bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peculiarities for domain walls in Taub coordinates
Authors: Lanosa Leandro , Santillón Osvaldo Pablo
Published: January 2024

In the present letter the infinite domain wall geometry in GR (Vilenkin in Phys Rev D 23:852, 1981; Vilenkin in Phys Lett B 133:177, 1983; Ipser and Sikivie in Phys Rev D 30:712, 1984) is reconsidered in Taub coordinates (Taub in Ann Math 53:472, 1951). The use of these coordinates makes explicit that the regions between the horizons and the wall and the outer ones are flat. By use of these coordinates, it is suggested that points inside the horizon and outside never communicate each other. The wall is seen on the left and the right side as contracting and expanding portions of spheres and a plane singularity, which is the imprint the contracting and expanding domain wall. Particles of each region will never reach this imprint. In addition, at some point during the evolution of the system, four curious holes inside the space time appear, growing at the speed of light. This region is not parameterized by the standard Taub coordinates, and the boundary of this hole adsorbs all the particles that intersect it. The boundary of these holes are composed by points which in the coordinates of [1–3] are asymptotic, in the sense that they correspond to trajectories tending to infinite values of the time or space like coordinates, while the proper time elapsed for the travel is in fact finite. This is not paradoxical, as the coordinates [1–3] are not to be identified with the true lengths or proper time on the space time. The correct interpretation of the boundary is particularity relevant when studying scattering of quantum fields approaching the domain wall. A partial analysis about this issue is done in the last section.
NOVEL INVESTIGATION OF FRACTIONAL LONG- AND SHORT-WAVE INTERACTION SYSTEM
Authors: WANG KANG-LE
Published: January 2024

In ocean engineering, the long- and short-wave interaction system represents a crucial nonlinear evolution equation that elucidates the resonant interaction phenomenon between ocean waves. In this study, we describe the fractional long and short-wave interaction (FLSWI) system employing the M-truncated derivative. Subsequently, we employ the extended fractional [Formula: see text] and the fractional [Formula: see text] methods to address the FLSWI system. These two approaches yields novel and intriguing soliton solutions. To further elucidate the derived soliton solutions, three-dimensional visualizations are constructed and analyzed.
Evolving Knowledge Graph Representation Learning with Multiple Attention Strategies for Citation Recommendation System
Authors: Liu Jhih-Chen , Chen Chiao-Ting , Lee Chi , Huang Szu-Hao
Published: January 2024

The growing number of publications in the field of artificial intelligence highlights the need for researchers to enhance their efficiency in searching for relevant articles. Most paper recommendation models either rely on simplistic citation relationships among papers or focus on content-based approaches, both of which overlook interactions within academic networks. To address the aforementioned problem, knowledge graph embedding (KGE) methods have been used for citation recommendations because recent research proves that graph representations can effectively improve recommendation model accuracy. However, academic networks are dynamic, leading to changes in the representations of users and items over time. The majority of KGE-based citation recommendations are primarily designed for static graphs, thus failing to capture the evolution of dynamic knowledge graph (DKG) structures. To address these challenges, we introduced the evolving knowledge graph embedding (EKGE) method. In this methodology, evolving knowledge graphs are input into time-series models to learn the patterns of structural evolution. The model has the capability to generate embeddings for each entity at various time points, thereby overcoming limitation of static models that require retraining to acquire embeddings at each specific time point. To enhance the efficiency of feature extraction, we employed a multiple attention strategy. This helped the model find recommendation lists that are closely related to a user’s needs, leading to improved recommendation accuracy. Various experiments conducted on a citation recommendation dataset revealed that the EKGE model exhibits a 1.13% increase in prediction accuracy compared to other KGE methods. Moreover, the model’s accuracy can be further increased by an additional 0.84% through the incorporation of an attention mechanism.
Augmented Reality Waste Accumulation Visualizations
Authors: Assor Ambre , Prouzeau Arnaud , Dragicevic Pierre , Hachet Martin
Published: January 2024

The negative impact humans have on the environment is partly caused by thoughtless consumption leading to unnecessary waste. A likely contributing factor is the relative invisibility of waste: waste produced by individuals is either out of their sight or quickly taken away. Nevertheless, waste disposal systems sometimes break down, creating natural information displays of waste production that can have educational value. We take inspiration from such natural displays and introduce a class of situated visualizations we call
augmented reality waste accumulation visualizations
, or
ARwav
s, which are literal representations of waste data embedded in users’ familiar environment. We implemented examples of
ARwav
s and demonstrated them in feedback sessions with experts in pro-environmental behavior, and during a large tech exhibition event. We discuss general design considerations for
ARwav
s. Finally, we conducted a study with 20 participants suggesting that
ARwav
s yield stronger emotional responses than nonimmersive waste accumulation visualizations and plain numbers.
Adaptive Offloading of Transformer Inference for Weak Edge Devices with Masked Autoencoders
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Peng , Gu Yu , Liu Peng , Wang Hao
Published: January 2024

Transformer is a popular machine learning model used by many intelligent applications in smart cities. However, it has high computational complexity and it would be hard to deploy it in weak-edge devices. This paper presents a novel two-round offloading scheme, called A-MOT, for efficient transformer inference. A-MOT only samples a small part of image data and sends it to edge servers, with negligible computational overhead at edge devices. The image is recovered by the server with the masked autoencoder (MAE) before the inference. In addition, an SLO-adaptive module is intended to achieve personalized transmission and effective bandwidth utilization. To avoid the large overhead on the repeat inference in the second round, A-MOT further contains a lightweight inference module to save inference time in the second round. Extensive experiments have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the A-MOT.
Multiple Factors Determine the Oncolytic or Carcinogenic Effects of TLRs Activation in Cancer
Authors: Yang Yingxiang , Jin Chengyue , Yeo Anthony , Jin Bo
Published: January 2024

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) belong to a germline‐encoded protein family. These are pattern recognition receptors. They sense pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). When this occurs, activation of the NF‐ĸB pathway follows. This triggers the innate immune response of the host. The consequent inflammatory cytokine response usually contributes to the elimination of the pathogen. Activation of TLRs also induces an adaptive immune response by a cross‐prime mechanism. This mechanism is employed in cancer immunotherapy. Using TLR ligands as adjuvants induces upregulation of costimulatory signals which in turn activates a cytotoxic leukocyte response against cancer cells. However, TLRs are also overexpressed in human cancer cells resulting in increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. An intracellular adaptor, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) probably mediates this process. MyD88 is intimately involved with all TLRs except TLR3. One consequence of the interaction between a TLR and MyD88 is activation of NF‐ĸB. In this context of a variety of proinflammtory cytokines being produced, chronic inflammation may result. Inflammation is an important protective mechanism. However, chronic inflammation is also involved in carcinogenesis. Activation of NF‐ĸB inhibits apoptosis and under certain circumstances, tumor cell survival. In this review, the potential therapeutic value of TLRs in immunotherapy and its role in oncogenesis are explored. The emerging use of artificial intelligence is mentioned.
An Assessment of the Safety Effects of Roadside Barriers on Reducing Mountainous Crash Injury Severity
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Wang Yanying , Wu Keqi , Tian Le , Song Dongdong
Published: January 2024

Roadside barriers have proven effective in preventing run‐off‐road accidents that occurred in mountainous areas. Nonetheless, the influence of variables impacting the severity of injuries resulting from collisions involving distinct types of roadside barriers may diverge. This study delves into the factors that influence the severity of driver’s injuries in crashes encompassing three specific varieties of roadside barriers in mountainous regions, namely, W‐beam barriers, flexible barriers, and roadside trees. The evolution of these factors over time is examined through the application of a random parameters logit modeling approach with heterogeneity in means and variances (RPLHMVs). By employing injury‐severity data from 2016 to 2019 for the mountainous regions of a city in Southwest China, various potential influencing factors encompassing driver‐, vehicle‐, road‐, and environment‐specific characteristics are subjected to statistical analysis. The extent of the impact of identified statistically significant factors on driver’s injury severity is assessed through the computation of pseudoelasticities. The findings reveal distinctions in the outcomes of driver’s injury severity contingent upon the type of roadside barrier encountered during vehicle impacts. To illustrate, collisions involving W‐beam barriers are more prone to result in severe injuries. Moreover, the influence of variables determining driver’s injury severity displays noteworthy temporal shifts. Notably, the pseudoelasticities of numerous explanatory variables remain temporally consistent for incidents involving flexible or roadside barriers. In contrast, crashes involving W‐beam barriers highlight that solely the speeding indicator demonstrates temporally stable pseudoelasticities. The insights garnered from this investigation offer the potential to contribute to the formulation of fresh guidelines for the design and selection of roadside barriers aimed at mitigating the severity of injuries incurred in crashes within mountainous regions.
Phylogenetic Aspects of Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation of P. aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical Samples
Authors: Motevasel Maryam , Haghkhah Masoud , Azimzadeh Negar
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Biofilm production and drug resistance phenomenon play a critical role in P. aeruginosa infections. Several genes, including psl, pel, brlR, and mex, are involved in the phenomenon. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between the mentioned genes and the sources of P. aeruginosa infections. Materials and Methods. Fifty-nine P. aeruginosa isolates detected from clinical specimens were used to determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns, prevalence of the genes using PCR, biofilm formation, biofilm eradication concentration assay (MBEC), and epidemiological characteristics using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results. The results showed that 35.6% and 16.94% of all the samples were isolated from urine and wounds, 81.33% of the isolates were biofilm producers, 27.11% were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and 100% of the main biofilm former genes belonged to pslA. 94.91% of the isolates possessed brlR and mexA, and 91.5% of them expressed pslA. It was also indicated that neither ciprofloxacin nor imipenem could eradicate the formed biofilms. Moreover, we could identify 81.4% distinctive restriction profiles among the isolates, using an 80% similarity cutoff point; brlR and pel genes were significantly (P=0.032; P=0.044) related to phylogenetic pulsotypes. Comparison of the dendrogram in the isolates revealed that the detected isolates from urine were present in 12 different pulsotypes. Conclusion. It was found that there was a relationship between MDR, biofilm production, and brlR and pel genes among the isolates. It is distinguished there were similar genetic patterns between detected isolates from urine and could be concluded that the urinary tract played a critical role in maintaining and transferring biofilm drug-resistant genes of P. aeruginosa in clinical sites. The study highlights the importance of urine in distribution of clinical biofilm formation and drug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates.
Exploring the Steady Flow of a Viscoelastic Fluid Passing over a Porous Perpendicular Plate Subjected to Heat Generation and Chemical Reactions
Authors: Sudarmozhi K. , Iranian D. , Alqarni M. M. , Khan Muhammad Sabeel , Mahmoud Emad E. , Pradhan R. , Haque M. M.
Published: January 2024

This study aims to bridge the gap by conducting a numerical analysis of Maxwell fluid behaviour on a perpendicular plate within a porous medium, considering both chemical reaction and heat generation. The investigation also encompasses the study of energy and mass transfer within magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Maxwell fluids. We utilise a transformation technique employing similarity variables to address the challenge posed by the nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). These transformed equations are subsequently solved via the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. The obtained results exhibit a high degree of agreement with the previously published work. The study systematically explores the influence of chemical reaction, energy generation, and Deborah number parameters on temperature and velocity, as well as concentration, presenting the outcomes graphically. In addition, we calculate local Sherwood numbers, Nusselt numbers, and skin friction coefficients to assess the impact of chemical reactions. Our findings notably indicate that Sherwood numbers and skin friction coefficients increase with higher levels of chemical reaction, while local Nusselt numbers decrease as chemical reactions become more pronounced. By studying Maxwell fluid flow over a perpendicular plate with chemical reactions, this research contributes to optimizing processes, enhancing product quality, and providing deeper insights into the behaviour of complex fluids in real-world scenarios.
Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Stabilities of Tamarind Seed- and Peanut Shell Powder-Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composite
Authors: Sathish Kumar Ramakrishnan Kulasekaran , Sasikumar Rathinasabapathy , Nagaprasad Nagaraj , Ezhilvannan Rathinam , Krishnaraj Ramaswamy
Published: January 2024

Efficient exploitation of agricultural waste results in a more sustainable and ecofriendly environment since it lessens the burden of their disposal, which has become increasingly important in recent times. Due to their high mechanical strength and high thermal stability, these biodegradable low-value agrosolid wastes have the potential to successfully replace synthetic fibers and fillers in polymer matrices in the form of reinforcements. This work deals with the addition of low-cost and renewable hybrid natural fillers, tamarind seed filler (TMS), and peanut shell powder (PNS) as particulate reinforcements to the vinyl ester (VE) resin. Traditional compression molding creates TMS/PNS-VE hybrid composites with filler loadings ranging from 5% to 30%. After the composites were fabricated, they were tested for strength properties and heat deflection temperature. A detailed experimental analysis of the mechanical properties was conducted. According to the findings, 20 wt.% hybrid filler loading to the vinyl ester polymer exhibited peak tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of 40.3 MPa, 142 MPa, and 16 kJ/m2, respectively, which is 1.52, 1.69, and 1.29 times the properties of the virgin polymer. However, the peak elongation at break 3.9% was obtained at 30 wt.%. Similarly, the heat deflection temperature (HDT) test of TMS/PNS-VE composites showed a maximum rise of 50.91% at 25 wt.% of filler loading. This is 1.51 times greater than the heat deflection temperature of the pure vinyl ester resin. The findings made it quite clear that adding 20 wt.% biosolid waste hybrid particulate fillers made out of tamarind seed and peanut shell to vinyl ester is the optimum weight, which improves the mechanical and thermal properties of the TMS/PNS-VE composite, making it suitable for making cost-effective materials for lightweight applications. This study also utilizes scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the microstructural characteristics of the composites, correlating these features with their mechanical performance.
Heteropterans: a treasure trove of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Devi M.R. , Koijam A.S. , Brockmann A. , Rajashekar Y.
Published: January 2024

Heteroptera belongs to a group of highly diversified insect forms ranging from plant feeders, blood-feeders, predators, scavengers, detritivores, and fungivores with terrestrial or aquatic habitats. These insects have been used in entomophagy and entomotherapeutic practices. Edible insects are a source of essential bioactive secondary metabolites and bioactive peptides, having nutraceutical potential to deal with metabolic disorders. Various venomous peptides from heteropterans with therapeutic properties have been reported and are constantly being investigated for various medical conditions. This review enlists heteropteran edible insects and bioactive peptides identified from heteropterans for use as an alternative medicine. The heteropteran categories and feeding habits have been briefly outlined. The role of bioinformatics in putting up a translational aspect of insect venom has been discussed. Further, the possible exploration of therapeutic function-based proteins and peptides and the need for advanced studies using modern bioinformatics tools, and scientific validation processes are also discussed.
Education Research and Audiovisual Production: The Emergence of Minor Stories in Postmedia Society
Authors: Armella Julieta , Dafunchio Sofia
Published: January 2024

The authors discuss findings from an educational research study carried out in a secondary school of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Region based on creative research methods and on a collaborative audiovisual project. They inquire into the forms education takes in a postmedia society and they explore the possibilities of the school as time-space to reflect upon the world by means of experimenting with diverse languages and techniques. Here the authors analyze audiovisual materials produced by students and suggest three analytic categories—the scream, the testimony and the singular experience—which are related by an incident that took place in the students’ neighborhood, known as the “Carcova Massacre”. The authors hypothesize that when this event is narrated in the first person by the students—who witnessed the death of their two young neighbors—, the story reported by the media as a police incident becomes a minor story, making it a lived story.
Audiovisual Storytelling in Secondary Schools Located in the Slums of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Region
Authors: Grinberg Silvia
Published: January 2024

School in postmedia society falls prey to “systemic stupidity” (Stiegler, 2011), while the teacher-cum-coach heeds what is considered the new divine calling for education. In this framework, this video-article looks to elements from research that the author believes might serve as a roadmap for work with words and images in schools that lie beyond that stupidity. Through the audiovisual narratives of students in secondary schools located in a slum in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, the author explores possible approaches to the question of the audiovisual narrative in school and how school is or, rather, can continue to be the repository of the hopes that critical thought harbors. More specifically, the author asks whether audiovisual narratives can contribute to more complex conceptions of the world that help us go beyond the binary logics and infantilization.
Rural Trauma Team Development Course Positively Impacts its Desired Objectives
Authors: Bauman Zachary M. , Khan Hason , Raposo-Hadley Ashley , Daubert Trevor , Hamill Mark E. , Kemp Kevin , Evans Charity H. , Terzian W. T. Hillman , Waibel Brett , Cantrell Emily
Published: January 2024

Background

The Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) is designed to help rural hospitals better organize and manage trauma patients with limited resources. Although RTTDC is well-established, limited literature exists regarding improvement in the overall objectives for which the course was designed. The aim of this study was to analyze the goals of RTTDC, hypothesizing improvements in course objectives after course completion.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study from 2015 through 2021. All hospitals completing the RTTDC led by our Level 1, academic trauma hospital were included. Our institutional database was queried for individual patient data. Cohorts were delineated before and after RTTDC was provided to the rural hospital. Basic demographics were obtained. Outcomes of interest included: Emergency Department (ED) dwell time, decision time to transfer, number of total images/computed tomography scans obtained, and mortality. Chi square and non-parametric median test were used. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Sixteen rural hospitals were included with a total of 472 patients transferred (240 before and 232 after). Patient demographics were similar before and after RTTDC. ED dwell time was significantly reduced by 64 min ( P = .003) and decision to transfer time was cut by 62 min ( P = .004) after RTTDC. Mean total radiographic images and CT scans were significantly reduced ( P < .001 and P = .002, respectively) after RTTDC. Mortality was unaffected by RTTDC completion ( P = .941).

Conclusion

The RTTDC demonstrates decreased ED dwell time, decision time to transfer, and number of radiographic images obtained prior to transfer. More rural hospitals should be offered this course.
Virtual Signaling and Emerging Trends in its Use Across Surgical Specialties
Authors: Breeding Tessa , Nasef Hazem , Amin Quratulain , Cruz Francis , Hernandez Nickolas , Havron William S , Elkbuli Adel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate program signaling in surgical specialties, analyze its influence on residency applications, and provide recommendations for enhancing its consistency and effectiveness.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed AAMC ERAS data from the 2021 to 2022 and 2023 residency match cycles, focusing on surgical specialties including general surgery, neurological surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic surgery.

Results

A positive correlation existed between the number of signals received and the number of applicants to a program across 4 surgical specialties. 10% of programs in each specialty received between 17% and 28% of all signals. There was a negative correlation between the number of current DO residents at a program and the number of signals received. Amongst surgical specialties, those with more signals per applicant had a more equitable distribution of signals across competitive programs. University programs received the most signals, programs were less likely to receive signals if they had a higher percentage of DO residents, and IMG applicants were less likely to send signals.

Conclusion

Specialties with more signals per applicant had a more equitable distribution of signals across competitive programs, and university programs received proportionally more signals than community programs. Further research is required to investigate the disparities in signaling and the impact of signaling on successful matching.
OPCAT: How an international treaty regarding torture is relevant to the Australian mental health system
Authors: Ouliaris Calina , Gill Neeraj , Castan Melissa , Sundram Suresh
Published: January 2024

The United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture visits signatory nations to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). Its role is to monitor and support signatory nations in implementing and complying with the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). In October 2022, the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture visited Australia but was barred from visiting mental health wards in Queensland and all detention facilities in New South Wales leading to the termination of its visit. This breach of Australia’s obligations under the OPCAT presents a significant setback for the rights of people with mental illness and other involuntarily detained populations. This piece sets out to demonstrate the relevance of OPCAT to the mental health system in Australia. Individuals who are detained for compulsory treatment in locked facilities such as acute psychiatric inpatient wards and forensic mental health facilities are deprived of their liberty, often out of public view. Thus, it highlights the ethical and professional obligations of all mental health professionals, especially psychiatrists, to safeguard the human rights of individuals being detained in mental health facilities as enshrined in Australia’s international legal obligations under the OPCAT. Adhering to these obligations diminishes the risk of future human rights violations of people with mental illness.
Development of best practice guidelines for clinical and community service providers to prevent suicide in LGBTQA+ young people: A Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Strauss Penelope , Marion Larissa , Hill Nicole TM , Gilbey Dylan , Waters Zoe , Moore Julia K , Costanza Marco , Lamblin Michelle , Robinson Jo , Lin Ashleigh , Perry Yael
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop best practice guidelines for preventing suicide and reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviours in LGBTQA+ young people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, asexual, and those of other diverse sexualities and genders) within clinical and community service settings in Australia.

Methods:

We conducted a Delphi expert consensus study. A systematic literature search and interviews with key informants informed an initial 270-item questionnaire. Two expert panels completed the questionnaire, delivered over two rounds: (1) Australian professionals with expertise in LGBTQA+ mental health/suicide prevention and (2) Australian LGBTQA+ young people aged 14–25 with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours. Items endorsed as ‘essential’ or ‘important’ by >80% of both expert panels were included in the guidelines.

Results:

A total of 115 people participated in the Delphi process; n = 52 professionals completed Round 1, and n = 42 completed Round 2; n = 63 LGBTQA+ young people completed Round 1, and n = 50 completed Round 2. A total of 290 items were included in the guidelines and grouped into: (1) general principles for creating an affirming and inclusive environment for LGBTQA+ young people; (2) assessing suicide risk and working with suicidal LGBTQA+ young people; (3) considerations for specific LGBTQA+ populations; and (4) advocating for LGBTQA+ young people.

Conclusion:

These guidelines are the first of their kind in Australia. They provide practical support to service providers regardless of prior training in LGBTQ+ identities or mental health, with the aim of reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and preventing suicide, in LGBTQA+ young people.
Fascist Legacies of Mobilization and Co-Optation: Evidence from Democratic Portugal
Authors: Albertus Michael , Schouela Noah
Published: January 2024

Many authoritarian regimes seek to blunt everyday acts of resistance and social mobilization through co-optation rather than adopting riskier tools like outright repression. What are the political imprints of authoritarian-era co-optation after a transition to democracy? We examine this question in Portugal, where rural corporatist institutions known as Casas do Povo sought to co-opt peasants and dismantle worker mobilization in the fascist era. We find conditional effects for the consequences of rural co-optation in Portugal’s restive southern region, where Casas do Povo took on particular importance given ongoing social mobilization over exploitative labor conditions in the countryside. Absent robust co-optation, social mobilization in the fascist era translated into greater support for the left-wing Portuguese Communist Party after democratization and less support for the right. But the electoral legacies of social mobilization are absent where the fascist regime created early Casas do Povo, facilitating co-optation.
Backlash or Progressive Mobilization? Voter Reactions to Perceived Trajectories of Women’s Representation
Authors: Breyer Magdalena
Published: January 2024

Existing research on the effects of women’s descriptive representation on citizens’ attitudes has mainly investigated potential positive effects, namely on political engagement or the legitimacy of outcomes. However, trends in representation have rarely been theorized as potential causes of resentment among women. While a male backlash to increasing representation has been theorized, this article argues that women may also be discontent with their trajectory of representation, if they perceive it as stagnating. Using a survey experiment fielded in Germany, the results show that a stagnating representation trajectory mobilizes women to vote for a progressive party, the German Greens. In contrast, the paper demonstrates that men do not lash back against women’s increasing representation, even if they realize that this means a lower standing for themselves. This article contributes to research on political behavior by highlighting that discontent with persisting inequality is a mobilizing factor for progressive parties.
Calculating diffusion coefficients from molecular dynamics simulations for modelling foam processes of polypropylene: Investigating different process conditions and blowing agents
Authors: Melzer Felix , Breuer Robert , Dahlmann Rainer , Hopmann Christian
Published: January 2024

The choice of blowing agent is very important in foaming processes. In an earlier work the use of molecular dynamics simulations for the estimation of the diffusion coefficients of different blowing agents was discussed at elevated temperatures above the melting point. Therein it was shown that these simulations can give valuable information on blowing agent diffusion in polypropylene. The aim of the recent work is to expand this discussion to the simulation of different influences like pressure, blowing agent mixtures and blowing agents with higher molecular weight at temperatures above the melting point of PP. First a pressure range applied on the combined system of polymer and blowing agent, reasonable for the foam processing is discussed and their influence on the diffusion coefficients for CO2 in polypropylene is evaluated via MD simulations. The next step is the investigation of the influence of mixing a blowing agent with a co-blowing agent. The last part is the presentation of diffusion coefficients for different organic solvents, namely 2-propanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate which could be used as potential co-blowing agents. For both, the change in pressure and the mixing of blowing agents for the systems in question only small influences on the diffusion coefficients was discovered. The results of the diffusion coefficients for the different organic solvents are compared to each other and with former results, considered different molecular structure, size and polarities and are found to be reasonable.
Comparison of different failure criteria in numerical modeling of electron beam cured polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Saini JS , Singh Kulwinder , Bhunia H
Published: January 2024

In recent times, fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have overtaken the huge market in the world replacing the old conventional materials due to its significant properties. The experimental work conducted to gather the mechanical properties takes alot of time as FRP composites comprises of various geometrical parameters. Therefore, to reduce the experimental encumbrance, the current work is focused on the numerical analysis using different failure criteria, to examine the bearing response of electron beam cured carbon fibre/epoxy (CF/E) composites joint and to get a suitable numerical model. In order to identify the failure of carbon-fibre/polymer composites joints, this work coupled progressive damage analysis (PDA) with the most appropriate failure criteria, namely the Hashin, Tsai-Wu and Maximum stress criteria. Results show that Hashin criterion gave the best suited bearing response predictions. Hashin criterion predicted the maximum bearing capacity in pristine joint specimens, in between 11 and 17% for greater values of W/D and E/D ratios. In multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) added joint specimens, the predicted values by Hashin criterion is in between 14 and 20%.
Gun Owners Views on Gun Control in the United States: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Peterson Ted
Published: January 2024

Guns and gun violence have become a widely discussed and hotly debated concern across the United States. With gun violence on the rise and mass shootings provoking powerful emotional outrage, the question often rests with what can or should be done to rectify these societal issues. This paper examines the attitudes of guns expressed through two qualitative interviews of gun owners in the United States. The paper observes many of the same outrage amongst these gun owners of Americans with seemingly little to show in the way of public policy progress for protecting citizens. Still, differences persist in what should be or can be done. The paper recommends more expansive study on this critical group of citizens involved in future United States gun safety and policy debate.
Influence of fabric structures and temperature on the mechanical properties of quartz braids
Authors: Zhang Wenlu , He Jiahao , Li Jiugang , Li Qingyang , He Chong , Li Wenbin
Published: January 2024

Herein, quartz fiber braids with different structures (plain, twill, satin, broken twill) were woven to explore the influence of structures on the performance of fabrics. The influences of high temperature and structure on the mechanical properties of quartz fiber braids were investigated in detail. As the temperature increased to 1000°C, the mechanical properties of quartz fiber decreased by around 90% due to its crystallization. Among the different fabric structures tested, quartz fabrics with satin and broken twill structures possessed good tensile properties (400 MPa) at room temperature. However, as the temperature and duration of heat treatment increased, the tensile performance of broken twill weave fabrics decreased by 50 MPa. In summary, the study demonstrates that quartz fibers and their fabrics possess significant potential for applications in high temperature environments, with the ability to withstand elevated temperatures for short durations, thereby enhancing their performance and extending their range of applications.
National Identity and Attachment Among Overseas Chinese Children: Diaspora Tourism Experiences
Authors: Li Mimi , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Carol Xiaoyue , Dai Zhiye
Published: January 2024

Immigrants’ national identities in relation to their homelands have received considerable academic attention. Although childhood plays a substantial part in national identity, studies on diaspora tourism and immigrants have often overlooked children’s experiences. Ethnic and cultural symbols are embedded in place and contribute to one’s attachment to a territory for identity development. This study explores the nexus between diaspora tourism, national identity, and place attachment from children’s perspectives. Metaphor elicitation technique and participant observations were used to examine how overseas Chinese children make sense of their “homeland” national identity and place attachment in a diaspora tourism context. Findings address how overseas Chinese children’s cultural pride, social connections, and self-representation intertwine with meaningful symbols tied to China and Chineseness. Major theoretical implications derived from the research include delineating how children’s diaspora tourism experiences influence their place attachment and national identities, and revealing the corresponding relationship between place attachment and national identity.
Program Review with the Curriculum Mapping Toolkit for Sociology: Assessment of a Publicly Available Resource for Sociology Departments
Authors: Sweet Stephen , Ferguson Susan J.
Published: January 2024

The American Sociological Association identified 12 major recommendations for the undergraduate major, which include 11 learning goals articulated in the sociological literacy framework. In total, these recommendations identified upward of 70 different curricular elements that optimal sociology programs should consider satisfying. This article shows how curriculum mapping combined with an organized set of resources (the Curriculum Mapping Toolkit for Sociology [CMTS]) facilitates productive discussions that identify program goals, program strengths, program weaknesses, and pathways for program improvement. Data rely on the CMTS itself, which tracked department engagement with different elements of program review, and appraisals of department representatives who committed to presenting the opportunity for curriculum review to their colleagues. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many departments’ capacities to work fully with the CMTS, data demonstrate that the CMTS was met with strong interest by department leaders and their department colleagues. Its application positively impacted program quality and collegial relationships. Department leaders evaluated the CMTS as being “useful” or “very useful” and considered the collective work involved as being both manageable and productive.
Priming Students for Foundational Learning by Investigating Foundational Assumptions: A Critical Thinking Framework
Authors: Applin Samantha
Published: January 2024

Students hold foundational assumptions that interact with information they are introduced to in college. By learning to identify, assess, and restructure these foundational ideas, students’ ability to acquire topical knowledge improves. This article presents a format for teaching students how to evaluate their beliefs through four levels of critical thinking: (1) identifying assumptions, (2) assessing the origin and quality of assumptions, (3) seeking out alternative perspectives, and (4) weighing evidence and incorporating new information into thinking. A variety of skills are needed to accomplish each of these levels, such as identifying biases and developing intellectual humility. Self-assessments, assignments, and responses to early and late semester questionnaires suggest students see the value in learning about critical thinking and develop their ability to think critically over the course of the semester. Students become more open-minded, intellectually humble, and self-reflective, priming them to be more receptive to foundational learning.
Deepening Learning and Addressing Inequalities: A Psychosocial Approach to Improving Statistical Literacy Throughout Sociology Curricula
Authors: Nousak Samantha , Barry Leanne , Fisk Susan R.
Published: January 2024

Statistical literacy is critical for all sociology students because it facilitates academic and professional success, high-paying jobs, and informed citizenship. Most students, however, lack adequate statistical literacy to engage with sociological research. Within that general deficit, there are gender, racial, and social-class differences, with students from historically marginalized groups starting and staying behind. In this conversation, we argue that to deepen statistical literacy and reduce inequalities, instructors must be willing to sacrifice breadth of content to attend to students’ psychosocial needs throughout sociology curricula, especially in courses where quantitative methodology is not the core focus. We synthesize prior literature into a holistic psychosocial approach for teaching quantitative sociology content at all course levels: build interest and motivation, foster a growth mindset, develop statistical efficacy, encourage belonging, and challenge stereotypes.
The Prevalence of Trauma Among Participants in a Juvenile Mental Health Court
Authors: Zettler Haley R. , Craig Jessica M.
Published: January 2024

There is evidence that youth in the justice system are more likely to experience trauma and mental health problems than the general population. Trauma histories may exacerbate mental health problems, and mental health problems may increase the likelihood of continued offending. While prior research has examined the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on recidivism, it has yet to consider the prevalence of trauma among youth in a juvenile mental health court. Data from an urban juvenile mental health court ( N = 203) was used to assess the prevalence of ACEs. The average ACE score of participants was 3.6% and 46% had a high ACE score. Furthermore, those who did not complete the program and/or were rearrested following participation had significantly higher ACE scores. Controlling for other factors, ACEs were not significantly associated with program noncompletion or rearrest. Policy implications surrounding trauma-informed practices are provided.
Microscopic Versus Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Early-Stage Glomus Tympanicum Tumors
Authors: Fu Xiao , Wu Jingfang , Lyu Jihan , Chen Binjun , Wang Wuqing , Chi Fanglu , Yuan Yasheng , Ren Dongdong
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Glomus tympanicum tumors are benign primary tumors of the middle ear that can be completely removed using modern surgery. We compared endoscopic ear surgery (EES) to traditional microscopic ear surgery (MES) in terms of the removal of early-stage glomus tympanicum tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases treated from 2003 to 2021 that were of Grade I or II based on the Glasscock–Jackson classification system. Overall, 18 cases underwent MES: 8 via trans-tympanic bone and 10 via canal-wall-down or canal-wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT or CWUT) and 7 underwent EES. We compared surgery durations, the lengths and costs of hospitalization, postoperative complications, and relapse rates between the two groups and among the three specific operation ways. Results: The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 1 to 19 years. There was no between-group difference in operative time or the length or cost of hospitalization. Operative time and cost of hospitalization did not show a statistically significant correlation to the three surgical procedures, whereas it was found that the group of MES via the trans-tympanic bone had shorter length of hospitalization when compared with CWUT or CWDT group. All tumors were completely resected; pulsatile tinnitus improved in all patients, and there was no major complication. Two patients who underwent CWUT or CWDT (one each) relapsed; no patient relapsed in the EES group. Conclusion: MES via the trans-tympanic bone and EES via the ear canal safely and reliably remove early-stage tumors without excessive patient discomfort.
Early remodeling and loss of light-induced dilation of retinal small arteries in CADASIL
Authors: Paques Michel , Krivosic Valérie , Castro-Farias Daniela , Dulière Cédric , Hervé Dominique , Chaumette Céline , Rossant Florence , Taleb Abbas , Lebenberg Jessica , Jouvent Eric , Tadayoni Ramin , Chabriat Hugues
Published: January 2024

A major hurdle to therapeutic development in cerebral small vessel diseases is the lack of in-vivo method that can be used repeatedly for evaluating directly cerebral microvessels. We hypothesised that Adaptive Optics (AO), which allows resolution images up to 1–2 μm/pixel at retinal level, could provide a biomarker for monitoring vascular changes in CADASIL, a genetic form of such condition. In 98 patients and 35 healthy individuals, the wall to lumen ratio (WLR), outer and inner diameter, wall thickness and wall cross-sectional area were measured in a parapapillary and/or paramacular retinal artery. The ratio of vessel diameters before and after light flicker stimulations was also calculated to measure vasoreactivity (VR). Multivariate mixed-model analysis showed that WLR was increased and associated with a larger wall thickness and smaller internal diameter of retinal arteries in patients. The difference was maximal at the youngest age and gradually reduced with aging. Average VR in patients was less than half of that of controls since the youngest age. Any robust association was found with clinical or imaging manifestations of the disease. Thus, AO enables the detection of early functional or structural vascular alterations in CADASIL but with no obvious link to the clinical or imaging severity.
New Frontiers in Comparative Victimology: Introduction to the Special Issue of the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
Authors: Posick Chad , Floyd Kathryn H.
Published: January 2024

This special issue of the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology intends to expand the examination of victimology and victim issues. The social problem of violence is universal, and there is much to learn from policies and programs that are found to be effective across the globe. The four issues in this special issue span global problems such as cybercrime, interpersonal violence, violent socialization, and the victimization of college students. Solutions to these harms include micro-level programmatic efforts as well as broader social-political efforts.
Problem of Patient Transport Route Planning for Battery Electric Vehicles Considering a Flexible Charging Strategy
Authors: Yuan Pengcheng , Luo Mingliang , Miao Ge , Li Jilin
Published: January 2024

In view of the current problem of non-emergency patient transport route planning, the research is mainly carried out on fuel vehicles, and in the related research on the vehicle routing problem of electric vehicles, the relevant research results considering flexible charging strategies of different charging technologies are relatively weak. Therefore, this paper studies the non-emergency patient transport route planning problem based on pure electric vehicles, introduces a flexible charging strategy, constructs a mathematical model with the goal of maximizing the average patient satisfaction and minimizing the total cost of patient transport, and designs a hybrid heuristic algorithm to solve the problem. Then, different algorithms are used to solve the mathematical model considering patient satisfaction and the mathematical model not considering patient satisfaction. The feasibility and applicability of the mathematical model and the hybrid algorithm are verified by comparing and analyzing the solution results of different algorithms. Finally, based on the hybrid heuristic algorithm, the mathematical model of non-emergency patient transport route planning considering different charging strategies is solved. The applicability and reliability of the hybrid algorithm are further verified by comparing the solution results of different charging strategies, which shows that the flexible charging strategy can not only achieve a better balance between patient satisfaction and the total cost of patient transport, but also effectively improve the utilization efficiency of the remaining power of the vehicle.