bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women’s Homelessness and the Justice System: A Study of Desistance and Social (Re)integration Among Canadian Women Who Used or Did Not Use Criminal Activities to Survive
Authors: Moffet-Bourassa Mathilde , F.-Dufour Isabelle
Published: May 2024

Women experiencing homelessness (WEH) are a marginalized group who often lack support services, leading them to adopt alternative survival strategies that leave them at risk of being victimized and becoming involved with the justice-system. To better understand this problem, we analyzed the adaptive strategies Canadian WEH use to survive. Comparing the life histories of WEH who turned to criminal activities ( n = 4) with WEH who demonstrated prosocial resilience ( n = 4) makes it possible to identify protective and risk factors for criminal behavior and to propose adaptive strategies that can be used to support these women to adopt a prosocial lifestyle. The results provide a framework for understanding the needs of WEH, filling a gap that results from the focus on men needs in most scientific literature and by many resources, and suggesting that meeting those needs may reduce the likelihood that WEH will become involved with the justice-system.
Hidden Markov model–based asynchronous fault-tolerant control for mode-dependent time-delayed Markovian jump systems with uncertain conditional probability
Authors: Tian Zhaoyang , Li Xiaohang
Published: May 2024

In control engineering, time-delayed systems are quite common. Modern industrial systems often involve delays due to complicated network environments, the accuracy of sensors and actuators, or signal processing. Speaking of Markovian jump systems, such systems undergo discrete mode changes caused by a Markov process. Hence, it is reasonable to consider the mode-dependent time delays. In this paper, the asynchronous fault-tolerant controller is developed for mode-dependent time-delayed Markovian jump systems. First, the estimations of states and actuator fault are provided by designing an intermediate observer. Then, based on these estimations, the asynchronous fault-tolerant controller is designed by virtue of the hidden Markov process with uncertain conditional probability. Finally, the existence conditions of both the designed observer and fault-tolerant controller are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In the meantime, a numerical example is illustrated to validate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed method.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children in US Government Custody: 2014–2023
Authors: Alcaraz Melissa , Pierce Hayley , López Jane Lilly , Augustine-Adams Kif
Published: May 2024

Between October 1, 2014, and March 1, 2023, the US Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) took custody of 568,890 unaccompanied migrant children. Drawing on a unique dataset that ORR produced in response to Freedom of Information Act requests and litigation, we provide the first comprehensive, long-term demographic study of the population of unaccompanied migrant children while in ORR custody. Our analysis reveals the children's differential treatment and experiences across time and demographic characteristics. We contextualize ORR's treatment of the children in its custody by identifying legal standards governing their care. We also examine how specific instances of legal, political, and social change in the United States correlate with fluctuations in the origin-based demographics of unaccompanied migrant children seeking refuge in the United States. Results highlight the differential treatment and intense uncertainty that unaccompanied migrant children face in the United States based on their age, gender, country and region of origin, ORR program placements, and discharge types.
Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, compared to corticosteroid injections, on pain, plantar fascia thickness and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Irene , Moreno-Montilla Laura , Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , Díaz-Fernández Ángeles , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: May 2024

Objective

To compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Secondarily, to assess the efficacy of radial and focused extracorporeal shock waves and the most appropriated intensity (high, medium or low).

Data sources

PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PEDro, until April 2024, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Review methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain intensity and sensitivity, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using PEDro Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Pooled effect was calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

Sixteen studies involving 1121 patients, showing a mean of 6 points in PEDro scale, were included. At three months, extracorporeal shock waves were better than corticosteroids injections in reducing pain (SMD −0.6; 95%CI −1.1 to −0.11) and thickness of the plantar fascia (SMD −0.4; 95%CI −0.8 to −0.01) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.27; 95%CI 0.12–0.44). At six months, extracorporeal shock waves are more effective in reducing pain (SMD −0.81; 95%CI −1.6 to −0.06) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.67; 95%CI 0.45–0.89). Local pain and slight erythema were the most frequent adverse events.

Conclusions

Extracorporeal shock waves are a safe therapy, presenting more efficacy than corticosteroids injections in improving pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function at mid-term.
Cerebral blood flow regulation and cognitive performance in hypertension
Authors: Monteiro Ana , Castro Pedro , Pereira Gilberto , Ferreira Carmen , Polonia Jorge , Lobo Mariana , Azevedo Elsa
Published: May 2024

We examined the relation between transcranial Doppler (TCD) markers of cerebral blood flow regulation and cognitive performance in hypertension (HT) patients to evaluate the predictive value of these markers for cognitive decline. We assessed dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA), vasoreactivity to carbon dioxide, and neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the middle (MCA) and posterior (PCA) cerebral arteries of 52 patients. Neuropsychological evaluation included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and tests covering attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory. Notably, reduced rate time in the PCA significantly predicted better processing speed ( p = 0.003). Furthermore, reduced overshoot systolic cerebral blood velocity in the PCA and reduced phase in the VLF range in the MCA ( p = 0.021 and p = 0.017, respectively) significantly predicted better memory. Intriguingly, enhanced dCA in the MCA predicted poorer memory performance, while reduced NVC in the PCA predicted both superior processing speed and memory performance. These findings suggest that HT-induced changes in cerebral hemodynamics impact cognitive performance. Further research should verify these observations and elucidate whether these changes represent adaptive responses or neurovascular inefficiency. TCD markers might provide insights into HT-related cognitive decline.
The Impact of Model Assumptions on Personalized Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations
Authors: ten Haaf Kevin , de Nijs Koen , Simoni Giulia , Alban Andres , Cao Pianpian , Sun Zhuolu , Yong Jean , Jeon Jihyoun , Toumazis Iakovos , Han Summer S. , Gazelle G. Scott , Kong Chung Ying , Plevritis Sylvia K. , Meza Rafael , de Koning Harry J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Recommendations regarding personalized lung cancer screening are being informed by natural-history modeling. Therefore, understanding how differences in model assumptions affect model-based personalized screening recommendations is essential.

Design

Five Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) models were evaluated. Lung cancer incidence, mortality, and stage distributions were compared across 4 theoretical scenarios to assess model assumptions regarding 1) sojourn times, 2) stage-specific sensitivities, and 3) screening-induced lung cancer mortality reductions. Analyses were stratified by sex and smoking behavior.

Results

Most cancers had sojourn times <5 y (model range [MR]; lowest to highest value across models: 83.5%–98.7% of cancers). However, cancer aggressiveness still varied across models, as demonstrated by differences in proportions of cancers with sojourn times <2 y (MR: 42.5%–64.6%) and 2 to 4 y (MR: 28.8%–43.6%). Stage-specific sensitivity varied, particularly for stage I (MR: 31.3%–91.5%). Screening reduced stage IV incidence in most models for 1 y postscreening; increased sensitivity prolonged this period to 2 to 5 y. Screening-induced lung cancer mortality reductions among lung cancers detected at screening ranged widely (MR: 14.6%–48.9%), demonstrating variations in modeled treatment effectiveness of screen-detected cases. All models assumed longer sojourn times and greater screening-induced lung cancer mortality reductions for women. Models assuming differences in cancer epidemiology by smoking behaviors assumed shorter sojourn times and lower screening-induced lung cancer mortality reductions for heavy smokers.

Conclusions

Model-based personalized screening recommendations are primarily driven by assumptions regarding sojourn times (favoring longer intervals for groups more likely to develop less aggressive cancers), sensitivity (higher sensitivities favoring longer intervals), and screening-induced mortality reductions (greater reductions favoring shorter intervals).

Implications

Models suggest longer screening intervals may be feasible and benefits may be greater for women and light smokers.

Highlights

Natural-history models are increasingly used to inform lung cancer screening, but causes for variations between models are difficult to assess. This is the first evaluation of these causes and their impact on personalized screening recommendations through easily interpretable metrics. Models vary regarding sojourn times, stage-specific sensitivities, and screening-induced lung cancer mortality reductions. Model outcomes were similar in predicting greater screening benefits for women and potentially light smokers. Longer screening intervals may be feasible for women and light smokers.
Research on formation mechanism and output effect of wind turbine ice-covered blades
Authors: Guan Xin , Li Mingyang , Wu Wei , Xie Yuqi , Sun Yongpeng
Published: May 2024

Considering the physical characteristics of wind turbine wing icing, icing synthesis rate, and icing type, we selected the icing type and surface roughness of ice-coated blades as sensitive parameters. The focus of our research was on the equivalent particle roughness height correction model, and we numerically analyzed the two icing processes (frost ice and clear ice) on wind turbine blade surfaces by combining FENSAP-ICE and FLUENT analysis tools. We predicted the ice type on blade surfaces using a multi-time step method and analyzed how variations in icing shape and ice surface roughness affect the aerodynamic performance of blades during frost ice formation or clear ice formation. Our results indicate that differences in blade surface roughness and heat flux lead to disparities in both ice formation rate and shape between frost ice and clear ice. Clear ice has a greater impact on aerodynamics compared to frost ice, while frost ice is significantly influenced by the roughness of its icy surface. These findings can serve as valuable references for wind power operators and manufacturers seeking solutions to issues related to blade surface icing under extremely cold conditions.
Wind speed estimation and maximum power point tracking using neuro-fuzzy systems for variable-speed wind generator
Authors: Hermassi Mahdi , Krim Saber , Kraiem Youssef , Hajjaji Mohamed Ali , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi , Mtibaa Abdellatif
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a novel method using a machine learning-based Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to optimize Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in variable-speed Wind Turbines (WT). The ANFIS algorithm, blending artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic, addresses issues with traditional wind speed sensors, such as cost, imprecision, and susceptibility to adverse weather conditions. An initial offline-trained ANFIS is suggested to understand turbine power characteristics, and subsequently estimate varying wind speed, addressing strong nonlinearity due to WT aerodynamics and wind speed fluctuations. A second ANFIS efficiently tracks the maximum power point, overcoming limitations of linear controllers. Implemented in Matlab/Simulink for a 3.5 kW WT, the approach demonstrates effectiveness, precision, and faster response time in wind speed estimation and accurate MPPT compared to alternatives. A notable advantage is its independence from instantaneous wind speed measurement, providing a cost-effective solution for wind energy systems.
A chronic intermittent haemodialysis pig model for functional evaluation of dialysis membranes
Authors: Yamamoto Shushi , Umeno Hiroshi , Sano Yusuke , Koremoto Masahide , Goda Yoshimichi , Kaneko Yasuyuki , Torisu Shidow , Tsuruda Toshihiro , Fujimoto Shouichi
Published: May 2024

Performance evaluation of new dialysis membranes is primarily performed in vitro, which can lead to differences in clinical results. Currently, data on dialysis membrane performance and safety are available only for haemodialysis patients. Herein, we aimed to establish an in vivo animal model of dialysis that could be extrapolated to humans. We created a bilateral nephrectomy pig model of renal failure, which placed a double-lumen catheter with the hub exposed dorsally. Haemodialysis was performed in the same manner as in humans, during which clinically relevant physiologic data were evaluated. Next, to evaluate the utility of this model, the biocompatibility of two kinds of membranes coated with or without vitamin E used in haemodiafiltration therapy were compared. Haemodialysis treatment was successfully performed in nephrectomized pigs under the same dialysis conditions (4 h per session, every other day, for 2 weeks). In accordance with human clinical data, regular dialysis alleviated renal failure in pigs. The vitamin E-coated membrane showed a significant reduction rate of advanced oxidation protein products during dialysis than non-coated membrane. In conclusion, this model mimics the pathophysiology and dialysis condition of patients undergoing haemodialysis. This dialysis treatment model of renal failure will be useful for evaluating the performance and safety of dialysis membranes.
Analyzing Variations in Characteristics between Jurisdictions That Regulate Small, Affordable Housing Solutions in the United States
Authors: Anacker Katrin B.
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes demographic, socioeconomic, housing, and regional characteristics of jurisdictions that permit versus do not permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, and mobile homes. I use descriptive statistics and t-tests and find large differences between jurisdictions that permit versus do not permit ADUs, modest differences between jurisdictions that permit versus do not permit tiny homes, and somewhat large differences between jurisdictions that permit versus do not permit mobile homes. Jurisdictions that permit ADUs have high proportions of Asians and Hispanics/Latinos and jurisdictions that permit mobile homes have high proportions of Hispanics/Latinos, showing racial and ethnic bifurcation.
Health system structure and its influence on outcomes: The Canadian experience
Authors: Manns Braden J. , Hastings Stephanie , Marchildon Greg , Noseworthy Tom
Published: May 2024

Healthcare delivery systems in Canada are structured using three models: individual institutions, health regions, and single provincial systems, usually with smaller geographic zones. The comparative ability of these models to improve care, outcomes, and the Quadruple Aim is largely unstudied. We reviewed Canadian studies examining outcomes of provincial healthcare delivery system restructuring. Across models, results were inconsistent, and quality of evidence was low. For all provinces, primary care sits outside healthcare delivery systems, with limited governance and integration. The single provincial model can reduce costs of non-clinical support functions like finance, human resources, and analytics. This model may also be best at reducing variations in care, improving electronic information integration that enables clinical decision support and reporting, and supporting the provincial spread and scale of innovations, but further refinements are required and existing studies have major limitations, limiting definitive conclusions.
Temporal Aspects of Psychosocial Mediators of the Exercise-Weight Loss Maintenance Relationship Within Scalable Behavior-Change Treatments
Authors: Annesi James J. , Powell Sara M.
Published: May 2024

Study background

Limited knowledge of psychological correlates of weight loss is associated with continuing failures of behavioral obesity treatments beyond the short term.

Purpose

This study aimed to inform health professionals’ obesity interventions via an increased knowledge of mediators of the exercise-weight loss maintenance relationship.

Methods

Women participated in 6-month obesity treatments within community settings emphasizing moderate exercise and self-regulation skills development via primarily in-person ( n = 54) or primarily written ( n = 54) means. Changes in mood, self-regulating eating, and weight over 6, 12, and 24 months were assessed. A moderated mediation model was tested using the PROCESS macro instruction.

Results

Improvements in mood, self-regulating eating, and weight were significantly greater in the in-person group. The relationship between a dichotomous measure of completing at least 3 sessions of exercise per week (or not) and change in weight over 6 months was no longer significant when the mediators of changes in negative mood and self-regulation of eating were sequentially entered. Paths of exercise→negative mood reduction→eating self-regulation increase→weight loss over 6, 12 and 24 months were significant. Exercise self-regulation at Month 3 significantly moderated the mood change→eating self-regulation change relationship.

Conclusions

Based on the identified paths, scalable obesity-treatment content and emphases were informed. This could help guide health professionals’ actions concerning the management of obesity.
Contribution of cellulose nanofibrils on the strengthening and toughening of neat and blended polylactide specimens; and the differences after 3D-printing
Authors: Sarı Burcu , Kaynak Cevdet
Published: May 2024

The main purpose of this study was to use “green materials” approach by investigating effects of only 1 wt% Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF) on the strengthening and toughening of neat and blended polylactide (PLA) biopolymer matrix. For this purpose, first of all effects of CNF were investigated in PLA/CNF biocomposite specimens. After blending of PLA with 10 phr bio-based thermoplastic polyester (b-TPE) elastomer, effects of CNF were investigated also for this PLA/b-TPE/CNF ternary biocomposite specimens. Mechanical tests revealed that due to the efficient strengthening and toughening mechanisms, CNF increased flexural strength of PLA by 33%, while b-TPE increased fracture toughness of PLA by 104%. When CNF and b-TPE were incorporated together, synergism in the strength and toughness values were occurred. All bioblend and biocomposite specimens were produced by using the same “melt mixing” technique in a laboratory size twin-screw extruder, and their test specimens were shaped by conventional “compression molding”. Since shaping by “3D-printing” is frequently used in the biomedical sectors, another distinctive aim of this study was to reveal whether there were any differences in the strength and toughness values of specimens after their 3D-printing. It was observed that due to the “textured” structure of 3D-printed specimens, their flexural strength values were approximately 20% lower, while fracture toughness values were approximately 20% higher.
Recruiting the next generation of project managers: Student interests, industry needs, and marketing messages
Authors: Gardiner S Paige , Simkins Travis , Andrade Maureen S , Miller Ronald M
Published: May 2024

Businesses need well-trained project managers but recruiting students to this field is a challenge. This three-part study examines motivational factors that influence students to pursue a project management degree, industry requirements for project management careers, and graduate program marketing messages. The purpose of the study is to determine the degree of alignment among these three variables and make recommendations for graduate program marketing stakeholders and industry leaders to improve recruitment strategies for these programs. Study 1 seeks to understand prospective student opinions and trigger factors when applying to a graduate program using a survey with regression and cross tabulation statistical analysis. Study 2 analyzes the relationship between project management certifications and work experience and salary using regression analysis. Study 3 is a content analysis that examines how graduate programs market their project management programs to prospective students. Study findings indicate industry leaders and higher education stakeholders need to use informational marketing campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap between market demand and student perceptions. Higher education leaders need to design curriculum that includes industry certifications and practical skill courses if they want to increase enrollment and career placement for project management students.
Digital twin-based tig welding quality prediction using electrode tip angle degradation influencing Industry 5.0 in manufacturing sector
Authors: Thangavel Subramaniam , Maheswari Chennippan , Priyanka E Bhaskaran
Published: May 2024

Automation in tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is important to achieve high production rates and quality in manufacturing industries. To improve the welding process and quality inspection methodologies, the intelligent welding robot and vision-based inspection system have been researched and deployed in many engineering fields. Hence to enhance the performance and production, a digital twin-based welding system with the prediction of weld quality based on the consideration of electrode tip angle degradation. The proposed system will capture real-time electrode tip angle and weld pool temperature using a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera along with welding current and speed correlated with tensile strength as the output parameter. To validate the analysis, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) algorithms were implemented in which the RF model performs well on the prediction of welding quality by mapping with tensile strength. RF model confirms maximum accuracy of 90% with 0.29 seconds computation time to perform prediction on the next execution of welding operation. It is inferred that if the tip angle degradation increases consecutively welding current decreases drastically impacting the weld quality from good to poor. To forecast the need for immediate or scheduled maintenance to reduce the tip angle degradation, a linear regression algorithm is implemented to enable the inspection engineer to perform maintenance without delay in production.
Detection of genetic mutations underlying early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sener Seher , Sag Erdal , Han Xu , Bilginer Yelda , Zhou Qing , Ozen Seza
Published: May 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the presence of monogenic causes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in our early-onset SLE patients.

Methods

Fifteen pediatric SLE cases who had early disease onset (≤6 years) were enrolled in this study. All patients fulfilled the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria. Genomic DNA was used for whole exome sequencing (WES). Pathogenic variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The median age at diagnosis of 15 early-onset SLE patients included in the study was 4 (2-6) years (F/M = 12/3). Significant gene mutations were detected in five of these patients (33.3%). Patients 1 and 2 with homozygous DNASE1L3 mutations [ c.320+4_320+7del and G188 A (c.563 G>C) variants] had skin involvement and oral ulcers. One of them (patient 1) had arthritis and nephritis, and another (patient 2) had nonscarring alopecia and thrombocytopenia. They are currently clinically inactive but have positive serological findings. Patient 3 with homozygous pathogenic ACP5 mutation [ G109 R (c.325 G>A) variant] had arthritis, nephritis, short stature, and skeletal dysplasia. Patient 4 with a heterozygote novel IFIH1 mutation [ L809 F (c.2425 C>T) variant] had skin findings and leukopenia. Patient 5 with novel C1S variant [homozygous C147 W (c.441 C>G) variant] had marked skin findings, oral ulcers, nonscarring alopecia, pancytopenia, and low total hemolytic complement CH50 level. All patients have responded to the treatments and have low Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, on therapy.

Conclusion

Genetic causes should be investigated in early-onset SLE, for better management and genetic counseling. On the other hand, multicenter studies may help to further define genotype-phenotype associations.
Productivity of the Korean Biopharmaceutical Industry: Exploring the Effect of Business Model and Open Innovation
Authors: Yang Jaehoon , Kim Eungdo
Published: May 2024

The biopharmaceutical industry in Korea is considered a key strategic industry following the semiconductor industry. However, success in the biopharmaceutical industry depends on the outcome of research and development processes that require long periods and substantial investment, resulting in a success rate of only around 2.5%–4% for new drug development. Consequently, rational strategic choices, such as determining key capabilities to pursue business, deciding where to position within the value chain and identifying collaboration partners and strategies, are more crucial in the biopharmaceutical industry compared to other industries. In this study, we divided Korean biopharmaceutical companies into research and development groups and Integrated groups, which perform both research and production, and compared their productivity using the meta-frontier methodology to verify the significance of technology gap ratio (TGR) values between groups. We also investigated the influence of open innovation activities, including the type, partners and timing, on the TGR of each group with Tobit analysis. The investigation revealed that productivity and its influencing elements varied depending on the business model. This finding suggests that this information can be utilised to develop efficient industrial policies.
A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study
Authors: Reay Rebecca E , Maguire Paul A , Looi Jeffrey CL
Published: May 2024

Objective

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has been used for clinical assessment of a broad range of medical student competencies in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. However, there has been little research into online assessments. We investigated the virtual OSCE (v-OSCE) from the user perspective to better understand its acceptability, usefulness, benefits, challenges and potential improvements.

Methods

At the conclusion of the v-OSCE, all participants (medical students, examiners and simulated patients) were invited to participate in a brief online survey, based on the Technology and Acceptance Model. Freeform qualitative feedback was also obtained to explore participants’ experiences and attitudes.

Results

Participants reported the v-OSCE was acceptable, efficient, convenient and easy to use. It was perceived as useful for demonstrating students’ interviewing skills and interacting with the simulated patient. Benefits included greater convenience, reduced stress and travel time. Challenges were similar to those experienced in ‘real world’ telepsychiatry, primarily related to assessment of non-verbal cues and emotional prosody.

Conclusions

Our findings inform recommendations for improving online examinations. These include increased preparation, practice and professionalism, to better simulate the in-person experience. Study credibility was strengthened by the triangulation of qualitative, quantitative and psychometric data.
Trajectory tracking control of parallel manipulator actuated with shape memory wire
Authors: Banu Sundareswari M , Dhanalakshmi K , Vimala Starbino A , Then Mozhi G
Published: May 2024

This study describes the design of a parallel spatial manipulator with four degrees of freedom actuated with shape memory alloy (SMA) wire to validate the use of SMA in complicated mechatronics systems. The manipulator has a closed kinematic structure, which includes a fixed base and a moving square platform (end effector). The four arms of the manipulator are SMA wires fastened between the fixed base and the end effector. SMA wire-based actuators replace bulky conventional revolute actuators. This work spotlights the development of an actuator model, dimensional analysis, and design of cascade control strategies of various PID and sliding mode controller in their integral and fractional order configurations. Experimental evaluation of the actuator is performed through trajectory tracking to quantify the different controller configurations. The experimental results indicate that the parallel manipulator associated with SMA wire actuators is the best alternative to conventional motion stages for highly precise micro-positioning and tracking applications in the fields of 3D printing, intricate surgical operations, the medical and pharmaceutical industries, and flight and gaming simulators.
End of Life Outcomes Following Comfort Care Orders: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Tucker Matthew , Hovern Dayna , Liantonio John , Collins Elizabeth , Binder Adam F.
Published: May 2024

Background: Few studies have explored the outcomes of patients placed on comfort care with respect to hospice disposition. The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients who transitioned to comfort care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients placed on the comfort care order set between July 1st, 2021, until June 30th, 2022. Each individual patient chart was then analyzed to collect multiple clinical variables. IRB approval was obtained as per institutional guidelines. Results: 541 patients were included in the analysis. An average of 1.5 patients were placed on comfort care a day. 424 (78.37%) patients died while in the hospital. The median time on comfort care was 1 day. For subspecialty and hospital medicine patients the median time was 2 days. 40% of non-ICU patients were discharged with hospice services. 60% of patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU) and spent a median of 2.33 hours on comfort care. 19% of these patients were on comfort care for over 12 hours. 94% of the patients placed on comfort care in the ICU died in the hospital as compared to 53% of subspecialty and 59% of hospital medicine patients. Conclusions: The majority of patients placed on comfort care died during their hospitalization demonstrating a real need for comprehensive end of life care and immediate hospice services. For those discharged with hospice services, they spent an excessive amount of time in the hospital waiting for services to be arranged.
Decent Work Profiles of Korean Workers: Antecedents and Outcomes of Profile Membership
Authors: Lee Seran , Kim Ji-Hye , Lee Ki-Hak
Published: May 2024

Recent research has explored profiles of decent work based on the Psychology of Working Theory. However, such investigations have rarely been attempted in Korea. This study applied latent profile analysis to discover decent work profiles and their relationships with antecedents and outcomes. Among 605 Korean workers, five distinct profiles emerged: indecent (7.9%), low safety and healthcare access (34.9%), average (38.1%), decent (13.7%), and value-dominant but low rest (5.4%). Higher subjective social status and work volition were associated with the decent work group, whereas women and individuals with less education were linked to work characterized by greater vulnerability. Furthermore, satisfaction with work needs, job, and life varied significantly across these profiles. The decent work group generally exhibited the highest satisfaction, whereas the indecent work group had the lowest. The low-safety and healthcare access work group tended to exhibit higher satisfaction levels than the indecent work group, but lower levels than the average work group. The v alue-dominant but low-rest work group exhibited life satisfaction comparable to the decent work group. The findings of this study highlight the distinctive characteristics of the working conditions in South Korea. Based on these results, we discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Communication and Social Determinants of Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Adolescents From Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds in India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dhawan Dhriti , McCloud Rachel , Pinnamaneni Ramya , Arora Gaurav , Kadam Rajashree , Dutt Anamika , Biswas-Ramchandran Nandina , Viswanath K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Promoting cancer preventive behaviors among adolescents, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, is crucial due to the significant impact of health behaviors in adolescence on disease risk in adulthood. With India witnessing a rise in cancer incidence and mortality, adolescence becomes a pivotal stage for establishing healthy habits, emphasizing the need for early cancer prevention efforts.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used survey data from 2242 adolescents attending public schools of Mumbai, India. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine the associations between cancer preventive behaviors and: (1) the individual and social determinants of health, and (2) media exposure.

Findings

Merely 21.5% of the adolescents ate fruits and vegetables daily, 50% of the adolescents exercised 3 or more times a week, and 20% of the adolescents admitted having used tobacco and/or supari. Girls were found to have lower odds of exercising, as well as using tobacco and/or supari. Wealth and father’s education were positively associated with all 3 cancer preventive behaviors. Media exposure was negatively associated, with television exposure linked to reduced fruits and vegetables consumption, while movies and social media exposure were associated with increased tobacco and/or supari use.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that individual and social determinants of health and media exposure can influence cancer preventive health behaviors in low socio-economic status (SES) adolescents. Efforts to increase awareness to promote cancer preventive behaviors among the adolescents, particularly low SES adolescents, a population more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, is critical.
Coupled modal characteristics of a bladed rotor bearing system under aerodynamic and rotor excitations: Modelling and numerical study
Authors: D Sachin , D Mallikarjuna Reddy , Kishore Shyam , Patnaik BVA
Published: May 2024

Bladed Rotor Bearing System is considered in the coupled vibration analysis among blades and the rotor system. The governing equations of motion are derived based on Lagrange’s equation, which accounts for the coupled vibrational modes. The model is discretised based on the Galerkin finite element method. A comparative analysis on the influence of uniform and pre-twisted blade configurations on the BRBS and on individual blades is carried out. Free vibration analysis for various blade geometry configurations is studied and results show that natural frequencies of the blades are reduced in the presence of pre-twist whereas the same is increased with double-taper. The Campbell diagram revealed the presence of frequency veering among the blades and rotor loci of natural frequencies for a specific blade configuration. The influence of aerodynamic and external excitations on the blades and the rotor, respectively, are considered in the forced response analysis, where the resulting effects of both the excitations on the individual blades and the BRBS for different blade configurations are studied.
Honey induces changes in the molecular structure and microstructure of gluten in wheat-rye sourdoughs
Authors: Nutter Julia , Saiz Amelia Ivone
Published: May 2024

Chemical oxidizers and redox enzymes have traditionally been used to enhance the quality of baked goods. However, consumers now seek natural and clean-label ingredients, avoiding those with chemical-sounding names. Honey, a natural source of glucose oxidase (GOX), represents a promising alternative to purified enzymes for baking purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of honey on the molecular structure and microstructure of gluten proteins in sourdough fermented by different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. Four wheat-rye (1:1) sourdoughs were prepared, each supplemented with honey and inoculated with a different LAB strain. Additionally, two uninoculated doughs, one with honey (honey dough) and the other without (control dough), were prepared under identical conditions. Electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydrogen peroxide in honey solutions, indicating its role as an active source of GOX. Raman spectroscopy showed that honey addition altered the molecular structure of gluten by increasing the proportion of random coils at the expense of α-helix structures. This change is likely attributed to the competition between honey sugars and gluten proteins for water molecules in this system. Moreover, honey led to a decrease in the free sulfhydryl content of gluten compared to the control dough, suggesting an increase in disulfide crosslinking points. These enhanced protein–protein interactions were observed in scanning electron microscopy micrographs as a coarse gluten network composed of interconnected strands and fibrils. All LAB strains exhibited optimal acidification (pH < 4.3) in honey-supplemented sourdoughs, promoting the hydrolysis of gluten proteins into smaller fragments. Overall, honey-supplemented sourdoughs showed a gradual increase in the β-sheet content while decreasing the proportion of random coils over time. This trend suggests that the polypeptide fragments interacted through interchain hydrogen bonds, leading to a more ordered structure, which likely contributes to providing dough with good baking aptitude.
U.S. Law Enforcement Officers’ Stress, Job Satisfaction, Job Performance, and Resilience: A National Sample
Authors: Mumford Elizabeth A. , Liu Weiwei , O’Leary Meghan S.
Published: May 2024

The current study examined reports of perceived stress, job satisfaction, and job performance ratings in a longitudinal study of 684 officers participating in the Officer Safety and Wellness (OSAW) Initiative. Structural equation models were estimated to examine direct effects and, in subsequent analyses, the moderating effects of officer resilience and agency wellness programming on both the stress-job satisfaction association and the job satisfaction-job performance association. Surveys were administered annually, with job performance assessed both in terms of a self-rating and a self-report of supervisory rating at each officer’s last performance review. Officers’ stress (wave 1) was negatively associated with job satisfaction (wave 2), which in turn was positively associated with supervisory ratings of job performance (wave 3). These associations remained significant among officers reporting low to moderate baseline resilience but the association between job satisfaction and performance dissipated among officers with high resilience. Stress was negatively related to job satisfaction for officers who had easy access to agency-based wellness programs, whether they had concerns about stigma or used the programs, or not. The association between stress and job performance varied according to program access, use, and concerns about stigma associated with use. Administrators and policymakers striving to retain a high-performance police workforce may consider these results in recruiting as well as academy and in-service wellness training and program decisions.
Not All Frailty Assessments Are Created Equal: Comparability of Electronic Health Data-Based Frailty Assessments in Assessing Older People in Residential Care
Authors: Kong Jonathan , Trinh Kelly , Hammill Kathrine , Chia-Ming Chen Carla
Published: May 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the comparability of frailty assessment tools – the electronic frailty index (eFI), retrospective electronic frailty index (reFI), and clinical frailty scale (CFS) – in older residents of care facilities. Methods: Data from 813 individuals aged 65 or older, with frailty and co-morbidities, collected between 2022 and 2023, were analysed using various statistical methods. Results: The results showed significant differences in frailty classification among the tools: 78.3% were identified as moderately to severely frail by eFI, 59.6% by reFI, and 92.1% by CFS. Statistical tests confirmed significant differences ( p < .05) in their assessments, indicating variability in measurement methods. Discussion: This study advances the understanding of frailty assessment within aged-care settings, highlighting the differences in the efficacy of these assessment tools. It underscores the challenges in frailty assessments and emphasizes the need for continuous refinement of assessment methods to address the diverse facets of frailty in aged care.
Joe Rogan v. Spotify: Platformization and worlds colliding
Authors: Colbjørnsen Terje
Published: May 2024

In May 2020, the music streaming service Spotify acquired exclusive rights to The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the world’s most popular podcasts. While the music streamer had started its foray into the podcasting world with acquisitions in 2019 of podcasting networks and production companies, the investment on Rogan was widely seen as a strong commitment. Rogan’s podcast is known to be humorous, crass, and often controversial. As the show dealt with highly contentious issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, criticism emerged, both from medical professionals, from artists and from within Spotify. The most widely published pushback came from artist Neil Young in January 2022, as he posed an ultimatum: ‘They can have Rogan or Young. Not both’. The Joe Rogan v. Spotify case can be seen as indicative of how the platformization of podcasting creates tensions and conflicts: Worlds collide as the logics of music publishing and news publishing crash with Rogan’s free reign podcasting world. As a result, Spotify, as a podcasting platform and publisher, finds itself in unfamiliar terrain. This paper connects the details of the case with theories of platformization, looking specifically at the role of Spotify as a comparatively new distributor of podcasts and a driving force to connect various audio formats. Drawing on media industry studies and scholarship on media policy and regulation, the paper ends with a discussion on how to understand the complexity of Spotify’s role as a publisher and a platform and Rogan’s role as a platform creator.
‘Listen to women as if they were your most cherished person’: Australian women’s perspectives on living with the pain of endometriosis: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Katz Carmen , Evans Subhadra , Mikocka-Walus Antonina
Published: May 2024

This mixed-methods study used an online cross-sectional survey to explore perspectives of 533 adult Australian women living with endometriosis pain, and their relationship with biopsychosocial factors. Four themes were constructed: The primary theme, ‘Stigma and change’ reflected women’s experience of dismissal, and the wish to reverse the narrative of pain as normal. Some women emphasised self-education and self-advocacy to affect change, reflecting the theme ‘self-empowerment’. Participants described the ‘debilitating impact’ of endometriosis and the enduring difficulty of ‘inadequate healthcare’, reflecting themes three and four. Analysis indicated type of social support may impact perceived outcomes for endometriosis. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated too few significant relationships between biopsychosocial factors and themes to indicate meaningful patterns without risk of common method variance. Future research should explore the influence of social support and interventions which develop participant autonomy and practitioner competence and knowledge, using disease-specific measures over time.
Experimental and numerical analysis on the post-fire flexural behavior of aluminum alloy gusset joints
Authors: Chen Shaozhen , Guo Xiaonong , Luo Jinhui , Xu Zeyu , Chen Chen
Published: May 2024

Regarding the damage incurred by aluminum alloy latticed shells under fire loads, a crucial aspect in assessing structural integrity is examining the residual bearing capacity of aluminum alloy gusset (AAG) joints. Consequently, this paper conducted experimental and numerical analyses on the post-fire flexural behavior of AAG joints. Initially, twelve AAG joints underwent post-fire tests, revealing that the failure patterns differed between thin-plate joints (exhibiting block tearing of gusset plates) and thick-plate joints (exhibiting member buckling). Notably, the initial stiffness approximately remained constant, while a trilinear relationship emerged between the ultimate flexural bearing capacity and the maximum post-fire temperature. Subsequently, finite element (FE) analysis was carried out, and the accuracy of FE models was verified by comparing the FE results with the test results. A comprehensive parametric analysis, considering various plate thicknesses, post-fire temperatures, and aluminum alloy brands, was then conducted. Ultimately, employing statistical regression, theoretical equations were formulated to estimate both bending stiffness and bearing capacity for AAG joints after exposure to fire.
Review on attenuation methods of low-frequency noise in passive silencers
Authors: Karami Fatemeh , Shokri Rad Mozafar , Karimipour Iman
Published: May 2024

Noise reduction in various industrial and building systems such as ventilation ducts, vehicles, wind tunnels, and test facilities for jet engines, automobiles, and factories has always interested engineers, especially the problematic noise reduction at low frequencies. This problem is even more important with passive silencers, which require absorbent materials and more space. Passive silencers include reactive and dissipative silencers. Among reactive silencers, Helmholtz resonators, expansion chambers, flute-like, drum-like, and plate silencers have proven effective at low frequencies. Combining some of these silencers with a dissipative silencer, called a hybrid silencer, can achieve excellent performance at a wide range of low to high frequencies. In these silencers, the reactive part reduces noise at low frequencies, and the dissipative part reduces noise at medium and high frequencies. The aim of this work, which focuses more on experimental studies, is to introduce the mentioned silencers, investigate the presented methods to improve the performance of these silencers at low frequencies, and offer the practical advantages and disadvantages of these methods.