bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient large-deformation shell elements for the simulation of electromechanical coupling effects in incompressible dielectric elastomers
Authors: Pechstein Astrid , Krommer Michael
Published: June 2024

So-called electro-active polymers are not only capable of undergoing very large deformations, but they also exhibit different electromechanical coupling effects due to their dielectric or electrostrictive characteristics. In the present paper the sub-class of dielectric elastomers is studied; in particular, we focus on thin dielectric elastomer shells, which undergo large deformations under an applied electric field. We develop a framework for the modeling and subsequent efficient simulation of thin structures made from incompressible dielectric elastomers. A thermodynamically consistent phenomenological continuum model based on the free energy density is adapted imposing the kinematic assumptions of Kirchhoff-Love shells in combination with including the thickness deformation and the electric field as independent unknown fields. To make the formulation accessible to finite element simulations, existing non-linear elastic shell mixed finite elements are extended to the present hyperelastic electromechanically coupled formulation for dielectric elastomer shells. Computational results of the shell theory are compared to three-dimensional results validating the proposed modeling and numerical simulation methodology, and showing high accuracy already for coarse finite element discretizations of the shell.
Supporting Individuals With an Acquired Brain Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study Exploring the Everyday Lives of Caregivers
Authors: Zarzycki Mikołaj , Seddon Diane , Petrovic Milica , Morrison Val
Published: June 2024

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one of the most common causes of disability and death globally. Support from informal caregivers is critical to the well-being and quality of life of people with ABI and supports the sustainability of global health and social care systems. This study presents an in-depth qualitative analysis of the experiences of eight British informal caregivers supporting someone with ABI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with narratives transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were generated: making sense of brain injury; being consumed by caregiving; and, the changing self. These data highlight the impact of caregiving on the caregiver’s illness perceptions and sense of self. By identifying negative and positive changes in the caregiver’s sense of self, and dilemmas regarding the care recipient’s behaviour, we address less understood aspects of caregiver experiences. Caregiving can pose both challenges to the caregiver’s sense of identity and an opportunity for self-growth. Some caregivers exhibit resilience throughout their journey, with post-traumatic growth more apparent in the later stages of caregiving. Illness perceptions shape caregiver well-being and family dynamics and indicate the need to address stigmatisation and discrimination faced by ABI survivors and caregivers. Although some caregivers acquired positive meaning and enrichment from their caregiving, previously described challenges of ABI caregiving are supported. Overall, our findings support the need for timely psychological/mental health support for caregivers, caregiver education, and the provision of short breaks from caregiving.
A Review: Genetic Mutations as a Key to Unlocking Drug Resistance in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Eksteen Carla , Riedemann Johann , Rass Atarah M , Plessis Manisha du , Botha Matthys H , van der Merwe Frederick H , Engelbrecht Anna-Mart
Published: June 2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Advanced stage and metastatic disease are often associated with poor clinical outcomes. This substantiates the absolute necessity for high-throughput diagnostic and treatment platforms that are patient and tumour specific. Cervical cancer treatment constitutes multimodal intervention. Systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and/or focal radiotherapy are typically applied as neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant strategies. Cisplatin constitutes an integral part of standard cervical cancer treatment approaches. However, despite initial patient response, de novo or delayed/acquired treatment resistance is often reported, and toxicity is of concern. Chemotherapy resistance is associated with major alterations in genomic, metabolomic, epigenetic and proteomic landscapes. This results in imbalanced homeostasis associated with pro-oncogenic and proliferative survival, anti-apoptotic benefits, and enhanced DNA damage repair processes. Although significant developments in cancer diagnoses and treatment have been made over the last two decades, drug resistance remains a major obstacle to overcome.
The low-frequency bandgap characteristics of phononic crystal isolators with multi-hole
Authors: Gao Xing-Lin , Sun Xiao-Wei , Li Ren-Sheng , Tan Mao-Ting , Song Ting , Wang Yi-Wen
Published: June 2024

A vibration isolator for a floating slab track, based on a locally resonant phononic crystal, has been designed to suppress vibrations caused by the wheel-rail interaction. In this isolator, a circular vibrator is connected to a connector through a rubber layer uniformly embedded in holes. The finite element method is utilized to compute the energy band structure and transmission loss of the vibration isolator, while the mechanism of bandgap is elucidated through the analysis of modes. The static stiffness and dynamic stiffness of the vibration isolator are calculated, which proves that the vibration isolator meets the requirements of engineering applications. The influence of the number of circular holes and the geometric parameters of the vibration isolator on the bandgap is examined. It is discovered that augmenting the number of holes and the hole diameter in the rubber layer leads to a decreased bandgap. A low-frequency locally resonant bandgap of 38.2–97.1 Hz and a relative bandgap bandwidth of 86.9 % are obtained by optimizing the vibration isolator. The vibration isolation performance of a floating slab track equipped with vibration isolators is analyzed and more robust vibration attenuation performance is obtained in the bandgap. The multi-hole phononic crystal vibration isolator is employed in floating slab tracks for rail transportation, effectively mitigating vibrations transmitted to tunnels, thus further minimizing the effects on the surrounding environment.
A study on attenuation patterns of acoustic waves in waveguide structures with flexural boundaries
Authors: Afsar Haleem , Peiwei Gao , Wu Nanhao , Alam Mohammad Mahtab
Published: June 2024

This research article investigates the attenuation patterns of acoustic waves within waveguide structures featuring flexural boundaries. By employing advanced methods in vibrations and controls, the study aims to enhance our understanding of waveguide behavior and offer valuable insights for optimizing acoustic wave propagation in diverse applications. The entire waveguide structure is tuned through cooperative interactions involving elastic plates, membranes, and rigid boundary surfaces. The lower boundary of the expansion chamber consists of a rigid plate, with elastic membranes covering the upper surfaces of the cavity. The problem is formulated in terms of transmission and reflection coefficients of the modes, enabling the solution of the scattering problem. Matching acoustic pressure and velocity at the waveguide junction yields the scattering coefficients. The results reveal that the scattering coefficients are intricately influenced by both the geometric characteristics of the waveguide and the frequency of the incident waves. Notably, the first higher-order mode of the cut-off frequency of the waveguide structure corresponds to the frequency at which the dissipation coefficient reaches its maximum value. This research provides valuable insights into the scattering behavior of acoustic waves in waveguide configurations, contributing to the design of acoustic devices and systems. Rigorous support and justification for all aspects of the mode-matching method, including pressure and velocity matching, eigen properties, physical edge conditions, convergence criteria, and energy conservation, are provided through thorough algebraic and numerical analyses, confirming the validity of the solution methodology.
Making and Knowing Digital Pictures: Young People Displaying Visual-digital Literacies
Authors: Hrechaniuk Yelyzaveta , Aarsand Pål
Published: June 2024

This article focuses on young people’s digital picture-making and the role of digital illustration applications in this process. It is based on 10 in-depth interviews with young people aged 11–20 years living in Sweden. Using the concept of visual-digital literacy, we analyse young people’s talk about how they accomplish picture-making and use different tools, techniques and devices. The analysis shows that pictures are seen as never fully finished but something that could be modified, revisited, remade and re-evaluated. While differentiating between and contrasting analogue and digital picture-making, young people often see them as complementary. They also see digital tools as generating flexibility and freedom to experiment with techniques, colours and motifs. The article contributes to understanding young people’s self-initiated leisure practices such as digital picture-making from their own perspectives.
Recanalization of a long segment occluded superior vena cava by puncturing the remnant calcified fibrin sheath of the internal jugular vein: A case report
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Zhan Shen , Zhang Fan , Zhao Bin , Hou Fang , Wang Yuzhu
Published: June 2024

A fibrin sheath with central venous occlusion is a common complication after central venous catheterization, and these patients often experience catheter dysfunction. A calcified fibrin sheath can cause a catheter to be stuck, and typically necessitates catheter removal or replacement. From another point of view, a calcified fibrin sheath can be seen in ultrasound and computed tomography, and the original fibrin sheath channel between the internal jugular vein and the atrium is unusually strong. When central vein occlusion occurs, the remnant calcified fibrin sheath of the internal jugular vein can be punctured under ultrasound guidance, allowing the guidewire to enter the atrium directly through the fibrin sheath. Here, we report a case in which we achieved easy recanalization of a long segment occluded superior vena cava by puncturing the remnant calcified fibrin sheath of the internal jugular vein.
Case Report: Isolated Vertigo as the Sole Manifestation of Left Lateral Medullary Infarction Following Contralateral Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection
Authors: Zhao Ning , Zhao Yong , Chang Mingze , Zhang Gejuan , Lu Ying , Li Shilin , Ma Juan , Qi QianQian
Published: June 2024

Background:

Cerebral infarct associated with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has been reported in the literature, while isolated central dizziness due to lateral medullary infarct (LMI) following VZV infection is rarely reported.

Case report:

We report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented to the neurology department because of herpes zoster on the right trigeminal nerve distribution. At 12 hours after admission, he developed transient vertigo along with nausea and unsteady walking and left-sided spontaneous horizontal nystagmus, gaze-evoked nystagmus, and upbeat nystagmus. The other usual signs of LMI including Horner syndrome, dysarthria, swallowing difficulty, and hemibody sensory change were absent. Video head impulse indicated decreased head impulse gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex for the bilateral horizontal, anterior, and posterior semicircular canals with abnormal saccade waves. Suppression head impulse paradigm showed few downward saccades reflecting anti-compensatory saccades after the end of the head impulse back to the head-fixed target and decreased vestibulo-ocular reflex gain values of bilateral semicircular canals. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small infarct in the far dorsolateral portion of the left rostral medulla. The cerebrospinal fluid was positive for VZV DNA.

Conclusions:

In patients with VZV infection who develop dizziness, the possibility of cerebral infarct should be considered. Patients with facial herpes zoster and neurological symptoms always be screened for stroke using MRI and lumbar puncture should be performed and acyclovir administered empirically.
Hypoalkaline Phosphatemia Dental Type: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Weihua , Min Xiaoyang , Wang Hongli , Lu Qianqian , Li Lulu , Chu Haiping
Published: June 2024

Mutations in dental hypophosphatasia (HPP) have been reported less than those in other types of HPP because the symptoms are mild or the dental lesions are only partial manifestations of other types of HPP. In this case, we observe the clinical manifestation of dental hypoalkaline phosphatase by analyzing the genetic mutation and biochemical parameters in child. The clinical data of the child with odonto HPP were collected and analyzed. The blood samples of the child and his parents were sequenced and verified using Sanger through a specific probe capture and high-throughput second-generation sequencing technology. Major clinical manifestations in the patient were early loss of deciduous teeth, significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, lower active vitamin D, and increased blood phosphorus, but no abnormality was observed in the oral X-ray. Two missense mutations—c.542C>T (p. ser181leu) and c.644 T> C (p.Ile215Thr)—were found in exon 6 of the ALPL gene from the father and mother, respectively. The clinical manifestations of odonto hypophosphatasia were early loss of deciduous teeth and significantly reduced serum ALP levels. Of 2 mutations—c.542C>T (p.ser181leu) and c.644 T> C (p.Ile215Thr)—in the ALPL gene, c.644 T> C (p.Ile215Thr) was a new mutation.
Simulation of gear wear in lubricated conditions
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Yan Ming
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a model prediction method for tracking wear trajectories under lubricated conditions, based on the Archard wear model and the theory of elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Tracking wear in such a system was challenging due to the random nature of the tooth surface condition and the unstable force. The Archard wear model usually ignored the change in wear depth at the pitch point as it was inherently dedicated to the relationship between relative sliding distance and normal force. To overcome these problems, the proposed approach embedded the force analysis model of the micro convex body with time-varying reference into the constrained optimization process of the Archard model. The model was therefore called the Archard wear optimization model. By embedding the time-varying characteristics of the micro convex into the wear model, the wear depth at the pitch point was calculated and the model was optimized. In addition to inheriting the advantages of the Archard wear model, the proposed model ensures accurate tracking of key points, and is experimentally evaluated. Meanwhile, lubricating oil supply coefficient have been introduced to study tooth surface wear under different lubrication conditions.
Audience costs, humiliation, and social creativity strategies: how Beijing boosts citizens’ esteem in international conflicts
Authors: Wong Seanon S.
Published: June 2024

Can Beijing afford to appear weak, especially after threatening an adversary to escalate in an international crisis? According to audience costs theory, the more high-profile a threat is, the more difficult it would be for a government to back down. Its citizens expect it to stand firm and punish it if it does not. One explanation for the “micro” logic of audience costs is that from a sociopsychological perspective, backing down sullies the national honor. It harms an in-group’s collective self-esteem vis-à-vis the adversarial out-group. The humiliation that citizens endure would compel them to punish their government. In this article, I examine how humiliation can be redressed proactively. I argue that governments—in this case, that of China—may not just brace for a backlash. They resort to a range of what scholars of Social Identity Theory in psychology call “social creativity strategies” in their propaganda to alleviate their citizens’ sense of humiliation. Such strategies arrest—and in some cases, even reverse—damage done to the in-group’s collective self-esteem. I present and elaborate on 10 such strategies. I demonstrate how they work with anecdotes and two case studies on Chinese propaganda in the aftermath of Japan’s “nationalization” of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands (2012) and the country’s standoff with India in Doklam/Donglang (2017).
Private infrastructure in geopolitical conflicts: the case of Starlink and the war in Ukraine
Authors: Abels Joscha
Published: June 2024

Privately owned infrastructures play a central role in the unfolding of geopolitical conflicts. While academic contributions generally support this argument, businesses are mostly treated as enablers or spoilers of state action rather than actors in their own right. This article develops a theoretical framework around the relationship of state and transnational corporations in times of intense global competition, combining it with a political–economic perspective on how private ownership of transnational infrastructures shifts this relationship. It argues that private businesses develop and operate infrastructures for profit-seeking purposes, but that this logic can be amended by preferences for political outcomes. The article undertakes an analysis of the role of Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation owned by US-based company SpaceX, in the events following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It reconstructs SpaceX’s initial decision to enable Starlink in Ukraine and its ensuing strategic readjustment that limited Ukraine’s abilities to retake Russian-occupied areas. The findings support the relevance of both profit-seeking and political motives for explaining businesses’ decision-making, with substantial implications for contemporary state–business relations. SpaceX viewed the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to secure capital and contracts, largely from the United States; at the same time, it sought to appease other states on which it depends, most centrally China. The findings furthermore demonstrate that states will seek to reestablish independence from private infrastructure where other forms of hedging fail. While China and the European Union opted to build their own satellite constellations, the United States relied on its economic pull to ensure SpaceX’s cooperation.
On the Learning, Transmission, and Embodiment of Swimming’s Haptic Grammar
Authors: Heath Sean , Carter Thomas F.
Published: June 2024

This article develops the concept of ‘haptic grammar’ to encourage greater scholarly focus on the sensory aspects of bodily motion used to generate movement, knowledge of one’s body in an environment, and thus being-in-the-world. It ethnographically examines how swimmers learn specific motions – ‘the catch’, sculling, hand entry – to illustrate broader questions of how we learn to move our bodies. Focusing on these specific motions emphasises the importance of shared sensory knowledge and perception for learning enskilled bodily movement. More than simply knowing what to move when and how, learning how to sense how one moves one’s body parts is a crucial social process that swimmers become more skilful at via interlocutions among themselves and with their coaches regarding specific motions of specific body parts. This article illustrates how such socialised knowledge requires a shared haptic grammar to become more skilful at moving through the water and thus become ‘swimmers’.
Perceived social influence of allied men drives their ability to communicate respect to women in male-dominated fields
Authors: Moser Charlotte E. , Watkins Emily C. , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: June 2024

Three studies ( N = 1,349) examined why allyship from men (vs. women) is often more impactful in decreasing women’s concerns of negative treatment within male-dominated spaces in the United States. Women anticipated more respect from their peers after a man (vs. woman), identified as a gender equality ally. Increased respect mediated women’s lower anticipation of negative workplace treatment and higher anticipation of support (Studies 1–3). This effect was driven by the belief that an allied man holds more influence within an organization than an allied woman (Study 2). Study 2 additionally contrasted allyship to workplace friendship to determine the unique impact of gender-equality allyship compared to other forms of support from peers. In Study 3, ally influence was manipulated to assess whether an ally’s ability to communicate respect to women is contingent upon perceived influence. These results indicate that the positive impact of allyship from men is due in part to the greater perceived influence of allied men and their ability to communicate respect to women.
Dilemmas and prospects of artificial intelligence technology in the data management of medical informatization in China: A new perspective on SPRAY-type AI applications
Authors: Lu Lu , Zhong Yun , Luo Shuqing , Liu Sichen , Xiao Zhongzhou , Ding Jinru , Shao Jin , Fu Hailong , Xu Jie
Published: June 2024

Objectives: This study aims to address the critical challenges of data integrity, accuracy, consistency, and precision in the application of electronic medical record (EMR) data within the healthcare sector, particularly within the context of Chinese medical information data management. The research seeks to propose a solution in the form of a medical metadata governance framework that is efficient and suitable for clinical research and transformation. Methods: The article begins by outlining the background of medical information data management and reviews the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology relevant to the field. It then introduces the “Service, Patient, Regression, base/Away, Yeast” (SPRAY)-type AI application as a case study to illustrate the potential of AI in EMR data management. Results: The research identifies the scarcity of scientific research on the transformation of EMR data in Chinese hospitals and proposes a medical metadata governance framework as a solution. This framework is designed to achieve scientific governance of clinical data by integrating metadata management and master data management, grounded in clinical practices, medical disciplines, and scientific exploration. Furthermore, it incorporates an information privacy security architecture to ensure data protection. Conclusion: The proposed medical metadata governance framework, supported by AI technology, offers a structured approach to managing and transforming EMR data into valuable scientific research outcomes. This framework provides guidance for the identification, cleaning, mining, and deep application of EMR data, thereby addressing the bottlenecks currently faced in the healthcare scenario and paving the way for more effective clinical research and data-driven decision-making.
Microstructural and mechanical characterization of direct energy deposited 316L stainless steel developed using an evolutionary computational approach
Authors: Mamedipaka Ramesh , Hemachandra M. , Thapliyal Shivraman
Published: June 2024

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a technology that has revolutionized the fabrication of large metallic components in various industries. However, previous studies have predominantly relied on trial and error or statistical techniques to determine process parameters, neglecting the potential of evolutionary algorithms for optimizing. In the present work, detailed investigations were performed on the WAAM-based gas tungsten arc welding to predict and optimize the process parameters of the 316L austenitic stainless steel. The input process parameters viz., current, wire feed speed, travel speed, and wire feed direction play a significant role in determining the single bead geometry. The study investigated the influence of these parameters on bead characteristics (such as height to width ratio and percentage dilution) and surface roughness. Multiobjective optimization was carried out using both the response surface methodology-desirability approach (RSM-DA) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). In the case of NSGA-II, the optimal parameters were determined through a fuzzy decision method and it was validated experimentally. The NSGA-II approach showed superior performance over the traditional RSM-DA model in predicting the responses. In addition, the thin-walled structure printed for the parameters suggested using RSM-DA and NSGA-II approach. In a comprehensive property-based comparative analysis, the NSGA-II optimized parameters demonstrated improved mechanical properties attributed to increased low-angle grain boundaries and kernel average misorientation values. This study highlights the effectiveness of evolutionary computation methods in achieving superior performance and mechanical characteristics in the fabrication of SS316L components.
Forensic journalism: A sistematic literature review
Authors: Gomes Ana Filipa , Marinho Sandra
Published: June 2024

This article provides a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on forensic journalism. This is a field which combines the areas of journalism and forensic investigation and plays an essential role in crime report and journalistic investigation, in connection with the legal system and advocacy of justice. The SLR considered a corpus of 90 scientific articles, from four databases: Web of Science, B-On, Communication Abstracts and Scopus. The authors demonstrate a particular interest in discussing the framing of crime news, as well as their effects on audiences. The idea that runs through is that of the relevance of quality journalism. An investment in journalism education and in the specialisation of journalists comes out as a possible path towards enhancing the quality of the news. Even though this is a well established area, “forensic journalism”, the concept itself, is yet to be widely adopted by researchers.
Archives for the future: the 2019 Lennon Walls of Hong Kong
Authors: Corlin Mai
Published: June 2024

This article is concerned with the Lennon Walls of the 2019 Hong Kong protest movement as central spaces for the formation of an ‘archival imagination’ (Hochberg, 2021). Through producing a collection of protest icons connected directly to the movement’s history, the author argues that the visual expression developed from displaying a multiplicity of voices on to displaying ‘visual iconographies’ for ‘collective identification’ (Yates McKee, 2017: 113). She shows how iconic symbols and figures developed on the basis of actual events and protest characters, and how, over time, a particular collection of these figures and symbols came to compose the iconography for the movement. In a sense, the creation of the iconography in itself became a way to archive particular events and figures in a visually recognizable image. In other words, the iconic symbols and figures seen on the protest walls came to archive the movement’s history as it unfolded.
Religion in neoliberal times: The global spread of marketization, implications for religion, and future research directions
Authors: Izberk-Bilgin Elif , Belk Russell W
Published: June 2024

Marketization is a profound force transforming societies, including how people relate to and practice religion. Drawing from a synthesis of interdisciplinary studies, we approach marketization as a megatrend, explicating how its global spread beyond the advanced economies of the United States and Western Europe is leading to significant changes in religion and its marketplace articulations. We identify four specific ways in which marketization’s global spread influences religion: detraditionalization, re-publicization, dedifferentiation, and deterritorialization. We map these four areas of influence at the intersection of religion and consumption. In so doing, we identify several under-theorized areas in consumer research and offer six future research directions: (1) new non-institutional stages of religious performance, (2) transhumanism as a new religion, (3) new religious authorities, (4) transnational networks of religious service movements, (5) prosperity religion in non-Western and non-Christian contexts, and (6) resistance to marketization. We advance marketing theory by drawing attention to the megatrend of globalizing marketization that we argue should inform the future of the study of religion in consumer research.
Why intergenerational sufficientarianism is not enough
Authors: Heikkinen Karri
Published: June 2024

Many political philosophers accept a view called intergenerational sufficientarianism, according to which we should aim to make sure that future people have enough of whatever is the appropriate currency of distributive justice, such as welfare, capabilities, or need-satisfaction. According to proponents of this view, we have good reasons to accept intergenerational sufficientarianism, even if sufficientarianism is not the right way to think about distributive justice among contemporaries. However, despite its popularity, and the established literature on sufficientarianism in the contemporary context, precise statements of intergenerational sufficientarianism remain relatively rare. In this paper, I first survey the reasons that have been offered for accepting intergenerational sufficientarianism, and then formulate multiple precise interpretations of the view. I argue that there is in fact no precise formulation of intergenerational sufficientarianism that achieves all the benefits attributed to the view in the literature, and all plausible interpretations of the view also face serious further problems. Thus, intergenerational sufficientarianism is not as attractive a view as many have thought.
Re-evaluating the Role of Partnership-Related Perceptions in Women's Preferences for Men with Masculine Face Shapes
Authors: Dong Junzhi , Leger Kathlyne , Lee Anthony J. , Rafiee Yasaman , Jones Benedict C. , Shiramizu Victor K. M.
Published: June 2024

Many researchers have proposed that women perceive men with masculine face shapes to be less suitable as parents and long-term partners than men with feminine face shapes, causing women to find masculine men more attractive for short-term than long-term relationships. However, recent work shows that results obtained using the type of experimentally manipulated stimuli that were employed in studies presenting evidence for these claims are not necessarily observed when natural (i.e., unmanipulated) face stimuli were used to suggest that the evidence for these claims may need to be revaluated. Consequently, we tested for possible relationships between ratings of natural male faces for parenting- and relationship-related traits and shape masculinity (Study 1) and also tested whether women's preferences for shape masculinity were stronger when natural male faces were rated for short-term relationships than when natural male faces were rated for long-term relationships (Studies 2 and 3). We saw no evidence for either of these predictions, instead finding that men with more attractive faces were perceived to be better parents and better long-term partners. Thus, our findings do not support the widely held view that masculine men are more attractive for short-term relationships because they are perceived to be unlikely to invest time and effort in their romantic partners and offspring.
Re-orienting education toward ‘flourishing’ through education policy
Authors: Finnigan Kara S.
Published: June 2024

This commentary on Curren et al. adopts an educational policy perspective, arguing that it is important to not only ‘find consensus’ on well-being in education but to consider the ways that education policy supports or inhibits this outcome. It argues that a complex systems approach is essential to moving these ideas rooted in ethics and justice into policy and practice. It advocates a comprehensive cross-sector policy approach that integrates education policies at multiple levels and with policies across other sectors that are significant for well-being. It emphasizes that operationalizing these ideas at scale requires consideration of the research evidence on structural racism, gender inequities, and funding disparities, and it emphasizes the importance of focusing on relationships in educational systems and the need for policy leadership and activism.
Access Barriers, Trusted Channels, and Misconceptions About the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Rural Immigrant Farmworkers
Authors: Muñoz Bohorquez Juliana , Channell Doig Amara , Goldring Sarah , Campos Esmeralda , Burton Kiarra , Delacey Jennifer Lynne , McCoy Lisa H. , Sorenson Catherine , Crist Gina , Terhune Crystal , Kim Jinhee
Published: June 2024

Background: Although COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted immigrant agricultural workers, vaccination efforts have been challenging. Barriers to immunization include language, visa status, and access to medical care. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy, mistrust, and misinformation contributed to low uptake. Methods: A community needs assessment was conducted with immigrant agricultural workers ( n  = 9) and community stakeholders ( n  = 15) in rural areas of Maryland and Delaware. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using template analysis. Results: The participants named trusted and untrusted sources, sources of misinformation, and barriers to accessing information and physical locations to receive the vaccine as reasons for not getting the vaccine. Trusted sources included known community leaders and television programs. Some barriers mentioned were fear of deportation, lack of paid time off, language barriers, and difficulty navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Discussion: There is a need for culturally-tailored programs that address misinformation and barriers and use community-based programming.
The Use of the Symani Surgical System® in Emergency Hand Trauma Care
Authors: Dastagir Nadjib , Obed Doha , Tamulevicius Martynas , Dastagir Khaled , Vogt Peter Maria
Published: June 2024

Background: The use of robotic systems for microsurgery has gained popularity in recent years. Despite its drawbacks, such as increased learning time and lack of haptic feedback, robot-assisted microsurgery is beneficial for emergency care due to its reduced risk of tremor and fatigue. The Symani Surgical System® is 1 example of this advanced technology. The device offers a range of possibilities in the field of microsurgery by combining precision and dexterity, revolutionizing microsurgical procedures. This article explores the applications of the Symani in microsurgical procedures in emergency hand trauma care, highlighting its advantages and limitations. Material and Methods: We present the results of 62 anastomoses of blood vessels under .8 mm diameter after hand trauma. 31 anastomoses were conducted using the Symani Surgical System®, and the other 31 were done as a control group in hand-sewn technique. Study Sample: The patient characteristics, including sex, age, and risk factors, were matched. Results: We found no significant differences in the anastomosis surgery length when performed with the Symani (arterial 17.3 ± 1.9 min; venous 11.5 ± 1.3 min) vs the hand-sewn technique (arterial 16.1 ± 1.4 min; venous 10.2 ± 1.8 min). Additionally, the learning curve consistently decreased over time, with the 10th surgery taking 30% (arterial) less time. Conclusion: Our study indicates that robot-assisted microsurgery can help surgeons maintain a relaxed and focused state while producing results comparable to hand-sutured procedures in emergency care.
Research on fabrics stack separation and transfer method based on Bernoulli suction cup non-contact grasping technology
Authors: Ma Zihong , Chen Huimin , Zhou Di , Ding Mengmeng , Yue Xiaoli
Published: June 2024

Separating fabrics stack using mechanical devices is considered a major obstacle to automation in garment processing due to their low density, low bending stiffness, and air permeability. To address this challenge, this paper discusses the feasibility of using a non-contact Bernoulli suction cup for automated separation and transfer of fabrics stack. First, a theoretical analysis of the non-contact separation mechanism was carried out and a calculation model for the separation process parameters was proposed. Subsequently, based on the calculation model, to improve the success rate of separation, a novel gradual descent separation method was proposed by analyzing the variations of suction force of Bernoulli suction cup with process parameters. To address the problem of fabric instability and falling during non-contact transfer, a visual control method that uses machine vision technology to regulate the suction force was also introduced. Finally, the above methods were integrated to create a non-contact automatic fabrics stack separation and transfer system. The results show the following: (1) The deviation between the results of the calculation model and the measured results is 6.9%; (2) The success rate of stack separation using the gradual descent method is 96%; (3) The improved visual detector achieved a recognition accuracy of 0.982 for the sagging deformation of the fabric piece. The visual control suction method can stabilize the fabric within 300 ms at a transfer speed of 800–1000 mm/s. The method for non-contact automatic separation and transfer of fabrics stack proposed in this paper provides new ideas for related research and industrial applications.
Diluted contrast media combined with high-resolution C-arm CT for evaluating apposition of flow diversions in a porcine model
Authors: Long Shuhai , Yu Sun , Shi Chengcheng , Ma Ji , Li Zhen , Cheng Jingliang , Ran Yuncai , Han Xinwei , Li Tengfei
Published: June 2024

Background

In intracranial stenting, good stent apposition is crucial, and high-resolution C-arm computer tomography (CT) is utilized to assess whether stent apposition is complete. This study was aimed at finding optimal hypertonic or isotonic contrast media injection concentration for high-resolution C-arm CT to assess apposition of flow diversion (FD) after carotid artery stenting in swine.

Methods

Twelve FD stents were implanted into the left carotid artery of Bama swine through the endovascular method. During high-resolution C-arm CT scanning, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 14% dilution percentages of hypertonic contrast media (iopromide 370 mg/ml) and 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18% dilution percentages of isotonic contrast media (iodixanol 320 mg/ml) were separately injected. A radiologist and a neuro-interventional specialist evaluated and qualitatively scored the post-processed images, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to verify the accuracy of these images.

Results

Overall, 12 FD stents were implanted into the left common carotid artery of 12 swine, with a technical success rate of 100%. The best reconstructed images used to observe stent apposition were achieved with iopromide diluted to a concentration of 12% (all P < .05) or iodixanol diluted to a concentration of 16% (all P < .05). Malapposition was noted in one case, and good apposition was noted in 11 cases. These results were consistent with IVUS observations.

Conclusion

Injecting iopromide or iodixanol diluted to 12% or 16% during high-resolution C-arm CT scanning, respectively, can help evaluate FD stent apposition and obtain optimal image quality.
Treatment of an intracranial aneurysm in the setting of fenestration of cranial division of the internal carotid artery: Technical considerations and a literature review
Authors: Miyake Shigeta , Falzon Andrew , Kee Tze Phei , Andrade Hugo , Krings Timo
Published: June 2024

Although rare, cerebral arterial fenestration may present challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Here we present a case of a supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) fenestration adjacent to an ICA aneurysm, successfully treated with balloon-assisted coil embolization. A female in her 50's presented with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured left ICA-ophthalmic artery (OA) aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a focal ICA fenestration distal to the posterior communicating artery (Pcom). The patient underwent successful coil embolization of the aneurysm using the balloon-assisted technique. No immediate hemorrhagic, thromboembolic, or neurological complications were observed. The patient was discharged in good condition after 2 weeks of hospitalization. A comprehensive literature review of 33 cases was subsequently performed to understand the characteristics of this condition. Cases involving the cranial division of the ICA forming the fenestration exhibited caliber differences significantly more frequently (p = 0.02). Embryological insights revealed distinctions between the cranial divisions of the ICA, influencing fenestration morphology and associated aneurysm formation. Endovascular treatment poses the risk of vascular injury, necessitating the identification of this variation and procedural planning.
(Self-) Reflection / Reflexivity in Sensitive, Qualitative Research: A Scoping Review
Authors: Karcher Katharina , McCuaig Joanne , King-Hill Sophie
Published: June 2024

This scoping review offers insight into researcher well-being when working with sensitive and traumatic topics in a qualitative research context. The study identified existing empirical research concerning researcher well-being and mental health. The databases included SSCI, ASSIA < IBISS, Scopus, Social Policy and Practice, PsycInfo, Social Science Database/Social Science Premium Collection (Proquest), and Open Grey. An international search was conducted, with no time constraints on publication dates to gather as wide a selection as possible. 55 papers met the criteria. We found that the terminology used within the papers was not consistent which necessitated grouping the (self-) reflection/reflexive practices researchers used and categorizing them under the umbrella term SRR practices. The research questions were: 1. Which disciplines or fields are conducting SRR practices on sensitive topics? 2. What SRR practices do researchers employ in the context of sensitive research? 3. What were the self-reported outcomes from using SRR practices as a tool of researchers working on sensitive research? A key finding of the scoping review is that many researchers who work on sensitive topics feel unprepared and receive little or no training or support for SRR practices. This poses particular challenges for early career researchers. We also identified that qualitative researchers have developed a range of SRR practices to manage the emotional impact of their sensitive research work. Many authors of the scoped papers stress the importance of peer-support as well as formal and informal debriefing meetings. Another key SRR practice discussed by many researchers is reflexive journaling. Our scoping review suggests that if it is combined with other activities, self-reflexive journaling can be an excellent way to acknowledge and assess the emotional impact of sensitive research.
Evaluating Saudi Parental Interagency on Collaborative Initiatives for Successful Post-Secondary Transition of Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Aldosari Mubarak S. , Alzhrani Abdullah Jardan
Published: June 2024

Effective collaboration between schools and community agencies is paramount for the successful transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary educational settings. This study, conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focuses on assessing the level of collaboration from the perspective of parents of students with intellectual disabilities. Using descriptive analysis, data was gathered from 191 parents, and the results indicate a perceived low level of collaboration between schools and various agencies in planning and supporting the transition to post-secondary environments. The study results evaluate collaboration in three dimensions: (a) universities rank lowest with [Formula: see text] =1.61 and SD=1.102). (b) vocational training centers ranking highest (1st rank) with an [Formula: see text] = 1.97 and SD = 1.079), and (c) other relevant service centers 2nd rank with [Formula: see text] =1.69 and SD= 1.177. The findings emphasize the necessity for legislative measures directing agencies to engage in collaborative agreements with secondary schools. This proactive approach aims to enhance opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities during their transition to post-secondary education and training. The study concludes with implications for future research and recommendations for fostering improved collaboration and support mechanisms.
Diet overlap of overwintering migratory birds on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Echeverría-Caro Aldo , Dupuy-Rada Juan Manuel , Parra-Tabla Víctor , Feldman Richard Evan
Published: June 2024

Previous studies of overwintering migratory birds in neotropical environments have found that species co-occur in the same habitats despite high diet overlap. Hence, discovering subtle diet differences within habitats can help explain patterns in bird species diversity. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is an important region for overwintering migratory birds, but little is known about how habitat differences in food resources contribute to bird diversity. To address the knowledge gap, we compared the degree of overlap in the diet of all terrestrial migratory birds within and between mangrove and tropical dry forests on the Yucatan Peninsula’s northern coast. We collected data on the consumption of food items through direct observation of birds feeding on four transects in each habitat every week (12 weeks) during the non-breeding season (i.e., overwinter, December-February). We recorded 19 species, 15 species in mangrove and 15 species in forest, with 11 of those found in both habitats. In both habitats, diet overlap was high. However, species present only in the tropical dry forest had less overlap than species occurring in both habitats, indicating that diet specialization might restrict the range of habitats that a species can occupy. On the other hand, species present only in the mangrove had similar diet overlap to species present in both habitats. The diet variation that did exist was greater within than between habitats possibly due to intraspecific diet differences among different geographic locations. Although small, within-habitat diet differences might be key to allowing species to coexist locally in the Yucatan, thus supporting studies demonstrating a similar mechanism in other neotropical regions. More generally, the information we provide on bird diet can be used to discover whether threats like anthropogenic development precipitate species loss via altering the resource base upon which birds rely.