bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pluralistic Unity
Authors: Wei Xiaoshi
Published: May 2023

This essay examines the term duoyuan yiti, ‘pluralistic unity’, in cultural and artistic contexts in China and its use in everyday speech in the form of cultural metaphors. It briefly introduces the history of this term and provides examples of its use in political speech, academic writing and grassroots communication. The article also analyses discourses, phrases and ideas that have been constructed around duoyuan yiti, noting their profound impact on social life in China, particularly in its ‘minority’ regions. The article seeks to fill in the gap between, on the one hand, research into the term in Chinese in line with China’s official views and, on the other hand, policy-focused critical approaches in English-language academic writing. Through examining a cluster of derivative terms and slogans, I illustrate how, in public discourse, ‘diversity’ is performed and articulated as subsidiary to ‘unity’ in contemporary China.
Ping’an jiating in Rural Southern Xinjiang
Authors: Seher Tenha
Published: May 2023

In official discourse in China, keywords highlight the main ideas in a text, point to specific regulations or policies then being implemented in a region, and often serve as mobilising slogans. They also carry implicit meanings and functions, and these affect people’s daily lives in different ways. This paper explores the meanings and impacts of the keyword ping’an jiating (平安家庭) – peaceful, safe household – when written on a plaque or label affixed to village homes in rural southern Xinjiang. It discusses ways in which those meanings differ for the residents of those homes and for the grassroots officials who assign the labels. It discusses how the ping’an jiating concept is related to stability maintenance, and how the award of a ping’an jiating label to a household can function as a form of political currency for that household, signalling that an awardee is trusted by local officials or, if political conditions change, the opposite.
Evidence for the Influence of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation on the Semiannual Oscillation in the Tropical Middle Atmosphere
Authors: Smith Anne K. , Gray Lesley J. , Garcia Rolando R.
Published: May 2023

The semiannual oscillation (SAO) in zonally averaged zonal winds develops just above the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and dominates the seasonal variability in the tropical upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. The magnitude, seasonality, and latitudinal structure of the SAO vary with the phase of the QBO. There is also an annual oscillation (AO) whose magnitude at the equator is smaller than those of the SAO and QBO but not negligible. This work presents the relation between the SAO, QBO, AO, and time-mean wind in the tropical upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere using winds derived from satellite geopotential height observations. The winds are generally more westerly during the easterly phase of the QBO. The SAO extends to lower altitudes during periods where the QBO is characterized by deep easterly winds. The differences in the SAO associated with the QBO are roughly confined to the latitudes where the QBO has appreciable amplitude, suggesting that the mechanism is controlled by vertical coupling. The westerly phases of the SAO and AO show downward propagation with time. This analysis suggests that forcing by dissipation of waves with westerly momentum is responsible for the westerly acceleration of both the SAO and AO. The timing and structure of the easterly phases of the SAO and AO near the stratopause are consistent with the response to meridional advection of momentum across the equator during solstices; it is not apparent that local wave processes play important roles in the easterly phases in the region of the stratopause.
Boundary Layer Energetics of Rapid Wind and Wave Forced Mixing Events
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , Samelson Roger M. , Simmons Harper , Laurent Lou S. , Merrifield Sophia , Klenz Thilo , Centurioni Luca
Published: May 2023

The observed development of deep mixed layers and the dependence of intense, deep-mixing events on wind and wave conditions are studied using an ocean LES model with and without an imposed Stokes-drift wave forcing. Model results are compared to glider measurements of the ocean vertical temperature, salinity, and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate structure collected in the Icelandic Basin. Observed wind stress reached 0.8 N m−2 with significant wave height of 4–6 m, while boundary layer depths reached 180 m. We find that wave forcing, via the commonly used Stokes drift vortex force parameterization, is crucial for accurate prediction of boundary layer depth as characterized by measured and predicted TKE dissipation rate profiles. Analysis of the boundary layer kinetic energy (KE) budget using a modified total Lagrangian-mean energy equation, derived for the wave-averaged Boussinesq equations by requiring that the rotational inertial terms vanish identically as in the standard energy budget without Stokes forcing, suggests that wind work should be calculated using both the surface current and surface Stokes drift. A large percentage of total wind energy is transferred to model TKE via regular and Stokes drift shear production and dissipated. However, resonance by clockwise rotation of the winds can greatly enhance the generation of inertial current mean KE (MKE). Without resonance, TKE production is about 5 times greater than MKE generation, whereas with resonance this ratio decreases to roughly 2. The results have implications for the problem of estimating the global kinetic energy budget of the ocean.
Observing Tropical Cyclone Morphology Using RADARSAT-2 and Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Moore Torres Jessie C. , Jackson Christopher R. , Ruff Tyler W. , Helfrich Sean R. , Romeiser Roland
Published: May 2023

Since the 1960s, meteorological satellites have been able to monitor tropical cyclones and typhoons. Their images have been acquired by passive remote sensing instruments that operate in the visible and infrared bands, where they only display the cloud-top structure of tropical cyclones and make it a challenge to study the air–sea interaction near the sea surface. On the other hand, active remote sensors, such as spaceborne microwave scatterometers and synthetic aperture radars (SARs), can “see” through clouds and facilitate observations of the air–sea interaction processes. However, SAR acquires images and provides the wind field at a much higher resolution, where the eye of a tropical cyclone at surface level can be identified. The backscattered signals received by the SAR can be processed into a high-resolution image and calibrated to represent the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of the sea surface. In this study, 33 RADARSAT-2 and 102 Sentinel-1 SAR images of Atlantic and Indian Ocean tropical cyclones and Pacific typhoons from 2016 to 2021, which display eye structure, have been statistically analyzed with ancillary tropical cyclone intensity information. To measure the size of the eye, a 34-kt (∼17 m s−1) contour is defined around it and the amount and size of pixels within the eye is utilized to provide its area in square kilometers. Additionally, an azimuthal wavenumber for each shape of the eye was assigned. Results showed that eye areas increase with decreasing wind speed and increasing wavenumber and demonstrate that SAR-derived data are useful for studying tropical cyclones at the air–sea interface and provide results of these behaviors closely to data derived from best track archives.
Breast Cancer Metastasis to Colon
Authors: Arif Fatima Z. , Breese Rebecca O. , Burke Rachel
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer metastasis to the colon is exceedingly rare, with only 17 reported cases in the literature thus far. This report describes a 67-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department for large volume melena in the setting of bilateral metastatic ductal breast carcinoma, left triple negative and right HER2+, and T4N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer. On routine CT abdomen/pelvis imaging, the patient had a 7 cm mass arising from the transverse colon. Colonoscopy revealed a non-obstructing necrotic mass in the proximal descending colon. The patient underwent a partial colectomy, small bowel resection, and gastric wedge resection. The patient recovered from surgery and was discharged home with palliative services. The patient passed away four months after discharge due to numerous metastases.
The Critical Care Resource Intensivist Model: An Essential Component to Critical Care Nursing
Authors: Ray Kristen M. , Meysenburg David , Jasonek K. L. , Liner Erica , Groves Austin , Saylon Liezl , Crandall Marie , Zhang Jeanette , Skarupa David J. ,   the CCRI Research Group
Published: May 2023

At a large academic level 1 trauma center, an additional resource was added at night, the Critical Care Resource Intensivist (CCRI), which is a multi-disciplinary group of fellowship trained intensivists. Prior to implementation of this additional resource, concurrent to implementation and one-year post implementation, critical care (CC) nurses that provide care in the surgical, neurologic, medical, and cardiac intensive care units (ICU) were anonymously surveyed to evaluate the CCRI model from a nursing perspective. Survey results were aggregated via an electronic cloud-based survey tool. Our goal was to obtain qualitative data to inform hypothesis generation and quality improvement questions. As such, we collected free-text answers to the questions, “Do you ever have concerns about availability of faculty in the ICU?” and, “Do you have any suggestions or comments after implementation of CCRI?” Answers were categorized into pre- and postCCRI strata. When coding the data, the investigators found a total of 9 themes that connected all the free-text survey. The themes included faculty accessibility, nurse safety, satisfaction, continuum of care and patient safety, to name a few. CCRI was uniformly and unanimously felt to improve patient care and decrease provider stress, because of improved availability and responsiveness of cc-faculty. The need to expand the CCRI model across institutional campuses was also stated clearly within their responses. These surveys demonstrate the strong support for the CCRI model by CC nurse providers. Further studies should investigate the effects of CCRI on nurse provider burnout and turnover, especially given recent crises in nursing.
Understanding the Geographic Distribution of Diverticulitis Hospitalizations in Washington State
Authors: Stovall Stephanie L. , Johnson Meredith P. , Evans Ethan T. , Kaplan Jennifer A. , Law Joanna K. , Moonka Ravi , Bahnson Henry T. , Simianu Vlad V.
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence of diverticulitis in the United States is increasing, and hospitalization remains a surrogate for disease severity. State-level characterization of diverticulitis hospitalization is necessary to better understand the distribution of disease burden and target interventions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of diverticulitis hospitalizations from 2008 through 2019 was created using Washington State’s Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Hospitalizations were stratified by acuity, presence of complicated diverticulitis, and surgical intervention using ICD diagnosis and procedure codes. Patterns of regionalization were characterized by hospital case burden and distance travelled by patients.

Results

During the study period, 56,508 diverticulitis hospitalizations occurred across 100 hospitals. Most hospitalizations were emergent (77.2%). Of these, 17.5% were for complicated diverticulitis, and 6.6% required surgery. No single hospital received more than 5% (n = 235) of average annual hospitalizations. Surgeons operated in 26.5% of total hospitalizations (13.9% of emergent hospitalizations, and 69.2% of elective hospitalizations). Operations for complicated disease made up 40% of emergent surgery and 28.7% of elective surgery. Most patients traveled fewer than 20 miles for hospitalization, regardless of acuity (84% for emergent hospitalization and 77.5% for elective hospitalization).

Discussion

Hospitalizations for diverticulitis are primarily emergent, nonoperative, and broadly distributed across Washington State. Hospitalization and surgery occur close to patients’ homes, regardless of acuity. This decentralization needs to be considered if improvement initiatives and research in diverticulitis are to have meaningful, population-level impact .
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Trauma Population in a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Michael Javier A. , Roberts Morgan E. , Haiflich Andrew N. , Boyer Edwin , Capasso Thomas J. , Butts Charles C. , Bright Andrew C. , Kinnard Christopher M. , Simmons Jon D. , Williams Ashley Y. , Lee Yannlei L. , Polite Nathan M. , Mbaka Maryann I.
Published: May 2023

In this study, we evaluated the effects of the pandemic on our trauma population. We performed a retrospective review of the trauma registry in the 2 years prior, and then 2 years during the pandemic. We evaluated age, race, gender, injury severity score (ISS), mechanism of trauma, rate of self-inflicted injury, rate of gunshot wounds (GSW), presence of EtOH, drug screen results, mortality, rate of burn traumas, and zip code of residence. Our query captured 5 054 patients before, and 5 731 during the pandemic. We found no statistical difference in age, gender, mechanism of trauma, rate of self-inflicted injuries, and mortality during the pandemic when compared to before. There were statistically significant differences in race, ISS, rate of GSWs, EtOH use, drug screen results, and burn traumas. Geospatial mapping found a rise in GSWs for zip code 36606. Gun violence and substance use rose in our trauma population during COVID-19.
An Unusual Variant of Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Junction
Authors: Worth Samantha , Millard Jessica , Jacobs David , Jones Wesley
Published: May 2023

A 27-year-old previously healthy African American female presented to the Emergency Department with an acute onset of epigastric abdominal pain and nausea. Laboratory studies proved unremarkable. CT scan demonstrated intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ductal dilation with possible stones within the common bile duct. The patient was discharged with a surgery follow-up appointment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography was performed 3 weeks later due to concern for choledocholithiasis. The intraoperative cholangiogram showed multiple abnormalities, concerning for an infectious or inflammatory process. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) demonstrated a suspected anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and cystic lesion near the pancreatic head. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for cholangioscopy showed normal-appearing pancreaticobiliary mucosa with 3 tributaries directly from the pancreas entering the bile duct and an ansa orientation to the pancreatic duct. Biopsies of the mucosa were benign. Annual MRCP and MRI to assess for findings concerning for neoplasm given the anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction were recommended.
Understanding of nutrition information on food labels among higher income adults in India
Authors: Mediratta Srishti , Mathur Pulkit
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

This study assessed food label reading habits and understanding of nutrition information on food labels by higher income adults in India.

Design:

It involved a cross-sectional study using non-probability purposive sampling.

Setting:

Data were collected by mixed methods approach between March 2019 and February 2020. Adults were selected from housing colonies in four geographical zones of Delhi, India.

Method:

A total of 589 adults (20–40 years) belonging to upper middle-income and high-income groups were selected. Associations between gender, family income, age, marital status, and label reading habits were assessed using Chi-square tests. Demographic predictors of food label reading habits were identified using binary logistic regression with a level of significance set at p < .05.

Results:

Participants read the food labels (79%) and noticed the nutrient claims (76%) on food labels. Female participants were more likely to understand nutrition information as compared with male participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, p = .04). Female participants were also more likely to notice the nutrient claims on the packet of food products (OR = 1.99, p < .01) as compared with male participants. The majority of participants found the ‘traffic light scheme’ format easy to understand.

Conclusion:

Consumers look for nutrition information on food labels. They value healthier food alternatives but most are unable to decipher the nutrition labels. Food labels should communicate the healthfulness of products in a straightforward manner to enable better food choices.
The semi-analytic solution to the magnetic field of frequency-band-selecting eddy current testing for local corrosion flaw in large diameter pipeline
Authors: Fu Kuan , Chen Pengchao , Yu Yating , Li Rui , Fan Yiming , Sun Cheng , Liu Bowen
Published: May 2023

Local corrosion flaws (LCFs) widely exist in large diameter pipelines (LDPs) (e.g. steam, oil/gas pipeline) due to flow-accelerated corrosion, environmental corrosion, and material aging. Frequency-band-selecting eddy current testing (FBS-ECT), as an improved eddy current technique (ECT), has rich harmonic components in exciting signals as a pulsed eddy current technique (PECT), as well as more effective utilization of electromagnetic energy by selecting a frequency band. It is expected that FBS-ECT has promising applications in detecting and evaluating the LCFs in LDP. Therefore, a solution to the magnetic field of FBS-ECT for LCF detection in LDP is of great concern to reveal the features of the FBS-ECT signal and the parameters of the LCF. Extending our previous work, the semi-analytic expression of the magnetic flux density for FBS-ECT in regions 1 and 2 (where the magnetic sensor is located) is deduced according to the superposition principle and TREE, the computation accuracy is validated by numerical simulation; next, a semi-analytic solution to the magnetic field of FBS-ECT for LCF in LDP is proposed; then, the sampling distance in FBS-ECT is optimized by considering the magnitude of △ Bz and the sensitivity of △ Bz with the LCF depth; finally, a case study is carried out to verify the optimal strategy and find the mapping relationship between the radius/depth and the FBS-ECT signal. The proposed semi-analytic solution for the magnetic field of FBS-ECT is not only helpful to understand the theoretical relationship of the magnetic field and LCFs with higher computation efficiency but also lays a theoretical foundation to promote FBS-ECT to apply in the characterization of other flaws in metal components.
Preparing for Medical School: How Sociology Helps Premedical Students Prepare for the MCAT and beyond
Authors: Culatta Elizabeth , Powell-Williams Melissa , Davies Kim
Published: May 2023

Educators have recently highlighted the importance of social science courses for students entering the medical field. This has led to the inclusion of sociological theories and concepts on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a requirement for any student seeking formal medical training. Using open-ended survey data responses provided by students who recently completed the MCAT, we explore how students perceive that sociology courses prepare them for the MCAT and their lives more generally. We find that students report that their sociology courses introduced them to key concepts and laid a foundation for material assessed on the exam, but those courses could improve by aligning with the MCAT structure by prioritizing application of concepts and critically analyzing case studies. Students also reported that sociology courses helped them develop empathy and inclusivity and use their sociological imaginations, which will ultimately positively impact their careers in the medical field and lives overall.
Mental Illness as a Sentencing Determinant: A Comparative Case Law Analysis Based on a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Thomaidou Mia A. , Berryessa Colleen M.
Published: May 2023

This study identifies factors that contribute to sentencing outcomes for criminally sentenced individuals experiencing mental disorders, in two U.S. states with divergent sociopolitical ideologies. Recent case law ( n = 130) from appellate courts in New York and Kansas (from 2020 to 2021) was analyzed using regression and machine learning to predict sentence severity for individuals experiencing mental disorders. Across both states, trauma-related and personality disorders led to the most severe sentences, while paraphilia, addiction, and mood disorders had the lowest probability of imprisonment. Sentencing outcomes in Kansas were significantly more severe as compared with New York. A classification analysis identified important patterns of sentencing determinants that predicted which mental disorders were more likely to lead to incarceration. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to punishment disparities as well as the potentials and pitfalls regarding the use of machine learning approaches in criminal justice research and policy.
Outshined by Creative Stars: A Dual-Pathway Model of Leader Reactions to Employees’ Reputation for Creativity
Authors: Carnevale Joel B. , Huang Lei , Vincent Lynne C. , Yu Lingtao , He Wei
Published: May 2023

Establishing a reputation for creativity can endow employees with considerable social advantages as others look to them as a source of assistance, inspiration, and guidance. Yet, as leaders often expect access to certain privileges and advantages based on their hierarchical positions, such employees may signal a discrepancy with leaders’ own expected superiority. Drawing from the social functional view of emotions, we provide a novel extension to the creativity literature by developing and testing a dual-path model of leaders’ emotional and behavioral reactions to their employees’ reputation for creativity. Results from a survey study of 257 leader–employee dyads at a large Chinese automobile company supported our predictions that the presence of an employee reputed for their creativity fostered leaders’ feelings of envy and motivated corresponding remedial actions. Specifically, we found that, conditional on leaders’ beliefs in their own ability to be creative (i.e., creative self-efficacy), employee reputation for creativity either triggered leaders’ dysfunctional resistance toward the employee via leaders’ malicious envy, or led to leaders’ creativity help-seeking from the employee via leaders’ benign envy. We discuss how our results contribute to the extant literature.
Laboratory Practices, Potentiality, and Material Patienthood in Genomic Cancer Medicine
Authors: Swallow Julia , Broer Tineke , Kerr Anne , Cunningham-Burley Sarah
Published: May 2023

Laboratory practitioners working in oncology are increasingly involved in implementing genomic medicine, operating at the intersection of the laboratory and the clinic. This includes molecular diagnostic work and molecular testing to direct entry into molecular-based clinical trials and treatment decision-making based on molecular profiling. In this article, we draw on qualitative interviews with laboratory practitioners in the United Kingdom to explore the role of laboratory work in genomic cancer medicine, focusing on the handling of patient tissue and making of potentiality to guide patients’ present and future care. With an increase in molecular testing to inform standard care and clinical trial participation, we show how practitioners “potentialized” the tissue by carefully negotiating what to test, how to test, and when. This included maximizing and managing small amounts of tissue in anticipation of possible future patient care. Tissue archives also took on new meaning, and potentiality, which practitioners negotiated alongside patient care. Potentiality was key to generating the “big” future of genomic medicine and also involved care work where the tissue emerged as an extension of the patient, as a form of “material patienthood,” to secure present and future care for patients through their involvement in genomic medicine.
Online health information consumers’ learning across health-related search tasks from the perspective of retrieval platform switching
Authors: Chen Yijin , Lin Hanming , Zhang Jin , Zhao Yiming
Published: May 2023

This study aims to investigate consumers’ modification of retrieval platform switch paths across health-related search tasks and learning characteristics via such a switch. Mixed research methods were used in this study. A lab user experiment was designed to obtain data on consumers’ health information search behaviour. Screen recordings and interview data were both coded and analysed. Research results show that health consumers acquired different kinds of health knowledge units from different retrieval platforms, and there are five change patterns of retrieval platform switch paths which reveal three types of learning. The results suggest that health consumers learn not only task-related knowledge but also retrieval skills during the switch of retrieval platforms. The research findings further develop the search as learning process research framework from the dimension of retrieval platform switch patterns and contribute to the enhancement of consumers’ health information retrieval abilities.
Improving Field Moisture Monitoring of Recycled and Virgin Aggregates
Authors: Aydin Ceren , Velasquez Raul , Izevbekhai Bernard , Cetin Bora
Published: May 2023

The structural capacity of pavement foundation is altered by moisture conditions. Reliable moisture monitoring of geomaterials throughout pavement service life is critical for asset management by transportation agencies. Improved moisture sensing enables transportation officials and practitioners to better understand performance of complex recycled materials under frequent extreme rain events. Although moisture sensing for geomaterials has improved significantly, there are still challenges when using sensors in recycled materials that may contain unhydrated cement, aged asphalt, or both. Challenges include the development of calibration functions that account for the presence of recycled materials and robust installation procedures, as technology was developed mostly for agricultural practices. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to suggest improvements for installation techniques and data interpretation of soil moisture and water potential sensors. Suggested installation guidelines minimize wash-out and erosion potential at the soil–sensor interface. Experimental results indicate a strong bilinear relation between dielectric of recycled materials and water content, with a region of relatively small change governed by dielectric permittivity of air and a region of rapid change controlled by dielectric permittivity of water. Moreover, it was found that dielectric permittivity is not significantly affected by aggregate internal structure as dielectric for a specific moisture content for different compaction degrees is relatively similar. Furthermore, soil water characteristic curves obtained using the water potential sensor and improved installation technique compare reasonably well with laboratory results obtained with traditional equipment. Reliability of both moisture and water potential sensors was improved with the suggested guidelines.
Developing Economic Loss-Based Thresholds for Improving Context-Specific Crash Prediction Models
Authors: Koloushani Mohammadreza , Abazari Seyed Reza , Khayamim Razieh , Vanli Omer Arda , Ozguven Eren Erman , Moses Ren , Giroux Rupert , Jacobs Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Negative binomial-based safety performance functions (SPFs) have been extensively used by United States Department of Transportation professionals for predictive crash analysis. Recently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has developed a context classification approach and incorporated it into crash prediction models, which has the potential to significantly enhance their accuracy and reliability. The additional modeling contexts and parameters make it more challenging to diagnose and remedy modeling problems, however. Particularly for roadway segments with low annual average daily traffic (AADT), short lengths, or low counts of severe crashes, the SPF models significantly underestimate the actual number of crashes. This uncertainty in SPF predictions can lead FDOT practitioners to reach misleading conclusions, such as failing to detect sites with genuinely high crash rates. This project intends to establish thresholds for certain SPF parameters to ensure reliable crash predictions are obtained across various context classes. For this purpose, we (a) developed a functional statistical model that quantifies economic loss relative prediction errors as a function of AADT volume and (b) calculated the minimum context-specific AADT threshold for each segment length group, roadway category, context classification, and crash severity combination. Employing the developed AADT thresholds confirmed up to 89% reduction in SPF prediction errors for the most represented context class. In light of the results obtained, we are able to conclude that context-specific AADT thresholds perform well in significantly reducing prediction errors for the thresholded segments and contexts on Florida roadways.
Building climate resiliency in a small, rural eastern Ontario hospital from a facilities management perspective
Authors: Buehlow Tammy
Published: May 2023

Protecting critical building infrastructure and equipment in small, rural eastern Ontario hospitals from intensifying weather patterns is crucial to ensuring continuous, reliable operations—but incredibly challenging. Smaller hospitals face the same climate-driven risks as larger hospitals in urban environments; however, their remote location often means they do not have the same access to resources that are integral to supporting healthcare services and programs. Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) offers first-hand experiences of impacts related to climate change, and how a small, rural healthcare facility rallies to remain agile, ready to respond quickly to weather events to remain a viable community healthcare provider—and a leader. A few contributing factors to climate-induced operational constraints from a facilities management perspective have been highlighted within, including maintaining building infrastructure and equipment, emergency planning with a focus on cybersecurity, policies for change, and the importance of transformational leadership.
Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Amounts
Authors: Demko Iryna , Sant’Anna Ana Claudia
Published: May 2023

The Paycheck Protection Program helped to preserve employment relationships during the sudden shutdown of economic activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper analyzes whether small business owners’ race, ethnicity, or gender played a role in the PPP loan amount received. In 2020 and 2021, non-White-, Hispanic-, and female-owned small businesses received smaller PPP loans than their business counterparts of the same size. Larger companies displayed increased discrepancies in loan amounts. From 2020 to 2021, disparities among non-White business owners decreased; however, female and Hispanic owners continued to receive less in PPP loans than male and non-Hispanic owners. Lee bounds estimates show that female-owned businesses in rural counties received smaller PPP loans per employee than female-owned businesses in urban counties. Structural interviews with PPP loan recipients in Northeast Ohio showed that businesses receiving smaller loan amounts had more difficulties and less knowledge about the loan application process compared to larger loans recipients.
The pincer movement of The Idea of a Social Science: Winch, Collingwood, and philosophy as a human science
Authors: Ahlskog Jonas , Lagerspetz Olli
Published: May 2023

This article argues that, in order to understand Peter Winch's view of philosophy, it is profitable to read him together with R. G. Collingwood's philosophy of history. Collingwood was both an important source for Winch and a thinker engaged in a closely parallel philosophical pursuit. Collingwood and Winch shared the view that philosophy is an effort to understand the various ways in which human beings make reality intelligible. For both, this called for rapprochement between philosophy and the humanities. Like Collingwood, Winch wanted to reformulate philosophy as a form of human science. Both thinkers advanced a conception of logic where the validity of judgements, propositions, and thought are dependent on their function as instruments in human dialogue. In their treatments of logic, Winch and Collingwood were fleshing out their idea that questions concerning human meaningful behaviour also tie back to the question of what philosophical analysis is about. There is a deep connection between two main issues in both Collingwood's and Winch's writings: on the one hand, the need for ‘internal’ understanding of how human beings relate to reality, and on the other hand, their critique of the idea of logic as a self-sufficient system, external to historically embedded forms of life. At the core of their shared vision there was a comprehensive critique of metaphysical realism.
An innovative small-scale testing procedure to study damage in shoe-braked wheels
Authors: Ghidini Lorenzo , Faccoli Michela , Zani Nicola , Petrogalli Candida , Bonometti Silvio , Mazzu Angelo
Published: May 2023

The diffusion of brake-shoe system has made it necessary to study brake–wheel–rail interactions. This study aims to elucidate this topic with an innovative small-scale test rig, the ‘4-contact machine’. A test procedure is designed in which an ER7 steel wheel is coupled with a R260 steel rail and two different brake-shoe materials (cast iron and sintered material). The results show that the 4-contact machine reproduces the effects of wheel–rail–brake shoe contact and damage similar to those observed on a railway wheel at the end of its life, highlighting marked differences in behaviour between the two brake materials.
Semi-Conducting Composites Containing a Ladder Polymer as a Conductive Filler
Authors: Bandara A.J. , Curley J.F.
Published: May 2023

This study is concerned with the use of a novel ladder polymer (SCL) as a conductive filler in insulating thermoplastics and thermosets. SCL, which had apristine electrical conductivity of 8.0 x 10-6 Scm-1, was mixed with poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and polyesters in various volume loadings in order to determine percolation behaviour. A maximum electrical conductivity of 1.2 x 10-8 Scm-1 was observed at loading of 13% v/v in polyester resin, while the maximum conductivity observed with PMMA was 7.3 x 10-7 Scm-1 at a loading of 11.2% by volume. The maximum conductivity was slightly lower for thin composite films of SCL/ PMMA. The thermal stability of the composite samples was found to be dependent upon the thermal stability of the host plastic since the composite showed decomposition behaviour characteristic of two separate phases. Thermal ageing of the composite samples at 100°C and 175°C showed that the electrical conductivities were stable at these temperatures over long periods of time. However, ageing at 250°C led to a decrease in electrical conductivity.
Environmental Effects in Composite Laminates with Voids
Authors: Müller de Almeida Sérgio Frascino , de Mas Santacreu Arthur Chaves
Published: May 2023

This work presents an experimental program aimed at investigating some aspects of environmental effects on carbon/epoxy laminates with voids. The objective is to obtain experimental data to subsidize acceptance criteria for ultrasonic inspection of composite parts for aerospace applications. A fabrication process that produces laminates with reasonably uniform distribution of voids and nearly constant fibre fraction is described. The interlaminar shear strength of laminates with three different levels of void content was measured at four different conditions: RTD (room temperature, dry), RTW (room temperature, wet), ETW (elevated temperature, wet), and LTW (low temperature, wet). Also, the possibility of extensive degradation of the laminate for a small number of thermal cycles was investigated. Since aerospace applications are considered, a group of specimens was submitted to four cycles of thermal shock between -54°C and 65°C. The experimental results are consistent with the fracture criterion for laminates with voids proposed by Almeida and Nogueira Neto. They postulated mat the presence of voids does not have detrimental effects on the laminate strength unless the void content is above a certain critical level. For laminates not submitted to thermal shock, it was concluded that humidity increases the laminate toughness but reduces its critical void content level. The effect of temperature is to decrease laminate toughness but increase the critical void content level. The four cycles of thermal shock between -54°C and 65°C only have a significant effect on the laminates in RTD condition. For this test condition, it has an effect similar to that of humidity, increasing the laminate toughness but reducing its critical void content level. After thermal shock, laminates under conditions RTD, RTW, and LTW had approximately the same interlaminar shear strength.
Graft Copolymerization of 2-Vinyl Pyridine and Styrene onto Isotactic Polypropylene Fibres by Pre-irradiation
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Kumar Sunil , Misra B.N.
Published: May 2023

In an attempt to modify isotactic polypropylene (IPP), the graft copolymerization of 2-vinyl pyridine (2-VP) and styrene has been studied by preirradiation in air in aqueous media. The percentage grafting (Pg) has been studied as a function of different reaction parameters and optimum conditions for grafting have been determined. The rate of grafting (Rg) of 2-VP and styrene has been evaluated as a function of (i) total dose, (ii) initial monomer concentration, and (iii) temperature. The graft copolymers have been characterized by thermal analysis. The dyeing behaviour of the graft copolymer has also been studied.
Fatigue Damage Nucleation and Growth in a Unidirectional Glass-Epoxy Composite Subjected to Hygrothermal Ageing
Authors: Vauthier E. , Oiateauminois A. , Bailliez T.
Published: May 2023

The effects of hygrothermal ageing on the fatigue properties of a unidirectional glass/epoxy composite have been investigated. Damage nucleation was monitored in terms of fibre breakage by in-situ microscopic observation of the tensile face of the specimens during flexural tests. From the mapping of individual fibre breaks during monotonic and fatigue loading, the overall losses of properties were linked to the drop in the glass fibres’ load-bearing properties. The endurance properties of the composite declined after water ageing. A drop in the in-situ statistical distribution of fibre strengths could account for such an observation. Furthermore, this fibre weakening was associated with an increase in the pH of the ageing media. During water sorption, the water gradually becomes alkaline due to leaching and the hydrolysis of the matrix's unreacted hardener.
Processes of Contaminant Transfer into Foods by Diffusion-Convection or by Diffusion from Packaging Made of a Recycled Layer and a Functional Barrier
Authors: Laoubi A. , Vergnaud J.M.
Published: May 2023

Reusing old plastics as food packaging necessitates the presence of a functional barrier (made of a virgin polymer) between the food and old plastics. The transfer of the potent contaminant through the packaging is controlled by diffusion, leaving aside of the transfer of the food into the packaging. Depending on whether the food is liquid or solid, the process of transfer of the contaminant in the food is controlled either by convection, with a coefficient of convective transfer in the food, or by diffusion. The two processes have been studied in detail and the results are expressed in terms of master curves. Some emphasis is put on the effect of the value of the diffusivity in the food and of the coefficient of mass transfer on the contaminant transfer into the food.
Influence of Particles on the Mechanical Properties of CFRP Composites
Authors: Srivastava V.K.
Published: May 2023

Cross-plied carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin composites (CFRP) filled with graphite, silicon carbide and polyethylene particles in the range from 0.5 to 7% by volume of resin were prepared and their mechanical behaviour investigated by tensile, compression, flexure and Izod Impact tests. The results showed that the Izod Impact energy of the un-notched CFRP improved by the addition of all these kinds of particles and that the disc compression strength also increased by the addition of graphite and silicon carbide. However, polyethylene reduced the disc compression strength owing to the larger particle size compared to other fillers. The tensile and flexural strengths decreased as a result of the addition of all these types of particles.
A Study of Blends of Poly(ether ether ketone ketone) and Poly(ether sulphone): Effect of the Addition of Poly(ether ether ketone) Oligomer
Authors: Shibata Mitsuhiro , Fang Zhijie , Yosomiya Ryutoku
Published: May 2023

The thermal and viscoelastic behaviour and mechanical properties of blends of poly(ether ether ketone ketone) (PEEKK) with poly(ether sulphone) (PES) have been investigated. Additionally, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) oligomer was added as the third component to the above blend in order to improve its compatibility and mechanical properties. From the results of viscoelastic measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for the blends of PEEKK with PES, it was revealed that the blends are partially compatible systems, especially at low levels of PES, and their storage modulus at around 200°C rises as the PES content increases. When PEEK oligomer was added to the PEEKK/PES blend as a third component, its compatibility and flexural strength were considerably improved. This was consistent with SEM micrographs of the blends. Concerning the crystallisation behaviour, although the melting point (Tm) and crystallisation temperature (Tc) were almost constant values regardless of the PES content of the blends of PEEK/PES, Tm and Tc were lowered as the PEEK oligomer content increased for the blends of PEEKK/PES/PEEK oligomer.
Stearate Coatings on Particulate Fillers - the Effects on Resulting Compound Properties
Authors: Gilbert Marianne , Petiraksakul Pinsupha
Published: May 2023

Conditions have been established for coating particulate fillers (magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate) with metal stearates. The coating process was followed using a quantitative DRIFT (Diffuse Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy) technique. Polyethylene compounds containing 40 weight % filler were produced. Compounds containing stearate coated fillers were found to possess better impact properties than those containing uncoated fillers, or fillers coated with an equivalent level of stearic acid. For the magnesium hydroxide filler, optimum impact properties were obtained with a monolayer stearate coating. When stearate type was varied, property changes in calcium carbonate filled samples were small, but optimum performance was obtained with calcium stearate for magnesium hydroxide-containing compounds. Of the three stearates studied, this was the only one which did not react with the filler to produce stearic acid. Polyethylene crystallinity was increased by stearate coatings, but did not appear to be a major factor controlling properties.
Regulation from the inside? Internal supervision in Dutch pension funds
Authors: van der Zwan Natascha , Golka Philipp
Published: May 2023

Political economists have long acknowledged the importance of funded pensions acting as catalysts for processes of financialization. The transformation from rule- to risk-based pension fund governance is particularly important for pension financialization. Risk-based governance involves monitoring of internal decision-making procedures by new professionals rather than compliance with highly detailed legal restrictions. Scholars of financial regulation have termed this kind of supervision ‘regulation from the inside’. Being part of the organization they monitor, internal regulators hold fundamentally ambivalent positions. Existing studies emphasize the duality of internal regulators’ role perceptions as well as their attempts to span the boundaries between themselves and other organizational actors. In this paper, we extend scholarly insights on risk-based supervision of private (non-)financial institutions to pension institutions by focusing on a peculiar form of ‘regulation from the inside’: so-called internal supervisors in Dutch occupational pension funds. Internal supervisors are pension fund functionaries, responsible for evaluating the governing board's performance and holding the board accountable. We report findings from an original survey and interview study among internal supervisors. Contrary to the formal requirement of independence between governing board and internal supervision (a ‘checks and balances’ perspective), we find that internal supervisors often adopt a ‘fusion of powers’ approach that emphasizes collaboration with the governing board. We attribute this finding not only to internal supervision’s institutional design but also to the highly networked character of Dutch pension governance.
We Before Me: Developing a Self-Referent Measure of Cultural Humility for Postsecondary Students
Authors: Whatley Melissa , Foster Dominique , Paul Stephen
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement instrument that scholars and practitioners in international education can use as a means of exploring whether and how individuals who come into contact with international education programs develop a greater sense of cultural humility. Specifically, the study described here outlines the four steps used to develop a nine-item Cultural Humility Self-Assessment Scale (CHS-A): item generation, content validity, item reduction, and scale reliability and validity. These efforts resulted in a valid and reliable instrument that individuals who work in international education can use to evaluate and improve programs and initiatives.
Hospital Nurses’ Experiences of Providing Care for Muslim Patients in the United States
Authors: Alfar Zainab A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Understanding a patient’s culture is imperative to providing holistic patient care. The purpose of the study is to describe and explore the lived experiences of non-Muslim hospital-employed registered nurses providing care for Muslim patients in the United States.

Method:

This study used a qualitative exploratory research design based on semi-structured interviews utilizing Husserlian phenomenology. A snowball technique was used to recruit the participants.

Results:

Ten nurses who cared for hospitalized Muslim patients were interviewed and three major themes emerged from the participants’ narratives: Nurse–Patient Relationship, Nurses’ Knowledge and Western Health Care Systems, and Family Influence.

Discussion:

Muslim patients have cultural expectations and differences that may not be anticipated by nurses, which affects nurses’ experiences when providing care. As the Muslim population continues to grow in the United States, there is a need for increased education on culturally congruent care to assure the highest quality of nursing care.