bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Optimization of Low-Voltage Multi-Port Flexible Interconnection Device in AC/DC Hybrid Distribution
Authors: Yang Jin-Dong , Zhao Xue-Tong
Published: April 2024

At present, the back-to-back multilevel modular converter (BTB-MMC) used in low and medium voltage flexible interconnection projects has the disadvantages of high cost and large footprint. Based on MMC, a multi-port flexible interconnection device for AC/DC hybrid distribution network
is designed. Firstly, the topology structure and power regulation principle of the device are described by constructing the model of the low and medium port multi-port flexible device. Secondly, an improved inverter model based on independent center line module is proposed, and a multi-objective
optimization compensation strategy for multi-function grid-connected inverters is proposed, which effectively improves the ability of independent inverters to carry unbalanced loads and optimizes power quality. Finally, a set of 750 V/50 kW experimental prototype is built, and the performance
of the prototype is tested to verify the advantages of the voltage stability of the device.
Analysis of Power Transmission Characteristics of a Novel Secondary Side LCD Series Forward Converter
Authors: Zhu Gao-Zhong , Liu Shu-Lin
Published: April 2024

A novel secondary-side LCD series forward converter is proposed, and the power transmission characteristics of the excitation inductance of the proposed converter under different modes are analyzed. By analyzing the relationship between the transmission power of forward branch and additional
branch and excitation inductance, it is concluded that when the excitation inductance Lm works in CCM (continuous conduction mode), the transmission power of forward branch and additional branch has nothing to do with the value of excitation inductance. When the excitation
inductance Lm works in DCM (discontinuous conduction mode), the transmission power of forward branch increases with the increase of excitation inductance, while the transmission power of additional branch decreases with the increase of excitation inductance. At the same time,
the influence of power distribution on the efficiency of transformation topology is explored, and the relationship between the transmission power of the forward branch and the current stress of the switching tube was derived, and the parameter design method of magnetic element is put forward.
Finally, the circuit model of the novel secondary side LCD series Forward converter is established, and the experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the parameter design method.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Crystal Violet Dye Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Jadhav Aishwarya , Chavan Rupali , Sonawane Santosh , Kamble Pradip , Mahajan Smita , Vhankhande Balasaheb , Ghorpade Rajesh , Chougale Ashok , Abd El-Salam Nasser M. , Fouad Hassan , Patil Rahul
Published: April 2024

Increased industrial population causes water pollution. The release of toxic waste products from various industries become a major environmental issue. There are several methods for water decontamination and the advanced oxidation process (AOP) is one of them. The AOP’s rate can
be increased using a variety of nanoparticles as a catalyst to degrade contaminants dyes like Crystal violet (CV). Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one of the most suitable materials to deal with this environmental issue because of their easy reusability along with high reactive surface area
and easy to synthesize. Considering this, using the co-precipitation method iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesised in the present work. The as-prepared nanoparticles are then systematically characterized by various analytical tools. The XRD and FTIR suggest the crystalline structure
and surface functional groups of the IONPs. The zeta potential study depicts the surface charge of nanoparticles within the colloidal solution. Additionally, the catalytic activity of IONPs was studied by the photo-Fenton process. The utilization of various catalytic parameters like pH (3–7),
catalyst dosage (100–400 mg), dye concentration (0.025–0.1 mM) and H2O2 concentration (2–8 mM) has enhanced the effectiveness of the photo-Fenton process for the efficient removal of organic pollutant. Degradation efficiency was observed to be 94% after
90 minutes in the treatment of 5 mg nanoparticles with 0.05 mM dye solution. This magnetically recyclable catalyst will facilitate the advancement of water treatment in an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective manner, with notable potential.
Temperature Effects on Power Characteristics of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers
Authors: Hisham Hisham K. , Zainol Abidin Nadiah Husseini , Alresheedi Mohammed Thamer , Abas Ahmad Fauzi , Ng Khoon Eng , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a numerical study based on temperature dependency on Auger process, examining the impact of temperature change and laser cavity active region parameters on the output power characteristics (Pout) of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).
The active region parameters include active region diameter, effective length, active region thickness, injection current, and mirror reflectivity. With increasing temperature, Pout reduction rate rises in proportion to active region diameter growth as opposed to effective
length or active region thickness growth. It was determined that Pout thermal effects change minimally with injection current variation but can be reduced or completely mitigated by increasing the mirror reflectivity. This study provides notable insights in the design of
VCSEL with consideration of temperature dependency on the Auger process.
Formal Education as the Predictor of the Quality of Consumer Decisions Made Under Pressure. The Mediating Role of the Need for Cognitive Closure
Authors: Chmiel Michal
Published: April 2024

It was hypothesized that training received during formal education fosters the mental mindset of the need to avoid cognitive closure and leads to more efficient information search characteristics. Despite time pressure, consumers collect more unique information, postpone freezing phase, and arrive at better decisions. The assumptions were mostly confirmed, which gives partial evidence to the idea that formal education teaches open-mindedness and increases the adaptation of consumers to the environment rich in the need to engage in complex decisions. The research holds implications for Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility strategists.
Environments for intuitive decision-making: A theoretical framework for assessing intuitive-reasoning in social work
Authors: Fleißner Simon , Steimle Larissa
Published: April 2024

Decision-making is an essential part of social work practice. Intuition is one possible basis for these decisions, but relying solely on it might not always be the best choice. No overarching framework for social work exists on how to deal with intuition. By building on the work of Kahneman and Klein, who describe conditions for successful intuitive-reasoning, the aim of the article is thus to offer such a framework for further research and reflection on social work practice. It can be used as a guideline for social work practice and social care policy to improve intuitive-reasoning of social workers.
Right-Wing Populist Leaders, Nationalist Rhetoric, and Dispute Initiation in International Politics
Authors: Joo Minnie M. , Bolte Brandon , Huynh Nguyen , Yadav Vineeta , Mukherjee Bumba
Published: April 2024

The global rise of right-wing populist (RWP) leaders has raised concerns about the threat they pose to a cooperative international order, but there is little systematic evidence linking RWP leaders to military aggression. Are RWP leaders more prone to initiating international disputes? If so, when and why? We argue that a RWP leader’s hyper-nationalist rhetoric can galvanize popular support for militant internationalism, but this only leads to pressures for the leader to follow through on their belligerent rhetoric by initiating international disputes in participatory democracies. Using survey experiments fielded in India and Japan, we find strong support for our claims about the effects of RWP rhetoric on civilian attitudes. Statistical results from original data on populist leaders worldwide (1886-2014) then show that RWP leaders in participatory democracies are more likely to initiate militarized disputes. Our results are troubling given the recent increase in RWP leaders elected in participatory democracies.
Enhancing hemp fiber performance: insights into chitosan treatment and structural evolution
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhao Fuwang , Cheung Tin Wai , Lee Cheng-hao , Li Li
Published: April 2024

Hemp fiber, recognized for its eco-friendliness, wide availability, and biodegradability, stands as a renewable resource with promising applications. To fully harness its potential, it is crucial to study the relationship between chitosan concentration and both the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp fiber. Understanding these effects can provide a direction to improve the properties and functionalities of hemp fiber, which are essential for many applications, including textiles and construction and automotive materials. Chitosan is known to enhance the antimicrobial and adsorption properties of fibers by changing the chemical properties of the fiber surface. However, up to now, a very limited number of studies have focused on the exact effect of chitosan on the mechanical and thermal stability properties of hemp fibers. Here, the effect of treatment with different concentrations of chitosan solutions is investigated to enhance the properties of hemp fibers and the treated hemp fibers are characterized. It is found that chitosan solution treatment can effectively improve the various properties of hemp fibers. The chitosan treatment improved the surface roughness of hemp fibers. The tensile strength and flexibility of hemp fibers were enhanced. The CSHF-1.5% sample exhibited the highest tensile strength of 616.11 MPa and the lowest tensile modulus of 15.61 GPa. The fiber swelling rate increased to 24.73% at a chitosan solution concentration of 1.5%. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan solution treatment in enhancing the thermal stability of hemp fibers. These findings propose a promising method for a significant modification of hemp fiber's mechanical and thermal stability.
An Intersectional Analysis of Perceptions of Race in U.S. Prisons From Individuals Previously Incarcerated With Mental Illness
Authors: Banks Anthony , Canada Kelli E. , Barrenger Stacy , Bohrman Casey , Cox Anna
Published: April 2024

Despite efforts to reduce the number of people in the United States living in prison, people with mental illnesses continue to be overrepresented in prisons. This study explores how race impacts the prison experiences of individuals with mental illnesses. Thirty-seven participants were recruited from three states via flyers at community treatment providers and through word of mouth. Participants completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews and surveys to understand prison experiences and collect demographic information. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, framework method analysis, and an intersectional lens. Findings show that participant experiences were influenced by race through interpersonal interactions between those incarcerated and through interactions between people incarcerated and correctional staff. Intersectional identities underlying these interactions were explored including race, socioeconomic status, rural versus urban residents, and subordinate/dominant roles tied to power (e.g., staff vs. person incarcerated). These findings provide insight into how race, mental illness, and criminal-legal contact intersect.
Why Do People Attack Military Statues? A National Survey in New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Nick , Horrocks John , Thomson George
Published: April 2024

Military statues are being attacked and removed in multiple countries, but there is little analytic work on the associated reasons. Therefore, this research aimed to conduct a nationwide survey of outdoor military statues in a case study country (New Zealand) and identify reasons for attacks. Of the 118 statues identified, 11 (9%) of these had been physically attacked. A key risk factor for statue attack was it being linked to the colonial-era New Zealand Wars versus any other specific war (75% vs 8%, p = .003). This finding fitted with other evidence from attacks on statues of named New Zealanders (e.g. politicians) and on attacks of other types of monuments to these particular wars. It is also consistent with past and persisting injustices experienced by the Indigenous Māori population. In conclusion, some of the attacks on the military statues in this country appear to reflect social injustices and harm from colonialism.
Unsung Heroine: Wang Ruqi, the 1950 Marriage Law, and State-Legal Feminism
Authors: Li Shangyang , He Qiliang
Published: April 2024

This article analyses Wang Ruqi’s contribution to the drafting of the 1950 Marriage Law, the first codified law promulgated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It argues that Wang—who had been a legal specialist and a female political activist dating back to the 1930s and 1940s—was the actual author of the law’s first draft. In rehabilitating Wang’s long-forgotten contribution to the making of the Marriage Law, this study highlights that, first of all, lawmaking in the early years of the PRC was characterized by legal “professionalism,” rather than the “vernacularism” that scholars in recent years have tended to ascribe to this period. Second, Wang was an exemplary figure of a new breed of “state feminists” in the PRC, which we term “state-legal feminists.” State-legal feminists, like state feminists in general, were brought into the PRC state apparatus and took advantage of their role in the state to advance sociopolitical agendas. However, they differed from their fellow state feminists because they firmly believed that the state’s will and intent could be best articulated and exercised through codified laws and legal institutions. The making of the Marriage Law thus exemplifies the state-legal feminist approach insofar as it resorted to a codified law to push for the political agendas of women’s emancipation and restructuring families in China. While recent scholarship highlights the politicization of the law in the 1953 campaign to promote the Marriage Law, this study inverts this by addressing the legalization of political and social movements.
Biosorption of hexavalent chromium by biochar prepared from the Ceratonia siliqua pod: Kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamics studies
Authors: Al-Dalahmeh Yousef , Hamadneh Imad , Aburumman Ghaida , Al-Mobydeen Ahmed , Alkhawaldeh Marya , Abu Shawer Akram , Ahmed Rania , Esaifan Muayad , Al-Dujaili Ammar H.
Published: April 2024

Ceratonia siliqua pod biochar sample (CBC) was generated in this work from C. siliqua (carob pod waste) biomass (CBM) by slow pyrolysis for 5h at 400°C as an alternative low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Cr(VI). The biosorption parameters that were adjusted were the initial pH (2.0–10.0), temperature (30°C, 40°C, and 50°C), biosorbent dose (0.01–0.03 g/50 mL), initial Cr(VI) concentration (10–100 mg/L), and contact period (0–360 min). The interaction between the surface functional groups on the CBM and CBC and the Cr(VI) ions was found to be the primary mechanism for Cr(VI) sorption via surface complexation and electrostatic interactions, according to the investigation of the pH influence. The Langmuir isotherm was shown to be more well-fitting than the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms for the concentration range of 10 to 100 mg/L. The testing results indicated a sorption capacity of 90.909 mg/g of CBM and 131.579 mg/g of CBC. According to kinetic investigations, the absorption of Cr(VI) ions onto CBM and CBC was defined in pseudo-second order. The findings of thermodynamic investigations showed that the biosorption of Cr(VI) ions onto CBM and CBC was an exothermic, spontaneous process. These findings demonstrated that, even for high concentrations of Cr(VI) in industrial wastewater, CBM and CBC could be viable, affordable alternatives as adsorbents.
Efficacy of fat quantification methods used in MRI to distinguish between normal, benign, and malignant bone marrow pathologies in children
Authors: Erkal Tonkaz Duygu , Ozpar Rifat , Tonkaz Mehmet , Yazici Zeynep
Published: April 2024

Background

Fat quantification methods in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been studied to differentiate bone marrow pathologies in adult patients; however, scarce literature is available in pediatric patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of the T1 signal intensity value (T1-SIV), out-of-phase/in-phase signal ratio (OP/IP SR), and fat fraction (FF) to differentiate between normal, benign, and malignant pathological processes.

Material and Methods

A total of 48 pediatric patients with lumbar and pelvic MRI were classified into three groups according to bone marrow pathology (group 1, normal; group 2, benign pathology/reconversion; group 3, malignant). The efficacy of T1-SIV, OP/IP SR, and FF values in differentiating these pathologies was evaluated using Kruskal–Wallis or analysis of variance and followed by Bonferroni or Dunn–Bonferroni tests. Cutoff values for malignant infiltration were defined using ROC analysis.

Results

Although these values were significantly different in all three groups ( P = 0.001–0.008), this difference was not sufficient to discriminate between all groups. Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in T1-SIV between groups 1–3, in OP/IP SR between groups 1–3, 2–3, and 1–2, in FF between groups 1–2 and 1–3 in various regions ( P = 0.001–0.049). Cutoff values had a sensitivity and specificity of 90%–100% for OP/IP SR and FF.

Conclusion

T1-SIV, OP/IP SR, and FF may potentially distinguish normal from pathological bone marrow. OP/IP SR and FF values detected malignant infiltration with high sensitivity and specificity in this study. However, only OP/IP SR may significantly differentiate benign and malignant bone marrow pathologies which needs to be confirmed in the future study with a larger patient population.
Inner Peace: Evaluating a Complementary Program Promoting Intra-Personal Peace at Adelaide Women’s Prison, Australia
Authors: Turner Anne , Thomas Natalie , Menih Helena , Collins Anthony
Published: April 2024

The Peace Education Program, created in 2012, is a complementary program with potential to supplement official rehabilitation interventions offered in correctional centers. The program promotes “inner peace” as an innate and universal human resource, but whilst inner peace is a key concept in positive psychology and the Good Lives Model, there is a paucity of research regarding how to operationalize and evaluate this concept. The program had not previously been the subject of independent theoretically-informed research. Drawing on a mixed methods study conducted in Adelaide Women’s Prison, this article explores the impact of the program on participants’ learning regarding inner peace. Participants reported a greater understanding about inner peace, which they described as contributing to a stronger sense of their identity, enhanced self-esteem and increased self-regulation skills, resulting in reductions in impulsivity and reactive aggression. The quantitative data indicated there was a significant increase in participants' subjective ratings of inner peace before the program ( M = 12.08) and post-program completion ( M = 14.00) ( p < .001). Growth in affect-regulation and anger-management skills may contribute to reductions in offending.
Predicting Ballast Fouling Conditions with the Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Gong Yufeng , Qian Yu
Published: April 2024

Railroad ballast is typically comprised of only large granular particles. However, the degradation of fresh ballast and the arrival of foreign fines result in ballast fouling. Compared with fresh ballast, fouled ballast exhibits reduced resilience and compromised drainage capabilities. To optimize track performance, maintenance activities for the ballast are frequently scheduled based on the fouling severity. An accurate assessment of ballast fouling conditions can enhance maintenance efficiency and reduce costs. Over the years, while many ballast fouling evaluation methods have been developed, their widespread adoption has been hindered by system costs and implementation challenges. This study aims to address this by developing an affordable and easily implemented approach to estimating ballast fouling conditions using the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). Initially, images of fouled ballast are characterized by fitting the distributions of each RGB (Red, Green, Blue) channel. Subsequently, two mathematical methods, expectation-maximization and point estimation, are employed to solve the GMM parameters. These derived GMM parameters are then used to backcalculate the sample parameters, facilitating the estimation of ballast fouling conditions. The results of this study reveal a close alignment between the ballast fouling conditions backcalculated with the GMM and those quantified through laboratory sieving analysis. This study thus presents a promising path forward, using images captured from cost-effective cameras to estimate ballast fouling conditions with minimal computational expense.
Investigation of the Data Variability of Network-Level Pavement Condition Data
Authors: Shekharan Raja , Baranikumar Aishwarya , Asam Kalyan , Wang Zhaohua , Frith Douglas
Published: April 2024

For pavement management purposes it is essential to have quality data for a pavement network. Here the data collected at the network level are investigated for quality using additional statistical approaches. As a part of the quality assurance, randomly sampled pavement sections are evaluated using an independent verification and validation process, and are compared with the network-level data collected by the data collection vendor on the same pavement sections. If the established criteria are met, with composite condition indices, the vendor data are considered acceptable. These criteria are developed based on engineering judgment and experience. The accepted data are further investigated to determine whether any statistical differences exist in individual distress type, severity, or extent. Investigation reveals no statistical differences based on composite condition indices, distress type, or extent. There is no misclassification of any distress type with any other distress type. However, a few distress types have statistical differences in severity levels. Steps are identified to minimize these differences.
Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures with Four-Point Bending Beam and Uniaxial Fatigue Tests
Authors: Khan Ali Raza , Ali Ayman , Mehta Yusuf , Lein Wade
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the fatigue cracking potential of aramid fiber–reinforced asphalt mixtures. Three fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures (FRAMs) were prepared employing a singular aggregate type (diabase stone), one binder type (PG76-22), and two distinct combinations of aramid fibers at varying dosages. Two types of fiber were used at different dosages by weight of mix: polyolefin/aramid (PFA) fibers at a dosage 0.05% and sasobit-coated aramid (SCA) fibers at dosages of 0.01% and 0.02%. Additionally, an unreinforced (control) mix was also produced for comparison purposes. Each of the mixtures was produced at a batch plant, adhering to the fiber manufacturer’s recommended mixing methods, while maintaining a constant binder content of 5.5% based on the total mix weight. Four-point beam (4PB) fatigue, uniaxial fatigue (UF), and Texas overlay tests (OT) were performed to characterize the fatigue and reflective cracking behavior of FRAM. The 4PB test results suggest that FRAM improved the fatigue life at lower strain levels (400 µε and 600 µε); however, at higher microstrain (800 µε) level, FRAM exhibited lower fatigue life than the control mix. Damage characteristic curves obtained from the UF tests showed better fatigue tolerance for reinforced mixtures, regardless of microstrain level. For cycles to failure under tensile loading, UF and OT test results indicated lower fatigue life of reinforced mixtures compared with the control mix. Therefore, under flexural loading the fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures tend to improve the fatigue life. However, for direct tension load, reinforced mixtures tend to deteriorate the fatigue life when comparing cycles to failure at constant strain amplitude.
Development of a Length-Based Cell-State Framework Toward the Re-Creation of Large-Scale Dense Congestion Patterns
Authors: Staes Brian M. , Wang Haizhong , Bertini Robert L.
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the results and novel findings of generating a simplified version of the prevailing traffic features that existed during a major evacuation. Leveraging the underlying framework provided by the widely used cell transmission model, the desire is to reconstruct the unique characteristics of large congestion patterns that propagate under dense traffic states, where limited attempts at scaling this base model have occurred. The length-based cell-state framework presented can reproduce large spatiotemporal congestion patterns that exist, specifically from large-scale evacuations. To further simplify, the framework considers traffic state heuristics which are calibrated through oblique cumulative count and occupancy curves. As a result of this preprocessing technique, an artifact was found from the use of the cumulative curves under the lens of Newell’s two-phase traffic flow theory where three unique, separate queued regimes were identified within the fundamental diagrams. The methodology re-created a unique large-scale congestion pattern that existed during a past regional evacuation event, Hurricane Irma, the subject of this paper. To test this methodology, a large-scale congested period was analyzed, both with probe vehicle trajectory data and stationary radar detector data. Results demonstrate that traffic re-creation into state-based contours was able to be verified near a 90% level of confidence even at large spatiotemporal extents.
Fire dynamics simulator modeling of a line-of-duty death in a firefighting training facility using recent research on materials and firefighter safety
Authors: Floyd Jason , Madrzykowski Daniel
Published: April 2024

In 2005, a line-of-duty death of an instructor at a firefighter training facility spawned research into both firefighter training and improving firefighter protective gear. Since the incident, there has been additional research into the material properties, firefighter facepiece performance, and the classification of firefighter exposures. This has been in parallel to significant improvements in the ability to model fires and predict, rather than prescribe, fire growth. As this recent body of work was not available at the time of incident investigation, the incident was revisited using the current version of Fire Dynamics Simulator. The full day of training evolutions was modeled in Fire Dynamics Simulator using recent data on wood pyrolysis (the fuel) and facepiece reaction to heat. Fire Dynamics Simulator results were evaluated against the testing done following the incident. Facepiece research was used to develop hole formation criteria that could be evaluated from Fire Dynamics Simulator predictions of facepiece exposure. This was used to compare the performance of facepieces contemporary with the incident to today’s facepieces. In addition, exposure predictions were evaluated in the context of exposure hazard categories developed for firefighter protective gear.
Integrating industry-crowdsourced projects in university capstone courses: A comparative study using parametric statistics and sentiment analysis
Authors: Strang Kenneth David , Vajjhala Narasimha Rao
Published: April 2024

This study explores integrating industry-crowdsourced projects within capstone courses of a 4-year Bachelor of Science program at an accredited American university. A unique business consulting model was developed for the final year course, aligning students with 16-weeks industry projects that reflected their academic goals and the program’s learning objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this pedagogical approach compared to traditional capstone courses. This evaluation involved collecting data from grading systems and anonymous course surveys. A novel aspect of the research design was the synergetic combination of nonparametric and parametric statistical techniques with modern machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyse the students’ grades, survey comments and third-party course opinion comments. Additionally, independent third-party course ratings were examined to triangulate the results. Findings revealed that while the academic performance in the industry-crowdsourced capstone course mirrored that of the traditional course, the industry-crowdsourced variant elicited significantly more positive responses in course surveys. Furthermore, ML sentiment analysis of comments from third-party forums indicated a stronger positive reception for the industry-crowdsourced course over the traditional approach.
Modeling and contact analysis for spur gear pair with modification and localized crack failure
Authors: Dai Peng , Liang Xingyu
Published: April 2024

The modified teeth are deliberately manufactured to mitigate the stress concentration generated by offset components, which makes equipment more susceptible to localized failures. Therefore, this paper presents a model aimed at investigating the meshing characteristic of gear pair with modification and crack failure. In this model, the tooth deformation and force transmission are determined based on slice coupling theory. The torsional deformation of teeth produced by eccentric load distribution is considered and complemented to the calculation method. Finally, the approach is proven through the experimental tests and FE model. The result shows that when the equipment is operated in misalignment condition, eccentric load distribution, and stress concentration at tooth edge are generated, the meshing stiffness will be reduced drastically, which can be suppressed by appropriate modification, and the rapid decline of meshing stiffness is weakened by increasing the effective contact length. Although the contact stiffness would be further reduced by the crack failure and the tooth surface deformation is increased, it seems to alleviate the stress concentration and eccentric load effectively.
A shock loss reduction method for the low-pressure rotor of a vaneless counter-rotating turbine using circulation redistribution
Authors: Tian-tian Dong , Wei Zhao , Xiu-ming Sui , Jian Pu , Wei-wei Luo , Qing-jun Zhao
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes the circulation redistribution for the low-pressure (LP) rotor of a highly-loaded vaneless counter-rotating turbine (VCRT) to reduce the LP shock losses. The method is to decrease the mid-span circulation and increase the tip circulation at the exit of the LP rotor with unchanged high-pressure (HP) and LP power output. The LP Blade-to-Blade flow field can be considered as a Laval nozzle model. And the high static pressure drop from the throat to the exit results in strong trailing edge (TE) shocks near the LP mid-span. Also, the suction side TE shock (ST) and the reflected shock of the pressure side TE shock (RPT) near the LP mid-span merge into a relatively strong shock very close to the TE. These two factors result in high shock losses. To reduce the shock losses under the design condition, decreasing the stagger angle and the blade exit angle near the LP mid-span are adopted to reduce the LP mid-span exit circulation. This changes the throat area to exit area ratio near the LP mid-span, prompting the actual static pressure drop from the throat to the exit to be reduced and closer to the theoretical value, so that the TE shock strength is reduced. Besides, the intersection of the RPT and the ST is delayed owing to the improved flow angle distributions near the TE, further contributing to the LP mid-span shock loss reduction. Since the LP power output is decreased and the LP tip-leakage flow (TLF) losses are far lower than the HP TLF losses, increasing the stagger angle and the blade exit angle in LP tip regions are employed to increase the LP exit circulation and decrease the HP exit circulation in tip regions. Then the HP and LP efficiency are both raised with unchanged HP and LP power output after optimizing the blade profiles near the mid-span and in tip regions of the LP rotor. The remarkable thing is that the TE shock strength in LP tip and root regions are both reduced after improved because of the decreased ratio of the exit area to the throat area. And the intersection of the RPT and the ST in LP tip and root regions are also both delayed, leading to reduced shock losses. The reduced TE shock losses along the whole LP span appreciably raise the LP and VCRT efficiency by 0.96% and 0.32% respectively.
Research on switching control based sliding mode coordination strategy of hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Zhao Qian , Rong Xiangwei , Shi Dehua
Published: April 2024

The transient mode transition from pure electric driving to hybrid driving in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) involves multiple stages, each characterized by different models and control objectives, demanding diverse levels of controller robustness and convergence performance. Addressing the complexities of multi-stage transitions in a parallel HEV, the paper proposes a dynamic coordination strategy based on the switched control system concept. Distinct sliding mode controllers (SMC) are designed for each transition stage, tailored to the specific characteristics of powertrain operation. At the engine starting and speed synchronization stages, the global integral sliding mode control (GISMC) is integrated with a novel anti-saturation reaching law to ensure the system resides in the sliding mode, enhancing global robustness. During the engine speed regulation stage, the nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) facilitates rapid engine speed tracking for reduced mode transition time. By combining GISMC for global robustness and NTSMC for accelerated convergence, the strategy is designed to enhance mode transition quality at different stages. Simulation results demonstrate a 7.3% reduction in mode transition time and a 60.7% decrease in jerk compared to the conventional SMC strategy. In hardware-in-the-loop tests, the proposed control strategy proves effective in improving mode transition quality.
The Power of Numeric Evidence in Science Communication
Authors: Peters Ellen , Bunquin Jon Benedik
Published: April 2024

Advantages and disadvantages exist for presenting numeric information in science communication. On the one hand, public innumeracy and experts’ concerns about providing numbers suggest not always showing them. On the other hand, people often prefer getting them, and their provision can increase comprehension, trust, and healthy behaviors while reducing risk overestimates and supporting decision-making autonomy. Presenting numeric facts without considering their comprehensibility and usability, however, is like throwing good money after bad. We summarize research concerning three theory-based strategies that improve the understanding and use of numbers by decreasing cognitive effort (e.g., doing the math for the audience), being consistent with principles of numeric cognition, and providing affective meaning.
Circular Economic System Under Political Economy Through Institutional Participation and Good Governance: In Search of Attainment of Dynamics of Macroeconomic Stability
Authors: Ali Muhammad Mahboob , Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: April 2024

The political economy plays an important role in good governance with institutionalisation and environmental scanning. This can assist in alleviating social injustice and reducing income inequality in an emerging economy, alongside an expanded formal sector and equitable growth. Macroeconomic stability can lead to favourable outcomes for the overall socio-economic landscape of a country, depending upon the effectiveness of a circular economy. Implementation of SDG-10 is vital for the social and financial inclusion of the people. This study examines whether the circular economy can contribute to achieving a substantial, planned and participatory democracy, thereby advancing institutional participation through good governance to attain macroeconomic stability. We found that contributory and participatory governance arrangements are essential for pro-people government and can be regarded as a criterion for effective participation. This can be facilitated through the circular economy to achieve macroeconomic stability dynamics in an emerging economy like Bangladesh.
Understanding Employee Openness to Organisational Change in a Healthcare Organisation: Stress, Turnover Intentions and  the Moderating Role of Psychological Ownership
Authors: Kayaalp Alper , Page Kyle J. , Carlson Tyler
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the relationship of employee openness to organisational change with job stress and turnover intentions and tested the moderating effect of psychological ownership in a healthcare context. Participants were employees from a large, non-profit, Midwestern US healthcare organisation that was in the process of a large-scale change initiative (i.e., merger). Our findings indicated that there is a negative relationship between employee openness to organisational change and job stress and turnover intentions. Results also revealed that employees with a higher level of psychological ownership and openness to change tended to experience less job stress. Psychological ownership has not been examined as a moderator in organisational change contexts despite its obvious relevance. Our findings indicate that employee openness to organisational change and psychological ownership are two individual-level attitudes critical to improving crucial individual and organisational outcomes in the change process.
Aqueous Extract of Pinellia ternata Breitenbach Tuber Ameliorates Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis-Induced Cognitive Deficit in Mice by Suppressing the Activation of Astrocytes
Authors: Kim Kyong-Lim , Lim Chiyeon , Lim Sehyun , Cho Suin , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: April 2024

Background

The proportion of dementia patients in Asian countries is rapidly increasing, and because vascular dementia is more common than in the West, it is recognized as important as Alzheimer’s disease.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of Pinellia ternata Breitenbach tuber aqueous extract (PTex) in improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation in brain damage resulting from bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS).

Materials and Methods

Four groups of five C57BL/6 male mice each were randomly assigned (a sham group, a BCAS surgery group, and two experimental groups that received PTex concentrations of 25 and 50 mL/kg, respectively). Measuring behavioral learning and memory, the two concentrations of the extract were given orally three times a week for six weeks following BCAS surgery. Furthermore, the inflammatory response in the cerebral cortex was observed, and RNA sequencing analysis was carried out.

Results

The novel object recognition test revealed that the PTex-50-treated group had improved cognitive function, and the anti-inflammatory effect was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of brain tissue. Proteins such as Apob, Shh, Dscc1, Cdc45, and Cdc6 were identified through protein-protein interaction network analysis as having a beneficial effect on BCAS-induced cognitive deficit.

Conclusion

Results show that PTex-50 was found to have a beneficial effect on BCAS-induced cognitive deficit.
Out-Of-State Donors and Legislative Surrogacy in the U.S. Senate
Authors: Keena Alex
Published: April 2024

Studies show that the extraordinary growth in campaign expenditures is fueled by a small, elite subset of the donor population that gives generously to candidates across the country. It is often assumed that the wealthy influence policy outcomes through such gifts to politicians; however, the representational benefits of giving to politicians out-of-state are unclear. What do donors gain legislatively when they give to legislators living out-of-state? I study the campaign financing of US senators over three decades (1989–2018) and find that senators receive the most money from out-of-state donors when they face reelection and risk losing. In this context, donors invest in the collective benefits of party representation when they give money to out-of-state senators. However, when giving to senators “off cycle,” out-of-state donors behave as “consumers” who reward senators for the positions they have taken. Each bill sponsored by a senator when they are not up for reelection leads to a corresponding increase of about 1% in receipts from out-of-state donors. These results offer a more complete view of the legislative surrogacy that the wealthy receive when they give to politicians out-of-state and suggest possible links between campaign contributions and public policy outcomes.
Approaching Children’s Drawings Methodologically as Repositories of Events: The Sinking of the “Lusitania” and Other Drawings From 1915
Authors: Bering Kunibert
Published: April 2024

Many 20th-century children’s drawings saved in archives document both peaceful childhoods and scenes of war. These images convey aspects of these youth’s socialization, identity-finding, and educational processes. They also become repositories of events and contribute to the future of humankind. With the exemplary analysis of a depiction of the sinking of the “Lusitania,” the article tries to make these drawings accessible as historical documents. Methodologically, the question of which images from their surroundings inspired the young people is of particular importance, for example, newspaper reports, contemporary postcards, and toys. In this way, the process of finding an image is reconstructed. The focus is on the question of the visual context, constructed through images available in the living environment of the time.
Legal Decision-Making in an Adult Rape Case Involving DNA Evidence
Authors: Mecikalski Alexa A. , Golding Jonathan M. , Burke Kelly C. , Neuschatz Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2024

This study investigated how jurors use deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence in an adult rape trial with a female victim and a male stranger defendant. Community members read a trial summary and then made case judgments (e.g., verdict). Results showed: (a) DNA evidence led to more pro-victim judgments (e.g., more guilty verdicts) than those who did not receive DNA evidence; (b) women were more pro-victim than men; (c) pro-victim judgments indirectly affected the presence of DNA evidence and verdict; and (d) the reason for a guilty verdict when DNA evidence was present typically noted a focus on the victim and DNA evidence.
Paracentral acute middle maculopathy and cotton wool spots in a patient with ocular migraine: A case report
Authors: Hall MacGregor N , Maleki Arash
Published: April 2024

In this study, we report paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and cotton wool spots (CWS) in a patient with ocular migraine. A 74-year-old man presented with persistent paracentral scotoma in the right eye that began a week prior. His visual acuity was 20/25 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left. Dilated fundoscopy revealed CWS in the right eye. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed hyper-reflective bands in the inner nuclear layer corresponding to parafoveal lesions seen on near-infrared imaging in the right eye consistent with the diagnosis of PAMM. Further laboratory studies were unremarkable, and a transthoracic echocardiogram and a carotid ultrasound were unrevealing. The patient was started on brimonidine three times daily in both eyes. The patient reported subjective improvement in the paracentral scotoma and the absence of ocular migraine symptoms at two-month follow-up. We conclude from this case that PAMM and CWS can occur simultaneously in ocular migraine, and we suggest that retinal vascular changes associated with ocular migraine may contribute to ischemia underlying both entities. Additionally, we suggest a potential therapy in brimonidine due to its proposed beneficial effects on retinal vasculature and neuroprotection.
Tongue patch angioplasty for small-caliber vein segments directly connected to juxta-anastomotic stenosis
Authors: Bae Miju , Kim Jongwon
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a surgical method to increase the size of small vessels in patients with juxta-anastomosis stenosis (JAS) requiring full-length dissection. The small-caliber segment that is adjacent to JAS is usually expanded using balloon angioplasty or surgically resected. After resection, if the cannulation site is sufficient, only the arterial anastomosis is moved proximally; otherwise, it is replaced with a prosthetic graft. Herein, we describe the cases of two 60- and 34-year-old men with left brachio-basilar and left radiocephalic fistulas, respectively. The first and second patients needed transposition and superficialization, respectively, both of which required full-length vessel dissection. Both patients developed JAS with a long, small-caliber segment, leaving no space for arterial needle cannulation. A tongue patch with a graft on the bottom and a native vein on the top was used to resolve the JAS and make the native vein the needle cannulation site. In our cases, this method was effective for more than 2 years without adverse events in the particular surgical area. Although this method had a complicated indication, it could help ensure a sufficiently long area of the native vein for cannulation.
Indigenous knowledge and creativities online: TikTok as a relational tool within the Indigenous art process
Authors: Barnes Dylan
Published: April 2024

This article explores the potential of TikTok videos as a method of relational engagement for Indigenous artists. The concept of relationality is the foundation of Indigenous artistic practices, through which Indigenous art is representative of an ongoing process of knowledge sharing and connection rather than a final product. Within this process, art is given meaning through the extensive relationships that inform its stories and symbolism such as the artist’s connections, ancestral knowledges, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. The ways that Indigenous artists share their art on platforms such as TikTok play a key role in the Indigenous art process. Using data produced through content analysis of three TikTok videos, this article highlights the various ways that Indigenous artists use TikTok videos and its functions as a means of sharing knowledge, locating their identities, and maintaining extensive relationalities with themselves, community, Country, and ancestors.