bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time - Dependent Magnetohydrodynamic Non-Newtonian Nanofluid Flow with Lorentz Force, Viscous Dissipation and Thermophoresis Between Parallel Plates
Authors: Tuesday Kafunda , Danny Mukonda , Nictor Mwamba , Matindih Levy , Mwale Chenjelani , Jere Stanley
Published: December 2024

The study examined a three-dimensional unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic non-Newtonian nanofluid flow with magnetic induction, Lorentz force, viscous dissipation and thermophoresis between two parallel horizontal plates. In this study, fluid’s dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity parameters have been assumed to vary depending on temperature changes. The density has been assumed to be incompressible and also the study assumes that the gravitational effects are negligible. The governing equations: continuity, Navier-Stokes, Energy, Magnetic Induction and Concentration equations for the non-Newtonian nanofluid flow have been developed and non-dimensionalized. Dimensionless parameters arising from the dimensionless equations have also been determined. Finite difference numerical approximation method has been used to approximate the systems of the governing equations in difference form. Profiles for the flow variables have been presented and discussed. Results show that increasing thermophoresis parameter increases the specie concentration while increasing Schmidt number and chemical reaction parameter reduces concentration profiles. Magnetic induction profiles rise with an increase in Reynolds number but declines with an increase in magnetic Prandtl number. Temperature and velocity profiles increase with an increase in Reynolds number. The study of electrically conducting fluids with the consideration of Lorentz force, thermophoresis, viscous dissipation, chemical reaction, variable dynamic viscosity, variable thermal conductivity and magnetic induction is very useful in designing heat and mass transfer appliances. It is also significant in cooling and overheating control systems.
Combinatorial Properties and Invariants Associated with the Direct Product of Alternating and Dihedral Groups Acting on the Cartesian Product of Two Sets
Authors: Victor John , Namu Nyaga , Muriuki Gikunju
Published: December 2024

Group theory, an area in mathematics, has undergone extensive research, but not exhaustively. In group theory, especially symmetric groups have been studied in terms of properties and actions. In this research, two groups of the Symmetric Group (Alternating and Dihedral Groups) are studied in terms of their properties and also their direct product between them. Also, ordered sets are studied in this research where their Cartesian product is looked at. Finally, this research combines the direct product of two symmetric groups (alternating group and dihedral group) and the Cartesian product of two ordered sets (X×Y) by group action. This research therefore focuses on determining the combinatorial properties (transitivity and primitivity), invariants (ranks and subdegrees), and structures (suborbital graphs) of this group action. To accomplish this, orbit-stabilizer theorem is used to compute transitivity, block action concept is applied to determine primitivity, and Cauchy-Frobenius lemma is used to compute ranks and subdegrees. For n ≥ 3, it has been confirmed that the group action is transitive and also imprimitive. The rank of this group action is 6 and the subdegrees are obtained using the formula of Theorem 3.3. This research adds new concepts in group theory which will be useful in other areas like graph theory and also application in real life situations.
Interpretation of the Calculation Problem of Power Loss in Long-distance Transmission Lines——Starting from the Serious Errors in Calculation Methods in High School Physics Textbooks
Authors: Shaoshu Huang , JunJie Feng
Published: December 2024

This article points out the erroneous calculations of power loss and voltage loss in long-distance transmission lines in high school physics textbooks; Based on the basic circuit structure of long-distance power transmission, provide a series of correct functional relationships between power transmission power, line loss power and loss voltage, transmission line current and transformer ratio, load resistance, transmission line resistance, and the relationship between power supply voltage and transmission voltage, and discuss related issues based on these functional relationships.
Adapting Through Belief: The Persistent Rituals of Phuket’s Jia Cai Festival
Authors: Kamnoi Jularat
Published: December 2024

The Jia Cai Festival, commonly known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, has its origins in the early 19th century when Chinese immigrants from Fujian brought their religious practices to Phuket. Initially a private religious ceremony, it has since evolved into a prominent public and globally recognized event, attracting both local and international attention. This paper critically explores the historical roots and cultural significance of the Jia Cai Festival, tracing its origins to a malaria outbreak among Chinese immigrants. In seeking divine intervention, these immigrants dedicated themselves to nine days of vegetarian fasting in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods. Over time, this devotion has solidified into a deeply rooted tradition that reflects both religious faith and cultural identity. The research highlights how the Jia Cai Festival has been shaped by a synthesis of Chinese Taoist and Thai ritualistic elements, creating a unique cultural expression. The enduring belief in vegetarianism has driven adaptations in vegetarian food offerings to suit contemporary tastes while retaining the festival's core spiritual and cultural rituals. This delicate balance underscores the ongoing tension between preserving tradition and embracing modernity. However, the festival faces challenges, particularly the risk of cultural erosion due to increasing commercialization and tourism-driven modifications. By examining these dynamics, the study underscores the Jia Cai Festival's role as a symbol of cultural resilience. It demonstrates how the festival continues to foster social solidarity, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity, even amidst evolving societal contexts. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader discussions on cultural preservation, highlighting the significance of adaptive strategies in maintaining the integrity of traditional practices while ensuring their relevance in a modern, globalized world. The Jia Cai Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage in promoting community identity and cohesion.
Shui Dui Dou Mu Shrine: A Pillar of Protection and Inheritance for Phuket’s Jia Cai Festival
Authors: Kamnoi Jularat
Published: December 2024

This study examines the strategies employed by the Shui Dui Dou Mu Shrine to preserve the Jia Cai festival in the face of contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and declining interest among younger generations. The research focuses on the shrine's adaptive leadership, highlighting its innovative approaches to sustain the festival's cultural integrity while ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world. These strategies include implementing public health measures during the pandemic, leveraging digital platforms to reach broader audiences, and actively engaging younger generations in festival activities. By balancing the preservation of traditional values with the necessity of modernization, the shrine navigates complex societal dynamics that influence cultural continuity. This study also explores broader themes tied to the shrine's efforts, such as government initiatives promoting tourism, the festival's role in fostering community pride, and its function as a medium for transmitting cultural and spiritual values to future generations. Through its governance, the shrine serves as a case study on how cultural institutions can respond to crises while maintaining authenticity and spiritual significance. The findings contribute to global discourses on cultural preservation, adaptive leadership, and the sustainability of heritage practices in the context of globalization. This research offers valuable insights into the delicate interplay between tradition and modernization, demonstrating that cultural heritage can be both preserved and innovatively adapted to meet contemporary needs. By documenting the strategies and outcomes of the shrine's efforts, this study underscores the importance of proactive governance in ensuring the longevity and relevance of cultural practices for future generations.
The Geopolitics of the Horn of Africa: Navigating Regional Conflicts and Global Interests
Authors: Dubale Aschale
Published: December 2024

The Horn of Africa, comprising Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Eritrea, Sudan, and Djibouti, is one of the most geopolitically significant yet unstable regions in the world. This paper explores the complex interplay of internal conflicts, regional power struggles, and the influence of global actors in shaping the region’s security and political landscape. Internal divisions, particularly ethnic tensions and contested political systems, have led to protracted conflicts, such as the Somali civil war, the Ethiopian-Tigray conflict, and ongoing instability in Sudan. These conflicts are further compounded by external interventions, with global powers like the United States, China, and the Gulf States seeking strategic and economic footholds in the region. China’s Belt and Road Initiative and military investments, along with the Gulf States' engagement in regional proxy wars, illustrate the heightened geopolitical competition. The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have played critical roles in mediating conflicts and providing peacekeeping forces, but their efforts have often been undermined by internal political divisions and external pressures. The findings suggest that long-term stability will require more effective regional cooperation, stronger governance, and a balanced approach to external engagement that prioritizes peace over geopolitical rivalry.
Phytochemical Composition and Functional Properties of Fruit Purees Produced from Some Indigenous Varieties of Mango, Orange and Watermelon
Authors: Amedu Ankeli , Gilian Igbum , Godwin Okibe
Published: December 2024

This study explores the phytochemical content, and functional properties of mango, orange, and watermelon purees to evaluate their potential in food formulations and post-harvest loss reduction. Key findings revealed that watermelon puree exhibited the highest total phenolic content (559.03 mg/100 g), tannins (60.85 mg/100 g), and water holding capacity (93.03%), while mango puree had the highest bulk density (1.11 g/cm³), viscosity (3.84 cP), and oil holding capacity (27.01%). Orange puree contained the highest levels of flavonoids (37.78 mg/100 g) and alkaloids (22.52 mg/100 g). The results for bulk density recorded 1.11g/cm3 for mango, 0.89g/cm3 for watermelon and 0.93g/cm3 for orange. Specific gravity recorded higher value for mango 1.13 followed by orange 1.05 then watermelon 0.92. Viscosity also recorded higher value for mango (3.84cP) then orange 2.04cP and least for watermelon (1.53cP). Water holding capacity took a different trajectory as it recorded higher in watermelon (93.03%), followed by orange (84.49%) then mango (83.74%). Oil holding capacity had mango with the highest (27.01%), orange with 23.01% then the least was watermelon with 18.03%. The results suggest that these fruit purees can be effectively utilized in various food products, contributing to both nutritional diversity and reduced food wastage in regions with high fruit production.
Reflections on Zimbabwe-Zambia Relations in the 21st Century
Authors: Goredema Dorothy , Muwanzi Joseph
Published: December 2024

The article explores the changing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the 21st century, focusing on the intrinsic synergy of political and socio-economic factors. Historically, the diplomatic relationship was hinged in shared colonial experiences and liberation struggles, the bilateral ties between these neighboring countries have been significantly influenced by contemporary governance challenges, economic fluctuations, and regional integration efforts. Dual Theoretical Framework of Realism and Constructivism was adopted as a tool for analysing the interplay between power, interests, norms, and ideas in shaping bilateral relations between the two nations. By analysing key events from the early 2000s, a document review methodology was used to illustrate how Zimbabwe and Zambia navigated their shared interests and challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. The findings revealed that while historical legacies and domestic issues continue to impact relations, there exists a significant potential for enhanced cooperation through strategic partnerships and regional initiatives. The role of organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) is critical in shaping these dynamics. Ultimately, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe-Zambia relations, offering insights that are essential for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster stability and collaboration in Southern Africa Region.
Increasing Security and Capacity in SDNFV Structures Via Edge Node Extension
Authors: Illahi Rehmat , Naz Iqra , Shahzadi Neelam
Published: December 2024

The rapid proliferation of IoT devices and corresponding requirements for efficient data processing, Software-Defined Networking Function Virtualization (SDNFV) has come to be a key vehicle for agile management of network resources. The advanced SDNFV model proposed in this study is intended to resolve the two main challenges of security and scalability. The sensitivity of the data transmitted through IoT networks as they grow in size and intricacy requires improved security procedures to hold ill-suited access to their information and ensure its integrity. Encryption & Authentication Protocols: Integration of the encryption and authentication protocol together in a model, that secures data streams against potential cyber threats and threats, enhancing security paradigm. Additionally, the model tackles the scalability challenge by implementing multi-edge node support for distributed processing to better manage high volumes of IoT data. Such expansion is especially notable since it solves latency issues and bottlenecks in the network so a more resilient network structure. The current study compares the simulation results of this improved SDNFV model with existing models and showcases that amidst numerous architectures, the suggested model provides higher efficiency in terms of data privacy and processing capability. This latest development in SDNFV may be fundamental to future IoT platforms that are capable of providing a custom non-functioning IoT backbone to cope with the big data requirements of today's ever-growing network surrounding such devices.
The Correlation Between Organizational Characteristics and Performance of African Ports: The Moderating Effect of Governance Reforms
Authors: Atonga Joseph , Awino Zachary , Ogollah Kennedy , Odock Stephen
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this study was to determine the moderating effect of governance reforms on the relationship between organizational characteristics and organizational performance. Structured questions in the form of questionnaires were employed to collect primary data targeting executive managers of 54 container-handling seaport terminals in Anglophone Africa who are conversant with port operations and management. Some data was also obtained from the websites of the ports and regional port management Associations. The response rate was 83.6%. Out of these responses, 46 terminals (78%) were found to have adopted the landlord model while 10 terminals (22%) were found to be using the public service model of operations. The reliability and validity of the indicator items were ascertained through diagnostic tests. Model fitness was confirmed by the use of Standard Root Means Square Residual (SRMR) and Normed Fit Index (NFI). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using Smart-PLS 4.0 software was used for data analysis and measurement model estimation to test hypothesis which stated that there is no significant moderating effect of governance reforms on the relationship between organizational characteristics and the performance of seaports in Anglophone Africa. The findings established positive and significant moderating effect of governance reforms on the relationship. The study concluded that the landlord model of governance reforms enhances performance thereby creating competitive advantage for ports in Anglophone African. The study also finds that seaports in Africa, seen from both theoretical and empirical point of view are increasingly identifying themselves with port governance reform models. The study recognizes that the landlord model of port governance is dominant amongst African seaports and concludes with the recommendation that all African seaports that are still operating as public service ports should reform and adopt especially the landlord model in order to experience remarkable performance improvement and maintain competitive advantage.
Effect of Vanadium and Austempering Parameters on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) for Tricycle Crankshaft Applications
Authors: Abdulrahman Sumaila , Seidu Saliu , Oyetunji Akinlabi
Published: December 2024

This research focused on the excellent mechanical properties of austempered ductile iron (ADI) which have been harden to significantly increase its application in the production of automobile parts, and improve their performance. ADI has been produced in this work to replace forged steel crankshaft taking advantage of the significant savings in energy, and the resulting advancement of lightweight and durable material. The suitability of calcined periwinkle ash, as an alternative to ferrosilicon-magnesium, as a nodularizer in ductile iron treatment, was investigated. Varied compositions of calcined periwinkle at 600°C, were used in the treatment of different chemical compositions of molten metal. Response surface methodology – Version 17 of the MINITAB two-level full fractional design 2k-1 + 2k+6 giving 30 research runs (castings) was employed in this study. Also, Molybdenum, Vanadium, Copper, and calcined periwinkle ash as alloying additives at various concentrations was considered. Results show that the 5.5wt.% calcined periwinkle ash that produces good graphite nodules and high nodularity in sample N comprising 3.58% C, 2.60% Si, 0.27% Mn, 0.027% Cr, 0.0098% S, 0.023% P, 0.3% Cu, 0.3% V and 0.2% Mo provided the best mechanical properties. The values obtained were within limits obtained by previous researchers in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A897 130-90-09 standards.
Beyond Coordinates: Exploring Street Naming Practices in Contemporary Ukraine
Authors: Vira Orysia
Published: December 2024

The paper examines street naming practices in contemporary Ukraine, focusing on the complexity and cultural significance of toponymic changes. In the wake of the Revolution of Dignity and the Russo-Ukrainian War, decommunization gained momentum, changing the names of streets from the Soviet period. The study employs a qualitative approach, is based on document analysis, and presents the case study of historical street names in Lviv as an example. Particular attention is given to Lviv, where a comprehensive dataset of historical street names from the 14th to the 18th centuries has been compiled and presented on an interactive web map. This map not only showcases valuable toponymic data but also contributes to public engagement and promotes the city’s heritage. The study highlights the multifaceted consequences of street renaming. By examining theoretical frameworks of onomastics, urban studies, and cultural geography, it contributes to interdisciplinary discourses on naming studies. Ultimately, it advocates for a holistic approach that harmoniously combines modern realities with historical traditions, ensuring the preservation of cultural identity while considering societal transformations.
Intercomparison of In Situ and Satellite Sea Surface Salinity Products for Global Coastal Ocean Studies
Authors: Jarugula Sreelekha , Fournier Severine , Reager J. T. , Pascolini-Campbell Madeleine
Published: December 2024

Observing coastal ocean salinity is crucial for understanding the physical and biological processes impacting ocean circulation, ecosystems, and the hydrological cycle. We perform a thorough comparison between in situ and satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) products with a focus on global coastal ocean. Between 40 and 500 km from the coastline, we intercompare SSS from more than two million World Ocean Database (WOD) salinity profiles, gridded Argo data, and satellite products: NASA Multimission Optimally Interpolated Sea Surface Salinity (OISSS), 40- and 70-km Remote Sensing Systems (REMSS) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) SMAP, Laboratory of Oceanography and Climate: Experiments and Numerical Approaches (LOCEAN) Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS), and European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) salinity. We find good agreement between the satellite products and in situ data with satellite-in situ mean differences (0.5–1.7 pss, where pss is the Practical Salinity Scale), root-mean-square differences (0.5–2.4 pss), and signal-to-noise ratios (1–3.8) generally decreasing at a faster rate from 40- to 100-km distance to the coast and remaining constant past 100 km. NASA OISSS, ESA CCI, 70-km REMSS SMAP, and LOCEAN SMOS have minimum differences with in situ observations. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis shows that all the satellite and in situ SSS compare well in capturing mode-1 and mode-2 seasonal variability but have notable differences in the amplitude of the mode-3 semiannual variability in coastal SSS. This study has implications for validation and improvement of satellite SSS and emphasizes the need for designing future satellite missions to better resolve the coastal salinity.
Spectral Data Fusion From Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers for Improved Detection of Cerium in a Simulated Dispersal Accident
Authors: Braun Janos I. , Anderson Paige E. , Borrero Negrón Justin I. , Hartig Kyle C. , Rao Ashwin P.
Published: December 2024

This work implements a mid-level data fusion methodology on spectral data from handheld X-ray fluorescence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analyzers to quantify plutonium surrogate (CeO[Formula: see text]) contamination in soil samples for the first time. Spectral data from each analyzer were used independently to train supervised machine learning regressions to predict Ce concentration. Fused features from both data sets were then used to train the same models, comparing prediction performance by evaluating model precision and sensitivity. Fusing principal component scores from the two sensors yielded an order of magnitude improvement in precision and sensitivity of predictions made with an artificial neural network, compared to predictions made by models trained on independent sensor data. Lastly, a boosted ensemble trained on the fused spectral features yielded an ideal predictor with root-mean-squared error on the order of 10−6 and calculated limit of detection order 10−5 wt[Formula: see text].
Prediction of Olivine Composition Under Limited Calibration Inputs: Comparative Study of Mid-Infrared Reflection, Raman Scattering, and Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopies
Authors: Pavlov Sergey G. , Weber Iris , Böttger Ute , Schade Ulrich , Fritz Jörg
Published: December 2024

In situ optical analytical spectroscopies offer great geochemical insights due to their capability to resolve the chemical composition of regolith surfaces of rocky celestial bodies. The use of suitable calibration targets improves the precision of mineral determination, which is of critical importance for short-living, low-mobility landers, and enables, in special cases, determination of elemental composition. We investigate the capabilities of three space-relevant optical analytical techniques used for in situ mineralogical analysis, i.e., mid-infrared reflection, Raman light scattering, and laser-induced plasma spectroscopies, to predict the chemical composition of olivine under a limited calibration input, namely using two bulk samples of natural olivine, chemically close to the end-members of the mineral group. We determine the accuracy of the forsterite numbers obtained with each technique and discuss the choice of calibration methods applicable to limited in situ calibration input, which are summarized in recommendations for space instrumentation.
Optical and Dielectrical Properties of Opal Water Content Determination Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Gao ChuTong , Pan Kexin , Zheng ZhiYuan , Huang Ren , Zhang Tong , Hao Lixian , Zhang MingRui , Qiu Qiming , Li Shanshan , Huang HaoChong , Qiu Kunfeng
Published: December 2024

The optical and dielectric properties of opals with different water contents were investigated using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The refractive indices and absorption coefficients showed different trends due to the different water contents. The effective medium theory was used to extract the intrinsic dielectric permittivity of opal from opal–polytetrafluoroethylene mixtures. The extracted dielectric permittivities were fitted using a double Debye model to analyze the microscopic relaxation mechanism.
Influence of Different Measuring Backgrounds on the Classification of Multilayer Polyolefin Films Using a Near-Infrared Handheld Spectrometer
Authors: Stipanovic Hana , Arth Patrick , Koinig Gerald , Kuhn Nikolai , Lederer Jakob , Blasenbauer Dominik , Lipp Anna-Maria , Tischberger-Aldrian Alexia
Published: December 2024

The low thickness of plastic films poses a challenge when using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as it affects the spectral quality and classification. This research focuses on offering a solution to the challenge of classifying multilayer plastic film materials with a focus on polyolefin multilayer plastics. It presents the importance of spectral quality on accurate classification. The aim is to demonstrate the suitability of the handheld NIR spectrometer in classifying multilayer polyolefin films and assess the impact of various measuring backgrounds (white tile, Teflon, aluminum, copper, silver, and gold) on classification accuracy in the wavelength range of 1596–2396 nm. Metallic backgrounds have been found to enhance spectral quality and classification accuracy. The classification accuracy was consistently high, ranging from 96.55% to 100%, with aluminum and gold backgrounds yielding the best results in theoretical accuracy. In experimental classification, the accuracy reached 100% when any metallic backgrounds were used. Conversely, Teflon showed a theoretically high accuracy of 96.21% but only achieved an experimental accuracy of 72.2%. These findings suggest that using metallic backgrounds can improve the spectral quality and classification of plastics with low thickness (films) and complex material composition (multilayers).
Domestic and external violence, parental neglect, and social sanctions among crack users: A cross-sectional study exploring the role of gender
Authors: Narvaez Joana Corrêa de Magalhães , Carvalho Josiane Rocha , Serafini Roglio Vinícius , Corrêa de Magalhães Dutra Luiza , Kessler Félix , Ventriglio Antonio , Pechansky Flavio
Published: December 2024

Background:

Substance Use Disorders are often associated with significant levels of domestic and external violence registered among abusers. This investigation aimed to evaluate the Domestic Violence Involvement (DVI) and related gender differences among Crack Cocaine Users in Brazil.

Methods:

For this purpose, a secondary data analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 780 Crack Cocaine Users from 6 Brazilian capitals was performed.

Results:

The prevalence of DVI among abusers was not different between males and females. Crack-cocaine users with DVI versus without DVI experienced significantly more aggressions and beatings as victims throughout their life (54.7% vs. 40.5%), showed greater difficulty in controlling the impulse to assault or hurt someone throughout their life (65% vs. 36.4%), higher number of physical aggressions (25.9% vs. 11.6%), car theft (27.3% vs. 16.9%), violent crimes (12.9% vs. 6.2%). Men also reported a higher prevalence of detentions/arrests (61%) than women, while women were more frequently charged over their parental powers than men.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggested that DVI in Crack-Cocaine users may be a potential predictor of social violence in general with no significant differences between males and females. Legal punishments remain related to the cultural role assigned to each gender with men being more likely to be detained in their lives and women being reported more for parental neglect.
Effect of periodic vibration-isolation piles on soil vibration in deep-buried tunnels of suburban railways
Authors: Cao Shusen , Li Dong , Yin Jili , Xu Qin , Qian Dongdong , Chen Chao , Wang Hongkai , Zhang Lunzheng , Shi Xiangdong , Wang Futong
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of isolation piles on soil vibrations in the environment surrounding suburban railways. Initially, a comprehensive numerical model of the train was established to simulate the wheel-rail interaction forces, which were then applied to a three-dimensional coupled track-soil model. The accuracy of the model was validated through comparison with measured data. The focus of the research is to analyze the vibration isolation effects of single-row, double-row, and triple-row piles, with particular attention to the influence of pile spacing in double-row piles on isolation effectiveness. The study found that the effectiveness of isolation piles in reducing soil vibration acceleration within a depth range of 0 m to 2 m decreases as the pile spacing increases. When the pile spacing reaches 2 times the pile radius, single-row piles exhibit the best vibration isolation effect. For reducing peak soil acceleration within a depth range of 4 m to 8 m, single-row piles are most effective when the pile spacing exceeds 1 times the pile radius. To attenuate peak soil acceleration at depths greater than 6 m, the pile spacing for single-row and double-row piles should be set at 0.5 times the pile radius, while triple-row piles should have a spacing of 1 times the pile radius. In terms of reducing peak soil velocity, single-row piles demonstrate better vibration isolation effects. To reduce peak velocity in soil at depths greater than 2 m, the pile spacing for single-row and double-row piles should be set at 0.5 times the pile radius, while triple-row piles should be spaced at 1 times the pile radius. For reducing peak soil displacement, single-row piles should be used, with optimal results achieved at a spacing of 1 times the pile radius.
Nonlinear association between admission oxygen partial pressure and in-hospital and one-year all-cause mortality in patients with coronavirus disease pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Ruoqing , Pan Dianzhu
Published: December 2024

Background:

This study investigated the correlation between admission partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) levels and both in-hospital mortality and 1-year all-cause mortality among patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the First Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University. Restricted cubic spline regression and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relation between PaO2 levels and the risk of in-hospital mortality and all-cause mortality within 1 year. Subgroup analyses were performed, stratified by age, sex, presence of cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, whether supplemental oxygen was provided during arterial blood gas analysis, and severity of pneumonia.

Results:

The study included 737 participants with in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality rates of 15.7% and 26.7%, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an L-shaped association between admission PaO2 levels and in-hospital mortality ( P nonlinear <0.001) and a U-shaped relation with 1-year all-cause mortality ( P nonlinear <0.001), with a nadir risk of 82 mmHg. Threshold analyses indicated an odds ratio of 0.931 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–0.952) for in-hospital mortality and 0.951 (95% CI: 0.933–0.969) for 1-year all-cause mortality when PaO2 was <82 mmHg. Conversely, when PaO2 was ≥82 mmHg, the odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was 1.022 (95% CI: 0.991–1.055), and for 1-year all-cause mortality was 1.029 (95% CI: 1.004–1.054).

Conclusions:

This study revealed a nonlinear relation between PaO2 levels at admission and both in-hospital mortality and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, with a notable inflection point observed at approximately 82 mmHg.
Fire management and community restraint: The rise of forestry science and the governance of commons
Authors: Gomes Inês , Ágoas Frederico
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the intersection of environmental history and the history of science, specifically the impact of forestry science and fire management on land use and community dynamics in rural Portuguese mountains. It further traces the evolution of fire management from an ancestral rural practice to a scientific concern and the subsequent integration of vernacular knowledge with scientific methods. In the early twentieth century, fire was a common tool in rural Portugal for land clearance, pasture management, and soil enrichment. Rooted in local knowledge, these practices were increasingly challenged by the rise of scientific forestry, which viewed fire primarily as a threat to be controlled. By the mid-twentieth century, Portuguese forestry policies had undergone a significant shift toward aggressive fire suppression and large-scale afforestation, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing timber production and forest protection. Notable shifts occurred in the 1970s, marked, among other factors, by the increase in rural fires, a new socioecological vision for the forest and the introduction of prescribed fire techniques influenced by international models. The paper argues that the establishment of scientific fire management practices represents a merging of expert knowledge with local experience. This move represents a shift from exclusionary policies toward a more nuanced understanding of fire’s role in landscape management. An examination of these historical developments demonstrates the intricate interrelationship between science, the environment, policy, and local practices, illustrating the way knowledge systems both shape and are shaped by environmental governance.
Exploring the challenges of e-resources acquisition to enhance access and the enabling factors to embrace patron-driven e-resources acquisition in Ethiopian university libraries
Authors: Motuma Bedassa , Alemneh Daniel , Jimma Worku
Published: December 2024

University libraries curate their collections striving to align with the academic disciplines of their respective institutions and to fulfill the diverse information needs of their users. The integration of digital technologies into library operations has significantly impacted their services and activities. Despite the numerous challenges, Ethiopian university libraries attempt to provide access to electronic resources. This paper aims to investigate the obstacles surrounding e-resource acquisition to enhance access and to identify the existing facilitating factors to the embrace patron-driven acquisition within Ethiopian university libraries. This study adopted an explanatory research method with a qualitative approach. The research focused on librarians, library directors, and postgraduate school directors from two public universities in Ethiopia: Jimma and Ambo Universities. A total of 22 participants were selected purposefully, and 19 of them responded accordingly. Data was collected using semi-structured Delphi techniques and interviews and analyzed using QDA Miner Lite software. The study uncovered several challenges hindering e-resource acquisition, including limited user involvement in the acquisition, the absence of an online acquisition system, inadequate acquisition budget, scarcity of relevant content, exorbitant journal costs, foreign currency constraints, and protracted licensing procedures. Conversely, the research identified enabling factors to patron-driven e-resource acquisition adoption, including the presence of ICT infrastructure, the proliferation of postgraduate programs, librarians’ strong willingness and professional readiness to integrate e-resources in the library collection, heightened user interest in e-resources, the prevalence of e-learning practices, initiatives to enhance digital services and supportive management. Therefore, addressing the challenges and leveraging enabling factors is imperative to formulate a strategic plan for effective patron-driven e-resource subscription in Ethiopian university libraries.
Shades of Grey: Quantifying a Database of 18 Aesthetic Moods in Classical Chinese Poetry
Authors: Qin Zhenzhen , Ng Sandy , Song Yao
Published: December 2024

Understanding aesthetic moods in classical Chinese poetry is essential for decoding Chinese aesthetics and can significantly benefit culturally and aesthetically inspired creative fields. However, research on how these aesthetic moods are perceived and deconstructed is limited. To address this gap, this study quantitatively identified 18 distinctive aesthetic mood clusters in classical Chinese poetry by empirical methods including natural language processing (NLP). These clusters were paired with relevant tools: mood-eliciting images, the circular valence-arousal model, and diary episodes associated with specific poems. The outcomes were developed into a website that serves as a practical database, visualizing the granularity of aesthetic moods expressed in classical Chinese poetry and relevant elements for mood-focused research and practice.
Turnover Flash Estimation by Purposive Sampling and Debit Card Transactions
Authors: Zhang Li-Chun , Haug Jens Kristoffer
Published: December 2024

Improving timeliness is ever more urgent for official statistics, not least due to the potentials of various non-survey big data that in principle can be made more quickly available than traditional sample surveys. Taking Retail Turnover Index as the case-in-point, we develop new approaches of model learning aimed to achieve flash estimation of acceptable accuracy, as well as the associated methods of uncertainty assessment, when one does not have the target observations that would have been required for unbiased inference by established statistical theories. Applications to the Norwegian data will be used to demonstrate the efficacy of our proposals.
The use of dual and triple rule-out computerized tomography angiography by using diagnostic low-dose contrast material and radiation in acute chest pain
Authors: Imrek Ahmet Kerem , Hızal Mustafa , Yılmazsoy Yunus , Coşgun Zeliha
Published: December 2024

Background

Triple rule-out computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides imaging of the coronary arteries, pulmonary arteries, and thoracic aorta filled with contrast material (CM) to exclude or diagnose the pathologies of these three systems. Although dual rule-out adapted to exclude aortic and pulmonary pathologies. Iodinated CM may result in contrast-induced nephropathy, which lengthens hospital stay.

Purpose

To compare image quality of dual/triple rule-out CTA by reducing the radiation dose by using relatively high mAs with less contrast material and low kilovoltage without affecting the diagnostic value.

Methods

We acquired standard dual/triple rule-out CTA 120 kilovoltage peak (kVp) with 95 mL contrast material. The low-dose group acquired 80 Kvp with total 60 contrast material. There were 91 patients in the standard-dose group and 88 patients in the low-dose group.

Results

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated separately. There was no significant difference in CNR values between the two groups in the aorta and pulmonary and coronary arteries; however, a significant difference was found in SNR values. In subjective image quality evaluation, no significant difference was found between the standard- and low-dose patients. The radiation dose was reduced by 63.80% and the contrast material by 31.5% in the low-dose group in comparison to the standard dose.

Conclusion

Our study showed that dual/triple rule-out CTA can be performed with low-dose radiation and low-volume contrast material. Low-dose CTA may be preferred in emergencies situations that patients with borderline renal function tests or the risk group.
Effect of boron and cerium additions on microstructures and mechanical properties in simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone of Al-killed high-strength steel
Authors: Huang Fei , Li Jing , Zang Ruoyu
Published: December 2024

The analysis of the microstructures, strength and impact toughness in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) was conducted to determine the impact of boron and cerium on welding performance of Al-killed high-strength steel. CGHAZ specimens were taken from four groups of experimental steels (without B and Ce, with 0.0014% B, with 0.003% B and with 0.0015% B and 0.025% Ce) after welding simulation experiments at the heat input of 25 kJ/cm. The results showed that compared to B-free steel, 0.0014% B promoted the lower bainite and martensite formation and increased the proportion of high angle grain boundaries, contributing to improved welding performance. However, 0.003% B coarsened the grains and decreased quantity of high angle grain boundaries, causing a sharp deterioration in toughness. Ce effectively refined the grains and increased the proportion of low-Σ coincidence site lattice boundaries and high angle grain boundaries, increasing the strength and toughness of CGHAZ. In comparison to the steel without B and Ce, B–Ce duplex treatment increased the tensile and yield strength by 17% and 27%, respectively, and the impact absorbed energy increased from 32 to 68 J, giving best welding performance.
Impact of regulatory policy instruments on plastic waste generation in India: A system dynamics approach
Authors: Jardosh Nishith , Kathuria Vinish
Published: December 2024

Monitoring plastic consumption in emerging economies such as India is crucial because in these countries more than half of the consumption gets converted into waste within a year. In 2022, the Government of India enforced the Plastic Waste Management Rules to manage plastic waste. This article aims to find the potential impact of these rules on plastic waste generation from now until 2050. The simulation is carried out in two steps. In step one, a material flow analysis is conducted that maps plastic flow from production to its end-of-life. Through this it is estimated that at an optimistic level, off the 20 million metric tonnes (Mt) of plastic consumed, around 10 Mt is added to stock, 4.5 Mt is recycled, 2.5 Mt is reutilized and the balance 3 Mt is mismanaged. In step two, through system dynamics model, the impact of policy instruments is estimated on each stage of the flow of plastic assuming a phased implementation. Through this model, it is found that annually mismanaged plastic waste increases 11 to 28 Mt in 2050 in a business-as-usual scenario; however, implementing all the policies in a phased manner would stabilize waste generation from 2040 onwards.
Latent Classes Analysis Approach of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Cherrier Chloé , Courtois Robert , Rusch Emmanuel , Potard Catherine
Published: December 2024

This study sought to identify classes of intimate partner violence (IPV) among emerging adults reporting both victimization and perpetration, as well as the co-occurrence of multiple forms of violence (i.e., psychological, physical, and sexual) and the association of psychosocial vulnerability factors (i.e., parental attachment, childhood abuse, dysfunctional attitudes, sociotropy-autonomy, self-esteem, and problem solving). A total of 363 French emerging adults aged 18 to 30 years (mean age = 24.73; 88.7% women) responded to self-report questionnaires at 12-month intervals. A latent class analysis identified five classes: low IPV (37.7%), poly IPV (7.5%), psychological and sexual IPV (8.9%), psychological and physical IPV (6.5%), and psychological IPV (39.4%). The classes were compared with logistic multinomial regressions, with the low IPV class as a reference. The results revealed that a history of IPV (12 months before) was the most predictive factor of IPV classes. Significant psychosocial vulnerability factors included social problem solving for poly IPV and psychological IPV, attraction to loneliness (dimension of autonomy) for psychological and sexual IPV, high self-esteem for poly IPV, and a secure attachment to the mother for psychological IPV and for psychological and physical IPV. Childhood abuse was not associated with the different classes. Implications for research and prevention programs will be discussed. This includes efforts to empirically integrate life skills with established psychosocial factors, and working on representations of IPV by framing conflicts as interactive interactions, to further improve intervention strategies.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Pornography Use and Dating Violence Victimization: Are There Risks for Teenagers?
Authors: Martel Sara , Bergeron Sophie , Bőthe Beáta , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Hébert Martine , Dion Jacinthe
Published: December 2024

Dating violence victimization (DVV) is a prevalent public health problem with harmful consequences among adolescents. Pornography use has been identified among the factors associated with DVV. However, most studies have relied on cross-sectional designs, limiting the ability to determine temporal relationships between these variables. The present study assessed bidirectional longitudinal associations between pornography use and DVV (psychological, physical, and sexual), also examining cross-sectional associations and gender differences. Participants’ self-report data from two assessments of a longitudinal study were used. The sample consisted of 1,556 teenagers ( Mage = 14.55 years, SDage = .630; 51.5% were girls) having reported an intimate relationship in the past year at the first and/or second time point (T1/T2). Whereas some cross-sectional associations between pornography use and DVV were observed at T1, results from the autoregressive cross-lagged model revealed no significant longitudinal association between pornography use and the three forms of DVV, regardless of gender. Thus, pornography use may not represent a significant risk factor over time for DVV in adolescents. These findings provide additional insights concerning the associations between pornography use and DVV and suggest that emphasis should perhaps be placed on other variables in the study of risk factors for DVV. Still, although modest, transversal links support the importance of interventions that promote healthy intimate relationships in adolescence and education about pornography use.