bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smartphone-assisted Language Training (SaLT) in Aphasia: Insights from the design and development of a multilingual smartphone application
Authors: Shenoy Rajath , Nickels Lyndsey , Krishnan Gopee
Published: November 2024

Background

Technology-based aphasia rehabilitation has witnessed steep growth over the past decades with the availability of several commercial apps. While such apps facilitate the intensity of rehabilitation, certain limitations including low multi-language capabilities and/or task-customization (for client-specific needs) result in lower uptake in multilingual countries like India.

Aim

We describe the development and pilot-testing of the Smartphone- assisted Language Training (SaLT) app – a new application for both mono- and multilingual people with aphasia that facilitates cross-lingual and cross-national sharing of intervention resources.

Methods

SaLT is a novel, clinician-prescribed, android-based therapy application for mono- and multilingual people with aphasia (SaLT-Home). It can be personalized and customized for individual clients through the clinician-operated web application (SaLT-SLP). Further, it permits asynchronous remote monitoring of therapy progress and sharing of therapy resources with other clinicians across the globe. We present details of the development and structure of the app. We also present pilot testing with four multilingual people with aphasia who undertook clinician-delivered therapy and SaLT-based home therapy. The clinician uploaded personalized tasks and training materials for practice into the SaLT app. Participants with aphasia and their caregivers were asked to practice tasks at home. The focus of this study was not on effectiveness but rather on usage and feasibility. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data regarding the use of the app. After the intervention, participants rated the user experience using the User Mobile Rating Scale.

Outcomes & Results

Three of the four participants with aphasia across two different languages were motivated to practice and used SaLT-Home. These participants were generally positive about the app. They provided useful insights regarding training in the use of app-delivered therapy, the transition to independent use of such apps and need for support during practice.

Conclusions

The SaLT application, with its customization and multi-language capabilities, hopes to redefine technology-based intervention in aphasia. Further, it provides the scope for collating and sharing therapy resources by clinicians around the world which could foster the rehabilitation of aphasia, globally. The data from pilot testing also provide insights into the prescription and use of mobile-based home therapy applications which is of general applicability to app-based therapy. The results of this study suggest that future exploration of the use of SaLT is warranted in experimentally controlled treatment studies.
Examining the Prevalence of Hegemonic Masculine Traits (HTMs) in Alcohol Video Advertisements: A Content Analysis of Ghanaian Manufactured Beer and Bitters
Authors: Bonsu-Owu Henry Kojo , Roca David
Published: November 2024

Drawing on the Hegemonic Masculinity Theory, a culturally idealized form of masculinity that legitimizes men’s dominant position over women and other marginalized men, this quantitative content analysis investigates the prevalence of hegemonic masculine traits (HMTs) in 182 Ghanaian-manufactured beer and bitters video ads sourced from YouTube and Facebook. It also investigates the association between the HMTs and the type of alcohol. Findings reveal that bonding, dominance, sexuality, successfulness, and aggressiveness are common HMTs in alcohol advertisements. Significant associations exist between bonding and aggressiveness with beer and sexuality with bitters. The study sheds light on how these ads reinforce gender norms and male dominance, especially over women. Implications include ethical concerns for advertisers, regulatory considerations, and insights for businesses entering the Ghanaian alcohol market. Limitations involve the study’s focus on video ads and call for future research on consumer perceptions and behaviors.
Relationship Between the Relative Length of the Second Metatarsal and Occurrence of Metatarsalgia in Patients With Hallux Valgus
Authors: Togei Kosho , Shima Hiroaki , Hirai Yoshihiro , Tanaka Ken , Kumano Hozumi , Yasuda Toshito , Neo Masashi
Published: November 2024

Background:

Patients with hallux valgus (HV) may develop metatarsalgia, which is partly attributed to second metatarsal relative length (RL2M). However, no study has analyzed RL2Ms measured by various methods as predictors for metatarsalgia in HV patients. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for metatarsalgia in HV patients and calculate the cutoff values for metatarsalgia in preoperative planning for lesser metatarsal shortening osteotomy.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 103 female patients (131 feet) with HV were investigated for metatarsalgia (metatarsalgia-positive [MP] group: 55 feet; metatarsalgia-negative [MN] group: 76 feet). The HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMAs) (1/2 and 1/5), lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, first metatarsal–medial cuneiform angle, and first metatarsal lift (LIFT) were measured using weightbearing radiographs. RL2Ms were assessed using the 4 methods described by Morton and Nilsonne (method A), Coughlin (method B), Hardy and Clapham (method C), and Kumano (method D). RL2M (method D) was calculated as the ratio of this distance to the second metatarsal length. These measurements were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of developing metatarsalgia. The cutoff values were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results:

HVA, IMAs (1/2 and 1/5), LIFT, and RL2M (method D) were significantly higher in the MP group than in the MN group. In the multivariate analysis, HVA and RL2M (method D) were independent predictors for metatarsalgia. The cutoff values for HVA and the value and ratio of RL2M (method D) were 37.0 degrees, 13.1 mm, and 18.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:

HVA and RL2M measured by method D were independently associated with the occurrence of metatarsalgia in HV patients.
Recognition and location of rotor–stator rub-impact failure of aircraft engine with periodicity feature of vibration signals
Authors: Yu Mingyue , Wang Pengda , Ge Xiangdong , Meng Fanzheng
Published: November 2024

To precisely recognize and locate a rub-impact fault of aircraft engine, an approach combining Hilbert envelope (HE), adaptive motion window (AMW), and margin factor (MF) (HE-AMW-MF) was presented. HE can reflect the change rule and tendency of vibration signals and simplify the complexity of calculation of fault diagnosis. Therefore, the paper starts with the calculation of HE of signal and takes it in place of original signal for subsequent analysis. As vibration signal caused by rub-impact fault is often accompanied by periodic impact, the paper takes advantage of the characteristic of periodic impact (collision period instead of rotation period) to adaptively determine a length and step size of motion window and exactly distills the rub-impact fault characteristics of each period. Due to the sensitivity of margin factor (MF) to the trait of wearing and impact, it is brought in to represent the fault feature information contained in signal in each motion window. Equally, mean value of all MFs is calculated and built into feature vector to reduce an interference of noise. Finally, the feature vector is combined with classification algorithms (k-nearest neighbor, KNN; support vector machine, SVM; convolutional neural network, CNN) to recognize a rub-impact fault and its location. After comparative analysis with typical method, the result indicates that the proposed HE-AMW-MF method can identify and locate the rub-impact fault more precisely, and the precision is 32.0% and 36.2%, 22.5% higher than typical comparison method.
Do Taxes and Transfers Stimulate Development in Latin America?
Authors: Claveria Oscar
Published: November 2024

This study examines the relationship between fiscal redistribution and human development in 12 Latin American countries over the period 2000–2021. Aiming to evaluate this relationship across the distribution, quantile regression is performed. The results suggest that greater redistribution is associated with higher development, although this relationship's strength decreases during the second half of the distribution. The analysis of taxes’ and government transfers’ redistributive effect is extended to the different dimensions of development—health, education and economy—and obtains significant coefficients at both the beginning and the end of the distribution. Several robustness analyses evaluate the results’ consistency for different specifications and sub-periods. When controlling for socio-economic factors, the intensity of the positive link between redistribution and development decreases. Education is the most affected by redistribution increases. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, a positive association between redistribution and development is obtained for both the pre-pandemic period and the following years.
The underwater acoustic scattering characteristics of cylindrical shells: Effect of a coating made of micro floating raft arrays
Authors: Cui Jin , Zhao Dan , Dong Liqiang , Wu Qiong , Shu Xin , Liu Shaogang
Published: November 2024

Coatings play a crucial role in the speed and stealth performance of underwater vehicles. While the cylindrical shell as an important component of the hull, studying acoustic scattering characteristics of the shell with coatings is an indispensable work. A novel anechoic coating is designed by introducing the floating raft mechanism to reduce the acoustic scattering of underwater vehicles. This paper comprehensively investigates the acoustic scattering characteristic of the cylindrical shell using the finite element method coupled with the boundary element method (FEM + BEM), particularly exploring the effect of the coating made of micro floating raft arrays. The results indicate that the coating can effectively absorb the detection sound waves and reduce the characteristic peaks of target echoes, due to the dissipation of acoustic energy by the coating element. Moreover, the acoustic scattering and the surface displacement of the cylindrical shell exhibit obvious attenuation. From the perspective of the stealth effect, the coating can reduce the mean target strength by an average of 7.17 dB (56% reduction in active sonar detection distance) in the case of monostatic detection. Even for the multistatic detection which can jointly receive the target echo, the coating still reduces the detection distance by 28%. Notably, the coating performs a better acoustic stealth effect than a homogenous layer, but its mass is only about half that of the homogenous one. In general, the coating can effectively reduce the acoustic scattering of the cylindrical shell and is of great significance for the lightweight design of anechoic coatings.
Investigating the Presence and Levels of Some Selected Chemical Parameters in Borehole Water of Ga-Matlala in Limpopo Province, South Africa: Determining the Potential Risks
Authors: Mabe C.J. , Molefe D.M. , Gololo S.S.
Published: November 2024

The safety of borehole water is highly questionable, yet most people in the African continent still depend on borehole water as the primary source for everyday use. To investigate the potential health risk of borehole water on the community, this study analyzed the presence and levels of various chemical parameters in borehole water of Ga-Matlala area in Limpopo province, South Africa. Twenty-four water samples were collected from selected eight villages of ga-Matlala during both the dry and rainy seasons. Techniques such as UV/vis spectrophotometric method, EDTA titrimetric method, Cl- argentometric method and FAAS were used to determine fluoride, nitrate, hardness, calcium, chloride ion and magnesium. In the rainy season, hardness ranged from 146.10 to 1136.49 mg/L, calcium ranged between 252.54 to 448.2 mg/L. In the dry season, hardness ranged between 157.69 to 1003.80 mg/L, calcium concentration ranged between 183.43 and 385.37 mg/L. The recommended limits set by regulatory authorities were exceeded in both seasons. Fewer samples recorded chloride concentration ⩾ 100 mg/L in both seasons. Magnesium concentrations were between 0.72 and 1.35 mg/L in both seasons. Fluoride concentration exceeded the maximum permissible level by regulatory bodies in most samples. In the rainy season, the lowest concentration was 1.94 mg/L, and a maximum was 3.22 mg/L. The nitrate concentration in both seasons was around 0.3 mg/L. Magnesium concentrations were within the acceptable levels. The elevated levels of chemicals in borehole may lead to dental fluorosis, risk of kidney stones and cancer in human beings. It is therefore recommended that risk awareness action should be undertaken, and treatment interventions should be considered.
Meaningful physical education: Towards an embodied pedagogy
Authors: Volshøj Esben Stilund , Aggerholm Kenneth , Beni Stephanie , Madsen Kasper Lasthein
Published: November 2024

International research on students’ meaningful experiences in physical education (PE) has led to the proposal of the Meaningful PE approach, aiming to guide pedagogical principles to support students’ meaningful experiences in PE. The approach currently includes democratic and reflective pedagogical principles. With this paper, we aim to contribute to the Meaningful PE approach by emphasizing the need to address a third pedagogical principle that attends to pre-reflective bodily dimensions of students’ meaningful experiences in PE. The democratic and reflective pedagogical principles are based on a reflective interpretation of the significance an experience holds. While this approach is highly valuable, the retrospective nature of these principles may unintentionally overlook significant pre-reflective bodily dimensions of experience. Drawing on a phenomenological concept of embodiment, we use key structures of our pre-reflective bodily engagement with the world to analyse features that young people describe as significantly contributing to their meaningful experiences in PE and youth sport: social interaction, challenge, motor competence, fun, and personally relevant learning. Our analysis reveals that pre-reflective bodily meaningful experiences emerge as something in-between the subject and the world. These experiences can be affected by others in body-to-body encounters and contain a dimension of negativity related to the pre-reflective, relational, and active–passive structure of our lived experience. Based on our analysis, we propose that teaching to support meaningful experiences in PE must address the dialectical interplay between reflective and pre-reflective dimensions. Therefore, we advocate for adding an embodied pedagogical principle to the Meaningful PE approach alongside the reflective and democratic principles.
Science and sanity: A social epistemology of misinformation, disinformation, and the limits of knowledge
Authors: Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: November 2024

Recent challenges to scientific authority in relation to the COVID pandemic, climate change, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories raise questions about the nature of knowledge and conviction. This article considers problems of social epistemology that are central to current predicaments about popular or public knowledge and the status of science. From the perspective of social epistemology, knowing and believing are not simply individual cognitive processes but based on participation in social systems, networks, and niches. As such, knowledge and conviction can be understood in terms of the dynamics of epistemic communities, which create specific forms of authority, norms, and practices that include styles of reasoning, habits of thought and modes of legitimation. Efforts to understand the dynamics of delusion and pathological conviction have something useful to teach us about our vulnerability as knowers and believers. However, this individual psychological account needs to be supplemented with a broader social view of the politics of knowledge that can inform efforts to create a healthy information ecology and strengthen the civil institutions that allow us to ground our action in well-informed picture of the world oriented toward mutual recognition, respect, diversity, and coexistence.
Distort, post, repeat: Laundering antisemitism on “cliquey networks” during COVID-19
Authors: Garlin Politis Fernando , Roy Mélissa , Ward Jeremy K. , Atlani-Duault Laëtitia
Published: November 2024

Today, in the age of the internet, during recent epidemics such as H1N1, Ebola and Covid-19, it is striking to see how old accusatory scripts are circulated and perpetuated via social media, which serve as new channels for discrimination and blame directed at traditional figures who have been scapegoated at different moments in the history of European epidemics. The article shows how the laundering of information into a cliquey network takes empirical shape during a health crisis. We do so by focusing on VKontakte, a Russian social network similar to Facebook and the 15th largest website in the world in terms of traffic. Using an ethnographic approach to social media, we show how borderline information from an open and easily accessible website is reappropriated, made explicit, and transformed into legally prohibited hate content. It also documents the ability of conspiracy theorists to use the full range of discourse production channels in a country-in this case France-that has very strict laws on hate speech, including that published on social networks. These laws are circumvented by anti-Semitic communities that spread false information in marginal, open and legal networks, thus avoiding legal proceedings.
Limited input: Circumstances and consequences
Authors: Backus Ad , Halmari Helena
Published: November 2024

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this introductory chapter to Effects of Limited Input, a Special Issue of the International Journal of Bilingualism, is to give a brief overview of how the topic of limited linguistic input is situated within the study of bilingualism and language contact. The seven chapters—which present samples of the varied circumstances in which bilinguals acquire, use, maintain, and sometimes suppress areas of their languages—are introduced.

Research Questions:

The authors of this collection address the following kinds of questions: What are the circumstances—and consequences—of limited linguistic input? What kinds of changes are likely or unlikely to happen when the amount of input is low and stylistically reduced? How meager can the input be for some degree of functional bilingualism to still develop?

Design/Methodology:

The methods used in the seven articles in this collection vary; they include case studies, observations, speech-rate measurements, oral narration tasks, comparisons of production vs. comprehension, and longitudinal approaches.

Data and Analysis:

The studies in this collection draw from a wide variety of data sets, including bilingual corpora and naturally occurring or elicited speech. The data come from children, youth, and adults, from various languages and language contact settings, and from populations with varying degrees of bilingualism.

Findings/Conclusions:

We argue that limited input is not restricted to bilingual situations alone; it relates also to the mastering of monolingual registers. The key argument of this introductory chapter is that limited input is the rule, not the exception, as it is very rare to find a language contact situation wherein all contact varieties are equally represented in the input that speakers receive. Therefore, we argue against the theoretical notion of “balanced bilingualism” as a realistic outcome of bilingualism and claim that variations in the circumstances of language exposure will naturally lead to different consequences and configurations in the outcomes of bilingual acquisition. One inevitable outcome is language change.

Originality:

All the articles in this collection are original, providing new angles to the complex topic of variation in speakers’ access to their languages in contact settings.

Significance:

The authors of this collection look at various aspects of language contact situations through the lens of limited input. This emphasis allows us to view bilingualism as a special case of monolingual register variation and reject the concept of “balanced bilingualism.”
Family caregivers’ needs for information on pediatric cystic fibrosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Cordeiro Samara Macedo , da Silva Helen Bras , Silva-Rodrigues Fernanda Machado
Published: November 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects not just patients but also their families, highlighting the need for a comprehensive care approach. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the informational needs of family caregivers of children with CF, focusing on how these needs can be addressed within a Patient and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) framework. The study was conducted at a public hospital in Brazil. Thirteen caregivers were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed using content analysis guided by PFCC principles. Analysis revealed three primary themes: Types of Information for Family Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with CF; sources of Information for Family caregivers of Children and Adolescents with CF; and Beyond Information: the need for emotional support and family-centered care in CF management. Caregivers sought comprehensive information about CF management from healthcare professionals and informal sources like social media. Our findings emphasize the diverse and evolving informational needs of family caregivers. Overall, this study underscores the necessity of incorporating PFCC principles, especially those addressing information sharing, in managing CF, extending beyond medical treatment to include emotional support and active family participation in care and decision-making processes.
Clinical and biological underpinnings of longitudinal atrophy pattern progression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ferraro Pilar M , Filippi Laura , Ponzano Marta , Signori Alessio , Orso Beatrice , Massa Federico , Arnaldi Dario , Caneva Stefano , Argenti Lucia , Losa Mattia , Lombardo Lorenzo , Mattioli Pietro , Costagli Mauro , Gualco Lorenzo , Pulze Martina , Plantone Domenico , Brugnolo Andrea , Girtler Nicola , Diociasi Andrea , Garbarino Sara , Villani Flavio , Sormani Maria Pia , Uccelli Antonio , Roccatagliata Luca , Pardini Matteo ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently enabled to identify four distinct Alzheimer's disease (AD) subtypes: hippocampal sparing (HpSp), typical AD (tAD), limbic predominant (Lp), and minimal atrophy (MinAtr). To date, however, the natural history of these subtypes, especially regarding the presence of subjects switching to other MRI patterns and their clinical and biological differences, remains poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate the clinical and biological underpinnings of longitudinal atrophy pattern progression in AD.

Methods

251 AD patients (16 with significant memory concern, 66 with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 125 with late MCI, and 44 with AD dementia) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database were assigned to their baseline MRI atrophy subtype using Freesurfer-derived cortical:hippocampal volumes ratio. Switching to other MRI patterns was investigated on longitudinal scans, and patients were accordingly classified as “ switching” and “ stable”. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of switching to other MRI patterns.

Results

40% of Lp, 26% of HpSp, and 35% of MinAtr cases switched to other MRI patterns, with tAD representing the destination subtype of all switching HpSp and Lp, and the majority of MinAtr. At baseline significant clinical, cognitive and biomarkers differences were observed across the four subtypes. Only clinical and cognitive variables, however, were significantly associated with switch to other MRI patterns.

Conclusions

Our results suggest convergent directions of disease progression across atypical and typical AD forms, at least in a subset of AD subjects, and highlight the importance of deep-phenotyping approaches to understand AD heterogeneity.
Projected health benefits of air pollution reductions in a Swedish population
Authors: Oudin Anna , Flanagan Erin , Forsberg Bertil
Published: November 2024

Background:

A large part of the Swedish population is exposed to higher levels of air pollution than the health-centered air quality guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Aim:

The aim of the study was to illustrate the potential health benefits of cleaner air in Sweden by conducting a comprehensive health impact assessment, using a population sample of 100,000 individuals representing the country’s demographics.

Methods:

Exposure-response functions for various health outcomes were derived from epidemiological literature, mainly from systematic reviews and low-exposure settings. Two hypothetical scenarios were studied: a 1 µg/m3 decrease in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and a reduction in PM2.5 or NO2 from average exposure corresponding to Sweden’s Clean Air objectives to WHO’s air quality guidelines.

Results:

The findings demonstrated that even a modest decrease in air pollution concentrations can yield significant health benefits. For example, reducing PM2.5 by 1 µg/m3 was projected to correspond to a 1% to 2% decrease in mortality, a 2% reduction in myocardial infarction cases, a 4% decrease in stroke incidence, a 2% decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a 1% decreases in lung cancer and type 2 diabetes annually. Moreover, this reduction is estimated to lower childhood asthma cases, incidences of hypertension during pregnancy, and premature births by 3%, 3% and 2%, respectively, each year.

Conclusions:

The results highlighted that even minor enhancements in air quality would lead to substantial improvements in public health.
Visualization analysis and optimization strategy of thermal landscape in retrofitted elderly care buildings: A case study in Shanghai
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Song Dexuan , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2024

Due to the increasing ageing population, numerous public buildings in major cities have been retrofitted into elderly care buildings. However, these retrofitted buildings often fail to meet the thermal needs of the elderly, particularly indoor thermal comfort. Unfortunately, existing measurement methods do not effectively capture the spatial and temporal distribution of the thermal environment. This study introduced a three-dimensional visualization method that combines measurements with spatial interpolation techniques to address these issues. A case study of a retrofitted nursing home in Shanghai, China, was considered, where four space interpolation methods provided by the Surfer software were used to establish visualization models of the indoor thermal landscape. The inverse distance to a power interpolation method was found to have the highest accuracy with an error of 0.27°C. Furthermore, the visualization model revealed temperature fluctuation exceeding 3°C in the activity space during the summer and identified energy waste. Consequently, thermal landscape optimization strategies were proposed, including an external shading system that can reduce cooling energy consumption by 26.8%. This study provides a visual tool for architects to accurately analyse indoor thermal environments’ distribution and variation trends whilst providing reliable data support for post-occupancy evaluation of indoor thermal environments in elderly care buildings.
Enhancing microstructural properties of copper-based composite castings through microwave-assisted reinforcement with MWCNT
Authors: Bashir Khalid , Kaushal Sarbjeet , Gupta Dheeraj , Jain Vivek
Published: November 2024

An emerging advancement in the field of metallic materials casting is the in-situ microwave casting of metallic materials. To achieve this, the microwave heating process is applied within the applicator cavity, working on the principles of hybrid microwave heating (MHH). This process involves melting the charge, pouring it into an in-situ container, and subsequently solidifying the melted charge. The electromagnetic and thermal properties of the charge influence the interactions between the microwave energy and the material, as well as the melting behavior induced by the microwaves. As for the solidification process, this is also controlled by a cooling condition within the applicator. The present study aims to outline an in-situ casting process for copper-based composite castings fabricated within a multimode cavity, utilizing 900 W at 2.45 GHz. The quality of the developed in-situ cast was assessed by analyzing its characteristics. A microstructural examination revealed that the composite castings exhibited a homogeneous and dense structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was conducted across the casting. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of major peaks of copper in the composite castings, along with the presence of oxide phases such as Cu64O. Also, the micro indentation hardness of the Cu + 1.5%MWCNT casts was found to be 1.23 times higher than that of microwave-processed pure copper.
Thermal and structural improvements of a motorcycle piston using a fully coupled thermo-mechanical FEM simulation
Authors: Toledo Valera Juan Diego , Zavos Anastasios , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to conduct thermo-mechanical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) to enhance the design of the piston in a single-cylinder, water-cooled motorcycle engine. The finite element model of the piston was developed to represent its thermo-mechanical behavior under combustion processes and transient heat transfer phenomena. Realistic engine boundary conditions were applied using the non-linear dynamic tool in Solidworks design software. Two different design configurations were investigated concerning the oil jets and the upper face of the piston pins. The results revealed lower piston temperatures by 12.2% as three oil jets targeted the upper region of the piston bosses. Additionally, an optimum radius fillet in the upper face of the piston holes showed potential for minimizing thermo-mechanical stresses. This finding suggests that optimizing the piston design can reduce developed thermo-mechanical stresses while addressing elevated temperatures.
Notes on plant companionship: from Rosa Luxemburg’s herbarium to Jumana Manna’s Foragers
Authors: Lisiak Agata
Published: November 2024

In this article, the author proposes thinking of Rosa Luxemburg’s herbarium as a manifestation of plant companionship, a term she uses to describe the practice of noticing plant life and acknowledging it for what it is, caring for and about it, protecting and defending it, and remaining humbly open to what we do not (yet) know about it. She traces an ecofeminist genealogy of plant companionship by gleaning connections between Luxemburg’s political ecology and the work of contemporary women artists who engage with the politics of human relationships with plants – Milena Bonilla, Marwa Arsanios and Jumana Manna – as well as John Berger’s writings and drawings that highlight the epistemic and ontological openness that is required of humans in life-affirming engagements with the nonhuman. Relationally thinking about struggles from different geographies and temporalities, the author believes, can draw together the two most pressing causes of our time – human liberation and earth liberation.
Who vs. what? Consistency of a politician’s brand in shaping voters’ preferences
Authors: Cwalina Wojciech , Drzewiecka Milena , Newman Todd P.
Published: November 2024

In this article we focus on the politician’s brand and how it develops in the voter’s mind. Specifically, we examine how priming a candidate’s image or issue traits influences how individuals update their beliefs about a candidate, and in what way the consistency of image traits and issue traits affects this evaluation. The results from a two-factor design (message: consistent vs. inconsistent) × (information order: image first vs. issue first) suggest that sequential dissemination of information about the candidate’s issue positions, followed by image information (consistent with the program or not) results in a more positive evaluation of the candidate.
Exploring Expatriate Teachers’ Contract Renewal in International Schools: A Case Study
Authors: Norris Kerry , Shriner Michael
Published: November 2024

Teacher turnover in international schools is high, and recruiting new teachers is a costly endeavor. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory case study was to examine the personal and professional experiences of expatriate international teachers at international schools to develop a deeper, more heuristic understanding of the international teaching experience, particularly how the experiences might affect their decision to remain at a school past their initial contract period. The conceptual framework used in this study was a model of multi-level cultural influences that impinge on an individual teacher in an international school. The purposive sample was 20 international school teachers who have taught in two or more countries outside of their home country. The data collection included a questionnaire answered by the 20 teachers, 10 of whom agreed to be interviewed. The in-depth, semi-structured interviews took place in Google Meet and were recorded and transcribed using Otter.ai software. Transcripts were member checked. Thematic analysis and triangulation were used to identify and support the findings. The findings revealed that international school teachers follow a progression of life goals when deciding which school to teach at. International school recruiters and administrators can use these findings to inform policy and practices to mitigate the challenges associated with high turnover and costly recruitment, like offering longer contracts and encouraging confidential feedback on administrators’ performance. More research surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion in international schools is required, as well as understanding how the pandemic affected international school teachers.
South Korean Provincial Government’s Introduction of the International Baccalaureate and Its Educational Effects on Middle School Students: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Lee Jieun , Ryu Youngchul
Published: November 2024

In South Korea, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) has been implemented in public education for several years. This article explores the IB MYP’s characteristics and educational effects by adopting the grounded theory research approach of Corbin and Strauss (1990, 2015). A total of 27 students from three public middle schools offering the IB MYP in one Korean city participated in interviews. Through the interviews, 151 concepts, 41 sub-categories, and 22 categories were identified. Compared to conventional Korean education, the IB MYP’s noticeable traits include student-centered classes, inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary subjects, writing-centered tests, and an emphasis on the IB learner profile. While these differences may initially pose difficulties for Korean students, they can lead to positive outcomes in the cognitive and affective domains, as well as in interpersonal relationships. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Korean provincial government should develop a long-term vision both nationally and internationally.
Fiber optic sensing technology in underground pipeline health monitoring: a comprehensive review
Authors: Wen Chengcheng , Hu Shaowei , Wang Juan , Fang Hongyuan , Xue Xiang
Published: November 2024

Pipelines play a critical role in transporting water, oil, and gas and are indispensable for urban development. However, monitoring underground pipelines is challenging due to the complex environment in which they are situated. Traditional sensors have limitations in all-round and real-time monitoring, while fiber optic sensors offer several advantages, including large coverage, high sensitivity, long sensing distance, and corrosion resistance. As such, fiber optic sensing technology (FOST) has emerged as a promising tool for underground pipeline monitoring. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of FOST, including its basic principles, classification, and research progress in underground pipeline monitoring. Specifically, this article focuses on the technology’s application in monitoring pipeline leakage, deformation, corrosion, and geological natural disasters. In addition, the article highlights the need for future research and development in FOST. For example, combining FOST with artificial intelligence can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of pipeline monitoring. Overall, this review article offers valuable insights into the potential of FOST for underground pipeline monitoring and provides essential guidance for future research in this field.
BSDF Data generation for daylight applications: A call for international standardization
Authors: Geisler-Moroder D , Lee ES , Apian-Bennewitz P , de Boer J , Bueno B , Deroisy B , Fang Y , Grobe LO , Hauer M , Hoffmann S , Jonsson JC , Maurer C , Plörer D , Subramaniam S , Tian Z , Wang T , Ward G , Weitlaner R , Wilson HR
Published: November 2024

Standardized methods for generating angle-dependent, bidirectional, solar-optical properties for complex fenestration systems do not exist, which means that energy and daylight evaluations in building performance simulations often suffer from major inaccuracies. This position paper provides an overview of state-of-the-art data-driven methods for characterizing light scattering properties of fenestration materials and blind systems (e.g. fabrics, metal slats, patterned glazing), validation via laboratory, simulation and field tests, and salient issues in support of standardization of such methods via the International Standardization Organization (ISO). The ISO standard is intended to provide the fundamental underpinnings for recently mandated daylight standards that rely on bidirectional scattering distribution function data for climate-based daylight modelling and building performance simulations.
Instructional strategies for nurturing critical thinking skills in non-formal secondary education in Tanzania
Authors: Michael Tulia Deo , Matete Rose Ephraim
Published: November 2024

In this study, we explored the contribution of instructional strategies in nurturing critical thinking skills in Non-Formal Secondary Education (NFSE) in Tanzania. It was carried out in the Dar es Salaam Region. A qualitative approach with phenomenology design was employed and it involved 44 learners and 8 teachers making a total of 52 participants. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), document analysis, and observations and were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that teachers in NFSE mostly employed the lecture method in teaching. Although problem-solving, questions and answers, group discussion, and oral presentation were viewed to contribute towards the inculcation of critical thinking, such methods were rarely employed by teachers. It was further found that teachers used questions and answers to enable learners to pass the National Examinations and most of the people who taught in NFSE did not attend teacher education that could help them possess the pedagogical knowledge and skills to nurture critical thinking in learners. The key argument in this study is that if NFSE is to inculcate critical thinking in learners, teachers need to use interactive instructional strategies. For this to take place, training programmes for teachers in pedagogical knowledge and skills are imperative.
From Daunting to Doable: Tools for Qualitative Evaluation of a Complex Public Health Intervention
Authors: Nicholas Celeste , Weathers Tess D. , Staten Lisa K.
Published: November 2024

To address complex problems like health disparities, public health interventions have become increasingly ‘‘complex’’—engaging multisector partners and communities at multiple ecological levels. Complex interventions are intentionally flexible, making them challenging to evaluate with predetermined measures. While innovative evaluation methods tailored to complex interventions have been developed, there is a need for practical guidance to enhance capacity within public health. This article describes the qualitative FIND (Frame, Identify, Narrow, Do) evaluation process for a complex, community-engaged health equity intervention. Illustrative examples and take-away tools are provided. The FIND process is sensitive to complexity, involving ongoing data collection that helps guide implementation. The evaluator is embedded within the project team, facilitating frequent, direct interaction between the evaluator and those whose roles position them to hear or see happenings with the on-the-ground implementation in real time. The FIND process includes (a) developing a flexible framework for determining relevant processes and outcomes, (b) identifying important project events, (c) narrowing in on the most impactful events, and (d) making decisions informed by data. Using the FIND process, the project team learned about significant project events that would have been missed without a complexity-sensitive approach. Having the evaluator embedded within the project team, rather than as an independent entity, was crucial for understanding and utilizing on-the-ground developments in an evolving intervention. There is a need for more practical guidance to build capacity for evaluating complex public health interventions, including strategies for communicating with stakeholders about approaches that diverge from traditional scientific norms.
A multilayer piezoelectric nanogenerator based on PVDF and BaTiO3 nanocomposite with enhanced performance induced by simultaneously electrospinning and electrospraying
Authors: Tajik HesarAmiri Maryam , Khattami Kermanshahi Pouya , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Yousefzadeh Maryam , Fakhri Parisa
Published: November 2024

Piezoelectric materials have garnered significant interest owing to width range of applications in sensing and energy harvesting by converting environmental mechanical energy to electricity. Improving the performance of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) is an important challenge to develop these devices. Herein, a novel method was used to enhance the piezoelectricity of the PENGs based on PVDF NFs (polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers) and BaTiO3 NPs (barium titanate nanoparticles) by simultaneously electrospinning of PVDF NFs and electrospraying of BaTiO3 NPs. Two set of nanogenerator devices were prepared which differ in piezoelectric layer arrangements and volume fraction of piezopolymer and piezoceramic parts. Results showed that, in case of simultaneously electrospinning and electrospraying (E/E), a significant increase in piezoelectric phase content and voltage output has been observed in comparison with the layer by layer arrangement. The improved piezoelctric performace may result from better dipole alignment facilitated by a more intense electric field during the simultaneously E/E process, along with heightened interactions between the two materials arising from enhanced contact in a multilayer configuration. Moreover, the optimum volume ratio of piezopolymer to piezoceramic to obtain the maximum output was 1.5 to 0.5. Therefore, simultaneously E/E effectively enhance the piezoelectric performance without having the common challenges in the electrospinning process of nanocomposites, as well as decreasing the total preparation time and simplifies the processing steps. Having such features, leads to hold great appeal of these nanogenerators for diverse applications.
Tracing Toxic Agency—Exploring the Open-Air Museums and Their Contaminated Vernacular Buildings
Authors: Hjemdahl Anne-Sofie , Planke Terje
Published: November 2024

In Norwegian museums, the built heritage is closely connected to a conservation history that involves the heavy use of toxic substances. This article explores the role of these toxic substances within the context of contemporary cultural heritage. Viewing cultural heritage as a network of relationships, the article raises the following questions: In this network of relations, what type of agency or affect do the toxins have? To what extent do we observe their impact on power dynamics, discussions about restoration principles, restoration solutions, and the understanding of heritage ontology? Through three contemporary case studies from Norwegian museums, we discover that toxins affect both formal and informal built heritage networks, shaping power dynamics. Additionally, museum staff’s practices are influenced by these toxins as they engage with and manage the built heritage in novel ways. Furthermore, the materiality of museum buildings themselves is subject to change due to these toxic substances.
Treatment Options for Coronal Plane Fractures of the Lunate in Kienböck Disease
Authors: Tagliero Lauren E. , Munaretto Nicholas , Lenartowicz Karina , Shin Alexander , Bishop Allen , Moran Steven L. , Kakar Sanjeev
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The treatment for Kienböck disease varies widely based on the status of the lunate. To date, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for patients with coronal plane fractures of the lunate, or Lichtman Stage IIIC. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether coronal plane fractures of the lunate in Kienböck disease healed after surgical intervention, and to determine the outcomes after surgical fixation of the lunate compared with treatment with salvage procedures.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 36 patients with Lichtman IIIC Kienböck disease was conducted. Patients were classified into lunate reconstruction (vascularized bone graft [VBG] or non-VBG) or salvage procedures (proximal row carpectomy [PRC] or limited fusion). Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, range of motion, grip strength, and Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) were analyzed. Radiographs and computed tomographic scans were reviewed for Lichtman stage, fracture location, union, modified carpal height ratio, Stahl index, and radioscaphoid angle.

Results:

Thirteen patients underwent lunate reconstruction, 13 underwent limited fusion, and 10 underwent PRC. The overall union rate was 45% after lunate reconstruction, with average time to union of 7 months. There were no differences in union rates between VBG and non-VBG. All 3 groups experienced improvement in their postoperative grip strength and MWS. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative to postoperative changes in clinical outcome measures between the 3 cohorts; however, when we compared lunate reconstruction with all patients who underwent salvage procedures (limited carpal fusion and PRC), we noted the latter had improved functional outcomes ( P = .019). Four patients (31%) in the reconstruction cohort and 2 patients (8%) in the limited carpal fusion group required reoperation at latest follow-up.

Conclusions:

Union rate of coronal plane fractures in Kienböck disease remains variable. While the proportion of patients requiring reoperation was higher in the reconstruction group, all groups of patients experienced improvement in their clinical outcomes, without a significant difference between cohorts.