bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
consent practices in desire-based and beauty-affirming social science research
Authors: Yanchapaxi María Fernanda , Nixon Jade , Tuck Eve
Published: December 2023

In this article, we reflect on our practices of seeking consent as Indigenous and Black researchers engaged in social science research with Black, Indigenous and racialised youth and communities. We critique flimsy consent practices in social science that are extractive and superficial. This article has three discussions around consent in social science research: why we as Indigenous and Black people and researchers care about consent; harmful approaches to consent in social science research; and how harm commonly occurs in three dimensions of consent: consent around bodies, consent around stories and consent around artefacts. The third and final discussion describes the informal and formal ways that we practise consent in research projects created in the Tkaronto CIRCLE Lab consisting of Black, Indigenous and racialised research practitioners. We conclude this article by sharing the practices of consent we engage with as Indigenous and Black researchers to make desire-based and beauty-affirming social science research. What we share is also an invitation to other social scientists to engage in practices of consent that prioritise being in good relation with Black, Indigenous and racialised people and communities.
Assessing the role of green investment in energy efficiency: Does digital economy matter?
Authors: Dong Kangyin , Zeng Sihui , Wang Jianda , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: December 2023

Energy efficiency is crucial for achieving a balance between economic growth and sustainable development. As carbon-neutral targets continue to gain momentum, green investments are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the relationship between green investment and energy efficiency. This paper aims to fill a gap in the macroeconomic literature by using a generalized method of moments (GMM) technique based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019. The econometric results indicate that green investment is positively associated with energy efficiency. Additionally, green investment indirectly promotes energy efficiency by fostering technology innovation and research and development (R&D) intensity. The results also suggest that more advanced digital development is linked to improvements in energy efficiency. Furthermore, regions characterized by higher levels of digital economy exhibit a more pronounced contribution of green investment to energy efficiency. Based on these findings, this paper provides valuable insights for Chinese policymakers on green investment and low-carbon development.
A combination of the particle swarm optimization-artificial neurons network algorithm and response surface method to optimize energy consumption and cost during milling of the 2017A alloy
Authors: Bousnina Kamel , Hamza Anis , Yahia Noureddine Ben
Published: December 2023

This research aims to predict the cost and energy consumption associated with pocket and groove machining using the hybrid particle swarm optimization-artificial neurons network (PSO-ANN) algorithm and the response surface method (RSM). A parametric study was conducted to determine the best predictions by adjusting the swarm population size (pop) and the number of neurons (n) in the hidden layer. The results showed that machining strategies and sequences can have a significant impact on energy consumption, reaching a difference of 99.25% between the minimum and maximum values. The cost ( Ctot) and energy consumption ( Etot) values with the PSO-ANN algorithm increased significantly by 99.99% and 92.41%, respectively, compared to the RSM model. The minimum mean square error values for Etot and Ctot with the PSO-ANN models are 3.0499 × 10−5 and 4.6296 × 10−10, respectively. This study highlights the potential of the hybrid PSO-ANN algorithm for multi-criteria prediction and highlights the potential for improved machining of 2017A alloy.
Understanding Oil Price Dynamics and their Effects over Recent Decades: An Interview with James Hamilton
Authors: Jawadi Fredj
Published: December 2023

The following interview with Prof. James Hamilton was conducted in April 2018 by Dr. Fredj Jawadi with the assistance of Professors Jim Smith and Adonis Yatchew during the 5th International Symposium in Computational Economics and Finance (ISCEF) held in Paris, France. The interview includes 21 questions related to oil price dynamics. The aim of the discussion was, first, to help the reader gain a better understanding of the factors driving changes in oil prices, second, to examine the impact of oil price shocks on the economy and, third, to understand the dynamics of oil prices in the future. The recent related literature on oil price uncertainty is also discussed. We hope that this interview will give the reader clearer insights into the causes and consequences of oil price change and its evolution over time.
Deal Size and Synergy Gains: A Case of Indian M&A
Authors: Kalsie Anjala , Singh Neha
Published: December 2023

The article aims to estimate the relationship between synergy gains and deal size of mergers & acquisitions for Indian firms by examining deals that took place between 2005 and 2015. The paper employs principal component analysis to create a composite variable representing operating and financial synergy, followed by instrument variable 2SLS regression to estimate the relationship. The results suggest that small dealsize transactions do considerably better than large deals. The magnitude of financial synergy increases with deal size . However, large companies suffer substantial operating synergistic erosion.
Fresh frozen plasma transfusion after cardiac surgery
Authors: Fletcher Calvin M , Hinton Jake V , Xing Zhongyue , Perry Luke A , Karamesinis Alexandra , Shi Jenny , Penny-Dimri Jahan C , Ramson Dhruvesh , Liu Zhengyang , Smith Julian A , Segal Reny , Coulson Tim G , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion in the intensive care unit (ICU) is commonly used to treat coagulopathy and bleeding in cardiac surgery, despite suggestion that it may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality through mechanisms such as fluid overload and infection.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive adults undergoing cardiac surgery from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III and IV databases. We applied propensity score matching to investigate the independent association of within-ICU FFP transfusion with mortality and other key clinical outcomes.

Results

Of our 12,043 adults who met inclusion criteria, 1585 (13.2%) received perioperative FFP with a median of 2.48 units per recipient (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.04, 4.33) at a median time of 1.83 h (IQR: 0.75, 3.75) after ICU admission. After propensity matching of 952 FFP recipients to 952 controls, we found no significant association between FFP use and hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.58; 99% confidence interval (CI): 0.57, 3.71), suspected infection (OR: 0.72; 99% CI: 0.49, 1.08), or acute kidney injury (OR: 1.23; 99% CI: 0.91, 1.67). However, FFP was associated with increased days in hospital (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 1.28; 99% CI: 0.27, 2.41; p = .0050), days in intensive care (AMD: 1.28; 99% CI: 0.27, 2.28; p = .0011), and chest tube output in millilitres up to 8 h after transfusion (AMD: 92.98; 99% CI: 52.22, 133.74; p < .0001).

Conclusions

After propensity matching, FFP transfusion was not associated with increased hospital mortality, but was associated with increased length of stay and no decrease in bleeding in the early post-transfusion period.
Deep endometriosis of ileocecum complicated by acute intestinal obstruction: a case report
Authors: Slama Loubna , El Filali Amal , Rhazi Reda , Taheri Hafsa , Saadi Hanane , Bouziane Mohammed , Mimouni Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Endometriosis is a frequent gynecological pathology. Digestive localization complicated by acute intestinal obstruction is exceptionally rare. We herein report a case involving a 48-year-old woman who had a long-term history of endometriosis symptoms. She was diagnosed with endometriosis by ultrasound 1 month before her admission to the emergency room with acute intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination following surgical resection. Further medical management resulted in a satisfactory outcome.
Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis infection in a patient with arthritis
Authors: Ji Youqi , Chen Mengyuan , Hong Xin , Pan Liya , Cheng Dongqing , Ge Yumei
Published: December 2023

Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis is a new taxon constituting an emerging species of human pathogenic Nocardia, which shares morphological features with N. brasiliensis. However, N. pseudobrasiliensis is more invasive and more easily disseminated, and it exhibits distinctive antibiotic susceptibility. Few clinical cases related to N. pseudobrasiliensis infection have been reported, and N. pseudobrasiliensis hydrarthrosis has not been described. Here, we analyzed the case information, diagnostic process, treatment, and prognosis of a patient with N. pseudobrasiliensis hydrarthrosis who received treatment in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging showed joint cavity effusion and soft tissue swelling with high signal on proton density-fat saturated images and low signal on T1-weighted images. Oil microscopy revealed abundant acid-fast–positive filaments in hydrarthrosis puncture fluid. The pathogen was identified as N. pseudobrasiliensis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. In contrast to the 100% ciprofloxacin resistance displayed by N. brasiliensis, this clinical isolate of N. pseudobrasiliensis was completely susceptible. In summary, this is the first report of N. pseudobrasiliensis in joint effusion from a patient with arthritis.
State infrastructural power through scalar practices: On China’s decarbonization endeavors
Authors: Fu Wenying
Published: December 2023

To offer a fresh angle on the state capacity to advance decarbonization, this article brings into dialog political economies of scale and the Mannian notion of state infrastructural power, animating this conceptual cross-fertilization with an analysis of China’s evolving policy framework for decarbonization. This article begins with building the conceptual construct of scalar practice as a source of state infrastructural power and categorizing three key scalar practices, namely, interscalar rearranging, interregional reshuffling, and urban‒rural scalar mixing. Building upon this, the article critically evaluates China’s policy framework and state actions against the notion of infrastructural power: the Chinese state applies noncoercive means to elicit support, extract resources, and coordinate actions while transitioning to decarbonization-driven accumulation regimes, and these noncoercive means are mobilized together with coercive means through the art of scalar structuration that (re)defines central–local, urban‒rural, and interregional relations. Overall, this study elucidates how state-orchestrated processes of (re)territorialization for the decarbonization agenda give rise to the expansion of the state’s autonomous power in relation to civil society, albeit in a manner that manifests contested power struggle and conflicting internal logics.
Third Agers in India: Empirical Evidence From Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018
Authors: Tripathi Ashwin , Samanta Tannistha
Published: December 2023

Given that the ontological origins of the Third Age lie in the cultural logics of social class, consumer society and “habitus,” a majority of its gerontological examination is qualitative in nature. We utilize the recently released Longitudinal Aging Study in India (2017–2018) and harness the time-use module to offer an empirical portrait of Third Agers in India. Considering that the aging scholarship in India has been often articulated in the empirical language of dependency, care regimes, and (economic) insecurity, we believe this examination allows us to shift the gerontological gaze from a risk perspective to one that is positive and affirmative. Following an exploratory factor analysis and nested linear regression, we corroborate the emergence of a “silver market” where educated, urban, affluent, and professionally qualified older Indians are the ones who are more likely to engage in active leisure pursuits. Noteworthy is the combined effects of wealth and professional education in determining who is ultimately able to “purchase” leisure in a highly segmented emerging senior market. In all, we conclude by discussing how these findings upend our cultural imagination around growing old in contemporary India.
Benchmarking Plans for Community-Based Small Business Resilience across Gulf Coast Counties
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Wang Yan
Published: December 2023

Community-based small businesses (CSBs) bear the brunt of environmental hazards aggravated by climate change, thus requiring appended community support. This research addresses the knowledge gap in the increasingly convergent field of hazard and climate adaptation planning research. It aims to benchmark the commitments of local plans toward CSB resilience (CSB-R). We develop a CSB-R Framework with eleven planning objectives across five dimensions and evaluate relevant plans of fifty-six Gulf Coast counties using a Natural Language Processing method. Our evaluation results outline the inadequate planning focus on CSB-R that is distinct by community contexts, which requires tailored improvement strategies accordingly.
The Current Landscape of Studies Involving Intergenerational Letter and Email Writing: A Systematic Scoping Review and Textual Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Markowski Marianne , Kalocsányiová Erika , Essex Ryan
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a renewed interest in intergenerational letter and email writing. Evidence shows that expressive writing, including letter writing, has a number of benefits including improved literacy and perceived well-being, and it can also facilitate a deep connection with another person. This scoping review provides an overview of the existing research on letter and email writing between different age cohorts. Of the 471 articles retrieved from Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized in this review. The studies were grouped into two themes according to their stated aims and outcomes: (a) studies exploring changes in perceptions, and (b) studies relating to skills development and bonds. The results showed a range of benefits for intergenerational letter writers, from more positive perceptions of the other age group, through improved writing skills and subject knowledge, to forming intergenerational memories and bonds. The review also highlights some of the limitations of the current research and formulates recommendations for future studies in the fields of writing studies, intergenerational research, and educational gerontology.
Tracing Discursive Turbulence as Intra-active Pedagogical Change and Becoming
Authors: Ware Ryan M. , Zilles Julie L.
Published: December 2023

This article reports on a mentoring case from a transdisciplinary, longitudinal writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) initiative in which the situated complexities of integrating new writing pedagogies were observed and supported. Considering this case through an agential realist lens, we introduce the concept of “discursive turbulence”: an emergent quality of situated semiotic activity produced from the continual mixing of discourses. Discursive turbulence can emerge in myriad and complex ways, including fits-and-starts of pedagogical development, mismatched discursive alignments, affective signs of struggle and intensity, and nonlinear patterns of change. Through a series of four vignettes, we illustrate discursive turbulence as it emerged while pedagogical changes around writing were being implemented by an environmental sciences professor. We suggest that discursive turbulence is to be expected in heterodisciplinary spaces, and we argue that attention to discursive turbulence will lead to more robust accounts of learning, becoming, and literate activity, as well as new ways of supporting pedagogical becoming.
A Taxonomy of Life Writing: Exploring the Functions of Meaningful Self-Sponsored Writing in Everyday Life
Authors: Lindenman Heather , Driscoll Dana Lynn , Efthymiou Andrea , Pavesich Matthew , Reid Jennifer
Published: December 2023

This essay takes as its focus the everyday writing that people compose: the self-sponsored, nonobligatory texts that people write mainly outside of work and school. Through analysis of 713 survey responses and 27 interviews with accompanying writing samples, this study provides a panoramic view of the functions of self-sponsored writing and rhetorical activity for U.S. adults, ages 18 to 65+ years, from a range of geographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. The Taxonomy of Life Writing presented in this essay demonstrates the range of ways that writing functions in people’s daily lives. It includes 19 key functions of life writing, organized into six metafunctions: Creativity and Expression, Identity and Relationships, Organization and Coordination, Preservation and Memory, Reflection and Emotion, and Teaching and Learning. Based on our findings, we affirm the important and diverse functions that life writing serves and propose expanding the threshold concepts of writing to include greater focus on nonobligatory, self-sponsored writing activity.
Teachers’ Implementation of the Writing Curriculum in Grades 7-8 of Chilean Public Schools: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Flores-Ferrés Magdalena , van Weijen Daphne , Osorio-Olave Gabriela , Palacios-Bianchi Magdalena , Rijlaarsdam Gert
Published: December 2023

The Chilean curriculum for writing education includes five paradigms: cultural, macro-linguistic, micro-linguistic, procedural, and communicative. The implementation of such a poly-paradigmatic curriculum can occur in multiple ways. Therefore, we analyzed classroom practices with two aims: (a) to describe how the paradigms are evident across practices, and (b) to analyze the paradigms’ internal alignment within each practice. We conducted classroom observations with five Spanish language teachers with varied orientations toward writing instruction. A content analysis of teachers’ discourse formed the basis for a narrative case-by-case analysis and a cross-case analysis. This process was guided by data collected during a previous survey study and supported by teachers’ interviews. Findings revealed that the cultural, macro- and micro- linguistic paradigms were implemented most often, while the implementation of procedural and communicative paradigms was rare. Additionally, paradigm alignment was visible in two practices but not in other practices. Possible reasons for this lack of integration and potential solutions to resolve this issue are discussed.
The Wall of Silence: Perceived Barriers to Gender-Based Violence Disclosure among Women in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Mirlashari Jila , Brotto Lori A. , Lyons Janet , Pederson Ann
Published: December 2023

Study background

Gender-based violence is a global concern. The perinatal period is a crucial time for early identification of the harmful impact of violence on the well-being of both mothers and infants. However, it has been observed that many women choose not to disclose their experiences to their healthcare providers.

Purpose

To gain insight into this issue, a study was conducted to explore the perspectives of both survivors and healthcare providers regarding the barriers to disclosure.

Methods

Through the utilization of a thematic analysis approach, a total of 28 interviews were conducted, involving 12 survivors and 16 healthcare providers.

Results

Data analysis revealed barriers to disclosure at the individual, community, and healthcare system levels.

Conclusion

Health-care providers have a pivotal role in creating an atmosphere where women are encouraged to break the silence and a paradigm shift in the health system approach towards GBV is necessary.
Factors Associated With New Analgesic Requirements Following Critical Illness
Authors: Andonovic Mark , Shaw Martin , Quasim Tara , MacTavish Pamela , McPeake Joanne
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic opioid use represents a significant burden to global healthcare with adverse long-term outcomes. Elevated patient reported pain levels and analgesic prescriptions have been reported following discharge from critical care. We describe analgesic requirements following discharge from hospital and identify if a critical care admission is a significant factor for stronger analgesic prescriptions.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study identified patients in the UK Biobank with a registered admission to any UK hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015 and information on prescriptions drawn both prior to and following hospital discharge. Two matched cohorts were created from the dataset: critical care patients and hospital patients admitted without a critical care encounter. Outcomes were analgesic requirements following hospital discharge and factors associated with increased analgesic prescriptions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with prescriptions from higher steps on the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder.

Results

In total, 660 formed the total study population. Strong opioid prescriptions following discharge were significantly higher in the critical care cohort ( P value <.001). Critical care admission (OR = 1.45) and increasing Townsend deprivation (OR = 1.04) index were significantly associated with increasing strength of analgesic prescriptions following discharge.

Conclusions

Critical care patients require stronger analgesic prescriptions in the 12 months following hospital discharge. Patients from areas of high socioeconomic deprivation may also be associated with increased analgesic requirements. Multidisciplinary support is required for patients who may be at risk of chronic opioid use and could be delivered within critical care recovery programs.
Concentrations of Lead and Arsenic in Mother’s Milk and Children’s Blood in Peruvian Breastfeeding Dyads
Authors: Linares Ana Maria , Thaxton-Wiggins Amanda , Unrine Jason M.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Toxic trace elements could enter human milk through mothers’ food consumption, drinking water, air, or incidental soil ingestion, and are of concern to the nursing infant.

Research Aim:

To determine the concentration of toxic trace elements (lead and arsenic) in Peruvian mothers’ milk and their association with blood concentrations in their own infants 3–20 months old.

Method:

This exploratory, cross-sectional study, carried out in Peru, included breastfeeding mother/child dyads ( N = 40). Following standardized protocols, biospecimens of human milk and child’s blood were collected.

Results:

Lead and arsenic concentrations in milk were above the method detection limits in 73% and 100% of samples with median concentrations of 0.26 µg/L ( IQR = 0.10, 0.33 µg/L) and 0.73 µg/L ( IQR = 0.63, 0.91 µg/L), respectively. Concentrations of lead and arsenic in blood were 2.05 µg/dL ( SD = 1.35), and 1.43 µg/dl (geometric mean: SD = 1.39), respectively. Blood lead concentrations in 12.5% ( n = 5) of the samples were above the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reference value (< 3.5 µg/dl), and over half of arsenic concentrations were above the acceptable levels of < 1.3 µg/dl (Mayo Clinic Interpretative Handbook). Our results showed that for every one-month increase in age, lead blood concentrations increased by 0.1 µg/dl ( p = 0.023). Additionally, every 1 µg/L increase in the mother’s milk arsenic was associated with a 1.40 µg/dl increase in the child’s blood arsenic concentration.

Conclusions:

Implementing effective interventions to decrease the toxic exposure of reproductive-aged women is needed in Peru and worldwide.
Ethical Issues in Breastfeeding and Lactation Interventions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Subramani Supriya , Vinay Rasita , März Julian W. , Hefti Michaela , Biller-Andorno Nikola
Published: December 2023

Background:

Infant feeding interventions that promote and support breastfeeding are considered important contributions to global public health. As these interventions often target private settings (e.g., individuals’ homes) and involve vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, infants, and underprivileged families), a keen awareness of ethical issues is crucial.

Research Aim:

The purpose of this scoping review was to capture the key elements of the current ethical discourse regarding breastfeeding and lactation interventions.

Method:

A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodology to identify the ethical issues of breastfeeding and lactation interventions as they are reflected in the scholarly literature published between January 1990 and October 2022. Abstracts ( N = 3715) from PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were screened. The final sample consisted of 26 publications.

Results:

The recurring ethical issues identified in these studies were: the normative assumptions of motherhood; maternal autonomy and informed choice; information disclosure, balancing risks and benefits, and counseling practices; stigma and social context; ethics of health communication in breastfeeding campaigns; and the ethical acceptability of financial incentives in breastfeeding interventions.

Conclusion:

This review illustrated that, while a wide range of ethical arguments were examined, the emphasis has been primarily on accounting for mothers’ experiences and lactating persons’ choices, as well as achieving public health objectives relating to infant nutrition in breastfeeding interventions. To effectively and ethically implement breastfeeding and lactation interventions, we must consider the social, economic, and cultural contexts in which they occur. One key learning identified was that women’s experiences were missing in these interventions and, in response, we suggest moving beyond the dichotomous approach of individual health versus population health.
Treatment of Oral Disease in Eight Pet Pot-Bellied Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus): A Case Series
Authors: Vaca Cindy , Hoyer Naomi , Smith Margaret , Rawlinson Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Evidence of porcine oral pathology in client-owned domestic pigs has been reported in recent literature. The most common abnormalities are missing teeth and periodontal disease. This case series reviews the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease in 8 pet Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs ( Sus scrofa domesticus) over a 6-year period (2015-2021). Inclusion criteria included pigs over 1 year of age that had at least 2 sequential visits involving photographs, full-mouth intraoral radiographs, and dental charting. Eight pigs were identified for study inclusion. The study population included 4 castrated males, 3 spayed females, and 1 intact female. The 8 subjects had a total of 28 visits. Fifty-five intraoral dental extractions were performed and complete healing of 44 extraction sites was observed (11 sites were lost to follow up). Canine tooth reduction was performed on 52 tusks in 7 pigs with exposure of 1 pulp that was treated by partial pulpectomy and direct pulp capping. Restoration of carious lesions was performed on 4 teeth. The most commonly extracted teeth were the right and left maxillary first molars (10 of 47 teeth). Reasons for tooth extraction included: periodontal disease, complicated crown fracture, nonvital +/− periapical pathology, and persistent deciduous teeth. Additional treatments ranged from type 1 crown lengthening with restoration of carious lesions, tusk trimming, closed and open root planing, dental extractions, ultrasonic scaling, and polishing. This article stresses the importance of routine dental healthcare and early intervention for periodontal disease in pigs.
Uncertainty analysis of powertrain mounting systems with independent and correlated parameters based on multidimensional parallelepiped model
Authors: Huang Xiaoting , Li Zhencong , Lü Hui , Shangguan Wen-Bin
Published: December 2023

In engineering practice, some uncertain parameters of structures are usually independent while others might be correlated in the design problems of automotive engineering. This study introduces the multidimensional parallelepiped (MP) model to handle the independent and correlated parameters of an uncertain automotive powertrain mounting system (PMS) in a unified framework. Two uncertainty analysis methods, including the multidimensional parallelepiped-Monte Carlo method (MP-MCM) and the multidimensional parallelepiped-regularization-perturbation method (MP-RPM), are developed for the uncertainty analysis of the dynamic responses of PMS, in which independent and correlated parameters coexist. In the proposed MP-MCM, the uncertainty domain of all uncertain parameters is firstly established based on the MP model. Then, the correlated parameters are treated as independent uncertain variables and the traditional Monte Carlo simulation is applied to obtain random samples. Among the obtained samples, the ones satisfying the matrix inequality of MP model are selected and finally used to calculate the interval responses of PMS. In the proposed MP-RPM, the regularization method is firstly introduced to transform the parametric uncertainty domain into a standard multidimensional cube domain, where all uncertain parameters become independent with each other. And then, the perturbation analysis and central difference strategy are combined to efficiently calculate the interval responses of PMS. A numerical application is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods on uncertainty analysis of the PMS with independent and correlated parameters. The influence of different parametric correlation on system dynamic responses, and the effect of the parametric correlation of different mounts on system responses are discussed in detail.
Integrated optimization of the in-wheel motor driving system considering the ride comfort of the electric vehicle under multiple operating conditions
Authors: Deng Zhaoxue , Qin Hansheng , Chen Tao , Luo Xiaoliang , Wei Hanbing
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a multi-objective optimization scheme integrating structural parameters with control parameters is proposed to address the adverse effects of an unbalanced magnetic pull of the wheel motor on vehicle dynamics. Firstly, the unbalanced magnetic pull under the air gap eccentricity of a switched reluctance motor is analyzed using both Maxwell’s stress method and the principle of virtual displacement. Then, a current chopper control strategy for the in-wheel motor is developed, and the influence of relevant control parameters on the output characteristics of the motor driving system under different driving conditions is discussed. Finally, a multi-objective optimization model of a motor under multiple operating conditions is developed with the aid of multidisciplinary optimization software. Integration of structural and control parameters for optimization. The results show that the motor design parameters determined by the integrated optimization scheme can improve the vehicle’s response characteristics under a wide range of operating conditions. In particular, the negative effect caused by an unbalanced magnetic pull during the operation of the vehicle is greatly suppressed.
Parametric optimisation of milling process for the machining of carbon nanotubes-based hybrid aluminium composite
Authors: Sapkota Gaurav , Ghadai Ranjan Kumar , Das Soham , Sharma Ashis , Davim Paulo
Published: December 2023

Development of new materials is a never-ending process in material science. Novel materials need to have good machinability for it to be industrially applicable. In the current work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) and silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced hybrid aluminium composite (HAC) is developed using stir casting route. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal proper mixing with very little agglomeration of reinforcement particles. Hardness and corrosion resistance were also improved in comparison with the base alloy. The developed composite was machined using conventional milling machine following L27 Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design. Material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) were optimised using Taguchi signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, grey relation analysis (GRA) and dragonfly algorithm (DA). Single objective optimisation revealed that low spindle speed and high feed rate and depth of cut would result in maximum MRR while high spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut would result in minimum SR. DA could successfully predict the optimum MRR with less than [Formula: see text] error suggesting it to be a reliable tool for optimisation problems. Pareto front for multi-objective optimisation revealed that a proportionate compromise between MRR and SR can be made to identify optimum processing parameters in the experimental space.
Biochar catalysts from animal manure: Production and application
Authors: Yang Wooyoung , Park Young-Kwon , Lee Jechan
Published: December 2023

Biochar is a sustainable functional material rich in carbon, derived from renewable resources such as biowaste (e.g., animal manure). It has unique chemical structure, large surface area and porosity, and tailored surface functional groups via proper activation and/or functionalization, thereby having high potential as heterogeneous catalytic materials applied to different chemical processes. Therefore, using animal manure-derived biochar as catalytic materials could be key to sustainable agriculture and chemical industries. Recent recognition of animal manure-derived biochars as versatile media of catalytic applications has encouraged rudimentary studies on their catalytic capabilities; however, the use of animal manure-derived biochar as catalytic materials has not been systematically reviewed yet. This review gives an overview of recent achievements in producing biochar from animal manure and subsequent modification methods. The catalytic properties of the biochar with respect to its production/modification recipes are also discussed. Furthermore, the catalytic performances of animal manure-derived biochars for different catalytic applications, such as transesterification, hydrogen production, hydrolysis, C–C coupling reactions, and electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction, supercapacitor, and lithium-ion battery, are evaluated.
A Moderating Role of Gender on Agro-Entrepreneurial Intention Among Youths
Authors: Ezeh Precious Chikezie
Published: December 2023

This article aimed to examine the impact of subjective norm (SN), attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on Nigerian youths’ agro-entrepreneurial intention (EI) as well as moderating role of gender. The unit of analysis is 400 youths in Nigeria, ranging from ages of 18 to 40 years. In this study, structural equation modelling was used. The result shows that attitude, SN and PBC have significant relationship with Nigerian youths’ agro-EI. Also, there is no significant difference between men and women on PBC and attitude towards agro-entrepreneurship, but there is a significant difference on SN. Standard estimates revealed that women have a stronger SN than men. Finally, it was discovered that Nigerian youths have interest in agro-entrepreneurship. This study is unique since it focused specifically on agro-entrepreneurial intent and the moderating role of gender in an agrarian and gender sensitive zone, which many studies ignored. Gender role was emphasized in this study. Thus, it has shown that society and community have more influence on women than men when engaging in agro-entrepreneurship.
Lactobacillus plantarum Enhanced the Cardioprotective Efficacy of Arctiin in Isoproterenol Cardiac Injury in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Jiang Kun , Jia Yanjun , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Hussein-Al-Ali Samer Hasan , Wei Yajing
Published: December 2023

Background

Isoproterenol is a drug used for the treatment of bradycardia that has many side effects due to its non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist properties.

Aim

In this study, we evaluated an in vivo experimental model for isoproterenol (ISO) cardiac injury using BALB/c mice and protective treatment with a combined optimized dose of Arctiin (AR) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) (ARLP; 30 mg/kg b.w. AR and viable 106 CFU/mL LP p.o.) together.

Introduction

Isoproterenol causes cardiac injury in many instances. Arctiin is a naturally occurring lignin glycoside present in many herbal medicinal plants that has many beneficial effects for humans. Lactobacillus plantarum is yet another beneficial probiotic that benefits largely to humans.

Materials and Methods

Male BALB/c mice in appropriate groups (6 animals each) were treated with ARLP for 7 days with ISO administration (100 mg/kg i.p.) on days 5 and 6. On the 8th day, animals were sacrificed. Serum and heart samples were collected for further processing. CK-MB, cardiac troponin, AST, ALT, LDH, GST, GPx, CAT, SOD, GSH, GSSG, MDA, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), TNF-α, and IL-6 by ELISA and gene expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were estimated in samples.

Results

Mice administered with ISO showed a prominent rise in the serum marker enzyme activities and tissue oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSSG). Furthermore, marked reductions in body weight and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were noticed in ISO toxicity. Alterations in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and Nrf2 levels by RT-PCR were analyzed. Histopathology of the heart also indicated cardiac injury in ISO-intoxicated mice. ARLP pretreatment prevented all these cardiac injuries and exerted significant ( p ≤ 0.05) prophylactic protection toward cardiac tissue. Further, we analyzed the possible interactions between AR and LP in vitro, to understand the influence of ARonLP, which showed no significant suppressive/antibacterial activity on LP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ARLP exerts a strong cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory activity in cardiovascular injury.
Identification of the damage mechanism in orthopaedic implant. Case study including the biomechanical analysis
Authors: Szczęsny Grzegorz , Kopec Mateusz , Łukaszewicz Adrian , Kowalewski Zbigniew
Published: December 2023

Implant breaking destabilizing the fracture may be caused by its structural defect, inappropriate use, or massive overloads. We present the patient, who broke the plate stabilizing comminuted clavicular fracture at the sixth postoperative week due to the, primarily reported, simple loading of the limb that should not exceeded admissible limits. Macroscopic examination excluded its manufacturing defect of an explant, but revealed areas of fatigue fractures, as well as anterior and inferior bending of its edges. Mechanical analysis proved sufficient material durability. Those findings clearly showed that the plate broke in consequence of repetitive overloads exceeding its durability. Patient, when acquitted with those results, confessed that the plate broke, while fishing. Moreover, he reported an episode of alcohol overuse that could contribute to implant failure bringing the risk of additional injury. Biomechanical analysis confirmed that mechanical loads throwing the spinner exceed values adequate for plate breaking. Thus, the real circumstances of the complication seem to be unveiled pointing out to facts that some patients disobey postoperative recommendations to avoid overloading of stabilized extremity, thus participating actively in this type of complications, that they dissemble the real circumstances of the complications, and that they may exhibit risky and irrational behavior. Basing on the presented case we concluded that in some cases plaster cast immobilization supporting stabilized fracture may be beneficial precluding banned activities and preventing from secondary injuries reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
“This Has Changed Everything”: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on School Nursing Practice in New Mexico
Authors: Dickson Elizabeth , Crawford Lisa , Sparks Rhonda , Ciblis Anna
Published: December 2023

As state and local government implemented school closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, school health services delivery experienced a fundamental change. School nurses were confronted with significant challenges to care for their students, while responding to the avalanche of public health responsibilities thrust upon them without training or resources. This qualitative study, conducted by a community-based participatory research partnership explored school nurses’ experiences and perspectives in urban and rural communities across New Mexico. Thirty-four school nurses participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews identifying 3 distinct pandemic stages and the following themes: 1) change/confusion of school nurse identity; 2) mental health challenges and stressors; and 3) lessons learned. These study results provide contextual depth to challenges that both urban and rural school nurses in New Mexico experienced during the pandemic and outline the important role school nurses have during public health emergencies in school settings.
Behavioral Parent Training for School-Aged Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Marquet-Doléac Jerome , Biotteau Maëlle , Chaix Yves
Published: December 2023

Background:

All guidelines for the treatment of ADHD in children include behavioral parent training in combination with other strategies. In the past, several systematic reviews have been carried out that were either outdated or not sufficiently specific to ADHD. We wanted to conduct a new review focusing on a specific ADHD population of school age (4–12 years) and on behavioral and cognitive programs. We aimed to test our hypothesis that behavioral parent training would improve parents’ difficulties, children’s symptomatology, and the quality of life of families with ADHD.

Methods:

PUBMED, PsychInfo, Web of Science, ERIC, and Cochrane databases were searched for original articles on randomized control trials on behavioral parent training group for children with ADHD aged from 4 to 12 years until July 2023.

Results:

A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic review. The results were divided into four categories: parent data, child data collected by parents, teachers, or researchers. A qualitative analysis revealed for parents, effects on parental stress, feelings of parental efficacy, and negative parental educational behavior. As regard children, only effects are noted for parental assessment, on ADHD symptomatology, externalized disorders, and social skills.

Conclusion:

Despite the heterogeneity or small number of studies in some categories, BPTs have positive effects on both parents and children. There are no convincing results to support the generalization of progress. This would seem to indicate that it remains essential to consider actions specific to each problematic environment for the child.
Barriers and Enablers of Service Access and Utilization for Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: McKenna Kaitlyn , Wanni Arachchige Dona Sithara , Gold Lisa , Dew Angela , Le Ha N. D.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To update a systematic review of the literature on the barriers and enablers of service access and utilization for children and adolescents with a diagnosis, or symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), from the perspective of caregivers, clinicians, and teachers.

Methods:

Five databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature published from May 2012 to March 2023. Two independent reviewers completed a two-stage screening process and quality assessment.

Results:

Of 4,523 search results, 30 studies were included. Five main themes were generated: 1) Awareness of ADHD, 2) Stigma, 3) Parental choice and partnerships, 4) Education services as an integral component, 5) Referrals, waiting times, and logistics. More than half of the studies reported poor acknowledgement, expertise of ADHD, and stigma.

Conclusion:

Findings highlight the need for ongoing ADHD education for all involved and policy changes to service delivery systems to increase the availability of health providers with specialist ADHD expertise.
ADHD Adults Show Lower Interindividual Similarity in Ex-Gaussian Reaction Time Vectors for Congruent Stimuli Compared to Control Peers
Authors: DeLuna-Castruita Angel , Lizarraga-Cortes Victoria , Flores Amira , Manjarrez Elias
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Interindividual similarity refers to how similarly individuals respond when receiving the same stimulus or intervention. In this study, we aimed to examine interindividual similarity in adults with ADHD.

Method:

We used the cosine similarity index of ex-Gaussian reaction time (RT) vectors of mu, sigma, and tau parameters during a Stroop task.

Results:

Our results demonstrate that the ADHD group exhibits a reduced interindividual similarity index in their ex-Gaussian RT vectors for congruent stimuli compared to the healthy control group. Importantly, we did not find significant differences in the interindividual similarity index to incongruent stimuli between both groups, thus suggesting that this reduced index was selective for congruent stimuli.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight that ADHD adults exhibit more significant interindividual differences in cognitive functioning when processing congruent stimuli than healthy controls. These results provide new insights into the selective mechanisms underlying ADHD and may contribute to developing new targeted interventions for this disorder.
Family Functioning in Children With ADHD and Subthreshold ADHD: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bhide Sampada , Efron Daryl , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Anderson Vicki , Nicholson Jan M. , Silk Tim , Hazell Philip , Gulenc Alisha , Sciberras Emma
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To compare family functioning over time for elementary school children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; N = 179) and subthreshold ADHD (ST-ADHD; N = 86), to children without ADHD (Control; N = 212).

Method:

ADHD was assessed using the Conners 3 ADHD Index and Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. At baseline, 18-month follow-up and 36-month follow-up, parents completed measures assessing a range of family functioning domains.

Results:

At baseline, the ADHD group reported higher psychological distress, less parenting self-efficacy, less parenting consistency, and more stressful life events; and both groups reported poorer family quality of life (QoL) and greater parenting anger. Trajectories were largely similar to controls (i.e., stable over time), but unlike controls, ADHD and ST-ADHD groups showed lessening parent-partner support and parenting warmth, respectively; and both groups showed worsening aspects of family QoL.

Conclusion:

Families of children with ADHD and ST-ADHD report persistently poor or worsening family functioning; highlighting a need for tailored psycho-social supports.