bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathologic Patterns of Urinary Bladder Lesions and Associated Factors in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Engida Ghion , Nisiro Abebe , Bekele Fanuel , Geremew Teketel
Published: October 2024

Background: Urinary bladder lesions, non-neoplastic and neoplastic, are collectively responsible for significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Bladder cancer is a prevalent disease affects a significant number of individuals each year worldwide. The most common non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesion of the urinary bladder is non-specific cystitis and urothelial carcinoma respectively. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe histopathologic patterns of urinary bladder lesions and associated risk factors in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023. Methods: A 7-year cross sectional study was conducted to describe histologically diagnosed bladder lesions and associated factors at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023. Results: This study comprised a total of 182 patients who have bladder biopsies at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Pathology department from January 2017 to December 2023. Out of which 21 cases (12.1%) are non-neoplastic, while 152 cases (83%) are neoplastic. Nine cases (4.9%) have a descriptive diagnosis. With 139 (90.44%) cases, urothelial neoplasms have the highest frequency form all neoplastic lesions. Ninety-seven cases, or 69.8%, of urothelial neoplasms were invasive; of them, 78 (80.4%) were high grade cases. Low-grade noninvasive papillary carcinomas, which accounted for 24 instances. One case is a cystectomy specimen, and the remaining 181 cases are TURBT. The age range of 50-59 years was the most frequent accounting for 39 (21.4%) of all cases, with a male to female (M: F) ratio of 2.9:1. The most frequent presenting symptom in 146 (85.7%) of patients was hematuria. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that 139 (90.44%) of the neoplastic bladder lesions were bladder neoplasms of urothelial origin, 97 (69.8%) of which are invasive urothelial carcinoma with rising numbers each year and implying the burden in the region.
Exploration of Metal Ion Release from Nickel-Chromium Denture Material: The Role of Saliva pH and Immersion Duration
Authors: Pratiwi Putri , Indrastuti Murti , Ismiyati Titik
Published: October 2024

Nickel chromium (NiCr) is a fixed denture material. Nickel has good physical, and mechanical properties, cheap, but it has low corrosion resistance. One way to increase corrosion resistance is to modify the metal surface by silver plating using the electroplating method. This study examines the effect of saliva pH and immersion time of NiCr metal with silver plating on the release of nickel, chromium, and silver ions. Laboratory experimental studies were 27 samples of NiCr with silver plating (Ø= 10 x 10 x 2 mm) immersed in saliva and divided into 9 groups (n=3): group I (pH 5 for 5 days), group II (pH 7 for 5 days), group III (pH 9 for 5 days), group IV (pH 5 for 10 days), group V (pH 7 for 10 days), group VI (pH 9 for 10 days), group VII (pH 5 for 15 days), group VIII (pH 7 for 15 days), group IX (pH 9 for 15 days). Nickel, chromium, and silver ions release was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The data obtained were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD with a 95% confidence level (α =0.05). The results showed a significant difference between salivary pH and immersion time on the ion release (p<0.05). The release of nickel and silver ions increases at acidic pH, while the release of chromium ions increases at alkaline pH. Prolonged immersion (for 15 days) in saliva increases the release of nickel and chromium ions but decreases the release of silver ions.
Prediction of the Remaining Useful Life of Lithium-Ion Battery Using Multilayer Perceptron
Authors: Pancha Basanta , Paudel Sushil , Thapaliya Basanta , Siewerski Tomasz , Niraula Dayasagar
Published: October 2024

Cogitating the reliability of the supply and ensuring continuous delivery of power to the loads, especially in the growing demand for Lithium-Ion batteries in electric vehicle applications, prediction of the remaining useful life of Lithium-Ion batteries is crucial for the timely replacement. For prediction of non-linear and chaotic relationship, experience-based approach, physics-based approach and data driven approach are used among which data driven approach is a model free, accurate and reliable approach. Therefore, a driven approach in predicting remaining useful life can be implemented in the battery management system. This research uses a multilayer perceptron to predict the remaining useful life of the battery. The NASA Ames Prognostics Center of Excellence (PCoE) battery dataset is used to test the proposed methodology. The use of multilayer perceptron for remaining life prediction seems promising despite the significant number of jump points, gaps in data and a small quantity of experimental data in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) dataset. The predicted result was obtained with 8.52 % mean absolute error and 9.59 % root mean square error. When compared with the predicted results of different literatures, proposed multilayer perceptron with sliding window approach outperforms most of the existing approach. Incorporation of optimization techniques and hybrid algorithm in proposed approach can further enhance the accuracy of the model.
The Semiotic Dimension of Men's Fashion in Modern Eras
Authors: Alzahrani Sarah , Saroukh Safia
Published: October 2024

This research was conducted to study the semiotic relationship between historical men's costumes in modern times from the 17th to the 19th century and some functional (the intended function of the costume) and aesthetic (the art of fashion design) values. From a semiotic perspective, the research sample was determined by studying and analyzing four men's costumes in each of the three centuries. It was divided into four periods from the beginning to the 1920s, from the 1920s to the 1950s, from the 1950s to the 1970s, and from the 1970s to the end of the century. The research relied on the historical-analytical approach in addressing concepts related to the semiotics of historical men's fashion. This research aimed to: Describe and analyze men's fashion in modern eras from the 17th to the 19th century, clarify the symbolic significance of the form of men's fashion clothing in modern eras and its relationship to the functional values represented by the intentional function of the costume from a semiotic perspective and explain the symbolic significance of the form of men's fashion in modern eras and its relationship to the aesthetic values represented in the art of fashion design from a semiotic perspective. The results of the study were the following: The clarity of the symbolic significance of the form of men's fashion clothing and its relationship to the functional values represented in the intentional function of the costume, the aesthetic values defined in the art of fashion design from a semiotic perspective, and the reflection of historical, social, political and religious events, customs and traditions semiotically on the function of men's fashion and the art of its design.
The Legal Threshold of Rights and Liabilities of the Mortgagor, Mortgagee, and Lessee of a Mortgage Property in Relation to the Validity of a Lease
Authors: Abdulrahman Saka , Juwah Abigail
Published: October 2024

The general position of the law is that, subject to the agreement of the parties to a mortgage transaction, both the mortgagor and mortgagee of a leased property have power to lease mortgaged property. The only condition that needs to be satisfied is that the party leasing must be in possession. While the rights and liabilities of the mortgagor and mortgagee in relation to the mortgage contract poses no problems, the various legislations on mortgage do not provide for the rights and liabilities of a lessee where the property, subject matter of a mortgage, is leased. It would seem that the lessee is subject to the terms of the contract between the mortgagor and mortgagee which he is not privy to. This situation may pose more challenges than is evident and recourse would be had frequently to equity. A threshold implies a boundary of a right. In the realm of property law, the Mortgagor, Mortgagee, Lessor, and Lessee have a multitude of individual rights. However, when these parties interact, not all of these rights are accommodated. Some are modified, and others are limited. The writer, in this paper, intends to conceptualize the interaction of leases in a mortgage transaction. The major jurisdiction explored is Nigeria, with a glimpse on how other jurisdictions comparatively handle similar transactions. This paper seeks to examine the limit of the rights and liabilities of a mortgagor, the mortgagee and lessee in relation to each other in the event of a valid lease of property subject to a mortgage with a view to proposing reforms in this important area of the law and property transaction.
The Role of 18F-FDG PET in the Diagnosis of Aortitis and Large Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Bafail Abrar , Carsuzaa Thibaut , Legot Floriane , Santiago-Ribeiro Maria-Joao
Published: October 2024

Background: 18F-FDG PET metabolic imaging provides significant help in the early diagnosis of inflammation of large and medium arteries, even before the appearance of structural vascular alterations. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the role of 18F-FDG PET in the diagnosis and management of large vessel vasculitis (LVV), including aortitis. Methodology: Fifty patients with clinical and/or biological suspicion of large vessel vasculitis but without a definitive diagnosis underwent 18F-FDG PET scanning. A qualitative visual scoring system and an average total vascular score (TVS) were used to compare 18F-FDG uptake in the vascular walls with that in the liver. Patients who had been on corticosteroids for more than 8 days were excluded from the study. Results: The study included 50 patients, 27 women and 23 men, with an average age of 65.8 ± 14.5 years. The analysis of 18F-FDG PET images allowed for the classification of subjects into two distinct groups. Among the 50 subjects, 16 (32%) showed higher 18F-FDG uptake in the vascular walls compared to hepatic uptake (PET-positive group), while 34 (68%) showed lower uptake (PET-negative group). In the positive group, 75% were diagnosed with Horton’s disease, and the remaining 25% with other inflammatory diseases such as Takayasu arteritis or polyarteritis nodosa. None of the subjects in the positive group had an aortic aneurysm. All patients with a positive 18F-FDG PET had elevated levels of C-reactive protein. The TVS obtained for aortitis alone was 5.9 ± 4.7, while the score for more global vasculitis was obviously higher, at 10.4 ± 6.3. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis, particularly in the early stages of the disease. It also allows for mapping of arterial involvement and estimation of disease severity using the TVS.
Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat Production in Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Donis Abera , Girma Dereje , Getahun Dejene , Tolesa Meron , Geremu Tadele
Published: October 2024

Productivity of wheat was low due to depleted soil fertility and the blanket use of fertilizers. Fertilizer is the most vital input, contributing significantly to final wheat yields although wheat yields have long been low due to a lack of soil test-based site-specific fertilizer recommendations. This study aimed to determine an economically appropriate rate of NPS fertilizer based on calibrated Phosphorus for bread wheat production in the Degem district. The experiments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were based on already determined Phosphorous critical and requirement factors and consisted of 100% Pc from TSP fertilizer, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Pc from NPS fertilizer and control (without fertilizer). The phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) (5.85), phosphorus critical (Pc) (22 ppm), and optimum nitrogen optimum nitrogen (92 kg ha-1) were used from previous studies. Improved bread wheat variety senete was used at 150 kg/ ha seeds rate. The results of a statistical analysis of variance demonstrated that NPS fertilizer rates based on calibrated phosphorus had significant effects on bread wheat production. Partial budget analysis shows the maximum net benefit (101,570.65 Birr ha-1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (932’52 %) through the application of 75% of Pc from NPS with optimum nitrogen fertilizer use. Consequently, 75% Pc from NPS should be used in the Degem district for bread wheat production, with the optimum nitrogen. Thus, further scaled-up and demonstration of the technologies for bread wheat production in the Degem district.
Sports Development Management in the Republic of Armenia: The Structure and Statistics
Authors: Lianna Abrahamyan
Published: October 2024

Sports is one of the many branches of the national economic complex and represents a complex and unique socio-economic system, the activity of which is characterized by multifaceted social and state relations. It should be considered that the management structure of any socio-economic sector of the state is largely determined first by the state policy, the very structure of the state. It should be organically integrated into the sports movement management system. The state body responsible for the development of sports in Republic of Armenia (RA) is the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MESCS), which is entrusted with the functions of implementing state policy and legal regulation, as well as providing support to sports organizations and sports federations. The main goal of its activity is the formation of a positive attitude of society, the state and the entire nation towards sports as an effective means of maintaining and strengthening human health, an integral part of universal culture, and as a factor, especially in the physical and moral education of children and young people. The Ministry carries out the functions of state policy and legal regulation in physical culture, sports and youth issues and the processes of developing and implementing them. Along with that, public sports organizations in the form of NAOC of Armenia and national sports federations and units play an important role in the development of sports in the republic. Funding for mass sports and high-performance sports is increasing year by year in Armenia, which is aimed at increasing the number of events, as well as increasing the number of incentives for the achievements of people who do sports and high-level athletes.
The Upshots of Dufour and Soret in Stretching Porous Flow of Convective Maxwell Nanofluid with Nonlinear Thermal Emission
Authors: Williams Michael , Yabo Isah
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the combined upshot of Soret and Dufoue of a convective Maxwell nanofluid on a porous perpendicular surface with nonlinear thermal emission was investigated. In the present work, the impact of permeable stretching sheet, nonlinear thermal emission, heat sour sink, Dufour and Soret effect, chemical reaction, Brownian motion and thermophoresis in a convective Maxwell nanofluid flow is widely discussed. The governing equations derived for the problem are highly nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. The governing equations were transformed into ordinary differential equations using Lie symmetry group alterations. The BVP4C MATLAB solver was employed to solve the ordinary differential equations numerically after validating the convergence of the method with existing results in the literature. The numerical results were established and discussed using tables and graphs. It was found that variations in porosity parameter (K), Dufour (Du) and Soret (Sr) improves velocity, temperature and concentration profiles respectively and the present of nonlinear thermal radiation and heat source emit more heat for the flow. Also, it is exciting to report that both porosity (K) and Dufour (Du) parameters has a strong impact on the flow of skin frictions, Nusselt number and Sherwood number. However, the current results may present applications in the areas of petroleum reservoir, heat exchangers, steel industries, cooling applications, nuclear waste disposal and so on.
Innovative Service Model of Science and Technology Finance in China
Authors: Li Ximei , Liang Zixuan , Li Tony , Yu Fuji , Li Ximei , Wei Chiming
Published: October 2024

This investigation analyses the financial dependence of the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, the effective connection between scientific and technological resources and financial resources, the development of emerging industries, the upgrade of technological levels and the optimization of industrial structures, and the financial support required for technological innovation and R&D of high-tech enterprises as well as small and medium-sized technological enterprises. It is pointed out that the improvement of financial products, the innovation of capital markets and the application of internet finance are the operational basis of the innovation service mode of science and technology finance. Correspondingly, the upper level design at the policy level provides the basis for the development of the appropriate service model of technological and financial innovation.
Clinical Characteristics and Causes of Perinatal Death Among Women Who Delivered at SekouToure Regional Referral Hospital, Mwanza Region, Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Kaiza Innocent , Mvungi Emmiliana , Munema Furaha , Machangu Nakiete , Mabega Ndakibae
Published: October 2024

Background: Perinatal deaths and neonatal deaths are major public health concern worldwide. They are unexpected tragedy which brings bad experience to the pregnant mothers and the families in general. Occurrences of these deaths may be used to evaluate the quality of obstetric care given to pregnant women in the hospital. They shows good quality of obstetric care when they are low in number. Therefore, more efforts must be directed in preventing these deaths. Methods: This was a one-year retrospective descriptive hospital based study conducted in one of the tertiary regional referral hospital. Women who had perinatal deaths between the studied periods and meet the inclusion criteria were included. Results: There were 7336 deliveries in the study, 81.1% (n =5953) had vagina deliveries and 18.9% (n=1383) had Caesarean section. Total of 169 cases of perinatal deaths identified, making a rate of perinatal deaths of 23 cases per 1000 deliveries (2.3%). Among perinatal death 40% (n=67) were early neonatal deaths and there was an identified association between referral from lower health facilities with early neonatal deaths. Conclusion: The rate of perinatal deaths in this study was relatively low compared to other studies. This reflect the quality of obstetrics care pregnant women received in our facility. And most of these women with early neonatal deaths were referred to our facility from lower health facilities with complications.
Evaluation of Treatment Results for Male Hypogonadism in Patients with Varicocele and Without Varicocele in Can Tho City
Authors: Hieu Nguyen , Kien Nguyen , Cuong Dam , Binh Le , Cuong Tran , Tu Hoang , Yen Luong
Published: October 2024

Introduction: male hypogonadism is defined by the European Association of Urology 2022 as being associated with reduced testicular function, reduced androgen production, and/or impaired sperm production. Male hypogonadism has many causes and accompanying diseases such as diabetes, varicocele, etc. Male hypogonadism hadsymptoms of varicocele and had two treatment options: testosterone replacement therapy or surgical treatment of varicocele. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages, so we research to evaluate each treatment method’s results. Objectives: Evaluate the results of male hypogonadism treatment of testosterone replacement therapy or varicocele surgery. Material and methods: conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in 111 men with symptoms of hypogonadism from January 2022 to the end of 2023. Result: The average age was 65.2 ± 2.4 years. The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire has the highest rate of 90.99% showing symptoms of decreased erection strength. Hypogonadism is associated with body mass index and diabetes. After treatment, the hypogonadism group with grade III varicocele had the lowest response to treatment. After treatment, total testosterone in blood levels in all treatments increased (p<0.001). Conclusion: Testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism without varicocele is the gold standard, and microsurgical treatment for hypogonadism with varicocele is the most effective.
Hybrid Coffee (Coffea arabica L) Plantlet Production via Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis in Ethiopia: Current Statue and Future Direction
Authors: Gebremariam Elyas
Published: October 2024

Traditional hybrid coffee propagation methods using seed or vegetative cuttings has tremendous limitations. Seed propagation is associated with hand pollination which is time consuming and need large number of skilled labor. On the other hand, vegetative cuttings ensure uniformity, but; cuttings generate relatively low multiplication rates as they can only be obtained from orthotropic branches. Multiplication by tissue culture techniques could provide a best alternative to these traditional methods of coffee propagation as it allowed the production of relatively uniform plantlets on a large scale in a shorter period in any climatic condition. Among tissue culture techniques, indirect somatic embryogenesis of hybrid coffee plays substantial role in rapid industrial scale multiplication of high valued varities. Research on somatic embryogenesis of C. arabica hybrid has been conducted since the late 70s with the objectives to substitute the conventional vegetative propagation of selected varieties. In Ethiopia, in vitro propagation of hybrid coffee is recent phenomenon and research on indirect somatic embryogenesis is already well underway by different research groups. Here, we discussed the current status of coffee research on somatic embryogenesis in general and specifically, we provide recommendations for future research for the establishment of mass propagation protocol for F1 hybrids varities in Ethiopia that utilized wild endogenous lines.
An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management
Authors: Rundbaken Benjamin
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.
A Comprehensive Survey on the Role of Law in Different Applications in Computer Science
Authors: Mohamed Basma , Fattah Khaled
Published: October 2024

One significant tool for addressing the concerns associated with the use of one of the applications in computer science is the law. Numerous laws and rules governing the use of computer science are designed to safeguard users, customers, and society at large. Law uses norms created by governmental and social institutions to control behavior. Programming is used to explore digital information in computer science. Computers got more potent and smaller as they evolved through generations, utilizing various technologies such as integrated circuits. Cyber law regulates online behavior and deals with matters pertaining to intellectual property, privacy, domain names, and other legal concerns. A few of the many concerns that the law must address in order to mitigate the electronic crimes are protecting privacy and security, upholding justice, limiting civil and criminal liability, ensuring safety, and controlling the application of AI in the workplace. Guidelines that people and organizations have to follow when utilizing computer science applications, making sure that these requirements are met in full. Additionally, as companies must commit to recording AI usage procedures and making clear the use of data and algorithms, the regulation fosters accountability and openness. By doing this, the possibility of prejudice and mistakes when utilizing AI is decreased. This survey provides a self-contained introduction to cybercrimes and types of cybercrimes. We also present ways to combat cybercrime and limit its spread.
Gender Dynamics and the Socioeconomic Implications of Infertility in Sierra Leone: A Study on Health, Social Stigmatization, and Economic Impact
Authors: Sesay Safuan
Published: October 2024

Gender Dynamics and the Socioeconomic Implications of Infertility in Sierra Leone delves profoundly into the intricate effects of infertility on persons and broader society. Infertility in Sierra Leone surpasses medical confines, interweaving fundamentally with cultural, communal, and economic factors. Women disproportionately bear the consequences, suffering from social exclusion, economic hardship, and psychological distress. Societal expectation that ties femininity to motherhood increase these stresses. This societal expectation places immense anxiety on women who are unable to conceive, regularly resulting in discrimination, stigmatization, and isolation from family and social life. Financially, families expend considerable amounts on fertility treatments, which frequently lead to monetary instability, especially in lower-income families. Infertile women, already marginalized, face compounded challenges due to reduced inheritance rights, limited economic possibilities, and societal exclusion. Psychologically, the emotional toll is severe, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and isolation. The research calls for comprehensive policies that address the multifaceted character of infertility. It advocates for gender-sensitive reproductive wellness initiatives and societal efforts to decrease the stigma associated with infertility. By promoting equitable access to healthcare, improving mental health services, and tackling cultural stigmatization, the study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mitigate the socioeconomic and health-related impacts of infertility in Sierra Leone. Ultimately, the findings highlight the urgency of policy reforms that integrate medical, social, and economic viewpoints to better support those affected by infertility.
Does Cabbeling Shape the Thermohaline Structure of High-Latitude Oceans?
Authors: Bisits Josef I. , Zika Jan D. , Evans Dafydd Gwyn
Published: October 2024

Vertical exchange of heat and carbon in the ocean regulates Earth’s climate. Convection, a driver of near-surface exchange, occurs when dense water overlies light water. In a 1957 study, N. Fofonoff pointed out that when lighter overlying cold-fresh water mixes with denser underlying warm-salty water, the mixture can become denser than the underlying water due to a nonlinear process known as cabbeling. He suggested that such profiles, despite being gravitationally stable, could be classed as being unstable to cabbeling. Fofonoff hypothesized that, by mixing away such profiles, cabbeling may be shaping the thermohaline structure of polar oceans. We investigate this hypothesis here. In a one-dimensional model, we find that convective mixing occurs in temperature inverted profiles that are unstable to cabbeling even when they are initially gravitationally stable. In data from an observationally constrained global circulation model, we find profiles with a temperature inversion larger than −0.5°C are unstable to cabbeling less than 0.02% of the time, and in high-quality in situ observations, they are unstable less than 12% of the time. We find that due to cabbeling, larger temperature inversions, which should weaken stratification, make profiles more stable. Our results suggest that cabbeling limits the stability behavior of temperature inverted profiles and influences the thermohaline structure in parts of the ocean where cold-fresh water overlays warm-salty water.
Spatial and Ethno-national Health Inequalities: Health and Mortality Gaps between Palestinians and Jews in Israel
Authors: Saabneh Ameed
Published: October 2024

This research adopts an analytical spatial perspective to explain ethno-national health inequality between Palestinians and Jews in Israel. The work identifies the forces that instigated and maintained the spatial segregation of Palestinians and elaborates the role of segregation in generating health gaps between Palestinians and Jews. The analysis suggests a novel conceptualization of two types of segregation: (a) exclusion from the center and confinement to the periphery and (b) segregation within the geographic periphery. Using administrative data on COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and death and various health indicators for localities, I devise a decomposition method that evaluates the relative contribution of each type of segregation to the total health gap. The findings indicate that the segregation of Palestinians from the center and their confinement to peripheral regions are crucial determinants of their poor health outcomes and that the segregation of the Palestinian community within the geographic periphery also contributes to poorer health.
The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling on Emotional Eating Levels in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Saritas Merve , Sukut Özge
Published: October 2024

Emotional eating is a risk factor for obesity. It should be recognized and prevented at an early stage. The randomised control trial study aimed to determine the effect of internet-based solution-focused short-term group counseling on emotional eating levels in nursing students. Sixty students were assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple random sampling method. Those in the experimental group received of solution-focused counseling, and those in the control group received of healthy nutrition training. The data analysed by chi-square test, paired sample t test, groups t-test and repeated groups Anova test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found between the pre-test, post-test and follow-up test body mass indexes of those in the experimental group ( p < .05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the group’s pre- and post-test emotional eating scores ( p < .05), and no statistically significant difference was found between their Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale scores ( p > .05). The short-term solution-focused approach was found to be effective in reducing the emotional eating levels of students.
Tribal Middle Class in India
Authors: Xaxa Virginius
Published: October 2024

The article presents a historical overview of the emergence of the tribal middle class in India, and how this history has shaped their social identity, location and participation in the Indian society, polity and economy. It initiates a discussion on the conceptual issues associated with identifying the tribal middle class, given its specific historical origins, growth and diversification through colonialism and in post-colonial India. While the article distinguishes between the old and new tribal middle class, it also attempts to delineate its overarching features, particularly that of reconciling the processes of diversification with the politics of evolving a distinct tribal identity. The article argues that the question of tribal integration is at the core of this endeavour. Therefore, it is important to consider the role and participation of the tribal middle class in shaping the nature and politics of tribal integration in India.
Coordinated torque vectoring and direct yaw control based on Kalman filter control allocation for a four in-wheel electric vehicle
Authors: Sayssouk Wissam , Orjuela Rodolfo , Roos Clement , Basset Michel
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel hierarchical control architecture designed for a four in-wheel electric vehicle (EV), integrating longitudinal and lateral control strategies to optimize performance and lateral stability. On one hand, a high-level longitudinal controller is synthesized to track a desired speed profile and generate a total torque. On the other hand, a direct yaw control (DYC) strategy is employed for steerability and stability control to generate a yaw moment. To manage the total torque as well as the yaw moment, a control allocation layer is employed. Subsequently, the formulation of the control allocation problem is presented, incorporating a gain-scheduling Daisy chaining Kalman filter (DCKF) control allocation to deal with actuator dynamics and fault tolerance. Results demonstrate enhanced performance in normal and emergency driving. Quick adaptability in case of emergency is achieved without overshooting or undershooting, with a smooth response.
On-line and real-time controller tuning architecture based on Youla–Kucera controller parameterization
Authors: Xie Wei , Wei Haixiang , Li Weisheng , Li Lili , Zhang Langwen
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an on-line and real-time controller tuning architecture based on Youla–Kucera controller parameterization. First, a coarse controller is designed to satisfy nominal performance of closed-loop system. Second, Youla parameter is used to construct an on-line and real-time fine tuning mechanism including a group of controller candidates under arbitrary switching strategy. The mechanism can adjust the control performance on-line to achieve the balance between dynamic and steady-state performance without resulting in any closed-loop stability problems.
Sovereignty across generations: The problem of divisive pluralism dismissed
Authors: van der Walt Johan
Published: October 2024

The Rawlsian conception of constituent power in Alessandro Ferrara’s Sovereignty Across Generations is burdened by a deep contradiction that renders the central argument in the book highly questionable. On the one hand, Rawls is (correctly in my view) presented as the thinker that confronted contemporary political theory with the problem of divisive pluralism. On the other hand, Rawls is also presented (incorrectly in my view) as the thinker who then suddenly found a solution for this divisive pluralism in the ‘common values’ that all the members of these divisively pluralist societies share ‘unproblematically’. The combination of these two moves leaves one with the sense that Rawls rather frivolously put up the problem of divisive pluralism like a strawman that he could shoot down again without much ado. This article proposes a different reading of Rawls that considers him a serious thinker who did not amuse himself and his readers with strawman-problems. For this reading of Rawls, guidance is drawn from Hans Kelsen, the very thinker whom Sovereignty Across Generations casually dismisses for failing to grasp or appreciate the ‘common values’ that pluralist societies share so ‘unproblematically’.
Consented Abuses? Analyzing Perspectives of Christian Young Adults Regarding Human Rights Concerns in Neo-Pentecostal Deliverance Practices in Ghana
Authors: Golo Ben-Willie Kwaku , Benyah Francis Ethelbert Kwabena
Published: October 2024

Deliverance practices have become central features of Ghanaian Pentecostalism. However, there have been human rights concerns and abuse of power regarding some of these practices. Consequently, using the theory of consumer religion, this article sought to analyze perspectives of some Christian young adults regarding some of these concerns. Findings suggest that deliverance is considered as a solution to existential problems and human rights concerns are not priorities that deliverance seekers, who are in search of solutions, are concerned about once their needs are met. The article concludes that, with popular knowledge of abuses in some of these deliverance practices and with no guarantee that one would not be abused, deliverance seekers vesting unfettered trust in pastor-prophets in these practices renders them as consenting by default to some of the abuses they are subjected to. The article contributes to the discourse on neo-Pentecostal deliverance practices in contemporary Ghana.
Microstructure development by the application of different strain paths prior to soft annealing in a medium carbon steel
Authors: Arruabarrena Jon , Montaña Yaiza , Rodriguez-Ibabe Jose M.
Published: October 2024

The effect of different pre-strain application paths on the microstructure evolution of a medium carbon steel after soft annealing is studied. The strain applied on an undercooled austenite induces fine ferrite and pearlite transformation at austenite grain boundaries leading to an average grain size much finer than that in the case where no pre-strain is applied (around 4 and 7 µm, respectively) and a drastic reduction of the fraction of large grains (>20 µm) that become the 17% rather than the 40%. Cementite direct precipitation at the induced ferrite α/α interface and the induced pearlite quick decomposition, give rise to an improved degree of spheroidisation after annealing and a L2 IFI rating regarding the ASTM F2282 standard. When the strain is applied on pearlite, diffusion through the matrix is enhanced which accelerates the lamellae break-up and leads to fully spheroidised microstructures after annealing (degree of spheroidisation above 90% and G1 on IFI rating). When both strain sequences are applied consecutively, the resulting annealed microstructure combines the features corresponding to each individual strain paths, i.e., homogeneous and refined ferrite grain size and enhanced spheroidisation degree, which confers optimal cold workability properties to the steel. In addition, such characteristics are attained without an excessive increase in hardness (in the range 155–180 HV), which is interesting when considering cold forming tool wear.
Effect of carbon nanotube on the mechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced polyether-ether-ketone
Authors: Song Wenzhe , Ding Xuejun , Fan Congze , Zheng Jinghua , Wang Jingxuan , Chen Yiwei , Shan Zhongde , Chen Chaozhong , Zhang Congfa
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing provides a quick and cost-effective way for the fabrication of complex composite structures. Additively manufactured short carbon fiber reinforced polyether-ether-ketone (SCF/PEEK) is a promising thermoplastic composite material due to its excellent designability, ease of manufacture, and good recyclability. However, the mechanical properties of 3D printed SCF/PEEK are unsatisfactory due to the layer-by-layer forming process. In this study, CNTs were introduced to 3D printed SCF/PEEK, and the influence mechanism of CNTs on the mechanical properties was analyzed and discussed in depth. The results showed that the introduction of CNTs could effectively enhance the tensile modulus of 3D printed SCF/PEEK, whilst it led to a decrease in the tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength of the composites. This was mainly related to the poor dispersion and agglomeration of CNTs. The modulus of 3D printed SCF/PEEK reached about 5.17 GPa, representing a 95.1% increase.
“I Needed to be That Voice”: A Multi-Party Study of the Healthcare and Social Service Experiences and Needs of Transgender and Gender-diverse Older Adults in Canada
Authors: Kia Hannah , Pang Celeste , Göncü Kaan , Jakubiec Brittany , MacKinnon Kinnon Ross , Handlovsky Ingrid , Ross Lori E.
Published: October 2024

The social contexts of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) older adults remain under-examined. In this qualitative study, which involved six virtual focus groups with a total of 21 participants inclusive of TGD adults ages 50+, service providers, and community advocates, we sought to examine the healthcare and social service experiences and needs of TGD older adults in Canada. Drawing theoretically on critical gerontology and intersectionality, and methodologically on interpretive description, we examined the perspectives of different participant groups to develop insight into TGD older adults’ issues and priorities in the context of their engagements with systems of care. Our findings revealed the role of histories of marginalization, precarity, contemporary sources of intersectional oppression, and resistance in shaping the experiences of this population, while also highlighting community-driven ground-up activities to address evolving needs. Drawing on this conceptualization, we explored the implications of our research for ongoing inquiry, policy, and practice.
Implementing a Bedside Percutaneous Tracheostomy and Ultrasound Gastrostomy Team Reduces Length of Stay and Hospital Costs Across Multiple Critical Care Units in a 1500 Bed Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Houghton Douglas , Patel Samarth , Gerasim Sergey , Buryk Yaroslav , Massad Nina , Alkhachroum Ayham , Atallah Hany Y. , O'Phelan Kristine
Published: October 2024

Background

Thousands of critically ill patients every year in the United States receive tracheostomy and gastrostomy procedures. Recent research has investigated the benefits of a combined team approach to these procedures, with associated decreases in length of stay (LOS) and hospital costs. This study's objective was to determine if implementing a bedside percutaneous tracheostomy and percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) team would reduce LOS and hospital costs. Design and Methods: This retrospective chart review compares the impact of implementing an ICU bedside percutaneous tracheostomy and PUG service team to the hospital's previous workflow (ie, pre-implementation). Inclusion criteria were adult patients with Ventilator Dependent Respiratory Failure (VDRF), a clinical indication for both procedures while admitted to the ICU and received both tracheostomy and gastrostomy procedures while admitted to the hospital. Pre- and post-implementation groups were compared across patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. ICU LOS, hospital LOS and total hospital costs were the primary outcome measures. Results: A total of 101 adult critically ill patients were included in the analysis; 49 patients were in the pre-implementation group and 52 patients in the post-implementation group (ie, PUG group). Patients in the PUG group had a significantly shorter mean ICU LOS and hospital LOS, 10.9- and 14.7-day reductions respectively (p = 0.010, p = 0.006). PUG group patients also had a significant reduction in total hospital costs, a per patient cost savings of $34 778 (p = 0.043). Conclusions: This study supports implementing a bedside percutaneous tracheostomy and PUG team to reduce LOS and total hospital costs in patients with VDRF.
Imagining rural landscapes: Making sense of a contemporary landscape identity complex in the Netherlands
Authors: Lam Timothy Theodoor Marini , Arts Koen
Published: October 2024

Periods of accelerated societal change in European history have disrupted gradual alteration in the landscape, creating breaks with the past. This has led to, what we refer to as, the contemporary landscape identity complex in the Netherlands. Composed of dissonant narratives surrounding the landscape that play out on the societal level, the contemporary landscape identity complex may create tensions that can obstruct conservation efforts. In this article, we map out this complex. Three narrative clusters, distilled from literature and supplemented by interviews, aid in understanding the tension regarding the future of the Dutch contemporary rural landscape, namely: ‘the utilitarian narrative’, ‘the romantic narrative’, and ‘the eco-scientific narrative’. The contemporary landscape identity complex is fed by these narratives, specifically through how rural landscapes are imagined and discussed, as opposed to how they are lived and acted upon. The way such narratives play out in practice is further investigated through a case study on the ‘Bommelerwaard’, an area in the south-central of the Netherlands. From our results, we propose a pathway to reconcile the contemporary landscape identity complex towards a landscape conservation ethic that allows for a co-existence of a diversity of images and ideas about (semi-) natural landscapes.
A War of D’s: DRESS or Dengue?
Authors: Dahra Anurag , Kaur Jaspreet , Cheema Yuvraj Singh , Attri Sahil
Published: October 2024

Background:

Dengue fever can present with symptoms that mimic drug-related reactions, especially in patients with complex medical histories, such as those with bipolar disorder on multiple medications.

Case details:

We report a 62-year-old female with a known history of bipolar disorder who was admitted with altered mental status, vomiting, and a rash. Given her psychiatric treatment, there was an initial concern for a drug-related reaction.

Investigations:

Through investigation was conducted. Results revealed a positive serology for dengue fever, alongside leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Discussion:

This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating between adverse drug reactions and infectious diseases like dengue in patients on multiple medications.

Conclusion:

Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for tropical diseases like dengue, particularly in patients with complex comorbidities. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluations in emergency settings and the need for a broad differential diagnosis approach.
Justifying Political Violence: African American Attitudes Toward Protests Against Police Attacks on Black People
Authors: Gibson James L.
Published: October 2024

Concern over the breadth of support for political violence is rising among scholars. However, important unanswered questions remain: First, are attitudes toward political violence, as commonly measured, too abstract to have any real-life meaning? Second, how do ever-present contextual factors shape judgments in the events in which violence materializes? Third, given that African Americans are so often on the receiving end of violence, how supportive are Black people of the use of political violence? Finally, what accounts for variability among Black people in attitudes toward violence—what role is played by experiences with unfair treatment by the police and in-group attachments and identities? Based on a nationally representative panel survey of African Americans, I provide empirical answers to each of these important questions. Black support for political violence is indeed connected to both identities and experiences, as well as to core values such as support for the rule of law.