Additionally, we evaluated the psychological health of octogenarian LVAD patients using the psychological general well-being index (PGWBI), alongside their caregivers’ well-being through the 22-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Of 12 octogenarian LVAD patients, 5 were alive and willing to answer questionnaires. Mean age at implant was 74 ± 2 years. Median follow-up was 2464 (IQR = 2375–2745) days. Although variable, the degree of health and psychological well-being perceived by octogenarian patients with LVAD was “good.” Interestingly, the burden of assistance reported by caregivers, though relevant, was greatly varied, suggesting the need to better define and address psychological long-term aspects related to LVAD implantation for both patients and caregivers with a broad-spectrum approach.
Are adverse events during surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia device related? A review of the MAUDE database
Authors: Heidenberg Daniel J , Nethery Ethan , Wymer Kevin M , Judge Nathanael , Cheney Scott M , Stern Karen L , Humphreys Mitchell R
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database contains anonymous, voluntary medical device reports. A review of device-related adverse events associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia surgeries was completed. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and contributing factors to clinically significant complications in a cohort of patients electing to undergo surgical intervention for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Methods:

The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for “Aquablation, Greenlight Laser, Holmium Laser, Morcellator, Water Vapor Thermal Therapy, Loop Resection, and Prostatic Urethral Lift” from 2018 through 2021. A complication classification system (Level I–IV) based on the Clavien-Dindo system was used to categorize events. These events were then correlated with procedural technology malfunctions and classified as “device related” and “non-device related.” Chi squared analysis was performed to identify associations between procedural technology and complication classification distribution.

Results:

A total of 873 adverse events were identified. The adverse events were classified into level I (minimal harm) versus levels II–IV (clinically significant). Aquablation ( p < 0.017) and Water Vapor Thermal Therapy ( p < 0.012) were associated with a higher proportion of reports with Level II-IV complications compared with other procedure types. Level II-IV complications were not associated with a reported device related malfunction.

Conclusions:

Aquablation and water vapor thermal therapy demonstrated noteworthy clinically significant complications which were not driven by device-related malfunctions.
Eco-management of end-of-life tires: Advances and challenges for the Ecuadorian case
Authors: Padilla León , Díaz Ángela , Anzules Wendy
Published: March 2024

The aim of this research is to analyse the performance of the extended producer responsibility model for the management of end-of-life tires (ELTs) in Ecuador that has been implemented since 2013. For this research, we conducted case studies of, and subsequently, a comparative analysis between, the ELT management system in Ecuador with respect to the ELT management models in Colombia and Brazil. Our findings show that although the programme implementation represented a significant advance in Ecuador’s waste management system there are important challenges that should be considered in future adaptations of the programme. Among the measures that can be adopted to improve the ELT management system are the consolidation and stimulation of the market for products made from ELT waste; promotion of other productive sectors linked to the creation of new products and sectors that generate complementary products; enhancement of the generation, socialization and access to knowledge of the waste by-products for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises; increase the tire consumer fee, known as ‘Ecovalor’ and improvement of the quality and availability of information and indicators regarding ELT management. In this sense, the experiences of Colombia and Brazil show important lessons for the Ecuadorian case.
Surface burn prevention based on the probability control of pulses with ignition delay in WEDM
Authors: Pan Hongwei , Liu Zhidong , Deng Cong
Published: March 2024

This study aims to address surface burn and increased probability of wire breakage under high-energy cutting conditions in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM). Firstly, the causes of surface burns are investigated, revealing that the deterioration of cooling, debris removal, and deionization status in the machining gap are the dominating factors. Maintaining a certain ratio of pulse to ignition delay is essential for proper discharge machining. Secondly, a servo control strategy based on the pulse probability of ignition delay is proposed. When the target probability is preset to 25%, the machining stability is significantly improved, preventing surface burns and decreasing the probability of wire breakage. With this servo control, the maximum average machining current free of surface burn is raised from 6 to 8 A. As a result, the max cutting speed is improved by 24%, and the tensile strength of the wire electrode is enhanced by 23.5%. In addition, the machined surface area increases by 22% when the diameter wear of the wire electrode reaches 0.01 mm. The new servo control has been demonstrated to be effective in facilitating machining efficiency and extending wire electrode durability in WEDM.
A novel rotor-stator rub-impact fault and locations recognition method
Authors: Yu Mingyue , Guo Guihong , Chen Wangying , Zhang Jinghan , Li Yuanlong
Published: March 2024

Rub-impact fault is a kind of typical secondary fault encountered by large-sized rotation machinery. When it happens, the fault information contained is often weak, complicated and compound. This makes it difficult to correctly identify a rub-impact fault and affected part. Signals captured by sensors vary greatly in terms of energy, stability and complexity before and after a rub-impact fault occurs and when affected part is different. Graph indexes are sensitive to the variation of energy, stability and complexity in graph signal. Based on this, the paper has raised a method based on graph indexes to identify rub-impact fault and its locations and graph indexes are used to describe different running status of equipment. Firstly, to reduce the influence of noise components, vibration signals are given an auto-correlation analysis. Secondly, each auto-correlation function is converted to graph signals and five graph indexes of each graph signal are calculated. Thirdly, when running state of equipment is the same, an analysis is given to the consistency of graph indexes of signals from the same sensor, as well as the difference of graph indexes of each signal from different sensors. Fourthly, when running state of equipment is different, the difference of graph indexes of signals from the same sensor is analyzed. Fifthly, an analysis is given to the effectiveness and sensibility of graph indexes of signals from different sensors to running state. Finally, by the excellent consistency and difference shown by graph indexes, it is treated as a feature vector and according to two classical classification algorithms, rub-impact fault and location is identified. The result indicates that the mean identification rate of proposed method for rub-impact fault and locations can reach to 96%; graph indexes can serve as fault feature index to effectively represent a rub-impact fault and locations and has very excellent robustness.
Machining technologies and structural models of microfluidic devices
Authors: Gou Peiyu , Meng Shaoxin , Yan Huaxin , Liu Jianben , Chen Naichao , Zhao Yang
Published: March 2024

In the past decades, microfluidic chips have been one of the hottest research topics in the “lab-on-a-chip” field. However, it is still a challenge for design the perfect microchannels with high functional integration, complex geometry, and high production efficiency. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of microfluidic structural models and designs, manufacturing techniques, and bonding methods. The effect of three types of microfluidic channel structure models and their configuration parameters on the fluid behaviors of microfluidics was investigated. Surface-to-volume ratio of the flow channel is a critical parameter for determining the mixing and diffusion capabilities of the microfluidic devices (MDs). Thereafter, the main manufacturing techniques for microstructures were discussed, including etching, photolithography, soft lithography, molding, mechanical micro-machining, laser beam micromachining, printing, and 3D printing. We performed a statistical analysis to discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of these manufacturing methods. In addition, the current bonding methods for MDs were also summarized, including thermal bonding, solution adhesive bonding, dry adhesive bonding, plasma bonding, and anodic bonding. a comparison of different bonding methods was presented to provide a reference to select a suitable bonding method for the assembly of microfluidic device. Finally, the tendencies and challenges of microchannel manufacturing were discussed, and the prospects were also provided.
Optimization of stiffness performance of six-axis industrial robots based on posture stiffness evaluation index
Authors: Xiao Zhengming , Duan Junjie , Wu Xing , Kang Zhenhui
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the problem that the stiffness performance of industrial robots depends on the posture, a method to improve the stiffness performance by optimizing the robot posture is proposed based on the robot posture stiffness evaluation index. The robot joint stiffness identification model is established by using the principle of virtual work and Jacobi matrix, and the stiffness values of six joints are obtained by least-squares. On the basis of revealing the mapping relationship between robot joints and end, the robot end flexibility ellipsoid is obtained, and the volume of the end flexibility ellipsoid is utilized as the global stiffness coefficient of the robot, so as to obtain the robot posture stiffness evaluation index. According to the posture stiffness evaluation index, the robot posture optimization model is established, and the optimized posture is obtained by using genetic algorithm. Taking the QJR6-1 robot as the experimental object, under the maximum load, the deformation of the robot end center is reduced from 0.6238 to 0.3984 mm, which is 36.13%, and the deformation of the end is greatly reduced compared with that before the optimization, which indicates that the robot’s stiffness is improved after the posture optimization, and it verifies the feasibility of the optimization model, and provides a reference to improve the stiffness performance of industrial robots further.
Adaptive control of robotic manipulator with input deadzone and disturbances/uncertainties
Authors: Rauf Arshad , Rehman Ateeq ur , Khan Awais , Abbasi Waseem , Ullah Kifayat
Published: March 2024

This work address the problem of trajectory tracking for robotic manipulator while encountering external disturbances and internal uncertainties. Robotic manipulators have been widely used in various industrial and research applications due to their versatility and efficiency. The precise control of these manipulators is essential for their proper functioning. However, due to the presence of uncertainties and disturbances in the system, it is often challenging to achieve accurate control. The proposed controller is capable of handling the uncertainties and disturbances present in the system, making it robust and efficient for practical applications. The controller is designed based on the concept of second-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (SNTSMC), which ensures that the system tracks the desired trajectory accurately. The substitution of the sign function with the saturation function effectively reduces the chattering that is caused by the high-frequency switching element in the conventional SMC approach. By utilizing an adaptive technique, uncertainties can be effectively mitigated without relying on any prior knowledge of an upper limit. Moreover, the Lyapunov stability criterion is used to prove the stability of the closed-loop system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of tracking accuracy and robustness.
Diffusion performance of lobed jet in the developed states consistent across temporally and spatially developing flows
Authors: Takahashi Mamoru , Fukui Ren , Tsujimoto Koichi , Ando Toshitake
Published: March 2024

This study demonstrates that temporally developing lobed jets can qualitatively reproduce the diffusion performance in the fully developed states of spatially developing lobed jets in laboratory experiments. The jet exit geometries, Reynolds number [Formula: see text], and turbulence intensity (3% of mean velocity) were set to be the same across the temporally and spatially developing jets. Four types of jet flows were tested, one being a round jet and three being lobed jets with different numbers or curvatures of lobes, referred to as 6L, 6S, and 3L, respectively. The half-width of the mean streamwise velocity distributions and centerline mean streamwise velocity of the four jets in the developed states were consistent between the numerical simulations and experiments. The round jet displayed the highest diffusion performance, followed by 3L, while 6L and 6S were the smallest and were comparable with each other. Despite such consistency in the developed states, the diffusion performance and formation of the streamwise swirling flows did not agree between the numerical and experimental results. These results suggest that unique large-scale structures corresponding to the initial conditions are reproduced in temporally developing jets, which is in good agreement with the spatially developing lobed jets. Therefore, the current study demonstrated that the temporally developing simulations can reproduce similar diffusion processes to those of the spatially developing ones.
Numerical and experimental studies on the carcass characteristics of a radial tire
Authors: Qian Chao , Sun Pengfei , Zhou Shuiting , Chen Luwen , Su Guoyun , Sun Xin
Published: March 2024

In this research, the carcass characteristics of a radial tire were analyzed by performing numerical simulations on ABAQUS software based on the single factor control variable method, and the feasibility of the proposed numerical model was verified by executing experiments on a tire uniformity testing machine. It was found that when the tire crossed the bump, the preload had positive effects on the internal energies and friction–dissipation fluctuation of the tire, but had little influence on its kinetic energy fluctuation. Tire speed was positively correlated with the fluctuation of kinetic energy, but negatively correlated with the friction–dissipation fluctuation of the tire. In addition, there was a slight correlation between the speed and the internal energy fluctuation of the tire. Moreover, the change in the tire pressure had little influence on the kinetic energy, internal energy, and friction dissipation of the tire.
Phantom validation of a novel RSA-based impingement metric to assess component-on-component impingement risk
Authors: Taleb Shahnaz , Broberg Jordan S , Lanting Brent A , Teeter Matthew G
Published: March 2024

Component-on-component impingement in total hip arthroplasty may lead to post-operative complications including dislocation. Despite numerous clinical studies focusing on reducing this risk, assessment methods remain limited to qualitative radiography, finite element analysis, and cadaver studies. There is a need for more precise measurements of impingement in the research setting. We aimed to validate a novel RSA-based impingement metric to measure component-on-component impingement in vivo. A phantom experiment of a standard metal-on-polyethylene total hip system was performed. RSA examinations were performed as typical for a traditional weight-bearing RSA exam for large joints. The phantom was placed in 10 possible impinged positions and one neutral position. Double exposure radiographs were taken to measure repeatability. The closest distance between the skirt of the head and the inner circumference of the acetabular cup liner was measured to assess impingement risk. Distances between the closest point of the hood to the edge of the cup in 10 impinged positions ranged from 0.05 to 1.03 mm, with the average being 0.67 mm. In the neutral position, the distance measured is 11.02 mm. Excellent repeatability was observed, with a standard deviation of 0.03 mm with an r value of 0.09. A validated RSA-based risk metric was established to evaluate in vivo hip impingement. A 1 mm threshold may be proposed to define impingement where distances approaching 1.00 mm are at a greater risk of impingement. This simplified metric holds promise for upcoming clinical studies on component-on-component impingement.
Digital information culture in doctoral schools: A scoping review
Authors: Deja Marek , Wójcik Magdalena , Świerczyńska-Głownia Weronika
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to establish a framework for digital information culture (DIC) within doctoral schools (DS). A scoping review was conducted using the CIMO search tool and thematic analysis. The review pinpointed three areas for diagnosing information culture in digital environments, along with three research perspectives: (1) Information Access, (2) Research Support, and (3) Community of Inquiry. The proficiency of PhD candidates within Doctoral Schools might hinge on a robust digital information culture, which could play a pivotal role in acculturation, and overall academic performance of early-career researchers.
Fatal septicemia in 2 South American camelids with caudal C3-pyloric-duodenal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Abad Clemer , Fritz Heather , Gonzales-Viera Omar
Published: March 2024

Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are often reported in South American camelids (SAC). We describe here cases of gastroduodenal adenocarcinoma in an adult alpaca ( Vicugna pacos) and a llama ( Llama glama); both SACs were anorectic and lethargic before death. At autopsy, a prominent and firm caudal C3-pyloric-duodenal junction with stricture and ulceration was present in both animals, as were hemorrhages in various organs and hydrothorax. Microscopically, scattered nests, cords, and tortuous acini of neoplastic epithelial cells were embedded in desmoplastic stroma and invaded the submucosa and muscle layers of the gastroduodenal junction. The mucosa was necrotic, with gram-negative rods in the alpaca and colonies of gram-positive cocci in the llama. No tumor metastases were observed. The neoplastic cells immunolabeled for pancytokeratin. Escherichia coli was isolated from the alpaca and Streptococcus lutetiensis from the llama; septicemia was the cause of death in both animals. Although adenocarcinomas arising from gastric compartments and intestinal segments have been reported in SACs, adenocarcinoma of the caudal C3-pyloric-duodenal junction has not been reported previously in these species, to our knowledge.
Low Overlap and High Heterogeneity Across Common Measures of Eating Disorder Pathology: A Content Analysis
Authors: Christensen Pacella Kara A. , Wossen Lidia , Hagan Kelsey E.
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated symptoms assessed in common measures of eating disorder pathology and tested overlap to evaluate the extent to which measures may be interchangeable. Six measures were included: Bulimia Test-Revised, Eating Attitudes Test-26, Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory, and Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses. Content overlap was quantitatively estimated using the Jaccard Index. Mean overlap was low (.195), likely due to the wide range of symptoms (87) assessed. The mean overlap of each measure with all others was .117 − .267, and the overlap among individual measures was .083 − .382. Implications of low overlap among measures include variable characterization of eating disorder phenotypes and the risk for lower generalizability of findings due to measurement variability.
Stability analysis and energy harvesting in lumped parameter systems with internally coupled resonators
Authors: Alimohammadi Hossein , Vassiljeva Kristina , HosseinNia S Hassan , Petlenkov Eduard
Published: March 2024

This article explores internally coupled resonators in metamaterial systems, focusing on mechanical and electromechanical coupling. The article provides a thorough examination of stability within the context of internally coupled resonators. It establishes stability criteria, emphasizing the importance of strictly stable systems in practical applications. Furthermore, it analyzes stability through simulations, revealing how various parameters impact system behavior and highlighting the challenges and benefits of achieving stability in metamaterial systems. Additionally, the article explores the impact of damping coefficients and resonator characteristics, on displacement and power generation profiles. Nonlinear behavior in internally coupled resonators is examined, revealing the presence of bifurcation in simulation and offering insights into multi-stability and system behavior.
Examining Active News Avoidance Across Countries: A Multilevel Moderation Analysis of News Interests, News Trust, and Press Freedom
Authors: Li Gabriel Miao , Liang Fan , Zhu Qinfeng
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have identified various individual factors explaining news avoidance, but the understanding of how these factors function within the broader political information environment is limited. This study, leveraging a large-scale cross-national survey, reveals that the relationships between individual news interests, news trust, and news avoidance differ across countries with varying levels of press freedom. In nations where the press is strong and free, personal preferences minimally influence individuals’ active avoidance of hard news. News avoidance is not solely a product of individual-level attributes. Rather, the impact of these individual factors is significantly shaped by the overarching political information environment.
The (Political) Show Must Go On: The Effects of Political Media and Family Relationships on Affective Polarization
Authors: Schroeder Makenzie , Figueroa-Caballero Andrea
Published: March 2024

Given the importance of both family and partisanship in identity formation, these two may be at odds for those in cross-partisan families. Within these households, exposure to cross-partisan media is inevitable, serving to prime partisan identity and even acting as a catalyst for partisan conflict. Although much work has investigated the role of media in affective polarization, and the role of family in partisanship, little work bridges the two. Therefore, this post-test-only experiment ( N = 411) investigates the role of family in the relationship between outgroup attack-focused partisan media exposure and affective polarization.
Fact-Checking: Journalistic Strategies and Audience Outcomes in Diverse National Contexts
Authors: Ognyanova Katherine
Published: March 2024

The quality of information consumed by citizens remains a crucial aspect of a working democracy. In recent years, fact-checking has emerged as an important safeguard against the spread of false and misleading content. This themed article offers an overview of notable recent studies on this topic published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. Included works examine the practices and effects of fact-checking across diverse national contexts.
COVID-19 and emerging adults in India: A social representation approach
Authors: Pathak Vrushali , Kharshiing Korsi Dorene , Shahnawaz Mohammad Ghazi
Published: March 2024

The outbreak and rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19 had health, social and economic ramifications for people worldwide. Using the framework of Social Representation Theory, the present research attempts to understand how emerging adults (18–29 years) made sense of the COVID-19 outbreak, the role of collectives (organizations) in managing it, and the evolution of this understanding over time. The function of this theoretical perspective in the present study is to help make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic as a threatening event and in the process understand if responsibility or blame is attributed to specific collectives. Data was collected in two phases, from ten participants (four males and six females), aged 18–29 years residing in India. Semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. Findings have been discussed as ‘sociogenesis of COVID-19’, ‘role of collectives: heroes, villains, or on the fence’, ‘collective symbolic coping: making sense of collective threats’, and ‘the next normal: learnings from COVID-19). Finally, this study would have implications for research on social representation and its evolution, especially of emerging infectious diseases and the representation of collectives may also be used to reevaluate health policies and get better prepared for future emergencies.
Self-employed workers with chronic health conditions: A qualitative study
Authors: Yagil Dana , Cohen Miri
Published: March 2024

Chronic health conditions affect many individuals of working age, who cope with physical, psychological, and social difficulties that often involve limited work ability. This qualitative study explored experiences of self-employed individuals with chronic health conditions to advance our understanding of the effect of chronic illness on work. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 self-employed individuals coping with cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, or asthma. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis. Analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: uncertainty in planning work and committing to customers, acceptance versus denial of reduced work abilities, disclosure of health status to workers and customers, and temporal substitutes as a source of both support and concern. The results indicate that self-employed workers with a chronic health condition cope with unique challenges due to the need to sustain their business in the face of illness and a sense of sole responsibility.
“SLAPPed” and censored? Legal threats and challenges to press freedom and investigative reporting
Authors: Papadopoulou Lambrini , Maniou Theodora A
Published: March 2024

The issue of SLAPPs remains a largely understudied area in journalism studies. Limited academic work on the topic mainly focuses on its legal aspects and there is little empirical academic work engaging with the way SLAPPs are experienced by those who are personally involved. This study focuses on illuminating the impact of these vexatious and frivolous lawsuits on investigative journalism and press freedom, and recording whether journalists experience additional or different consequences from SLAPPs in comparison to other types of threats. Based on interviews with journalists who have experienced SLAPPs in recent years and documenting their personal experiences, the study sheds light on the hidden professional and personal costs of investigative reporting, attempts to assess this phenomenon in relation to its effects on journalism and journalists, and is one of the few to record and analyze journalists’ personal beliefs and experiences.
Post-tensioning tendon force estimation of in-service prestressed concrete structure using cylindrical lamb waves
Authors: Kwon Ohjun , Sohn Hoon , Lim Hyung Jin
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes an ultrasonic-based force estimation technique for the post-tensioning (PT) tendon of an in-service prestressed concrete structure. First, three macro fiber composite transducers are installed on the surface of an in-service PT tendon subjected to an unknown tensile force for the generation and measurement of cylindrical Lamb waves. Then, the velocities of the longitudinal and shear waves are calculated using the measured cylindrical Lamb waves at two ultrasonic input frequencies. Subsequently, the Poisson’s ratio, elastic modulus, and strain induced by the PT tendon force are estimated from the longitudinal and shear wave velocities. Finally, the PT tendon force is obtained from the estimated mechanical property values. The experimental validation was performed using a mono-strand PT tendon under various temperature conditions, and the developed technique estimated the unknown PT tendon force in the range of 10–100 kN with a 6.22 kN maximum error and a 2.99 kN root-mean-square error. The uniqueness of this paper includes (1) no requirement for temperature compensation for field deployment, (2) PT tendon force estimation without calibration of the PT tendon force and cylindrical Lamb wave relationship, and (3) easy sensor installation and no interference with the PT construction process.
Jerusalem’s Destruction and the Coming of the Son of Man: Assessing an Alleged Lukan Association
Authors: Neville David J.
Published: March 2024

This study of a current current in biblical research surveys and appraises an interpretative trend that associates future-oriented Son of Man sayings in Luke’s Gospel with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 ce. After contextualizing this interpretative tradition, the views of several recent advocates of this interpretative trend are surveyed and compared. Subsequently, a means of appraising this interpretative stance is proposed, which involves discussion of two sets of Lukan passages: first, four pericopes in which the destruction of Jerusalem is clearly referenced or implied (Lk. 13:31–35; 19:41–44; 21:20–24; and 23:26–31); and second, a series of passages containing future-oriented Son of Man sayings, with special reference to the key Son of Man saying in Lk. 21:27. The upshot of this survey and appraisal is that no future-oriented Son of Man saying in Luke’s Gospel plausibly relates to Jerusalem’s destruction.
African values as natural drivers of global citizenship
Authors: Biao Idowu
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the place of the concept of global citizenship within the context of African values. It holds that if the modern concept of global citizenship education as espoused by UNESCO and other global organisations is relatively recent, the same concept is ancient within the context of sub-Saharan Africa and it is subsumed within African values. The article argues that the search for a universal theory of global citizenship education is yet to yield any positive result and it critiques the three methodologies so far adopted in promoting global citizenship education across the world. The article concludes that whilst modern global citizenship education is tied to the material world and the benefits derivable therefrom, the concept of global citizenship education advanced by at least five African values is rooted in the depth of humanity from where it rises to smoothen human relations and sooth the pains caused by human avarice.
Engagement in Meaningful Activity Mediates the Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Functional Resilience
Authors: Sherman David Steven , Burnett Harvey J. , Lindstrom Debra
Published: March 2024

Resilience during stressful life events is a priority for administering the most client-centered care as possible. Occupational therapy practitioners have the unique opportunity to support resilience through promoting meaningful participation. The current study aims to understand the associations between meaningful activity engagement, resilience, and stressful life events. We specifically focused on answering if meaningful participation mediates the relationship between stressful life events and resilience. 492 participants from a non-clinical convenience sample of Amazon’s MTurk completed the study. Participants completed an online survey and reported their experiences of stressful life events, resilience, well-being, and meaningful participation. We used SPSS and PROCESS to analyze our data. Stressful event severity and resilience were inversely related. When accounting for the effect of meaningful participation, the relationship became non-significant, indicating evidence of mediation. Implications: Focusing on measuring meaningful participation may be worth studying in further research.
Application of the Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance Model: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bass Julie D. , Marchant Josephine K. , de Sam Lazaro Stephanie L. , Baum Carolyn M.
Published: March 2024

The Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) Model is one of several occupation-based models in occupational therapy. The model describes the transactional nature of person, environment, and occupation factors that support performance (doing), participation (engagement), and well-being (health and quality of life). The purpose of this study was to explore the extent and nature of evidence on the PEOP Model. We used a scoping review to identify and analyze journal articles that used the PEOP Model as a framework for study. The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria were used to develop the research methods. We found 109 articles that adopted the PEOP Model as an organizing framework. The studies reviewed represent the breadth of occupational therapy practice and the transactional nature of person, environment, occupation, and performance in the PEOP Model. The PEOP Model is a useful international framework for research and practice across populations, conditions, life circumstances, settings, and areas of practice.
Women’s body armor: A comprehensive review of design, performance, and ergonomics
Authors: Bhatia Dinesh , Jaswal Priya , Sinha SK
Published: March 2024

This paper highlights a comprehensive review of the design, performance, and ergonomics of women’s body armor. Body armor is an essential part of defending people in high-risk areas, such as law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security employees. Traditional body armor, however, has typically been designed with male users in mind, ignoring the anatomical and physiological variations between men and women. This review intends to draw attention to the problems with women’s body armor and offer information on new developments made to solve these problems. It addresses several topics, including anatomical and physiological differences, challenges and limitations of traditional female body armor, materials used for female body armor, design considerations for female body armor, performance evaluation, and future directions and recommendations.