bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Meaning of “Violence” Through Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: van Breen Jolien , Rijcken Emil , Kantorowicz Jaroslaw , Liem Marieke
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the meaning of violence in contemporary Western societies. Scholars have argued that in contemporary Western societies, the concept is expanding toward a broader understanding of violence, beyond its “traditional” usage in the context of crime and war. The current paper aims to generate empirical evidence that speaks to this question. We take the Netherlands as a case study and apply machine learning techniques to discourse on violence in 80,000 articles published in national newspapers between 2012 and 2021. Results show that the public discourse on violence in the Netherlands has a component that can be described as the familiar or “traditional” usage of the term violence—referring to violent political conflicts, or interpersonal violence such as child abuse. Beyond this, the term violence is associated with discourse on societal challenges. It appears in discourse on social media, political polarization, and social injustice faced by ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBT+ community. The later stages of the analysis demonstrated that the terms associated with social injustice in particular (e.g., “racist”) become more closely associated with the concept of violence over time. In short, our findings support the notion that the collective understanding of violence in the Netherlands is developing toward a broader understanding of violence, beyond the context of crime and war. Specifically, in recent years the term violence is increasingly used in association with issues of social injustice.
Effect of the carding process and fibre length on the properties of pineapple leaf fibre and reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Rahman Habibur , Rana Sohel , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy
Published: December 2024

In this work, a greener approach, the carding process, was used to remove extraneous materials from the surface of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) instead of using conventional chemical treatments. PALF was cut into three lengths and processed using a carding machine for different numbers of passages. Carded PALF and polypropylene (PP) fibres were then blended uniformly at 50% weight percentage through the carding process. The mixed fibres were further processed by a gill-drawing machine to produce oriented PALF-PP silvers, which were consolidated in a compression moulding machine to fabricate the unidirectional composites. The experimental results indicated that the increase in the number of carding passages and PALF cut-length increased the surface fibrillation, roughness and crystallinity, and reduced the water contact angle (i.e., increased hydrophilicity) of carded PALF. The thermal insulation performance of the composites improved in cases of shorter PALF length after five carding passages and coarser PP fibres, but at the same time, the water absorbency also increased, indicating reduced water resistance of such composites.
‘Drawing the Line’: Market Rule and Liberal Planning in the Governance of Capitalism
Authors: Moraitis Alexis
Published: December 2024

This article critically engages with the ‘death of neoliberalism’ debate. Its purpose is not to determine whether neoliberalism is dying or not but to highlight the limitations of the question, ‘is neoliberalism dead?’ The question invites answers that cannot satisfactorily account for both continuities and transformations in capitalist governance. Existing sides of the debate miss the fact that market discipline is a shared commitment of all iterations of liberal governance, not only neoliberalism. Liberal governance, I argue, is a balancing act between market discipline and planning measures to manage the social costs of accumulation. The argument develops in two steps. First, it presents a brief intellectual history of social liberalism – the most explicitly pro-planning voice in the liberal canon – highlighting its similarities with neoliberalism. Second, it theoretically engages with the Open and Political Marxist traditions to discern the drivers behind the state’s concurrent impulse to expand and self-limit the scope of planning.
Transformative Nature of Therapeutic Touch® as Compassion Meditation: Sculpting From Within
Authors: Rosa Katherine C.
Published: December 2024

Holistic nurses intentionally respond to the suffering of others with compassion. This article presents knowledge relevant to the Universal force of compassion from three knowledge sources: (a) neuroscience, (b) the chakra system by clairvoyants, and (c) nursing theorists Watson, Newman, and Smith. In the past two decades an increase in research on compassion has yielded information that has implications for fostering self-development, transformation, and healing. Therapeutic Touch® (TT), a compassion-based holistic human energy field therapy, is used as a practice exemplar.
Functional Limitations and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Korea: Gender Differences in the Moderating Roles of Relationship Satisfaction With Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Sung Pildoo
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the association between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea, focusing on gender differences in the moderating roles of relationship satisfaction with family, friends, and neighbors.

Methods

Fixed-effect models were applied to five waves of data from the Korean Retirement and Income Study, encompassing 19,180 observations.

Results

Increases in functional limitations were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, regardless of gender. However, the moderating effects of relationship satisfaction differed by gender: For older women, satisfaction with family moderated the association, whereas for older men, satisfaction with friends played a moderating role.

Discussion

The findings suggest tailoring interventions to improve family relationships for women and friendships for men in mitigating depressive symptoms among functionally vulnerable older adults in Korea, where rapid population aging poses significant challenges to protect functional and mental health among older adults.
An intelligent multi-element fault diagnosis method of rolling bearings considering damage degrees and sensor abnormity under small samples
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Chen Buran , Cao Xiangang , Li Qingshan , Xu Haowen , Zhang Teng , Zhang Xuhui , Ren Yuewu
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the intelligent fault diagnosis problem of rolling bearings, a novel diagnosis method considering damage degrees and sensor abnormity under small samples is proposed. A complex fault mode simulation scheme with a total of 18 states is designed for rolling bearings, including a single element fault, double elements fault, and all elements fault with damage degrees of slight and heavy and the loose threaded connection of the used sensor. The variational mode decomposition (VMD) is used to decompose the original vibration signals and reconstruct the denoised signals, the reconstructed signals are converted into the grayscale images, and then processed by local binary pattern (LBP) to enhance the image texture features. Under small samples, an improved deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) through upsampling, activation function optimization, Dropout addition and model architecture adjustment is used to expand the grayscale texture image (GTI) samples. The improved DCGAN converges the fastest in all states, and the final MMD values are all below 0.5. For the different sample expansion ratios, the residual neural network (ResNet) as the fault diagnosis model is used to verify the effectiveness of DCGAN sample expansion method in improving the accuracy of fault diagnosis. The results show when the original number of samples is 100, the optimal expansion ratio is 1:1. And the fault diagnosis accuracy of ResNet with DCGAN sample expansion is increased by 6.81% from 85.97 to 92.78%, which proves that the proposed method can not only effectively distinguish the fault modes from a single element to all elements with different damage degrees of rolling bearings, but also identify the sensor abnormity with a high accuracy. This work provides an effective way for the intelligent diagnosis of complex fault modes of rolling bearings under small samples.
Impact of Lorentz force on forced convective MHD Jeffrey fluid flow through annular sector duct
Authors: Ahmed Farhan
Published: December 2024

Present numerical simulation is to investigate the Lorentz force and constant axial pressure gradient effects on flow and heat transfer of electrically conducting magneto-hydrodynamic, [Formula: see text] Jeffrey fluid at fully developed region of annular sector duct. The law of conservation of energy is simulated by taking two thermally boundary conditions, known as [Formula: see text]1 thermally boundary condition (i.e. constant axial heat flux with uniform peripherally temperature in the annular sector duct’s cross section) and [Formula: see text] thermally boundary condition (i.e. constant temperature axially and peripherally). The numerical results are simulated in the following range of parameters: the ratio of radii, [Formula: see text], an apex angle of duct [Formula: see text] by using [Formula: see text] number of fins, Hartman number, [Formula: see text] and the ratio of relaxation time to retardation time, [Formula: see text]. During the simulation, it has been concluded that the other parameter corresponding to Jeffrey fluid (i.e. the retardation time, [Formula: see text]), has ignored due to minor attribution on flow and heat transfer by increasing the value from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. Hartman number, [Formula: see text], upgrades the [Formula: see text] up to 18.76% and 14.60%, while [Formula: see text] / [Formula: see text] up to 1.82% and 1.47%/1.55% and 1.29% for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by increasing its value from 0 to 2. At higher [Formula: see text], the difference becomes ignored in the case of [Formula: see text] when we change the annular region along radial direction.
Variable universe fuzzy inference decided neural network feed-forward compensation for pid control of motor position
Authors: Li Long , Zhu Yidan , Huang Zhiwen , Zhu Jianmin
Published: December 2024

To improve the compensation accuracy of neural network decided by traditional fuzzy inference engine (FIE), a variable universe fuzzy inference (VUFI) decided neural network feed-forward compensation method for PID control of motor position is proposed. The method contains four control blocks: fuzzy inference (FI) block, variable universe (VU) block, neural network (NN) control block, and basic control block. The FI block adaptively decides the feed-forward control quantity of NN based on the error and the error change rate of control system to keep the dynamic performance of NN at the beginning of the control or the transient jump signal. The VU block constructs the contraction expansion (CE) factors from the absolute change quantity of NN weights and adjusts the universes of membership functions based on the learning situation of NN in real time so that high-precision inference can be achieved. The NN control block consists of a neural network identifier (NNI) and a neural network controller (NNC) that has the same structure with the NNI, and the NNI dynamically transfers network parameters to the NNC and outputs feed-forward compensation control quantity after learning the dynamic inverse model of DC servo motor online. The basic control block adopts a PID controller, which provides the learning samples for NN online. Experimental results proved that the proposed method can improve the inference accuracy of FIE without sacrificing steady-state accuracy, significantly reduce overshoot, and have better stability and dynamic performance.
Degradation-considering adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy for fuel cell electric vehicles
Authors: Du Changqing , Gong Kangkang , Zhang Hu , Zhang Pei , Wu Dongmei , Liu Xing , Fu Yuanyi
Published: December 2024

In order to improve the economy and durability of fuel cell vehicle, a degradation-considering adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (D-ECMS) was proposed for fuel cell/lithium battery hybrid power system. Aiming at enhancing the adaptability of the equivalent consumption minimum strategy, four different vehicle speed conditions were considered including low speed, medium speed, high speed, and ultra-high speed. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the penalty factor under different vehicle speed conditions, and BP neural network was used to identify real-time conditions to form an adaptive equivalent consumption minimum strategy (A-ECMS). The voltage decay model of the fuel cell was established according to the voltage decay rate of the fuel cell under the three adverse conditions of idle speed, high power and dynamic load cycle. The voltage decay of the fuel cell was transformed to hydrogen consumption in the cost function of the A-ECMS strategy to obtain the D-ECMS considering durability degradation. The simulation and the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test based on the dSPACE real-time platform was carried out. The results show that: compared with A-ECMS, the hydrogen consumption of the D-ECMS increased by 5.2%, 9.7%, 10.2%, and 0.2% respectively under WLTC, NEDC, UDDS, and HWFET cycles. However, D-ECMS can reduce the voltage decay by 38.3%, 59.7%, 35.2%, and 26% under the above four test conditions, and their total comprehensive cost loss is reduced by 8.7%, 6.7%, 9.6%, and 6.3% respectively. As result, the D-ECMS can reduces the voltage attenuation of fuel cells and improve the durability of fuel cells significantly with a small hydrogen consumption increase,which can reduce the operating cost of fuel cells finally. Furthermore, the average error between the results of HIL test and offline simulation results is less than 5%, which validates the adaptability and real-time application feasibility of D-ECMS.
Performance evaluation of developing electrical discharge machining tools through 3D-printed mould using selective laser sintering and expanding its applications in developing free-form tools
Authors: Parvanda Rishi , Kala Prateek
Published: December 2024

In the current study, an attempt has been made to find the optimum parameters for electroplating three-dimensional (3D) casted low melting point alloys. The electroplated profile is used as a tool in an electric discharge machining setup. A selective laser sintering process is used for 3D printing the mould in two halves. The mould parts are 3D scanned to find out the dimensional deviation. The low melting point alloy (LMPA) is cast in the mould. The surface roughness of the mould and the pattern are measured. Electroplating the casted LMPA sample is carried out in three stages in search of optimum parameters for getting stable copper deposits. The thickness of copper deposits under varying conditions is measured. The microstructures of cast alloys and copper deposits are analysed using a scanning electron microscope. The casted alloy and copper composition is verified through energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping and X-ray diffraction technique. The developed electric discharge machining electrode successfully performs the machining on the workpiece, and its performance is compared with that of a solid copper tool. The information gained is transferred to prepare the free-form tool using the developed path and is tested on the implant-shaped workpiece.
‘Our Frankenstein’? Spenser Wilkinson, Strategic Planning and the Creation of the British General Staff
Authors: Ramsey Paul
Published: December 2024

Victorian Britain lacked an expert department for strategic planning. Spenser Wilkinson, Britain's leading thinker about war, advocated the creation of a general staff. This article examines how Wilkinson transmitted the essence of the German General Staff into English and popularised the concept of a ‘strategic brain’ for the Army. Many politicians wanted a British staff limited to studying ‘theories’ of war. Wilkinson argued a functioning staff worked on the ‘practicalities’ of strategic planning for possible future wars. Wilkinson's ideas played a great part in the creation of the British General Staff, shaping British strategy for the First World War.
A Randomized Study Protocol for Customized Interventions in Youth Deliberate Self-harm
Authors: Kpeno Audifax , Sahoo Surjeet , Sahu Amiya Krushna , Sahu Pratap
Published: December 2024

Background & Objective:

The objective of this research is to provide ideal interventions for youth engaged in self-harm, addressing the scarcity of literature exploring these interventions. While dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy are common approaches, this study aims to explore the potential of problem solving therapy (PST) and coping skills therapy as promising interventions.

Methodology:

The study is guided by cognitive behavioral theory (CBT), which provides the framework for understanding the relationships between cognitive constructs, personality profiles, coping skills, problem-solving abilities, emotions, and self-harm behaviors among adolescents. The research is designed as a randomized study protocol and includes primary and secondary outcome measures, including assessments of depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, cognitive constructs, and personality profiles. Gender-specific effectiveness and the effectiveness of interventions in youth with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are also considered.

Study Setting:

The study will be conducted at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India.

Statistical Analysis:

The statistical analysis will include a t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, regression analysis, and correlation coefficients to assess the interventions’ effectiveness and their interactions with individual characteristics. Nonetheless, this research protocol holds promise in providing valuable understanding into modified interventions for youth engaged in deliberate self-harm (DSH) behaviors.
APHA OHS Section's Alice Hamilton Award Garrett Brown Acceptance—October 29, 2024: New Challenges to Worker Health & Safety Require Refocused Strategies
Authors: Brown Garrett
Published: December 2024

This is an extended version of the speech given by Garrett Brown in accepting the Alice Hamilton Award from the Occupational Health and Safety Section of the American Public Health Association. The award recognizes the life-long contributions of individuals who have distinguished themselves through a career of hard work and dedication to improve the lives of workers. Alice Hamilton (1869–1970) was considered the founder of occupational health in the U.S. and was a tireless activist and physician who dedicated her life to improving the health and safety of workers. She was committed to science, service, and compassion.
Adaptability as a Journey: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study Exploring the Transition to Motherhood in the Context of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Raouna Aigli , Mihut Andreea Miruna , MacBeth Angus
Published: December 2024

Despite growing evidence that women with bipolar disorder (BD) diagnoses are at a particularly increased risk for perinatal mental and physical health complications, our understanding of their experiences and support needs from pre-conception to early postnatal years is still in its early stages. To address this gap, a qualitative study was carried out employing a constructivist grounded theory approach to identify the underlying processes shaping women’s journeys to motherhood in the context of BD. In-depth, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 10 mothers worldwide with a pre-existing diagnosis of BD and a first child under 5 years of age. Mothers’ experiences revolved around a constant interplay between vulnerability and adaptability, leading to the development of the substantive theory of adaptability as a journey. This study proposes that becoming adaptable constitutes a process, with the concept of “projecting adaptability” being influential in this journey. Characterized by the interconnected elements of self-awareness of vulnerability, perceived support from external sources, and ownership of experiences, the ability to envision an adaptable version of oneself along with understanding the path to achieving it played a significant role in women’s experiences. Overall, there is a need for a more dynamic understanding of these experiences, providing appropriate support rather than viewing women as simply vulnerable or adaptable. Further research is necessary to explore the transferability of this theoretical framework, especially among mothers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Continuous improvement in state vocational rehabilitation: A demonstration and call to action
Authors: Fleming Allison R. , Phillips Brian N. , Lockett Marissa
Published: December 2024

Background

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) are the leading provider of employment services for disabled adults in the United States, with achievement of competitive integrated employment as their main outcome.

Objective

Current data collection policies and practices require counselors to record extensive information for case documentation purposes, however, these data offer limited utility for service planning or for determinations of whether services are having the intended impact. Available data is not structured to support continuous improvement for individual providers or to establish evidence of best practices in day-to-day service provision.

Method

In this article, we present the many potential benefits of including pre-post assessment of services in measuring the impact of SVRA services.

Results

The Transition Readiness Toolkit offers a concrete example of the advantages associated with pre-post assessment and continuous use of data to guide services and quality improvement in SVRAs.

Conclusion

Recommendations and implications for implementing pre-post assessment for other SVRA services are provided.
Tool health monitoring in lathe turning process by artificial intelligence techniques — a review
Authors: Gavina CG , Hemalatha KL , Ranganath KJ , Rajanna S , Shivananda Nayaka H
Published: December 2024

Monitoring tool health is essential for maintaining efficiency, productivity, and quality in lathe turning operations. Traditional methods rely on manual assessments and subjective judgments, which can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and inadequate for detecting subtle tool wear. Therefore, this review discusses the literature review on predicting tool wear in the turning process, comprehensively examining the methods documenting for sensing and testing parameter design, image processing, and classification methods. The review outlines the use of vibration signals and images as datasets and advanced artificial intelligence techniques like machine learning, computer vision, deep learning, and expert systems to predict the accurate wear percentage in the tool. It also discusses the benefits and limitations of methods used in reviewed papers. To conclude, the performance of AI techniques from the reviewed papers, RNN from deep learning, gives more accuracy, with 97.04% predicting the tool wear. Within the Industry 4.0 framework, after a detailed review of the AI techniques, the combination of deep learning techniques that ensemble vibration signals and image information develops as a vital technology for evolving intelligent manufacturing.
Decentralized Clinical Trials at Home: Commentary on Caregivers’ Burden
Authors: Bolajoko Opeyemi , Fullwood Dottington , Colissa Mahin , Merriweather Arnold , Merriweather Callie , Odedina Folakemi T.
Published: December 2024

Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) provide the opportunity to bring interventional studies closer to participants in their homes or a suitable location closer to prospective participants, thus increasing participants’ diversity, accrual, retention, health care, and research access. However, little is known about the burden of caring for cancer patients participating in DCTs. This article describes how DCTs might affect the caregivers of cancer patients. The points discussed include how technological challenges for those without adequate digital literacy can overburden participants and their caregivers at home, as well as managing and optimizing research logistics and safe handling of samples. In addition, the shift in labor from the study personnel to the participants and their caregivers in a bid to complete several study procedures on their own can increase the care burden, especially if not well incentivized. Therefore, it is important to accumulate evidence on ways to optimize DCTs, especially in the home environment, without increasing the burden on caregivers, who will be an integral part of the study team and support the research at home.
Active structural-acoustic control on interior noise of a plate-cavity system using FxNLMS algorithm
Authors: Botti Nicolò , Botti Tommaso , Liu Ling , Corradi Roberto , Ripamonti Francesco
Published: December 2024

In recent years, environmental noise has been attracting increasing attention due to its negative impact on people’s physical and mental health. One of the promising solutions to mitigate noise is the application of smart structures, whose acoustic performance is actively controlled. In the present work, an Active Structural- Acoustic Control (ASAC) strategy is developed using a plate-cavity system in order to abate the interior noise in some locations of the cavity. The employed algorithm is the Filtered-x Normalized Least Mean Squares (FxNLMS), which is typically applied to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) problems. The peculiarity of this work is that the control is applied directly to the vibration of the plate, similar to Active Vibration Control (AVC) strategies. The major innovation in this case is that, instead of evaluating the acoustic benefits due to a vibration reduction, here the sound field is controlled directly by closing the loop on the acoustic pressure. The algorithm has been implemented in Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) and Single-Reference Multiple-Output (SRMO) configurations, where the latter is a first step toward a multichannel architecture. In contrast with many existing applications, here the cross-effects between different actuators are considered in the implementation of the algorithm, thus improving the performance in the controlled positions. The experimental test bench adopted for validation is a plate-cavity system called Noise Box, which is made up of a single-layer glass panel and a reinforced concrete structure, designed to simulate the interior sound field of a vehicle cabin. The plate was instrumented with piezoelectric patches used as actuators, while condenser microphones were used as sensors. First, a numerical model of the system was created to develop the control logic. Then, an experimental campaign was carried out to validate the results.
Decolonizing Methodologies Through Dialogue: A Relational Literature Review on Urban Indigenous Health
Authors: Legault Gabrielle , Darnay Kelsey , Wilson Shawn , Hutchinson Peter
Published: December 2024

This article responds to Tynan and Bishop’s call for relational engagement in literature reviews, employing Indigenous epistemologies and a relational, conversational approach to examine trends in urban Indigenous health research. Reflecting on a comprehensive literature review, we highlight shifts in research focus, authorship, and methodologies. The analysis, guided by Indigenous scholars with diverse disciplinary backgrounds, centers on current and emerging trends, while addressing the impact of funding priorities and sociopolitical contexts on research. Despite growing recognition of Indigenous scholarship and community engagement, our discussions reveal challenges in maintaining authenticity in community-driven methodologies. We emphasize the need to further decolonize research approaches, highlighting the role of relational methodologies that honor Indigenous epistemologies. By integrating oral traditions, community-based sources, and relational citation practices, this article advocates for a paradigm shift in literature reviews, urging scholars to prioritize Indigenous ways of knowing and strengthen the relational dynamics within research processes to better address urban Indigenous health and well-being.
10-Week Ballroom Dance Program Improves Mood and Influences Health-Related Elements in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Hirahara Kaori , Matsunaga Misaki , Hirayama Kana , Matsunami Takuma , Fukao Kosuke
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyles remain a persistent health issue in Japan. Ballroom dancing has recently gained attention as a potential means of maintaining physical activity, but there are very few reports on Japanese subjects. Exploratory research is therefore needed to investigate the effects of ballroom dancing on the physical and mental health of sedentary middle-aged Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ballroom dancing on various health-related physical and psychological outcomes in middle-aged adults compared to a control group. Methods: A parallel-group study was carried out. Thirty healthy but inactive middle-aged adults with no previous dance experience were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group which participated in a recreational level ballroom dance program for 10 weeks (60 minutes, once per week) and a control group which had no dance lessons. Subjects completed questionnaires regarding subjective mood changes and daily physical activity. Objective measures of physical fitness, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and autonomic nervous system function were also assessed before (T0) and after 10 weeks (T11) of dance practice. Results: In the subjective questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS®2) survey, one of the health-related indicators, T-scores of the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) after the intervention showed a difference ( P = .014) between the dance group and the control group. In post hoc tests, increases of autonomic activity and number of days of high-intensity physical activity correlated positively with a reduction in TMD in the dance group. Conclusion: Among inactive middle-aged adults, participation in weekly ballroom dance lessons for 10 weeks improved their psychological mood compared to a control group. The improvement was found to have the positive effects of activating autonomic nervous system activity and increasing high-intensity physical activity. The results suggest that ballroom dancing may be effective in improving exercise habits and physical and mental health.
Linear relationship between triglyceride–glucose–body mass index and myopia in United States adolescents
Authors: Jin Zhaofeng , Liu Yalan , Luo Ying
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To determine the relationship between the triglyceride–glucose–body mass index (TyG-BMI) and the incidence of myopia in United States (US) adolescents.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with a focus on adolescents aged 12–19 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between TyG-BMI and myopia. Furthermore, a restricted cubic spline function logistic regression model was used to explore the linear relationship between changes in TyG-BMI and myopia. Lastly, stratified analyses and interaction term tests were performed.

Results

The incidence of myopia was noted to be 42.17% among US adolescents. TyG-BMI was significantly and linearly associated with myopia in adolescents (p < 0.05). Compared with adolescents in the low TyG-BMI group, those in the high TyG-BMI group exhibited a 20% higher risk of developing myopia (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, p for trend < 0.05).

Conclusions

TyG-BMI is significantly and positively associated with myopia incidence in US adolescents. The higher incidence of myopia in the high TyG-BMI group suggests the importance of metabolic health for myopia development. Controlling metabolic health factors is essential for preventing myopia in adolescents.
A prospective, observational study of a pediatric affect and cooperation scale (HRAD±) for vascular access procedures
Authors: Yun Romy , Kennedy Kristin M , Titzler Janet , Ganesan Avani , Yamaguchi Craig , Zuniga-Hernandez Michelle , Renavikar Meghana , Brinda Ryan , Jackson Christian , Rohovit Stacie , Caruso Thomas J
Published: December 2024

Background:

Anxiety is common in pediatric patients, especially during vascular access procedures. Most well-studied affect and anxiety scales, including the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-r), the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS), and the modified Induction Compliance Checklist (mICC), are too cumbersome for clinical use outside of research settings. HRAD± (Happy, Relaxed, Anxious, Distressed with yes/no to cooperation) is a clinically-efficient observational scale that evaluates pediatric procedural affect and cooperation. This study examined the clinical utility of HRAD± during vascular access procedures in children. The aims were to investigate the correlation of HRAD± to highly reliable, research-based affect and cooperation scales and to assess inter-rater reliability (IRR) between observers in this setting.

Methods:

This was a prospective, observational study conducted at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Inpatient participants were 1 month to 25 years old and undergoing a peripheral intravenous insertion or phlebotomy. Two trained research assistants (RAs) scored each patient independently during the vascular access procedure using HRAD±, OSBD-r, mYPAS, and mICC. Correlation analyses computed the associations between HRAD± and reference scales. IRR between RAs and vascular access providers was calculated using Fleiss’ Kappa.

Results:

A total of 234 patients were included. HRAD± scores strongly correlated with OSBD-r and mYPAS ( p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). The cooperation assessment of HRAD± demonstrated strong correlation to mICC ( p < 0.0001). IRR of HRAD± between research assistants and vascular access providers showed moderate agreement ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

HRAD± demonstrated strong correlation to the reference affect and cooperation scales. This study supports the utility of HRAD± for rapid assessment of pediatric procedural anxiety and cooperation during vascular access procedures. HRAD± can serve as a practical tool for facilitating clinical decisions, and its wider incorporation into healthcare settings would importantly guide targeted interventions to reduce patient anxiety.
The Catch-22 organization: Living with austerity, bureaucracy and absurdity in a public sector organization
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: December 2024

Through an empirical study of austerity-driven transformation in a Local Government Authority, this article makes three contributions to the emerging critical literature on paradox. First, it draws on Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22 as an addition to the burgeoning scholarship that uses the fiction of Kafka to analyse bureaucratic organizations. Second, it focuses on the experience of paradoxes for those on the frontline, which has been neglected in the paradox literature. Third, it introduces the concept of absurdination, which refers to a subjectivity that reflects the tension between rationality and absurdity in the workplace, which can generate unease, anxiety, frustration and disillusionment. Absurdination indicates that management need to learn from the experiences of those on the frontline and yet, paradoxically, it also points to the obstacles to doing so. Rather than ameliorate paradoxes in ways that reproduce the status quo, it suggests that we must learn to question it.
Populism and democratic attitudes: Comparing populist and non-populist candidates’ views on democracy and its alternatives
Authors: Gaio e Silva João , Lisi Marco
Published: December 2024

The rise of new populist parties has raised concerns for representative political systems and the quality of democracies, by challenging the liberal checks and balances in the name of the ‘general will’. Empirical research has found that populist voters tend to be more dissatisfied with democracy and supportive of direct procedures, while feelings of misrepresentation increase the display of populist attitudes. However, it remains unclear whether this also applies to candidates. This study investigates the differences in democratic attitudes of candidates from populist and non-populist parties, relying on data from the Comparative Candidates Survey. It explores the factors that account for diverging attitudes, particularly regarding party- and individual-level mechanisms. Results suggest that populist candidates tend to reveal lower levels of democratic satisfaction and more negative attitudes towards elections, as well as stronger preferences for direct procedures. These findings have significant implications for both populist studies and the field of political representation.
Do new participatory rights attract more party members? Evidence from Germany
Authors: Martínez-Cantó Javier
Published: December 2024

Political parties in advanced democracies have slowly but steadily lost members over the last decades. In response to such decline, a common argument is that parties aim to revitalize their internal life by introducing new participatory mechanisms for rank-and-file members. Introducing party primaries or party plebiscites should increase the attractiveness of membership and thus attract new members in aggregate. Although this argument is commonly present in the literature, we need a systematic empirical comparison. To test this argument, this article exploits the federal structure of German political parties and the different timing in introducing new participatory rights. The results of a series of fixed effects regressions, using data from the CDU/CSU and SPD between 1980 and 2020, find that new primaries have an essentially null influence on membership levels while plebiscites appear to reduce the number of members leaving the party.
Muslim students’ experiences of physical education: A scoping review
Authors: Stride Annette , Allen Jonathan
Published: December 2024

This scoping review brings together, for the first time, research spanning five decades focusing on Muslim students’ experiences of physical education (PE). In taking stock of this work, it advances knowledge by mapping how understandings of the relationship between religion and PE have developed, whilst identifying new avenues of inquiry. Therefore, this scoping review is a useful resource for pedagogues and other stakeholders to reflect on current PE policy and practice to ensure they are best serving their Muslim students’ needs. Two questions are addressed: ‘How has research developed understandings regarding Muslim students’ experiences of PE?’ and ‘What lessons can be learnt to support more inclusive experiences for Muslim students?’ A six-stage methodological approach was utilised: (1) identifying research question(s); (2) searching for studies; (3) selection; (4) charting data; (5) summarising results; and (6) expert consultation. A systematic literature search using key words (Islam, Muslim, Physical Education) identified 141 outputs. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria, 47 remained. The findings offer (a) a summary of the characteristics of the work reviewed, including growth of the field, research location, contexts, participants and methodological issues, and (b) a critical commentary, identifying a preoccupation with particular identities, the significance of acknowledging heterogeneity, and the problematic positioning of Muslim students. The paper concludes with some future research recommendations, including the need for research exploring Muslim boys' and young men's experiences, adopting alternative theoretical approaches, exploring different contexts and re-orientating how research is undertaken ‘with’ young people.
Paying to Be at the Bridge Table: An Exploration of the Bridge Playing-Sponsor Experience in Mindsport
Authors: McIntosh Ian , Punch Samantha , Tandy Cerys
Published: December 2024

Recently the card game bridge has become a focus of sociological study including the professionalisation of the game at elite tournament level. This article, based on 11 in-depth interviews with elite bridge sponsors, focuses on playing-sponsors; amateur players who sponsor and also play alongside professional elite players. The playing-sponsor is important for the financing of elite bridge but occupies an, often awkward, role as both a sponsor/employer and a player. The bridge playing-sponsor thus has to negotiate a complex mix of identities as both employer and ‘partner’, being a relatively powerful financial benefactor while simultaneously being widely regarded as the weaker player in the bridge partnership. Such a position involves a degree of ambivalence and a complex power dynamic and status(es) which have to be navigated. This is unusual within mindsport and sport more widely. These issues are explored via a close look at the lived experience of the bridge playing-sponsor. As such it should be of great interest to sociologists of sport, work, leisure, and formalised micro-interaction more generally.
The influence of the multifactorial falls prevention programme on mortality
Authors: Korpi Niko , Mikkelsson Marja , Korpi Tomi , Kautiainen Hannu
Published: December 2024

Aims:

Multifactorial falls prevention programmes (MFFPs) can prevent falls and fall-related injuries. We aimed to study MFFP patients’ mortality compared with their sex-, age- and residence-matched population-based controls.

Methods:

This study is a Finnish single-centre retrospective register-based controlled cohort study of a total of 527 home-dwelling MFFP patients and their 3:1 age-, sex- and residence-matched population-based controls ( n = 1581), who had not attended the MFFP.

Results:

During the follow-up, the cumulative mortality of all patients was 40.4, and of controls 39.1 %. Hazard ratio was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.68 to 0.99), p= 0.041. Case patients had a 2.7 times greater risk to die due to accidents, but they had a lower risk to die due to dementia, compared with the control group. The 72-years-old or older participants had a lower mortality rate than the controls during follow-up.

Conclusions:

The MFFP seems to relate to a lower all-cause mortality when comparing MFFP patients with their age-, sex- and residence-matched controls. However, the MFFP did not seem to relate to a lower injury-related mortality. The relationship between the MFFP and lower all-cause mortality seemed to be strongest in the patients aged 72 years or older. Due to the study setting and population-based control group, it is difficult to draw solid conclusions and further studies are needed. A randomized controlled trial comparing the MFFP with standard care would give better insight on the effectiveness of a MFFP on mortality.
Borrowed legitimacy and beseeched resources: How competing professionals negotiate identities and forge symbiosis within Chinese community corrections
Authors: Li Bo , Jiang Jize
Published: December 2024

The recent formalization of Chinese community corrections (CCC), with its explicit emphasis on the professional provision of rehabilitative services to offenders, signals Chinese policymakers striving to create a penal modernist project. It also instigates antagonism between justice and service-oriented professionals, who seek to assert and carve out respective jurisdictions over rehabilitative work. There is a dearth of research touching on the ways in which potential tensions, or contractionary professional identities, are managed in practice. Drawing on a set of ethnographic and interview data gleaned from a large Chinese city, which pioneered and implemented the professional model of community corrections, this study examines the negotiation of professional power and interprofessional dynamics in rehabilitative work. The analysis suggests that during professional contestation, CCC actors deploy strategies to maintain identity boundaries, while making compromises and ceding jurisdictional authority to the opposing group. The negotiated order is accomplished in this hybridized institutional field, primarily through variegated demands of professionals involved for capacity enhancement, legitimacy reinforcement, or pragmatic survival. A symbiotic, but continually fractious, configuration is thus forged, blurring professional boundaries and breeding reciprocal benefits that sustain collaboration. Implications for ameliorating CCC's rehabilitative work are discussed.
Using vignettes to compare the views of social workers and service-users: Some findings and reflections regarding assessments in child welfare
Authors: Pösö Tarja , Lamponen Tuuli , Jenni Repo , Noora Aarnio
Published: December 2024

While vignette studies have become more prevalent in social work research, it is, however, uncommon to include both practitioners and service-users in the research design to provide their views on an identical case. In this article, the aim is both to reflect on the usefulness of the vignette method in exploring assessments of the needs for services from the points of view of practitioners and service-users and to explore empirically those views on an identical case. The article is built on 28 group interviews with 120 practitioners and 14 group interviews with 41 care-experienced young people and parents of children in care. There are considerable similarities across the groups in their emphasis on ‘more information’ but the groups of practitioners and service-users also differ in their views on the nature of required information (what vs. why) and the purpose of the assessment (intake vs. solving problems). The analysis highlights some mundane manifestations of the implications of recent reforms in family and child welfare services in Finland, and most importantly, the ethical potential which the inclusion of both service-users and practitioners in the vignette design entails.
Day-break or groundhog day?: Pūao-te-Ata-tū and institutional racism in social service provision in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Haydon Janelle , Ruwhiu Paulé
Published: December 2024

This literature review explores the ongoing issue of institutional racism in social service delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Pūao-te-Ata-tū report, first published in 1986, identified the existence of racism within the Department of Social Welfare and made several significant recommendations to address this. A range of literature, including journal articles and grey literature, was consulted to evaluate how social work practices have changed in the context of Pūao-te-Ata-tū and to demonstrate how racism remains embedded in both day-to-day life and social service provision in Aotearoa New Zealand. In discussing recent social and political events, General Election, the review argues that Pūao-te-Ata-tū remains highly relevant in present-day Aotearoa New Zealand and celebrates the consistent determination of Māori to reclaim their tino rangatiratanga. The review advocates for the continued use of kaupapa Māori social work practices within a sector dominated by Western ideology and calls for a renewed focus on implementing the recommendations made in Pūao-te-Ata-tū.