bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Territorial Differential Meta-Evolution: An Algorithm for Seeking All the Desirable Optima of a Multivariable Function
Authors: Wehr Richard , Saleska Scott R.
Published: June 2023

Territorial Differential Meta-Evolution (TDME) is an efficient, versatile, and reliable algorithm for seeking all the global or desirable local optima of a multivariable function. It employs a progressive niching mechanism to optimize even challenging, high-dimensional functions with multiple global optima and misleading local optima. This paper introduces TDME and uses standard and novel benchmark problems to quantify its advantages over HillVallEA, which is the best-performing algorithm on the standard benchmark suite that has been used by all major multimodal optimization competitions since 2013. TDME matches HillVallEA on that benchmark suite and categorically outperforms it on a more comprehensive suite that better reflects the potential diversity of optimization problems. TDME achieves that performance without any problem-specific parameter tuning.
Parameterless Gene-Pool Optimal Mixing Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Dushatskiy Arkadiy , Virgolin Marco , Bouter Anton , Thierens Dirk , Bosman Peter A. N.
Published: June 2023

When it comes to solving optimization problems with evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in a reliable and scalable manner, detecting and exploiting linkage information, that is, dependencies between variables, can be key. In this paper, we present the latest version of, and propose substantial enhancements to, the gene-pool optimal mixing evolutionary algorithm (GOMEA): an EA explicitly designed to estimate and exploit linkage information. We begin by performing a large-scale search over several GOMEA design choices to understand what matters most and obtain a generally best-performing version of the algorithm. Next, we introduce a novel version of GOMEA, called CGOMEA, where linkage-based variation is further improved by filtering solution mating based on conditional dependencies. We compare our latest version of GOMEA, the newly introduced CGOMEA, and another contending linkage-aware EA, DSMGA-II, in an extensive experimental evaluation, involving a benchmark set of nine black-box problems that can be solved efficiently only if their inherent dependency structure is unveiled and exploited. Finally, in an attempt to make EAs more usable and resilient to parameter choices, we investigate the performance of different automatic population management schemes for GOMEA and CGOMEA, de facto making the EAs parameterless. Our results show that GOMEA and CGOMEA significantly outperform the original GOMEA and DSMGA-II on most problems, setting a new state of the art for the field.
Cold War History Studies in China in the 21st Century: The State of the Field
Authors: Liang Zhi , Xia Yafeng
Published: June 2023

This survey explains how the field of Cold War studies has been able to survive and even flourish in the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 2000 to the present, despite all the practical and political obstacles. It reviews several areas that Chinese scholars have been exploring: the economic Cold War; foreign intelligence operations and psychological warfare; nuclear strategies; the sciences during the Cold War and overseas education projects; and China's policies toward neighboring countries during the Cold War. The article outlines the major practical challenges facing Chinese scholars and the potential for overcoming these challenges.
From Ritual Scapegoats to Actual Scapegoats
Authors: Pal Satanik
Published: June 2023

The following article conducts two case studies into the premodern caste societies of medieval Bengal and early modern Japan. The Pirali Brahmins in Bengal and eta-hinin castes of Japan—both became scapegoats during these periods and were subject to popular disgust and stigma. The common aspects are that they were both close to the centres of power, and that these castes were feared in the ancient period for their supernatural prowess and they served as ritual scapegoats in pollution cleaning rituals. How they both became actual scapegoats from being ritual scapegoats is explored in this article using the framework popularized by the works of René Girard.
Chinese Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Authors: Burnay Matthieu , Li Bin
Published: June 2023

Growing multipolarity in international affairs together with the rise of non-state actors do require us to re-think what constitutes sustainable development, in general, but also how economic growth can be respectful of the environment and individual rights. The People’s Republic of China (China) does constitute an important part of that story. This paper aims to analyse China’s discourse, laws, and policies on sustainable development at both national and international levels. It situates sustainable development in the broader context of China’s current development policy; addresses the ways in which China engages with multilateral and bilateral institutions (i.e. legal instruments) in the area of sustainable development; as well as assesses the scope and limitations of China’s focus on sustainable development in the context of Outward Foreign Direct Investment in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Vatican Library’s “Statue of Saint Hippolytus” Revisited
Authors: Bencze Ágnes , Prampolini Franco
Published: June 2023

An archaeologist-art historian and an IT scientist specialised in the restoration of architectural and artistic heritage present the scheme of a multidisciplinary research project concerning a long-debated monument, the so-called St. Hippolytus’ statue of the Vatican Library. Inspired by some questions and observations arising from different fields of humanistic sciences, we created a virtual 3D model of the statue. In this paper we propose some ways to exploit it as a research instrument.
Non-protective immunity after standard pneumococcal vaccination series identified as a potential contributing risk factor for refractory otolaryngologic conditions in children
Authors: Bonaventure Caroline A. , Evans Adele K.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To examine the relationship between conferred immunity after standard pneumococcal series and refractory otolaryngologic infections in pediatric patients using post-vaccination antibody titers, and to identify contributory underlying conditions revealed when vaccination/re-vaccination fails to confer protective immunity.

Study Design:

IRB-reviewed and “exempt” retrospective case series with chart review using the Epic® Electronic Medical Record system from 2013 to 2021.

Setting:

Dedicated tertiary referral children’s hospital.

Methods:

Pneumococcal antibody titer results were assessed for children ages 0 to 21 years and: (1) at least 1 of 7 otolaryngologic disease diagnoses and (2) having received the 4-dose schedule of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 7 or 13).

Results:

A total of 241 subjects met inclusion criteria with 356 laboratory tests. Recurrent acute otitis media, chronic rhinitis, and chronic otitis media with effusion were the 3 most frequent diagnoses. At presentation, only 27.0% of subjects had titers conferring immunity from their prior vaccinations with PCV. About 85 subjects had been subsequently revaccinated with Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV), and antibody responses conferring immunity reached 91.8%. Seven subjects never developed adequate responses; 5 of these had recurrent acute otitis media as the primary otolaryngologic diagnosis. Secondary “revealed” diagnoses included Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (n = 1), unresolved specific antibody deficiency (n = 2), and Hypogammaglobulinemia (n = 1).

Conclusion:

In pediatric patients with recurrent infectious otolaryngologic disease refractory to traditional medical and surgical therapy, inadequate responses to pneumococcal vaccination may be revealed. This correlation represents a potential pathway for diagnosis and therapy.
Achieving Minimum Deterrence: A New Dyadic Dataset on Strategic Nuclear Weapons Delivery Capabilities
Authors: Suh Kyungwon
Published: June 2023

This paper argues that existing quantitative studies mistakenly assume that all nuclear states can impose nuclear destruction on opponents by simply distinguishing nuclear states from non-nuclear states. This practice, however, does not capture variation in 1) nuclear states’ possession of delivery capabilities, 2) the range of deployed nuclear delivery systems, and 3) the geographic distance between nuclear states and their dyadic counterparts. Instead of this monadic nuclear statehood approach, I propose the dyadic nuclear reach approach, which uses a new dyad-specific measure of states’ strategic nuclear delivery capabilities. It codes whether a nuclear state can launch a nuclear strike against a given opponent by using the information about the estimated range of each nuclear state’s strategic nuclear delivery platforms, nuclear operation bases, and states’ capital cities. An empirical application shows that using an appropriate measure of nuclear capabilities does significantly alter existing empirical knowledge of nuclear weapons and international conflict.
Exploring the Bereavement Experience Due to COVID-19 Death Among Arabs in Israel
Authors: Khatib Anwar , Abo-Rass Fareeda , Khatib Ahmad
Published: June 2023

This study examined the experience of bereavement because of COVID-19 among the Arab minority in Israel, based on the two-track model of grief, using a qualitative approach. The data was collected in an in-depth interview with 34 participants representing the three religions in the Arab population in Israel, approximately 1 year after the loss occurred. The findings revealed that most participants reported returning to their previous function almost completely, exclusively in the field of work. However, they reported decreased social functioning and feelings of loneliness and sadness, and some reported manifestations of active and traumatic grief. Some findings may create a false impression that the mourners have gone through the loss process and returned to normal. However, the current study’s findings refute this conclusion, which requires appropriate treatment from health professionals.
Evaluating the Correlation of Death Anxiety With Spirituality, Religious Attitude, and Resilience in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Aryafard Hamdieh , Dehvan Fazel , Albatineh Ahmed Najeeb , Dalvand Sahar , Ghanei Gheshlagh Reza
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to determine the correlation between spirituality, religious attitude, and resilience with death anxiety in cardiovascular patients in Sanandaj, Iran. This study was conducted on 414 cardiovascular patients, who were selected by convenience sampling method. Demographic information forms, Spiritual Well Being Scale, Golriz and Burhani’s Religious Attitude, Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire, and Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale were used to collect data. Results indicated that compared to urban areas, living in rural areas significantly increased the average score of death anxiety by 0.55 points ( p = 0.026). Additionally, a one-unit increase in religious attitude and resilience significantly reduced the mean score of death anxiety by 0.05 ( p = 0.003) and 0.13 ( p <0.001) on average, respectively. Spearman rank correlation indicated that religious attitudes and resilience were inversely and significantly correlated with death anxiety. Therefore, providing counseling sessions with psychologists and clergy seems necessary for a favorable change in the state of death anxiety in these patients.
Thermodynamic and economic analyses of natural gas combined cycle power plants with and without the presence of organic Rankine cycle
Authors: Gu Feng , Zhu Zhaowei , Shi Qianqian , Li Ruihua
Published: June 2023

This study performs the simulation and energy, exergy, and economic analyses of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) integrated with a natural gas combined cycle. Working fluids studied in this research are ammonia, isobutane, R-11, R-113, and R-141b. The power plant and ORC are simulated using Aspen HYSYS software. The results show that using the ORC leads to an improvement in the thermo-economic indexes of the combined cycle power plant. The sensitivity analysis also demonstrated that using ammonia and isobutane as working fluids results in the highest exergy destruction and the lowest exergy and energy efficiencies; therefore, they are unsuitable. On the other hand, a comparison of thermo-economic results illustrated that among the studied working fluids, R-113 is the desirable selection. According to the simulation, it is deduced that employing R-113 working fluid leads to the net power generation of the plant increasing by 2.48%, the cost of electricity decreasing by 10.75%, and the total energy efficiency of the power plant increasing by 6.02%.
Self-sustainment dynamics in armed groups systems: Understanding the post–Havana Agreement conflict in Colombia.
Authors: Palma Oscar
Published: June 2023

Despite the demobilisation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), armed groups continue to exist in Colombia perpetuating conflict and violence, many of them motivated by the profits of illicit economies, including narco-trafficking. As a contribution to explanations on the continuity of internal conflict, this article explains the idea of ‘self-sustainment dynamics’ in a system of armed groups and structures, with Colombia as a case study. It assumes that the post-FARC scenario of armed agents needs to be observed as a complex adaptive system where several types of armed structures come together. It argues that self-sustainment dynamics are a consequence of the reaccommodation of structures within the system as they adapt to stimuli from the environment and to key decision and actions of individuals within the structures. It seeks to motivate comparisons with other cases of internal conflict where illicit economies have a significant weight.
Responding to threatening online alternatives: Perceiving the partner’s commitment through their social media behaviors
Authors: Black Alexandra E.
Published: June 2023

Two studies examined how committed people perceived their partners’ social media behaviors and how the presence of these behaviors impacted feelings of relationship security and satisfaction. Study 1 identified the specific social media behaviors that signal commitment by a romantic partner. Study 2 then manipulated the identified partner social media behaviors to examine if buffering occurred for people with high levels of attachment insecurity. Study 2 found that when a person was led to believe their partner engaged in high commitment online behaviors, they reported greater felt relationship security and relationship satisfaction. Attachment avoidance, but not attachment anxiety, moderated the manipulation’s effect on relationship satisfaction. Perceiving that a partner signals high commitment when the threat of online alternatives is salient may be one specific route to mitigate attachment avoidance’s impact on relationship satisfaction.
Low accuracy in preoperative tissue biopsies for diagnosing chronic periprosthetic joint infection: an observational retrospective single-centre study
Authors: Eriksson Hannah , Lazarinis Stergios
Published: June 2023

Objective

Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be challenging. The ability to distinguish between septic and aseptic failure of a joint prosthesis is crucial for treatment strategy optimisation and prognosis prediction. Preoperative tissue cultures are included in many diagnostic algorithms; however, studies report different degrees of concordance (63%–85%) with intraoperative cultures. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of tissue biopsies in the preoperative diagnostic process with the 2018 International Consensus Meeting criteria as a reference and to describe the concordance between microbiological findings in pre- and intraoperative biopsies.

Methods

This observational retrospective study included 44 patients requiring revision surgery of a total hip or knee arthroplasty, where the diagnostic workup included biopsies of periprosthetic tissue. The accuracy of preoperative biopsies was calculated, and concordance between microbiological findings in pre- and intraoperative biopsies was described.

Results

The accuracy was 59%, with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 79%. Full concordance between microbiological findings in pre- and intraoperative biopsies was found in 64% of the cases.

Conclusion

An open biopsy of periprosthetic tissue cannot reliably confirm or exclude PJI, and, therefore, should not be performed.
Impact of cytotoxic chemotherapy on aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 expression
Authors: Robinson Kathy , Cao Zhe , Delfino Kristin , Cao Deliang , Rao Krishna
Published: June 2023

Objective

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) is a protein that is produced and secreted by a significant number of breast cancers. However, a potential confounder to the use of AKR1B10 as a tumor marker is its elevation in patients given cytotoxic chemotherapy. We therefore conducted a prospective study to analyze AKR1B10 levels in patients with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Methods

The study enrolled 10 patients from November 2015 to July 2017. All patients had locally advanced, but non-metastatic, breast cancer, and they received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. Serum AKR1B10 levels and tumor imaging were assessed before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Results

No increase in serum AKR1B10 levels was noted in patients receiving chemotherapy whose levels were elevated at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The findings are complex, but the overall data suggest that AKR1B10 is suitable as a tumor marker in patients with elevated levels at the time of diagnosis.
Strictly-controlled techniques are required in laparoscopic appendectomy for elemental mercury sequestration in the appendix: a case report
Authors: Yao Guibin , Zhang Ping , Cao Jianyu , Hu Xia , Tan Yan , Yao Chengli
Published: June 2023

Elemental mercury impaction in the appendix can cause subsequent local and systemic complications. We present a case of a teenage boy who ingested approximately 10 mL of elemental mercury, resulting in residual mercury sequestration in the appendix after conservative management. We performed laparoscopic appendectomy to remove the residual mercury. The patient made a complete clinical recovery without adverse events related to mercury poisoning over the 6-month follow-up. We highlight the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy, abdominal computed tomography (CT), negative pressure operating rooms, and surgeon protection to improve surgical success rates. This case report adds to the literature on the management of elemental mercury impaction in the appendix and provides valuable insights for clinical decision-making.
A Ptolemaic Stamped Amphora from Patara: Some Notes on Stamp Attribution and its Likely Implications
Authors: Dündar Erkan
Published: June 2023

Located in ancient Lycia at the southwest corner of Asia Minor, excavations at the important port city of Patara shed new light on the city’s relations with Ptolemaic Egypt. The most significant finds concerning Patara’s connection with the Ptolemaic Dynasty have emerged from ongoing fieldwork at the Tepecik settlement, located on a natural hill just east of the ancient inner harbour. During excavations conducted there in 2019, an ancient dump of pottery was identified in the İ-20 trench. The focus of this study concerns a unique stamped Egyptian amphora found in this dump. The stamp records the name Ptolemaios alongside a regnal year, thus indicating that the amphora represents royal production during the third century BC. In this study, I suggest that the name on the stamp should be attributed to King Ptolemy III Euergetes (246–222 BC) and explore the likely implications of royal production.

[Formula: see text]
The Forgotten Excavation at Tell Basta: New Information on the Graeco-Egyptian Bath and the Context of Gold and Silver Objects Discovered in 1906
Authors: Laube Kacper
Published: June 2023

In 1906, the workers levelling the archaeological site of Tell Basta uncovered a group of objects known as the first hoard of Tell Basta. Soon after this discovery, the Service des Antiquités carried out a small-scale excavation during which a small deposit was uncovered along with a second hoard and the remains of a Graeco-Egyptian bath. Unfortunately, the exact locations of the discoveries made in 1906 were not recorded, and published descriptions concerning their context are still a matter of controversy. Recently the author of this paper discovered a letter with previously unknown photographs, which are discussed in this paper and shed new light on the context of the discoveries made at Tell Basta in 1906.

[Formula: see text]
Streamlining Asphalt Mixture Dynamic Modulus Testing for Determination of Cyclic Fatigue Index Parameter (Sapp) Based on the Simplified Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Model
Authors: Veginati Varun , Elwardany Michael , Mensching David J. , Golalipour Amir
Published: June 2023

As balanced mixture designs move forward, obtaining index properties quickly will become critical to routine application. This paper details a study into streamlining performance tests so that users may make decisions on as-designed and as-built material in a shorter period. This study is unique to asphalt materials research through its use of the Scrum methodology. Scrum is a form of the Agile project management technique often used in software development to manage complex projects. This process can also address the intricacies of applied research, with a focus on delivering high-value products through an iterative procedure. This paper is focused on optimizing temperature–frequency combinations in dynamic modulus (| E*|) tests to generate an equivalent master curve more rapidly. Three different versions of | E*| tests were conducted on four mixtures using combinations of five temperatures and seven frequencies in an asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT). Cyclic fatigue testing was also conducted, which allowed for computation of the apparent damage capacity ( Sapp). The results for Sapp show that there is no statistical difference between the three versions. Also, analysis showed that the total testing time for | E*| can be reduced by half without significant changes to master curves and values of Sapp generated under the testing sweep prescribed in the test standards. A streamlined testing version is provided based on a predefined evaluation approach to ensure adequate equivalency of critical parameters from the full testing suite.
Quality Assurance Methods for Hourly Nonmotorized Traffic Counts
Authors: Lindsey Greg , Coll Sebastian , Stewart Gustave
Published: June 2023

Growing numbers of public transportation and recreation agencies have implemented automated bicycle and pedestrian traffic monitoring programs. To support these initiatives, researchers and agency analysts have developed programs, methods, and measures to ensure data quality. These methods include statistical tests for identifying and flagging outliers and other invalid counts and procedures for imputing or managing missing and censored counts. Because statistics such as annual average daily bicyclists are used frequently in planning and engineering, analysts have focused on validation of daily counts using data from permanent monitors. Procedures for ensuring the validity of hourly counts have not been standardized. This paper presents quality assurance (QA) methods for hourly nonmotorized traffic counts at 115 short-duration and nine permanent monitoring sites on multiuse trails monitored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) between 2016 and 2021. These methods include statistical tests for flagging and censoring invalid hourly counts and procedures for imputing estimates for censored or missing counts. Differences in traffic flow estimates with and without QA are documented, and hourly patterns and factors are presented. Use of quality assurance methods for hourly counts can increase the validity of estimates of nonmotorized traffic.
Characteristics of Individualized Education Programs for Students With Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: McKenna John W. , Solis Michael , Garwood Justin , Parenti Melissa
Published: June 2023

Students in the United States who receive special education services are entitled to receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provides an appropriate level of benefit. Although IEP content is informed by policy mandates and practice recommendations, research has yet to investigate the degree to which school practice is in alignment. The purpose of this investigation was to perform a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies investigating the characteristics and/or quality of IEPs for students with learning disabilities (LDs). A multi-step article identification process revealed 13 studies meeting selection criteria, many of which did not report specific demographic characteristics and findings for students with LD. However, some concerns regarding IEP quality are documented within this pool of investigations. Study limitations and areas for future research are discussed.
Written Arguments About Vaccination: Experimental Studies in the United States and China
Authors: Wolfe Christopher R. , Gao Hongli , Wu Junjie , Wang Yizhu , Marroquín Josselyn E. , Brace Wylie
Published: June 2023

Guided by argumentation schema theory, we conducted five psychological studies in the United States and China on arguments about vaccination. Study 1 replicated research about arguments on several topics, finding that agreement judgments are weighted toward claims, whereas quality judgments are weighted toward reasons. However, consistent with recent research, when this paradigm was extended to arguments about vaccination (Study 2), claims received more weight than reasons in judgments about agreement and quality. Studies 3 and 4 were conducted in the United States and China on how people process counterarguments against anti-vaccination assertions. Rebuttals did not influence agreement but played a role in argument quality judgments. Both political position (in the United States) and medical education (in China) predicted differences in argument evaluation. Bad reasons lowered agreement (Study 5), especially among participants studying health care. Political polarization apparently heightens the impact of claim side in the argumentation schema, likely to the detriment of public discourse.
Deep Learning Reconstruction Plus Single-Energy Metal Artifact Reduction for Supra Hyoid Neck CT in Patients With Dental Metals
Authors: Mizuki Masumi , Yasaka Koichiro , Miyo Rintaro , Ohtake Yuta , Hamada Akiyoshi , Hosoi Reina , Abe Osamu
Published: June 2023

Purpose: We investigated the effect of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) plus single-energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) on neck CT in patients with dental metals, comparing it with DLR and with hybrid iterative reconstruction (Hybrid IR)–SEMAR. Methods: In this retrospective study, 32 patients (25 men, 7 women; mean age: 63 ± 15 years) with dental metals underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the oral and oropharyngeal regions. Axial images were reconstructed using DLR, Hybrid IR–SEMAR, and DLR-SEMAR. In quantitative analyses, degrees of image noise and artifacts were evaluated. In one-by-one qualitative analyses, 2 radiologists evaluated metal artifacts, the depiction of structures, and noise on five-point scales. In side-by-side qualitative analyses, artifacts and overall image quality were evaluated by comparing Hybrid IR–SEMAR with DLR-SEMAR. Results: Artifacts were significantly less with DLR-SEMAR than with DLR in quantitative ( P < .001) and one-by-one qualitative ( P < .001) analyses, which resulted in significantly better depiction of most structures ( P < .004). Artifacts in side-by-side analysis and image noise in quantitative and one-by-one qualitative analyses ( P < .001) were significantly less with DLR-SEMAR than with Hybrid IR–SEMAR, resulting in significantly better overall quality of DLR-SEMAR. Conclusions: Compared with DLR and Hybrid IR–SEMAR, DLR-SEMAR provided significantly better supra hyoid neck CT images in patients with dental metals.
Association Between Health-Promoting Behaviors and Reproductive Health Needs in Women Experiencing Domestic Violence
Authors: Fathnezhad-Kazemi Azita , Zeighami Mohammadi Sharareh , Nayebinia Anvar-Sadat
Published: June 2023

Violence against women is considered as one of the most serious social problems in all the societies. It is common that the abused women experience physical, psychological, and health problems, as well as reproductive health issues. Domestic violence affects women’s health behaviors and ability to seek any form of health care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and reproductive health needs in women experienced domestic violence. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 5 to September 21, 2021, on 380 abused women. Cluster sampling was performed in health centers of Karaj. Data were collected using demographic survey questions, Domestic Violence Survey, Reproductive Health Needs of Domestic Violated Women scale, and health-promoting behaviors questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation) scores for reproductive health needs and health-promoting behaviors were 158.88 (20.24) and 131.08 (20.53), respectively. Psychological violence had the highest (69.5%) prevalence among all types and 37.6% of women reported severe violence. The results of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test indicated that all dimensions of the reproductive health needs of abused women (men’s participation, self-care, support and health services, and sexual and marital relationships) positively and significantly related to the total score and various dimensions of health-promoting behaviors (interpersonal relationship, health responsibility, physical activity, spiritual growth, nutrition, and stress management). The dimensions of health-promoting behaviors together can explain 21.6% of the changes in reproductive health needs based on linear regression. Violence is a global public concern and paying attention to the various health dimensions in abused women is an important aspect of the health policies. Developing health-promoting behaviors in abused women improves their reproductive health state and society as a whole.
Multi-objective optimization of loading path for sheet hydroforming of tank bottom
Authors: Zhang Zaifang , Zhou Liang , Xu Feng , Sun Xiwu , Zhang Zhichao
Published: June 2023

As a critical component of the propellant tank, the tank bottom is subjected to complex loads such as internal pressure and vibration and has high requirements for structural load-bearing capacity. Hydroforming deep drawing is one of the techniques for the integral forming of the tank bottom. As the tank bottom is a large-size thin-walled structure, defects such as cracks and wrinkles are prone to occur during the hydroforming deep drawing process. Aiming at reducing these defects, the hydraulic pressure loading path and blank holder force loading path of the hydroforming deep drawing process are studied, and a multi-objective optimization method is proposed to improve the surface accuracy and thickness distribution uniformity of the tank bottom. The complex loading path curve optimization problem is transformed into a functional relationship between hydraulic pressure and blank holder force with time. The hydraulic pressure and blank holder force at each time node are used as design variables, and the maximum wall thickness reduction rate, rupture trend factor, wrinkle height, and wrinkle trend factor are used as optimization targets. The radial basis function (RBF) neural network is used to establish the approximate model between the loading path and the optimization target, and the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is used to optimize the solution. Taking the hemispherical tank bottom as an example, the optimal hydraulic pressure loading path and blank holder force loading path are obtained, and the quality of the formed part is improved.
Research on economical mode switching control strategy of dual-motor four-wheel drive considering motor drag and mode switching transient loss
Authors: Cao Kaibin , Hu Minghui , Li Wanhong , Chen Long , Yang Guanlong , Zhai Jun , Fu Chunyun
Published: June 2023

In existing research on economical-performance control strategies for 4WD EV, only vehicle control strategies obtained through static efficiency interpolation of the electric-drive-system are considered, without considering the influence of high-frequency mode switching on energy consumption, and the difference between the actual power loss of the motor step-torque transient response and the theoretical loss calculated by steady-state map interpolation in the mode switching process. The research presents an economical mode switching control strategy that considers the step-torque transient response power loss caused by motor drag and mode switching. An electric-drive-system torque response testing platform was built to study the influence of the actual power loss of the motor step-torque transient response on energy consumption during mode switching under transient conditions. A mode boundary division method was proposed to analyze how different mode division impact on energy consumption and mode switching frequency so as to find the relationship between different operating points and mode boundary areas, and the optimal mode boundary width in each characteristic range was optimized hierarchically to realize reduction in energy consumption by 3.37% and reduction in mode switching frequency by 63.13%. Among them, the optimal mode boundary width accounts for 83.33% of the vehicle energy consumption reduction rate.
Piezoresistivity modeling of soft tissue electrical-mechanical properties: A validation study
Authors: Guo Jing , He Min , Li Zhichao , Cai Shuting , Xiong Xiaoming , Cheng Zhuoqi
Published: June 2023

In general, the electrical property of soft tissues is sensitive to the force applied to their surface. To further study the relationship between the force and the electrical property of soft tissues, this paper attempts to investigate the effect of static and higher-order stresses on electrical properties. Overall, a practical experimental platform is designed to acquire the force information and the electrical property of soft tissues during a contact procedure, which is featured different compression stimuli, such as constant pressing force, constant pressing speed, and step-force compression, etc. Furthermore, the piezoresistive characteristic is innovatively introduced to model the mechanical-electrical properties of soft tissue. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) is adopted to fit the static piezoresistivity of the soft tissue. Finally, experimental studies were performed to demonstrate the effect of stress on the electrical properties and the feasibility of the proposed piezoresistive model to describe soft tissues’ mechanical and electrical properties.
Does CSR Make Business? Insights from Structural Equation Model Analysis of Indian Companies
Authors: Mohanty Siba Sankar , Rath Subhrajit
Published: June 2023

The study contributed to the debate on the link between CSR and financial performance of the corporate sector on the basis of information on CSR and financial performance indicators (CFP) for top 100 listed companies in India between 2005 and 2020. Structural equation modelling tools were used to assess the relationship between the composite variables CSR and CFP. The companies were also classified into two groups namely, mineral-based and non-mineral-based.

The study found a significant and positive effect of CSR on CFP. However, the study found interesting differences in the route of such effect for mineral and non-mineral groups of companies. While the positive CSR-CFP relationship in non-mineral-based companies was primarily due to enhancement in their internal resource management efficiency and increase in productivity, for mineral-based companies, it was more driven by legitimacy and community reputation concerns.
A Study of Reliability and Validity of Constructs of Neuromarketing Among Indian Consumers
Authors: Traymbak Shruti , Shukla Anju , Dutta Mili
Published: June 2023

Background

Consumer behavior research and neurology are combined in the emerging discipline of neuromarketing. Neuromarketing is considered to be one of emerging field to study how consumer’s brain reacts to advertisement and other brand’s message by observing brainwave, eye, and skin response. The current study examined the emerging field of constructs of neuromarketing like social, attention, technology, and emotions to examine Indian consumer’s buying behavior.

Purpose

To study the validity and reliability of constructs of neuromarketing that examines consumer’s buying behavior among Indian consumers.

Methods

A sample of 191 people of different age groups was considered in the study. A random sampling technique was used for data collection. The self-designed questionnaire used for the measurement of neuromarketing constructs and consumers’ buying behavior. The current study applied SPSS and AMOS software to validate the measurement model of neuromarketing.

Results

The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s Test’s value is 0.784 and this value confirmed that the sample is adequate for factor analysis. Apart from that, the five constructs of neuromarketing – Attention (A), Social (SC), Technological (T), Emotion (E), and Consumer Buying Behavior (BB) had shown the value of Cronbach’s alpha to be more than 0.7. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) had shown value of average variance explained of each constructs 0.5 and composite reliability more than 0.7 which indicates excellent construct validity of constructs for model formation of neuromarketing. The study also validates measurement research model of neuromarketing on the basis of model fit index (chi-square/df = 3.397, RMSEA = 0.10, GFI = 0.92, and CFI = 0.87).

Conclusion

The present study had shown good validity and reliability of constructs of neuromarketing and also proved that marketers can apply these constructs to examine behavior pattern of consumers.
Indian Authorities and Mission Schools in the Aftermath of Independence: Jesuit Education in Chotanagpur, Bihar/Jharkhand, 1947–1960
Authors: Athreya Aditi , Goddeeris Idesbald
Published: June 2023

This article studies the relationship between the authorities of newly independent India and mission schools using the case of (and the perspective/sources from) the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Chotanagpur (then South Bihar, now Jharkhand). These relationships were marked by much tension in the late 1940s and early 1950s. An abundance of issues—for instance on finances, appointments, recognition, and management—mirror the fight over the control of the mission schools. However, these debates faded in the late 1950s, inter alia because policy-makers became aware of the benefits of mission schools, both in efficiently educating and in collectively suppressing communism.
“The Synaptic Board Game” Improves Health Sciences Students’ Learning on Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Carrazoni Guilherme Salgado , Chaves Amanda Dalla’Corte , Silva Lucas Gazzani Araujo , Rocha Claudio Felipe Kolling da , Mello-Carpes Pâmela Billig
Published: June 2023

Background

Synaptic Transmission (ST) is a content of Physiology courses in which students frequently experience learning difficulties.

Intervention

Here, we evaluated the impact of using The Synaptic Board Game (SBG), an educational game created to assist in ST teaching-learning, on students’ knowledge.

Methods

Sixty-eight students were divided into control (CT) and synaptic board game groups (GG); CT attended one theoretical class (TC) about ST, and GG experienced 1 h of class using the SBG in addition to the same TC. Before and immediately after the intervention, students completed tests about ST. Overall scores and performance in specific questions (general synaptic transmission, electrical, and chemical synapse) were assessed.

Results

GG scored higher in the immediate post-test compared to the pre-test. In addition, GG showed higher overall scores than CT in the immediate post-test. Both groups scored lower in the post-test in general synaptic transmission questions, but GG performed better than CT.

Discussion

SBG improves knowledge after practice and seems to help students understand better the differences between electrical and chemical synapses.

Limitations and Suggestions

(i) the immediate post-test could be applied at the same time for both groups; (ii) future quiz apps developed to be applied in class could collect the data regarding the answers to each question from students while they play the game; (iii) a late post-test could be applied simultaneously with students from both groups without previous communication.

Conclusion

The results indicate that SBG is an effective teaching material to reinforce ST learning and avoid misunderstandings between electrical and chemical synapses.
Comparing an In-Person and Online Continuing Education Intervention to Improve Professional Decision-Making: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Regehr Cheryl , Birze Arija , Palmer Michael , Sewell Karen , Paterson Jane , Kuehl Dale , Fallon Barbara
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This paper compares two iterations (in-person and online) of a multi-stage continuing education program for improving high-risk decision-making among mental health workers. Methods: The mixed-methods study analyzed the following: (1) physiological and psychological arousal during simulated patient interviews; (2) physiological and psychological arousal recorded during real-time decision-making over four months; and (3) thoughts on the process and outcomes of the intervention raised in reflective interviews. Findings: Quantitatively, there were no statistical differences in stress measures between in-person and online simulated interviews or decision-making logs, suggesting they were effective in eliciting reactions commonly found in challenging clinical situations. Qualitatively, participants in both iterations indicated that the intervention caused them to reflect on practice, consider a wider range of factors related to the decisions, and enact approaches to improve decision-making. Conclusions: A carefully constructed online continuing education experience can result in outcomes for experienced social workers that are equivalent to an in-person iteration.
What Patients Facing Cancer and Caregivers Want From Communication in Times of Crisis: A Qualitative Study in the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Nainwant , Giannitrapani Karleen F. , Gamboa Raziel C. , O’Hanlon Claire E. , Fereydooni Soraya , Holdsworth Laura M. , Lindvall Charlotta , Walling Anne M. , Lorenz Karl A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Interpersonal communication is a cornerstone of patient-centered care. We aimed to identify what patients with cancer and caregivers may want from communication during a public health crisis.

Methods

We interviewed 15 patients (8 Veteran, 7 non-Veteran) and caregivers from regionally, racially, and ethnically diverse backgrounds across the US about serious illness care and quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic Using an iterative, inductive and deductive process, 2 coders analyzed content associated with the code “Communication,” which appeared 71 times, and identified 5 themes.

Results

Participants identified as White (10), Latino/a (3), Asian (1), and Black (1). (1) Help patients and caregivers prepare for care during crisis by communicating medical information directly and proactively. (2) Explain how a crisis might influence medical recommendations and impact on recovery from illness. (3) Use key messengers to improve communication between primary teams, patients, and caregivers. (4) Include caregivers and families in communication when they cannot be physically present. (5) Foster bidirectional communication with patients and families to engage them in shared decision-making during a vulnerable time.

Conclusion

Communication is critical during a public health crisis yet overwhelmed clinicians may not be able to communicate effectively. Communicating with caregivers and family, transparent and timely communication, ensuring diverse providers are on the same page, and effective listening are known gaps even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians may need quick interventions, like education about goals of care, to remind them about what seriously ill patients and their caregivers want from communication and offer patient-centered care during crises.
How Fun Overcame Fear: The Gamification of a Graduate-Level Statistics Course
Authors: Trinh Mai P. , Chico Robert J. , Reed Rachel M.
Published: June 2023

Innovative instructional methods can help improve student engagement and learning outcomes when teaching difficult subjects, such as statistics. This instructional innovation article illustrates how gamification can be applied in management education to improve students’ learning experience, engagement, and acquisition of knowledge. Our purpose is to demonstrate how gamification is not only a powerful way to build on the use of games and game thinking in our field, but also a versatile application of education technology that could potentially enhance the way management knowledge is taught. Furthermore, it is a low-risk way for management educators to join and contribute to the larger virtual revolution. We document the process of combining the Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) competency framework and the Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics (MDA) design framework to create both theoretically and practically motivated gamification designs in a graduate-level statistics class. With student data and feedback, we demonstrate that gamification helped create a positive learning experience, facilitated interactions in the course, and assisted the learning of statistical knowledge. We offer suggestions and concrete examples for interested educators to implement gamification in their courses.
Outcomes of Decent Work Among Blue-Collar Workers in South Africa: The Role of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Koekemoer Eileen , Masenge Andries
Published: June 2023

Vocational research using the psychology of working theory (PWT) is increasing. Still, empirical studies testing the hypothesized relationships among this theory’s intended target group (e.g., working class or blue-collar workers) are scant. Given the context of South Africa, and drawing on the PWT, this study adds to career literature by illustrating the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between decent work and two work-related outcomes (i.e., subjective career success and turnover intention) among a sample of South African blue-collar workers. Our results confirmed the bifactor five-factor structure for decent work among a sample of blue-collar workers in South Africa. Specifically, we contribute to existing knowledge about the outcome portion of the PWT model within non-western contexts, by illustrating the direct relationship of decent work with two outcomes i.e., subjective career success and turnover intention and provide evidence for the indirect effect of job satisfaction in these relationships.