bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex design and analysis of filament wound composite pressure vessels using data driven evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Vondráček Dominik , Padovec Zdeněk , Mareš Tomáš , Chakraborti Nirupam
Published: March 2024

The typical composite pressure vessel manufactured by means of filament winding consists of three elementary construction parts, that is, cylindrical part, end dome and the junction between its cylindrical part and the end dome which are subject of this article. The pressure vessel may fail in each of these three parts. Therefore, all of them must be considered during the design process. This study shows the possible way how to design an optimal pressure vessel related to chosen parameters (which can be mass of the pressure vessel, depth of the end dome, magnitude of internal pressure etc.), so that it does not fail in any construction parts. Any decision, whether the pressure vessel comply or not in studied places, is based on Hoffman's failure index analysis. The finding of an optimal solution requires performing a multi-objective optimization task, which was solved here using data-driven evolutionary algorithms. From the input data, which were generated through analytical approaches, surrogate models were created using the Evolutionary Deep Neural Nets (EvoDN2). These surrogate models were further used as an input to the optimization module which is based upon Constrained Reference Vector Evolutionary Algorithm (cRVEA). The results show that the pressure vessel designed in this way comply in each analyzed location. Moreover, it also finds the most stressed location, which can be useful for the designers.
Unleashing China's coal conservation potentials by analyzing efficiency of energy intensive industries: A Logarithm Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model
Authors: Mushtaq Zulqarnain , Wei Wei , Liu Jie
Published: March 2024

Considering China's ambitions for carbon peaking as of 2030 to ensure environmental protection and energy security, the present study is intended to explore sustainable pathways to reduce coal consumption by enhancing energy efficiency. The current article estimates coal consumption efficiency and radial super-efficiency by applying DEA-CCR and radial super-efficiency models. In the second stage, the Logarithm Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) and DEA-Malmquist models were used to explore the components of coal consumption in China's six key energy-intensive industries from 2000 to 2020. Findings indicate that (1) there is a substantial coal consumption efficiency gap among these industries, and they are working well below the production frontier. (2) Findings of DEA-Malmquist indicate that technological changes positively contributed to total productivity changes, while technical efficiency negatively impacted coal consumption growth. (3) The results of the LMDI model reveal that industrial output growth and structural changes are the key factors accelerating coal consumption. In contrast, the coal intensity had deaccelerated the coal consumption in the energy intensive industries. The current study provides several policy proposals to enhance coal conservation and consumption efficiency to achieve the aspiring goals of sustainable development.
Persistent diazinon induced neurotoxicity: The effect on inhibitory avoidance memory performance, amyloid precursor proteins, and TNF-α levels in the prefrontal cortex of rats
Authors: Afshari Salva , Sarailoo Mehdi , Asghariazar Vahid , Safarzadeh Elham , Dadkhah Masoomeh
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Organophosphate pesticides (Ops) like diazinon (DZN) have well-known neurotoxic effects and low-level chronic exposure has been linked to detrimental neurobehavioral impairments and memory deficits. However, it’s not entirely clear how DZN-induced biological changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) contribute to these effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of DZN exposure on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory function, amyloid precursor expression (APP), and proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the rat cortex.

Materials and Methods

Rats were divided into 4 groups and recived 2 mg/kg DZN for 5-days or 12-weeks and two control groups recived the same volume of vehicle. IA memory was assesed using the shuttle box apparatus. Rats were sacrificed and the prefrontal cortex PFC were removed. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to messure TNF-α, and amyloid protein precursors gene expression and protein levels.

Results

Our findings indicated that DZN caused body weight loss and a notable decline in performance on the IA memory. Additionally, 5-days exposure increased APP and APLP2 protein levels in the PFC, while 12-weeks exposure decreased these levels. Furthermore, expression of APP and APLP2 gens were decreased in PFC. TNF-α levels increased as a result of 5-days exposure to DZN, but these levels dropped to normal after 12-weeks administration, and this observation was significant.

Conclusion

Taken together, exposure to low doses of DZN leads to disturbances in IA memory performance and also alternations in amyloid beta precursors that can be related to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memorials to Dr WG Grace – general practitioner and cricketing legend
Authors: Snowise Neil G
Published: March 2024

Dr WG Grace was a general practitioner in Bristol, in the late nineteenth century, but is better remembered as ‘the father of cricket’. He showed early promise as a skilled cricket player and was already playing for Gloucester County, by the age of fifteen. However, coming from a well-established medical family, his father wanted him to become a doctor. He trained in Bristol and after qualifying he set up his own practice in the same environs. By this time, he was a superb cricketer with a glittering county and England career, combined with his clinical duties. He has several memorials where he lived and practised in Bristol, which are described and illustrated in this review. These include commemorative plaques in the local church, and near his later residence in Clifton, as well as a large mural at a train station and another at a shopping centre. These are all tributes to one of the most famous sons of Bristol. He is also celebrated at Lord's Cricket Ground, the home of cricket, with eponymous memorial gates and a full-size statue inside the ground. A fine example of a doctor who also had other talents, these memorials reflect his widespread appeal and his long-lasting legacy.
Critical care nurse leaders’ moral distress: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Miller Preston H. , Epstein Elizabeth G. , Smith Todd B. , Welch Teresa D. , Smith Miranda , Bail Jennifer R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Unit-based critical care nurse leaders (UBCCNL) play a role in exemplifying ethical leadership, addressing moral distress, and mitigating contributing factors to moral distress on their units. Despite several studies examining the experience of moral distress by bedside nurses, knowledge is limited regarding the UBCCNL’s experience.

Research aim

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Alabama UBCCNLs regarding how they experience, cope with, and address moral distress.

Research design

A qualitative descriptive design and inductive thematic analysis guided the investigation. A screening and demographics questionnaire and a semi-structured interview protocol were the tools of data collection.

Participant and research context

Data were collected from 10 UBCCNLs from seven hospitals across the state of Alabama from February to July 2023.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Informed consent was obtained from participants prior to data collection.

Findings

UBCCNLs experience moral distress frequently due to a variety of systemic and organizational barriers. Feelings of powerlessness tended to precipitate moral distress among UBCCNLs. Despite moral distress resulting in increased advocacy and empathy, UBCCNLs may experience a variety of negative responses resulting from moral distress. UBCCNLs may utilize internal and external mechanisms to cope with and address moral distress.

Conclusions

The UBCCNL’s experience of moral distress is not dissimilar from bedside staff; albeit, moral distress does occur as a result of the responsibilities of leadership and the associated systemic barriers that UBCCNLs are privier to. When organizations allocate resources for addressing moral distress, they should be convenient to leaders and staff. The UBCCNL perspective should be considered in the development of future moral distress measurement tools and interventions. Future research exploring the relationship between empathy and moral distress among nurse leaders is needed.
Climate-related risks and banking supervision: From climate change risk mitigation to double materiality
Authors: Brinkman David M.
Published: March 2024

Financial supervisors like the European Central Bank (ECB) have been active by supervising the financial risk side of climate change, environmental degradation and other nature-related risks. The ECB can only take climate-related risks into account to the extent such risks relate to the tasks that have been conferred upon it. This article explores the legal basis for climate risk supervision and sets out what the ECB is currently doing on this front. At the same time, new legislative proposals to combat climate change and to address climate-related risks are under way. These proposals, together with other pressures from the market and the public, will increase the pressure on banks to look beyond risk mitigation and might compel banks to align their business model with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
ECB accountability under the SSM: New dimensions of political and administrative accountability with particular focus on climate risks
Authors: Muñoz David Ramos , Lamandini Marco , Argachal Carlos Bosque
Published: March 2024

The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) is a relatively recent and remarkable piece of institutional architecture at the core of the Banking Union. The vast powers conferred on the ECB under the SSM, the complexity of coordination and the sensitive nature of some decisions allocated to the EU level make accountability a key requisite for the system’s success. Some of the provisions applicable provide a solid foundation for a system of strong accountability. Recently, the need to offer a credible response to climate change risks have added additional challenges to ECB accountability under the SSM. Accordingly, there is room to improve the system to effectively counterbalance the powers given to the SSM to increase their accountability at the European level without undermining their independence and within the boundaries of the current legal framework.
A Feasibility Study of Parenting for Lifelong Health for Adolescents in China
Authors: Liu Shiqin , Xia Xinger , Lachman Jamie M. , Zhang Huiping
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Parenting for Lifelong Health for Parents and Adolescents program in reducing the risk of child maltreatment in Chinese families with adolescents. Methods: A pre-post single-arm pilot trial was conducted in July and August, 2023, and involved 16 parents and 13 teenagers with a mixed-methods design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Parents reported enhanced positive parenting and reduced child behavioral problems. Adolescents reported decreased general child maltreatment and emotional maltreatment, along with perceived improvements in positive parenting and parent-child communication. Thematic analyses suggested of tangible benefits for participants, as well as for their family dynamics. Discussion: The program demonstrated promising feasibility, and it was significantly associated with reduced adolescent maltreatment. Further rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed.
Utilizing Text-Generative AI for Creating Oral Reading Fluency Probes
Authors: Sidwell MacKenzie D. , Bonner Landon W. , Bates-Brantley Kayla , Wu Shengtian
Published: March 2024

Oral reading fluency probes are essential for reading assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring. Due to the limited options for choosing oral reading fluency probes, it is important to utilize all available resources such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT to create oral reading fluency probes. The purpose of this article is to describe how to use AI through ChatGPT to create customizable reading passages comparable with that of oral reading fluency probes. Using readability estimates, the ChatGPT-generated passages can be tailored to suit for specific grade levels, similar to how current publishers design oral reading fluency probes for the market. The implication of ChatGPT-generated passages is that researchers and practitioners alike could use ChatGPT to be able to create a seemingly unlimited amount of reading passages tailored to the skill level and interests of the learner for intervention material and potentially assessment material, while reducing cost and time investment.
Exploring Volunteer Turnover Reasons, Intentions, and Behavior
Authors: Holtrop Djurre , Soo Christine , Gagné Marylène , Kragt Darja , Dunlop Patrick D. , Luksyte Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Volunteer involving organizations (VIOs) play a vital role in many societies. Yet, turnover among volunteers remains a persistent struggle and VIOs still do not have a good understanding of why volunteers leave. In response, we employed a mixed-methods approach to explore why volunteers consider leaving. By coding textual responses of Australian State Emergency Services and Scouting volunteers ( n = 252 and 2235) on an annual engagement survey, we found seven overarching reasons to consider leaving these VIOs: Conflict, high demands and/or low resources, lack of fit, lack of inclusion, personal commitments and circumstances, poor communication and organizational practices, and poor leadership. When contrasted to the reasons that employees leave organizations for, the lack of inclusion and poor communication and organizational practices seem to be uniquely salient reasons that volunteers consider leaving for. Subsequently, guided by the Proximal Withdrawal States theory and using quantitative data from the Scouts sample, we investigated how reasons to consider turnover can predict turnover intentions and turnover behavior. First, volunteers in different withdrawal states cited different potential turnover reasons. For example, volunteers who ‘wanted to stay, but felt they had to leave’ cited personal commitments and circumstances more frequently than those in different withdrawal states. Second, we found that reasons to consider turnover explained little variance in turnover behavior one year later.
Could Environmental Regulations Reduce Energy Consumption: Evidence From China’s Implementation of an Environmental Pollution Tax
Authors: Yuan Liang
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the impact of environmental regulations on energy consumption. As the main way for the government to protect the environment, the implementation of environmental pollution tax has played an important role in China’s energy consumption. This article uses data from the implementation of environmental pollution tax in Chinese cities to match with urban energy consumption data, and uses the difference-in-difference method (DID) to estimate the impact of environmental regulations on energy consumption. We find that the implementation of environmental pollution tax has reduced energy consumption, but this effect is mainly effective in the central and western regions and two-controlled areas. Further analysis shows that the reduction of energy consumption by environmental pollution tax is mainly attributed to improving technological innovation capabilities, optimizing industrial structure, and increasing tax collection intensity. The results in this study provide evidence for achieving an environmentally friendly society and sustainable development.
Friction-induced vibration reliability and sensitivity analysis of a braking system
Authors: Yang Zhou , Yuan Minghao , Yao Guo , Zhang Yimin
Published: March 2024

In this study, reliability and sensitivity analyses are performed for the behavior of friction-induced vibration based on automotive braking systems. In this paper, a friction-induced vibration model of the braking system is developed using Newton’s second law. The accuracy of the vibration model is verified through experiments. The displacement response of the braking system is theoretically derived by convolution integration. The function of maximum displacement is obtained by solving the stationary point of displacement response. Based on this function, the limit state function of the maximum limit of friction-induced vibration displacement is established, and the reliability and sensitivity of the friction-induced vibration of the braking system are evaluated by using the Mean Value First Order Second Moment (MVFOSM) method. The results show that the reliability of the braking system increases with the increase of the mathematical expectation of the equivalent stiffness and decreases with the increase of the mathematical expectation of the system friction coefficient, normal force, and damping ratio. In addition, the sensitivity of the reliability varies significantly with the mathematical expectation of the system friction coefficient and damping ratio. Therefore, the system friction coefficient and damping ratio are the key parameters for the reliability design of the braking system.
Identifying policy alternatives to enable the virtual establishment of a veterinarian–client–patient relationship
Authors: Neal Sue M , Greenberg Mike J
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This research seeks to identify an existing policy stream around the establishment of a veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR) through telemedicine to provide evidence of, and advance policy alternatives for, states and countries looking to allow this practice responsibly. This is seen as an important step for access to veterinary care, particularly for cats.

Methods

The multiple streams policy framework requires identification of a centering event, problem stream, policy stream and politics stream in order to have the necessary conditions for policy change to occur. This research identifies that policy stream through thematic content analysis. State-level policies from across the entire USA that address the virtual establishment of a physician–patient relationship were analyzed to provide themes that could be applied to similar policies in veterinary medicine.

Results

Ten key themes were identified and further organized into four high-order concepts through the thematic content analysis. Detailed accounting of the specific policy alternatives is provided in the supplementary materials.

Conclusions and relevance

The themes and concepts presented provide evidence of a robust policy stream. This content analysis, and the supporting supplementary details, provide many options to guide states in the development of sound policies for the virtual establishment of a VCPR by drawing from the more matured field of human medicine.
Self-Care Practices and the Associated Socio-Demographic Variables of Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Christiana Nkiru , Okonkwo Uchenna Prosper , Ani Kenneth Umezulike , Onuora Ethel Ogoemeka , Nwokike Mathew , Byabagambi Jane Turyasingura , JohnBosco Munezero Tamu , Mfitumukiza Valence , Nwankwo Mercy Chinenye , Tumusiime Alex
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The study was aimed at assessing the self-care practices and the associated socio-demographic variables of persons with T2DM in South East, Nigeria.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study involving 382 persons with T2DM proportionately selected from 4 tertiary health institutions in South Eastern, Nigeria. Data was collected using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) and a researcher-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to persons with T2DM who attended a diabetic outpatient clinic. Data collected was analyzed in frequency percentage. Responses on SDSCA were ranked and rated as poor, moderate, and good self-care behavior. The level of significance was placed at P < .05.

Result:

The majority of the participants were within the age groups of 40 to 59 (46.9%) and 60 and above (46.9%); the majority (74.6%) were married while a good proportion were traders (59.7%). Also, the majority of participants (81.2%) were on oral hypoglycemic agents. Findings further showed that a good proportion (51.3% and 89.8%) of study participants had good self-care behavior in diet and medication domains respectively. Whereas the proportion of participants with poor self-care behavior was very high in foot care (75.1%) and fairly high in both self-blood sugar testing (37.7%) and exercise (37.2%) domains. Only 7.9% practiced 3-monthly laboratory blood glucose testing while 16.5% went for eye checks every 6 months.

Conclusion:

Individuals with diabetes mellitus have poor self-management behavior in most domains of the self-management practice. Age, gender, marital status, educational level, and occupation significantly influenced self-management practices. Hence nurses and health educators should take diabetes self-management education very seriously to help diabetes sufferers improve their self-management behavior.
Gut-Derived Peptide Hormone Analogues and Potential Treatment of Bone Disorders in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ali Asif , Flatt Peter R , Irwin Nigel
Published: March 2024

Obesity and diabetes mellitus are prevalent metabolic disorders that have a detrimental impact on overall health. In this regard, there is now a clear link between these metabolic disorders and compromised bone health. Interestingly, both obesity and diabetes lead to elevated risk of bone fracture which is independent of effects on bone mineral density (BMD). In this regard, gastrointestinal (GIT)-derived peptide hormones and their related long-acting analogues, some of which are already clinically approved for diabetes and/or obesity, also seem to possess positive effects on bone remodelling and microarchitecture to reduce bone fracture risk. Specifically, the incretin peptides, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), as well as glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), exert key direct and/or indirect benefits on bone metabolism. This review aims to provide an initial appraisal of the relationship between obesity, diabetes and bone, with a focus on the positive impact of these GIT-derived peptide hormones for bone health in obesity/diabetes. Brief discussion of related peptides such as parathyroid hormone, leptin, calcitonin and growth hormone is also included. Taken together, drugs engineered to promote GIP, GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor signalling may have potential to offer therapeutic promise for improving bone health in obesity and diabetes.
Workforce perspective on racial and ethnic equity in early childhood autism evaluation and treatment: “The cornerstone of everything we do”
Authors: Buck A , Hurewitz S , Franklin M Scotton
Published: March 2024

Black and non-White Latinx children have historically been diagnosed with autism at a later age and with more significant impairments than White peers. This study aimed to gather insights from members of the autism service provider workforce on current barriers and facilitators to achieving equity in early childhood autism evaluation, referrals, and treatment. We employed a qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured virtual focus groups with autism experts in North Carolina (N = 26). Our final sample included pediatric clinicians across disciplines, researchers, family/caregiver advocates, and policymakers/government representatives. We identified four overarching themes representing challenges to equitable autism service provision: (1) workforce composition and recruitment concerns, (2) workforce capacity and accessibility concerns, (3) workforce compensation obstacles, and (4) COVID-19 pandemic adaptations’ impact. Our findings demonstrate the need for improved workforce diversity, autism-specific education, adequate compensation, and interventions to address burnout. To remediate existing barriers to equity, diversity in recruitment across training levels, cultural awareness, autism education for all pediatric providers, and partnerships with caregivers as experts must be prioritized. These investments in the autism workforce will allow its interdisciplinary professionals to better meet the needs of children and families from historically marginalized communities and achieve equitable early childhood service provision.

Lay abstract

Black and non-White Latinx children tend to receive autism diagnoses later in life and with a higher degree of impairment than White children. The purpose of this study was to learn what is currently helping as well as preventing Black and non-White Latinx children from getting access to autism evaluation and services. We held virtual interviews with 26 experts who work with autistic children and their families, including clinical providers, researchers, advocates, and policymakers/government representatives. From these interviews, we identified four themes that have an impact on equity in autism services: (1) who makes up the workforce, (2) w orkforce capacity and accessibility, (3) workforce payment structure, and (4) changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings show the need for improved workforce diversity, autism-specific education, payment structures, and additional support for workforce members to avoid burnout. To make childhood autism services more equitable, diversity in recruitment across training levels, cultural awareness, increased autism education for all pediatric providers, and partnerships with caregivers as experts must be prioritized. These investments in the autism workforce will allow professionals in the field to better meet the needs of children and families from Black and non-White Latinx communities and achieve equity in early childhood autism services.
Overview of recent cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee of Social Rights (June 2023 – December 2023)
Authors: De Becker Eleni
Published: March 2024

This case law report discusses two cases before the European Court of Human Rights and two cases before the European Committee of Social Rights. The first case (Pająk and others v. Poland) concerns the introduction of a lower and different retirement age on the basis of sex for judges of the Polish Constitutional Court. In the case X and others v. Ireland, the ECtHR had to examine the extent to which the residence requirement for child benefits violated Article 14 ECHR, read in conjunction with Article 8 ECHR and Article 1 of the Additional Protocol to the ECHR. Child benefits were paid only to claimants who were fully resident in Ireland, and the applicants, who were awaiting a decision on their residency status, did not fulfil this requirement under Irish law. The collective complaint no. 167/2018 (Sindacato autonomo Pensionati Or.S.A. v. Italy) concerned an alleged violation of Article 12 (3) ESC due to the total or partial suspension of the automatic indexation of a large share of pensions in 2011. The measure was extended in 2015 and revised in 2018, taking into account the position of particularly vulnerable persons. In the last case (collective complaint no. 185/2019, European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) v. Belgium), the applicants argued that their right to social assistance had been violated, as they had not received social assistance benefits following a police investigation. The ECSR did not go along with the applicants’ claim.
Responses of air-conditioning loads to climate change and its impact on carbon emissions in the hot summer and warm winter climate
Authors: Zhai Zhihong , Cao Jingfu , Li Mingcai , Shi Jun
Published: March 2024

Energy consumption of air-conditioning in wet and hot climates is not only for cooling but, to a large extent, for dehumidification. Taking urban agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta region as a case study, this study analysed the cooling and dehumidification loads during the past 20 years. In addition, the impacts of cooling and dehumidification loads on carbon emissions were determined. The results showed that there was large spatial heterogeneity in the variations of the cooling and dehumidification loads. The cooling design loads in 1991–2020 was increased 1.83% to 5.56% compared to those in 1971–2000, while the loads for dehumidification was decreased 0.92% to 5.5%. Carbon emissions from cooling were increased, exceeding the carbon reduction from dehumidification, which leads to a weak increase in total carbon emissions. This study revealed that air-conditioning design should fully consider climate change impact by separating cooling and dehumidification loads, increasing the cooling load to avoid insufficient air-conditioning output but reducing the dehumidification load to promote energy efficiency of the air-conditioning system and to reduce carbon emissions. More importantly, an assessment of design loads with climate change in city or small scales should be made before determining summer air-conditioning system design capacity.
The elephant in the room: Metaphors in women's accounts of life with a family member with problematic substance use
Authors: Johannessen Aud , Helvik Anne-Sofie , Tevik Kjerstin , Tjelta Thomas , Thorsen Kirsten
Published: March 2024

Background: Research has shown that a family member's problematic substance use has significant deleterious mental and physical health impacts on other members of the family. Women are more often affected than men. These negative health effects persist as the person with problematic substance use ages, and they vary according to the relationship status. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how women experience and are affected by their family member's substance use problems. Method: A metaphorical analysis of narrative interviews with 11 daughters and five wives of older adults (>65 years) with problematic substance use. Results: We identified four areas of signification in which metaphors were employed: (1) experiences (chaos and crash and walking on eggshells); (2) strategies (complicity and silencing); (3) dilemmas (deceit or a disease and open or closed dilemmas); and (4) consequences (obtaining or retaining an identity, health and different types of help). Conclusion: Family life with a parent or spouse with a substance use problem was described as chaotic, unsafe, uncertain and with no prospects of change. The study illustrates how metaphors are used to mediate experiences and worldviews pertaining to existential matters founded in deep negative emotions, deceit, shame and stigma. Metaphors make up a crucial material for communicating emotions and themes that are difficult to convey due to shame and stigma.
Numerical investigation on acoustic damping characteristics of dual Helmholtz resonators in presence of a grazing flow
Authors: Zhao He , Zhao Dan , Dong Xu
Published: March 2024

In this study, the acoustic damping performances of the dual Helmholtz resonators were numerically evaluated using a 3D model. The grazing flow passes tangentially through the resonator neck, with a Mach number range of 0 ≤ Ma ≤ 0.1. The numerical model operates by solving the linearized Navier–Stokes equations. The current model is validated through a comparison with experimental data. The model is then utilized to explore the effects of the dual Helmholtz resonators on acoustic transmission loss performance in the presence of a grazing flow. Three key parameters are examined: 1) different implementation configurations of the dual Helmholtz resonators (including Models (b), (c), and (d)), 2) the mean temperature of the grazing flow, and 3) the axial distance between the dual Helmholtz resonators. For comparison, the acoustic damping performance of these dual Helmholtz resonators is compared to the single Helmholtz resonator case (Model (a)). The maximum transmission loss of Model (c) is significantly higher, recording values of 91%, 89.4%, and 92.5% than those observed for Model (a) at Ma = 0, Ma = 0.05, and Ma = 0.1, respectively. It is observed that the dual Helmholtz resonators dramatically increase the transmission loss. Model (c) is demonstrated to be associated with the most significant damping on the acoustic plane waves in comparison with that of Model (a). Additionally, the maximum transmission loss of Model (c) is 23.23 dB, 30.32 dB, and 34.58 dB at mean temperatures of 300 K, 600 K, and 900 K, respectively. Therefore, increasing the mean temperature is shown to be beneficial to enhance transmission losses in the presence of the grazing flow. Furthermore, under Ma = 0.1, the resonant frequency of Model (c) is 127 Hz, 152 Hz, and 172 Hz, corresponding to mean temperatures of 300 K, 600 K, and 900 K. It can be concluded that increasing the temperature has the effect of broadening the resonant frequency, especially at a high grazing flow Mach number. However, increasing the mean temperature results in a reduction of transmission loss in the absence of the grazing flow. In the case of Model (c), a 32 cm axial distance results in a 5.6% larger transmission loss at Ma = 0 and a 26.4% larger loss at Ma = 0.1 compared to a 16 cm axial distance. This indicates that increasing the axial distance between the dual Helmholtz resonators improves transmission loss.
Fear of missing out and social media use: A three-wave longitudinal study on the interplay with psychological need satisfaction and psychological well-being
Authors: Groenestein Ellen , Willemsen Lotte , van Koningsbruggen Guido M , Kerkhof Peter
Published: March 2024

This three-wave longitudinal study ( n = 1341) examined between- and within-person effects linking fear of missing out (FoMO) and social media use to psychological need satisfaction and well-being over time. As such, this study tests the premise that FoMO can be understood as a self-regulatory limbo, arising from deficits in psychological need satisfaction and/or lower well-being. This limbo is suggested to lead to reciprocal relations between these constructs, yet no study so far has formally put this to the test. At the between-person level, all variables were related. At the within-person level, part of a reciprocal trajectory for FoMO and social media use was found. FoMO at T1 predicted social media use at T2, which subsequently predicted FoMO at T3. The results provide partial evidence of a self-regulatory limbo and raise questions about current theorizing in which such a process is believed to arise from deficits in psychological need satisfaction and psychological well-being.
The antecedents of bricolage in innovative firms: An empirical study in Tanzania
Authors: Magobe Mato James , Malfense-Fierro Antonio C , Li Ming (Lily) , Johnson Steve
Published: March 2024

Resource mobilisation is challenging for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in developing countries characterised by resource constraints and market uncertainties. In response to these challenges, many SMEs rely on bricolage to pursue innovation. This study explores the antecedents of bricolage and examines the relationship between bricolage and innovation. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse data from 229 SMEs in the Tanzanian food and drink industry. The findings reveal that financial and market constraints are important antecedents of bricolage among innovative firms and demonstrate that bricolage is positively associated with innovation. Knowledge and/or regulatory constraints do not appear to be significantly associated with bricolage among the sampled SMEs. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings include the need for support agencies and policymakers to recognise the importance of supporting SMEs to address innovation constraints by optimising bricolage behaviour.
Health monitoring of in-cylinder sensors and fuel injectors using an external accelerometer
Authors: Jeon Woongsun , Georgiou Anastasis , Sun Zongxuan , Rothamer David A , Kim Kenneth , Kweon Chol-Bum , Rajamani Rajesh
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on the development of a methodology to monitor the health of an engine by detecting any failures in the fuel injectors or in-cylinder pressure sensors using an accelerometer that is non-intrusively mounted on the engine block. A multi-cylinder engine with each cylinder having its own pressure sensor and injector is considered. First, a model relating the combustion component of the measured acceleration signal to the combustion component of in-cylinder pressure is proposed. Then, gains of the model are tuned to reduce the cycle-to-cycle estimation error by analyzing cycle-to-cycle variations with respect to the combustion pressure peak and engine vibration peak. Using the developed model, cylinder combustion pressures are estimated from engine vibration signals with small cycle-to-cycle estimation errors. Subsequently, a health monitoring system that can detect faults in pressure sensors, fuel injectors, and the accelerometers is proposed based on residues obtained from the difference between estimated combustion pressure and measured pressure signals. The source of the failed component can be identified uniquely by analyzing the pattern of residues. The proposed combustion pressure estimation algorithms are validated by extensive evaluation with experimental data obtained by operating a four-cylinder compression-ignition direct-injection engine with a range of experimental data. Finally, the developed health monitoring system is evaluated with various failure scenarios involving faults in the in-cylinder pressure sensor, fuel injector, and accelerometer.
Achieving digital education in primary schools: Success factors and policy recommendations
Authors: Ventista Ourania Maria , Kolokitha Magdalini , Tsani Paraskevi , Polydoros Georgios , Arkoumanis Grigorios
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the current education policy for achieving digital education in European Union overall and in Greece specifically. By using a theoretical framework of policy enactment, this study explored different factors which could predict technology integration and digital education. A survey was conducted with 205 classroom teachers across 32 primary schools in Greece. The analysis tracked the progress towards achieving digital education. The results of this study confirmed that current policies are accurately targeted on significant areas which are predictors of technology integration. This paper recommends strategies for achieving, scaling, and sustaining school system improvement for digital education.
The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, as a prognostic factor, in current smokers with and without COPD: A cross-sectional study in northern Greece
Authors: Papadopoulou Efthymia , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Mathioudakis Alexander , Tsavlis Drosos , Papadopoulou Konstantina , Oikonomidou Rena , Bogiatzidis Panagiotis , Tryfon Stavros
Published: March 2024

Background

Smoking poses the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aggravates disease progression. Tobacco dependence inhibits smoking cessation and may affect smoking patterns that increase tobacco exposure and predispose to lung function decline.

Aims and objectives

We aimed to assess tobacco dependence in current smokers with and without COPD and evaluate its role in disease development.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Greek rural areas. Current smokers completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and were classified into COPD and non-COPD groups based on spirometry parameters.

Results

Among current smokers, 288 participants comprised the non-COPD and 71 the COPD group. Both presented moderate tobacco dependence, but smokers with COPD started to smoke earlier in the morning. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed higher COPD prevalence in smokers with higher scores in the Fagerström test (odds ratio OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [1.01 – 1.24]) and older age (OR = 1.06 [1.03 – 1.09]), independently of pack-years smoking index. Multiple linear regression analysis in smokers with COPD showed that the forced expiratory volume in the 1st second decreased by 2.3% of the predicted value for each point increase in the Fagerström Test and 0.59% for each year of age, independently of participants’ sex and pack-years smoking index.

Conclusion

The Fagerström score appears to indicate a higher probability for COPD and lung function deterioration when assessed along with age in current smokers. Smoking cessation support programs are fundamental to COPD prevention and management.
The Well-Being and Social Value of Playing Soccer for Women and Men
Authors: Downward Paul , Wicker Pamela , Thormann Tim F.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the well-being and social value of playing different forms of soccer for men and women by employing the compensating variation approach to survey data from eight European countries. Framed by the desired objective of Title IX, this research assesses possible gender differences in the social benefits of sport. Social values are higher than the well-being derived from playing soccer, with the values of both being greater for women. Less formal forms of soccer yield generally higher monetary values than the competitive 11-a-side format. As the marginal returns are greater, investment should promote women's engagement and more informal playing opportunities.
Perceptions of Postsecondary Experiences and Supports That Advance the Personal Goals of Students With Extensive Support Needs
Authors: Lansey Kirsten R. , MacFarland Stephanie Z. C. , Antia Shirin D.
Published: March 2024

Inclusive postsecondary education (PSE) programs at institutions of higher education are emerging as opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including those with extensive support needs (ESN), to progress toward their desired outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences and supports that current and recently graduated students in a dual enrollment nonresidential PSE program perceive as contributing to their self-directed employment, education, and social goals. Furthermore, this study explored how students’ perceived PSE affected their goal achievement and future lives. Findings from interviews with 10 participants with IDD, including eight with ESN, revealed that obtaining and maintaining competitive employment was negatively impacted by COVID-19, paid employment during PSE was not aligned with participants’ employment goals, internship experiences led to participants learning about their work preferences and changing their employment goals, and peer mentors impacted the achievement of participant’s employment, education, and social goals. Implications for practice and research and study limitations are described.
Squeaking Shoulder Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Tan Si Heng Sharon , Kumar V. P. , Lim Joel Louis Zongwei , Manohara Ruben , Ng Dennis Zhaowen , Poh Keng Soon , Tan Hsi Ming Bryan
Published: March 2024

Background:

To date, the occurrence of unusual squeaking noises during shoulder movements following shoulder arthroscopic surgeries have been minimally reported.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report the incidence, natural history, possible risk factors and functional outcomes of patients who reported to have squeaking noises following shoulder arthroscopic procedures.

Methods:

In this 2-year case-control study, all patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder in a single institution were included. All patients were then evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for demographics, pathology, surgical factors, and functional outcomes. The possible risk factors and functional outcomes of the patients who experienced squeaking following shoulder arthroscopic surgeries were then compared with those patients who did not experience squeaking following shoulder arthroscopic surgeries.

Results:

Of the 360 patients included in the study, the incidence of squeaking following arthroscopic shoulder surgeries was 2.23%, and the incidence of squeaking following arthroscopic shoulder labral repair was 3.1%. The age, gender, hand dominance, body mass index, participation in sports, pathology, side of pathology, use of knot-tying versus knotless suture anchors, number of suture anchors, and surgical duration were not significantly different between patients who experienced squeaking and patients who did not. All patients had comparative functional outcomes preoperatively and postoperatively (at the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups).

Conclusion:

This case-control study provides an analysis of a series of patients with squeaking of the shoulder following arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. No risk factors or etiology of the condition have been identified in the series. However, there is no functional compromise among these patients who experienced squeaking following shoulder arthroscopic surgeries.
Hostile neck anatomy contributes to higher rates of reintervention following endovascular aortic repair for ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Gedney Ryan , Barksdale Christian , Wright Antwana Sharee , Genovese Elizabeth A , Ruddy Jean Marie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) presenting with hostile neck anatomy can represent a challenge in surgical decision-making. We hypothesized that, patients who require reinterventions have higher rates of compromised neck anatomy at initial presentation and may indicate a need for altered surveillance paradigm.

Methods

Patients presenting with ruptured AAA to a single tertiary care institution from 2014 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Those treated with infrarenal EVAR, with no prior aortic surgeries, and with available pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scans were included. Demographics, timing and type of reintervention, follow-up, and survival were collected. CT scans were assessed for hostile neck anatomy via measurements of diameter, length, angle, taper, bulge, calcification, and thrombus. Demographics, comorbidities, and neck anatomy of those with and without reintervention were compared using Fischer’s Exact and Student’s T-test. Survival was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test.

Results

Eighty-nine patients were available for analysis, 37 of which met inclusion criteria. Intraoperative death occurred in 3 patients (8.1%) and 1 patient (2.7%) was intraoperatively converted to an open repair. Thirty-day and 1-year survival were 97% and 91%, respectively. The reintervention rate was 30% ( n = 10), occurring at a median of 200 days (18–2053 days) after the index operation. All patients requiring reintervention met hostile neck criteria ( p = .002) and had a statistically higher number of hostile neck criteria (1.80 vs 0.87, p = .03). Thirty percent ( n = 3) of patients that received a reintervention had neck diameter greater than 3 cm, compared to zero patients in the non-reintervention group ( p = .022). Proximal reinterventions ( n = 5) had statistically higher neck diameters and neck angle compared to the non-reintervention group.

Conclusion

Infrarenal rEVAR is effective at preventing acute mortality despite specific anatomic considerations that may contribute to the higher reintervention rates, and therefore those parameters ought to be considered when following patients in the post-intervention period.