bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A current study of psychological well-being in educational institutions: A systematic literature review
Authors: Mukhlis Hamid , Hariri Hasan , Riswandi Riswandi , Haenilah Een Yayah , Sunyono Sunyono , Maulina Dina , Fitriadi Fitriadi
Published: February 2024

The issue of psychological well-being in education has emerged as an increasingly critical topic in recent years. This is due to the significance of psychological well-being in enhancing the performance of e ducational institutions, encompassing students, teachers, and the process of formulating school policies. This study sought to discover recent research on psychological well-being from an academic perspective. A total of 27 research articles were successfully gathered and reviewed based on the established criteria. This article review was conducted utilizing two databases (SCOPUS and WoS) and the following keywords: "psychological well-being" combined with "AND" and other search terms such as "school", "teacher", and "student". This systematic review offers a synthesis of results that can serve as the initial step in developing constructs of psychological well-being in educational institutions, thus implying the importance of psychological well-being for teachers and students. The results of the analysis from this systematic literature review have been discussed and concluded in this study.
Language learning strategies research in English as foreign language contexts: A systematic literature review
Authors: Marenco Domínguez José Miguel , Marín Juanías José
Published: February 2024

The specific processes, techniques, and actions that learners take to facilitate their language learning have been widely explored under the concept of language learning strategies (LLS); however, more exploration is needed about recent investigations in this area, as calls for new theorization of strategies research have emerged. This systematic literature review aimed at exploring the prevailing research methodologies and educational settings appertaining to LLS in English as foreign language (EFL) contexts. The study analyzed 42 articles published from 2017 to 2023 in journals in the field of social sciences in the Scopus and ERIC databases. The findings show how non-intervention quantitative approaches are predominant in LLS research, occasionally accompanied by qualitative data collection methods. Accordingly, most research has favored descriptive and correlational designs, identifying the relationships between the use of strategies and variables such as language proficiency, demographic aspects, motivation, and self-regulation. Grounded on the revision of existing evidence, this article advises future strategy-based research to focus on primary and secondary levels of education, strategy instruction, cultural aspects, and qualitative research designs.
Shared voices from the classroom: Reflections on hybrid project-based learning in an academic writing course
Authors: Rochmahwati Pryla , Yuliasri Issy , Sukarno Sukarno , Pratama Hendi
Published: February 2024

Hybrid project-based learning effectively develops academic writing skills in preparation for a gradual return to face-to-face instruction after a two-year pandemic triggered by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since this hybrid project-based learning initiative is a pioneering effort, it is essential to reflect on the program's successes and identify areas for improvement. This case study aims to explore the lecturers' and students' reflections on using hybrid project-based learning in academic writing courses. In-depth interviews and end-of-semester reflection were utilized to obtain data. Thematic analysis was conducted using the qualitative data analysis (QDA) miner lite software for data reduction. the findings revealed three prominent themes that emerged in this lecturers’ reflections: i) integrating varied learning modalities; ii) fostering critical thinking and involvement; and iii) improving competencies, as they were also crucial to boosting professional development. Meanwhile, students portray hybrid project-based learning as challenging and rewarding and fosters a sense of value and acceptability among students. This research has transformative implications for curriculum development and instructional practices in higher education, especially academic writing.
Systematic literature review: DOGBL in enhancing EFL students’ motivation
Authors: Syifa Ari Muhammad , Musyahda Lilla , Segoh David
Published: February 2024

This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to investigate the potential of digital online game-based learning (DOGBL) to enhance motivation in English as a foreign language (EFL). Online gaming has grown in popularity among students, opening up the possibility of using games as powerful instructional resources. Academic achievement depends on motivation, and this study, led by self-determination theory (SDT), explored how external rules, like rewards and recognition, could increase motivation in EFL utilizing DOGBL. The study used the SLR method, examining databases and choosing articles based on predetermined criteria. The chosen publications were examined in-depth, and a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) diagram was employed for analysis. For results, DOGBL could enhance teaching EFL by providing flexible and interesting learning environments. Key elements in motivating in DOGBL included game design, personalization, social engagement, curricular integration, and instructor assistance. As a promising method to improve EFL instruction, game-based learning, especially DOGBL, saw considerable developments between 2018 and 2023. Thus, these ground-breaking techniques transformed the way people learn English vocabulary and provided a fun and engaging way to learn the language. For educators and students, the potential for DOGBL to change EFL education is still exciting as technology develops.
The effectiveness of case method in developing intrapreneurship among business students
Authors: Tambunan Khairuddin Ependi , Hasibuan Ali Fikri , Prayogo Rangga Restu , Dongoran Faisal Rahman , Syah Dedy Husrizal , Sagala Gaffar Hafiz
Published: February 2024

Intrapreneurship skill has considered as the alternative learning outcomes of entrepreneurship education. However, entrepreneurship teachers need a complex learning program to develop intrapreneurship among business students. At the same time, The Ministry of Education and Culture of The Republic of Indonesia recommends university teachers implement case methods to deliver complex learning environments and build critical skills among students.  Therefore, this study aims to i) examine the effect of micro small medium enterprise (MSME) cases on the intrapreneurship of business students, ii) investigate the influence of MSME cases on flow experience in entrepreneurship education and iii) investigate the effect of flow experience during entrepreneurship education on intrapreneurship skill.  We used field experiments on entrepreneurship and digital business student in business development courses.  The result indicates that the case method effectively developed student intrapreneurship skill and flow experience during the course positively impacting student intrapreneurship skill.
Readiness of Indonesian pre-service science teachers for society 5.0
Authors: Irwandani Irwandani , Suyatna Agus , Haenilah Een Yayah , Maulina Dina
Published: February 2024

This research aimed to assess the readiness of Indonesian pre-service science teachers by examining their perceptions of impending challenges, desired competencies, and anticipated instructional methodologies in preparing for the challenges of Society 5.0. Using a quantitative survey research methodology, 884 pre-service science teachers from 16 universities were surveyed. The research instrument's validity and reliability were assessed utilizing the Rasch model. Inferential statistics were employed to assess the readiness of pre-service science teachers for future challenges, taking into account their backgrounds. The test outcomes showed the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient reached 0.92, is deemed "excellent", affirming the instrument's high reliability. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of teachers share a consistent perception of future challenges and recognize the importance of mastering 21st-century skills, particularly critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, and collaboration. However, respondents believe that the current learning process does not adequately train these skills. They expressed a desire for an alternative learning method that can enhance their skills while accommodating their diverse backgrounds, including place of residence, economic background, and technological proficiency. Further research is needed to identify alternative teaching methods that can effectively foster these abilities in diverse backgrounds.
Imaging welcome culture: Visual border politics and Holocaust postmemory during Germany’s long summer of migration
Authors: Holderied Laura
Published: February 2024

This article contributes to debates on visuality in international politics by focusing on how images come to matter in the context of migration and border politics. It examines how political actors mobilized photographic images during Germany’s so-called “refugee crisis” 2015 and how the mobilization of images influenced bordering practices. The article suggests understanding visual (border) politics as situated processes of meaning-making. Whether images can be mobilized to legitimate policies depends on a number of contextual factors, such as previous policies, the wider public and policy discourse, collective visual memories, and viewing habits. Developing a multimodal analytical framework and applying it to the case of Germany, I argue that visual memories of the Holocaust centrally affected how images of the “refugee crisis” were discussed in policy discourses and became politically performative. As the analysis illustrates, the iconic image of “Alan Kurdi” was not the key visual motif in Germany, but political actors primarily referred to images of welcome culture, train stations, and the “Balkan Route” when legitimating appropriate policy responses. The article concludes by arguing that this humanitarian framing and focus on German “welcome culture” contributed to create conditions of possibility for restrictive policies in the aftermath of the “refugee crisis.”
Functional recovery in older adults with schizophrenia: A national interRAI study
Authors: Barak Yoram , Sajjadi S. Fatemeh , Hobbs Linda , Patterson Tess
Published: February 2024

Background:

The concept of recovery for people with schizophrenia (PwS) is still a matter of debate. Growing numbers of PwS living to older age calls for examination of their disease trajectories with a focus on recovery.

Aim:

To compare two groups of PwS (good wellbeing; poor wellbeing) on several psychosocial variables associated with social wellbeing to identify interventions that support functional recovery.

Method:

Data was drawn from participants from across New Zealand (NZ), who had received a formal diagnosis of Schizophrenia; were living independently in the community, and who had undergone their first International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) assessment from 2012 to 2022. We compared two groups of PwS (good social wellbeing; poor social wellbeing) examining associations with demographic and psychosocial variables.

Results:

We compared interRAI assessments for: ‘poor psychosocial wellbeing’ ( n = 1,378; 67%; 56% female; 70.5% 65 years and over; 36.1% never married); and ‘good psychosocial wellbeing’ ( n = 693; 33%; 61.1% female; 78.1% 65 years and over; 29.8% never married; n = 549 did not have sufficient social wellbeing data to be included). We found significant associations between social wellbeing and depression, disruptive behaviour, decision making, self-expression, understanding verbal information, activity level, self-reported health and medication adherence. Logistical regression showed depression (β = .84, p < .001, Wald = 51.01, Exp( B) = 2.31) and mild disruptive behaviour (β = .63, p = .002, Wald = 9.26, Exp( B) = 0.53) were the only predictors of poor social wellbeing. Those who reported some degree of depressive symptoms were 2.31 (CI [1.84, 2.91]) more likely to be in the poor social wellbeing group.

Conclusions:

A significant minority (33.5%) of older PwS enjoy positive social wellbeing. Several psychosocial variables are associated with wellbeing. By addressing the comorbidity of depressive symptoms, we may be able to improve wellbeing for older PwS.
Reflections on Chiefs as Ex Officio Members of the Land Boards, Botswana
Authors: Manatsha Boga Thura
Published: February 2024

The government of Botswana enacted the Tribal Land Act in 1968, which created statutory land boards in 1970. They replaced dikgosi (chiefs) from the administration of tribal land. However, from 1970 to 1984, dikgosi wielded considerable power in these five to six member boards then, as the only ex officio members. They had the legal authority to appoint one member, of their choice, to the land board. In most instances, the kgosi (chief), or his appointee, became the board’s chair and influenced its decisions. The Tribal Land (Amendment of Schedule) Order of 1984 introduced a major change by removing dikgosi’s powers to appoint anyone to the land board. It introduced the democratic elections of members of the land boards by communities. However, this has since been discontinued also in favour of the controversial ‘direct’ appointment by the Minister. Dikgosi remain ceremonial ex officio members of the land boards, with no voting rights, a situation they strongly abhor. This article critically analyses the status and role of dikgosi as ex officio members of the land boards within the framework of the Tribal Land Act since 1968. It also draws from other relevant legislations, secondary sources, and the views of some former land board members.
Context of Male Single Parenting in Nigeria
Authors: Àkànle Ọláyínká , Ogundele Fikayomi
Published: February 2024

Most studies have documented experiences of single parents focusing more predominantly on realities of females. This is especially so in studies on Africa where single parenting has been commonly narrated as core cluster of patriarchy and feminization of gender oppression. In this article, the authors contribute to knowledge by examining single parenting from experiences of men – male single parents in patriarchal context of Africa thereby nuancing essentialist explanations of single parenting that have reified traditional patriarchy as mainstreaming single parenting into existences of a particular gender. This empirical article explores male single parenting through 30 in-depth interviews triangulated with autoethnography leveraging over 10 years of the authors’ primary insights, contextual lived experiences and observation. Issues examined include: worldviews about male single parents, consequences of male single parenting, companionship deficits occasioned by male single parenting, support systems and perceived benefits of male single parenting in context. Findings show many male single parents do not get formal supports, like from government agencies and non-governmental organizations, but they get informal supports from their kinship and social networks like families, friends and neighbours. Sense of maleness – sense of wanting to show being a strong man – do not make many male single parents seek supports from people as they do not want to be seen as weak if they seek supports. While some single fathers enjoy emotional supports from networks, they suffer serious financial pressures and insufficiency as they are not able to get financial assistance from anyone or organization. This is very important against the background of poor economic system in which male single parents live.
Windcatchers as a Green Ventilation Device: A Lost Tale From Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Nazir Humaira , Abro Shazia , Iqbal Asifa
Published: February 2024

The rapid urbanization process is majorly associated with extreme climate change and many other urban issues that pose new challenges in terms of urban resilience. Bold climate action is one of the main principles addressed by UN-Habitat in Sustainable Development. This problem demands an immediate reduction in carbon footprints. One way of doing this is to revive the traditional climate-controlling techniques/natural ventilation methods in architecture. Windcatchers have been used as a passive technique for ventilation for many centuries. The windcatchers of Hyderabad (Mangh/Hawadani/Badgeers/Malqaf) were a dominant identity of vernacular architecture. This article aims to understand the traditional methods of dealing with climate-controlling techniques in architecture by (1) studying windcatchers in both vernacular and modern buildings in the context of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan by (2) understanding the user’s perspective about windcatchers. A comparison of four buildings in Hyderabad, Pakistan, was performed. The findings of this study show that old Windcatchers in Hyderabad are in dilapidated condition and are found insignificant because they are not fulfilling the current needs of the users looking for modernized solutions. However, newly built windcatchers are well appreciated by users because of their well-functioning mechanism in relation to the local climate and current living requirements. The performance study of windcatchers conducted in this research represents an initial step towards developing a more extensive guide for utilizing windcatchers in passive cooling systems for buildings located in hot regions.
Enhanced damage tolerance and fracture toughness of lightweight carbon-Kevlar fiber hybrid laminate
Authors: Wagih Ahmed , Junaedi Harri , Mahmoud Hassan A , Lubineau Gilles , Kumar Ajay , Sebaey Tamer A
Published: February 2024

Low damage tolerance and residual strength are the main drawbacks of carbon fiber composite laminates that limit their application in many lightweight structures. This study demonstrates the exceptional damage tolerance and high fracture toughness of carbon-Kevlar hybrid laminate, where Kevlar plies are placed between two carbon fiber face sheets. Flexural strength after damage and mode I translaminar fracture toughness of carbon and Kevlar and the hybrid laminates were evaluated using three-point bending and single-edge notched bending tests, respectively. The damage mechanisms in the three configurations were investigated using micro-computed tomography and correlated with their mechanical responses. The results showed that the hybrid laminate could sustain 70% of the laminate strength after fiber damage occurs and can sustain the same strength for large strains, unlike carbon and Kevlar fiber laminates, where they both lose their mechanical integrity after fiber breakage. Moreover, this laminate showed 200% and 170% larger specific absorbed energy than carbon and Kevlar laminates, respectively. The improvement can be justified by the propagation of fiber breakage at three different positions in the Kevlar core and the delamination at the carbon-Kevlar interface that allowed larger energy dissipation during fracture. Additionally, it showed 21% and 42.7% larger absolute and specific fracture toughness, respectively, than the carbon fiber laminate.
Integrating AI and DTs: challenges and opportunities in railway maintenance application and beyond
Authors: Dirnfeld Ruth , De Donato Lorenzo , Somma Alessandra , Azari Mehdi Saman , Marrone Stefano , Flammini Francesco , Vittorini Valeria
Published: February 2024

In the last years, there has been a growing interest in the emerging concept of digital twin (DT) as it represents a promising paradigm to continuously monitor cyber–physical systems, as well as to test and validate predictability, safety, and reliability aspects. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is exponentially affirming as an extremely powerful tool when it comes to modeling the behavior of physical assets allowing, de facto, the possibility of making predictions on their potential evolution. However, despite the fact that DTs and AI (and their combination) can act as game-changing technologies in different domains (including the railways), several challenges have to be faced to ensure their effectiveness, especially when dealing with safety-critical systems. This paper provides a narrative review of the scientific literature on DTs for railway maintenance applications, with a special focus on their relationship with AI. The aim is to discuss the opportunities the integration of these two technologies could open in railway maintenance applications (and beyond), while highlighting the main challenges that should be overcome for its effective implementation.
Technological possibilities for adding value on defective skins: Practical valorization of leather products with chromium and dyeing spots
Authors: Onem Ersin , Yorgancioglu Ali , Dilek Yusuf , Bektayev Kazybek
Published: February 2024

In this study, decolorization via a bleaching operation was carried out on chrome and dye spotted skins with several bleaches to valorize the defective leather materials. Sodium perborate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium thiosulfate, sodium percarbonate, and oxalic acid were applied as bleaching agents in production. Sodium perborate by itself was applied and combined with other bleaching agents. Combined processes were also supported with an emulsifier agent for uniform distribution and deeper penetration of bleaching agents into the fibers. Color changes and differences on leather products were determined by Konica Minolta CM-3600d test apparatus spectrophotometrically before and after the applications. Bleached leathers were processed again, re-dyed, and finished after the bleaching operations. Then, bleaching performances of the single and combination applications were also evaluated for the leather strength indicators by analyzing tensile and tear strength of the final products as well as chromium (VI) oxidation of basic chromium (III) salts used in tanning. Antibacterial properties of the final bleached products were also investigated. As a result, sodium perborate was found to provide the most effective and safe bleaching without any physical and chemical deformation by creating antibacterial activity on leather.
Computational modeling of the strength of staple yarn based on the random arrangement of fibers
Authors: Li Hao , Zheng Guangming , Cao Qiaoli , Qian Lili , Zhou Yuyang , Yu Chongwen
Published: February 2024

Staple yarn is the basic element of most textiles, and its strength affects the performance and processing efficiency of the final textile products. Meanwhile, its strength is the combination of the resistance to breakage and slip of fibers in the yarn. In this paper, a computational model is proposed to predict the strength of staple yarn. The resistance to breakage and slip of each fiber were first computed based on the random arrangement of the fibers and the idealized yarn structure, and the strength was computed by identifying fiber breakage or slip in the yarn breakage zone. The reliability and applicability of the model were verified on viscose and polyester ring-spun staple yarns. The results show that the mean error of prediction is mostly less than 5%, indicating that the model has good accuracy and applicability; and the correlation coefficient R is mostly greater than 0.95, indicating that the predicted strength is in good agreement with the tested strength.
Effect of knitting structure and dyeing process on drying time, air and vapor permeability
Authors: Chakroun Mohamed Ghaith , Benltoufa Sofien , Ghith Adel , Fayala Faten
Published: February 2024

Comfort is the prime need in clothing. It is affected by the properties of fibers, yarns, and fabrics. A good understanding of these factors is essential in the design and conception of functional clothes. Fabric design serves as a manufacturing tool to meet several end-use requirements. The construction specifications and design of knitted fabrics greatly influence the comfort level of the end-use garment. This study aims to investigate the effect of the knitting stitch type and the dyeing process on the clothing comfort of knitted fabrics. For this purpose, five structures were prepared by combining plain, float and tuck stitches: plain jersey, cross miss 1 × 1, single cross tuck, weft lock knit and Lacoste. Then, yellow, and black dyeing were applied. The investigated wear comfort properties were the drying time, the air permeability and the relative water vapor permeability. Tests were conducted on the finished and on domestically washed fabrics. The data obtained were statistically evaluated with Pearson correlation, paired t-test, analysis of variance analysis and the Tukey test. The results showed that tucked fabrics have the longest drying time combined with the lowest air and water vapor permeability. Black variants showed better drying behavior and higher water vapor permeability. Analysis of variance results showed that the structure has a significant effect on clothing comfort. However, the dyeing process exerts a significant influence only on the drying time and the relative water vapor permeability. The paired t-test results indicate that the domestic washing cycles significantly change the drying time and the air permeability of knitted fabrics.
Effects of structural parameters on air consumption and mechanical energy characteristics of airflow in the vortex spinning nozzle
Authors: Xi Chuanzhi , Wang Jiayuan , Wang Yongzhi , Chen Ge , Pei Zeguang
Published: February 2024

Reducing energy consumption during textile production processes has currently become one of the key concerns. In order to design the nozzle of the vortex spinning machine with reduced air consumption, numerical simulation of the airflow in the nozzle is performed to investigate the effect of the length and the inlet diameter of the conical chamber in the intermediate section of the vortex tube on the air consumption and the mechanical energy characteristics of the airflow. A spinning experiment conducted to measure the flow rate and yarn tenacity is adopted to verify the numerical simulation results. The simulation results show that the air consumption of the nozzle is insignificantly affected as the length increases from 7.3 mm to 7.7 mm, while a decreasing trend has been found as the length increases from 7.7 mm to 8.1 mm. As the inlet diameter increases from 4.6 mm to 5.0 mm, the air consumption of the nozzle increases monotonically. The mechanical energy of airflow in the nozzle exhibits a minor difference between cases of lengths of 7.3 mm, 7.5 mm, and 7.7 mm, while it decreases significantly in cases of lengths of 7.9 mm and 8.1 mm. The mechanical energy of airflow in the vortex chamber increases as the inlet diameter increases. The experimental results are consistent with the numerical predictions. This work is expected to provide a reference for the design of the vortex spinning nozzle and an approach to reducing the energy consumption in the yarn production process.
Distributed set-membership estimation for automated straddle carriers using smart sensors
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhang Yilian , Xia Nan , Niu Wangqiang , Fan Qinqin
Published: February 2024

Considering the harsh environment of the port, automated straddle carriers, characterized by their large size, tall frame, and high center of gravity, may experience instability during steering and transportation due to inaccurate state estimation. Thus, this paper explores state estimation techniques for automated straddle carriers utilizing smart sensors which are capable of data measurement and processing. First, using the steering principles and lateral characteristics of automated straddle carriers, a dynamic linear model is established based on Newton’s second law of motion. Then, in order to enhance the reliability and flexibility of state estimation, a distributed smart sensor network structure is introduced. In addition, considering the challenge of unknown-but-bounded noise and the precision demands of the considered automated straddle carrier, a modified distributed set-membership estimation algorithm is proposed and is derived sufficient conditions for the existence of the estimation set for the considered automated straddle carriers. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are demonstrated by performance analyses.
Craniocervical Tetanus: A Practical Consideration During Work-up of Acute-Onset Trismus
Authors: Dutta Mainak , Panja Tanaya , Dutta Indranil
Published: February 2024

This clinical record revisits the classical and pathognomonic features of craniocervical tetanus in a 65-year-old farmer who presented with acute-onset trismus, multiple cranial nerve pareses (III, IX, and X), risus sardonicus, and spasm of the head–neck musculature. This paper explores the relevant literature and presents a brief pictorial analysis of the global epidemiologic data. With most countries successfully adopting the maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE) program, the incidence and mortality of tetanus across age groups have sharply reduced in high-income and most middle-income nations. In adults, tetanus is now encountered in specialized situations like waning immunity and incomplete vaccination, in the resource-poor and low-income nations, in countries achieving MNTE recently, and as cluster cases in the aftermath of natural disasters involving human settlements. Therefore, present-day practicing otolaryngologists and residents who have limited exposure to the tell-tale clinical features of craniocervical tetanus should consider it during work-up of acute-onset trismus in adults in susceptible situations and with a conducive background. The clinical spectrum of craniocervical tetanus as depicted in this report, including the demonstration of the pathognomonic positive spatula test, provides valuable learning points for otolaryngologists in this regard.
Keeping time with digital technologies: From real-time environments to forest futurisms
Authors: Lewis Hood Kate , Gabrys Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Forests are zones of multiple temporalities. They keep time and are constituted through time-keeping practices. Digital technologies of environmental monitoring and management increasingly organise forest temporalities. This article considers how emerging techno-temporalities measure, pace, and transform forest worlds while reproducing and reconfiguring longer durations of colonial and capitalist technologies. We draw together scholarship on political forests, digital media temporalities, and anti-colonial and Indigenous thinking to analyse the politics of time that materialise through digital technologies and shape what forest pasts, presents, and futures are senseable and possible. In particular, we trace the socio-technical production of the ‘real-time’ as a temporal register of experiencing, knowing, and governing forest environments. Analysing a real-time deforestation alert system in the Amazon, we consider how these temporalities valorise immediate, continuous forest data that can be mobilised for understanding and protecting forests, while simultaneously glossing over durational colonial and capitalist framings of forests that rely on dispossession, extraction, and enclosure. The second half of the article turns to Indigenous futurisms and artistic and socio-political uses of digital platforms that rework forest temporalities. By analysing these multiple and sometimes contradictory temporalities, we suggest that these practices and interventions can challenge dominant timelines and their inequities through pluralistic and redistributive configurations of temporality, land, and data sovereignty.
Eptesipox virus-associated lesions in naturally infected big brown bats
Authors: Perdrizet Ursula G. , Hill Janet E. , Fernando Champika , Sobchishin LaRhonda , Misra Vikram , Bollinger Trent K.
Published: February 2024

Bats have many unique qualities amongst mammals; one of particular importance is their reported tolerance to viruses without developing disease. Here, the authors present evidence to the contrary by describing and demonstrating viral nucleic acids within lesions from eptesipox virus (EfPV) infection in big brown bats. One hundred and thirty bats submitted for necropsy from Saskatchewan, Canada, between 2017 and 2021 were screened for EfPV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); 2 had amplifiable poxvirus DNA. The lesions associated with infection were oral and pharyngeal ulcerations and joint swelling in 2/2 and 1/2 cases, respectively. These changes were nonspecific for poxvirus infection, although intracytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies within the epithelium, as observed in 2/2 bats, are diagnostic when present. Viral nucleic acids, detected by in situ hybridization (ISH), were observed in the epithelium adjacent to ulcerative lesions from both cases and within the joint proliferation of 1 case. A new isolate of EfPV was obtained from 1 case and its identity was confirmed with electron microscopy and whole genome sequencing. Juxtanuclear replication factories were observed in most cells; however, rare intranuclear virus particles were also observed. The significance of the presence of virus particles within the nucleus is uncertain. Whole genome assembly indicated that the nucleotide sequence of the genome of this EfPV isolate was 99.7% identical to a previous isolate from big brown bats in Washington, USA between 2009 and 2011. This work demonstrates that bats are not resistant to the development of disease with viral infections and raises questions about the dogma of poxvirus intracytoplasmic replication.
Feasibility of OT-Parentship: An intervention for parents of adolescents with autism
Authors: Wachspress Batel , Berger Itai , Maeir Adina , Mazor-Karsenty Tal
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Parents of individuals with autism face various difficulties, among which are decreased resilience and heightened stress. OT-Parentship is an intervention for parents of adolescents with autism that aims to promote parental resilience and enhance adolescents’ participation in daily life. This study examines OT-Parentship’s feasibility and explores the improvement of parental resilience and child and parent occupational performance following intervention.

Methods:

A mixed methods pre-post and follow up study. Fourteen parents (six mothers and four couples) of adolescents with autism participated in a series of 13 individual weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. Study results were analyzed before, after, and 3 months post intervention.

Results:

All parents completed treatment, with 100% adherence to sessions. Therapist’s treatment fidelity was estimated at 95–97% and parent homework completion was 85%. Preliminary efficacy findings show significant improvement in mothers’ and adolescents’ occupational performance and improvement in maternal resiliency.

Conclusion:

Research results support the feasibility of the OT-Parentship as a family centered, strength-based, intervention program that leads to improvements in adolescent participation and parental resilience.
Feminist political economies of care: Young people, masculinities and de-industrialisation in a former shipbuilding community
Authors: Nayak Anoop
Published: February 2024

The paper explores how ideas of masculinity are currently configured in a former shipbuilding community. Derived from ethnographic research with 120 young people from three schools, the study makes a critical intervention into gender and work through a focus on masculinities and economies of caregiving. The paper contributes to emerging work on gender, work and care in four ways. First, highlighting a contingent relationship between local political economy, place and the production of masculinities. Second, demonstrating how the inclusion of young people’s perspectives and experiences of male caregiving extends existing feminist care geographies. Third, by exploring how care is gendered, ‘regendered’ and ‘degendered’ in young people’s accounts, prising open possibilities for ‘undoing’ patriarchal masculinities and reworking the gender order. Finally, it is argued that such practices may inspire new economic ontologies of care, pluralise masculinity and enhance the transformation of gender relations at local and global scales.
Thermoelastic transient memory response analysis of non-localized nano-piezoelectric plates based on Moore-Gibson-Thompson thermoelasticity theory
Authors: Shi Zhiwei , Li Le , He Tianhu
Published: February 2024

With their abilities to induce electric charge, stress or deformation in response to external forces as well as the ease of fabrication, design flexibility and excellent electromechanical properties, piezoelectric materials have been widely used in actuators, sensors and even in nano/micro-electro-mechanical systems. With the rapid advancement of nano/micro-technology, from the perspective of theoretical analysis, the priority is to develop applicable models to describe the piezoelectric-thermoelastic responses of piezoelectric nano/micro-structures suffering transient heat conduction by taking the size-dependent effect and the memory-dependent effect into consideration. In this work, a new model based on the existing piezoelectric-thermoelastic model is established by introducing the nonlocality into the constitutive equations and the memory-dependent derivative into Moore-Gibson-Thompson (MGT) heat conduction equation respectively. Then, this new model is applied to investigating the dynamic responses of a piezoelectric nanoplate subjected to thermal shock. The corresponding governing equations are formulated and then solved by Laplace transform and its numerical inversion. In calculation, the influences of the time delay factor and the kernel function of MDD and the non-local parameter on the thermal, electric and elastic fields in the piezoelectric nanoplate are examined. Meanwhile, the predictions of transient response among different thermoelastic models are compared. The numerical results are illustrated graphically and discussed in detail. The obtained results show that MDD has a significant effect on the transient response, where the effect of the kernel function is more pronounced. This work may provide a theoretical reference for strength design, thermal protection and thermal processing strategies for piezoelectric nanodevices.
The political economy of populists in power, between policy and polity: Evidence from the Israeli case
Authors: Yakir Asaf , Navot Doron , Filc Dani
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the connection between the current wave of populism, economic policies and governance practices. We first review the different ways in which populist political economy has been conceptualised, focusing on the relationship between populism and neoliberalism in terms of both policy and polity. We then briefly discuss right-wing populist governments’ recent economic policies and institutional changes. We argue that, while representing a continuation of neoliberalism in some areas, right-wing populism may, when in power, undermine neoliberal economic policies and institutional power by subverting governance norms and reintroducing the state as a major actor in the economy. To demonstrate and support our argument, we analyse the Israeli case, in which the right-wing populist leader Benjamin Netanyahu led three governmental coalitions between 2009 and 2019. We focus on the Israeli government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis and the housing crisis. We show that the populist Israeli government went beyond clientelism and welfare chauvinism and moved towards a more redistributive and expansionist economic agenda. To finance and legislate this agenda, it used unorthodox, short-term governance practices to bypass or overcome institutional limitations.
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus at 50: Looking Back, Then Looking Forward
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Weaver David R. , Hastings Michael H. , Honma Ken-Ichi , Honma Sato , Silver Rae
Published: February 2024

It has been 50 years since the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was first identified as the central circadian clock and 25 years since the last overview of developments in the field was published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms. Here, we explore new mechanisms and concepts that have emerged in the subsequent 25 years. Since 1997, methodological developments, such as luminescent and fluorescent reporter techniques, have revealed intricate relationships between cellular and network-level mechanisms. In particular, specific neuropeptides such as arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and gastrin-releasing peptide have been identified as key players in the synchronization of cellular circadian rhythms within the SCN. The discovery of multiple oscillators governing behavioral and physiological rhythms has significantly advanced our understanding of the circadian clock. The interaction between neurons and glial cells has been found to play a crucial role in regulating these circadian rhythms within the SCN. Furthermore, the properties of the SCN network vary across ontogenetic stages. The application of cell type–specific genetic manipulations has revealed components of the functional input-output system of the SCN and their correlation with physiological functions. This review concludes with the high-risk effort of identifying open questions and challenges that lie ahead.
Disparities Among Pediatric Firearm Suicides in the United States: An Analysis of the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2014 to 2018
Authors: DiVietro Susan , Hunter Amy A. , Schwab-Reese Laura , Green Christa , Aseltine Robert
Published: February 2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.), with firearms being the predominant method. This study examines the racial disparity and disproportionality of pediatric firearm suicide from 2014 to 2018 in 17 U.S. states. We used the National Violent Death Reporting System to quantify the burden of pediatric firearm suicide by race/ethnicity and gender and assessed themes among decedents aged 10 to 17 years. Racial disparity and disproportionality were measured using the Disparity Index and Disproportionality Representation Index, respectively. Decedents were primarily non-Hispanic White (NHW, 77.5%) and male (84.0%). NHW children died at a rate that was 1.3 times greater than expected based on their proportion in the general population and were 2.6 times more likely to die by firearm suicide than non-Hispanic Black (NHB) children. NHB children were less likely to disclose suicide intention, suggesting that this group may require more active screening intervention. Qualitative analysis revealed unsafe firearm storage as a common theme among these deaths. Differences in age with respect to social media use and precipitating factors such as bullying and arguments with parents were also identified as contributing factors. Results of this study support the expansion of interventions such as lethal means restriction counseling and implementation of safer firearm storage laws.
Evading Race: A Critical Race Analysis of Vocational/Career and Technical Education Policy
Authors: James-Gallaway Chaddrick D. , James-Gallaway ArCasia D. , Rockey Marci , Dawson Rahsaan A.
Published: February 2024

Using critical race theory (CRT) as both our theory and analytical framework, we interrogated vocational, career, and technical education (VCTE) policy as a racial instrument. We applied key CRT themes to examine both primary sources; including historical and contemporary VCTE Acts (e.g., Perkins I-V) and Congressional reports; and secondary sources, including academic analyses of VCTE, its history, and related legislation. Findings demonstrate that VCTE policy upholds race-neutrality, which we argue is problematic because without being designated a special population, racially oppressed students stand to miss out on important funding opportunities that could dramatically alter and improve their lives.
Effect of laser texturing process on properties of composite coated cemented carbide ball-end milling cutter milling titanium alloy
Authors: Tong Xin , Wang Shoumeng
Published: February 2024

To explore the strengthening mechanism of the laser texturing process on the surface of composite coating (AlCrN/AlTiSiN) cemented carbide and improve the application rate of laser texturing process in the field of tool cutting. Firstly, the influence of laser texturing process on the surface properties of composite coated cemented carbide was compared and analyzed. Secondly, a test platform for milling titanium alloy with composite coated cemented carbide ball-end milling cutters with different meso-geometry features parameters (blunt round edge radius and micro-texture distance from cutting edge) was built. Finally, the influence analysis and the optimization of geometric characteristic parameters were carried out with milling force, tool wear and workpiece surface roughness as dependent variables. It is concluded that the laser texturing process can significantly improve the phase structure of the composite coating and improve the quality of the coating. The influence of meso-geometry features on milling force, tool wear, and workpiece surface roughness and the parameter optimization of a single dependent variable are obtained by the milling test. Based on the genetic algorithm, the optimal meso-geometry features parameters of the carbide ball-end milling cutter are obtained, that is, the blunt round edge radius is 20.15 μm, and the micro-texture distance from cutting edge is 119.463 μm. It provides a practical basis for the application of laser-textured coating technology in the field of cutting tools.
Temperature prediction model of bone drilling considering the effect of tool wear
Authors: Feng Yufei , Tao Yuan , Hu Shanshan , Yang Fan , Tang Hongqun , Zhang Genge
Published: February 2024

Biomass bone is biologically active and sensitive to heat; excessive temperatures would destroy the biological activity of the bone tissue or even cause bone necrosis. Therefore, it is vital to control the drilling temperature in clinical surgery for internal fixation of fractures. This paper focused on the influence of tool wear on the drilling temperature during the bone drilling process. The effect of three drilling parameters, the tool diameter, machine spindle speed and tool feed speed, on three dynamic characteristics, the drilling force, drilling temperature and tool wear, was investigated through bone drilling experiments. A prediction model of the bone drilling temperature considering the effect of the amount of wear was established based on Archard wear theory and the heat source method, and was in good agreement with the experimental results. The predicted results showed that worn bits produced drilling temperatures up to 3.4°C higher than those of new bits, and the maximum error in the prediction of the drilling temperature was 11.04%. The temperature model better extended the applicability of the existing temperature models.
Chain position optimization of a 4UPS−UPU parallel mechanism considering dynamic coupling effects
Authors: Sun Runtong , Wu Jun , Zhu Bin
Published: February 2024

The strong dynamic coupling effects among kinematic chains are not beneficial to the control of parallel mechanisms. This paper deals with the chain position optimization of a 4UPS−UPU parallel mechanism to reduce dynamic coupling effects among kinematic chains. Using the kinematic model, the Jacobian matrix is derived, and a method is proposed to transform it into a non-dimensional form and being independent of scaling factors. A singularity index is formulated based on the normalized determinant of the modified Jacobian matrix, guiding the optimization of chain positions at the base platform. Subsequently, the dynamic model is derived by using the principle of virtual work and a novel dynamic coupling index is proposed by taking both the inertia and centrifugal terms in the dynamic model into account. The neural network is then employed to enhance the calculation efficiency of the dynamic coupling index. Finally, the chain positions at the moving platform are optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. This optimization process significantly reduces the dynamic coupling effects among kinematic chains in the parallel mechanism, thereby conferring advantageous benefits to its overall control.