bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Unless I could be like the typical dad”: Exploring parenthood through the perspective of the voluntarily childfree
Authors: Símonardóttir Sunna
Published: June 2024

Fertility rates have significantly declined in advanced, industrialized nations. The factors contributing to these swift demographic changes are diverse, but it is evident that women are opting for fewer children, delaying childbirth, and a growing number of individuals are choosing not to have children. Most studies on voluntary childlessness depict it as a growing phenomenon in Western societies and predict that the voluntary childless population will continue to increase. To explore this trend, examining individuals’ and couples’ fertility choices within the context of evolving parenting culture proves insightful. This study explores the concept of modern parenthood by interviewing 12 Icelandic voluntarily childfree individuals and five couples by examining the decision-making process associated with choosing not to have a child and exploring its connection to prevailing parenting norms. The Icelandic context provides an interesting research backdrop, given its emphasis on gender equality, diverse family structures, and policies that support both parents’ participation in work and childcare. The results indicate that women perceive the role of motherhood as mentally and emotionally draining, complex, and requiring significant personal sacrifices. This suggests that narratives of intensive mothering can directly influence and inform decisions on fertility in the Icelandic context where becoming a parent is seen as a choice, which can even stand in the way of personal fulfilment and autonomy. While the interviewees acknowledge the unequal responsibilities and duties of mothers and fathers, they do not question the individualism and intensity that characterize modern parenthood.
NICU Parent and Staff Advocacy to Address Parental Mental Health
Authors: Klawetter Susanne , Gievers Ladawna , McEvoy Cindy T. , Nicolaidis Christina
Published: June 2024

Parents of infants requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization often experience increased rates of distress, trauma, and perinatal mood disorders. Untreated parental mental health conditions have short- and long-term effects for infants and families. While some NICUs provide varying degrees of mental health supports for NICU families, these services are not universally or systematically integrated in US NICUs. Multiple factors contribute to this gap in care, including mental health stigma, funding constraints, and lack of staff training and capacity. In an effort to address this gap, we used a participatory action research approach, guided by a Patient and Stakeholder Engagement model, to partner with graduate NICU parents and patient-facing NICU staff to identify parental mental health needs and ideas to address them. Through efforts to mitigate power differentials and engage parents as research and program development partners, our work shaped NICU practices, programming, and subsequent research.
Bureaucratic Capacity and Political Favoritism in Public Procurement
Authors: Romero Diego
Published: June 2024

Government contracts are a huge business and, in many countries, are associated with considerable corruption. Much research emphasizes bureaucratic improvements as a means to reduce corruption. This paper draws a sharp distinction between the extent to which a bureaucracy is politically controlled and its technical capacity. In it, I argue that in politically controlled bureaucracies, stronger technical capacity facilitates corruption. In such contexts, more capable bureaucrats utilize their skills to shield favored firms from competition using complex strategies that minimize the risk of detection. I test the argument on a novel dataset of 54,623 municipal contracts in Guatemala awarded between 2013 and 2019 and 21,631 firm-politician ties. I find that more capable bureaucracies increase the likelihood of well-connected firms winning contracts through less competitive processes. This paper delivers important policy lessons, an original, widely applicable, measure of political networks and new insights into the sources of corruption.
Goodbyes without farewells under the rubble: A phenomenological study of earthquake victim’s methods of coping with ambiguous loss
Authors: Güler Kübra Gülırmak , Albayrak Eda
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Ambiguous loss refers to the lack of clear information about the fate of a missing person or object.

Aim:

This study aims to examine in-depth the experiences of earthquake victims regarding the methods of coping with the uncertain losses they experienced after the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023.

Methods:

In this qualitative study conducted using phenomenological research design, the snowball sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews of approximately 30 to 40 minutes were conducted with 20 earthquake victims reached by this method. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained. Data were collected by COREQ criteria.

Results:

According to the results of the analysis, three main categories ( inner journey and emotional transformation, bridges of solidarity built on destruction, and change and growth in life perspectives) and nine themes ( whispers coming from under the rubble, the reaction of facing ambiguity, mental labyrinths in the search for meaning, hearts united amid destruction, the search for meaning in ambiguity and ways out of spiritual wreckage, growth among the rubble, and the value of transience and new horizons rising from the ruins) emerged.

Discussion:

The research reveals that the coping methods adopted by earthquake victims in the face of personal and objective ambiguous losses range from spirituality to social support mechanisms.

Implications for practice:

In line with the results obtained from the findings, it is suggested that the coping strategies of earthquake victims should be strengthened, and new methods should be developed.
Proxy consultations for severe mental illnesses: An exploratory cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Hegde Prakyath Ravindranath , Gowda Guru S , Vajawat Bhavika , Subramaniyan Sivakami Sundari , Basavaraju Vinay , Manjunatha Narayana , Naveen Kumar Channaveerachari , Math Suresh Bada
Published: June 2024

Background:

Non-adherence to medication leading to a break in continuity of care poses significant challenges in severe mental illness (SMI), leading to poor outcomes. In India, proxy consultation, wherein caregivers consult on behalf of patients, is a commonly adopted but insufficiently researched area to address these challenges.

Aims:

To explore the extent of proxy consultation in outpatient care of persons with SMI and investigate its sociodemographic and clinical correlates.

Methodology:

In a tertiary care psychiatry outpatient setting, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 374 caregivers of persons with SMI (Schizophrenia, Bipolar and related disorders). Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression were performed to examine correlates’ relationships with proxy consultation.

Results:

Proxy consultation prevalence was 43% in the past 1 year. Compared with 18 to 30 years, middle-aged patients aged 31 to 40, 41 to 50 and 51 to 60 years had twofold, threefold and sixfold increased chances of proxy consultation, respectively. Being illiterate had six times higher odds than graduates, three times and two times if they studied till primary and secondary education. Early age of onset was associated with three times higher chances of proxy consultation compared to the onset of illness in adulthood. On the contrary, male gender and upper and middle socioeconomic status decreased the chances of proxy consultation by 40%. Financial difficulties ( n = 72, 45%) and patients’ unwillingness to visit outpatients ( n = 44, 27.5%) were the most commonly cited reasons for proxy consultation.

Conclusion:

Proxy consultations are relatively common, driven by many social, economic, patient-related, pragmatic and practical factors. In formulating community care policies for persons with SMI, the primary imperative should be to conduct additional research, deepening our understanding of proxy consultations. Additionally, it is essential to be mindful of the diverse issues associated with proxy consultations during the formulation process.
Women’s Lived Experience of Fetal Death: A Descriptive Phenomenological
Authors: Amirshahi Mehrbanoo , Abdollahimohammad Abdolghani , Shahdadi Hossien , Firouzkouhi Mohammadreza
Published: June 2024

Pregnancy can be associated with risk factors that may lead to fetal loss, which is a profoundly distressing event impacting the psychological well-being, family dynamics, and overall quality of life of women. The present study aimed to explore women’s lived experiences of fetal death. Conducted in 2023, this study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach, utilizing purposeful sampling to interview 12 pregnant women with a history of fetal loss. Data analysis was conducted using the seven-step method of Colaizzi. The study identified five main themes and fifteen sub-themes capturing women’s experiences of fetal death. These themes include unfulfilled dreams, transitioning from happiness to grief, varied reactions among individuals, viewing a new healthy baby as a source of renewed hope, and the enduring long-term effects of fetal loss. Fetal death emerges as a deeply painful experience fraught with challenges for affected women. As such, these women require specialized attention from healthcare professionals, particularly midwives, gynecologists, and family specialists.
Free to be Healthy? Free Will Beliefs are Positively Associated With Health Behavior
Authors: St Quinton Tom , Crescioni A. William
Published: June 2024

Previous research has demonstrated that a stronger belief in free will contributes to a variety of socially desirable behaviors. We assessed the correlation between free will beliefs and health behaviors. Four studies ( N = 1172) provide evidence that belief in free will is positively associated with health protective behaviors (e.g., physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, low fat diet) and negatively associated with health risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy snacking). In relation to the respective health protective and health risk behaviors, we found free will beliefs were more strongly correlated with physical activity and alcohol consumption, respectively. We also found free will beliefs were associated with key social cognition determinants (e.g., attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention). Overall, our results suggest that belief in free will can have important consequences for health behavior. This contributes to current theorizing about the implications of believing in free will.
Organizations, Neoconservativism, and New Chauvinism: Organizational receptivity to right-wing political strategies
Authors: Harding Nancy , Tassabehji Rana , Lee Hugh
Published: June 2024

The first quarter of the 21st century is witnessing an efflorescence of right-wing populism that is flourishing in a period of heightened precarity, global trauma, anxiety, and gross inequalities. One branch of right-wing populism, neoconservatism, aims to restore patriarchy; entry into organizations would help it achieve those ends. This article uses an extreme case study of a profession in which chauvinism flourishes to examine organizations’ receptivity, at “shop-floor” level, to neoconservative political ideologies and the restoration of patriarchy as an entry-route. Using Judith Butler’s work and psychoanalytical theory for theoretical inspiration we develop a theory of “chauvinizing”—that is, the performative constitution of chauvinism. This incorporates a contrast between “old” and “new” chauvinism and the conscious and unconscious allure of misogynistic practices to practitioners. We argue that chauvinizing practices may offer neoconservatism both a means of entry into organizations and opposition to its infiltration. This article contributes to political organization studies an understanding of how organizations may be permeated by unwelcome political activities, and a warning for organizations of the need for both wariness and strategies of resistance.
The Ripple Effect of Managerial Behavior: Exploring Post-experimental Impact of Leading by Example on Small Firms’ Cooperation and Performance
Authors: Nguyen Quang , Kim Huong Trang
Published: June 2024

Cooperation between employees in a company is an important input to firm performance. This study examines how a manager’s cooperative behavior and the visibility of this behavior affect the cooperation amongst employees, and subsequently firm performance. To do so, we conducted a field experiment with managers and their employees from 320 Vietnamese small and micro firms to determine the impact of a manager’s leading by example (LBE) on employees’ behavior, corporate culture, and firm performance. Both managers and employees participated in a Public Good experiment which aimed to elicit an individual cooperative behavior. Noteworthy is that the decision made by a manager in the experiment was given as an example to employees before they made decision in that same experiment. We considered that the example of cooperation by managers in the Public Good experiment communicated a powerful signal to the employees regarding the importance of fostering cooperation in the workplace. Such a signal by the manager, who is at the top in the organizational hierarchy, would impact their employees’ behavior in the workplace and firm’s outcomes beyond the experiment. Interestingly, we found that concealing a manager’s identity from their employees enhances the impacts of LBE.
A longitudinal investigation of PTSD symptoms, hazardous drinking, and relationship satisfaction in college student dating relationships
Authors: Mackey Chelsea D. , Schultz Megan E. , Nguyen Kristina H. , Mettert Kayne D. , Bernabe Almira Mae , Garcia Melissa , Jaffe Anna E. , Larimer Mary E.
Published: June 2024

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and hazardous drinking have been linked to lower relationship satisfaction; however, few studies have evaluated these associations over time in a college sample. The current study aimed to examine within-person and between-person longitudinal main and interactive effects of self-reported PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking on relationship satisfaction in a college sample. We further examined whether individual PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing) uniquely predicted relationship satisfaction. College students in current dating relationships ( N = 307; 71% cisgender women) completed online self-report measures assessing relationship satisfaction, PTSD symptoms, and hazardous alcohol use on four occasions across 12 months. Multilevel models revealed that students with more severe PTSD symptoms than average had lower relationship satisfaction (i.e., at the between-person level). Additionally, higher hazardous drinking at the between-person and within-person levels was associated with lower relationship satisfaction. When examining specific PTSD symptom clusters, results indicated only emotional numbing symptoms were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction at the between-person and within-person levels after controlling for other PTSD symptom clusters. Collectively, these results underscore the impact of within- and between-person individual differences in PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking on romantic relationships in college student populations.
Computational fluid dynamics in cardiac surgery and perfusion: A review
Authors: Catalano Chiara , Crascì Fabrizio , Puleo Silvia , Scuoppo Roberta , Pasta Salvatore , Raffa Giuseppe M
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases persist as a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, despite significant advances in diagnostic and surgical approaches. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) represents a branch of fluid mechanics widely used in industrial engineering but is increasingly applied to the cardiovascular system. This review delves into the transformative potential for simulating cardiac surgery procedures and perfusion systems, providing an in-depth examination of the state-of-the-art in cardiovascular CFD modeling. The study first describes the rationale for CFD modeling and later focuses on the latest advances in heart valve surgery, transcatheter heart valve replacement, aortic aneurysms, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The review underscores the role of CFD in better understanding physiopathology and its clinical relevance, as well as the profound impact of hemodynamic stimuli on patient outcomes. By integrating computational methods with advanced imaging techniques, CFD establishes a quantitative framework for understanding the intricacies of the cardiac field, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment strategies. As technology advances, the evolving synergy between computational simulations and clinical interventions is poised to revolutionize cardiovascular care. This collaboration sets the stage for more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies. With its potential to enhance our understanding of cardiac pathologies, CFD stands as a promising tool for improving patient outcomes in the dynamic landscape of cardiovascular medicine.
Induction of cGMP-mediated migraine attacks is independent of CGRP receptor activation
Authors: Raffaelli Bianca , Do Thien Phu , Ashina Håkan , Snellman Josefin , Maio-Twofoot Tina , Ashina Messoud
Published: June 2024

Background

The cAMP and cGMP pathways are implicated in the initiation of migraine attacks, but their interactions remain unclear. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) triggers migraine attacks via cAMP, whereas the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil induces migraine attacks via cGMP. Our objective was to investigate whether sildenafil could induce migraine attacks in individuals with migraine pre-treated with the CGRP-receptor antibody erenumab.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, adults with migraine without aura received a single subcutaneous injection of 140 mg erenumab on day 1. They were then randomized to receive sildenafil 100 mg or placebo on two experimental days, each separated by at least one week, between days 8 and 21. The primary endpoint was the difference in the incidence of migraine attacks between sildenafil and placebo during the 12-h observation period after administration.

Results

In total, 16 participants completed the study. Ten participants (63%) experienced a migraine attack within 12 h after sildenafil administration compared to three (19%) after placebo ( p = 0.016). The median headache intensity was higher after sildenafil than after placebo (area under the curve (AUC) for the 12-h observation period, p = 0.026). Furthermore, sildenafil induced a significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (AUC, p = 0.026) and a simultaneous increase in heart rate (AUC, p < 0.001) during the first hour after administration compared to placebo.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that migraine induction via the cGMP pathway can occur even under CGRP receptor blockade.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT05889455.
Analysis of the Outcome of the Driving Test for Learner Drivers Based on an Interpretable Machine Learning Framework
Authors: Ding Yang , Zhao Xiaohua , Yao Ying , He Chenxi , Chai Rui , Liu Shuo
Published: June 2024

The driving test is the only way to verify that learner drivers have acquired the competencies stipulated in the national curriculum. Therefore, exploring the key factors that influence the outcome of the driving test is of particular importance in assisting learner drivers to gain solid behind-the-wheel skills. Interpretable machine learning (ML) is employed to analyze the probability of learner drivers’ passing the driving skills test (called the Subject 2 test in China) using a data set comprising personal characteristics, training mode, frequency of driving errors, deducted points, percentage of qualified training times, and score of constructed graphs related to driving behaviors. The data are collected from a driving school in China. A prediction model of the Subject 2 test outcome is constructed by adapting the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) ML method. Furthermore, the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) is employed to explore the relationships between key influencing factors and the aforementioned outcome. The results indicate that the LightGBM predicts the outcome of the Subject 2 test effectively. The deducted points in the real car training (DP-RC) and the frequency of driving errors in virtual reality (VR) training (FE-VR) have a significant impact on the probability of passing the Subject 2 test.
Machine Learning-Aided Monte Carlo Simulation and Subset Simulation
Authors: Sabri Md Shayan , Ahmad Furquan , Samui Pijush
Published: June 2024

The use of probabilistic analysis (PA) of slopes as an effective method for evaluating the uncertainty that is so pervasive in variables has become increasingly common in recent years. This study presents a case study which was conducted to demonstrate the efficiency of an embankment which consists of an 11.693 m-high soil slope, placing emphasis on PA and reliability evaluation. The investigation employs Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and subset simulation (SS) techniques, considering seismic coefficients (kh) of 0.12 for Zone-III and 0.14 for Zone-IV, along with varying pore water pressure ratios (ru=0.0, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]). MCS with 10,000 samples was used to test the probabilistic response of the proposed embankment. This work also discusses the results of SS, in which 1,400 samples are generated from UPSS 3.0 Excel add-ins, which permits rapid PA in such a way that they progressively shift toward the failure zone in successive stages. The study delves into the impact of uncertainty on the probability of failure [Formula: see text]. Findings reveal an increased [Formula: see text] with rising coefficients of variation, [Formula: see text], and kh values, underscoring the sensitivity to soil parameter variations. SS outperforms MCS in simulating low probabilities, demanding smaller sample sizes and less computational time. Furthermore, the machine learning technique has been used to optimize the worst [Formula: see text] condition. In this current research, three neural network-based models, namely recurrent neural network, long short-term memory (LSTM), and Bayesian neural network, have been used. Based on the performance of the models, the three neural network-based models were compared in the testing phase, and the proposed LSTM outperformed the other neural networks ( R2 = 0.9962 and root mean square error = 0.0051).
Cooperative Traffic Dispersion through Rerouting of Connected and Automated Vehicles in Urban Networks
Authors: Vitale Francesco , Roncoli Claudio
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel cost function to be embedded in a distributed algorithm for cooperative rerouting of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) in urban networks. The computation is performed by intersection units managing the portion of the network for which they are in charge by sending updated routes to follow to the CAVs there. Moreover, the intersection units communicate among each other to be updated on the situation of the (in general nonhomogeneous) links of the network. The proposed approach allows the decomposition of the problem into subproblems, which are resolved distributively with little information exchange. The problems are constructed to obtain a fair compromise between user equilibrium and system optimum, taking advantage of the strengths and coping with the limitations of both. We 1) show the results obtained by running simulations with CAVs on the Sioux Falls network compared with a baseline scenario; 2) analyze the results obtained with different penetration rates of CAVs; and 3) provide a sensitivity analysis to investigate how parameters in our approach affect the results of the experiments.
Driving Fatigue in Extra-Long Highway Tunnels and a Bayesian Networks-Based Fatigue Detection Method
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wan Hongmei , Zhou Chao , Jin Xin , Cheng Yongzhen , Li Yue
Published: June 2024

Highway tunnels are semi-enclosed traffic structures distinguished by insufficient illumination and monotonous surroundings. In these conditions, prolonged drives often culminate in driver fatigue, which has become a prominent causal factor in tunnel accidents. This study conducted real-vehicle experiments and simulated driving tests to investigate the characteristics of driving fatigue during passage through extra-long highway tunnels. Four tunnels with lengths of 5, 10, 15, and 20 km were used for the experiments. Six indicators derived from drivers’ eye movement, electrocardiogram (ECG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were selected to examine the fatigue progression. The experiment results indicate that when driving in extra-long tunnels exceeds 500 s, the drivers experience mild fatigue, as evidenced by deviations of their physiological indicators from the normal ranges. After driving beyond 700 s, the mild fatigue progresses into severe fatigue, with significant deviations of the physiological indicators and dramatic increases in the fluctuations of these indicators. On exiting the tunnels, the mild fatigue recovers immediately, while the severe fatigue is not fully alleviated and continues to exert negative impacts on subsequent driving. Based on the experimental findings, a multistate Bayesian networks (B-Ns) method for detecting driving fatigue in extra-long tunnels is proposed. The method is compared with the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) rating results and previous single-indicator detection methods, demonstrating that the proposed B-Ns method achieves precise detection outcomes and substantially enhances the accuracy of fatigue detection, particularly when drivers are experiencing severe fatigue accompanied by strong fluctuations of the physiological indicators.
Macro-Level Safety Assessment and Contributing Factors Analysis of Non-Motorized Vehicles Considering Traffic Crashes and Crash-Involved Riders
Authors: Zhang Xueyu , Wang Xuesong , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Dai Zhicheng , Lei Lixia , Sun Zhengliang
Published: June 2024

During rapid growth in non-motorized vehicle (NMV) ownership, crash-oriented assessment methods make biased identification of key traffic safety management areas, leading to unclear analysis of safety problems and limited improvement. To improve NMV regional safety, this study developed an approach to identify hazardous crash and crash-involved rider (CIR) areas and explore the mechanisms of primary macro-level contributing factors by jointly modeling crashes and CIRs. Socio-economic, road network, traffic enforcement, and land-use intensity data were collected as independent variables in 115 towns in Suzhou, China. A Poisson lognormal bivariate conditional autoregressive model (PLN-BCAR) and a proposed four-quadrant classification method based on the potential for safety improvement (PSI) density were developed to identify crash-prone and CIR-prone towns. XGBoost and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) were applied to examine the importance and effects of contributing factors. Results showed that 49.6% of NMV crashes occurred outside the CIRs’ residence areas. The four-quadrant classification method accurately identified crash-prone and CIR-prone areas rather than crash-determined hot zone identification methods. There were nonlinear relationships between primary contributing factors and key areas. Differences of importance and effects for the contributing factors in different areas provided important insights into reducing crashes and CIRs in those areas; for example, NMV crashes and CIRs were higher in areas with low gross domestic product and high population density, and should be selected to make safety improvements such as traffic safety education at the macro level. The proposed approach can help traffic administrators identify the key areas and contributing factors and provide guidelines for improvement.
Incident Delay Prediction in Urban Railway Systems: Methodology Review and Exploratory Comparative Analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Ma Zhenliang , Sun Wei
Published: June 2024

The occurrence of incidents seriously affects the operation of the whole urban railway system and passengers’ travel experience. Accurate delay prediction is important for traffic control and management under incidents. Few studies were reported on incident prediction in urban railway systems because of the unexpected nature of incidents and the lack of comprehensive incident data. Existing models used to predict incident delay can be divided into statistical methods and traditional machine learning methods, as well as ensemble learning methods. This study conducts a methodology review for these models by comparing their performance in predicting incident delays using a large-scale incident dataset collected from an urban railway system in Hong Kong. Three statistical models and six machine/ensemble learning methods are examined: ordinary least squares, accelerated failure time, quantile regression (QR), support vector regression (SVR), K-nearest neighbor, random forest, adaptive boosting, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) tree. The results indicate that statistical models perform better than machine/ensemble learning models in predicting train delays under incidents. The QR, SVR, and XGBoost tree models outperform other models in incident delay prediction in their respective methodological categories. The factors of the incident type and affected line type present the most significant effects on incident delay prediction in selected models.
School Poverty Level Moderates the Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention
Authors: Quader Zerleen S. , Sliwa Sarah , Haardörfer Regine , Suglia Shakira F. , Gazmararian Julie A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To explore whether school poverty level and funding modified the effectiveness of an evidence-based Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program called Health Empowers You! implemented in elementary schools in Georgia.

Design

Secondary data analysis of a multi-level, cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Setting

40 elementary schools in Georgia in 2018-2019.

Subjects

4thgrade students in Georgia.

Measures

Intervention schools implemented the Health Empowers You! program to increase school-day physical activity. The outcome was average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, school free-reduced price lunch (FRPL) percentage and per pupil expenditures were effect modifiers.

Analysis

Separate linear mixed regression models estimated the effect of the intervention on average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with interaction terms between intervention status and (1) school FRPL percentage or (2) per pupil expenditures.

Results

The effect of the intervention was significantly higher in schools with higher FRPL percentage (intervention*school % FRPL β (95% CI): .06 (.01, .12)), and was modestly, but not statistically significantly, higher in schools with lower per pupil expenditures.

Conclusion

Findings support the use of the Health Empowers You! intervention, which was effective in lower income schools, and may potentially reduce disparities in students’ physical activity levels.
Neurodivergence and the Persistence of Neurotypical Norms and Inequalities in Educational and Occupational Settings
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Kulkarni Mukta , Beatty Joy E
Published: June 2024

This article points to the mechanism that reinforces neurotypical norms and inequalities through the internalization of stigma associated with neurodiversity and social class within educational and occupational settings. We draw upon the literatures of neurodiversity, neurotypical norms and the internalization of stigma. We report on two studies conducted in France – one survey-based (324 neurodivergent students) and another interview-based (25 neurodivergent working adults) – and find a common awareness of and perceived pressure among neurodivergent students and working adults to conform to neurotypical norms. Internalizing the stigma associated with their condition, both students and working adults employ individual coping strategies to present themselves as neurotypical. We also find that social class exacerbates inequalities as individuals from lower social classes are less likely to get diagnosed and have access to accommodations and support. This has implications for educational institutions and organizations alike on how these spaces can be made more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals.
Synthesis and properties of silicon-containing poly(diethynylbenzen-co-phenoxyphenoxybenzenediacetylene)s
Authors: Liu Shuyue , Lv Shuaikang , Gong Changjun , Xv Wanli , Tang Junkun , Huang Farong
Published: June 2024

Good mechanical properties, heat resistance and processability are the basic requirements of matrix resins for high performance heat resistant composites. The existing two types of silicon-containing arylacetylene resins, poly (silylene arylacetylene) (PSA) and poly (silane arylether arylacetylene) (PSEA), cannot balance these three requirements well. To achieve this goal, an attempt was made to synthesize a copolymerized resin containing both diethynylbenzene and diynyl arylether structures in the main chain, silicon-containing poly (diethynylbenzene-co-phenoxyphenoxybenzenediacetylene). By controlling the amount of 1,3-diethynylbenzene ( m-DEB) and 1,3-bis(4′-ethynylphenoxy)benzene ( pmp-BEPB), several random copolymerized resins with various ratios of m-DEB to pmp-BEPB were synthesized by the Grignard reactions. The results show that the introduction of m-DEB could effectively reduce the viscosity of the resin, and thermal stability of the cured resin is improved, but the mechanical strength of the cured resin is slightly reduced. The copolymerized resin has good overall performance when the amount of m-DEB and pmp-BEPB is equal. The processing window of the resin is 56∼169°C, the flexural strength and modulus of the cured resin are 32.9 MPa and 2.7 GPa, respectively, and the temperatures of 5% weight loss (Td5) of the cured resin is 589°C in nitrogen.
Knee room suggestions for passenger vehicles based on Chinese body measurements and knee point polynomial curves
Authors: Zhang Xinling , Cao Hanxue , Jiang Bin , Ma Muchen
Published: June 2024

The amount of knee room provided for a driver is thoroughly considered during automobile design. An inappropriate design affects not only the driver’s comfort but also the frontal impact score. However, at present, the design standard for a driver’s knee room for the people of China is still lacking, which makes it difficult for engineers to prevent associated problems and can even seriously affect drivers’ comfort. By focusing on the driving postures of the people of China in passenger cars, the spatial curves of drivers’ knee rooms suitable for 95th, 50th and 5th percentiles of the Chinese population are investigated in this study based on polynomial machine learning algorithms. The curves change during driving and are stretched into surfaces, which are known as the limit surfaces of the knee room, to limit the component design around the knee, thereby improving the driver’s comfort. The limit surfaces of the knee rooms studied in this article fill the gap in the non-standardized design of knee rooms for passenger vehicles and are highly valuable in commerce.
Influence of key structure of diesel engine helical intake port on intake stratification
Authors: Bao Guangyuan , Chao He , Li Jiaqiang , Liu Xueyuan
Published: June 2024

In order to control gas stratification in diesel engine cylinders and achieve stratified combustion, an experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled approach was employed. The intake section of the helical intake port was divided into four independent intake zones with equal areas by clockwise division: the upper right zone A, upper left zone B, lower left zone C, and lower right zone D. Each zone was supplied with a tracer gas to study the influence of key structural elements of the helical port on gas stratification characteristics within the cylinder. The results indicate that zone D had the highest intake mass, accounting for 27.3% of the total intake, while zone B had the lowest intake mass at 22.4%. In the combustion chamber, intake from zones A and B formed an upper-rich, lower-lean distribution pattern, while intake from zone C formed an upper-lean, lower-rich distribution pattern. The stratification concentration gradient might be quantitatively described thanks to the application of “density ratio.” Lift increased by 5.6% at a 15° intake port deflection angle because the combustion chamber’s maximum axial density ratio was 0.186 and its maximum swirl ratio was 3.57. Soot generation fell by 12.9% under axial stratification, although NOX generation increased by 4.9%.
Study on the effect of high-pressure methane jet on lean burn laminar flame
Authors: Qiu Tao , Chen Huihui , Lei Yan , Wang Ying , Zhang Ao
Published: June 2024

High-pressure gas fuel direct injection (HPDI) technology benefits the engine with high efficiency and great output power. During the initial ignition process of the gas fuel jet ignited by the pre-ignition flame, the gas jet interacts with the pre-ignition flame, and causes important effects on the flame propagation and stability. This work aims to investigate the effects of the high-pressure gas fuel (methane) jet on the premixed methane flame with an equivalence ratio of 0.7 in a constant volume bomb (CVB) based on a three-dimensional numerical model. The results indicate that there is a complex interaction between the high-pressure methane jet and the premixed flame. The dominant combustion mode within the CVB changes from the premixed flame surface to the diffusion flame surface, which results in two different combustion behaviors in different regions along the methane jet direction, that is, primary ignition and secondary ignition. The methane jet flame development is divided into three regions, that is, laminar combustion laminar-turbulent combustion, turbulent combustion. Reynolds number of the main region of turbulent combustion ranges within Re = 2300–6000, which means that this flame is a small-scale turbulent flame. These findings contribute to understanding the combustion characteristics under high-pressure direct injection natural gas engine conditions, particularly in lean burn conditions, providing valuable insights for natural gas lean-burn flame stability.
Artificial intelligent-based analysis of VCR engine with biodiesel blends and modelling using uncertainty techniques
Authors: MP Jenarthanan , M Karthikeyan , K Ghousiya Begum , S Pasupathy Raju
Published: June 2024

The increase in population is also a factor that increases the vehicle strength. The biofuel derived from vegetation was found to be suitable and that can be used as biodiesel after chemical conversion. It can be utilized in an existing diesel engine without much modification that can reduce the usage of diesel. In this research, rice bran oil is used as biodiesel since it is available in plenty in south India. The main aim of this work is to create an uncertainty model and to optimize the parameter which gives improved performance by using Taguchi technique. Three factors, three level performance matrix, were considered in order to carry out the experimental investigation through uncertainty. “Design Expert 12.0” software was used for carrying out the uncertainty and graphical analysis of the data collected. The optimum values were obtained for the selected variables through analyzing the response surface contour plots and by solving the regression equation. The validity of the model was checked by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and for finding the significant parameters. Using such a model, the suitable blend which gives maximum performance was identified. Moreover, machine learning models were deployed to predict the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and volumetric efficiency (VOL.E) of the engine tested based on the input features compression ratio (CR), blend (BLEND) and load (LOAD). Gradient boost repressor (GBR) has been found to be the superior model in predicting the multi-output parameters (BSFC and VOL) that decides the engine performance, with R2 of 0.987.
Factors associated with private or public breast cancer screening attendance in Queensland, Australia: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Tong , Marinovich M Luke , Ormiston-Smith Nick , Nickel Brooke , Findlay Andrea , Houssami Nehmat
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to estimate participation in private breast screening in Queensland, Australia, where public-funded screening is implemented, and to identify factors associated with the screening setting, using an online survey (999 female respondents aged 40–74). Screening-specific and socio-demographic factors were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with screening setting (public vs private) and screening recency (<2 vs ≥2 years). Participation estimates were 53.2% (95% confidence interval, CI: 50.0%–56.3%) and 10.9% (9.0%–13.0%) for national screening program and private screening, respectively. In the screening setting model, participation in private screening was significantly associated with longer time since last screening (>4 versus <2 years, odds ratio (OR) = 7.3, 95%CI: 4.1–12.9, p < 0.001), having symptoms (OR = 9.5, 5.8–15.5, p < 0.001), younger age (40–49 versus 50–74 years, OR = 1.8, 1.1–3.0, p = 0.018) and having children <18 years in household (OR = 2.4, 1.5–3.9, p < 0.001). In the screening recency model, only screening setting was statistically significant and private screening was associated with screening recency ≥2 years (OR = 4.0, 2.8–5.7, p < 0.001). Around one in nine women screen outside of the BreastScreen Queensland program. Clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with participation in private screening were identified, providing knowledge relevant to the program's endeavours to improve screening participation.
Surplus Food Donations and Intentions to Throw Leftover Food: A Model and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Ashraf Nadia , Habib Muhammad Danish , Khidmat Waqas Bin , Awan Marwa
Published: June 2024

Limited studies are available on the drivers of surplus food donation and intentions to throw away leftover food, particularly for Pakistan’s developing economy. The current study covers this gap by constructing a research model that describes surplus food donations and intentions to throw leftover food in restaurants. The research model considers the four important drivers of food waste: Food quality, novelty, quantity and motives for taking away leftovers. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey comprised of 1,178 diners. The study findings show that food quality, novelty, quantity and motives for taking away leftovers are significantly related to food waste reduction behaviour (intentions to donate surplus food and throw leftovers brought home). In addition, the findings indicate that participants’ ages have a significant and direct influence on the behaviour of food waste reduction. This study made an effort to cover the gap by developing a model and testing it using Pakistani diners.
Silent Struggles Beyond Breath: Decoding Hemostatic Dynamics and Bleeding in Neonates Affected by Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: V Vivek K. , Johari Minakshi
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Perinatal asphyxia, a prevalent neonatal challenge, induces significant hemodynamic perturbations leading to life-threatening bleeding. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of hemostatic dysfunction and characterize bleeding events in neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Secondary objectives included evaluating the relationship between specific components of hemostatic parameters and the severity of bleeding events, along with identifying parameters predicting abnormal bleeding.

Methods

This observational study, spanning 20 months in the NICUs of S. M. S. Medical College and an attached group of hospitals in Jaipur, enrolled 110 neonates with perinatal asphyxia on whom hemostatic testing was done within 24 hours of birth. The presence of one or more of the following—platelet count < 1 lakh/mm3, PT > 20 seconds, INR > 1.5, aPTT > 45 seconds, and fibrinogen < 150 mg/dl—was defined as hemostatic dysfunction. Bleeding events were assessed for up to 96 hours using the Neonatal Bleeding Assessment Tool and graded by the WHO Bleeding Scale.

Results

Among 110 neonates, the incidence of initial hemostatic dysfunction was 70%. Fifty-one neonates (46.3%) experienced bleeding, among whom 5 (9.8%) had minor, 21 (41.18%) had moderate, 15 (29.42%) had major, and 10 (19.6%) had severe bleeding events. Forty-seven neonates (42.72%) received at least one blood product transfusion, with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) being the most common (100%).

Conclusion

Neonates with perinatal asphyxia exhibit a high incidence of hemostatic dysfunction, signifying an elevated risk of bleeding and transfusion requirements. While routine hemostatic testing identifies dysfunction, predicting bleeding warrants a search for better investigations. This helps in establishing guidelines for early interventions, which is crucial to reduce mortality risks in these neonates.
Anti-inflammatory Property of Ethanolic Extract of Cleome spinosa Leaves in an in vivo Model of Delayed-type Hypersensitivity
Authors: Roy Torisa , Mazumder Tamal , Sharma Priyanka , Roy Tamali , Nag Tapas Chandra , Bindu Samik , Dasgupta Subir Chandra , Yasmin Hadida
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions represent a clinically important class of immune responses that have wide-ranging implications in various health and disease conditions. The existing anti-inflammatory drugs to treat DTH have several shortcomings including severe side-effects. Thus, a new plant-derived anti-inflammatory drug with no or less toxicity would be effective in treating DTH. The Cleome genus has been routinely used to cure various ailments including inflammation. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic leaf extract of Cleome spinosa (CSE) in a DTH model for the first time.

Materials and Methods

DTH response was induced by 2, 4-di nitro-fluorobenzene in the mouse foot pad. Histological sectioning of the paw was carried out to find changes in the architecture of the tissue. Serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was estimated through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the bioactive compounds present in CSE were analysed through reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

With CSE treatment, the oedema in the resensitized paw alleviated faster with no loss of digits compared to the controls. Histological study of the resensitized paw showed less dermal and sub-dermal thickening and less collagen deposition that regained normal tissue architecture during the healing process with CSE treatment. CSE treatment did not show any adverse haematological and histopathological changes in the visceral organs of mice. The level of serum TNF-α was found to be significantly lower with CSE treatment. CSE was found to be rich in phenol, flavonoids, tocopherol, carotene and phytosteroids.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of CSE against hapten-induced deleterious DTH inflammation suggests its therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory diseases and combating infections.