bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A modified handling stability control strategy for steer-by-wire vehicles based on variable steering ratio and active front steering control
Authors: Chen Chaoning , Zhang Jiancheng , Zheng Hongyu
Published: July 2024

Steer-by-wire (SBW) systems with steering actuator motors rotating the front wheels allow more flexibility for handling stability control; however, determining the desired steering angle and accurately tracking the desired steering angle are still key challenges. Therefore, a modified handling stability control strategy for handling stability is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the normal function, a unified variable steering ratio (UniVSR) model that varies with vehicle speed and steering wheel angle is developed. Then, the UniVSR model parameters are optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm in speed segments to improve the steering sensitivity at low speeds and the stability at medium and high speeds. Next, the active front steering (AFS) controller that considers the intervention timing and intervention threshold is proposed to improve the stability of the SBW vehicle under the driving conditions of low-adhesion road, split-μ road, and lateral wind interference. Lastly, the linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) based angle tracking control algorithm is presented to guarantee the desired angle tracking accuracy of the steering actuator motor under both internal parameter and external torque perturbations. The simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed UniVSR model and AFS controller in improving handling stability.
Mechanical characteristics of optimized alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber/nanosilica composites in an epoxy matrix: An experimental investigation and numerical study
Authors: Sivakumar E , Saju K K
Published: July 2024

The demand for environmentally conscious materials has led the research on natural fiber composites as an alternative to synthetic materials in various industries. This study focuses on the optimization and preparation of alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber and nanosilica-reinforced epoxy composites. The weight % of Similax Zelanica/glass and nanosilica was optimized using the grey relational analysis (GRA) multiparameter optimization technique and DOE of L9 orthogonal was used. Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, impact, rock well hardness, and dynamic mechanical analysis were evaluated. Results indicate that increasing fiber volume fraction up to 30% enhances mechanical properties, with subsequent declines beyond this threshold. Tensile strength peaked at 30% fiber volume (75 MPa), while flexural strength also peaked at 30% substrate (140 MPa). The impact test showed a maximum of 1.84 kJ/m2 at 30% volume fraction. Maximum hardness of 85 RHN is observed for 30% S and 60% E specimens. Weibull distribution plots results, aligned well with the expected distribution pattern, indicating consistent and reliable mechanical behavior. Water absorption rates increase with fiber volume percentage increase, but optimal alkali treatment improves, absorption resistance to some extent. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals reduced glass transition temperature Tg (97° C) for composite due to their better interaction nature between fiber/silica nanoparticles and matrix. Further characterization reveals thermal stability (374°C), crystalline properties (crystalline index: 56.87%, crystalline size: 21.23 nm), and functional group composition. Numerical analysis using ANSYS validates experimental results, giving confidence in repeatability. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms good interfacial bonding, crack propagation details, and absence of impurities in the composite. These results like Mechanical properties, thermal stability, crystalline properties, and functional group composition of the composite confirm its suitability for various applications.
Modal coupling characteristics of primary hunting in metro vehicles: Carbody suspension modes and hunting modes
Authors: Chen Longfei , Wang Yong , Shi Huailong
Published: July 2024

Due to coupling with carbody suspension modes in railway vehicles, primary hunting can lead to significant low frequency swaying of the carbody, severely deteriorating ride quality. In order to address this issue, this paper conducts a detailed investigation into the coupling effect between suspension modes and hunting modes of metro vehicles. Initially, a simplified lateral dynamics model is established, and a continuous modal tracking method is adopted for track suspension modes and hunting modes. The results indicate that when the modal frequency of one hunting mode approaches that of corresponding suspension mode, the damping ratio of the two modes exhibits abnormal variation, and the modal frequency curve veers or is slightly disturbed. In exploring the coupling characteristics of hunting modes and suspension modes, revealing the variation trends and similarity of modal shapes, polar diagrams of modal shapes are presented, and the correlation distance is calculated. Equivalent conicity exerts a substantial influence on the effect of modal coupling, influencing minimum damping ratio and modal shape similarity within the modal coupling zone. To ensure sufficient stability margin for metro vehicles, it is necessary to avoid excessively low equivalent conicity. Finally, the phenomenon of vibration response deterioration within the modal coupling zone is confirmed through both a simplified model and a full DOF model.
“Original sufferhead”: The boy-child and masculine sufferings in Ahmadou Kourouma’s Allah n’est pas obligé and Les Soleils des Indépendances
Authors: Jemiluyi Omotayo Ajileye
Published: July 2024

Revered as one of the principal figures of contemporary African literature and one of the greatest francophone writers, the celebrated Ivorian author; Ahmadou Kourouma, is renowned for his criticism of colonial machination, Africa's political and social structure, and satirical writings. In his selected works for this study—“Allah n’est pas obligé” and “Soleils des indépendances,” he profoundly explores and examines the arduous journey of the boy-child and manhood and how they grapple with societal pressures, expectations, challenges, exploitations, and conflicts. More so, he expounds the complexities of masculinity and the challenges of being a “man” in an African society. Thus, this study comprehensively explores the narratives of Kourouma and punctiliously investigates how they illume the intricacies of masculinity and the course of the boy-child. By adopting literary analysis, this study anatomizes the plotlines and characters within the selected works of the Ivorian prodigy and elucidates how the tribulations of the boy-child and the man are vividly depicted. It probes the societal expectations, identity crises, and emotional turmoil linked to these characters who struggle to navigate the turbulent pathway to manhood. Additionally, it spills the allegorical significance of “original sufferhead,” a musical piece from the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, serving as a puissant metaphor that captures the struggles of the boy and the man in a failing society.
Dynamic role of energy utilization, financial development, and information technology on environmental sustainability? Evidence by the tragedy of the commons theory
Authors: Wei Yue , Ji Liuyin , Faheem Muhammad , Nousheen Asma
Published: July 2024

Economic growth is contingent upon the financial sector expansion. A solid and well-developed financial industry can improve business opportunities. The financial sector has a decisive role to play in mitigating damage to the environment. Despite extensive research on sustainability, more needs to be accomplished in terms of pinpointing the keys to a world free of environmental degradation. The study aims to illuminate the relationship between CO2 emissions and variables such as non-renewable energy consumption, GDP growth, FDI, and information and communication technologies. Time series data for Pakistan from 1985 to 2021 is employed with the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method, highlighting the underlying relationship between the variables. Moreover, the econometric model is derived from the STRIPAT function based on carbon as an environmental variable, while energy utilization and communication technology are population affluent. According to the empirical results of the current study, there is a negative connection between financial development and CO2. However, foreign direct investment, information and communication technologies, and non-renewable energy sources are positively associated with CO2. The study findings suggest that policymakers should promote more financial investment in greener technologies and digitization, and the government should also revamp its energy mix and emphasize alternate energy sources.
An Italian case study of life cycle assessment for a drinking water dispenser
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo , Cascetta Furio , Nardini Sergio , Plomitallo Renato Elpidio
Published: July 2024

The goal of this article is the comparison of global warming potential, estimated according to IPCC 2013 methodology, between bottled water and a drinking water dispenser made of pine wood. The functional unit is 1 L of water. Two cases are considered: in the first case is considered 1 L of refrigerated water supplied by a water dispenser, in the second case, it is also considered how users come back home with their water. The global warming potential for bottled water packed in polyethylene terephthalate is taken by literature, its average value is equal to 0.16 kg CO2 eq./L. In the first case, the water dispenser has a global warming potential value equal to 6.89 × 10−2 kg CO2 eq./L, the percentage difference between bottled water and water dispenser is about 43% in 100 years. In the end, a comparison of vehicles used by users to come back home is performed. The comparison shows that the use of bikes has a lower impact than cars.
Flexible work: Does it really mean more autonomy? Time poverty in flexible time-space working arrangements
Authors: Kotýnková Krotká Veronika
Published: July 2024

This research explores various dimensions of time poverty within flexible time-space working arrangements and enriches the concept through the application of power-chronography. By using qualitative research methods, such as semi-structured interviews, the study explores the multifaceted nature of time poverty and examines how it is experienced and produced in the everyday lives of individuals with flexible working arrangements in the Czech Republic. The paper sheds light on uneven temporalities and reveals how time poverty relates to temporal acceleration and technological changes in communication. Specifically, time poverty is observed as it relates to constant availability pressures, the need to recalibrate with the dominant socioeconomic rhythm and difficulty planning due to general temporal unpredictability. The reproduction of time poverty is further done via the internalization of sociocultural norms and self-discipline as regards work, temporality and the digital environment. The constant juggling of multiple responsibilities and the pressure to be available for work obligations often spill over into personal relationships, leading to a blurring of boundaries between work and leisure. Consequently, time poverty can be redistributed in relational practices, which means that time poverty becomes a shared experience, impacting not only individuals but also their social networks – family, friends, colleagues. Flexible time-space working arrangements, thus, rather than providing greater autonomy over one's time-space, may reinforce the expectation of constant work availability, consequently time poverty. Finally, the study argues that these aspects – acceleration, constant availability, temporal unpredictability and sociocultural norm internationalization – should be understood as broader aspects of sociocultural and material-discursive practices rather than solely individual responsibilities.
John Lizars’ (1792–1860). A system of anatomical plates of the human body: Artistry and analysis
Authors: Neher Allister John
Published: July 2024

John Lizars’ (1792–1860) 'A System of Anatomical Plates of the Human Body' is widely recognized as one of the finest British anatomical atlases published in the nineteenth century. Lizars’ commentators always praise his illustrations for their artistry and accuracy, but no one ever provides an account of why they are artistically significant or what makes them veracious. The principal aim of this paper is to begin a discussion of both of those subjects and to show how Lizars used the resources of the visual arts as analytical tools to extend his audience's understanding of the human body.
Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in biopsy samples from pet rabbits in Hong Kong: a retrospective analysis, 2019-2022
Authors: Hill Fraser I. , Tse May P. Y. , Ferguson Andrew D. , Mills Steve W. , Sandy Jeanine R. , Ganta Charan K. , Cino-Ozuna Ada G. , Elsohaby Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Rabbits are popular pets in the urban environment of Hong Kong, ranking third behind cats and dogs. Here we describe the frequency of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in biopsies from pet rabbits submitted to the CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2019 and 2022, comprising 247 tissue samples from 243 rabbits collected by veterinarians in 19 veterinary clinics. Among the 243 rabbits, there were 128 females (65 spayed), 114 males (54 castrated); sex information was not provided for 1 rabbit. The rabbit breeds included 45 Lionhead, 35 Dwarf, 14 Lop, 11 Dwarf Lop, 5 French Lop, 3 Angora, 2 Dutch, 2 Holland Lop, and 1 each of Netherland Dwarf, Velveteen, Mini Lop, and New Zealand White. The mean ages of rabbits with neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions were 7.1 and 5.7 y, respectively. The most common neoplastic lesions were adenocarcinoma (26.4%), trichoblastoma (21.4%), sarcoma (9.4%), and thymoma (8.2%). The most common non-neoplastic lesion was uterine cystic endometrial hyperplasia (14.8%), followed by dermal abscess formation in the ventral abdomen or skin of the head (12.5%). Although a broad spectrum of other lesions was described, our findings in biopsies from pet rabbits in Hong Kong are consistent with those in other jurisdictions.
Occupational Disease in New York State: The Political Economic Context
Authors: Lax Michael
Published: July 2024

In 1987 Landrigan and Markowitz co-authored a report entitled “Occupational Disease in New York State.” They found that death and illness from occupational disease were common and that the costs of exposure to hazardous conditions warranted public funding for new occupational health infrastructure in New York State. A recent confirmatory report recognized a wider spectrum of contemporary hazards and emphasized how public health problems connect to work. These reports provide factual snapshots at 2 points in time, but they do not explain nor analyze the changing conditions they describe. Including macro-contexts such as globalization, financialization, and neoliberalism, this article demonstrates several unique occupational safety and health implications by clarifying key themes related to the state's role, especially regulation and healthcare delivery systems. Conclusions directly tie the trajectory of occupational disease to workers’ collective ability to confront and roll back neoliberalism while pushing occupational disease out of its medical/science silo.
“I Often Just Don’t Know what to Say!”: Variations in Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Clinicians’ Confidence and Needs Related to Spiritual Care
Authors: Miller Megan , Rosa William E. , Buller Haley , McDarby Meghan , Ferrell Betty R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Spiritual care is a core component of high-quality palliative care, yet gaps exist in spiritual care provision. Understanding clinicians’ levels of confidence around spiritual care and their perceptions of necessary knowledge/skills to enhance their ability to provide spiritual care is foundational for improving delivery of spiritual care in practice.

Objectives

To understand confidence levels with providing spiritual care and perceived needs in relation to the provision of spiritual care among palliative clinicians (nurses, social workers, chaplains).

Design

N = 260 clinicians participating in interprofessional communication and end-of-life care training programs completed a structured survey.

Measurements

Clinicians responded to 42 closed-ended questions assessing their confidence in engaging in spiritual care across 6 dimensions, and one open-ended question: “What areas of knowledge or skill would best help to improve your ability to provide spiritual care across diverse populations?”

Results

Findings reveal varied levels of confidence with spiritual care across dimensions. Chaplains reported the highest levels of confidence compared with nurses and social workers. Key areas of knowledge/skills to improve spiritual care provision were: (1) Training and support for clinicians in spiritual care; (2) Strategies for providing spiritual care to patients from diverse cultural and/or religious backgrounds; (3) Better understanding of specific populations and contexts that may affect spiritual care provision; and (4) Clinicians’ personal growth & practices to improve spiritual care.

Conclusions

Additional support with spiritual care provision is needed, especially among spiritual care generalists. A focus on culturally attuned care is needed, honoring unique patient contexts and centering patient and family priorities.
Dearth of Death Competence in Counselor Education Programs
Authors: Bellegarde Nicolas , Chintakunta Smruthi Vaishnavi
Published: July 2024

Death and dying are universal events in the human experience. Contemplating one's own mortality in the context of counseling can facilitate growth in mental well-being, particularly serving to decrease death anxiety and live more in alignment with one's values. However, there is a dearth of death competence in the field of counselor education and supervision; most programs give little to no formal training on how to approach areas of grief and conversations around death and dying. The present article identifies gaps in the research surrounding death and dying, defines death competence, and provides suggestions for integrating death competence more thoroughly into counselor education programs to facilitate well-being among counselors and their clients.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery in Brazil: Assessing the Current Landscape
Authors: Candido Marcelo A. , Alonso Nivaldo
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and the current situation for cleft lip/palate treatment surgeries within Brazil's public health system.

Design

Our retrospective study analyzed CL/P corrective surgeries in Brazil's health system using DATASUS TabNet data from March 2020 to December 2022, with historical data from January 2016 to February 2020. We employed ARIMA analysis to estimate pandemic-related surgery cancellations.

Results

In 2020, 1992 (CI 95%: 989–2995) CL/P surgeries were not conducted due to pandemics, a 44.1% (CI 95%: 28.1–54.2%) decrease compared to expectations for march to December 2020. Between the onset of the pandemic in Brazil and the end of 2022, 10,643 surgeries were performed in the country, representing a 33.8% shortfall compared to the expected number for the period (16,076; 95% CI: 9697–22,456).

Conclusion

The study highlights COVID-19's impact on CL/P surgeries in Brazil. Post-pandemic, surgeries increased but regional disparities remain, urging collaborative efforts to improve services and support affected patients.
Does Climate Variability Influence Internal Migration Flows in Senegal? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Diallo Alassane
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to estimate the total effect of climate variability on interregional migration flows in Senegal. We match regional climate data at origin, represented by normalised rainfall and normalised temperatures (maximum and minimum), with regional migration flow data from Senegal’s Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) censuses to construct a panel database covering the five-yearly internal migration waves of 1976, 1988, 2001 and 2013. Using a gravity equation model where migration flows are explained by measures of climatic variability at origin, controlled for geographical, socioeconomic and demographic factors traditionally identified in the literature. Our results show that only negative precipitation anomalies at the origin area act as a push factor and accelerate emigration. In the predominantly agricultural regions, rainfall deficits appear, alongside traditional socioeconomic variables, as an additional significant factor shaping mobility across the country.
Development and Usability of a Mobile Support Application for Sexual Violence Victims Connecting With Formal Support Organizations
Authors: Lee Jin , Lee Myung Kyung
Published: July 2024

The lack of awareness and accessibility about the support organizations for preventing sexual violence and assisting victims hampers the effectiveness of the social safety net. A mobile application based on a connection to support agencies was developed and evaluated for usability. A group of 15 experts and a group of 30 users evaluated usability. The developed mobile application focused on “Emergency Report,” “Support Agencies and Services,” and “Counseling for Support.” The strength of the application was acknowledged in providing easy-to-find, reliable, useful, and necessary information, highlighting the positive usability and applicability of the mobile support application for sexual violence victims.
A Realist Evaluation of a “Whole Health” Response to Domestic Violence and Abuse in the UK
Authors: Pell Bethan , Melendez-Torres G. J. , Buckley Kelly , Evans Rhiannon , Robinson Amanda
Published: July 2024

Health Pathfinder is a multilevel system change intervention initiated to transform the health response to domestic violence and abuse in eight sites in England. The current study drew upon interviews with health professionals ( n = 27) and victim-survivors ( n = 20) to provide a realist account of how this intervention achieved its goals. Findings show that five change mechanisms explain why Health Pathfinder was effective as an ecological intervention: awareness, expertise, relationships, empowerment, and evidence. Positive progress in respect of each mechanism had meaningful impacts on victim-survivor experiences of enquiry, disclosure, and uptake of services and had the potential to meaningfully impact health inequities.
Immune checkpoint blockade effect on immunologic and virologic profile of five cancer patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Authors: Yazji Azzam , Brown Erika Nicole , De La Torre Rodrigo , Umoru Godsfavour Oghenero
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have changed the prognostic outlook for several malignancies. Despite the unprecedented durable responses and improvement in survival outcomes with ICIs, exclusion of oncology patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from most ICI-related trials has limited utility of these agents. Clinical outcomes related to concomitant use of antiretroviral therapy and ICI remain unclear. We present a case series based on our institution's experience to address this unmet need of clinical outcomes with ICI in oncology patients living with HIV.

Methods

Electronic medical records were queried to identify patients living with HIV who were also diagnosed with cancer and treated with ICI from May 2019 to September 2022.

Results

A total of five patients were on concurrent antiretroviral therapy and immunotherapy. From an efficacy perspective, three patients were observed to have a response (one complete response, one partial response, and one stable disease). There were three patients with known cluster of differentiation (CD4 + ) levels who had an increase in CD4  +  cell count with ICI treatment. The HIV viral load remained undetected in most of the patients on ICI treatment. No confirmed immune-related adverse effects were documented for any patients in this review.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be efficacious and tolerable for treatment of cancer in patients living with HIV. Upward trends in CD4  +  cell counts observed in this case series suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitors may enhance HIV disease control. Further research is needed for this patient population to supply more robust evidence for clinical practice.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion in oncology pharmacy practice: Everyone's business
Authors: Dettwiller Pascale , Ghiya Suhani , McLean Jurga , O’Callaghan Stewart , Sanni AdeDolapo , Shaunak Nisha , So Lilia , Williamson Steve , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is gaining increased attention within all industries healthcare being no exception. The terminology Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and its abbreviation EDI gained popularity in the early 2000's when varied socio-political factors prompted many organisations to examine EDI concepts and how to operationalise them. The growing diversity of our society requires cross-cultural inclusive approaches to increase equity and access to services.

Method

This unique research is community-led research supported by the British Oncology Pharmacy Association, in which the members of the BOPA community are equal partners to inform action on policies that address EDI. This research was a cross-sectional study involving an online survey of financial BOPA members.

Results

Demographic data was extracted, and the quotes were analysed for common themes. The majority of respondents were women, and the largest age group was between 34 and 44. The first cause of microaggressions identified by the respondents was of racial and ethnic origin, followed by marital status and religious nature. Participants described the lack of diversity in senior positions and the microaggressions experienced by those who hold leadership positions. Some participants described how some situations at work made them feel excluded or alienated. The impact of discrimination and bullying/microaggressions extended to patients was also reported.

Conclusion

Despite strategic directions encompassing this aspect, this research underscores the pressing need for more evidence on the lack of EDI in healthcare institutions. Our findings, located in the pharmacy oncology specialty, have identified the problem and highlighted the potential benefits of addressing it. More needs to be done in training and professional development to address unconscious bias and change behaviours.
Palaeo podcasting: a practice-led extended-mixed methods case study
Authors: Holland Travis A.
Published: July 2024

Podcasting has become a widespread method of science communication. This paper describes a practice-led, extended-mixed methods study that aimed to examine the possibilities for podcasting in the field of palaeontology. The method combines (1) the production of a two-year podcast series by the author with (2) interviews with other ‘palaeo podcasters’ and (3) a study of 24 palaeontological podcasts. Each method contributes insights into how this form of science communication, specifically within the field of palaeontology, might be usefully developed. Drawing on data from all three approaches, the paper demonstrates the practical considerations, audience engagement strategies and use of discipline expertise required to develop and sustain this form of science communication.
Research on dynamic and wear prediction models of compound planetary transmission systems
Authors: Sun Jing , Cao Wei , Han Zhao , Wang Yifan , Ding Letian , Cao Zhiyang , Wang Dong
Published: July 2024

Under high speeds and heavy loads, gear tooth surfaces will be worn, which will lead to accidents. The current wear prediction model is not comprehensive, but the wear prediction model that considers the temperature field and dynamic response can provide more accurate gear wear fault early warning than previous methods. Therefore, according to the Archard model, the discrete wear prediction model of the tooth surface is deduced in this paper, and the wear evolution trend of the tooth surface is predicted and analyzed in each operation stage. The tooth surface temperature field was simulated by the finite-element method, and the tooth surface wear prediction model was improved considering its influence on materials. In addition, the dynamic model of the compound planetary transmission system was established, and the wear prediction model was improved again by using its nonlinear meshing force. Finally, the tooth wear prediction model under the interaction of the dynamic response and temperature field was obtained. A wear measurement method based on duplicate adhesive film was proposed. The wear evolution trend along the tooth length direction and the tooth width direction were measured, and the accuracy of the wear prediction model was verified. The results show that the wear depth along the tooth width direction is larger in the middle part and smaller on both sides under the influence of temperature. After the interference of the dynamic response, the wear depth along the tooth rectangle fluctuates, which is very similar to the results of the theoretical prediction model. It provides a theoretical basis for the early warning of gear health status in practical engineering.
Make (digital) space for and with the young: Arts-inspired co-design of civic tech for youth mental health policies
Authors: Bussu Sonia , Senabre Hidalgo Enric , Schulbaum Olivier , Eve Zarah
Published: July 2024

Public engagement, digital or in-person, is mostly adult-centric and ableist, often universalising the experience of participation of a narrow demographic (white, older and middle class). In Mindset Revolution we combined arts-based and creative methods with civic tech to co-design participatory spaces with a diverse group of young people, where to discuss and influence mental health policy and practice. The paper examines the digital element of the project, where young people, supported by a team of academics and digital designers, used the Decidim civic tech platform to engage with their peers and policymakers. This co-design work helped inform changes to the platform towards more accessible and margin-responsive participation that can better support active engagement of traditionally excluded groups. The young people evaluated their own participation and social impact, challenging assumptions about youth participation. The flexibility afforded by the digital platform was crucial to sustain engagement. However, although often branded as digital natives, the young people we worked with perceived digital participation as an enabler but not a central element of their work on social change. Follow-up work on the platform is shaping it as a space for collective oversight, with opportunities for open-ended dialogue between young people, the community and policymakers to identify and navigate barriers to implementation of young people’s proposals.
Streaming women: Hayu, Passionflix and gendered demographics in subscription video-on-demand
Authors: Scarlata Alexa , Lynch Andrew
Published: July 2024

The focus of most academic analysis of subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services so far has been on “first tier” platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. These platforms are spending and charging significant amounts of money to adopt a generalist strategy that rhetorically disregards demographics . However, not all SVODs operate in this manner. This article will consider examples of second (subsidiary) and third (independent) tier SVODs for whom traditional demographic thinking remains fundamental to their core business model. We examine second tier service Hayu and third tier service Passionflix as female-targeted SVODs that represent a spectrum of approaches to gendered curation, from the online extension of reality programming long-linked to cable interests, to the production and promotion of softcore erotica SVOD originals. We combine analyses of catalogues, interfaces, marketing, paratexts, and original production to consider how SVODs conceptualise, address, and court female audiences in different ways.
The prohibition of discrimination and the workers’ right to maternity or paternity leave in light of the drafting history of Article 40 of the Constitution of Uganda and sections 56 and 57 of the Employment Act
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil D
Published: July 2024

Workers’ rights are provided for under Article 40 of the Constitution (1995) and in other pieces of legislation. Sections 56 and 57 of the Employment Act (2006) (the Act) provide for the rights to maternity leave and paternity leave respectively. Section 56(1) of the Act provides that ‘[a] female employee shall, as a consequence of pregnancy have the right’ to maternity leave as a result of ‘child birth or miscarriage.’ On the other hand, section 57(1) of the Act provides ‘[a] male employee shall, immediately after the delivery or miscarriage of a wife, have the right to’ paternity leave. It is evident that under section 56, for a female employee to qualify for maternity leave, she doesn’t have to be married. However, for a male employee to qualify for paternity leave, he has to be married. The reason for this is explained in the drafting history of section 57. It is argued that this amounts to discrimination on the ground of marital status. It is also argued that section 56(1) is only applicable to biological mothers and excludes adoptive mothers, commissioning parents (in cases of surrogacy) and those who have committed abortion. This is also discriminatory but could be justified in the case of commissioning parents, adoptive parents and those who have committed abortion.
Differential effects of positive versus negative contact: The importance of distinguishing valence from intensity
Authors: Schäfer Sarina J. , Kros Mathijs , Hewstone Miles , Schmid Katharina , Fell Benjamin F. , Jaspers Eva , Kauff Mathias , Lemmer Gunnar , Christ Oliver
Published: July 2024

More and more research is considering the effects of both positive and negative intergroup contact on intergroup attitudes. To date, little is known about what factors may differentially influence these effects. We propose that differentiating not only between positive and negative contact (i.e., its valence), but also considering the intensity (i.e., low or high positivity/negativity) of contact valence is critical to understanding contact effects. We predicted that intensifying positivity in the realm of positive contact would have a stronger effect on outgroup attitudes than intensifying negativity. We report evidence supporting this hypothesis from three experiments which manipulated the quality of feedback given during a cooperation task by a confederate who acted as a member of a student outgroup (two online: N = 87, N = 169; one in person: N = 78), summarized in an internal meta-analysis and a large survey of White British majority and Asian British minority members ( N = 2,994). Our results suggest that intensity of valenced intergroup contact may be a key factor for resolving inconsistencies in the current literature on valenced intergroup contact.
A new deep learning-based approach for concrete crack identification and damage assessment
Authors: Guo Fuyan , Cui Qi , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yue , Zhang Huidong , Zhu Xinqun , Chen Jiao
Published: July 2024

Concrete building structures are prone to cracking as they are subjected to environmental temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and other operational environmental factors. Failure to detect cracks in the key building structure at the early stage can result in serious accidents and associated economic losses. A new method using the SE-U-Net model based on a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) has been developed to identify small cracks in concrete structures in this paper. This proposed method was a pixel-level U-Net model based on a generative network, that was integrated the original convolutional layer with an attention mechanism, and an SE module in the jump connection section was added to improve the identifiability of the model. The discriminative network compared the generated images with real images using the PatchGAN model. Through the adversarial training of generator and discriminator, the performance of generator in crack image segmentation task is improved, and the trained generation network is used to segment cracks. In damage assessments, the crack skeleton was represented by the individual pixel width and recognized using the binary morphological crack skeleton method, in which the final length, area, and average width of the crack could be determined through the geometric correction index. The results showed that compared with other methods, the proposed method could better identify subtle pixel-level cracks, and the identification accuracy is 98.48%. These methods are of great significance for the identification of cracks and the damage assessment of concrete structures in practice.
“The COVID-19 Murders”: Prison death-worlds and the fatal convenience of crisis
Authors: Lackey Dalton J , Loblack Angelica C , Murphy Teagan H , Foltz Katelyn E
Published: July 2024

Since the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. correctional facilities have reported more than half a million positive cases and nearly 3000 deaths. The carceral regime's unconscionable response to COVID-19 has been accepted as a mere “failure” by observers. We question this reading given the dispossessing purpose of carceral punishment, instead reframing prisons as necropolitical death-worlds that weaponize crisis to advance their repressive capacities. We draw from 132 texts authored by 68 incarcerated witnesses and published by the American Prison Writing Archive to assess how incarcerated individuals experience and interpret both the COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation efforts enacted by prison administrations. Rather than prisons struggling, sincerely, to slow the spread of COVID-19, witnesses call attention to how prisons constrict and evolve punishment under the guise of care. Sampled writings detail alarming changes, including the excessive application of already harmful practices like solitary confinement. Our findings speak to the “inside,” lived implications of disaster-response by death-worlds, where the necropolitical order practices and perfects its violence with little external protest. Scholars of carceral punishment should more deliberately consider the impact of crises like the pandemic, as it is certainly not the last disaster that the prison order will appropriate.
Penal-welfare systems in a (post)colonial world: The rise and disregard of alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers in South Africa
Authors: Hunter Mark
Published: July 2024

Apartheid South Africa developed a notoriously punitive and racist approach to alcohol and drug use. Less reported is that the state gave significant attention to rehabilitation, first for the minority white population and later for black South Africans. This paper asks why in the post-apartheid era—despite a huge influx of cheap heroin, methamphetamines, and other drugs—the government showed a relative disregard for rehabilitation. Addressing this question, the paper points to the configuration of forces driving public rehabilitation in the colonial era included the upliftment of “poor whites,” the need to maintain black workers’ productivity, and the ascendancy of the disease concept of addiction. In the post-1994 period these forces waned as a multiracial middle class came to purchase treatment in private rehabilitation facilities, the disease concept fell into retreat, and mass unemployment helped to position poor black drug users as an “undeserving poor.” The paper contributes to comparative studies on penal-welfare systems and the recent attention to drug histories from the global South.
Support vector machine-based optimisation of traction gear modifications for multiple-condition electric multiple unit
Authors: Tang Zhaoping , Lu Menghui , Tu Song , Sun Jianping , Yan Li
Published: July 2024

The traction gear train is subjected to various internal excitations under different traction conditions, such as stiffness excitation, error excitation, meshing shock excitation, and tooth side clearance. The optimal modification scheme is different for each state, and the optimal modification plan based on a single working condition may not be applicable to every working condition. In this paper, we investigate the vibration response characteristics of electric multiple unit gearing under multiple conditions and propose a multi-condition modification scheme. Under different traction conditions, the mapping between gear modification parameters and vibration acceleration in gear transmissions is investigated using support vector machines. Genetic algorithms are used to solve the gear-modifying parameters to minimise the maximum vibration acceleration. A weight assignment principle is proposed to calculate the electric multiple unit traction gear transmission under different conditions, with the operating time and the amount of vibration in each condition as the measurement index. The results of the simulation show that the vibration acceleration under continuous conditions is reduced by 3.55 m/s2, a decrease of 69.88%; the vibration acceleration under high-speed conditions is reduced by 3.301 m/s2, a reduction of 58.74%, and the results show that the overall index of the electric multiple unit traction gear transmission system under different conditions has been improved after the optimisation of the multi-conditions modification, the gear transmission system's vibration is significantly reduced.
Exploring the influence of fiber orientation on the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites reinforced with banana and corn fibers
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Agrawal Anant Prakash , Ali Shahazad , Manral Ankit
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, the utilization of polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers has seen a significant increase due to their durability, eco-friendliness, and favorable composite properties. This study investigates the influence of unidirectional and cross-directional fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced with banana and corn fibers, fabricated through a hand-lay-up process. The research assesses the impact of fiber orientation on various mechanical properties, including density, porosity, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The findings reveal that the higher densities of banana and corn fibers, in comparison to the epoxy matrix, contribute to increased overall weight density in the composites, with cross-directional fiber orientation leading to higher porosity. Moreover, cross-directional reinforcement orientation enhances tensile strength, resulting in a robust bond with the matrix. Composites with cross-directional corn fibers exhibit the highest ultimate tensile strength of 49.57 MPa, marking a significant improvement over other fiber configurations. Notably, unidirectional corn fibers outperform in flexural strength of 14.07 MPa, surpassing banana–corn, and banana–banana configurations by 268.32% and 32.73%, respectively, and cross-directional banana–corn hybrid composites exhibit superior impact strength measuring 5.31 kJ/m2 due to their ability to resist crack propagation. Whereas scanning electron microscopy micrographs of fractured samples reveal debonding, fiber pullout, and fiber scissoring as the root causes of sample failure under tensile load These insights provide valuable guidance for the design and application of composite materials.
Fracture modeling of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites based on phase-field method using multiscale strategy
Authors: Messaoudi I , Mallek H , Mellouli H , Wali M , Dammak F
Published: July 2024

The computational modeling of fracture, particularly in structures with complex crack topologies, remains challenging due to significant computational costs, especially in simulating two- and three-dimensional brittle fracture. This study presents an efficient phase-field model to address these challenges. By leveraging the user (UMAT) subroutine in ABAQUS and establishing an analogy between the phase-field evolution law and the heat transfer equation, the method efficiently tackles complex fracture problems. The model is verified through analysis of typical 2D and 3D fracture benchmarks with different failure modes, demonstrating accuracy and efficiency compared to experimental and numerical data. Additionally, the model is applied to explore brittle fracture in carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/epoxy nanocomposites, revealing insights into the impact of CNT weight fraction on fracture phenomena prediction. The incorporated CNTs in the matrix are considered uniformly dispersed and randomly oriented. Overall, the developed model and computational implementation show promise for meeting the requirements of structural-level engineering practices.
A comparative investigation on the surface characteristics of AISI 304 and AISI 1045 steel influenced by turning combined with ball burnishing
Authors: Raza Ahmed , Kumar Sudhanshu
Published: July 2024

Burnishing is a popular superfinishing procedure in the manufacturing industry that induces plastic deformation to the finished product by the application of a highly polished and hardened deforming element known as a burnishing tool. Research work on the burnishing process is numerous. However, the reports containing the comparative investigations are lacking. In this work, the effect of ball burnishing parameters namely penetration depth, burnishing spindle speed, and number of passes has been compared and analyzed on AISI 1045 and AISI 304 steels with respect to surface roughness, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Results indicate that the combination of a feed rate of 0.12 mm/rev, spindle speed of 160 rpm, and penetration depth of 0.025 mm with four passes generated minimum surface roughness (AISI 1045). However, maximum surface hardness is obtained with a feed rate of 0.12 mm/rev, spindle speed of 160 rpm, and at 0.085 mm penetration depth under one pass (AISI 304). The lowest specific wear rate is achieved with a feed rate of 0.12 mm/rev at a spindle speed of 160 rpm and a penetration depth of 0.085 mm in one pass (AISI 304). The burnishing process influenced both materials, AISI 304 and AISI 1045, under varying parametric conditions. The maximum reduction in surface roughness is 68.1% for AISI 304 and 79.3% for AISI 1045, while surface hardness improves by 27% for AISI 304 and 22% for AISI 1045. Additionally, the burnishing process reduces the specific wear rate by 49.3% for AISI 304 and 45.4% for AISI 1045. The refinement of grains during the burnishing process enhances corrosion resistance compared to the unburnished surface.