bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relation Between Deviation From the Balanced Time Perspective and Quality of Life Among Older People. The Mediating Role of Death Anxiety and the Moderating Role of Awareness of Aging
Authors: Nistoreanu-Neculau Bianca , Măirean Cornelia , Gavrilovici Ovidiu
Published: November 2024

Our study aims to identify if the deviation from a balanced time perspective (DBTP) is a predictor of the quality of life among older adults. We also investigated whether awareness of aging moderated and death anxiety mediated the relationship between DBTP and quality of life. A sample of 436 participants was involved in the study ( M = 68.27; SD = 6.56; 66.7% female, 33.3% male). They completed scales for measuring the study variables. The results showed that DBTP did not predict quality of life. Awareness of aging did not moderate the relationship between DBTP and quality of life, while death anxiety negatively predicts quality of life, and also mediated the relationship between DBTP and quality of life. Starting from the results obtained, promotion and intervention plans can be developed to improve mental and physical health services.
Exploring Throwing Yips in Youth Baseball Players: Prevalence, Symptoms, Players’ Psychological Characteristics, and Triggers
Authors: Maruo Yuki , Shimizu Kenta , Miyamoto Toshiaki
Published: November 2024

Symptoms of “the yips” manifest in various sports and often cause athletes to retire prematurely from competition. While there have been case studies on yips-affected baseballers (YBBs), there has been no comprehensive demographic profile of YBBs, and contributing factors are only partially understood. We aimed to describe youth YBBs’ demographic characteristics and explore contributing factors to yips symptoms. We analyzed a self-report questionnaire administered to 285 youth baseballers to investigate yips symptoms and identify both players’ psychological characteristics and trigger factors for yips. We defined YBBs as players who exhibited symptoms of involuntary muscle contractions, characterized by jerks, tremors, or freezing during planned movements that resulted in unpredictability when throwing a baseball. Individuals without these symptoms were categorized as non-yips-affected baseballers (NBBs). In our total sample, there was a YBB prevalence of 10.2% with a significantly higher occurrence among pitchers than among players in other positions ( p < .05). Additionally, YBBs showed a significantly higher incidence of self-reported anxiety during throwing compared to NBBs ( p < .001), and a significantly greater proportion of YBBs than NBBs struggled particularly with gentle or light motion throws ( p < .001), especially at short distances (75.0% of the YBBs). Furthermore, 62.1% of YBBs faced difficulties in appropriately releasing the ball. Thus, we found approximately one in 10 youth baseballers experienced yips symptoms that were influenced by throwing distance and high-pressure situations. Our descriptive study advances an understanding of yips-related performance problems in youth baseballers.
Difficult texts: 2 Kings 6.24—7.20 – Israelite woman cooks her own son?
Authors: Susanta Yohanes Krismantyo , Tapingku Joni
Published: November 2024

A mother in Israel invited other mothers to cook and eat their children? The story in full appears in 2 Kings 6.24—7.20. The passage is essentially about the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army. It includes tales about the siege of Samaria, cannibalism, the unbelief of a centurion, and four lepers. Although the section on cannibalism is mentioned only momentarily, it has become controversial and has captured the attention of Bible readers.
Comparisons in Limited Mobility: Exploring the Shaping of Travel Experience for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Tao Changjiang (Bruce) , Zhou Xianya , Wang Yanran , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: November 2024

Tourism emerges as a focal point under the “new mobilities” paradigm. Current research, however, needs to address how groups with limited mobility navigate their travel experiences. This study delves into the tourism patterns of tourists with physical disabilities—a prominent mobility-limited demographic. Utilizing constructivist grounded theory through interviews, participatory observation, and online data collection, we discern that the tourism experience of those with physical disabilities is shaped dynamically by “comparison” across four orientations: time, space, self, and others. This multidimensional comparison transitions from tangible tourism to profound experiential realms, defining their unique travel experiences. “Comparison” is identified as a core microgenetic mechanism, challenging existing psychological theories and potentially reshaping our understanding of the experiential processes for all tourist groups, not just those with mobility limitations. The findings enrich our understanding of mobility-constrained tourism within the “new mobilities” paradigm, offering insights and practical implications for the tourism industry. This article is also available in [Chinese]. See supplemental material for details.
Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Between U.S. Civilians and Military Veterans in the Gulf War and Post-9/11 War Eligibility Cohorts: A Research Note
Authors: Ortiz Diaz Kevin J. , Landes Scott D. , Monnat Shannon M.
Published: November 2024

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among military veterans who experienced combat compared with those who did not. However, it is unknown how PTSD rates differ between veterans and nonveterans when accounting for combat status. We used a sample of 10,880 participants from the 2021 and 2022 National Wellbeing Survey—national annual cross-sectional surveys of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64—to assess relationships between military veteran-combat status and PTSD diagnosis among two war eligibility cohorts: the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts. We found that among both war eligibility cohorts, combat veterans were more likely than nonveterans to report a PTSD diagnosis: 3.42 times greater probability in the Gulf War eligibility cohort and 4.87 times greater probability in the post 9/11 cohort. Noncombat veterans had greater probability of PTSD (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.63) than nonveterans only in the post 9/11 cohort. These results underscore the importance of ensuring proper mental health care for combat veterans.
A bi-objective optimization framework for configuration of battery energy storage system considering energy loss and economy
Authors: Ma Suliang , Meng Zeqing , Wu Yiwen , Xin Dixi
Published: November 2024

To address a bi-objective optimization configuration problem of battery energy storage system (BESS) in distributed energy system (DES) considering energy loss and economy, a perturbation and observation approach (P&O) is proposed in this article. First, in a DES, the configuration model of BESS is established. Then, a novel way is designed that transforming a bi-objective optimization problem into a single objective optimization problem with variable conditions. And the P&O process of the proposed method is presented. Finally, in a simulation case, compared with a single optimization objective of energy loss or economy, the P&O method improves 5.71-fold or 2.94-fold in each direction, respectively and effectively balances the contradiction between them. In addition, with the efficiency and electricity cost of BESS increasing, the rated capacity of BESS changes by approximately 10%. And the location is a key factor affecting the configuration scheme of BESS in DES.
Mindful With Your Baby/Toddler: A Single Case Design (SCD) Study
Authors: Schaeffer Mirla A. , Potharst Eva S.
Published: November 2024

Transitioning to motherhood comes with new and intensive tasks that may cause parental stress, low parental self-efficacy, and internalizing problems. This can in turn negatively affect the mother-child relationship. Mindful with your Baby/Toddler (MwyB/T) is a mindfulness-based intervention for parents of young children experiencing parental stress and internalizing problems. Previous evaluative studies showed promising results, but methodology of these studies was limited. The current study used a single case design, including a baseline, intervention, posttest, and follow-up phase, to evaluate the effectiveness of MwyB/T. Ten participants were included and completed daily administered personalized items and validated questionnaires measuring mindfulness, mindful parenting, parental self-efficacy, internalizing problems, and parental stress, for 10 participants. Personalized items were first coded into themes and then assessed using visual analysis and descriptive effect size measures. Reliable change indices were computed for the questionnaires. All mothers improved on personalized items, with most improving on most (or all) of their items. On the questionnaires the majority of mothers improved. Results indicate that MwyB/T could benefit mothers with various intervention goals. More research is needed on the role of personalized items, both as a research measure and an as a possible additional element of interventions.
Competence Perceptions at the Intersection of Gender and Race-Ethnicity
Authors: Mize Trenton D.
Published: November 2024

Competence perceptions represent a fundamental dimension of human perception and have wide-ranging consequences for social interaction. Therefore, it is no surprise that multiple prominent social psychological theories emphasize the role of competence perceptions. We know that both a person’s gender and race-ethnicity influence assumptions about their competence, but we have only a few studies examining the intersections of these factors. Using a large survey experiment (N = 1,219), I examine competence perceptions at the intersection of 2 gender and 13 racial-ethnic categories. Results show large effects of both gender and race-ethnicity and also highly intersectional stereotypes; that is, there is no one overarching effect of gender or race-ethnicity but instead contingent effects. By oversampling racial-ethnic minorities, I also test the assumption of consensus for competence perceptions. Results show highly consensual perceptions, suggesting we all recognize society’s stereotypes even if we do not agree with them.
Navigating Parenthood in the Pandemic: Revealing the Trade-offs of Childcare Choices Through Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Burns Samantha , Davidson Adrienne , White Linda , Hampton Delaine , Perlman Michal
Published: November 2024

Inequalities that emerged during COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need to examine parent constraints in their decision-making around work and early childhood education and care (ECEC). This paper draws on conjoint survey data from a representative sample of 976 parents from the four largest Canadian provinces to examine the trade-offs parents made regarding their child’s care during the pandemic. Demographic differences in parental income, employment status, and having a child with special needs shaped childcare preferences in different ways. Our analysis finds that the most important factor in parent decision-making was type of ECEC (with a strong preference for licensed arrangements), followed by choices related to health and safety during the pandemic. The conclusion considers policy implications, including the need for more targeted and inclusive approaches that address the varying needs and circumstances of parents to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of care services post-pandemic and beyond.
Drilling Deeper: Non-Linear, Non-Parametric Natural Gas Price and Volatility Forecasting
Authors: Bajatovic Dusan , Erdemlioglu Deniz , Gradojevic Nikola
Published: November 2024

This paper studies the forecast accuracy and explainability of a battery of dayahead (Henry Hub and Title Transfer Facility (TTF)) natural gas price and volatility models. The results demonstrate the dominance of non-linear, non-parametric models with deep structure relative to various competing model specifications. By employing the explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approach, we document that the price of natural gas is formed strategically based on crude oil and electricity prices. While the conditional volatility of natural gas returns is driven by long-memory dynamics and crude oil volatility, the informativeness of the electricity predictor has improved over the most recent volatile time period. Although we reveal that predictive non-linear relationships are inherently complex and time-varying, our findings in general support the notion that natural gas, crude oil and electricity are interconnected. Focusing on the periods when markets experienced sharp structural breaks and extreme volatility (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict), we show that deep learning models provide better adaptability and lead to significantly more accurate forecast performance.
The effectiveness of couples’ lifestyle interventions on weight change: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Arvanitidou Eirini-Iro , Tsofliou Fotini , Wood Juliet , Tsatsani Ioulia
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Lifestyle interventions aiming to reduce excess body weight have been focusing on individuals living with overweight or obesity. However, many health-related behaviors including eating are concordant in couples indicating they might share an obesity risk or support each other's weight loss efforts. Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was to assess the weight change effects of lifestyle interventions targeting couples in a romantic relationship regardless of marital status or sexual preference compared to individuals or no intervention. Methods: Four databases (MEDLINE Ovid, Scopus, CINHAL, and mySearch: EBSCO-Discovery-Service-Tool) were systematically searched from inception until 26th April 2021 with further email alerts. The risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effect model to estimate the weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Results: Seventeen studies were eligible for this review and 11 of them were included in the meta-analysis for weight change. Significant intervention effects were identified for body weight in couples’ intervention vs. individual intervention (−2.25 kg, 95% CI−3.63 to−0.88), and vs. no intervention (−4.5 kg, 95% CI−6.62 to−2.38). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis was the first to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions targeting couples on weight loss, compared to interventions focused on individuals or standard care. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at couples lead to greater weight loss, though the results should be interpreted with caution due to the wide heterogeneity among the studies. Further research is needed with evidence-based study designs, targeting younger participants, and incorporating longer intervention durations and follow-up periods.
Using a Stopping Rule to Optimize Cost-Quality Tradeoffs in a Large, Mixed-Mode Survey: A Simulation Study
Authors: Wagner James , West Brady T. , Kim Brian , Suolang Deji , Engstrom Curtiss , Sinibaldi Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Rising nonresponse and the increasing costs of conducting surveys are creating pressure on survey organizations to efficiently allocate resources. The challenge is to produce the highest quality data possible within a fixed budget. We use a stopping rule designed to minimize a function of cost and errors. The rule is based on the product of predicted costs and the predicted mean squared error of a survey estimate. We simulate the impact of implementing the stopping rule on the 2019 US Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), which is a longitudinal survey conducted every two years in the US using web, mail, and CATI. We vary the types of models used to generate the input predictions (parametric regression vs. nonparametric tree models) and the timing of the implementation of the rule. We found that the modeling approach made less difference, while the timing of the implementation of the stopping rule made a large difference in outcomes. The rule is multivariate and optimizes outcomes for two variables. It performed better for one variable, leading to reduced costs and only small increases in errors. The other variable had larger error increases.
The Anxious State: Impossibility of Closure and State’s Ontological (In-)security in Postcolonial and Postrevolutionary Vietnam
Authors: To Minh Son
Published: November 2024

This article develops an account of ontological security of the state as constituted by endless pursuits of discursive totality. Grounded in discussions on state’s ontology, Lacanian and postcolonial insights, the article advances an account of state’s ontological security as predicated upon a totalising but perpetually contingent discourse that reifies itself through ideational order and foreclosure of alternatives. Discursive totality obtains for the state its ontological security by layering social reality to bury its original lack and fixing signifiers in particular, exclusive ways, which must be continually maintained due to the discourse’ very contingency. The case of Vietnam’s ‘syncretic socialism’ and its continual rearticulations in response to different political ruptures embody this ‘anxious state’ always on the move to (re)enclose social terrain within its discourse. The maintenance of discursive totality rests upon syncretic socialism’s capacity to extend itself by rearranging or incorporating signifiers and keep contingency at bay by foreclosing alternatives.
‘Zoonati’ vs. ‘epistemic tresspasers’: Science identity in contentious online advocacy campaigns on the origins of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Horton Lynn
Published: November 2024

This article explores how science is mobilized as a collective identity, normative ideal, and instrumental tactic in contentious online global advocacy campaigns on the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It incorporates qualitative analysis of over 2300 public Twitter postings by core zoonosis and lab origin proponents who identify as scientists. These online exchanges provide a real-time window into how the collective identity of scientist is constructed and mobilized as a master frame. Similarly, this paper explores ways in which the boundaries of science, conspiracy, and politics are set and contested in a context of complex and fast-moving global events.
Airspace Safety Assessment and Risk Estimation based on the Fuzzy Petri Net Model with Multi-Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Yang Bingjie , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Yang , Gao Ziang , Ye Mian
Published: November 2024

In this paper an airspace safety assessment and risk estimation method based on the fuzzy Petri net (FPN) model is presented by analyzing 44 related multi-risk factors. In the proposed method, two kinds of real air accident data from 2010 until the present are used to statistically deduce the causes of the corresponding air accidents, namely accidents between manned aircraft, as well as the accidents between manned and unmanned aircraft. All of the data needed are drawn from the authoritative aviation safety network (ASN). These 44 related multi-risk factors are derived from four main aspects that include man, machine, medium, and management. From this, a multi-level evaluation index system for airspace safety is built. Furthermore, the determination of the risk index is based on the official reports which could make the proposed method more objective and accurate. Correspondingly, the airspace safety assessment and risk estimation model based on FPN can be generated by defining multi-risk factors and calculating the weight coefficients. To overcome the deficiency of many network nodes, a risk threshold is introduced to simplify the risk estimation model. The Zhuhai terminal area is taken as an example to assess and estimate its safety. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are also verified. Results indicate that management is a key factor in airspace safety, with a lack of training being a significant cause of a 126.59% rise in air risk.
Modeling the Time-Dependent Variation of Road Salt Concentrations Using Analytical and Machine-Learning Approaches to Advance Service Life Predictions for Concrete Structures
Authors: Khani Samaneh , Conciatori David , Chouinard Luc
Published: November 2024

The exposure of concrete structures to environmental and climatic conditions is detrimental to their durability. In northern climates, the key contributor to their degradation is corrosion of the reinforcing steel because of chloride ions originating from de-icing salts applied on roadways during the winter season. In consequence, a key input parameter for predicting the time to the initiation of corrosion for concrete elements is the time history of the concentration of chloride ions at their surfaces. To investigate this issue, a specialized mobile monitoring station was deployed along a roadway over several winter seasons to collect data on salting operations, weather conditions, and the temporal variation of chloride ion levels on the roadway. At first, salting operations were monitored, and then exploratory and machine-learning algorithms were applied to develop relationships between weather conditions, road conditions, and chloride ion concentrations. The first proposed model is based on the simulation modeling approach, while the second is based on the machine-learning XGBoost model. The findings demonstrate that both models can predict the variation of salt concentration on the road surface as a function of time after a salting operation. By accounting for the time dependency of surface chloride in service life models, more accurate predictions of corrosion initiation time are possible, since the rate of penetration of chloride ions is highly dependent on wetting/drying cycles throughout the winter.
Clinical Characteristics of Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Population-Level Cross-Sectional Study: Titre: Caractéristiques cliniques des patients hospitalisés présentant un trouble du spectre de la schizophrénie et traités par électrochocs : Une étude de population transversale
Authors: Kaster Tyler S. , Babujee Amreen , Sharpe Isobel , Rhee Taeho Greg , Gomes Tara , Kurdyak Paul , Foussias George , Wijeysundera Duminda , Blumberger Daniel M. , Vigod Simone N.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an evidence-based treatment for schizophrenia when anti-psychotic medications do not sufficiently control symptoms of psychosis or rapid response is required. Little is known about how it is used in routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to identify the association of demographic and clinical characteristics with administration of ECT for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD).

Methods

Among psychiatric inpatients with a diagnosis of SSD in Ontario, Canada (2006–2023), patient-level socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were described in those who did and did not receive ECT. We used multi-variable logistic regression to assess the association between patient-level characteristics and administration of ECT during index hospitalization.

Results

From 164,632 admissions, 2,168 (1.3%) involved exposure to ≥1 inpatient ECT procedure. Compared to those not receiving ECT, those receiving ECT were older, had higher rates of pre-admission medication use, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, outpatient mental health service use, but lower rates of substance use disorders. In the multi-variable logistic regression model, patient-level characteristics most strongly associated with receiving inpatient ECT were the presence of catatonia (odds ratio [OR]: 5.83; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 4.01–8.46), comorbid depression (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.07–2.98), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.55–3.00), while characteristics most strongly associated with not receiving inpatient ECT were myocardial infarction (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.95) and family conflict towards patient (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.31–0.71). Neither severity of psychotic symptoms, non-command auditory hallucinations nor delusions were associated with administration of ECT.

Conclusions

While characteristics associated with the use of ECT are generally consistent with the indications for ECT (e.g., catatonia, mood disorders), ECT is rarely used amongst individuals with SSD. Severity of psychotic symptoms was not associated with the use of inpatient ECT suggesting an opportunity to increase the use of ECT in this population.
Cognitive-Behavioural Social Skills Training: Mediation of Treatment Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial for Youth at Risk of Psychosis: L’entraînement aux compétences sociales cognitivo-comportementales : variables médiatrices des résultats thérapeutiques dans le cadre d’un essai clinique randomisé pour les jeunes présentant un risque de psychose
Authors: Devoe Daniel J. , Liu Lu , Braun Amy , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Granholm Eric , Addington Jean
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Currently, there are no effective treatments for functional outcomes (i.e., role and social) and negative symptoms for youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. Investigations into possible mechanisms that may contribute to the improvement of functioning and negative symptoms are needed in CHR research to help inform psychosocial treatments. The present study examined whether functioning and negative symptoms were mediated by asocial beliefs, defeatist beliefs, self-efficacy, maladaptive schemas, anxiety, depression, social cognition, or attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) in a large clinical trial.

Methods

CHR participants ( n = 203; 104 females; 99 males) were recruited as part of a three-site randomized control trial comparing group cognitive-behavioural social skills training (CBSST) versus a supportive therapy group. Mediation analyses were conducted to test the relationships between treatment group, mediators (asocial beliefs, defeatist beliefs, self-efficacy, maladaptive schemas, anxiety, depression, social cognition, and APS), and outcome (social and role functioning, and negative symptoms). The mediation analyses employed conditional process path analysis via ordinary least squares regression.

Results

At the end of treatment, but not 12-month follow-up, more severe APS were found to mediate the impact of treatment on negative symptoms, and social and role functioning. The greater the severity of APS, the less likely that CBSST would result in improvement in negative symptoms and social and role functioning. Many of the other variables showed significant associations with social (less for role) functioning and negative symptoms but did not mediate the effect of treatment on these outcomes at the end of treatment or 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

There were no significant mediators except for APS at the end of treatment. Since more severe APS may result in participants being unable to fully participate in therapy and thus limit their gains, clinical implications may include offering some individual therapy to prepare these young people to benefit from the group treatment.
Virtual Healthcare for Older Adults With Preventable Chronic Conditions: A Meta-synthesis of Quality Aspects
Authors: Hamiduzzaman Mohammad , Gaffney Harry James , Jindal Shruti , Patra Mahua , Gudur Raghavendra , Pit Sabrina , Rahman Aziz
Published: November 2024

Our study employed a six-step meta-synthesis approach to understand quality aspects of virtual healthcare trajectories and identify effective strategies for older adults with preventable chronic conditions across the world. Review of twenty-one articles revealed four key themes: functionality of virtual healthcare, equity in service delivery, satisfaction with care, and cost-effectiveness. Despite the challenges posed by technological and clinical complexities, virtual healthcare initiatives have significantly improved accessibility and availability of health services, thereby reducing disparities. Notably, telehealth saved an average of 166-minutes of travel time, demonstrating a clear benefit of virtual healthcare. While all parties expressed satisfaction with virtual healthcare, several challenges were reported, including a digital divide, limited access to digital devices, absence of a multidisciplinary approach, and lack of rural-specific programs.
Flight tracking control of mini-drone: Flower pollination algorithm based model-free control
Authors: Glida Hossam Eddine , Abdelghani Chelihi , Chouki Sentouh
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a novel model-free control approach, Flower Pollination Algorithm-based Model-Free Control (FPA-MFC), for trajectory tracking of mini-drone quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The proposed approach employs an adaptive estimator based on filtered signals to approximate the nonlinear dynamic functions of the system. This approximator allows the development of a robust decentralized control law able to separately manage the position and attitude dynamics of the drone. The controller design is free of any prior knowledge of the system dynamics, and the control inputs are computed solely from instantaneous input and output measurements. Indeed, this can significantly reduce the computational burden and improve the efficiency of the control algorithm while preserving its simplicity. The design gains of the control law are selected using the metaheuristic flower pollination algorithm to achieve greater trajectory tracking performance and ensure closed-loop system stability. Simulation tests conducted on the Parrot mini drone platform validate the effectiveness and superior performance of FPA-MFC, compared to similar controllers without optimization and using the particle swarm optimization algorithm.
Mathematical modeling of an articulated flying vehicle for precise control analysis in grasping highly oscillatory objects
Authors: Baha Mirshams , Saghafi Fariborz
Published: November 2024

In this research work, a detailed mathematical modeling approach has been taken in order to develop a complete package for the investigation of phenomena associated with the flight dynamics and control of an articulated aerial robot in grasping high weight oscillatory objects such as living creatures. To this end, the origin of forces and moments generated by a moving target is analyzed and the nonlinear differential equations of the system are derived. Then, the model is verified and the effect of target oscillations on the whole system dynamics is investigated. In the next step, due to the nonlinear nature of this under-actuated system and the presence of the force-generating target with unknown dynamics and model parametric and non-parametric uncertainties, two versions of adaptive sliding mode control (A-SMC) are designed to enable the system follows the nominal trajectories in a desirable way without needing to know the upper bounds of the time-varying forces and uncertainties. In this regard, the stability of closed-loop systems is proved based on Lyapunov theory. The performance and robustness of the designed controllers are evaluated and compared through numerical and Monte Carlo simulations with some standard criteria. At the end, the conclusion of this work is presented.
Hydrological changes and its impacts on prehistoric human welfare in the western Tibetan Plateau since the last deglaciation
Authors: Gao Xiaoxue , Ji Kejia , Zang Tonggang , Hou Xiaohuan , Yuan Kan , Sun Zhe , Li Can-Ge , Hou Juzhi
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, the rapidly changing climate environment in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) poses significant challenges to human survival and future sustainable development. The suitability and stability of the climate in the TP undoubtedly affected the living conditions and welfare of prehistoric humans. However, few studies have attempted to link climate stability and the survival of ancient humans, especially considering their lesser adaptability in responding to rapid environmental changes. The Xiada Co is a Neolithic period archaeological site in the western TP. In this study, we reconstructed the hydrological changes in the basin over the past 15,000 years using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis on the Xiada Co cores. The XRF results revealed three main paleoenvironmental units during the entire study interval. The late Pleistocene prior to ~10,000 cal year BP was characterized by more rapidly fluctuating hydrologic conditions. The early and middle Holocene (~10,000–4000 cal year BP) by stable hydrologic conditions, and the late Holocene to present by a return to more variable conditions. Using the calculation method of Square Chord Distance (SCD), a quantitative dissimilarity comparison was made regarding the climate variations in the western TP for 15 time periods. The results showed that the climate and hydrology were relatively stable during the period of occupation of the region (8500–7500 years BP), which provided a stable and suitable living environment for the hunter-gatherers at the site. This study illustrates how the paleoenvironment influenced the survival of hunter-gatherers in the extremely harsh western TP.
Comparative Analysis of Women Entrepreneurs in Coastal vs. Non-Coastal Regions of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Chandralekha V. , Rajeswari P. S. , Krishnakumar B.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the women’s entrepreneurship landscape in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with particular emphasis on understanding the differences and similarities between the coastal and non-coastal regions. The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, with their unique economic activities such as fishing and maritime trade, offer different opportunities and challenges to women entrepreneurs than non-coastal regions, which are characterised by different industries and economic structures. In the situation where men are oppressed and rejected in society, many women face different kinds of challenges with their own efforts and intelligence and excel in this field as woman entrepreneurs in this society, also about the challenges faced by the achiever and the recognition. In this study, we will see in detail how the capital required starting the business and the professional and technical knowledge are available, and in the best way they can expand their business in a visionary way and achieve excellence. And we can all know about all kinds of opportunities between women entrepreneurs in coastal districts and women entrepreneurs in non-coastal districts in Tamil Nadu. The study is qualitative in nature; here, data were obtained from a primary and secondary source, and documents were reviewed to discuss the topic under study using the available resources. This study examined whether coastal women entrepreneurs were dominated in the entrepreneurship of non-coastal women entrepreneurs. Based on the findings of the studies, conclusions have been drawn for the main domains of the study. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights to policymakers, business support organisations and researchers interested in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu. Understanding the nuances of entrepreneurial ecosystems in different geographic contexts will allow us to develop targeted interventions to empower and support women entrepreneurs, ultimately improving state. It can contribute to the economic development of both the coastal and non-coastal regions.
Content Validity of Teacher’s Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Delays (TEDD) Tool for Indian Preschoolers
Authors: Kolhe Sunanda , Prakash Anand , Pereira Maxim
Published: November 2024

Background

Early detection of developmental delays in children can significantly help them realise their full potential. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), is the system in use at the moment to detect neurodevelopmental delays among children in the United States and other Western nations. However, due to cultural differences, there is a pertinent need for a content-validated module in the context of low- and middle-income countries, including India.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate Teacher’s Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Delays (TEDD) tool based on the criterions and definitions of neurodevelopmental disorders as mentioned in DSM-V and then synced with developmental milestones mentioned in International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)/ New York City Early Education Centre (NYCE) framework, and items were worded in behavioural terms

Methods

We did a thorough review of the literature for the development of TEDD tool and used modified Delphi technique to content validate it. Data from nine experts, such as doctors, clinical psychologists, special educators, speech and language and applied behaviour analysis therapist were used for the analysis.

Results

Analysis resulted into 28 items being retained which can be applied in the Indian context.

Conclusion

This study has shown good content validity of the TEDD tool. Future studies are being planned to rule the feasibility and reliability of this tool.
Unequal Spaces: An In-depth Analysis of Caste  Discrimination in Indian Universities
Authors: Kumar Anurag
Published: November 2024

Caste discrimination in higher education in India remains a deeply entrenched and pervasive issue, presenting formidable barriers to the goal of achieving equal access and opportunity for all. The article explores the various dimensions of caste discrimination in education, including the denial of equal educational opportunities, the perpetuation of humiliation, and the resultant psychological trauma experienced by victims. Additionally, it examines the role of faculties and the increasing trend in the suicide of students, especially Dalit students. Based upon the qualitative data collected from Dalit scholars, the study describes the everyday struggle of Dalit students who experience stereotypes, subtle discrimination and prejudice on campus due to their caste identity. It discusses how this discrimination not only hampers individual growth and potential but also contributes to the perpetuation of social inequalities and reinforces stigma, resulting in the social exclusion of Dalit students in higher education.
Nurse’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Toward Perinatal Depression—A Study Among Nurses in Southern Ghana
Authors: Nortey Mark Anum , Asampong Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Nurses in perinatal care are the initial point of interaction making them crucial for early detection of depression among pregnant or birthed women. Though prevalent, there is limited data on the knowledge levels, attitudes, and practice among nurses in Ghana toward perinatal depression. This study investigated nurse’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on perinatal depression at two hospitals in Ghana.

Methodology

211 perinatal care nurses at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital were surveyed on their knowledge, attitude & practices on perinatal depression and analyzed using STATA version 15. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with nurses’ and midwives’ practices toward the identification and management of perinatal depression. At a confidence interval of 95%, a p value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Nearly half of the nurses (47.4%) of nurses depicted inadequate knowledge, 46.9% had an overall poor attitude toward identification and management of perinatal depression, and 79.6% depicted poor practices toward the identification and management of perinatal depression.

Conclusions

This study highlights knowledge gaps and suboptimal attitudes and practices regarding perinatal depression among nurses in Ghana. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training may enhance early identification and management of perinatal depression in perinatal care settings.
An Examination of Career Readiness Among Music Education Doctoral Alumni
Authors: Schultz Elizabeth S. , Miller Ian W. , Oldenkamp Charles , Song Julie M. , Thomas Troy R. , Weimer Kristina R. , Kruse Nathan B. , Miranda Martina L.
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this research was to examine recent doctoral music education alumni perceptions of how their doctoral programs informed their current work. We placed a specific focus on how the curricular, scholarly, and experiential facets of music education doctoral programs have transferred to graduates’ current positions. Participants ( N = 74) completed a researcher-designed survey based on previously conducted research that consisted of three categories: description of current positions, doctoral experiences, and the significance of doctoral experiences in preparation for their current positions. Results indicated that most participants were employed in full-time tenure track and nontenure track positions and that the most common opportunities during doctoral programs involved writing, presenting, and publishing research. Implications include examining recruitment practices for doctoral programs, degree program environments and expectations, the connection between degree programs and definitions of career success, and ways to prepare alumni for positions both in and outside of R1 institutions.
Unseen and Unheard: Investigating Invisibility in Vocational Psychology Through a Systemic Lens
Authors: Suh Han Na , Flores Lisa Y. , Gong Eunseon
Published: November 2024

The concept of invisibility represents an important but often ignored barrier in the career development of marginalized individuals. By utilizing a systemic approach, we explore the ways in which marginalized groups are rendered invisible. Through examining research in the field of vocational psychology, we highlight the gap in the literature regarding the neglect of the systemic perspective when addressing issues of invisibility in the career and work context. Additionally, we introduce the (in)visibility vortex framework, which provides a potentially valuable perspective on the systemic factors that perpetuate invisibility within the workplace settings. Alongside concrete suggestions for utilizing the framework in studying invisibility within vocational psychology, we propose multiple avenues of potential future research and practice implications regarding systemic invisibility, with the goal of studying and facilitating more inclusive and equitable environments for individuals from marginalized backgrounds.
Live or Let Die: MILSTD 1472 Type Usability Checklists in an Agile Development World
Authors: Raub Esther , Steinberg Richard
Published: November 2024

Traditional Human System Integration (HSI) processes are at risk of being eliminated given the industry driven velocity and continuous delivery methods of Agile and Development to Operations Engineering. One such process at risk is usability standard checklists like MIL-STD 1472. The DoD Design Criteria Standard—Human Engineering, or MIL-STD 1472 is a military standard that provides guidelines for the ergonomic design of military systems and equipment. It is primarily focused on ensuring that military systems are designed to optimize human performance, safety, and comfort. However, it can be time-consuming to use given that it contains over 4,400 compliance items in its entirety. In an Agile DevOps environment, the typical delivery of products is 2 weeks with some software products boasting deployments every 11 min. Incorporation of usability and rigorous human factors checklists in the design of products using a DevOps environment is a challenge given the shorter timelines and smaller increments between product development and deployment combined with the expertise and hours needed to execute the checklists. The need for regression testing, the act of re-checking items to make sure new features have not created unforeseen usability issues, exacerbates the problem. Software quality testing for each release demands automatic methods to reduce the efforts of recursive testing. Industry standard methods in agile engineering utilize heuristics for quick turn low-cost usability inspections. This paper describes the derivation of a set of usability heuristics based on MIL-STD 1472 which can be used to identify potential human factors issues more quickly, with less cost, and reduced amount of expertise required. The paper also gives an example of a case study which incorporated automatic checking to support usability experts keeping pace with the high velocity pipelines of software development in an agile DevOps environment.
Immunohistochemical-Based Molecular Subtypes of Female Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study at Cheikh Khalifa Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco
Authors: Oumnia Bouaddi , Maladho Diaby , Amanda Gordon , Wafaa Kaikani , Fadila Guessous , Mohamed Chahboune , Najdi Adil , Abderrahmane AL Bouzidi , Chakib Nejjari , Nabil Ismaili , Mohamed Khalis
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer is a major public health concern worldwide and the most prevalent form of cancer in Morocco. This study aimed to describe the histological and immunohistochemical profiles of breast cancer in women admitted to Cheikh Khalifa Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. All histologically confirmed female breast cancer cases diagnosed between January 2017 and May 2021 at the Cheikh Khalifa University Hospital were included in the study. Data were collected from patient electronic medical records. Using an electronic sheet, information was collected about the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, clinical features, histopathology, molecular characteristics, treatment received, and progression.

Results

Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the most common type of cancer accounting for 90.7% of all cases. The majority of the tumors (56.1%) were grade II tumors. About 42.1% of tumors were lymph node-positive and only 13.4% developed distant metastasis. Immunohistochemical data revealed that 57.9% of the tumors in this study were hormone receptor-positive (ER+ and PR+), 74.4% were estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), 58.5% were progesterone receptor positive (PR+), and 18.9% were HER2 positive (HER2+). The most common molecular subtype was Luminal A-like (43.9%). A statistically significant difference was found in histological grades across the four molecular subtypes ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings should be used to guide breast cancer management policies in Morocco. Larger cohort studies are needed to determine the specificity of the breast cancer profile in Morocco as well as the epidemiological risk factors specific to every subtype.