bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of cultural competence educational techniques in social work education
Authors: Williams Jaclyn M , Lee Eunyoung
Published: August 2024

Cultural competence is a critical skill for social work professionals navigating the complexities of a diverse world. Despite its importance, practitioners express low self-efficacy when applying cultural competence skills. Conducting a systematic review, this study aims to identify the common approaches to teaching cultural competence in social work bachelor’s and master’s programs. Results categorize the literature into proposed models for cultural competence education and specific techniques for teaching. This study sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in fostering cultural competence among social work students and emphasizes the imperative role this skill plays in promoting racial equality and social justice.
Dismantling Colonial Laughter: Tracing Emergent African Diaspora Stand-Up Comedy in French and German
Authors: Nwankwọ Izuu
Published: August 2024

This study redirects attention from English-speaking African diaspora stand-up productions to French and German language expressions of purposively selected comedians with recent immigration history from Africa performing within mainland Europe. Through a socio-historical interrogation of specific colonial histories and joke themes, the paper comparatively explores the French language stage acts of Fary Lopez, Samia Orosemane (France) and Cécile Djunga (Belgium and France) and the German language works of Dave Davis (Germany), Charles Nguela (Switzerland), and Soso Mugiraneza (Austria). The aim is to show how the individuated colonial histories of the nations in which these comics reside and the chronicles of their relations with Africa(ns) and Black peoples feature in joke formulations and satiric jibes of the jokesters. Through these explorations, this essay studies how stand-up comedy’s transformative power challenges societal norms and attitudes using the backdrop of the concurrently heterogeneous and dissimilar colonial histories of the African continent and its diasporas. Moreover, through its focus on non-English expressions, it presents the unique intersections of language, “race,” ethnicity and colonial histories, as well as the geographic and linguistic spread of the African diaspora beyond European nations with direct colonial contact with the continent. Thus, the enquiry posits joke performances as platforms for cultural expression and critique as well as a site within which African peoples negotiate their presence in non-African environments.
Being Spiritual but Not Religious (SBNR): Testing the Tripartite Meaning in Life Model With Beliefs in Free Will and Determinism as Meaning Frameworks
Authors: Li P. F. Jonah
Published: August 2024

Although there is an upward trend in people who self-identify as “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR), they largely remain understudied in psychology. Multiculturally and ethically, it is important for psychologists to possess informed knowledge to work with individuals with religious and spiritual backgrounds. Guided by the Tripartite Model of Meaning in Life and conceptualizing beliefs in free will and determinism as meaning frameworks, this study examined the associations among meaning frameworks, meaning dimensions (i.e., comprehension, purpose, and mattering), and meaning judgment among SBNRs. Results indicated that belief in free will was positively associated with all three meaning dimensions but not meaning judgment. Belief in free will positively predicted all three meaning dimensions and meaning judgment. Mediation analyses revealed that belief in free will was indirectly associated with meaning judgment through its positive relation with comprehension. Belief in determinism was not associated with any study variables; purpose and mattering did not mediate the relation between meaning frameworks and meaning judgment. These findings provide important implications for psychologists who work with SBNRs regarding their culturally distinct experiences of existential meaning. The strengths and limitations of the current study as well as future research directions are discussed.
Comparing Quizzes and Social Annotation for Pre-Class Reading Accountability
Authors: Clinton-Lisell Virginia
Published: August 2024

Background

Pre-class reading assignments are frequently used to encourage students to complete assigned textbook readings. Quizzes and social annotation are both pre-class reading assignments, but it is uncertain which is more effective for student learning and motivation.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare quizzes and social annotation on student learning and motivation.

Method

Undergraduate students ( N = 58) in a child development course in a within-subjects counterbalanced design had quizzes for the textbook chapters covered in one unit exam and social annotation for a different exam. They were surveyed on their motivation at the end of the term.

Results

There were no reliable differences in student learning based on exam scores. Students generally perceived social annotation as more motivating but were more likely to submit quizzes.

Conclusion

Both quizzes and social annotation appear to have different benefits for students. There is not a clear answer on which one is more effective for student learning.

Teaching Implications

Given the mixed results, a combination or choice of quizzes or social annotation as pre-class reading assignments may be optimal.
Two-channel dynamic event-triggered H∞ control for Markovian jump systems under multiple cyber-attacks
Authors: Chen Yunjun , Zhang Delong , Li Xiehuan
Published: August 2024

In this article, the mode-based two-channel dynamic event-triggered mechanisms (DETMs) [Formula: see text] control problem is investigated for Markovian jump systems (MJSs) under multiple cyber attacks. Unlike some existing results, the proposed mode-based two-channel DETMs not only reduces the transmission numbers of the system state from the sensor to controller (S-C) but also decreases the update frequency of the control input from the controller to actuator (C-A). Then, a new time-delay MJSs model under multiple cyber attacks is constructed by simultaneously considering mode-based two-channel DETMs, random deception attacks, and non-periodic DoS attacks. On this basis, in order to improve the overall security of the systems, the impact of random deception attacks on the trigger data in the C-A channel is considered. Finally, the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) are used to ensure the stochastic stabilization with [Formula: see text] performance for time-delay MJSs. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through two examples.
Relationships of Multidimensional Factors to Diabetes Complications: A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study
Authors: Heo Seongkum , Kang JungHee , Barbé Tammy , Kim JinShil , Bertulfo Tara F. , Troyan Pattie , Streit Linda , Slocumb Rhonda H.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Diabetes complications are prevalent in people with diabetes, causing considerable individual suffering and increased health costs. However, the relationships of multidimensional, modifiable, and nonmodifiable factors to diabetes complications and the role of diabetes distress have been rarely examined.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to examine the associations of age, sex, knowledge, self-efficacy, self-compassion, resilience, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, diabetes distress, social support, and body mass index with diabetes complications and to investigate the mediating role of diabetes distress.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional, correlational study, data on all study variables were collected from 148 people with diabetes through REDCap in 2023. Multiple regression analysis and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were used to address the aims.

Results:

Older age and higher levels of diabetes distress were associated with more diabetes complications. Depressive symptoms were associated with diabetes distress; and diabetes distress, but not depressive symptoms, was associated with diabetes complications, controlling for all other variables.

Conclusions:

Depressive symptoms and diabetes distress were directly or indirectly associated with diabetes complications, and diabetes distress was a mediator in the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes complications. Health care providers can target reduction of depressive symptoms and diabetes distress to reduce diabetes complications.
Nurses’ Perspectives Regarding Challenges of Providing Perinatal/Neonatal End-of-Life Care in a Regional Hospital: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Kurt Aylin , Akkoç Betül
Published: August 2024

Aim:

This qualitative study aimed to explore nurses’ perspectives regarding the challenges of providing perinatal/neonatal end-of-life care in a regional hospital.

Methods:

This exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 20 nurses working in Turkey. Study data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews were then submitted to thematic analysis.

Results:

Three themes emerged from analyses of the interviews: (1) inadequate support for delivery of palliative care, (2) perceptions of family readiness, and (3) providing information/education to the family. The most prominent difficulties experienced by nurses were inadequacy of unit and equipment and lack of trained personnel. Another important issue that stood out was families’ not accepting the end-of-life care decision for the fetus or the neonate and their having unrealistic expectations.

Conclusion:

Study results have provided important considerations for regional isolated neonatal and perinatal units, and they will be used to inform clinical practice improvements, staff education support, policies/procedures, family support, and further research relating to end-of-life care provision for the most vulnerable babies and their families.
Development of Sensitive In Vitro Protocols for the Biocompatibility Testing of Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals Intended for Contact with the Eyes: Acute Irritation and Phototoxicity Assessment
Authors: Pôbiš Peter , Kubalcová Júlia , Milasová Tatiana , Kandárová Helena
Published: August 2024

This study introduces a novel in vitro methodology that employs the 3-D reconstructed tissue model, EpiOcular, to assess the irritation and phototoxicity potential of medical devices and drugs in contact with the eye. Our study evaluated diverse test materials, including medical devices, ophthalmological solutions and an experimental drug (cemtirestat), for their potential to cause eye irritation and phototoxicity. The protocols used in this study with the EpiOcular tissue model were akin to those used in the ultra-mildness testing of cosmetic formulations, which is challenging to predict with standard in vivo rabbit tests. To design these protocols, we leveraged experience gained from the validation project on the EpiDerm skin irritation test for medical devices (ISO 10993-23:2021) and the OECD TG 498 method for photo-irritation testing. The predictions were based on the tissue viability and inflammatory response, as determined by IL-1α release. By developing and evaluating these protocols for medical devices, we aimed to expand the applicability domain of the tests referred to in ISO 10993-23. This will contribute to the standardisation and cost-effective safety evaluation of ophthalmic products, while reducing reliance on animal testing in this field. The findings obtained from the EpiOcular model in the photo-irritation test could support its implementation in the testing strategies outlined in OECD TG 498.
Postnatal Experience in Bengaluru: A Sociocultural Examination
Authors: Gangopadhyay Jagriti , Arcot Komal
Published: August 2024

Postnatal experience is one of the most under-researched areas within medical sociology and anthropology scholarship in India. Using a qualitative lens, this study examines the postnatal experiences of a particular class of working mothers in Bengaluru, one of India’s fastest-growing cities. Through in-depth interviews, the study demonstrates that the postnatal experience of working mothers is layered with social and cultural factors. The findings also revealed that after the delivery, the child is prioritised over the mother, who hardly receives any mental support from her spouse, family members or external network ties. Additionally, these working mothers are often criticised for neglecting motherhood responsibilities and instead focusing on their careers. Expanding the scholarship on postnatal experience, this article highlights the mental agonies and issues faced by working mothers in urban India, as well as in privileged classes.
Book review: Anjali Singh, Voices and Silences: Narratives of Girmitiyas and Jahajis from Fiji and the Caribbean
Authors: Banerjee Anirban
Published: August 2024

Anjali Singh, Voices and Silences: Narratives of Girmitiyas and Jahajis from Fiji and the Caribbean (London: Routledge, 2023), 215 pp.
Media ownership and control in Europe: A multidimensional approach
Authors: Tomaz Tales
Published: August 2024

This article introduces the multidimensional approach to media ownership and control adopted by the Euromedia Ownership Monitor (EurOMo). This monitor emerged as a response to a call of the EU Commission to set up an instrument to improve transparency in media ownership and control. After considering the context of the EU media policy, the text outlines the theoretical and methodological choices of the monitor, advocating for an approach that addresses the topic in several dimensions defined as ‘ownership structure’, ‘management’, ‘economic control’, ‘relations’, ‘distribution’ and ‘public policy’. In the final part, it engages in a critical reflection both on the project and on the political goal of increasing media ownership transparency. Drawing on this experience, it is possible to affirm that there are good conditions for transparency of the basic media ownership structure in Europe, but all other dimensions need better regulatory frameworks and corresponding adaptions in the monitoring instrument.
Visualizing Macomarketing: StoryMaps for the Technology-Infused Classroom
Authors: Watson Forrest , Campbell Jacqueline M.
Published: August 2024

Incorporating technology into the classroom to facilitate learning outcomes is essential to preparing the next generation of macromarketers given the pedagogical importance of multiliteracies and digital storytelling. StoryMaps was the platform for a semester-long project of a global business course in which students created and presented a digital story of how a chosen company should be resilient in the face of changing and interconnected macro factors, as well as the societal and sustainability implications of its decisions. The quantitative and qualitative findings of the student outcomes are reported, including their learning about the complexity of multiple stakeholders and ethics and sustainability in business. The implications for how technology can be used to incorporate macromarketing into the business classroom are discussed.
The calibration of the MMC damage model under various hardening models and yielding criterions for DP800 steel
Authors: Şen Nuri , Civek Tolgahan , Yildiz Recep
Published: August 2024

The use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in sheet metal forming processes has been increasing day by day. In recent studies, damage models that feature the effects of Lode angle parameter and stress triaxiality have been widely used in predicting fracture onset in sheet metals. However, the selection of the hardening model and yielding criterion can have significant impacts on the created fracture surface, and if not calibrated accurately, it can lead to erroneous fracture predictions. In this study, Modified Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) damage model has been calibrated for DP800 steel by using two different hardening models (Hollomon and Voce) and two different yielding criterions (Von-Mises and Hill-48). The effects of the hardening models and the yielding criterions on the predicted fracture surface of MMC have been investigated. Their prediction capability of the force-displacement curves for different deformation modes (uniaxial tension, plane strain and shear) have been compared. According to the results, it has been shown that both hardening models are accurate in their predictions up to 6% error, however, in addition to its accuracy in predicting force-displacement behaviours, the Voce hardening model has also been more successful in its fracture surface predictions.
Improvement of carbon segregation in billet by final-EMS, based on segmented continuous casting model
Authors: Feng Zhenhua , Zhang Guifang , Li Pengchao , Yan Peng , McLean Alexander
Published: August 2024

Based on magnetohydrodynamics and solidification theory, a three-dimensional segmented continuous casting model, coupling electromagnetic phenomena, fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification, and solute distribution, was established using COMSOL. Simulation results revealed a positive segregation, with a degree of approximately 1.05, was observed beneath the meniscus, and as the position moved downward, a mild negative segregation, with a degree of approximately 0.97, emerged at a distance of about 10 mm from the wall due to the washing effect on the solidification front. Within the natural convection zone, an asymmetric distribution of carbon segregation between the loose and fixed sides was evident, influenced by the thermal solutal buoyancy. With an increase in the electrical current applied for the final electromagnetic stirring (F-EMS), the Lorentz forces responsible for agitating the molten steel became more pronounced, resulting in a more uniform distribution of carbon. This indicated that the introduction of F-EMS accelerated convection between the molten steel and the mushy zone, facilitating the redistribution of solutes. At an F-EMS current of 250 A–8 Hz, the carbon distribution exhibited the highest uniformity, reducing the degree of segregation at the billet centre from 1.30 to 1.22, a decrease of 0.08. The incorporation of F-EMS effectively addressed centreline segregation issues, and the calculated carbon concentration distribution under both F-EMS and non-F-EMS conditions closely matched experimental measurements.
Effect of annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of cold-drawn pearlitic steel wires
Authors: Yang Xu , Bao Siqian , Kang Xiaolong , Hu Chengyang , Hu Jiarui , Liu Chen , Tian Renmin
Published: August 2024

The effects of low-temperature annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of cold-drawn pearlitic steel wires were investigated. The tensile strength initially increases, peaking after 1 min of annealing, then decreases with annealing at 400 °C for longer durations. The initial strength increase is deemed to result from age hardening during short-time annealing at 400 °C, while the subsequent decrease in strength over longer times at this temperature is attributed to age softening. Age hardening is influenced by two factors: the diffusion of dissolved carbon atoms in lamellar ferrite and the subsequent pinning of dislocations, which includes the dissolution of about 0.022% wt.% carbon in the iron lattice when annealed at 400 °C for 1 min; and the dislocations pinned by newly formed nano-sized cementite particles. The occurrence of age softening is attributed to the spheroidization of lamellar cementite and the decreased dislocation density through the recovery of ferrite. When the annealing temperature is increased to 450 °C and 500 °C, the tensile strength gradually decreases over the annealing time. The dissolved carbon in the iron lattice is small or negligible, and the carbide growth is more pronounced at higher temperatures, resulting in less significant effects of aging hardening.
Analysis of Travel Mode Choice Behavior between High-Speed Rail and Air Transport Utilizing Large-Scale Ticketing Data
Authors: Cao Weiwei , Chen Zibing , Shi Feng , Xu Jin
Published: August 2024

As essential infrastructure, high-speed rail (HSR) and air transport (AT) play crucial roles in socioeconomic development. With their continuous expansion in China, the overlap of HSR and AT networks has increased, providing travelers with more choices for intercity travel. Because fierce competition in the medium-to-long-distance segment affects the market share and transport capacity dispatching, the travel choice between HSR and AT has been of intense interest. This study utilized a unique fusion dataset collected from two separate organizations to conduct an empirical analysis of the travel mode choice behaviors of individuals when choosing between HSR and AT. A multinomial logit (MNL) model was adopted to examine the influences of key factors on passenger choice preferences. The results showed that the fitting effect of the MNL model was satisfactory, and the parameters were strongly interpretable. The McFadden Pseudo R2 with a city-pair fixed effect in the MNL model increased by 17.3% compared with that without the city-pair fixed effect. All the related explanatory variables, including the trip distance by high-speed train, demography, ticket purchasing, and travel behavior characteristics, had significant positive effects on the passengers’ choice of AT, with trip distance having the largest effect. According to the parameter estimation, 1,160 km was the division for individual choice between HSR and AT. This study also compared the prediction accuracies of the MNL model and eight classical machine-learning models and found that random forest had the best performance. This study provides a new framework for analyzing travel choice modeling when choosing between HSR and AT.
Prevalence of Common Child Mental Health Disorders Using Administrative Health Data and Parent Report in a Prospective Community-Based Cohort from Alberta, Canada: Prévalence des troubles communs de santé mentale de l’enfant à l’aide des données de santé administratives et des rapports des parents dans une cohorte prospective communautaire d’Alberta, Canada
Authors: Racine N. , Pitt T. , Premji S. , McDonald S.W. , Patten S.B. , Tough S. , Madigan S.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Knowing the prevalence of mental health difficulties in young children is critical for early identification and intervention. In the current study, we examine the agreement among three different data sources estimating the prevalence of diagnoses for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and emotional disorders (i.e., anxiety or mood disorder) for children between birth and 9 years of age.

Methods

Data from a prospective pregnancy cohort was linked with provincial administrative health data for children in Alberta, Canada. We report the positive agreement, negative agreement, and Cohen's Kappa of parent-reported child diagnoses provided by a health professional (“parent report”), exceeding a clinical cut-off on a standardized questionnaire completed by parents (the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3rd edition [“BASC-3”]), and cumulative inpatient, outpatient, or physician claims diagnoses (“administrative data”).

Results

Positive and negative agreement for administrative data and parent-reported ADHD diagnoses were 70.8% and 95.6%, respectively, and 30.5% and 94.9% for administrative data and the BASC-3, respectively. For emotional disorders, administrative data and parent-reported diagnoses had a positive agreement of 35.7% and negative agreement of 96.30%. Positive and negative agreement for emotional disorders using administrative data and the BASC-3 were 20.0% and 87.4%, respectively. Kappa coefficients were generally low, indicating poor chance-corrected agreement between these data sources.

Conclusions

The data sources highlighted in this study provide disparate agreement for the prevalence of ADHD and emotional disorder diagnoses in young children. Low Kappa coefficients suggest that parent-reported diagnoses, clinically elevated symptoms using a standardized questionnaire, and diagnoses from administrative data serve different purposes and provide discrete estimates of mental health difficulties in early childhood.

Plain Language Title:

Prevalence of child mental health disorders according to different data sources in Canada
Parameter optimization of automated fiber placement based on CCD response surface method
Authors: Lu Tianyao , Li Junli , Zhang Yilian , Liu Gang , Qian Bo , Zhang Liqiang , Mao Jian
Published: August 2024

Defects in the automatic fiber placement (AFP) directly affect the prepreg bonding strength, resulting in a less strong product than expected. Improper process parameter selection is one of the major factors contributing to layup defects. However, there is a significant degree of uncertainty associated with the parameters that affect the lay-up quality and currently few studies that use response surfaces to consider the interaction of these parameters. In general, it is necessary to obtain a more accurate combination of process parameters through experiment, which is time-consuming and consumable. Moreover, it is difficult to investigate the interrelation between process parameters. Therefore, this paper presents a method of placement parameter optimization based on lap shear strength (LSS) to achieve high-quality and high-strength AFP process control. Firstly, this article establishes a comprehensive quality evaluation system by analyzing the causes of defects in AFP process. Secondly, the central composite design of experiments (CCD) response surface methodology was used to effectively optimize the process parameters and to understand the interactions between the various factors. A prediction model with quadratic polynomial regression equations for four process parameters and laydown quality was developed. Based on the regression equations, the process parameters with optimal lay-up quality were obtained. Then, using 30 sets of process parameters from the response surface experiment, lap samples were made for tensile testing. The lap shear strength of tows under various process conditions was studied, and the experimental results were consistent with the response surface analysis results. Finally, by analyzing the quality evaluation curve and load-time curve, it was found that the trend of AFP quality evaluation score and LSS was practically the same. Data analysis shows that placement using optimized parameters corresponding to higher scoring samples has higher lap shear strength and fewer defects than placement of samples with low quality scores. Therefore, the quality evaluation system of lay-up quality proposed in this paper is an effective and reliable method for optimizing the parameters of AFP process.
Emergency Preparedness in Philippine Hospices: Insights From a Global Literature Review
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G. , Peñaflor Aurora M.
Published: August 2024

In a recently published paper, Baker Rogers provided significant insights into enhancing emergency preparedness in hospices. A literature review identified 26 articles focusing on various aspects of hospice emergency preparedness, organized into 6 key themes: Policies and Procedures; Testing/Training/Education; Integration and Coordination; Mitigation; Risk Assessment/Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis; and Regulations. These themes highlight the multifaceted approach required for effective disaster readiness in hospice settings. This correspondence article aims to apply these findings to the Philippine context, suggesting pathways to strengthen the resilience of hospice care during disasters.
The Perils of the Unknown: Intolerance of Uncertainty and Intimate Partner Violence Across the First Four Pandemic Waves
Authors: Bell Kathryn M. , Holmberg Diane , Chapman Zoey A.
Published: August 2024

Theory suggests that intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a tendency to perceive uncertain events as threatening, may serve as a potential risk factor for increased intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration; however, few studies have investigated this association, and none have taken a longitudinal approach. We investigated the issue in two longitudinal online investigations (initial N = 282 and 1,118), with time periods ranging from just before the COVID-19 pandemic to the fourth pandemic wave, approximately 1.5 years later. IU was a significant predictor of IPV cross-sectionally, and in the short term longitudinally (i.e., over periods of weeks); however, it did not predict IPV over the longer term (i.e., over periods of months or years). In addition, our longitudinal design allowed assessment of IPV trends across pandemic waves. Physical IPV rates remained low and steady across time. Psychological IPV rates showed an increase in the early days of the pandemic, but then dropped and stabilized, albeit at a somewhat higher rate than pre-pandemic. Study 2 had ample representation of LGBTQ+ respondents and showed that the patterns and processes worked similarly for LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
Sexual Harassment and Binge Eating Among Chinese Female Undergraduates: A Mediation Model of Self-Objectification and Self-Control
Authors: Zheng Panpan , Lyu Zhenyong
Published: August 2024

Sexual harassment is a serious health issue prevalent on campuses worldwide, with significant implications for individuals’ well-being. Past research has highlighted the close association between sexual harassment and eating disorders, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating roles of self-objectification and self-control in linking sexual harassment to binge eating, drawing upon objectification theory and self-control resource theory. A sample of 801 Chinese female undergraduates, with a mean age of 19.60 years ( SD = 1.42), participated in the study by completing questionnaires on sexual harassment experience, self-objectification, self-control, and binge eating. The results indicated that sexual harassment experience exhibited a significant positive correlation with binge eating and self-objectification, while showing a negative correlation with self-control. And an increased frequency of sexual harassment experiences and self-objectification were associated with lower levels of self-control. Furthermore, mediation analyses utilizing Hayes’ PROCESS macro (2013) for SPSS (Model 6) demonstrated that both self-objectification and self-control independently and sequentially mediated the relationship between sexual harassment and young women’s binge eating. In other words, young women who had experienced sexual harassment were more likely to exhibit increased self-objectification, leading to decreased self-control and ultimately culminating in binge eating behaviors. This study provides valuable insights into how sexual harassment affects young women’s binge eating by elucidating the mediating roles of self-objectification and self-control, thus enhancing our understanding of developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of experiencing sexual harassment.
Statistical Imaginaries, State Legitimacy: Grappling With the Arrangements Underpinning Quantification in the U.S. Census
Authors: Sarathy Jayshree , boyd danah
Published: August 2024

Over the last century, the adoption of novel scientific methods for conducting the U.S. census has been met with wide-ranging receptions. Some were quietly embraced, while others sparked decades-long controversies. What accounts for these differences? We argue that controversies emerge from and reconfigure arrangements of statistical imaginaries, putting into tension divergent visions of the census. To analyze these dynamics, we compare reactions to two methods designed to improve data accuracy – imputation and adjustment – and two methods designed to protect confidentiality – swapping and differential privacy, offering insight into how each method reconfigures stakeholder orientations and rhetorical claims. These cases allow us to reflect on how technocratic efforts to improve accuracy and confidentiality can strengthen – or erode – trust in data. Our analysis shows how the credibility of the Census Bureau and its data stem not just from empirical evaluations of quantification but also from how statistical imaginaries are contested and stabilized.
Numerical study on the heat transfer performance of a hybrid oscillating heat pipe and its application in the recovery of low-grade waste heat systems
Authors: Chinchedu Raghuvaran , K Kiran Kumar , VP Chandramohan
Published: August 2024

The heat transfer performance of oscillating heat pipe (OHP) depends on various parameters, and one such vital parameter is the wettability of its surface. In a conventional OHP (COHP), the wettability on all sections is uniform. In the present numerical study, a hybrid OHP having different wettability at different sections, that is an OHP with a hydrophilic evaporator and a superhydrophobic condenser, is proposed to recover larger quantities of low-grade waste heat (WH). The performance of the hybrid OHP is numerically investigated for different filling ratios (FRs) varying the range of 30%–90% and varying low-grade WH temperatures (WHT) between 320 K and 350 K, with water as the working fluid. Incorporation of a hydrophilic evaporator reduced the start-up time by 20%–80%, which is attributed to early onset of bubble nucleation. At the same time, the superhydrophobic condenser, owing to lower surface tension forces, increased the rate of condensation by promoting dropwise condensation, resulting in increased sensible and latent heat transfer in the hybrid OHP. Also, it was observed that the slug motion in hybrid OHP increased with an increase in low-grade WHT. The heat transfer performance of hybrid OHP increased with an increase of FR up to 80%, and thereafter the heat transfer performance is decreased. It was envisaged from the results that the heat transfer performance of the hybrid OHP is increased with increase in low-grade WHT. The highest mean heat transfer coefficient of 1270 W/m2-K is obtained in hybrid OHP at an FR of 80% and WHT of 350 K, which is 70.52% higher than COHP, indicating its suitability in low-grade WH recovery systems.
Experimental analysis of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle with heat pipe
Authors: Yilmaz Metin , Cimsit Canan
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on the integration of a thermosyphon-type loop heat pipe into a vapor compression refrigeration cycle that operates a crane cabin air conditioner with a refrigeration capacity of 20 kW. The evaporator of the heat pipe is incorporated into the line between the compressor outlet and the condenser inlet of the vapor compression cycle. In addition, the condenser of the heat pipe is placed above the existing condenser. The heat pipe extracts heat from the hot R450A refrigerant exiting the compressor, reducing the refrigerant's temperature and, consequently, alleviating a portion of the condenser load from the existing system. Decreased load on the condenser reduces the saturation temperature. The impact of the heat pipe on the crane's air conditioning system was experimentally investigated. When the heat pipe is activated, the condensation temperature in the system is adjusted on the basis of the ambient temperature, allowing for a thorough examination of the heat pipe's effects on the system. According to the results of this study, it was concluded that the refrigeration capacity and COP values increased in the heat pipe case under the same operating conditions. In addition, when using a heat pipe, there are fewer CO2 emissions released into the environment. It is possible to reduce emissions from energy consumption and increase energy efficiency by using a heat pipe in the vapor compression refrigeration system.
Effect of flash boiling on the spray characteristics of pressure swirl spray nozzles using liquid nitrogen
Authors: Lu Yihong , Yang Xuesen , Zhang Binglong , Zhao Wei , Hu Bin , Zhao Qingjun
Published: August 2024

Liquid nitrogen is a widely utilized effective low-temperature cooling medium, also employed in the ATR-GG (Gas Generator cycle Air Turbo rocket) engine to cool high-temperature components. Due to the high-temperature work environment and the ease with which liquid nitrogen evaporates and boils, liquid nitrogen would experience a flash boiling process. In order to study the influence of flash boiling on spray characteristics, experiments and simulations were conducted with two types of hollow-cone nozzles and two types of solid-cone nozzles under subcooled water at normal temperature which is not affect by flash boiling and superheat liquid nitrogen inflow conditions. The research found that flashing already begins inside the nozzle, significantly reducing the discharge coefficient of the solid-cone nozzle. The nitrogen gas-liquid mixture fills the air core of the hollow-cone spray, resulting in a comparatively smaller impact on the discharge coefficient. The liquid nitrogen spray exhibit spray collapse, unable to achieve the spray cone angels as the water spray. The major reason is that during the flashing process, nitrogen vapor expansion enhances the axial velocity, reducing the spray cone angle. The study recommends using hollow-cone nozzles to mitigate the impact of flash boiling on the spray characteristics.
Design modification and selection of improved stem design of the conical stem tibial implant for TAR using FE analysis and different MCDM methods
Authors: Jyoti  , Ghosh Rajesh
Published: August 2024

The conical stem tibial design of total ankle replacement (TAR) has high implant-bone micromotion. This may lead to aseptic loosening which can be avoided by improving the tibial design. The objective was to propose the best stem design parameters to reduce implant-bone micromotion along with minimizing stress shielding using an integrated Finite Element-Multi Criteria Decision Making (FE-MCDM) approach. FE models of implanted tibia bones were prepared by changing the height of the stem, the diameter of the stem, and the slant of the stem. Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) MCDM techniques with equal weights for micromotion and stress shielding were considered. The micromotion and stress shielding were greater when the height of the stem was increased. Whereas, the increase in diameter and slant affected them marginally. The best-performing design was the Model with stem height 6 mm (diameter 6.4 mm and slant 4°) and after that was the Model with stem height 8 mm (diameter 6.4 mm and slant 4°), and then the Model with stem height 10 mm (diameter 6.4 mm and slant 4°). The height of the stem is the most important stem design parameter. Shorter height, moderate thickness, and moderate slanting stem designs are recommended.
Cluster-based Systematic Literature Review: Understanding FinTech Adoption and Challenges
Authors: Sharma Seema , Sharma Maithili , Dhingra Deepika
Published: August 2024

The FinTech market globally is emerging as an alternative to the traditional cash-driven economy. Although most of the population has adapted to the innovation that has taken place in the financial services sector, a substantial proportion of the population remains unbanked. It has a shallow awareness of the financial products and services available. Banks, financial service providers, investment advisers and business houses are attempting to adopt new technologies in collaboration with FinTech companies. Understanding consumer adoption and their experience of new technologies can help FinTech service providers integrate ideas and deliver seamless offerings. This article employs a systematic literature review of a total of 111 publications from 2016 to 2023 on the consumer adoption/acceptance of FinTech products and services. It identifies seven research clusters from the extant literature to note the trends in adoption and enlist the challenges faced by the usage of FinTech along with emerging trends in attention. The study used VOSviewer to provide the results of keyword analysis, world distribution and linkages of selected publications. The article explored the acceptance and reception of financial innovation in the past eight years as per the identified clusters which was shown by the increase in the number of publication’s chart. It also contributes to the field by mentioning the benefits that have been reaped across industries and sectors with the adoption of FinTech by discussing the participation of authors in various clusters in detail.
Defensive Medicine Practices, Antecedents and Results: Protocol for the Systematic Review
Authors: Ünal Özgün , Akbolat Mahmut
Published: August 2024

In the most general sense, defensive medicine practices are the answer to the concerns that physicians have. Defensive medicine practices can affect physicians, patients and the health system and, as a result, the whole of society, positively or negatively. Therefore, it is important to conduct detailed studies on defensive medicine practices. This study was carried out to conduct a systematic review of the pre-existing studies on defensive medicine practices. Information on the definition of defensive medicine practices, the antecedents of defensive medicine practices and the results of defensive medicine practices was sought. This also constituted the inclusion criteria. The study was carried out following the PRISMA systematic review protocol. In the study, Google Scholar was used as a scanning engine to scan all literature. Articles written in either Turkish or English were included in this study. Relevant information was compiled from the articles included in the study. The information obtained was coded into the NVivo programme, and content analysis was done. As a result, information on the definition of defensive medicine practices, the antecedents of defensive medicine practices and the results of defensive medicine practices was compiled and presented comprehensively. It is thought that this study will compile a new body of literature on defensive medicine practices and integrate the information related to defensive medicine practices, in addition to its precursors and results, to see how the information differs across the studies and contributes to the literature.
Ganoderic Acid A Suppresses Androgenindependent Cell Growth via the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lyu Qiao , Qu Yuan , Chen Jianfan , Chen Guo , Chen Zheng , Qu Lijun
Published: August 2024

Objective

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the specific effects and mechanisms of ganoderic acid A (GAA) on castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Methods

We successfully established an androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP-AI). The LNCaP-AI cells demonstrated accelerated growth, elevated levels of androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and resistance to the drug enzalutamide. Then, we administered LNCaP-AI cells with GAA or a control and determined the cell growth rate. Next, LNCaP-AI cells with and without GAA treatment were subjected to RNA-seq for mRNA sequencing. The genes were subjected to a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. We also checked the expression levels of the targeted genes. Finally, normal LNCaP or LNCaP-AI cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to further confirm the effect of GAA.

Results

Experiments showed that GAA effectively suppressed the growth rate, PSA secretion, migration, and invasion of LNCaP-AI cells. The results of a subsequent RNA-seq analysis identified the PI3K/AKT pathway as the key signaling pathway influenced by GAA. Notably, AKT and GSK-3β phosphorylation was decreased, and β-catenin protein levels were also lowered, as a result of GAA treatment. Moreover, we observed decreased activity in crucial genes, including c-Myc, Cyclin D1, and MMP-2, which play integral roles in CRPC development. Furthermore, GAA inhibited the tumorigenesis of LNCaP-AI cells in nude mice in vivo.

Conclusion

GAA effectively suppresses the growth of androgen-independent cells by inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate the potential of GAA as a therapeutic candidate for CRPC.
Simulation-based Interprofessional Education on Neonatal Emergencies at Pre-service Level: Acceptance and Attitude of Students
Authors: Murry Lumchio Levis , Dabas Suman , Sharma Rimple , Thukral Anu , Joshi Poonam , Susaimuthu Cecilia Mary , Goel Prabudh , Milan Tirwa , Das Smita
Published: August 2024

Interprofessional education (IPE) in neonatology is widely used at in-service level, but relatively nonexistent at pre-service level in India. This study assessed the attitude and acceptance of undergraduate healthcare students towards IPE in learning the management of neonatal emergencies using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 62 students were allocated to an interprofessional group (IG, 32; 15 nursing,17 medical) and a uniprofessional group (UG, 30 nursing). Both groups received simulation-based training sessions. Attitude of the students towards IPE was assessed using the Interprofessional Attitude Scale at baseline, immediately after, and at 3 weeks post intervention. Selected participants from the IG were interviewed regarding the experience of the IPE. The attitude scores of the participants towards teamwork roles and responsibilities [38.4 (1.08) vs. 39.5 (1.43) vs. 41.4 (0.68), P = .001], and patient-centeredness [21.8 (0.67) vs. 22.6 (0.76) vs. 23.6 (0.44), P = .03)]increased significantly in the IG group post-intervention. A significant improvement was also seen in the total attitude scores at posttest-1 (119(8.22) vs. 11210.12) and posttest-2 (121.58.12 vs. 110.78.08, P = .0001). Students expressed a favorable account of the learning experience. Students reported improvement in attitude towards IPE after participation in a simulation-based interprofessional learning session suggesting the acceptance of IPE among medical and nursing students in India.
How Do We Explore the Fifth Dimension: Spirituality?
Authors: Goodman Mark , McDaniel Sue , Mertzlufft Nancy
Published: August 2024

Spirituality has been a core component of human existence from the very beginning of human life. From mysticism to healing to psychics, millions of people throughout history have explored their spiritual connections to something greater than themselves. We explore the nature of spirituality and why it is so hard for humans to understand its dimensions.