bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational Transmission of Psychological Flexibility: The Mediating Role of Parenting Style and the Moderating Role of Teacher Support
Authors: An Dandan , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: November 2023

In this study, parents’ psychological flexibility scale, children’s psychological flexibility scale, parenting style scale and teacher support scale were used to explore the intergenerational transmission mechanism of psychological flexibility. The results showed that: (1) parents’ psychological flexibility significantly predicted children’s psychological flexibility; (2) authoritative parenting style and authoritarian parenting style partially mediated the relationship between parents' psychological flexibility and children’s psychological flexibility; (3) Teacher support not only moderated the effect of authoritative and authoritarian parenting on children’s psychological flexibility, but also moderated the mediating effect of authoritative and authoritarian parenting style between parents' psychological flexibility and children’s psychological flexibility.
Conceptualising ‘street-level’ urban design governance in Scotland
Authors: Richardson Robert
Published: November 2023

This article develops ‘street-level bureaucracy’ theory to conceptualise how policy implementation within urban design governance is shared among actors whose role transcends sectoral responsibilities and motivations. It presents case study research with a Scottish local authority which has made a strategic investment in a placemaking policy agenda, including the creation of an influential design review panel of volunteer experts which exemplifies the wider embrace of private capacity within public governance. The paper identifies the distinctive role of design review panel members in street-level implementation, and shows how their discretion is shaped simultaneously by public and private interests. It concludes that understanding and utilising these micro-level processes provides opportunities for conceptualising policy implementation within a neoliberalising urban governance context, and for addressing the implementation gap between the aims of public urban design policy and the realities of delivery.
Time to revisit the purported link of leprosy reactions with infective triggers: An unnecessary economic burden for patients
Authors: Muddebihal Aishwarya , Sardana Kabir , Khurana Ananta , Ahuja Arvind , Singh Itu
Published: November 2023

Existing literature on factors triggering leprosy reactions is based only on case reports and case series, and thus probably gives a biased view. We undertook a case–control study to investigate such purported trigger factors in 42 leprosy reaction patients and 40 non-reactional controls, and the cost of investigations required for the same. Detailed history, clinical evaluation and investigations for triggers were carried out. Infections (typhoid, dental caries) were the most common triggers found, followed by pregnancy. Trigger factors were commoner in the type 2 reaction (T2R) group compared to type 1 (T1R) reaction group. There was however no statistical difference between the two groups. The average estimated cost of investigations was higher in the reactional group and this difference was statistically significant. Hence, except for essential investigations required for initiating steroids, an extensive battery of investigations is unjustified unless the medical history suggests a definitive infective trigger.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Motives and Barriers for Sustained Collective Action Toward Social Change
Authors: Cohen-Eick Noa , Shuman Eric , van Zomeren Martijn , Halperin Eran
Published: November 2023

Israel’s year-long protest calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation created an opportunity to examine unique factors influencing sustained collective action (SCA; i.e., repeated participation in social movement action for the same cause). As little is known about how to explain such dedication, we compared a well-established set of predictors of one-time collective action (CA) with a new predictors set of SCA, focusing on collective instrumental and socio-emotional (CISE) motivations grounded in previous participation experience, to predict subsequent participation. In a unique longitudinal design, we tracked protestors over 6 weeks. Our findings showed that less emotional exhaustion, more subjective effort into participation, and a perceived closer timeframe for desired social change positively predicted SCA. This differentiates SCA from CA—moreover, as one-time CA predictors did not predict SCA, this suggests a need for a new model to explain SCA based on CISE motivations that reflect continuous goal pursuit.
Using Auxiliary Item Information in the Item Parameter Estimation of a Graded Response Model for a Small to Medium Sample Size: Empirical Versus Hierarchical Bayes Estimation
Authors: Naveiras Matthew , Cho Sun-Joo
Published: November 2023

Marginal maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) is commonly used for item response theory item parameter estimation. However, sufficiently large sample sizes are not always possible when studying rare populations. In this paper, empirical Bayes and hierarchical Bayes are presented as alternatives to MMLE in small sample sizes, using auxiliary item information to estimate the item parameters of a graded response model with higher accuracy. Empirical Bayes and hierarchical Bayes methods are compared with MMLE to determine under what conditions these Bayes methods can outperform MMLE, and to determine if hierarchical Bayes can act as an acceptable alternative to MMLE in conditions where MMLE is unable to converge. In addition, empirical Bayes and hierarchical Bayes methods are compared to show how hierarchical Bayes can result in estimates of posterior variance with greater accuracy than empirical Bayes by acknowledging the uncertainty of item parameter estimates. The proposed methods were evaluated via a simulation study. Simulation results showed that hierarchical Bayes methods can be acceptable alternatives to MMLE under various testing conditions, and we provide a guideline to indicate which methods would be recommended in different research situations. R functions are provided to implement these proposed methods.
Marital Beliefs and Decisions Among Young Chinese Medical Workers
Authors: Ma Kaixuan , Guan Qiujie , Cheng Weiwei , Niu Yang , Zhou Yijun
Published: November 2023

The marital status of young medical workers deserves attention due to their working situation, occupational, and personal characteristics. This study investigated the marital decisions and the influencing factors of marital decisions (i.e., marital beliefs, marital policy, work stress, social support, and demographic variables) among 500 young medical workers in China. The results found that the majority of young medical workers decide to marry and have children, and most of them choose to marry or have children before the age of 30, have only one child, and have no preference for the sex of their child. Young medical workers placed the highest importance on marital relationships among the four dimensions of marital beliefs (i.e., marital salience, marital context, traditional norms, and marital relationships). The results further showed that marital salience, marital context, gender, age, educational level, job type, census register, and satisfaction with marital policy had influences on marital decisions. In the future, attention should be paid to different groups' marital beliefs and decisions, help young medical workers improve intimate relationships, enhance awareness of the importance of marriage and childbearing, and strengthen marital welfare policies and services.
Improved information dissemination services for the agricultural sector in Thailand: development and evaluation of a machine learning based rice crop yield prediction system
Authors: Ngandee Sumanya , Taparugssanagorn Attaphongse
Published: November 2023

The upward surge in world population, sustainability, and concerns about food and nutritional security place the food and agricultural sector amidst challenges. These challenges encompass increasing food supply, meeting higher quality standards, and enhancing productivity and crop yield prediction. This study discusses the development and evaluation of a Machine Learning (ML) based rice yield prediction system. Utilizing extensive historical datasets from the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Thai Meteorological Department, and Department of Internal Trade of Thailand, all pivotal variables at the national rice level were considered. Examining ML models like the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF), the study proposes a Web-based system to disseminate Thailand's rice information and yield predictions, aiding decision-making processes. Beyond evaluating the performance of each prediction model, user satisfaction was scrutinized. Results reveal that the FFNN, a deep neural network, adeptly handles complex nonlinear relationships in high-dimensional datasets. Despite the FFNN's longer training runtime due to Big-O complexity, it exhibits the shortest execution time for predictions. System usability assessment, based on ten standardized questions, indicates participants found the proposed system marginally acceptable, reporting positive user experiences and feeling confident in system use without perceiving it as inconsistent or cumbersome. This study is significant for enhancing agricultural information dissemination services across diverse sectors, benefiting farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and policymakers.
Bidirectional perforators in the lower limb are not physiologically normal: A brief commentary
Authors: van Rij André M , Hill Brigid G , Thomas Kate N
Published: November 2023

The suggestion that bidirectional flow is a normal feature seen in venous perforators of the lower leg has been a longstanding debate. Newer published evidence has changed the perspective on normal perforator flow and is presented here to resolve the misunderstandings and different viewpoints previously held.
Perspectives of inpatients with palliative care needs, their families, clinicians and key stakeholders on measuring quality of hospital care via patient experience measures: A qualitative study
Authors: Virdun Claudia , Button Elise , Phillips Jane L , Yates Patsy , Luckett Tim
Published: November 2023

Background:

Globally there are high numbers of patients with palliative care needs receiving care in hospitals. Patient reported experience measures (PREMs) provide useful data to guide improvement work. How to implement PREMs within palliative care populations is unclear.

Aim:

To explore the perspectives of inpatients with palliative care needs, their family members, and the clinical team regarding the use of a generic PREM as compared with a PREM designed for people with palliative care needs and related implementation factors.

Design:

A qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews and focus groups and integrated thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Inpatients with palliative care needs, their family members, and clinical team members were recruited from three wards in an Australian metropolitan hospital.

Results:

Twenty-seven interviews and three focus groups were conducted. Six themes emerged: (1) PREMs for people with palliative care needs ought to be tailored to the needs of this population; (2) PREMs should appraise whether the needs of families have been met in addition to those of patients; (3) PREMs for inpatients with palliative care needs ought to be easy to use, brief and incorporate space for free text alongside each question; (4) Implementation of PREMs for people with palliative care needs ought to consider who administers these, when and how often; (5) PREM data need to be specific enough to inform process change and/or care provision; (6) Patients and families require meaningful feedback to encourage PREM completion.

Conclusions:

This study provides practical guidance for PREM selection and implementation to inform improvements to care for inpatients with palliative care needs.
PDL1 immunohistochemistry in canine neoplasms: Validation of commercial antibodies, standardization of evaluation, and scoring systems
Authors: Muscatello Luisa Vera , Gobbo Francesca , Avallone Giancarlo , Innao Micaela , Benazzi Cinzia , D’Annunzio Giulia , Romaniello Donatella , Orioles Massimo , Lauriola Mattia , Sarli Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Immuno-oncology research has brought to light the paradoxical role of immune cells in the induction and elimination of cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), expressed by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1), expressed by tumor cells, are immune checkpoint proteins that regulate the antitumor adaptive immune response. This study aimed to validate commercially available PDL1 antibodies in canine tissue and then, applying standardized methods and scoring systems used in human pathology, evaluate PDL1 immunopositivity in different types of canine tumors. To demonstrate cross-reactivity, a monoclonal antibody (22C3) and polyclonal antibody (cod. A1645) were tested by western blot. Cross-reactivity in canine tissue cell extracts was observed for both antibodies; however, the polyclonal antibody (cod. A1645) demonstrated higher signal specificity. Canine tumor histotypes were selected based on the human counterparts known to express PDL1. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 168 tumors with the polyclonal anti-PDL1 antibody. Only membranous labeling was considered positive. PDL1 labeling was detected both in neoplastic and infiltrating immune cells. The following tumors were immunopositive: melanomas (17 of 17; 100%), renal cell carcinomas (4 of 17; 24%), squamous cell carcinomas (3 of 17; 18%), lymphomas (2 of 14; 14%), urothelial carcinomas (2 of 18; 11%), pulmonary carcinomas (2 of 20; 10%), and mammary carcinomas (1 of 31; 3%). Gastric (0 of 10; 0%) and intestinal carcinomas (0 of 24; 0%) were negative. The findings of this study suggest that PDL1 is expressed in some canine tumors, with high prevalence in melanomas.
Modelling and testing of wind energy fed hybrid battery-supercapacitor energy storage operating in pulsed charging mode
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Rathore Arun
Published: November 2023

The use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind causes fluctuations in power generation. Hence energy storage is necessary in standalone power systems. It is challenging to use batteries as power backups because they cannot handle rapid power fluctuations without compromising battery life. This paper proposes a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) for wind energy-based power systems that includes a battery for long-term energy management with a super capacitor for quick dynamic power regulation. Pulse charging of the proposed HESS is carried out with the help of a dual active bridge (DAB) converter. Pulse charging of the HESS will result into reduced stress on battery and eventually to a longer self-life. The operation of the wind energy fed hybrid battery-supercapacitor energy storage was investigated through simulation using MATLAB-Simulink. For validating the simulation results, an experimental test bench is created using a real DAB prototype and TI Piccolo-F280049 microcontroller.
Multicultural libraries: A study on the information behaviour of the Terena people, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Lilian Aguilar , Terra Ana Lúcia , Almeida Júnior Oswaldo Francisco de , Aguilera Urquiza Antônio Hilário
Published: November 2023

This article reports on research on the information behaviour of the Terena people from a Brazilian indigenous community. The aim of this study is to present and analyse the data collected on the information behaviour of the Terena people, which will serve as a basis to propose a model for creating a multicultural library linked to a sociocultural perspective as part of a PhD research study. A qualitative and explanatory study was conducted within the ethnographic structure for data collection. Field appointments and interviews were conducted with 18 research participants from the indigenous peoples of the Bananal community between 2021 and 2022. The data analysis shows that their information behaviour was influenced by cultural factors, and it is therefore essential to address multicultural issues within this context. It is important to ensure that the information addresses cultural diversities, promoting the social visibility of indigenous peoples and preventing their exclusion. Future research should improve multicultural access to information by developing inclusive strategies that consider indigenous perspectives and knowledge.
Prediction of Early Antidepressant Efficacy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Based on Multidimensional Features of rs-fMRI and P11 Gene DNA Methylation: Prédiction de l’efficacité précoce d’un antidépresseur chez des patients souffrant du trouble dépressif majeur d’après les caractéristiques multidimensionnelles de la méthylation de l’ADN du gène P11 et de la IRMf-rs
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Gao Chenjie , Li Jiaxing , Li Lei , Yue Yingying , Liu Xiaoyun , Chen Suzhen , Hou Zhenghua , Yin Yingying , Jiang Wenhao , Xu Zhi , Kong Youyong , Yuan Yonggui
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study established a machine learning model based on the multidimensional data of resting-state functional activity of the brain and P11 gene DNA methylation to predict the early efficacy of antidepressant treatment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

A total of 98 Han Chinese MDD were analysed in this study. Patients were divided into 51 responders and 47 nonresponders according to whether the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HAMD-17) reduction rate was ≥50% after 2 weeks of antidepressant treatment. At baseline, the Illumina HiSeq Platform was used to detect the methylation of 74 CpG sites of the P11 gene in peripheral blood samples. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan detected the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity (FC) in 116 brain regions. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis method was used to perform feature reduction and feature selection. Four typical machine learning methods were used to establish support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), and logistic regression (LR) prediction models based on different combinations of functional activity of the brain, P11 gene DNA methylation and clinical/demographic features after screening.

Results

The SVM model based on ALFF, ReHo, FC, P11 methylation, and clinical/demographic features showed the best performance, with 95.92% predictive accuracy and 0.9967 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which was better than RF, NB, and LR models.

Conclusion

The multidimensional data features combining rs-fMRI, DNA methylation, and clinical/demographic features can predict the early antidepressant efficacy in MDD.
Development of non-dominated sorting differential evolution algorithm for cure cycle optimization of industrial composite parts
Authors: Zade Anita , Neogi Swati , Kuppusamy Raghu Raja Pandiyan
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this work is to develop a robust cost-effective in-house coded non-dominated sorting differential evolution (NSDE) algorithm to optimize the thermal-cure process through the minimization of part thickness thermal gradients and cure time of glass fibre-vinyl ester-based automotive bonnet and a carbon fibre-RTM6-based aircraft wing flap composite parts. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm was examined with the in-house coded NSGA-II and trial and error process simulations in terms of thermal gradient, cure time, and cure progression at the applied temperature cycles. At first, the NSDE and NSGA-II algorithms were developed for the simultaneous minimization of thermal gradients and cure time. Subsequently, the optimized thermal-cure profiles were obtained from trial-error simulations by manually changing the mould heating parameters. From the results, NSDE algorithm was found to be effective in achieving faster convergence with less cure process and computational time when compared to the NSGA-II algorithm. The NSDE algorithm performed effectively in terms of thermal gradient and cure time with the automated predictions of the mould heating parameters when compared with the trial and error process. From the results, the NSDE algorithm predicted a lower thermal gradient of 0.0008 K and 0.0022 K as well as cure times of 40 min and 35 min for the bonnet and wing flap parts, respectively.
Influence of formaldehyde exposure on the molecules of the NO/cGMP-cAMP signaling pathway in different brain regions of Balb/c mice
Authors: Huang Xiaoxiao , Cao Fenghua , Zhao Wei , Ma Ping , Yang Xu , Ding Shumao
Published: November 2023

This toxicology study was conducted to assess the impact of formaldehyde, a common air pollutant found in Chinese gymnasiums, on the brain function of athletes. In this research, a total of 24 Balb/c male mice of SPF-grade were divided into four groups, each consisting of six mice. The mice were exposed to formaldehyde at different concentrations, including 0 mg/m3, 0.5 mg/m3, 3.0 mg/m3, and 3.0 mg/m3 in combination with an injection of L-NMMA (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine), which is a nitric oxide synthase antagonist. Following a one-week test period (8 h per day, over 7 days), measurements of biomarkers related to the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP-cAMP signaling pathway were carried out on the experimental animals post-treatment. The study found that: (1) Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to brain cell apoptosis and neurotoxicity; (2) Additionally, formaldehyde exposure was found to alter the biomarkers of the NO/cGMP-cAMP signaling pathway, with some changes being statistically significant ( p < 0.05 or p < 0.01); (3) The use of L-NMMA, an antagonist of the NO/cGMP-cAMP signaling pathway, was found to prevent these biomarker changes and had a protective effect on brain cells. The study suggests that the negative impact of formaldehyde on the brain function of mice is linked to the regulation of the NO/cGMP-cAMP signaling pathway.
Disclosing Otherness: Situated Knowledges and the Politics of Ethnographic Approaches to the #WeAreNotWaiting Movement in Type 1 Diabetes and Beyond
Authors: Jansky Bianca
Published: November 2023

In this article, I reflect on my empirical engagement in the global (digital) health movement #WeAreNotWaiting in the context of Type 1 Diabetes. I want to take my relationships and interactions in this community as a starting point to discuss the multifacetedness of doing ethnographic research in health-political activist communities while not being affected by the health conditions the research participants are affected by and not sharing their explicit personal-political aim. Building on Donna Haraway’s conceptualization of situated knowledge and Kim TallBear’s notion of ethics of accountability, I empirically retrace three accounts of disclosing otherness in my empirical engagement that were generative for my understanding of the movement. I suggest that the moments where one needs to explain oneself, where one is met with skepticism, or experiences tensions, might be uncomfortable and challenging but can be generative. To engage with them can contribute to the accountability of the ethnographer.
The Role of Competitive Project-Based Funding in the Commodification of Academic Research: A Marxist Analysis
Authors: Arboledas-Lérida Luis
Published: November 2023

The current growth of competitive project-based funding (CPBF) as a funding instrument for academic science reveals that public funding plays a critical role in the spreading of the capitalist relations of production in academia. However, this issue has not been properly addressed in the extant literature. This paper examines CPBF in the light of the determinations of capitalist relations of production captured by the Marxist notion of ‘formal subsumption of labour under capital’. It will then show that CPBF mediates commodity-based productive relations between funding agencies and academic institutions, and that the latter are, in turn, premised on the separation of academic labour from the objective conditions of knowledge production. It will be also demonstrated how CPBF reproduces and deepens that split, leading from the partial to the complete formal subsumption of academic labour under capital. Our analysis challenges the assumption that increased public funding will put to a halt the commodification of academia and academic research.
Protecting the mental realm: What does human rights law bring to the table?
Authors: Istace Timo
Published: November 2023

The protection of the mind through human rights law has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. Concerned by rapid developments in neurotechnology, some scholars have suggested the introduction of so-called ‘neurorights’: that is, human rights that specifically aim to protect people's minds against unwanted intrusion by neurotechnology. However, a cautious approach is advisable. Before robust claims about the need for neurorights can be made, it first needs to be examined what protection is currently offered within the existing human rights framework. Adequate safeguards to counter existing and upcoming threats to people's minds may already be available through an analysis of the current spectrum of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this article, the role that the existing human rights framework could play in protecting people's minds will be examined. To that aim, first the need to protect people's mental sphere will be discussed. Subsequently, the existing human rights and fundamental freedoms will be assessed on their merits in providing adequate protection.
Research on an epoxy resin magnetoelastic abrasive: Application in tool edge preparation
Authors: Yuan Yin , Zhao Xuefeng , You Ke , Yin Xiaolong
Published: November 2023

Magnetoelastic abrasive grains have low elastic modulus and magnetism, which can create magnetic brushes in magnetic fields. When magnetoelastic abrasive particles come into contact with a workpiece, they can cause deformation, which increases the effective contact surface area and improves machining quality and efficiency. A method for preparing epoxy resin magnetoelastic abrasives was proposed first. The magnetic particle micromorphology was detected through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Secondly, based on the theory of particle-filled composite materials and mechanics, the representative volume element (RVE) model was developed using the finite element software ABAQUS. The size ratio of iron and silicon carbide filler particles, particle shape, and arrangement of stress and strain were found to further improve the magnetoelastic abrasive preparation process. To investigate the effect of time, abrasive size, tool speed, disc speed, and disc spacing on the flank face value, rake face value, and shape factor, double disc magnetic preparation was subjected to magnetoelastic abrasive. Compared to traditional drag finishing methods, the magnetoelastic abrasive demonstrated high efficiency and quality. Exploring the application of magnetoelastic abrasives, new technology and methods of edge preparation, and promoting progress in magnetic efficient processing and magnetic optical finishing technology is of great theoretical and practical value.
Surface damage characteristics and identification based on acoustic emission in diamond point grinding carbon/carbon ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Li Maojun , Chen Yajie , Jiang Xiaoyang , Yang Xujing
Published: November 2023

This study mainly investigated the effect of machining parameters on acoustic emission (AE) characteristics in grinding three-dimensional carbon/carbon ceramic matrix composites with superabrasive diamond grinding points. Signal processing techniques including fast Fourier transform (FFT) and short-time Fourier transform (SWFT) were applied to evaluate frequency features of AE signals. The RMS values were used as an indicator to detect grinding energy releasing characteristics. Results indicated that grinding speed and grinding depth were the main influencing factors on RMS values, while feed speed presented limited effects. The maximum undeformed chip thickness hmax and active grits number were two key factors affecting RMS variation of the AE signals, which corresponded to the intensity of single AE source and the number of total AE ones, respectively. The material removal mechanisms were studied via detailed SEM micrographs of machined surfaces, revealing that fiber fracture and debonding were the main material removal modes in point grinding carbon/carbon composites. The material removal mode can be possibly identified from the frequency of AE signal, as the band of 12–35 kHz mainly corresponded to fiber fracture, 35–70 kHz referred to debonding between the fiber and matrix, 70–90 kHz indicated the frictions, and the fourth band (90–120 kHz) was related to the matrix cracks.
Effect of in situ and furnace thermal annealing on the mechanical properties and sustainability of 3D printed carbon-peek composites
Authors: Bianchi Iacopo , Forcellese Archimede , Simoncini Michela , Vita Alessio
Published: November 2023

The present work aims at investigating the impact of heat treatments on the mechanical, environmental and economic performances of components in carbon fibre polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite produced using the Fused Deposition Modelling technique. The mechanical properties of PEEK can be strongly improved by performing heat treatments to maximize the degree of crystallinity in PEEK. To this purpose, the typical annealing heat treatment in a furnace, that is energy and time intensive, was compared to an innovative in situ annealing process named Direct Annealing System (DAS), which is performed during the 3D printing process. In order to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of 3D printed parts, tensile tests were carried out on samples treated both using the annealing in a furnace and DAS processes. Similarly, the environmental and economic impacts of the different heat treatments were analysed by means of Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing methodologies. The results demonstrated that the DAS system allows the improvement of the mechanical properties of carbon fibre PEEK composite, even though the highest performances can be obtained using a heat treatment in furnace. On the other hand, the DAS system is characterized by lower environmental and economic impacts than the annealing in furnace, denoting its more sustainability.
Effect of graphene oxide nano-particles dispersed biodiesel on combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine
Authors: Yadav Mukesh , Karimi Munawar Nawab , Yadav Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2023

Present study aims to investigate the impact of graphene oxide (GO) nano-particles as a fuel additive on the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine. The diesel and biodiesel fuels were blended with GO nano-particles at concentrations of 20, 40 and 60 ppm, resulting in the formation of fuel blends named B20GO20, B20GO40 and B20GO60, respectively. During the experiments, several parameters including cylinder pressure, heat release rate, brake-specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were measured. The results showed that the addition of 40 ppm of GO led to a maximum reduction of 36.41% in CO emissions, 17.38% in HC emissions, and 12.56% in NOx emissions. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that biodiesel–diesel blends with GO nano-particles can be utilised as an alternative fuel in diesel engines without requiring significant engine modifications.
Influence of post-heat treatment with super β transus temperature on the tensile behaviour of LPBF processed Ti6Al4V
Authors: Pathania Akshay , Anand Kumar S , Nagesha BK
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the tensile behaviour of Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed Ti6Al4 V samples under three build orientations. The effect of microstructural changes from the post-heat treatments (PHTs – 850 °C, 950 °C 1050 °C) was assessed. The microstructural characterization was performed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and SEM techniques. The tensile tests were performed using a uniaxial universal testing machine (UTM). The fractal dimension analysis was performed on the fractured surfaces using ImageJ software integrated with an open-source MultiFrac plug-in. The PHT at a higher temperature (i.e., 1050 °C) induces a higher amount of β phase than the other PHTs. The PHT performed at 1050 °C exhibited α-Widmanstatten microstructure consisting of elongated β and a small amount of α. The PHT induces an isotropic behaviour in the LPBF-processed samples. However, the ductility of specimens subjected to PHT at 1050 °C showed ∼ 67%, 40%, and 177% improvement under horizontal (0°), inclined (45°), and vertical (90°) orientations than as-printed samples. Further fractal dimension analysis corroborates well with the ductility values of PHT samples. Therefore, the combination of fractography analysis and fractal dimension approach can be a promising methodology towards fractured surface characterization of additively manufactured metal parts.
Influence of trailing edge flap length and deflection angle on the performance of the multiphase pump
Authors: Han Wei , Zhou Juping , Li Rennian , Ma Xiaoning , HaojieWang
Published: November 2023

At medium to high gas content rates, the gas-liquid separation phenomenon and the stagnation behaviors of the gas masses occurring in the impeller channels are essential factors affecting the hydraulic performance of multiphase pumps. This paper designs a split trailing edge flap suitable for the multiphase pump to improve the hydraulic performance in the impeller by varying the flap deflection angle and length. The model’s reliability was assessed by comparing the experimental outcome with the external characteristics of the experimental data. Based on the Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase model and the SST k‐ω turbulence model, the effects of different flap lengths on external characteristics, the turbulent kinetic energy and pressure distribution are analyzed. The study results show that when the length of the separated trailing edge flap is 0.25 l0 and the deflection angle is 5°, the transporting efficiency of the multiphase pump is the highest at IGVF=50% with an efficiency increase of 3.40% compared to the original model. Its optimal flap length scheme effectively reduces the radial pressure gradient and the inverse pressure gradient in the impeller channel, which suppresses the gas blockage phenomenon to a certain extent.
Studying the mechanical behavior of a generic thermoplastic by means of a fast coarse-grained molecular dynamics model
Authors: Dötschel Vincent , Pfaller Sebastian , Ries Maximilian
Published: November 2023

Polymers play an emerging role in modern engineering applications due to their comparatively low cost, low density, and versatile manufacturing. The addition of nano-sized fillers further enhances the polymer’s properties but also induces a strong dependence on the resulting microstructure, particularly the matrix-filler interphase. Since an experimental characterization of this nano-sized interphase is extremely difficult, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study the effects at such small scales. However, MD’s high computational costs usually limit the scope of a mechanical characterization. Therefore, this study presents the methodology and tools to generate and analyze samples of an efficient generic thermoplastic model. In this first contribution, we focus on the neat polymer and introduce a versatile and numerically stable self-avoiding random walker with adjustable linearity of chain growth. Moreover, we verify our equilibration procedure by preparing samples in liquid and solid state which behave physically sound. Finally, we perform uniaxial tensile tests with a maximum strain of 10 % to evaluate the mechanical properties. In the liquid case, the polymer chains are sufficiently mobile, such that the tensile stresses fluctuate only around zero, while the solid exhibits an almost linear elastic regime followed by a nonlinear part. This contribution forms the basis for a thorough mechanical characterization of polymer nanocomposites which we will address in future studies. The methodology and tools introduced are not limited to our generic polymer, but applicable to many coarse-grained models.
Experiences of transition from hospital to community living via the Pathways to Community Living Initiative: A qualitative evaluation study of service users and family members
Authors: O’Shea Peri , Williams Kathryn E
Published: November 2023

Objective

People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) may be excluded from community-based care if their complex support needs cannot be met and are at risk of institutionalisation. The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) aims to address barriers to community living. This study evaluated the PCLI from the perspective of service users and family members.

Methods

Evaluation questions were explored in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded inductively and deductively. This article adheres to relevant EQUATOR standards for qualitative research and reporting.

Results

There were 37 interviews with 27 service users and 12 family members. Factors associated with positive experiences of transition from hospital included detailed planning, personalised care, and staged transitions which alleviated concerns around safety, support, and coping. Community living provided opportunities to exercise greater choice and control in everyday life and, for some, to reconnect with family. Poor physical health and social isolation were noted as potential risks.

Conclusions

Participants regarded community living as preferable to hospital settings, and highly valued their freedom. They reported that clinical, aged care and disability supports helped them. Additional support may be required to improve physical health and social connectedness, and families appear to have unmet needs for psychosocial support.
Use of a chromogenic medium with and without selective enrichment to screen for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) from canine and feline fecal specimens during an outbreak of NDM-5–producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Cole Stephen D. , Dietrich Jaclyn , Rankin Shelley C.
Published: November 2023

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are one of the most urgent threats to human healthcare globally. Descriptions of CPE outbreaks in veterinary hospitals suggest the need for screening strategies for CPE from companion animals. Our aim was to optimize a chromogenic agar method with and without selective enrichment to isolate CPE from companion animal feces in an ongoing outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamse-5 Escherichia coli. A limit of detection (LOD) assay for spiked canine and feline feces was performed for both methods using a carbapenamase-producing E. coli (24213-18); the LOD (1.5 × 103 cfu/g of feces) was equivalent to that reported for human fecal specimens. We screened 1,247 companion animal fecal specimens for carriage of CPE by 1) direct plating to chromogenic agar and 2) plating to chromogenic agar following selective enrichment. Twenty-one specimens were positive for CPE by both direct culture and enrichment culture. No specimens were positive with selective enrichment and negative by direct culture. A selective enrichment step did not result in any increased recovery of CPE from companion animals, which suggests that enrichment broth may not be necessary for outbreak surveillance testing. It is important to continue to validate methods for the detection of CPE in companion animals as outbreaks become more common in veterinary facilities.
Effects of Family Ownership and Professionalization on Firms’ Financial Performance and Sustainability Reputation
Authors: Piyasinchai Nareuporn (Bell) , Thananusak Trin , Hughes Mat
Published: November 2023

Family firms face significant challenges in professionalizing their management, while the professionalization effects on the firms’ performance are unclear. Drawing on stewardship and agency theories, we theorize and test the effects of family ownership and professionalization on firms’ financial performance and sustainability (environmental, social and governance) reputation. Using a large-scale management practices dataset of both public and private companies in the US, UK, Germany, and France, we find that family firms outperform nonfamily ones in terms of both financial performance and sustainability reputation, and professionalization helps strengthen such positive effects. We theorize that this is because professionalization can address agent opportunistic behaviors, while enhancing steward behaviors unique to family firms. The findings contribute to the literature on family business governance and professionalization.
An Innovative Community Health Nursing Virtual Reality Experience: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Hoffman Jenni L , Wu Tsu-Yin , Argeros Grigoris
Published: November 2023

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulation in nursing education, especially about non-acute care including community health, is an emerging learning strategy; more research is needed about its effectiveness. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative community health nursing VR simulation on prelicensure students’ knowledge about social determinants of health and cultural competence, with a goal of enhancing students’ preparation for practice. Methods: In a convergent mixed methods study, 100 prelicensure nursing students in a community health nursing course at a Midwestern U.S., urban, public university completed a pretest, a VR simulation, a posttest, and an evaluation. Pre- and posttests containing content questions adapted from leading community health nursing text faculty resources were used to assess learning, and the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) was used to assess perceived effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The majority of participants’ posttest scores were higher than their pretest scores. Most participants strongly agreed that the VR simulation was effective, and reported on new knowledge/skills learned, material found most helpful, and benefit to their nursing practice. Conclusions: The community health nursing VR simulation was effective at increasing participants’ knowledge and their confidence in their knowledge and abilities.
A computational multiscale approach towards the modelling of microstructures with material interfaces in electrical conductors
Authors: Güzel Dilek , Kaiser Tobias , Menzel Andreas
Published: November 2023

Motivated by the change of effective electrical properties grain or phase boundaries, a computational multiscale framework for continua with interfaces at the microscale is proposed. Cohesive-type interfaces are considered at the microscale, such that displacement and electrical potential jumps are accounted for. The governing equations for materials with interfaces under mechanical and electrical loads are provided. Based on these, a computational multiscale formulation is proposed. The coupling between the electrical and mechanical subproblem is established by the constitutive equations at the material interface. In order to investigate deformation-induced property changes at the microscale, the evolution of interface damage is elaborated. The proposed multiscale framework is further examined through various representative boundary value problems so as to identify its key properties.
Leader-member exchange and organizational citizenship behaviour: The moderator effects of subordinates’ horizontal collectivism orientation and team-member exchange
Authors: Tano Anthony Yaw , Manu Franklyn A , Osei-Frimpong Kofi , Darbi William Phanuel Kofi
Published: November 2023

Past research has not clearly explained why the quality of leader-member exchange (LMX) is weakly related to organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in non-Western cultures. Hence, this study explores subordinates’ cultural value orientation and team member exchange (TMX) as boundary conditions of the effects of LMX on citizenship behaviour directed at individual organizational members (OCBI) and citizenship behaviour directed at the organization as a whole (OCBO). The research hypotheses were tested using a sample of 392 supervisor-subordinate dyads from organizations across different sectors in Ghana. The results support our theorizing that horizontal collectivism and TMX strengthen the relationship between LMX and OCBI such that the relationship is stronger for horizontal collectivists and under a high TMX context. However, the results did not support the hypothesized moderator effects of horizontal collectivism and TMX on the LMX-OCBO relationship. The theoretical contributions, managerial implications and avenues for further research are discussed.
Intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machinery under variable working conditions based on deep transfer learning with fusion of local and global time–frequency features
Authors: Yu Xiao , Wang Songcheng , Xu Hongyang , Yu Kun , Feng Ke , Zhang Yongchao , Liu Xiaowen
Published: November 2023

With the development of deep learning methods, the data-driven fault diagnosis methods have attracted a great deal of interest. However, as for the data-driven fault diagnosis methods, technology has to overcome various difficulties in the practical industrial scenarios, such as variable working conditions, insufficient effective samples, and environmental noise interference. Combining with the time–frequency analysis of vibration signals, a domain adaptation fault diagnosis model based on ResNet and Transformer (DAFDMRT) is proposed in this work, aiming to solve the problems encountered by current rotating machinery fault diagnosis methods in the field of application. Firstly, the vibration signal is processed by wavelet packet transform and the time–frequency information grayscale maps is constructed. Next, a deep fusion feature extraction network combining ResNet and Transformer encoder, is designed for the extraction and fusion of the local and global features of multi-scale time–frequency information. Finally, the multi-kernel maximum mean discrepancy is applied to measure and minimize the distribution difference between the deep features of source and target domain, thereby improving the diagnostic performance of the diagnosis model in variable working conditions. In this work, comparative experiments are conducted as for bearing and gearbox datasets under variable working conditions. The results indicate that DAFDMRT can show excellent performances in terms of fault diagnosis and generalization ability.