bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPC-Pod: A New Sensor Payload to Measure Aerosol Particles for Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Authors: Schön Martin , Savvakis Vasileios , Kezoudi Maria , Platis Andreas , Bange Jens
Published: May 2024

Atmospheric aerosols affect human health and influence atmospheric and biological processes. Dust can be transported long distances in the atmosphere, and the mechanisms that influence dust transport are not fully understood. To improve the database for numerical models that simulate dust transport, measurements are needed that cover both the vertical distribution of the dust and its size distribution. In addition to measurements with crewed aircraft, uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) provide a particularly suitable platform for this purpose. In this paper, we present a payload for the small fixed-wing UAS of the type Multiple-Purpose Airborne Sensor Carrier 3 (MASC-3) for aerosol particle measurements that is based on the optical particle counter (OPC) OPC-N3 (Alphasense, United Kingdom), modified by the addition of a dryer and a passive aspiration system (OPC-Pod). Based on field tests with a reference instrument in Mannheim, Germany, wind tunnel tests, and a comparison measurement with the UAS-mounted aerosol particle measurement Universal Cloud and Aerosol Sounding System (UCASS) during a dust event over Cyprus, we show that the OPC-Pod can measure particle number concentrations in the range of 0.66–31 μm as well as particle size distributions. The agreement of the OPC-Pod with UCASS is good. Both instruments resolve a vertical profile of the Saharan dust event, with a prominent dust layer between 1500 and 2800 m MSL, with particle number concentrations up to 35 cm−3 for particles between 0.66 and 31 μm.
Politics at Play: TikTok and Digital Persuasion in Zimbabwe's 2023 General Elections
Authors: Ureke Oswelled
Published: May 2024

Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections were held against the backdrop of outcry over the outcomes of previous elections, which opposition political parties accusedthe ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party of rigging. Access to the public media is among the issues of contestation. Opposition political parties claim that they are not given equal space for campaigning purposes. Social networking sites such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have recently provided spaces for political communication, where all parties have unfettered access to the electorate. Recently, TikTok has emerged as a popular social networking site, rivaling established applications in terms of its uptake, particularly among youths. Research on the social media application suggests that it is largely used for trivial purposes and does not contribute to critical dialogue. However, lately there is evidence that TikTok is being used for “serious” purposes, including activism. The study sought to find out how political actors in Zimbabwe used the TikTok platform for political communication in the run-up to the 2023 elections. The paper also examines the nature of digital persuasion on TikTok and how this enriches or trivialises political discourse. Findings show that TikTok was used to urge Zimbabwean youths to register to vote as well as to provide visual evidence of the good and the bad associated with particular political parties, as they competed for voters. It was used as a politainment tool, combining political messaging with the entertainment affordances of TikTok.
Locally Self-Adjustive Smoothing for Measurement Noise Reduction with Application to Automated Peak Detection
Authors: Ozawa Keisuke , Itakura Tomoya , Ono Taisuke
Published: May 2024

Smoothing is a widely used approach for measurement noise reduction in spectral analysis. However, it suffers from signal distortion caused by peak suppression. A locally self-adjustive smoothing method is developed that retains sharp peaks and less distorted signals. The proposed method uses only one parameter that determines the global smoothness of data, while balancing the local smoothness using the data itself. Simulation and real experiments in comparison with existing convolution-based smoothing methods indicate both qualitatively and quantitatively improved noise reduction performance in practical scenarios. We also discuss parameter selection and demonstrate an application for the automated smoothing and detection of a given number of peaks from noisy measurement data.
Correction of the Effect of Humic Acids on the Fluorescence Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Combination Spectroscopy
Authors: Dong Guimei , Yu Yaping , Yang Yanrong , Cui Mengxiang , Yang Renjie
Published: May 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely distributed in soil and water, but fluorescence spectroscopy for PAHs is often interfered with organic matter in the environment. The aim of this paper is to evaluate a correction method using combined spectral technology in an environment where humic acids and PAHs coexist. In the present work, humic acids and benzo[ghi]perylene were analyzed in various concentrations using fluorescence and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy from single and mixed samples. The NIR prediction model of humic acids in mixed samples was established based on synergy interval partial least squares, and the standard curve of fluorescence spectra for humic acids was established at 478 nm (characteristic wavelength of benzo[ghi]perylene). The fluorescence intensity of humic acids in the mixed sample was predicted from the content derived from the NIR spectra. The final correction was carried out by their exclusion from the fluorescence of the mixture at the same wavelength. The corrected fluorescence intensity was linearly correlated with the concentration of benzo[ghi]perylene with R2 = 0.8362, while R2 = 0.3538 before correction. These results give a new insight into the calibration modeling of the combined spectral method.
A Simple Doublet Lens Design for Mid-Infrared Imaging
Authors: Nelmark Claire E. , Serrano Arnaldo L.
Published: May 2024

Wide-field mid-infrared (MIR) hyperspectral imaging offers a promising approach for studying heterogeneous chemical systems due to its ability to independently characterize the molecular properties of different regions of a sample. However, applications of wide-field MIR microscopy are limited to spatial resolutions no better than ∼1 μm. While methods exist to overcome the classical diffraction limit of ∼λ/2, chromatic aberration from transmissive imaging reduces the achievable resolution. Here we describe the design and implementation of a simple MIR achromatic lens combination that we believe will aid in the development of resolution-enhanced wide-field MIR hyperspectral optical and chemical absorption imaging. We also examine the use of this doublet lens to image through polystyrene microspheres, an emerging and simple means for enhancing spatial resolution.
What's representation got to do with it? Comparing public reactions to diversity among government employees and government contractors
Authors: Baker Keith , Rubin Ellen V. , Weinberg Stephen , Stout Christopher T.
Published: May 2024

The literature on representative bureaucracy is largely focused on government agencies and little attention has been paid to representation within private sector contractors providing services on behalf of government. A survey experiment, administered on a nationally representative panel collected by YouGov, is used to assess whether the public evaluates the distributive justice of government programs differently if the programs are implemented by either contractors or government officials, and whether this changes when the public is provided information on the diversity of those actors. We find that perceptions of distributive justice are no different with government or contractor delivery, nor do they change in response to diversity information. The findings imply that perceptions of distributive justice may only vary between contractors and government, and in response to diversity information, when the public are presented with information about program failure or obvious inequities.

Points for practitioners

Nationally representative survey data indicates that the general public may be more concerned with program failure rather than the demographic composition of the organization that delivers the service. When performance is the same between government and private contractors, the public views the program outcomes as equally fair. Diversity, on its own, is not enough to enhance the public's assessment of government decisions. When engaging with different communities, managers should remember that perceptions of government may be informed by assumptions about who may benefit from government programs and racial stereotypes.
Analyzing Destination Resilience From A Spatiotemporal Perspective
Authors: Jiao Xiaoying , Li Gang , Qiu Richard T. R. , Chen Jason Li
Published: May 2024

The tourism industry is vulnerable to external shocks. Various crises inevitably impact the tourism industry and tourist destinations negatively but at the same time bring opportunities to examine destination resilience in response to a real shock that is hard to simulate. To manage a crisis more effectively, two critical issues should be addressed: the duration of the impact of the crisis (i.e., temporal perspective) and the affected geographical scale (i.e., spatial perspective), which have been neglected in previous studies on destination resilience. To address the above gaps, this research develops a comprehensive, multi-stage, dynamic spatiotemporal analytical framework to firstly measure two aspects of tourism resilience (i.e., resistance and recovery), and secondly analyze the influencing factors of tourism resilience. The empirical context of international tourism in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic is used to demonstrate the applicability of the developed framework and relevant policy implications.
Exploring the demand, practicality, and acceptability of a mental health application intervention for students at a South African university
Authors: Mudau Tondani , Jithoo Vinitha , Dietrich Janan
Published: May 2024

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions for mental health and well-being have increased exponentially in recent years. In this digital era, mHealth interventions are proving to be a useful tool in the promotion of mental health for university students. This mixed-methods study explored the feasibility, practicality, and acceptability of a mental health application (app) designed to address mental health challenges among university students. Overall, a total of 1100 participants completed an online survey, and data were analysed using statistical analytics software. Most of the participants were female (72.73%) within the 18–20 age group (64.64%) and in their first year of study (46.18%). The results show that at least 98.7% of the participants owned a smartphone, 80.8% had access to mobile data, 66.9% used Android software, 20.09% had historically been diagnosed with a mental health challenge, and 26.6% had used an online health app. Sixty-two participants were enrolled across 16 focus group discussions. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, which revealed four facilitators of app acceptability (exposure to mental health apps, convenience, accessibility, and confidentiality) and three barriers to app acceptability (preference for face-to-face therapy, overreliance on app, and fear of misdiagnosis). The findings suggest that an app that is convenient, accessible, confidential, and nonpathologising can be a feasible and acceptable intervention to address mental health challenges.
Music and mathematics: Key components and contributions of an integrated STEAM teaching approach
Authors: González-Martín Cristina , Prat Moratonas Montserrat , Forcada Royo Judith
Published: May 2024

The limited number of STEAM educational experiences in Spain was the motivation behind this study, whose goal was to identify the contributions and essential components of integrated STEAM teaching, specifically the approach that relates the arts (music) to science subjects (mathematics). To this end, a multiple case study was carried out in primary classrooms at three schools. The interviews carried out with teachers, students, and management teams, and the observation of the application of different activities provided a comprehensive vision of the keys to integrated STEAM teaching (co-teaching, coordination, and an interdisciplinary relationship between subjects). The data also brought to light the benefits of STEAM educational practice (procedural mimesis between subjects, student motivation, links between teachers, and professional growth) and also the difficulties encountered. All this, contrasted with the ideas expounded in the literature, enables us to propose lines of work that the educational community should find suggestive and inspiring since the combination of science with the arts, creativity, integration, and innovation has the potential to promote the necessary aptitudes for students in the 21st century.
High-temperature oxidation behaviours of rare earth-based pyrochlore structured A2B2O7/yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Dharuman N. , Arulmozhi M. , Ramachandran Sathish Kumar , Sreedhar Gosipathala
Published: May 2024

Addressing the challenge of cost-effectively synthesizing stable thermal barrier coating materials has been a significant hurdle. This study describes the bulk synthesis of stannate-based pyrochlore compounds, specifically erbium tin oxide (Er2Sn2O7) and yttrium tin oxide (Y2Sn2O7). These synthesized pyrochlore oxides and commercially available yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were coated onto nickel super alloy. The coated specimens were subjected to thermal oxidation kinetics studies at 900 ± 5°C for 200 h, and alterations in physico-chemical characteristics, modifications in surface morphology, and variations in the composition of thermal barrier coating (TBCs) before and after exposure to oxidation conditions were evaluated. Oxidation kinetics results demonstrate that Er2Sn2O7 pyrochlore oxide has better performance than other Y2Sn2O7 and commercial YSZ TBC materials in high-temperature thermal barrier systems.
Clinical validation of automated depth camera-based measurement of the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Zhang Tao , Fan Jingyuan , Gu Fanbin , Yu Qiuhua , Wang Honggang , Yang Jiantao , Zhu Qingtang
Published: May 2024

Objective

Depth camera-based measurement has demonstrated efficacy in automated assessment of upper limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment for paralysis rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of adequately sized studies to provide clinical support. Thus, we developed an automated system utilizing depth camera and machine learning, and assessed its feasibility and validity in a clinical setting.

Design

Validation and feasibility study of a measurement instrument based on single cross-sectional data.

Setting

Rehabilitation unit in a general hospital

Participants

Ninety-five patients with hemiparesis admitted for inpatient rehabilitation unit (2021–2023).

Main measures

Scores for each item, excluding those related to reflexes, were computed utilizing machine learning models trained on participant videos and readouts from force test devices, while the remaining reflex scores were derived through regression algorithms. Concurrent criterion validity was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, percent agreement and Cohen's Kappa coefficient for ordinal scores of individual items, as well as correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients for total scores. Video-based manual assessment was also conducted and compared to the automated tools.

Result

The majority of patients completed the assessment without therapist intervention. The automated scoring models demonstrated superior validity compared to video-based manual assessment across most items. The total scores derived from the automated assessment exhibited a high coefficient of 0.960. However, the validity of force test items utilizing force sensing resistors was relatively low.

Conclusion

The integration of depth camera technology and machine learning models for automated Fugl-Meyer Assessment demonstrated acceptable validity and feasibility, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in rehabilitation assessment.
Primary palliative care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the evidence for models and outcomes
Authors: Peeler Anna , Afolabi Oladayo , Adcock Michael , Evans Catherine , Nkhoma Kennedy , van Breevoort Dorothee , Farrant Lindsay , Harding Richard
Published: May 2024

Background:

Serious health-related suffering is predicted to double in low- and middle-income countries by 2060. Primary care offers the best opportunity to meet Universal Health Coverage in an equitable way. Primary palliative care growth should be evidence-based to ensure provision is feasible, acceptable and culturally congruent.

Aim:

To identify the current evidence related to primary palliative care and to describe how primary palliative is defined in this setting, dominant typologies of care and meaningful outcome measures in LMICs.

Design:

A systematic review and thematic synthesis was conducted. We described the nature, extent and distribution of published literature on primary palliative care in low- and middle-income countries, use thematic synthesis to characterize typologies of primary palliative care and design a process model for care delivery in low- and middle-income countries.

Data sources:

Medline, Psychinfo, Global Health, Embase and CINAHL.

Results:

Thirty-five publications were included. Nearly half took place in Asia ( n = 16, 45.7%). We identified five dominant typologies of primary palliative care, including delivery in primary care clinics by multidisciplinary healthcare teams and palliative care specialists, in people’s homes by healthcare professionals and volunteers and in tertiary healthcare facilities by generalists. We designed a process model for how these models operate within larger health systems and identified barriers and facilitators to implementing primary palliative care in this context.

Conclusion:

Evidence supporting primary palliative care in low- and middle-income countries is limited, and much of the published literature comes from Asia and southern Africa. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries have unique strengths and needs that affect primary palliative care services that should guide how services evolve to meet future need.
Nil Darpan: how a mistakenly published play helped force labour reforms in British India
Authors: Stanley Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

In 1860s India, Bengali playwright Dinabandhu Mitra wrote the play Nil Darpan (Indigo Mirror), an exposé of violent abuses committed against Indian farm workers by powerful British indigo dealers. With help from a Christian missionary, the play was translated into English and shared with the office of Bengal’s Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Peter Grant. Grant approved a few copies to be printed to share with colleagues; instead, hundreds were mistakenly printed and distributed to Parliament members in England, outraging and embarrassing the British Raj. But would the amusing debacle help bring positive change to Indian labourers? The events of the Nil Darpan controversy are well-known to historians but have often been mythologised and misrepresented. The author provides a unique perspective on the events by comparing and contrasting the news media’s coverage of the Nil Darpan controversy, and Bengali theatre and film artists’ reactions to it, using his own findings from Indian, UK and US newspapers of the era ranging from 1859 to 1917. This article is based on a lecture given at the annual Fulbright Association Conference in October 2023 held in Denver, Colorado.
Crash Prediction on Horizontal Curves: Review and Model Performance Comparison
Authors: Yang Zhongyu , (Lucas) Yu Pingzhou , Shah Ronit , Knezevich Ronald , (James) Tsai Yi-Chang
Published: May 2024

More than 25% of all roadway fatalities in the U.S. are associated with a horizontal curve, and the average crash rate for horizontal curves is about three times that of other types of highway segments. A focus on horizontal curves can prove to be a cost-effective approach to reducing safety issues. Accurate crash prediction models (CPMs) on horizontal curves can help roadway safety practitioners assess and prioritize safety improvements. Although many CPMs have been developed, there are no extant studies that compare different CPMs on a singular, real-world, large-scale, and comprehensive dataset to evaluate their capability for horizontal curve crash prediction. This study critically evaluated commonly used CPMs, including multiple linear regression (MLR), Poisson regression (PR), negative binomial regression (NBR), support vector machine, random forest (RF), and fully connected neural network (FCNN) models, on rural curves extracted from 18,000 centerline miles of Georgia, U.S.’s state-maintained routes and statewide historical crash data set from 2013 to 2021. Results show PR and NBR models outperform MLR by around 6%. Moreover, the FCNN and RF models further improved this performance by around an additional 6% over the PR and NBR models. Overall, machine learning (ML)-based models outperform generalized linear regression models. The results prove ML-based models can be recommended to transportation agencies to forecast horizontal curve crashes more accurately.
Silk fibroin sponge impregnated with fish bone collagen: A promising wound healing scaffold and skin tissue regeneration
Authors: Senthil Rethinam
Published: May 2024

In the present study, porous silk fibroin sponges (SFS) were prepared using silk fibroin (SF), fish bone collagen (FBC), and olive oil (OO). The study investigates the potential use of using this sponge as skin tissue regeneration. The sponge was characterized for its physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and drug release properties. An in vitro study was carried out using human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Biodegradation study using enzymatic method was carried out. The results showed that the mechanical properties such as tensile strength (23.40 ± 0.05 MPa), elongation at break (14.25 ± 0.02%), and water absorption (30.23 ± 0.01%) of the SFS were excellent, indicating promising performance. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays proved the biocompatible nature of the SFS. The SFS exhibited outstanding antibacterial properties against E. coli (4.72 ± 0.05 mm) and S. aureus (4.98 ± 0.07 mm). The developed SFS promote a promising solution for skin tissue regeneration and wound dressing.
Mobile phones and moral order: Children’s appropriation of and accounting for digital media rules in schools
Authors: Aarsand Pål , Melander Bowden Helen
Published: May 2024

This study explores children’s appropriation of media rules in a group of boys (10 years) in Sweden. The analysis is based on focus-group interviews where rules regulating children’s use of mobile phones in school was discussed. Drawing on ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, the focus is on how rules are made sense of and appropriated, and how this contributes to establishing, negotiating, and sustaining a moral order for digital media use. The findings show that the children justify rules by discussing them in relation to their school context, through criticism of the enforcement of rules, and through navigating different rule systems.
Issues of gas film stability with performance characteristics in u-ECDM: A review of existing approaches and preliminary investigation on proposed stable & sustainable approach
Authors: Bahar Dil , Dvivedi Akshay , Kumar Pradeep
Published: May 2024

Micro-featured devices (made of glass and its composites) are becoming increasingly necessary for Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and healthcare devices with the emergence of technology. Due to limitations of existing methods, Micro Electro Chemical Discharge Machining (μ-ECDM) is an evolving technique for difficult to micro machine materials like glass. However, improper flushing and unstable electrolytic conditions in the processing zone percolates the efficacy, accuracy, and repeatability of μ-ECDM. Consequently, deteriorating the sustainability and industrial feasibility of this process. To cope up with these problems, various approaches like ultrasonic assistance, rotary mode, magneto hydrodynamic are integrated and investigated with μ-ECDM in the literature. Although these approaches achieved the intended objectives but do not assure the stability and sustainability of the process, which are essential for industrial feasibility in the present scenario. The present review has stressed upon the effects of existing approaches on gas film formation, discharge characteristics and performance outcomes. Systematic review methodology indicated the extensive usage of ultrasonic vibrations in μ-ECDM and, the studies on the stability/sustainability of μ-ECDM process are neglected. According to literature and preliminary investigation, problems pertaining to the rising electrolyte temperature and heterogeneous electrolyte concentration are the attributed reasons, which affects the stability as well as sustainability. Therefore, the present review proposed an innovative approach to achieve the stability and sustainability of μ-ECDM process by controlling the electrolytic conditions (termed as controlled-ECDM). A preliminary experimental investigation witnessed the enhancement of process performance and quality characteristics in controlled-ECDM.
A novel collision avoidance strategy for highway overtaking considering the driver’s steering intent
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Liang Weihe , Zhang Han , Zhao Wanzhong , Wang Chunyan , Huang Heng
Published: May 2024

Intelligent driving has been prevailing worldwide and is also challenging, which can be complicated by the factors of human drivers. In this paper, a novel collision avoidance strategy is proposed to enhance driving safety in highway overtaking by comprehensively considering the driver’s steering intent. First, in order to capture the driver’s operational characteristics from the driving data, we formulate the prediction of the driver’s steering intent and the ego vehicle’s states as a multivariate time series (MTS) forecasting problem, which is then handled by deep learning with a time pattern attention mechanism (DL-Attn). Second, a predictive risk field (PRF) model is proposed to quantify the real-time overtaking risk based on the above prediction results. Then, the overtaking is evaluated via a personalized risk threshold which can be set for a specific driver via experiments. Next, a linear time-varying model predictive control (LTV-MPC) -based assistance controller is designed so as to interfere in the risky overtaking and take over the ego vehicle from the driver to avoid possible collisions. And the feasibility and stability of the closed system are ensured theoretically. Finally, experiments are carried out in three typical cases. The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can not only effectively improve driving safety for highway overtaking, but also identify safe overtaking to avoid unnecessary interference.
An interconnected suspension with adjustable roll and pitch stiffness (IS-ARPS) to enhance anti-roll and anti-dive/squat characteristics
Authors: Lu Yukun , Huang Yanjun , Sun Chen , Zhong Jiaming , Khajepour Amir
Published: May 2024

The suspension system is critical in maintaining vehicle stability in roll and pitch directions. Hydro-pneumatic interconnected suspension systems, in which the suspension struts are connected through hydraulic hoses, flow control valves, and accumulators, have great potential to further enhance anti-roll and anti-pitch characteristics. To address the existing designs’ shortcomings, this study introduces an interconnected suspension with adjustable roll and pitch stiffness (IS-ARPS). It not only eliminates the conventional anti-roll bars but also enables adjustment of roll stiffness depending on the driving and vehicle load conditions. In the pitch direction, the IS-ARPS provides an additional amount of pitch stiffness to reduce the dive/squat during braking/acceleration. The mathematical modeling of the IS-ARPS is also straightforward, requiring less computational cost and making it more practical for real-time implementations. Overall, the IS-ARPS system represents a significant advancement in the design of roll and pitch coupled interconnected suspensions, offering a more practical and versatile solution. The above features are examined through co-simulation between MATLAB/Simulink and ADAMS/Car.
Research on DCT shift strategy for various driving style based on “driver-vehicle-cloud” machine learning
Authors: Yang Qing , Wu Guangqiang , Zhang Shaozhe
Published: May 2024

In order to solve the problem that the DCT static shift strategy cannot adapt to the difference in driving style, the driving style identification model based on multi-dimensional data mining and intelligent algorithm heavily depends on vehicle terminal data storage and calculation, an intelligent shift strategy based on “driver-vehicle-cloud” cooperative control is proposed. Firstly, the dynamic model of the DCT vehicle is analyzed, the primary shift schedule is calculated, and a method to adaptively modify the shifting schedule of DCT according to driving style is proposed. Then, many vehicle driving data are collected, cleaned, and reconstructed by wavelet denoising and other methods, and a driving style database with 80-dimensional features is constructed. Five essential features are selected by the ReliefF method, and the driving style recognition model is constructed by combining random forest, support vector machine, naive Bayesian, and other algorithms. Finally, the support vector machine model with the highest precision is selected, and the “driver-vehicle-cloud” collaborative control system is deployed using cloud computing and vehicle-cloud collaborative technology. The experiment car test shows that the system can identify the driver’s driving style in real time and realize the differential shift schedule and driving experience of DCT.
Effects of non-uniformity in thickness and volume fraction of nanofillers on the flutter characteristics of nanocomposite cantilever trapezoidal plates
Authors: Torabi Keivan , Afshari Hassan , Haji Aboutalebi Farhad
Published: May 2024

The aim of this work is to investigate the flutter characteristics of nanocomposite cantilever trapezoidal plates with non-uniform thickness enriched with either carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), or graphene oxide powders (GOPs) which are distributed functionally graded (FG) in the axial direction. It is assumed that the thickness of the plate and the volume fraction of the nanofillers vary in one direction from the wider clamped edge of the plate to the outer narrower free one. The modeling of the plate is done using the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the aerodynamic pressure generated by the aerodynamic pressure is modeled using the linear approximation of the piston theory. The material properties of the plate are calculated using the mixing rule (ROM) and the Halpin–Tsai model. The governing equations and boundary conditions at the clamped and free edges of the plate are derived via Hamilton’s principle. An approximate solution is applied using the differential quadrature method (DQM) to calculate the natural frequencies and the damping ratios of the plate. Numerical examples show that it is possible to find an optimal thickness variation profile that provides the greatest aeroelastic stability. It is concluded that by considering the same value for the mass fractions of the nanofillers, the highest aeroelastic stability can be attained by utilizing the GNPs as the reinforcers. It is found that to attain further improvement in aeroelastic stability, most nanofillers should be distributed near the clamped edge and away from the outer free edge.
Output feedback control for hypersonic flight vehicles via distributed high-gain observer
Authors: Ji Yuehui , Jiang Jingwei , Liu Junjie , Gao Qiang
Published: May 2024

During the hypersonic flight process of rigid hypersonic flight vehicles (HFVs), the flight-path angle and angle of attack are usually small and sensitive to flight condition variation, the accurate measurements are difficult, subsequently the formulation of states observers is an urgent issue. A distributed high-gain observer is proposed to reconstruct the admissible system state dynamics based on limited measured output. First, a distributed observer is proposed for the cascade strict-feedback system to ensure the global convergence of the state estimation errors between the estimated state in each local observer and system states, for the prescribed system initial values. Second, the distributed high-gain observer-based nonlinear control is investigated on the longitudinal dynamics of HFVs with partial measurable states. The rigid body system dynamic is divided into the altitude subsystem and the velocity subsystem. In the altitude subsystem, the proposed distributed high-gain observer is formulated to exact estimate the flight-path angle and angle of attack, and then the back-stepping design is proposed for constructing the controllers. The nonlinear dynamic inversion controller is introduced to accomplish the velocity tracking. Finally, simulation examples are served to verify that the proposed output feedback control possesses the superior properties of high tracking performance, fast convergence of state estimation error and easy-implementation.
Numerical investigations on heat transfer of supercritical RP-3 flowing in circular tube
Authors: Zhang Cuizhen , Gao Xuan , Zhu Kun , Wang Yongmei , Liu Yingjie , Wang Fengming , Yin Shuai
Published: May 2024

This study aims to develop a reliable numerical model for predicting the supercritical heat transfer of aviation kerosene RP-3 in a tube under heating conditions, thereby providing a reference for revealing the mechanism behind the experimental phenomena. Based on validation studies between seven turbulence models and experiments, a numerical method using the Yang-Shih turbulence model is proposed. A detailed prediction of the turbulent flow process is obtained, and the heat transfer characteristics of RP-3 are analyzed. The evolution of parameters and properties in axial and radial directions is demonstrated, followed by investigations of the effects of system pressure, fuel inlet temperature, and mass flow rate. The drastic change in the specific heat of the fuel when its temperature is close to the pseudocritical value and the temperature difference between the area near the wall and the center of the tube are the main causes of the enhancement and deterioration of the heat exchange. A higher inlet temperature increases the heat transfer coefficient, but due to its different effects on decreasing the density and the viscosity, it increases the pressure drop. In addition, larger mass flow rates can promote turbulence intensity and heat transfer, but cause a higher pressure drop across the tube.
Detection, sequencing, and tissue distribution of piscine orthoreovirus 2–like virus in diseased coho salmon in Alaska
Authors: Eckstrand Chrissy D. , Torrevillas Brandi K. , Wolking Rebecca M. , Bradway Daniel S. , Reno Joetta Lynn , McMenamin-Snekvik Kathleen M. , Snekvik Kevin R.
Published: May 2024

We performed a diagnostic disease investigation on a cohort of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch) fingerlings in Alaska exhibiting anorexia, gaping mouths, anemia, and increased mortality. Histologic examination revealed mild-to-severe myocardial degeneration and lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic myocarditis, moderate splenic histiocytosis, and mild renal histiocytosis. Piscine orthoreoviruses 1 and 3 were not detected by molecular methods, and no other viruses could be cultured on 3 common diagnostic fish cell lines. De novo assembly produced a viral genome of 10 linear segments with >80% homology to piscine orthoreovirus 2 (PRV2) encoding all 11 PRV2 proteins. An in situ hybridization probe using RNAscope was developed against 697 viral nucleotides identified by sequencing, which revealed viral genome in heart, spleen, gill, kidney, liver, blood, and the lamina propria of the intestines. Our findings are supportive of a novel piscine orthoreovirus most closely related to PRV2 associated with morbidity and mortality of coho salmon in the northeastern Pacific.
Testing Theories of States' Adoption of the Direct Primary
Authors: Hassell Hans J. G. , Lytle Robert A.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the origins of primary elections has important implications for evaluating their role in American elections. While there is little argument about the importance of primaries to the American electoral system, there is less agreement about why states adopted the direct primary and what they were intended to accomplish. Previous scholarship has laid out three theories: the strength of the progressive movement, parties' efforts to maintain one-party rule, and the urbanization of American society. Using comprehensive state-level data from 1892 to 1930, we test these theories of states' adoption of direct primaries. We find a strong influence of the strength of the progressive movement and the rate of urbanization on the adoption of the direct primary, but we do not, however, find any influence of state partisan competition. Our findings reinforce original arguments about the importance of the progressive movement and urbanization in the adoption of the direct primary.
“Pleasure to Pain?” The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Sexual Violence in Marriages: Experiences of Rural Ghanaian Women
Authors: Asiama Aikins Amoako
Published: May 2024

In many parts of the world, particularly in rural areas, sexual violence remains a serious issue. However, cultural orientations urge women to be submissive and obedient sexual partners in marriages. Hence, during COVID-19 lockdowns, when women were thought to be sexually assaulted most, this study used a chain referral sample technique to recruit 20 married rural Ghanaian women to examine their lived experiences of sexual violence. The study established that rural culture denies women sexual autonomy in marriages and offers husbands unrestricted access to their wives’ bodies. Sexual violence becomes predominant and unbearable for rural wives during lockdown.
SDGs Managers’ Assessment Bias and Their Implications for Preventing Violence Against Women in Companies
Authors: Vara-Horna Arístides A. , Giraldo-Mejia Wilfredo , Guzman-Melgar Catalina , Quintana-Otiniano María , Navarro-Viacava Marco , Delgado-Zegarra Jaime
Published: May 2024

This study explores the role of managers’ perceptions of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in preventing violence against women in companies. Surveying 673 managers in Lima, Peru, it found gender-based discrepancies in SDG priorities, with men leaning toward industry goals and women toward well-being and gender equality. Socially ingrained gender biases influence prevention strategies: men often comply with mandatory measures, while women opt for noncompulsory strategic actions. Notably, a high valuation of SDG-5 (gender equality) correlates with diverse prevention efforts. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender bias in company practices and improving business school formation.
Lifetime Polyvictimization and Mental Health Outcomes in Women With vs Without Incarceration Histories: A Population-Based Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Arévalo Sandra P. , Zhao Qianwei
Published: May 2024

We use latent class analysis, a life course framework, and information on the type, frequency, and timing of trauma exposure to identify distinct polytrauma groups in a national sample of women (AddHealth). We compare the identified polytrauma groups and their associations with mental health in adulthood in women with and without incarceration histories. A unique group with polyvictimization (neglect, physical, sexual) exposure in childhood by a caregiver in women with incarceration histories was not identified in women without incarceration histories. We find evidence of distinct associations between polytrauma groups and mental health and possibly, criminal justice involvement, in adulthood.
Chemotherapy safe handling practices in Ethiopia: A comprehensive multi-center evaluation
Authors: Webb Nathaniel , Matys Samantha , Collins James B , Garcia Julian , Worku Kaleab , Lines Mandee , Hirata Hailey , Dark Erin , Brooks Callee , Buhlinger Kaitlyn , Fentie Atalay Mulu , Roberts Megan C , Muluneh Benyam
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The increasing incidence of cancer and capacity for cancer care in Ethiopia has led to an upsurge in chemotherapy use in the country; however, studies indicate that there is a gap in the safe handling of chemotherapy by healthcare workers. There exists a need to understand if such unsafe practices occur in Ethiopia and, if so, which areas along the chemotherapy life cycle need the most improvement.

Methods

This study utilized a multi-method design through an online survey administered to health care professionals and evaluative site visits of eight cancer units in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to understand the current conditions of chemotherapy handling. In addition, a survey was conducted among Ethiopian health care professionals from across the country.

Results

Fifty-five percent of survey participants disagreed or strongly disagreed that there are systems in place to identify, prevent, and address chemotherapy hazards in their workplace, and 71% of respondents denied having an active and effective health and safety committee and/or worker health and safety representative where they work. At evaluative site visits, only 30% of health care workers met the minimum guidelines for proper hand hygiene, and 20% of health care workers used adequate Personal Protective Equipment according to guidelines across the chemotherapy lifecycle.

Conclusions

Results of this study indicate an urgent need for implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve chemotherapy handling in Ethiopia so that all patients and health care workers are protected from the hazardous toxicities of these drugs.
Hospital Competition in Major U.S. Metropolitan Areas: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Rivers Patrick Asubonteng , Glover Saundra , Munchus George
Published: May 2024

In response to dramatic rises in health care costs, policy-makers have been debating the relative merits of competitive strategies as a means of containing costs. This article represents a study of the 29 largest MSAs for 1991. Controlling for environmental conditions in each market, the impact of competition on hospital costs was examined. Competition was found to have had a significant positive impact on overall hospital costs.
Hospital Restructuring: Does it Adversely Affect Care and Outcomes?
Authors: Aiken Linda H. , Clarke Sean P. , Sloane Douglas M.
Published: May 2024

The past decade has witnessed pronounced changes in the organization of U.S. hospitals, many the direct result of restructuring and reengineenng initiative intended to decrease costs and increase productivity Little is known about how these initiatives have affected clinical care and patient outcomes. Using data from a variety of sources the authors describe initiatives that hospitals undertook over this period, indicate how staffing changed relative to the case-mix of patients receiving care, and examine changes in nursing practice environments over the period from 1996 to 1998. The authors found that apparent increases in nurse-to-patient ratios may be deceiving and that increases in patient acuity and nurses’ responsibilities may have increased the workload of nurses in hospitals in ways, when coupled with a deteriorating practice environment, may adversely affect patient outcomes.
Zero-Sum Politics, The Herbert Thesis and the Ryan White Care Act: Lessons from the Local Side of Aids
Authors: Slack James D.
Published: May 2024

This study examines the dynamics of grass-roots decision making processes involved in the implementation of the Ryan White CARE Act. Providing social services to persons with HIV/AIDS, the CARE act requires participation of all relevant groups, including representatives of the HIV/AIDS and gay communities.

Decision making behavior is explored by applying a political (zero-sum) model and a bureaucratic (the Herbert Thesis) model.

Using qualitative research techniques, the Kern County (California) HIV Consortium is used as a case study. Findings shed light on the decision making behavior of social service organizations characterized by intense advocacy and structured on the basis of voluntarism and non-hierarchical relationships. Findings affirm bureaucratic behavior predicted by the Herbert Thesis, and they also discern factors which seem to trigger more conflictual zero-sum behavior.
AIDS-Related Knowledge and Behavior Among Married Kenyan Men: A Behavioral Paradox?
Authors: Dodoo F. Nii-Amoo , Ampofo Akosua Adomako
Published: May 2024

The heterosexual character of HIV/AIDS transmission in sub-Saha-ran Africa, a context where men are dominant in sexual and reproductive matters, underscores the importance of assessing male behavior in sexual and related health arenas. Despite condom use being the recom-mended and expected behavioral response to knowledge about the fatal outcome of HIV/AIDS infection, use continues to be extremely low in sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores the relationship between various facets of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and condom use among married Kenyan men.

The main finding is one of a significant inter-action effect of the recognition that it is impossible to visually identify infected parties and one's perception of self-risk. Although neither is in itself significant. simultaneously recognizing that healthy-looking persons may be infected and perceiving that one is himself not at risk significantly reduces condom use among men. This finding—of an interaction effect— plausibly explains why a perception of self-risk, on its own. does not necessarily translate into safe behavior. After all, those who believe they can identify infected persons may think they are at low risk because they avoid contact with the infected and, in selecting partners they deem free of infection, they may be less inclined to use condoms. This finding has implications for how specific aspects of AIDS-related knowledge are imparted to communities and individuals as well as for our understanding of other health-related behaviors.
HIV AIDS and Young Age Widowhood in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adetunji Jacob A.
Published: May 2024

This article investigates a probable hidden consequence of high rates of HIV infection and AIDS deathsâ€”an apparently rising proportion of women aged below 50 years who are widowed. It is assumed that young widows who remain unmarried and are sexually active may widely disseminate HIV infection if they are seropositive and do not use condoms. Data from eight nationally representative social surveys in sub-Saharan Africa are analyzed. Four of the surveys are from countries with high HIV prevalence rates (about 10% of adults are HIV positive) and the other four surveys are from countries with relatively low prevalence rates (about 2% of adults are HIV positive). The proportion of young widows in six countries with relevant data are calculated and compared over time. The results show that the proportion of young widows is higher in countries with high HIV prevalence rates than in countries with low prevalence rates. Moreover, while the proportion of young widows decreased in countries with low HIV prevalence rates, the proportion increased in high -prevalence countries. The implications of these results for research policy in Sub-Saharan Africa are discussed.