bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer investigation on the thermal energy storage using phase change material in low-carbon building
Authors: Xia Rujie , Li Delu , XiangLi Meiqin , Gao Xiling , Li Bingbing
Published: January 2024

The use of high-conductivity porous medium is an effective method to enhance the heat transfer rate of phase change material (PCM) in thermal energy storage (TES), reducing the energy consumption of low-carbon buildings. This paper establishes a solid-liquid phase change lattice Boltzmann model of a TES unit and investigates the effects of Rayleigh number, inclination angle, porous array, and porosity. The findings indicate that inserting the porous medium enhances conductive heat transfer and weakens convective heat transfer. When the Rayleigh number is increased from 103 to 104, the liquid fraction increases by 3.0%, while an increase from 104 to 105 only results in a 1.6% increase, suggesting a diminishing effect of increasing the Rayleigh number. Results also show that the inclination angle can be disregarded in this study. Furthermore, increasing the specific surface area enhances conductive heat transfer. However, when the array n is changed to 7, the fastest variation of liquid fraction is obtained among the range from 5 to 9. Increasing the porosity will delay the moment that temperature standard deviation reaches to the maximum, getting the temperature distribution more nonuniform. The findings from this paper are valuable for the design of TES systems in low-carbon buildings.

Practical application

The porous medium can enhance heat transfer in the phase change process. In the field of low-carbon buildings, porous medium is applied to strengthen the energy storage rate. By investigating the parameters of the Rayleigh numbers, inclination angles, porosities and arrangement of porous medium arrays of the composed energy storage unit, the regularity of the effects on the energy characteristics are obtained, which would provide some valuable practice references for designing these parameters of the energy storage units in the future energy-efficient building sector.
Postracial Queer Romance: A Close Reading of Anthony Bowens and Michael Pavano's Interracial Relationship in YouTube (and Beyond)
Authors: Eguchi Shinsuke
Published: January 2024

This essay is a close reading of YouTube's Michael & Anthony's video content in which mixed-race Black male pro wrestler Anthony Bowens and his white boyfriend Michael Pavano's romance is represented. The goal is to deploy queer of color critique to unpack how the interracial aspects of Bowens and Pavano's romance offer moments to question, critique, and reimagine the queer politics of interracial dating. Three themes emerge from this reading: reconstructing masc/femme coupling trope, counteracting interraciality, and optimism (and pessimism). This essay considers how Bowens and Pavano's romance reifies or resists postracialism working with the LGBTQ+ liberation movement.
Taking Care of Others and the Self through Islamic Funeral Service in Berlin
Authors: Űlker Barış
Published: January 2024

This article examines how Islamic funeral services contribute to the production of care in Berlin. Deriving from participant observations, in-depth interviews with migrant undertakers with Turkish backgrounds, and a collection of textual and visual materials, the article focuses on the practices of migrant undertakers. Against the essentialist arguments inherent to the identity politics of the existing scholarship on migrant death in Berlin and in Germany, I analyze this case study through a critical reading of the scholarship on ethnic entrepreneurship. In this context, I illustrate three findings on the production of care, which emerge at the intersection of technologies of the self and domination à la Foucault. In the first dimension, care is given to the deceased, (particularly those with an “immigrant background” from Turkey), their bereaved families and co-migrants, visitors, and employees of various institutions in Berlin. The second dimension of care is produced, as a form of self-examination, through migrant undertakers' recollections and reflections. In the third dimension, care is the result of socio-economic policies, related to the prospect of the emergence and development of ethnic entrepreneurship.
Dissemination of indigenous knowledge in Mashonaland east province, Zimbabwe
Authors: Nhambura Constance , Maluleka Jan Resenga
Published: January 2024

Africa has a wealth of knowledge that is currently facing extinction unless drastic measures are taken to disseminate it. This study investigates the dissemination of indigenous knowledge by traditional leaders in the Mashonaland East Province in Zimbabwe. A qualitative methodology that used hermeneutic phenomenology and knowledge conversion theory was used to explore the dissemination of indigenous knowledge by traditional leaders in the Mashonaland East Province, in Zimbabwe. Purpose sampling was used to determine the study population. Data collected from interviews with traditional leaders and other members of the community were augmented with reviewed documents from the ministry responsible for the appointment of traditional leaders. Data was analysed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings of this study revealed that traditional leaders are among the custodians of indigenous knowledge who should ensure that indigenous knowledge is preserved for posterity. It was established that the constitution of Zimbabwe empowers traditional leaders to guard jealously the indigenous knowledge of their communities through the development of strategies for spreading the knowledge to future generations. Various indigenous knowledge scholars concurred that the lack of proper dissemination of indigenous knowledge culminates in its extinction. Dissemination strategies that include the use of information communication technologies were proposed. Furthermore, the study recommends that indigenous knowledge should first be captured and documented to enable greater dissemination.
Vendor capabilities development in blockchain sourcing: A parallel play approach
Authors: Ji Yu , Du Wenyu (Derek) , Pan Shan L.
Published: January 2024

Vendor capabilities development has been an important research stream in the information systems (IS) sourcing literature. The existing research, which was based on the context of implementing centralized enterprise systems, focused on the adoption of deliberate learning and implicit learning, with the assumption that effective selection between these two learning approaches is sufficient for service providers to acquire vendor capabilities. However, this assumption may not hold in implementing a decentralized system based on enterprise blockchain. Because an enterprise blockchain system affords a new way of governing transactions and demands a new governance mode, it creates an uncertain and complex landscape in which the mere selection between deliberate learning and implicit learning becomes insufficient. Addressing this gap is crucial because many enterprise blockchain projects fail due to the incompetence of service providers. By conducting an in-depth case study of a successful blockchain service provider, our study reveals a new mechanism for developing vendor capabilities: parallel play. As with parallel play by preschoolers, the service provider combines a set of learning approaches featuring borrowing from peers and learning through experimentation. Our study extends the IS sourcing literature on vendor capabilities development from the context of implementing centralized enterprise systems to the context of implementing decentralized enterprise blockchain systems. Our findings also provide guidelines for blockchain service providers to follow when acquiring vendor capabilities and for clients to use when selecting service providers.
Acorn (Quercus spp.) Consumption in Algeria
Authors: Torche Yacine
Published: January 2024

Acorns have been a vital food source for many communities worldwide, but there is limited research on their traditional uses and nutritional and medicinal properties. To address this gap, a study was conducted to explore the traditional methods of preparing and consuming acorns in Algeria and their potential benefits for human health. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a large sample of individuals from all over Algeria to collect data on their acquaintance with Quercus species, acorn consumption, consumption habits, and therapeutic uses of acorns. Results were subjected to a chi-square test and logistic regression statistical analysis to test the association between acorn consumption and the different sections under study. The survey found that 91% of participants consumed acorns, with sweet Holm and Cork oak being the most commonly consumed species. Acorn consumption was found to be influenced by gender, geographical position, familiarity with Quercus species, and belief that acorns are not exclusively animal food. The most common method of consumption was cooking, with roasting and boiling being the preferred cooking methods, and acorns were consumed seasonally, primarily during autumn. The study shows that acorn consumption in Algeria has the potential for economic benefits and can be a viable alternative to wheat flour. It also reveals the traditional gastronomic knowledge associated with acorn-based products and meals. The survey results highlight the diverse and significant knowledge of oak fruits by the local population and suggest that future research could enhance the practices and knowledge of acorn-based products and promote acorn consumption.
Geometrically nonlinear bending of stiffened composite skewed cylindrical shells under transverse pressure
Authors: Giri Ashish , Bakshi Kaustav
Published: January 2024

The literature review on relative performances of laminated composite skewed shells confirms that research reports on bending performances of moderately thin, stiffened, laminated composite skewed cylindrical panels, using the geometrically nonlinear approach, are not available. This paper aims to fill that deficiency and proposes a finite element code combining eight-noded, doubly curved elements with modified Sanders’ first approximation theory for thin shells and von Kármán-type nonlinear strains. Correctness of the proposed geometrically nonlinear bending formulation for skewed shells are verified through solutions of benchmark problems. The deflections, force, and moment resultants are reported for different skew angles, laminations, stacking sequences, radius of curvature, plan dimension ratios, and stiffener properties like orientations, numbers, and eccentric positions. The results are discussed critically which reveals that shells having curved edges free and straight edges clamped fabricated using 0°/90°/0° laminate offer the best performances. The biaxial stiffeners, nx = 7, ny = 7, show the minimum deflections and stress resultants. The skewed shells offer greater deflections and hence, must be avoided in industrial practices.
Effects of Virtual Reality Based Microteaching Training on Pre-Service Teachers’ Teaching Skills from a Multi-Dimensional Perspective
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Pan Qianqian , Zhang Di , Meng Bin , Hwang Gwo-Jen
Published: January 2024

Virtual Reality (VR) shows the potential to tackle the limitations and deficiencies of traditional microteaching training by offering an intricate and lifelike environment that helps pre-service teachers to develop their teaching skills. However, the effects of VR training on each teaching skill sub-dimension remain inconclusive. This study identified nine sub-dimensions of teaching skills through a literature review. Moreover, a VR-based microteaching training system was developed, and the effects of VR on these sub-dimensions of teaching skills were explored by conducting a comparative experiment between virtual and traditional microteaching training. The results showed that virtual microteaching considerably enhanced pre-service teachers' teacher efficacy compared to traditional training, especially the efficacy of instructional strategies and classroom management. Furthermore, more significant improvements were noted in the questioning skill and the language and posture skills after virtual microteaching training, although there was no significant difference in teaching skills overall. Moreover, pre-service teachers reported a highly immersive experience during the virtual microteaching.
Evaluating the anti-neuropathic effects of naringin-loaded chitosan nanocarriers in a murine model of constriction injury
Authors: Safari Maryam , Fakhri Sajad , Maleki Hassan , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein
Published: January 2024

Peripheral neuropathies are associated with various detrimental complications, leading to life-debilitating disorders, including neuropathic pain. Hence, the current study aimed to incorporate naringin, a potential natural component, into chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to ameliorate the complications resulting from chronic constriction injury (CCI) induced painful neuropathy. The prepared NPs had a particle size of 220 nm and PDI = 0.37, with relatively spherical morphology and zeta potential of +41.5 mV. The relevant analyses indicated the loading and high encapsulation efficiency of naringin into the NPs as well as a prolonged release of naringin. The anti-neuropathic evaluations of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced rats treated with naringin-loaded NPs (10 mg/kg) remarkably ameliorated hyperalgesia and cold allodynia. In addition, the treatment with naringin-loaded NPs led to improvements in sensory and locomotor impairment, as evidenced by changes in behavioral parameters such as reduced paw licking, increased rearings, and enhanced crossings. The NPs treatment significantly attenuated the elevated levels of nitrite and restored the reduced glutathione level in the serum of CCI-induced rats. Moreover, histopathological analysis exhibited regeneration of the sciatic nerve injury through reducing myelin degeneration, axonal swelling, and nerve fiber derangement. Therefore, these findings suggest that the naringin-loaded chitosan NPs has promising pharmacological activities for the treatment of neuropathic pain sufferers.
Modeling and balancing of parallel U-shaped assembly line based on improved genetic algorithms
Authors: Jiao Yu-ling , Huang Lujiao , Xu Binjie , Wang Yang , Su Xinyue
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the improvement of the efficiency of the assembly line in the intelligent manufacturing field, a parallel U-shaped assembly line balancing problem (PUALBP) appears. In this paper, a mathematical model of the PUALBP-I is established, and an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is innovatively designed based on the allocation strategy. Combined with 56 classic examples, the IGA is used to solve the mathematical models of SUAL and PUAL respectively, and the balance results and the balance effect evaluation indicators are obtained. The comparison with Parallel U-line Heuristic (PUH) shows that the results of PUAL are better than SUAL, and verifies that the IGA is effective. The results demonstrate that the IGA in calculating large-scale problems is superior to the small-scale problems, which provides a useful reference for solving PUALBP.
A new laser remelting strategy for direct energy deposition of 316L stainless steel
Authors: Nie Hailin , Liu Hang , Wang Chao , Wu Yuru , Zhu Shimin , Luo Jun
Published: January 2024

At present, components produced by Direct energy deposition (DED) still have many shortcomings, such as rough surfaces, many internal pores, and the formation of long columnar grains that will lead to anisotropy due to large temperature gradients. Laser remelting (LR) is an effective method to improve the top surface quality and densification of samples. In the present work, in the process of manufacturing 316L stainless steel samples with DED, an additional LR process without powder conveying is added after each deposition layer of the samples is deposited. The smoothness of the sample surface has been greatly improved, and the density of the samples has been increased to nearly fully dense. The number and size of pores inside the samples are significantly decreased. By changing laser power and spot size, the effect of the LR process with different energy densities on microstructure and mechanical properties was studied. After the LR process, the coarse and long columnar grains in samples are transformed into fine equiaxed grains and fine columnar grains. Experimental results show that the LR process with appropriate energy density can reduce the residual stress of the samples made by DED and significantly improve the tensile strength and elongation of the samples. LR with the same processing parameters as the deposition has the most obvious effect on refining the microstructure and improving tensile properties. However, the LR process with low energy density will increase the residual stress of the sample, resulting in poor mechanical properties.
Evaluation of Cd-induced cytotoxicity in primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Romashin Daniil , Arzumanian Viktoriia , Poverennaya Ekaterina , Varshaver Alexandra , Luzgina Nataliya , Rusanov Alexander
Published: January 2024

An increasing number of studies have investigated the effects of Cd on human health. Cd-induced dermatotoxicity is an important field of research, but numerous studies have focused on the effects of Cd on the human skin. Moreover, most studies have been performed using HaCaT cells but not primary keratinocytes. In this study, we provide the results describing the cytotoxic effects of Cd exposure on primary human epidermal keratinocytes obtained from different donors. The subtoxic concentration of cadmium chloride was determined via MTT assay, and transcriptomic analysis of the cells exposed to this concentration (25 µM) was performed. As in HaCaT cells, Cd exposure resulted in increased ROS levels, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, we report that exposure to Cd affects zinc and copper homeostasis, induces metallothionein expression, and activates various signaling pathways, including Nrf2, NF-kB, TRAIL, and PI3K. Cd induces the secretion of various cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2) and upregulates the expression of several cytokeratins, such as KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, and KRT17. The results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of cadmium-induced cytotoxicity and its effect on human epidermal skin cells.
Preclinical Animal Study and Pilot Clinical Trial of Using Enriched Peripheral Blood-Derived Mononuclear Cells for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Chung Yu-Hsuan , Hu Ming-Hsien , Kao Shang-Chyi , Kao Ying-Hsien , Wang Fu-Hui , Hsieh Chia-Ying , Shen Ching-I , Chuang Chang-Han , Chen Dave Wei-Chih , Kuo Chi-Chung , Su Hong-Lin , Lin Chih-Lung
Published: January 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of long-term disability globally. Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is mainly responsible for discogenic pain in LBP-affected young patients. There is no effective therapy to reverse disease severity and IVDD progression. This study investigates the effect of human peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on pain relief and life quality improvement in IVDD patients. The enriched monocytes of the PBMCs could differentiate into CD14 and CD206 double-positive M2 macrophages in vitro. Preclinical evidence in rats showed that the transplanted PBMCs exhibited anti-inflammatory and moderate tissue-repair effects on controlling IVDD progress in the rat model. The PBMCs significantly steered the aggrecan and type II collagen expressions and attenuated the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the affected disk. Based on the animal results, 36 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were included in clinical trials. The control group was conservative care only, and the experimental group was platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and PBMCs intradiscal injections. We first confirmed the single lumbar disk causing the discogenic pain by provocative discography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Discogenic LBP participants received one intradiscal injection of autologous PBMCs and followed for 6 months. Our clinical trial showed that patients’ LBP and disability were significantly ameliorated after the PBMCs transplantation rather than PRP. These preclinical and pilot clinical studies indicate that intradiscal injection of the enriched PBMCs might be a feasible and potential cell therapy to control pain and disability in IVDD patients.
Biological Control of Ustilaginoidea virens Using Chelerythrine Suspension
Authors: Wei Qinghui , Song Weifeng , Li Xinmin , Zhao Min
Published: January 2024

Background

High efficiency, low toxicity, and environmentally safe pesticides are increasingly being sought and developed to ensure sustainable development and high-yield agricultural production. Chelerythrine has strong inhibitory effects against the mycelial growth of crop pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Anthrax, and grey mold. Our previous studies have shown that chelerythrine inhibits fungus spore germination by up to 86.7% and induces the apoptosis of Ustilaginoidea virens cells. The application of chelerythrine as a green biological pesticide would not only enhance agricultural production but also enhance ecological protection.

Materials and Methods

The formulation of a chelerythrine suspension concentrate was selected. According to the ratio of experimental design requirements to preparation sample, six groups were set up in the field assay; the first spraying was performed approximately 7 days before the rice rupture period, and the second spraying was performed after 10 days. The control effect was investigated at the milk-ripe stage. The present study preliminarily investigates the safety of chelerythrine as a pesticide using the oral acute toxicity test for mice.

Results

In the present study, the effect of chelerythrine as the main ingredient in suspension concentrate formulations and its field effect on rice false smut (RFS) was investigated. The pesticide in the suspending agent was sprayed twice and had superior effects with regard to the prevention and control of RFS in the field. The control effect was 95.88% at an application rate of 192 mL/ha, with low residue, environmentally safe, and low resistance characteristics. An acute toxicity test following intragastric administration in mice showed that the LD50 of chelerythrine suspension was 1580 mg·kg−1, which was much lower than those of other low-toxicity commercial pesticides.

Conclusion

Chelerythrine suspension was a low-toxicity agent and exhibited the characteristics of an environmentally friendly plant pesticide. The application of chelerythrine suspension could facilitate the achievement of the goal of pesticide reduction efficiency.
Does improved upward social mobility foster frustration and conflict? A large-scale online experiment testing Boudon’s model
Authors: Berger Joël , Diekmann Andreas , Wehrli Stefan
Published: January 2024

The rise of populism has reignited scholarly interest in the paradox of societal advancement leading to frustration and social tension. Globalization and digitalization have increased social opportunities for parts of the population, but a substantial portion of society feels disadvantaged, resulting in discontent. This study, rooted in Boudon’s model of relative deprivation, examines the mechanisms that fuel this frustration. We conducted an online experiment involving 2114 US-based MTurk participants, in which we manipulated the availability of status positions to create varying degrees of upward social mobility. We also varied group sizes to ensure robustness. We assessed relative deprivation with structural, subjective, and behavioral measures. For example, frustration was measured using the “joy-of-destruction game,” in which subjects had to make the costly decision to destroy part of another player’s winnings. Contrary to the model’s prediction, we found that the proportion of individuals who were worse off, the losers, decreased consistently as mobility increased. This outcome can be attributed to overentry in conditions of low mobility and underentry in conditions of intermediate or high mobility. The losers displayed increased frustration and hostility towards noncompetitors and winners. Intriguingly, winners also exhibited heightened hostility. However, at the aggregate level, hostile behavior did not surge as conditions improved. In our exploratory analyses at the individual level, we identified several distinct patterns. Risk-tolerant individuals and women were more likely to enter competition. Conversely, those with advanced education levels showed a decreased inclination to competitiveness. Risk-tolerant individuals reported greater feelings of frustration and displayed increased hostility. This effect was also observed particularly among politically right-leaning individuals.
Promoting Free Play in Families Using the Kindergarten PLAYBAG Intervention in Hong Kong: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Cheung Johnson Chun-Sing , Tsang Wallace Wai-Hung , Yu Potato Kai-Yin , Yuen De-Ming
Published: January 2024

This exploratory study examined whether the kindergarten PLAYBAG intervention protocol administered for parents and children during the pandemic in Hong Kong could generate positive outcomes in embracing play freedom, fostering positive parent–child relationships, and promoting parents’ mental health. Self-administrated questionnaires were used to generate quantitative data before and after the distribution of the PLAYBAG intervention protocol. A total of 32 parents who completed both the pre-test and post-test were investigated regarding the outcomes of PLAYBAG. Recommendations from the study suggest enhancing the PLAYBAG protocol to address the specific needs of parents from different socio-economic backgrounds and help resolve the difficulties experienced by parents in engaging in free play with their children. Consideration should also be given to empowering children’s voices in the co-creation of a free play environment.
Runaway rights: How rights become expanded, adopted, and coopted
Authors: Moghaddam Fathali M , Louis Winnifred R , Banks Robin
Published: January 2024

We are in an age of rights, in the sense that major social and political movements use the rhetoric of rights (not duties), including women’s rights, Black rights, gay rights, and animal rights. This paper explores runaway rights, the trend of extending rights to more and more domains, and using the language of rights in social contestations. This accelerating profusion of different kinds of rights is integral to contemporary culture and is underwritten by powerful moral arguments, such as the pursuit of social justice or environmental protection. Nevertheless, if the beneficial effects of fast emerging rights are to be safeguarded, the process of rights proliferation must be better understood. Here we advance a psychological framework for understanding the causes and consequences of runaway rights, suggesting a set of testable hypotheses based on this framework. We argue that the process of establishing new rights entails six stages, with each stage characterized by particular psychological processes at individual and group levels. During ‘rights initiated’ (Stage 1), perception, categorization, and labeling are the associated psychological processes, with norm formation occurring at the group level. ‘Rights expansion’ (Stage 2) involves minority-majority processes of norm contestation. During the normalization of a new right (Stage 3), associated psychological processes are normative influence, conformity, and obedience. ‘Strategic adoption’ (Stage 4) expands the right to people who initially may have opposed it, with associated psychological processes involving minority influence and leadership. During Stage 5 the original right becomes revised, adapted, and expanded, through psychological processes involving creativity, social differentiation, and factionalism. Finally, Stage 6 involves ‘backlash and countering’ from those who oppose rights extension and counter with competing rights, with associated social comparison, relative deprivation, and mutual radicalization processes. At this point, we would argue, power holders seek to initiate a new struggle over terms or rights, returning the process to Stage 1. Building on this six-stage model, we propose a novel explanation for the recent emergence of the ‘runaway rights’ phenomenon and discuss its empirical needs and wider implications.
The monster and the self: Taking on the monstrosity of sexual violations
Authors: Kruse Anja Emilie , Skilbrei May-Len
Published: January 2024

The contemporary normative climate regarding sexual violence affects how perpetrators of such violence relate to their harmful acts. In this article, we analyze how men convicted of sex offences are affected by how perpetrators of such offences are often represented as monsters and ask what this tells us about what characterizes the Monster as a figure. While people convicted of sexual offences are likened to monsters in many contexts, there is little research that unpacks the characteristics of this figure and how it is contingent on ideas about and the regulation of sex offending. By analyzing data from qualitative interviews with 17 men convicted of sexual offences in Norway, we found that, although they presented themselves and the acts they were convicted of committing differently, they had a common fear of being identified as a monster. In these narratives, a monster was characterized by (1) intentionality—having intentionally harmed others, (2) preference—having a sexual preference for harmful, nonconsensual sex, and (3) authenticity—being authentically violent. We conceive of the narrative processes that the participants engage in as forms of social abjection and discuss the consequences that abjection may have for accountability, rehabilitation, and justice.
Preparation, characterisation and properties of green composites from Pinus roxburghii fibre
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Rakesh Pawan Kumar , Sreehari Dungali , Kumar Deepak , Naik Tejas Pramod
Published: January 2024

Pinus roxburghii needles are plentiful in the Himalayas and may be processed into a natural fibre. In this research, polylactic acid composites were made, including both untreated and treated Pinus roxburghii fibres as reinforcing materials. The Pinus roxburghii fibres were produced by subjecting the Pinus roxburghii needle to an alkali treatment with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution in water, and the Pinus roxburghii fibres were obtained by a water retting extraction method. Pinus roxburghii fibre–polylactic acid composites were made using a compression moulding process. Composites were fabricated utilizing treated and untreated Pinus roxburghii fibre with fibre loadings of 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight. Subsequently, the investigators examined the alterations in the tensile, flexural, impact, and morphological properties with sodium hydroxide treatment. As expected, alkaline treatment considerably boosted the compatibility between Pinus roxburghii fibre and polylactic acid, leading to improvements in the morphological, hardness, and mechanical characteristics of Pinus roxburghii fibre composites. In addition, when 30 wt.% of treated fibres were used, the mechanical characteristics improved.
Soil Quality Indicators in Peasant Agroecosystems in Paraíba State, Brazil
Authors: Melo David Marx Antunes de , Pérez-Marin Aldrin Martin , Araújo Alexandre Eduardo de , Oliveira Manoel Rivelino Gomes de , Macedo Rodrigo Santana , Nascimento Silvania Maria Souza Gomes do
Published: January 2024

Background and Research Aims: Soil quality (SQ) is the basis for the Sustainability of Peasant Farming Systems (PFS). We hypothesized that different land uses modify soil quality through changes that can be analyzed by determining the Soil Quality Index (SQI).

Methods: Soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm layer in five subsystems of peasant agroecosystems located in the municipalities of Solânea (A), Casserengue (B), and Serraria (C). SQI was calculated using non-linear scoring, while a principal component analysis was performed using all data (bulk and particle density, total porosity, particle size, pH, macronutrients, and soil organic carbon) to determine a Minimum Data Set (MDS).

Results: The MDS composed of P available, Ca+2, Al+3, sand, silt, H+Al, base saturation (BS%), and the aluminum saturation (AS%) indicate that these parameters can serve as indicators for soil quality assessment in peasant agroecosystems. Sand and silt are related to pedogenic processes and parent material, while the remaining indicators reflect management practices. Land conversion from forest to cropland decreased nutrient availability and soil organic matter in agroecosystems A (Arenosol) and B (Luvisol) and increased the cation exchange capacity in agroecosystem C (Lixisol).

Conclusions: All agroecosystems showed low SQI values, highlighting the need to expand conservation practices in the studied agricultural subsystems, especially regarding the increase of soil organic matter. Our results contribute to improving the use and management of soils and the vulnerability assessment in peasant farming, an essential requirement for the sustainability of agroecosystems.

Implications for Conservation: Our results also demonstrated that agroforestry practices can significantly increase soil quality and soil carbon sequestration, a viable alternative for maintaining organic matter in areas susceptible to degradation.
EdD Students’ Sensemaking of Improvement Science as a Tool for Change in Education
Authors: Bonney Edwin Nii , Yurkofsky Maxwell M. , Capello Sarah A.
Published: January 2024

Although research scholarship offers valuable guidance to those hoping to use improvement science in their teaching and practice, it tends to center the perspectives of researchers and EdD program faculty. Less research has focused on the voices of practitioners who use improvement science in their schools and organizations. We draw on sensemaking theory to investigate how EdD students are learning about and applying improvement science in their practice. We share how practitioners made sense of each stage of the improvement science process, including affordances, and how they navigated challenges with collaborators and communities within their organizations.
Exploring the link between long-term intrauterine contraceptive device usage and abdominal actinomycosis in a middle-aged female: A case report
Authors: Ayesha Shabih , Zaidi Syeda Mahrukh Fatima , Shahid Ruqaiya , Khan Naveed Ali , Sohail Rangwala Burhanuddin
Published: January 2024

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic, and suppurative disease caused by Actinomyces species, which are filamentous, obligate, Gram-positive bacteria. This report presents a case of anterior abdominal actinomycosis in a 40-year-old female with a history of intrauterine contraceptive device placement. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain, an abdominal mass, low-grade fever, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed thickening of the left rectus abdominis muscle and pericolic fat stranding. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed dense adhesions from the transverse colon and omentum to the abdominal wall with a purulent discharge. Resection of the affected colon segment and primary anastomosis were performed. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic colonies of Actinomyces within abscesses, confirming the diagnosis of actinomycosis. The patient received appropriate antibiotic therapy and showed improvement. This case highlights the rare occurrence of abdominal wall actinomycosis associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device and emphasizes the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pathologies. Thus, medical history related to intrauterine contraceptive device use should be regarded as in differentials if a patient presents vague abdominal mass and pain, and small details in history should be emphasized and looked upon so that a timely decision can be made for the betterment of the patient.
Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of digital health readiness questionnaire among hypertension patients in rural areas of China
Authors: Xu Linqi , Yu Tianzhuo , Leng Xin , Yu Tianyue , Scherrenberg Martijn , Falter Maarten , Kaihara Toshiki , Kizilkilic Sevda Ece , Van Erum Hanne , Kindermans Hanne , Dendale Paul , Tong Qian , Li Feng
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Digital health has the potential to support health care in rural areas by overcoming the problems of distance and poor infrastructure, however, rural areas have extremely low use of digital health because of the lack of interaction with technology. There is no existing tool to measure digital health literacy in rural China. This study aims to test and validate the digital health readiness questionnaire for assessing digital readiness among patients in rural China.

Methods

Due to the different Internet environments in China compared to Belgium, a cultural adaptation is needed to optimize the use of Digital Health Readiness Questionnaire in China. Then, a prospective single-center survey study was conducted in rural China among patients with hypertension. Confirmatory factor analysis was computed to test the measurement models.

Results

A total of 330 full questionnaires were selected and included in the analysis. The model-fit measures were used to assess the model's overall goodness of fit (Chi-square/degrees of freedom = 5.060, comparative fit index = 0.889, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.869, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.111, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.0880). TLI is a little bit lower than the borderline (more than 0.9) and RMSEA is higher than it (less than 0.08 means good model fit). We deleted two items 2 and 4 and the result shows a better goodness of fit (Chi-square/degrees of freedom = 4.897, comparative fit index = 0.914, TLI = 0.895, RMSEA = 0.109, SRMR = 0.0765)

Conclusion

To increase applicability and generalizability in rural areas, it should be considered to use the calculation of only the parts Digital skills, Digital literacy and Digital health literacy which are equally applicable in a Belgian population as in a rural Chinese population.
The Impact of Providers as Health Discussants on Black Women's Interest in PrEP for HIV Prevention
Authors: Irie Whitney C. , Croston Merriah A. , Mahone Anais
Published: January 2024

This study sought to examine the role of providers as health discussants (HD) on interest in preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in a national sample of adult Black cisgender women (N = 315). Health discussant networks, a type of social network, may be influential in HIV prevention efforts. These networks, often composed of individuals’ families, have improved health utilization outcomes in other disciplines. However, health discussants in HIV prevention are understudied, especially when considering providers as network members. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey and collected socio-demographic information, sexual history, HIV concerns, PrEP attitudes, healthcare utilization, mistrust, social support, and HD information. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to analyze data. Associations between PrEP interest and variables were examined. We found that older, partnered, who had recent healthcare visits or health insurance were more likely to involve healthcare providers as discussants. Anticipated PrEP stigma decreased provider involvement. Among participants listing providers as discussants, there was a greater likelihood of interest in using PrEP. Our findings indicate that healthcare provider support and social factors are crucial in promoting PrEP engagement among Black women. Integrating social dynamics and positive provider-patient interactions is essential for successful PrEP implementation.
The Influence of Social Support on Self-Care Behavior among T2DM Patients
Authors: Hasan Abd Alhadi , Ismail Ahmed , Noor Hala
Published: January 2024

Introduction

T2DM is a chronic health condition that requires routine self-care. Despite T2DM patients being able to manage self-care behaviors, psychosocial factors, including social support, have been considered effective in improving diabetic self-care behaviors.

Objective

This study aimed at examining the influence of social support on self-care behavior among T2DM patients in Dr. Soliaman Fakeeh Hospital.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at Dr. Soliaman Fakeeh Hospital using a sample size of 192 T2DM patients. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprised of a demographic section, the Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) section, and the Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (DSCAQ) section. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Results

The study analyzed data from 192 complete responses (91.86%) out of 209 respondents. Regarding gender, most of the respondents were female T2DM patients (n  =  103, 53.6%), while males (n  =  89, 46.4%) The highest level of social support was from the family (mean of 5.49). The highest performing self-care activity performed by the respondents was blood glucose monitoring (mean of 6.01). Analysis of the correlation between the Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the DSCAQ revealed positive and significant correlations (r  =  0.370, p  =  0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed that social support influenced self-care behaviors in patients with T2DM. Therefore, interventions should be developed focused on enhancing the levels of social support and self-care behaviors.
Nurses’ and Midwives’ Awareness of the Recommended Breastfeeding Practices During the Pandemic of COVID-19 and the Associated Factors in Jordan
Authors: Jakalat Suad S. , Salameh Taghreed , Al Tarawneh Tamador , Shatnawi Fedaa , Al-ja’freh Sarah , Rayan Ahmad , Abu Sumaqa Yasmeen , Bani Mohammad Eslam , Al Hadid Lourance
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19-related restrictions imposed to reduce viral transmission have highlighted the need to support the importance of maternal breastfeeding. Clear guidelines for consistent practices across settings have been drawn up on the basis of the best available data. Emerging recommendations call to increase nurses’ and midwives’ awareness of these guidelines.

Objective

This study aimed to explore nurses’ and midwives’ awareness of the recommended breastfeeding practices and associated factors in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. This study was conducted in clinical settings representing Jordan's North, Middle, and Southern regions. One hundred seventy nurses and midwives were selected through a convenient sampling technique.

Results

The mean total score of the awareness was 7.78 (SD = 1.60); 62.9% of participants were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices. Nurses and midwives who were aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during the pandemic of COVID-19 (90.7%) were more likely to perceive COVID-19 preventive measures as effective than those who were not aware of breastfeeding practices (74.6%) (χ2  = 7.886, p = .005), while work experience in years (χ2  = 8.966, p < .01) was significantly associated with awareness of the breastfeeding recommended practices.

Conclusion

Most Jordanain nurses and midwives were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during COVID-19 pandemic. This awareness was positively associated with working experience and perceiving that the preventive measures of COVID-19 are effective. Educational programs for nurses and midwives about breastfeeding practice recommendations are necessary to help mothers obtain appropriate care and education.
Illustration of activation energy and exponential heat source on the conducting viscous fluid through an expanding surface
Authors: Panda Subhajit , Pradhan Geetanjali , Nayak Damayanti , Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar , Mishra Satyaranjan
Published: January 2024

In the current scenario, this investigation deal with the illustration of the advanced heat source properties influenced by exponential distribution for the inclusion of activation energy in the flow of viscous conducting fluid over an expanding surface. The flow through porous matrix is also characterized by the heat dissipation formulated due to viscous, Joule, and Darcy effects. Due to the consideration of the transverse magnetic field, and porous matrix, the effect of Joule and Darcy dissipations cannot be neglected. However, the novelty arises for the investigation that characterizes its key role to optimize the transport properties in numerous industrial application that be governed by the external heat source, which is beneficial for the better shape of the product and size of the manufacturing products. The dimensionless form of the proposed model associated with various flow properties is solved numerically employing shooting based “ Runge-Kutta fourth-order.” The illustration of the features of the various components associated in the present profiles is deployed graphically and the numerical computation of shear rate vis-a-vis other rate coefficients are presented in the tabular form. Finally, the important outcomes of the study deployed as; the velocity profile augments with the increasing thermal buoyancy as well as the ratio of the volumetric coefficient and the enhanced Lewis number combined with the reaction coefficient augments the solutal rate.
An exploration of teaching diverse students in a higher education institution in the UK: A case study of a University in London
Authors: Cantafio Giuseppe Umberto
Published: January 2024

This study investigates race equality at The University of Sunderland in London through an analysis of practices and perspectives. Interviews were conducted with Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students, staff, and affiliated individuals, revealing seven major themes: Curriculum, Covid, Diversity, Personal Sphere, Institution, Belonging, and Technology. These themes offer valuable recommendations for fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment, improving the academic experience in UK Higher Education Institutions. To promote diversity, it is essential to ensure balanced student representation in classes and incorporate diversity considerations in recruitment and allocation processes. Creating a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion is crucial for a positive learning environment. Mentorship programs can facilitate inclusivity, pairing BAME students with experienced staff. Policies should be reviewed to ensure inclusivity and non-discrimination. Increasing representation of people of colour in senior management roles enhances staff diversity. Staff training on creating an inclusive environment is important. Transparent and fair recruitment processes are necessary to avoid bias. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape, benefiting both students and staff.