bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-year follow-up of a brisk walking programme on fitness, perceived health and physical activity engagement in postmenopausal women
Authors: Garnier Sophie , Joffroy Sandra , Thon Bernard , Auneau Gérard , Mauriège Pascale
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Brisk walking helps postmenopausal women to maintain body weight and fat mass losses as well cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and to feel better. However, these long-term benefits have not been fully examined. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of a 2-year follow-up with those of a 4-month walking programme on body composition, resting blood pressure (BP), CRF and perceived health of 248 sedentary postmenopausal women (60 ± 5 years) with overweight-to-moderate obesity (body mass index, BMI, 30 ± 4 kg/m2).

Method:

From the study-population, 196 women engaged in an outdoor walking programme consisting of three sessions of 45 minutes/week at 60% of their heart rate reserve (initially exercised, IEx, group), and another 52 formed the initial control group (ICo). Ninety-one IEx and 18 ICo women were re-examined 2 years later, for all outcomes.

Results:

In IEx women, decreased body weight, fat mass and BP versus the increased CRF (.0001 <  p < .001) as well as improvements in four on six items of perceived health (.0001 <  p < .05) were maintained at follow-up. In ICo women, reduced BP and improved perceived healthy balanced diet were the only benefits at follow-up ( p < .05). Of the 91 IEx women, 70 remained physically active (60 minutes/week), and 46 of them engaged in physical activity more than 150 minutes/week. In ICo women, 16 became physically active (60 minutes/week), while 9 of them reached 150 minutes/week.

Conclusion:

The regular practice of brisk walking in greenspaces could thus be considered a useful health education strategy for middle-aged women.
“Village Consensus Candidate”: A Hybrid Offspring of Indigenous and Constitutional Democracies
Authors: Solo Neingusanuo , Amri Tiasunep
Published: August 2024

What happens when liberal democracy, rooted in the ideals of individual liberty, is imposed on a society deeply rooted in in-group loyalty? Geographers have noted that mountains and hills generally result in “minute mountain states” among their inhabitants, often resulting in constant feuds among those groups. Nagaland bears no exception, with hilly terrain being its geographic setting—Independent village republics, with head-hunting among the villages and tribes, characterized pre-colonial (i.e. British colonialism) and pre-Christianity Nagaland. To an ethnic group where the concept of electing their leader was unknown, the election process for the State Legislative Assembly of India was introduced. During which, the boundaries of the village republic are supposed to take a back seat, and individual liberty should take priority since several villages come within one constituency. However, the village boundary refuses to be erased, resulting in an illegal practice popularly known as ‘village consensus candidate’—a candidate from a village for whom the entire village is forced (in some cases voluntarily) to vote. The article explores the historical events and cultural values that shape and influence the election practices of Nagaland and the consequences of such practices on gender representation in the seats of the state’s legislative assembly.
Advancing research on femicide prevention: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Sarkar Reena , Dempsey Nicholas , Toulmin Clare , Forthun Joel , Spiers Annika , Dalla-Fontana Chloe , Bassed Richard
Published: August 2024

Femicide, the killing of women, girls, and infants, is a pervasive problem affecting all global societies. Policy and research are impeded by inaccurate and missing prevalence data, gaps in understanding of femicide, especially for hard-to-reach marginalized populations, and conflicting perceptions between jurisdictions. Leveraging on a combined socio-ecologic model and Public Health approach, the paper spans the methods of a computed tomography-based injury study, an in-depth media-analysis, a legislation evaluation study, and a data barriers’ study. Injury patterns, media depiction, and end-user consultations will close the loop on residual problems such as implementation, data gaps, and cultural perceptions. By mixed methods research representing multiple regions, and stakeholders, this project will enhance knowledge on interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors of femicide, advancing the humanitarian forensic discipline. The research method will identify emerging trends and facilitate improvements in tertiary prevention of femicide, specific to resource settings.
Calibration method for microscopic traffic simulation considering lane difference
Authors: Liu Huasheng , Deng Haoran , Li Jin , Yang Sha , Dong Kui , Zhao Yuqi
Published: August 2024

Lane-level differences in traffic conditions on urban roads are becoming increasingly significant. To remedy this problem, this study proposes a method for the microscopic traffic simulation calibration problem that considers the complexity of traffic conditions on-road sections and the differences in operating states between lanes. A simulation model was established by collecting actual data. Calibration parameters were determined using sensitivity analysis. A calibration model was built to minimize the relative errors of the roadway efficiency and lane differential indicators. The values of these parameters were obtained using a genetic algorithm (GA). The calibration processes were automated using programming. To assess the reliability of the proposed method, we conducted five sets of comparative experiments focusing on two aspects: calibration methods and algorithm utilization. Results indicate that the proposed method significantly enhances simulation accuracy, particularly in lane-level traffic simulations. In comparison to approaches considering only section-level traffic characteristics and default application software parameters, the proposed method yielded reductions in errors by 3.7%, 5.8%, 6.6%, and 3.2% for simulating lane occupancy rate and cross-section flow. The proposed method demonstrated a simulation error of approximately 5%, while the artificial neural network method was about 7%, validating the effectiveness of the algorithms employed. It can play a crucial role in multilane traffic flow, intelligent driving tests, vehicle–road cooperation, and other related study areas.
Enough names on the cover already: The 52-year process behind Jerzy Peterkiewicz, Burns Singer and Christine Brooke-Rose’s translations of Cyprian Norwid
Authors: Darlington Joseph Andrew
Published: August 2024

Using archive materials, this article investigates the decades-long translation process behind the year 2000 Carcanet collection ‘Cyprian Norwid: Poems, Letters, Drawings’. In doing so, it explores the role that translation played in the initial blossoming, and later collapse of, Christine Brooke-Rose and Jerzy Peterkiewicz’s romantic relationship. The translation of Christian mystic Cyprian Norwid’s poetry, from Polish to English, was undertaken for the first time by Brooke-Rose and Peterkiewicz in the 1940s. After a small batch of poems were well received, Peterkiewicz partnered with poet Burns Singer to produce another batch, included in their collection ‘Five Centuries of Polish Poetry’. As divorce proceedings began, Peterkiewicz approached Brooke-Rose with the idea of doing a full collection of Norwid translations, which she accepted. For over half a decade, this was the only communication between the two writers. The project was rejected by publishers in 1976, only to re-emerge in the 1990s, being accepted by Carcanet Press and then lost when their offices were destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1996. Pieced together for a third time, the translations by Peterkiewicz, Brooke-Rose and Burns Singer were finally published in the year 2000. By looking at the process behind these translations, this article hopes to provide insights into the personal aspect of translation work, collaborative translating methodologies and the traces such working processes leave upon the final translations.
Adapting an evidence-based contingency management and text messaging intervention for South African perinatal women who drink
Authors: Petersen Williams Petal , Washio Yukiko , Erasmus-Claassen Lesley-Ann , Taylor Shantae , Browne Felicia A , Myers Bronwyn , Wechsberg Wendee M , Parry Charles DH
Published: August 2024

South Africa has one of the highest prevalence rates globally for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Despite this, few interventions are routinely available for countering the adverse effects of perinatal drinking. The current study used the ADAPT-ITT framework to guide the development of a behavioral intervention with remote alcohol use monitoring and provision of financial incentives contingent on alcohol abstinence for people who are pregnant and postpartum. The study aims to maximize the intervention’s relevance, acceptance, and effectiveness in reducing alcohol use during pregnancy and lactation, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes in South Africa. Thirty-two in-depth interviews with people who were pregnant and 16 key-informant interviews with clinic and community members were conducted to help inform the intervention. The adapted intervention was pretested with 20 people who were pregnant or breastfeeding, and additional feedback was obtained from the community collaborative board. While there was widespread support for the intervention elements, some concerns were raised, including perceived high street value of a monitoring device, access to mobile phones to use such a device, frequency of monitoring, cheating when using a remote monitoring device, devices being lost or stolen, and the sustainability of long-term monitoring. The adapted intervention combines alcohol monitoring-based contingency management with text-based health promotion and information on where to access services tailored to maternal populations ready for testing in feasibility and efficacy trials.
‘Lovely in [impaired] limbs, and lovely in [impaired] eyes all his:’ A practical theology reflection on beauty, disgust, and aesthetics for Christian engagement with disability and impairment
Authors: Wan Ka Ki Samuel
Published: August 2024

Beauty and the horrid have mirroring effects on the conscious and subconscious human gaze and instinctive desires. Beauty may draw human desires to be realised in presence, connection, and relationship. The horrid may draw the primal instinct of disgust to be realised in alienation, disconnection, and annihilation. In the space between the object of desire/disgust and realising of ethics exists imagination – that which we conceive could be. How do these aesthetic instincts impact Christian ethics towards disability and impairment? The first part of this practical theology draws from the social sciences to describe an aesthetic of disability and how, in conjunction with disgust theory, leads to instinctual responses towards markers of impairment. The instinctual responses are described, theorised, and analysed in both secular and Christian settings to tease out an ethics of disgust built on ableism and its impact towards Christian mission and ministry. This ethic is then critiqued and challenged by disability studies, Levinasian theory, and wider Christian ethics. The second part of this paper proposes that the necessary turn for Christian ethics in recultivating love in the midst of disgust is through recapturing affections. Building on the Augustinian tradition, the consideration of beauty is returned from anthropology to trinitarian theology and missio Dei. In so doing, beauty is reconceived as that which participates, reflects, and points towards God’s beauty. Missio Dei is a participation in the beauty of God in creation and redemption, and shapes the Christian ethical imagination, challenging moral, cultural, visual, and ableist prejudices and preferences in ministry and mission. As the people of God, empowered by the Spirit and incorporated into Christ, our desires can be (re)formed to see the beauty of God in Christ ‘play in ten thousand places’.
Confucian values and zero-hour contracts: Sensemaking in workplace regimes at McDonald’s in China and the UK
Authors: Wei Wei , Royle Tony
Published: August 2024

This article is based on a comparative analysis of precarious work and employment relations practices at McDonald’s stores in China and the UK. It applies the concepts of workplace regimes and sensemaking. The authors argue that in both countries recruitment policies, contracts and working time are manipulated by McDonald’s management as control mechanisms, but that sensemaking in different national institutional and cultural contexts produces variations in control styles and the manner of worker responses. The findings suggest that the work regime at McDonald’s China is partly shaped by Confucian values, an enduring feature of Chinese culture, leading to a form of patriarchal control and self-imposed subordination amongst the predominantly female and student workforce. At McDonald’s UK, arbitrary control is enabled by an institutional context of minimal worker protections (particularly zero-hour contracts) and an acquiescent workforce predominantly made up of young workers, economic migrants and other marginalized workers.
Acoustic, electrochemical, and microstructural characteristics of aluminum alloy 6061 modified with Zn and Sn
Authors: Mendoza López Maria Luisa , Anaya Loyola Luis Javier , Guerrero Cruz Edgar Ulises , Pérez Ramos Martha Elva , Pérez Meneses Joaquín , Pérez Bueno José de Jesús , Cabello Méndez José Antonio
Published: August 2024

This work investigates the acoustic, electrochemical, and microstructural characteristics of aluminum alloy 6061 (AA6061) modified with zinc and tin to enhance sound attenuation. The effects of modifying the commercial aluminum alloy 6061 with the incorporation of Zn and Sn were analyzed for their impact on acoustic properties, electrochemical behavior, and microstructural changes. Zn and Sn incorporation alters the acoustic and electrochemical performance of AA6061. Tin was observed at the grain boundaries and zinc oxides were found in the aluminum grains. Young's modulus was determined using the impulse excitation technique. Zn and Sn block the formation of the aluminum oxide passive layer. Adding Zn and Sn into the AA6061 caused a slightly less negative cathodic potential with Zn than Sn.
The double awareness of the wish to hasten death and the will to live: A secondary analysis of outlier patients from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Boström Kathleen , Dojan Thomas , Hellmich Martin , Kremeike Kerstin , Voltz Raymond
Published: August 2024

Background:

Patients with serious illness frequently report (temporary) wishes to hasten death. Even until the end-of-life, many patients also harbor a will to live. Although both phenomena are negatively correlated according to some studies, they can also co-exist. Knowledge about the complex relationship between the seemingly opposing wish to hasten death and will to live is limited, but crucial for delivering adequate care and understanding potential requests for assisted dying.

Aim:

To study the correlation of and explore the relationship between wish to hasten death and will to live over 6 weeks.

Design:

Observatory, prospective cohort study following a mixed methods design. Analysis of quantitative (Schedules of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death, a visual numerical scale and (additional) validated questionnaires) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) data with illustrative case descriptions.

Setting/participants:

Patients receiving palliative care with heterogenous underlying diseases from various care settings, before and after an open conversation on a possible desire to die.

Results:

In n = 85 patients, wish to hasten death and will to live were strongly negatively correlated at three time points (baseline: r(65) = −0.647, p ⩽ 0.001; after 1 week: r(55) = −0.457, p ⩽ 0.001 and after 4–6 weeks: r(43) = −0.727, p ⩽ 0.001). However, visual assessment of scatterplots revealed a small, but substantial number of outliers. When focusing on these outlier patients, they showed clinically relevant changes between baseline and 6 weeks with the wish to hasten death changing in n = 9 (15% of n = 60) and the will to live changing in n = 11 (18.6% of n = 59). Interview data of three outlier cases illustrates unusual trajectories and possible factors which may influence them.

Conclusions:

As they can co-exist in different possible combinations, a high wish to hasten death does not necessarily imply a low will to live and vice versa. Patients receiving palliative care can hold such seemingly opposing positions in mind as a form of coping when confronted with an existential threat of serious illness. Therefore, health professionals are encouraged to proactively engage patients in conversation about both phenomena.
Preserving the integrity of personhood in people with advanced cancer: An in-depth qualitative study among patients, relatives, and care professionals
Authors: Senßfelder Alina , Havemann Matthias , Pedrosa Carrasco Anna J , von Blanckenburg Pia , Seifart Carola
Published: August 2024

Background:

Every advanced cancer diagnosis brings enormous challenges to patients and their relatives on numerous levels: be it physical, practical, social challenges, or on a more personal level. While specific aspects have been researched before, an overarching approach is lacking.

Aim:

To understand the lived experiences of people with advanced cancer, to identify gaps along the cancer care continuum, to identify potential opportunities for meaningful interventions and to develop a theoretical framework for practitioners and researchers.

Design:

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews with patients, relatives, and care professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a conventional content analysis.

Setting/participants:

Fifty-four interviews with 17 patients from a university oncology department and palliative care service, 15 relatives and 22 care professionals from physicians to funeral directors. All interviewees were recruited by a German university hospital.

Results:

We developed a novel model describing the diagnosis with advanced cancer as a highly disruptive experience that threatens to challenge the integrity of personhood in cancer patients through four areas: communication, knowledge, relationships, and confidence. We were able to identify factors leading to disintegration in these areas and factors supporting a restoration of integrity of personhood.

Conclusions:

The developed model provides a more thorough understanding of patients lived experiences. It can help to develop new interventions along the cancer care continuum to support patients in the complex challenges they face. These interventions should focus on supporting the integrity of personhood.
Event-level associations among THC, CBD, social context, and subjective effects during Cannabis use episodes
Authors: Chang Yi-Chun , Magnan Renee E. , Cleveland Michael J. , Ladd Benjamin O.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Limited research considers the quantity and potency of cannabis products along with social context on the subjective effects of real-world cannabis use.

Aims:

This study examined the subjective effects of acute use as a function of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) doses and social context during cannabis use episodes.

Method:

Ninety-six participants (43.75% male, Mage = 35.73) reporting weekly cannabis use completed a baseline self-report battery assessing cannabis use. Then, THC and CBD potency and quantity of the cannabis product, social context, and subjective experience were assessed through self-initiated surveys after cannabis use episodes during a 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Results:

Greater feeling high and liking were significantly associated with a higher THC dose than one’s average ( b = 0.03, p < 0.001; b = 0.02, p < 0.001) and social use ( b = 0.38, p < 0.001; b = 0.20, p = 0.01). A higher CBD dose than one’s average ( b = 0.01, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with greater liking. A significant interaction effect of THC dose and social context ( b = 0.01, p = 0.02) was observed such that solitary use had a negative association between THC dose and disliking ( b = −0.01, p = 0.04), and social use had a null association ( b = 0.003, p = 0.25). Individuals with greater cannabis problems reported lower liking ( b = −0.18, p = 0.03) and higher disliking ( b = 0.08, p = 0.02), but not feeling high, on average, across the EMA protocol.

Conclusion:

Social context plays an important role in the subjective experience of cannabis use. Interventions targeting cannabis problems could highlight the evidence that individuals with greater cannabis problems might experience less liking but more disliking in general across use episodes to effectively challenge expectancies/motives of use.
Patiently winning through virtuous leadership: The impact of virtuous leadership behavior on employee engagement across time
Authors: Steward Michelle D , Brower Holly H , Rea Peter
Published: August 2024

Activating employee engagement continues to be a challenge for organizations despite interest by many, if not most, organizations. Recent research suggests that the expression of virtue could be a key to addressing this challenge. The authors examine how employees’ perceptions of virtuous leadership behaviors shape employee engagement. Specifically, this research bridges virtuous leadership theory with employee engagement theory, explicitly focusing on the attitudinal change in employees as they witness leaders intentionally incorporating the classic virtues in workplace interactions. The authors explore through a mixed-method field study with two facilities of a multinational company how virtuous leadership behaviors can shift employee engagement over a 3-year period. Results indicate that after leaders completed a training program on how to enact virtuous leadership behaviors that employee engagement dipped, initially. The reduction in employee engagement was temporary while employees assessed the longevity of the initiative. As leaders continued to practice virtuous leadership behaviors, employee engagement increased significantly beyond the levels before the dip. The findings suggest that engagement may not initially improve while employees are assessing whether leaders will remain committed to virtuous leadership behaviors. However, the findings indicate that the commitment to ongoing practice of virtuous leadership behaviors can create meaningful change in employee engagement.
Analysis of Froude vortex wake, especially for 2D Giromill Vawt
Authors: Farthing S. P.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the singular flow at the actuator disc’s rim joint to the wake tube to aid computing the wake. As the Froude wake vortex sheet issues from the perimeter of a windmill actuator of interference a, its vorticity is argued to build linearly from zero to asymptote to 2 aV. The induction is integrated numerically for a parametric 2D sheet shape to find the flow direction and so slope ta at the perimeter. The vorticity build rate is simultaneously solved so that the axial velocity fraction at the disc averages to 1- a. At a = ⅓ the 2% deviation of the fraction is the rms error in localising the (2D) momentum equation. The extra induction of 0.18 a just before the edge corrects the best local cP to 0.49 versus 16/27, whilst in 3D, swirl will zero the cP in the center, wasting the lower central induction. Worse the leading edge t = 2.22 limits the Giromill’s overall CP based on diameter to 0.49 at a = 0.27.
Numerical analysis of stress and modal responses of H-type VAWT blade under operational loads conditions
Authors: Ferroudji Fateh , Saihi Lakhdar , Roummani Khayra , Koussa Khaled
Published: August 2024

Wind turbine operates in harsh natural environment, and large cyclic loading will cause significant damage on the blade structure. Therefore, it is important to understand the structural behavior of this blade structure for a proper design. This paper presents an investigation of structural response of 3-KW composite blade for H-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The blade is modeled and simulated by using SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2020 software. FEA (Finite element analyses) are conducted to investigate the stress analysis (stress and displacement) and modal characteristics (natural frequency and associated mode shapes) of blade structure. The blade design takes into account of three constraints: stress, displacement, and vibration. The results show that the maximum stress is 39.17% lower than the allowable stress, the maximum displacement is 95.1% lower than the allowable deformation, and the first mode frequency of the blade is 67.8% higher than the allowable tolerance. These results demonstrate that the blade structure meets the static design requirement, remaining unaffected by resonance phenomena, and moves in a stable way during the different phases of the wind turbine operation.
Analyzing feature impacts in wind turbine power output modelling using quantile regression
Authors: Raj Rishita , Wadhvani Rajesh , Rasool Akhtar , Gupta Muktesh
Published: August 2024

The wind power industry is experiencing significant growth, establishing itself as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy resource. A predictive model for wind turbine power output is essential to optimize operational costs. In practical scenarios, the technical specifications of turbines alone are inadequate to estimate power output under varying environmental conditions. This research conducts feature impact analysis to investigate the complex relationships of various meteorological variables. The traditional ordinary least squares regression model that is frequently used for predictive modelling cannot effectively capture the changing effects observed at different levels of the response variable's distribution. This limitation motivates the adoption of quantile regression, which offers the analysis of features' impact on response variables by estimating the model parameters at various quantiles. By conducting feature impact analysis across multiple quantiles, this study reveals various trends at different quantiles, which can optimize model parameters in wind turbine power output modelling.
Evaluation of Traffic Sign Occlusion for Autonomous Vehicles Using Point Cloud Data
Authors: Gouda Maged , El-Basyouny Karim
Published: August 2024

This work aims to assess the occlusion of traffic signs for autonomous vehicles (AVs) using point cloud data, while addressing the limitations and recommendations of previous studies. Dense point cloud data are used to create a digital twin of existing roads and simulate a set of AV sensors within this environment. Convex polyhedrons or hulls with an octree data structure and semantic segmentation were used to assess traffic sign occlusion. Using the developed method, several case studies are presented to identify locations with occluded traffic signs for AVs. This work can help infrastructure operators and AV professionals make data-driven decisions about smart physical infrastructure investments for AVs.
Investigating Indian Commuters’ Perceived Crime Risk on Autonomous Public Buses and Ride-Pooling Services
Authors: Pervez Amjid , Marazi Naveed Farooz , Majumdar Bandhan Bandhu , Ruizhi Mao , Lee Jaeyoung , Sahu Prasanta K.
Published: August 2024

Autonomous vehicle technologies are anticipated to transform road transportation systems, promising enhanced traffic safety and efficiency across different modes, including public buses (PB) and ride-pooling services (RPS). However, in India, there is a growing security concern/fear of crime concerning conventional PB and RPS because of the recent rise in crimes committed on them. Moreover, the introduction of driverless modes of PB and RPS may further heighten commuters’ crime concerns on such services because of the absence of a driver. Thus, this study investigates the acceptance of autonomous public buses (APB) and autonomous ride-pooling services (ARPS), as well as how commuters’ characteristics influence the perceived risks of crime and victimization and their willingness to use the modes. To achieve this, a stated preference survey was designed and conducted across India. The survey resulted in 732 complete responses. The results show that socioeconomic attributes, vehicle automation, and security-related measures significantly influence commuters’ perceived fear of crime and willingness to use APB and ARPS in India. More specifically, young commuters demonstrate higher willingness to use APB and ARPS, while females exhibit lower willingness to use APB and ARPS. In addition, the presence of a security officer on these modes decreases commuters’ concerns about crime. Moreover, travel distance is positively associated with commuters’ perceived level of crime and victimization, while it has a negative relationship with their unwillingness to use APB and ARPS. APB and ARPS are yet to be introduced in India, and Indian commuters have not experienced the security concerns associated with them; thus, the results of this study can serve as the base for guideline formulation for security concerns in India. Based on the results of this study, a set of policy implications, such as female-only transit units, enhancing security measures on the automated modes, and design framework and infrastructure, were proposed. These policy implications can be instrumental in increasing the acceptability of APB and ARPS in India and other countries with similar characteristics.
A review on process parameter influence and optimization for 3D printing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Zhai Chenbo , Chen Yonglin , Zhao Yunmei , Li Qian , Zhang Zhen , Yang Weidong , Yan Li
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing technology has the potential to bring about significant technological changes to polymer matrix composites. In comparison to traditional manufacturing processes, 3D printing technology is being increasingly utilized in a variety of industries, including aerospace, vehicles, transportation, and medical engineering. The advantages of this technology include low cost, rapid prototyping, and the ability to manufacture complex structures. Nevertheless, the mutual influence and constraints of process parameters in the manufacturing process have led to the fact that the properties of 3D-printed composites have not been able to fully meet the requirements of practical applications. This paper focuses on the current development of the 3D printing process for fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. This paper especially reviews the research on the influence of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process parameters (printing temperature, printing speed, ply thickness, and printing path, among others) on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. It discusses the problems brought about by the process parameters in the manufacturing process and proposes possible solutions. Finally, it considers the future development prospects and research directions of additive manufacturing of thermoplastic composites.
Preparation and properties study of straw fiber cement-based composite boards with efficient formaldehyde purification function
Authors: Xiao Liguang , Lei Tan , Wang Yiming , Duan Zhenqiang , Gao Mei , Jiang Dawei
Published: August 2024

The study prepared reed and corn straw fiber cement-based composite boards (RSAB and CSAB) using alkali slag-fly ash cement as the matrix material and straw fiber (reed or corn) as the reinforcing material through a combination of hot and cold pressing methods. The effects of different hot-pressing temperatures and varying straw fiber contents on the mechanical properties and water resistance of the boards were studied. The results showed that both boards exhibited excellent mechanical strength, low water absorption, and minimal thickness expansion when the hot-pressing temperature was 120°C and the straw fiber content was 8%. The high-temperature hot-pressing process endowed the composite boards with outstanding advantages of high early strength and fast molding speed. The incorporation of straw fiber further improved the crack resistance and dimensional stability of the boards. The true differences in the physical and mechanical property indicators of the two boards were assessed using statistical analysis. The micro-morphology and chemical composition of the two types of boards were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Additionally, the visible light-responsive photocatalytic material SiO2/BiOX (X = Br, Cl) was applied to the surface of RSAB and CSAB to endow the boards with highly efficient formaldehyde purification capabilities. The prepared RSAB and CSAB possess the advantages of high strength and durability as well as low-carbon and energy saving, making them potential materials for indoor partition boards.
Exploring the application of piezoelectric ceramics in bone regeneration
Authors: Wei Yige , Liang Yaxian , Qi Kailong , Gu Zhipeng , Yan Bing , Xie Huixu
Published: August 2024

Piezoelectric ceramics are piezoelectric materials with polycrystalline structure and have been widely used in many fields such as medical imaging and sound sensors. As knowledge about this kind of material develops, researchers find piezoelectric ceramics possess favorable piezoelectricity, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, porous structure and antibacterial effect and endeavor to apply piezoelectric ceramics to the field of bone tissue engineering. However, clinically no piezoelectric ceramics have been exercised so far. Therefore, in this paper we present a comprehensive review of the research and development of various piezoelectric ceramics including barium titanate, potassium sodium niobate and zinc oxide ceramics and aims to explore the application of piezoelectric ceramics in bone regeneration by providing a detailed overview of the current knowledge and research of piezoelectric ceramics in bone tissue regeneration.
Child Maltreatment, Mental Health Disorders, and Health Risk Behaviors in People With Diverse Gender Identities
Authors: Madzoska Monica , Lawrence David , Higgins Daryl J. , Haslam Divna M. , Mathews Ben , Malacova Eva , Dunne Michael P. , Erskine Holly E. , Pacella Rosana , Meinck Franziska , Thomas Hannah J. , Scott James G.
Published: August 2024

This study examined rates of mental health disorders and health risk behaviors in people with diverse gender identities and associations with five types of child maltreatment. We used data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), a nationally representative survey of Australian residents aged 16 years and more, which was designed to understand the experience of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence). Mental disorders—major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and health risk behaviors—smoking, binge drinking, cannabis dependence, self-harm, and suicide attempt in the past 12 months were assessed. People with diverse gender identities who experienced child maltreatment were significantly more likely to have GAD (43.3%; 95% CI [30.3, 56.2]) than those who had experienced child maltreatment who were either cisgender men (13.8%; [12.0, 15.5]) or cisgender women (17.4%; [15.7, 19.2]). Similarly, higher prevalence was found for PTSD (21.3%; [11.1, 31.5]), self-harm (27.8%; [17.1, 38.5]) and suicide attempt (7.2%; [3.1, 11.3]) for people with diverse gender identities. Trauma-informed approaches, attuned to the high likelihood of any child maltreatment, and the co-occurrence of different kinds may benefit people with diverse gender identities experiencing GAD, PTSD, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, or other health risk behaviors.
How Do Intimate Partner Violence, Outness, and Community Connection Relate to Minority Stressors for Men Who Have Sex with Men?
Authors: Pless Jennie , Gibbs Jeremy J.
Published: August 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, IPV has long been conceptualized as abuse between a male perpetrator and a female victim, leaving gaps in the literature on the unique impacts IPV victimization has for both male victims and victims in same-sex relationships. This study examines relationships between IPV and negative minority stress experiences specific to LGBTQ individuals: overt experiences of homophobia, sexual orientation microaggressions, and internalized homophobia. Participants ( N = 168) were recruited through three popular MSM networking applications (i.e., Grindr, Jack’d, and Scruff. Most were recruited from one state in the southeastern United States. Ordinary Least Squares regressions were used to examine IPV as a predictive factor in three separate models, all of which controlled for age, race, outness, and gay community connection (GCC). IPV victimization is associated with increased levels of experiences of overt homophobia, homophobic microaggressions, and internalized homophobia for MSM. Outness, or being open with the people in one’s life about one’s MSM identity, is associated with lower levels of both sexual orientation microaggressions and internalized homophobia. GCC is also associated with lower levels of internalized homophobia. Results from this study show that IPV victimization is related to minority stressors for MSM. These findings support the existence of unique elements of IPV for LGBTQ victims, specifically MSM. Implications for IPV researchers and service providers are discussed, including the importance of the protective role of outness and GCC against some minority stressors.
Rotary ultrasonic drilling of polyetherimide composite to enhance the surface roughness and MRR: Experimental investigations and statistical approach
Authors: Shard Abhinav , Gupta Vishal , Garg Mohinder Pal
Published: August 2024

Polyetherimide Composite (PEC) is among the least dense and most compliant materials which possesses the properties of high heat resistance, durability, resistant to wear and corrosion as well as better tribological characteristics. These outstanding properties lead to its diverse applications in automobiles, aerospace, robots, sports equipment. PEC is machined by the conventional machining techniques like cutting, drilling, power hacksaw etc. Some of the limitations observed in conventional machining of these such as tool jamming, damage to surface topology, and fibres. To overcome the aforesaid limitations, in this work attempts to introduce rotary ultrasonic drilling (RUD) as viable option for machining of PEC. This work carries out the investigational study of input control factors on material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). The outcomes of the study reveal that the with right selection of drilling control factors, better quality holes with superior topography as compared to conventional drilling, good surface finish, small exit chip sizes, low overcut errors are obtained. Interacting levels of higher spindle speed and a lower feed rate generated better surface characteristics. While drilling with the RUD as compared to normal drilling, there is a drop of 59.01 % at 550 rpm and 60 .9 % at 2550 rpm in SR.
Gut microbiome composition and intestinal immunity in antiphospholipid syndrome patients versus healthy controls
Authors: Jansen Valérie LBI , Davids Mark , van Mourik Dagmar JM , Levels Johannes HM , Coppens Michiel , Middeldorp Saskia , Nieuwdorp Max , van Mens Thijs E
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The gut microbiome is recognized as a factor that could potentially contribute to the persistent antibodies of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Gut microbial interventions can both induce and mitigate APS in mice. In human APS patients, anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I (β2GP-1) titers correlate with antibody titers against a gut commensal protein homologous to β2GP-1.

Aim

To  investigate the effect of the intestinal microenvironment on human APS. Methods We cross-sectionally compared intestinal microbiota composition quantified by shotgun sequencing; fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacterial metabolites known to affect autoimmune processes; and fecal calprotectin, an intestinal inflammatory marker, in APS patients and healthy controls.

Results

Neither alpha nor beta diversity of the gut microbiota differed between APS patients (n = 15) and controls (n = 16) and no taxa were differentially abundant. Moreover, fecal SCFAs and fecal calprotectin, did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Gut microbiome effects on the APS phenotype are likely not driven by bacterial overabundance, SCFA production or intestinal inflammation.
Missing People and Places: Slum and Poor Settlements Research in South Asia
Authors: Salauddin Md , Piracha Awais
Published: August 2024

Fast-growing non-slum poor settlements in South Asia have received scant attention in scientific research in which the focus has been on slum or informal settlements. Bibliometric analysis reveals that almost all aspects of slum life have been scientifically studied. As a result, a considerable amount of academic literature is available on slum issues. However, a large and ever-increasing number of people now live in non-slum poor settlements throughout the South Asia. Access to slum areas for newcomers in the cities is restricted as slums are already overwhelmed. This article argues that despite the growing influx of population in South Asian cities, academic research outside of a defined boundary of slums is insufficient. Governance and other theoretical approaches to study slums did not consider the non-slum areas as those approaches are influenced heavily by tenure security and confined geography. Based on the findings from bibliometric analyses, the study recommends that a broader theoretical framework is required to extend the study boundary to explore the geography of inequality and issues of both the slum and non-slum poor settlements in South Asian cities.
Intellectual Property Protection and Degree of Ownership of Emerging-market Multinational Enterprises: The Moderating Role of Home-country Government Support
Authors: Souza Larissa Cristina Ribeiro e , Alcântara Juciara Nunes de , Calegario Cristina Lelis Leal
Published: August 2024

In this article, we aimed to investigate the influence of the distance of intellectual property protection (IPP) between the home and host countries in the degree of ownership of subsidiaries of emerging-market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and the moderating role of the financial support of the home-country government in the relationship between the IPP distance and the degree of ownership. We applied a binominal panel probit model to analyze data from 296 subsidiaries of 32 Brazilian multinationals in 40 host countries during the period 2006–2015. The results indicate that Brazilian multinationals tend to opt for full ownership in host countries with a positive IPP distance and that this tendency is maintained with financial support from the home-country government. The results support the importance of formal institutions to EMNEs’ strategic decisions and contribute to the discussion of the importance of IPP for international business. This study seeks to contribute to the literature by analysing the link between the degree of ownership of EMNEs and the distance of IPP between the home country and the host countries, an under-analysed topic. In addition, the present study also contributes to the advancement of research on EMNEs by examining the Latin American context.
Investigation into the Effect of Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside on Sleep Improvement in a Mouse Experimental Model
Authors: Li Qi , Zhou Yong , Yang Hai-Feng , Yu Guang-Hong , Chi Xiao-Hui
Published: August 2024

Background

Poor sleep quality and even insomnia are global problems, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and bioactive substances in natural herbal medicines may improve subjective sleep for people with insomnia. However, their active components still need to be isolated, determined, and verified by pharmacological experiments.

Objectives

To verify the efficacy of emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG), derived from Caulis Polygoni Multiflori in improving sleep in mice.

Materials and Methods

Hypnotic effect test, hypnotic experiment of sodium pentobarbital at a subthreshold dose, measurement of sleep latency induced by sodium barbital, and extending sodium pentobarbital sleep time experiment were performed in mice after different concentrations of EG were given intragastric administration for 30 days. The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mouse brain tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) were detected by western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence labeling.

Results

After 30 days of continuous administration, behavioral experiments showed EG could shorten the time to fall asleep and prolong sleep duration. Tests revealed EG dose-dependently increased the levels of 5-HT in the brain tissue and the cause might be it could increase the expression of TPH2, the rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT, in nerve cells in the hypothalamus.

Conclusion

Experimental data confirmed that EG could shorten sleep latency and prolong sleep time to improve sleep, and its mechanism of sleep meliorating is related to the upregulation of TPH2 and 5-HT levels in brain tissue.
Comparison of CRIB-II with SNAPPE-II as a Predictor of Mortality and Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 12 Months of Age for Newborns ≤32 Weeks of Gestational Age
Authors: Bayen Abhinandan , Sk Md Habibullah , Chaudhuri Saugata , Saha Bijan
Published: August 2024

Premature births before 32 weeks of gestation pose a significant challenge in perinatal healthcare. The global incidence of premature births is on the rise. To ensure appropriate care and resource allocation, assessing the severity of neonatal illnesses is crucial. In this context, the study assessed CRIB-II and SNAPPE-II, two widely used scoring systems for newborn illness severity. These systems consider both perinatal and postnatal variables, providing comprehensive assessments. This prospective observational study conducted in an Eastern Indian tertiary care children’s hospital between February 2021 and August 2022 aimed to evaluate and compare the predictive capabilities of two scoring systems, CRIB-II and SNAPPE-II, for in-hospital mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestational age. Results showed that both CRIB-II (AUC of 0.862, 95% CI: 0.745-0.939) and SNAPPE-II (AUC of 0.919 95%, CI: 0.816-0.975) demonstrated similar predictive abilities for neonatal mortality (difference: 0.057, 95% CI: -−0.044 to 0.16, P value .268). However, when it came to predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months of corrected gestational age, SNAPPE-II maintained significance, while CRIB-II did not. The discrepancy in their performance over time emphasizes the complexity of predicting long-term outcomes in very preterm infants.

To conclude, this study suggests that CRIB-II and SNAPPE-II are comparable in predicting neonatal mortality. Given their similarity, CRIB-II may be preferred for its practicality in high-capacity NICUs. However, further research is needed to assess these systems’ utility in comparing later neurodevelopmental outcomes and to explore the impact of new factors on their predictive accuracy.