bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Path Less Taken? Interstate Conciliation and Human Rights
Authors: Sthoeger Eran
Published: May 2024

Though provided for in several treaties, including three universal human rights treaties, resort to interstate conciliation has been sparse. In 2018, however, the first three human rights interstate conciliations were initiated under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (cerd). While two of these have been suspended by mutual agreement, the third, Palestine v. Israel, is ongoing after the cerd Committee has concluded that it has jurisdiction to establish a conciliation commission. This article examines how suited conciliation is to advance the goals of interstate communications in human rights treaties, as well as conciliation more broadly. It also tries to identify critical factors that may determine the success or failure of such conciliations, particularly by drawing on lessons learned from the recent conciliation between Timor Leste and Australia under the UN Convention for the Law of the Sea, which successfully concluded with a delimitation treaty.
A possible pheromone effect as reflected in food handling by Messor arenarius ants
Authors: Warburg Ittai
Published: May 2024

This work aimed to explore a pheromone effect during food handling using food choice field experiments with Messor arenarius ants. The results showed that the proportion of times ants touched the two food items placed in the artificial food patch (collection point) with their antennae was significantly higher in their first collection attempt than in subsequent attempts. However, when the soil was replaced after each collection attempt, there were no significant differences in the proportions of cases in which ants touched the two food items with their antennae between the first and subsequent food collection attempts. This difference may indicate that ants deposited a pheromone in their first food collection attempt that faded away when the soil in the patch was replaced after each collection attempt.
The Practice of Post-Handover Party Interactions between Hong Kong and Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Adrian
Published: May 2024

This article applies a three-level framework based on the logic of ontological security to the case of party interactions between Hong Kong and Taiwan in the post-handover years. Rather than through domestication and subversion, as the literature suggests, this article argues that liminal actors enhance their ontological security through interacting with like-minded partners. Establishing the case of liminality for Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article also finds that both conventional and movement parties in the two political units interacted to strengthen their stable sense of self. However, their practices differed based on their political positions within the political systems and their available resources. This article provides the first empirical mapping of the conventional party interactions between Hong Kong and Taiwan. It seeks to contribute a theoretical framework explaining the close links between political units and their movements.
Intelligent Light Emitting Diode Flashing Supplementary Lighting Control Design and Its Big Data Illumination Analysis
Authors: Huang Xu , Xu Huibin , He Wuming , Zeng Mengjia , Wu Mengfei
Published: May 2024

Considering the inherent advantages of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) in the field of illumination, this work designs an intelligent supplementary lighting system using LED as the light source. Combining microcontroller and electronic circuit theory, the circuit is built with the microcontroller
PIC16F873 as the core control chip. The system utilizes an external 220 V AC-20 V DC conversion power supply, hence operating on a 20 V DC power source. The system consists of four hardware parts: the onboard power supply uses TI-produced TPS54331 as the control chip to achieve voltage conversion;
the external signals (flashing and burst flashing signals) are isolated from the microcontroller through an optocoupler circuit; the PWM pulses output from the microcontroller’s RC1/CCP2 pins drive the corresponding switching tubes to achieve the flashing function; the flashing synchronization
signal is output externally after optocoupler isolation, and its synchronous output with the flashing signal is achieved through an optocoupler after LED conduction; the circuit is established using TI-produced differential bus transceiver SN65LBC184D to convert the external 485 differential
signal to the level signal required by the microcontroller. In the experiment, after completing the hardware design, connecting the LED panel, and debugging the test program, it is found that the designed lighting system has a good supplementary lighting effect. According to the PWM output
waveform, the flashing effect meets the design expectations. The Hadoop big data computing platform is introduced. Simulation testing reveals that under no backlight conditions, the system achieves an illumination intensity of around 20 klx at a distance of about 10 meters. With backlight
conditions, the system maintains an illumination intensity of around 1.5 klx at a distance of about 10 meters. Further calculations are performed to analyze the variation in foot traffic within the test area’s illumination over 24 hours. The total illumination intensity during different
time intervals is compiled, confirming that the system can autonomously adjust the illumination intensity of the area based on changes in foot traffic.
Online Detection of Temperature Surge in Distributed Transmission Conductors Based on Fiber Optic Sensing Technology and Prediction Bias Correction
Authors: Liu Jie , Xia Yanwei , Jia Boyan , Wu Guoqiang , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: May 2024

In an effort to overcome the shortcomings of transmittal line heat mutation detection, such as the need for long-term preset external power supply and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, we study the online detection of heat mutation of dispersed transmittal conductor based
on staple optic sensing technique and correction of sensor prediction bias, which solves the issue of cross allergy between heat and damage. Based on the staple optic sensing technique, the staple optic transducer is designed and the Brillouin rate divert of the dispersed transmittal line
is calculated; on the basis of the relationship between the Brillouin rate divert and the heat, the heat measurement result of the dispersed transmittal line is obtained; in the radial basis function meshwork, the heat measurement result is inputted, the heat measurement deviation of the staple
optic transducer is predicted, and the prediction deviation is corrected to get the corrected heat measurement result; by comparing the current heat measurement result with the historical heat data, the heat measurement result of the staple optic transducer is predicted. By comparing the current
heat measurement outcome with the historical heat data, the heat of the dispersed transmittal line is detected online, and an alarm is issued when the heat morph exceeds the preset threshold value. Experiments have proved that: the method can availably calculate the Brillouin rate divert of
dispersed transmittal conductors and complete the heat measurement of transmittal conductors; the method can availably correct the prediction deviation of transmittal conductor heat and improve the exact of heat measurement; the method can availably detect the heat mutation of dispersed transmittal
conductors online, and the detection exact is high.
Ultra-Efficient Low-Power Retinal Nano Electronic Circuit for Edge Enhancement and Detection Using 7 nm FinFET Technology
Authors: Turiqul Islam Md , Al-Shidaifat Alaaddin , Jooq Mohammad Khaleqi Qaleh , Song Hanjung
Published: May 2024

This study proposed a 7 nm FinFET based analog one pixel circuit block inspired by lateral inhibition phenomenon to perform edge enhancing and edge detection of optoelectronic image. This plays a crucial role in retinomorphic applications like artificial human retinal functions. Proposed
Edge enhancement and edge detection circuits are constructed using two distinct 750×750-pixel silicon networks. First the single pixel circuit cell is reconstructed with the lateral inhibition phenomenon, then the circuit using GPDK (Generic Process Design Kit) in 180 nm, 90 nm, and
45 nm CMOS technology is designed. We used 3×3 convolution process for image masking in digital and analog image signal processing which gives more accuracy in term of object recognition. The power consumption in each case is obtained to be approximately 19.71 μW, 4.18 μW
and 1.62 μW for edge enhancing and 23.76 μW, 7.99 μW and 3.41 μW for edge detection which is much larger than the power consumed by the same circuit is implemented with 7 nm FinFET (Fin Field Effect Transistor) technology, 21.91 pW and 24.85 pW. In addition,
the size reduction of the circuit reduced by 84% compared with 45 nm CMOS, increases the accuracy of the circuit by 30%. Results confirm that FinFET based single pixel circuit consumes less power, reduces size, and gives higher accuracy. The output from all the circuits has been matched with
the biological response.
Detecting falsehoods: History and mafia in the work of Leonardo Sciascia and Sebastiano Vassalli
Authors: Tulante Meriel
Published: May 2024

This article explores points of contact in the work of Leonardo Sciascia (1921–1989) and Sebastiano Vassalli (1941–2015) through historical novels with Sciascia's La strega e il capitano (1986) and Vassalli's La chimera (1990) as well as in their accounts of the mafia in Sciascia's Il giorno della civetta (1972) and Vassalli's Il cigno (1993). Deleuze's conception of falsehood as an essential structural element of crime fiction serves as a mechanism to highlight both authors’ intolerance of false histories and the deliberate obfuscation of the collusion between mafia and the State in Sicily and beyond. While the two writers were often ideologically aligned, Vassalli's narration of the mafia in Il cigno, and his subsequent criticism of Sicilian authors who had failed to ‘impugnare il bisturi’ and expose the true nature of the mafia, created a literary polemic. A debate ensued in the public domain, centering Sciascia in a discussion of positionality and questioning whether Vassalli had the authority to venture opinions on Sicilian matters. This controversy served to revive concerns about the role of literature in creating a coherent national identity or stoking regionalism, while simultaneously problematizing the role of the author as detective able to shed light on intractable problems.
Economic Efficiency of Agriculture in Punjab: Evidence from Cost of Cultivation Survey
Authors: Rani Poonam , Sahoo Ajeet Kumar , Singla Naresh
Published: May 2024

Understanding the economic efficiency of agriculture production in Punjab is an interest of this study. The Cost of Cultivation Survey data set for the block period 2014–15 to 2016–17 has been used. Data envelopment analysis deterministic approach has been applied to measure production efficiency. The estimation showed that in the case of wheat, 73 per cent of tehsils and in the case of paddy, 77 per cent of tehsils in Punjab are found to be inefficient in crop production due to poor input utilisation (managerial inefficiency) and scale size (scale inefficiency). But the higher proportion of inefficiency is mainly attributed to the non-optimal scale of production as compared to pure technical allocation. The farmers can increase their production level on average by 7–17 per cent through improving farm efficiency. Findings showed that farmers are allocating their input resources in an exploitative manner due to which they failed to use an appropriate combination of inputs, which is necessary to achieve cost minimisation. These findings have important implications for agricultural development policy and are likely to offer some useful insights for the adequate use of scarce sources.

JEL Codes: C33, C67, Q10, Q15
The Baseline Self-Efficacy Scores to Manage Chronic Diseases Amongst Nigerian Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases are Sub-Optimal
Authors: Ezenwaka Chidum E. , Nwankwo Clementina U. , Analike Rosemary A. , Moriyama Michiko , Afonne Anulika J. , Ottiwu Perpetua C. , Onyeje Blessing T. , Okoli Justina N. , Amaechi Ifeoma A. , Ahaneku Gladys I.
Published: May 2024

Nigeria is one of the developing countries with a major burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) without a disease self-management program in its healthcare system. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the baseline self-efficacy levels of Nigerian patients with chronic NCDs at tertiary level hospitals. This is a cross sectional study of 286 NCD patients attending tertiary level clinics from 26 July to 27 October 2023. Patients were interviewed on a 10 Self-Efficacy to Manage Chronic Disease (SEMCD) item scales that were considered suitable for the Nigerian population. The 10 SEMCD questions covered: (i) Exercise regularly scale, (ii) Help from community, family and friends scale, (iii) Communication with Physician scale, (iv) Manage disease scale and (v) Manage symptom self-efficacy domains. Data were analyzed both descriptively and statistically using Student’s t-tests and Chi-square tests as appropriate. The results showed that more female (59.4%) than males (40.6%) attended clinics during the study, and the mean age of the patients did not differ between gender ( P > .05). About 40% of all the patients manage their NCDs with medications alone, a trend that is similar in male and female patients ( P > .05). While all the patients had a relatively lower self-efficacy scores under regular exercise scale (52%-55%) and manage disease symptoms scale (53%-55%), they tended toward higher self-efficacy scores under getting assistance from community, family, and friends (79%-80%) and communication with attending physicians (81%-85%). It is concluded that Nigeria literate NCD patients registered at tertiary level institution routine clinics are less than optimal in disease self-management care. We recommend that this study population will benefit from introduction and implementation of disease self-management program in the healthcare system.
Thermal assessment of cylindrical parabolic integrated collector storage using input-output and dynamic system testing procedures: Experimental and numerical study
Authors: Messaouda Anis , Hamdi Mohamed , Hazami Majdi , Guizani AmenAllah
Published: May 2024

The main limitation of Integrated Collector Storage systems lies in their low efficiencies and high loss coefficients. In this paper, experimental and numerical setups are conducted to assess the thermal performances of low cost Cylindrical Parabolic Integrated Collector storage (CP-ICS). The conceived system has two aluminum plates in parabolic form serving as reflectors, each with a surface area of 2 m2. The storage tank has a volume of 160 L covered with a layer of black paint with single and double transparent insulations. Results of the experimental tests using Input-Output method showed that the daily thermal efficiency ηd of the developed systems is equal to 48.21% and 49.46% for single and double insulation cover configurations, respectively. The total store heat capacity Cs, the useful collector surface Ac* and the storage tank heat losses coefficient Us of the system found using Dynamic System Testing procedure are equal to 0.56 MJ/K, 0.74 m2 and 1.59 W/K, respectively. Even if the energy efficiency of the system is slightly lower than that recorded in conventional systems, numerical results of long-term study using TRNSYS software showed that the system provides a reasonable solar fraction for the needs of a family in Tunisian climate. A comparative assessment of the developed solar collector performances in different representative climates showed that the use of the CP-ICS system presents a promising solution for countries with annual ambient temperatures fluctuating from 13°C to 33°C, such as Araxos with a solar coverage of 30.65% for a daily supply volume of 160 L. More importantly, in Faya-Largeau location, presenting Chadian climate data, the solar fraction is found to be the highest and reached an average of 67.25%.
Considering the Educationally Marginalized: A Quiz as Social Justice?
Authors: Reyes Reynaldo
Published: May 2024

Giving quizzes to get students to read may continue to be misunderstood, even grossly undervalued. Using a quiz to encourage (enforce) reading plays a significant role not only in students learning content of their chosen field, but also as the critical first step toward an awakening of the mind—or, at the very least, the mind being more informed, where new knowledge begins with the interplay of reading the world and reading the word. And for those students who have come from the margins of life and school, reading not only informs and prepares them, but also can have other personal and academic significance not immediately seen. Considering the educationally marginalized when making pedagogical choices, such as using a quiz to get students to read in preparation for class, is an important part of social justice in education.
Implementation of evidence-based medicine in dietetic practice: Current status and hurdles in Italy
Authors: Carnaroli Licia , Martini Matteo , Di Taranto Mariateresa , Bilò M Beatrice
Published: May 2024

Background: Health professionals, including dietitians, should adapt their clinical daily practice to evidence-based practice (EBP), but this does not happen often in daily practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status and barriers to evidence-based practice among dietitians. Methods: This was a mixed-method, cross-sectional, national study (questionnaire and focus group) performed on working and registered dietitians, both self-employed and employed by public hospitals. The main outcomes were EBP knowledge, frequency of use, and proficiency scores. Barriers to EBP implementation were also collected, as well as qualitative information from the focus group. Results: Forty-three dietitians were enrolled from August to November 2021 in Italy. Overall, EBP knowledge was moderate/good. Younger dietitians (< 50 years old) obtained better results than their older colleagues. A similar trend was observed in terms of seniority. There was a discrepancy between EBP knowledge and perception of EBP implementation: the worst scores were obtained by participants who claimed an already complete integration of EBP. The average frequency of EBP use was moderate, with higher scores in dietitians ≥ 50 years old and with seniority ≥ 20 years. EBP proficiency instead was poor. The focus group revealed a lack of time and resistance to change as the main barriers. Conclusion: The importance of EBP is well-acknowledged, but it is not correctly implemented yet, because of identified barriers that need to be fixed. These barriers include a lack of dedicated time, inadequate EBP training, and resistance to change, especially in hierarchical environments.
Acknowledging dementia as an actor in the relationship: A facilitating mechanism promoting dementia family caregiver resilience
Authors: Cooper R. Amanda , Segrin Chris
Published: May 2024

Despite the incredible challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, many dementia family caregivers exhibit resilience. Framed by the communication theory of resilience, this study examines how resilience processes unfold within dementia caregivers’ relationships with their family member, and dementia caregivers’ experiences of resilience. Analysis of 27 interviews with adult children and spousal caregivers revealed acknowledging dementia as an actor in the relationship as a central facilitating mechanism that enabled caregivers to enact other communicative resilience processes within their relationship. Resilience processes were enacted through shifting blame to dementia, accommodating dementia, and relying on memories. Caregivers experienced resilience through personal growth, enhanced relational closeness, and ambivalent resilience. We discuss implications for dementia caregiver resilience and forward facilitating mechanisms as an extension of communication resilience theorizing.
The relationship among generalized trust, social networks, and social resources across 30 countries
Authors: Son Joonmo , Sung Pildoo
Published: May 2024

The study proposes an integrative model of individual social capital and examines if trust, social networks, and social resources are related across countries. Although trust and social resources were often referred to as social capital or its essential components, the literature lacks empirical verification of whether and how they are associated. Particularly, examining the relationship by a specific measurement of social networks is imperative. The relationship should be identified considering the influences of country-level contingencies. The study applied a multilevel within-between mixed regression method to the International Social Survey Program 2017 data from 30 countries. Using a position generator of social networks, the study found that generalized trust was associated with interpersonal networks primarily through weak ties across countries, accounting for country-level contingencies. Both strong and weak ties were instrumental in embedding social resources. The results supported the integrative model of social capital that connects generalized trust to social resources.
Radiolabeling and preclinical animal model evaluation of DTPA coupled 99mTc-labelled flutamide complex ([99mTc]DTPA-FLUT) as a potential radiotracer for cancer imaging
Authors: Naqvi Syed Ali Raza , Hassan Ahmad Junaid , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf , Abbas Naseem , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Hassan Sadaf Ul , Hussain Amjad
Published: May 2024

Background

Advances in molecular imaging strategies have had an effect on precise diagnosis and treatment. Research has been intensified to develop more effective and versatile radiopharmaceuticals to uplift diagnostic efficiency and, consequently, the treatment.

Purpose

To label the flutamide (FLUT) coupled with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with technetium-99 m (99mTc) and to evaluate its binding efficiency with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer cells.

Material and methods

Radiolabeling of FLUT with 185 MBq freshly eluted 99mTcO4−1 was carried out via DTPA bifunctional chelating agent using stannous chloride reducing agent at pH 5. The labeled compound was assessed for its purity using chromatography analysis, stability in saline and blood serum, AND charge using paper electrophoresis. Normal biodistribution was studied using a mouse model, while binding affinity with RMS cancer cells was studied using an internalization assay. The in vivo accumulation of RMS cancer cells in a rabbit model was monitored using a SPECT gamma camera.

Results

Radiolabeling reaction displayed a pharmaceutical yield of 97% and a stability assay showed >95% intact radiopharmaceutical up to 6 h in saline and blood serum. In vitro internalization studies showed the potential of [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT to enter into cancer cells. This biodistribution study showed rapid blood clearance and minimum uptake by body organs, and scintigraphy displayed the [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT uptake by lesion, induced by RMS cancer cell lines in rabbit.

Conclusion

Stable, newly developed [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT seeks its way to internalize into RMS cancer cells, indicating it could be a potential candidate for the diagnosis of RMS cancer.
Application of convolutional neural network for differentiating ovarian thecoma-fibroma and solid ovarian cancer based on MRI
Authors: Zheng Yuemei , Wang Hong , Weng Tingting , Li Qiong , Guo Li
Published: May 2024

Background

Ovarian thecoma-fibroma and solid ovarian cancer have similar clinical and imaging features, and it is difficult for radiologists to differentiate them. Since the treatment and prognosis of them are different, accurate characterization is crucial.

Purpose

To non-invasively differentiate ovarian thecoma-fibroma and solid ovarian cancer by convolutional neural network based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to provide the interpretability of the model.

Material and Methods

A total of 156 tumors, including 86 ovarian thecoma-fibroma and 70 solid ovarian cancer, were split into the training set, the validation set, and the test set according to the ratio of 8:1:1 by stratified random sampling. In this study, we used four different networks, two different weight modes, two different optimizers, and four different sizes of regions of interest (ROI) to test the model performance. This process was repeated 10 times to calculate the average performance of the test set. The gradient weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to explain how the model makes classification decisions by visual location map.

Results

ResNet18, which had pre-trained weight, using Adam and one multiple ROI circumscribed rectangle, achieved best performance. The average accuracy, precision, recall, and AUC were 0.852, 0.828, 0.848, and 0.919 ( P < 0.01), respectively. Grad-CAM showed areas associated with classification appeared on the edge or interior of ovarian thecoma-fibroma and the interior of solid ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

This study shows that convolution neural network based on MRI can be helpful for radiologists in differentiating ovarian thecoma-fibroma and solid ovarian cancer.
Successful management of postpartum venous thrombosis following splenectomy for traumatic splenic rupture: a case report
Authors: Zhu Hongdan , Sang Xia , Wu Heli , Shen Wei , Wang Yanli , Yu Liling , Li Mengjia , Zhou Tao
Published: May 2024

Traumatic splenic rupture is rare in pregnant women; and multiple venous thromboses of the portal vein system, inferior vena cava and ovarian vein after caesarean section and splenectomy for splenic rupture has not been previously reported. This case report describes a case of multiple venous thromboses after caesarean section and splenectomy for traumatic splenic rupture in late pregnancy. A 34-year-old G3P1 female presented with abdominal trauma at 33+1 weeks of gestation. After diagnosis of splenic rupture, she underwent an emergency caesarean section and splenectomy. Multiple venous thromboses developed during the recovery period. The patient eventually recovered after anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin. These findings suggest that in patients that have had a caesarean section and a splenectomy, which together might further increase the risk of venous thrombosis, any abdominal pain should be thoroughly investigated and thrombosis should be ruled out, including the possibility of multiple venous thromboses. Anticoagulant therapy could be extended after the surgery.
Study on structure and viscosity evolution mechanism of titanium-containing iron liquid in full viscosity range
Authors: Fan Xiaoyue , Huang Yining , Gao Shanchao , Zhang Jianliang
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the viscosity of Fe-4.5wt%C-0.2wt%Ti melt and its liquid structure. The actual experimental results of viscosity measurement reveal that the viscosity range of Fe-4.5wt%C-0.2wt%Ti melt can be segmented into three intervals. Through thermodynamically calculated equilibrium phases and high-temperature confocal experiments, it is observed that the abrupt change in viscosity in the lower temperature range is attributed to the precipitation of the graphite phase. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry experiments exhibit a distinct phase transition in the liquid phase region. To delve into the atomic structure of the liquid phase region, molecular dynamics simulations are employed. The high-temperature liquid structure of Fe-4.5wt%C-0.2wt%Ti melt predominantly consists of vacancies, atomic clusters with Ti as the core, and atomic clusters with C as the core. Within the high-temperature liquid phase region, the conversion of Free-Fe and C1-Fe to Cx-Fe occurs, resulting in a reduction of free volume and enhanced stability of the cluster. Consequently, the inhomogeneity of the Fe-4.5wt%C-0.2wt%Ti melt increases, and the viscosity exhibits a significant increase with temperature, leading to a variation in the viscosity within the liquid phase interval.
Detoxification and synergistic recovery of Cr and V from stainless steel slag and stone coal by self-smelting reduction
Authors: Guan Dong , Dou Yongjie , Chen Geng , Hu Donghai , Gao Xinze , Du Qingshan , Liu Yanjun , Sun Ming , Sridhar Seetharaman , Li Zushu , Li Juncheng
Published: May 2024

Stone coal was successfully used to synergistically treat stainless steel slag (SSS) to recover both chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V). The alloy with a Cr grade of 70.84% and a V grade of 2.36% can be obtained by keeping SSS and stone coal at a ratio of 50 : 31 at 1600 °C for 120 min. The corresponding recovery rates of Cr and V are as high as 99.51% and 81.25%, respectively. And the content of Cr2O3 in reduced slag is only 0.49%. It thus provides a new idea for the co-processing application of two solid wastes: SSS and stone coal in increasing economic potential and solving environmental issues.
Embedding numerical methods and MATLAB programming in a fluid mechanics course for undergraduates in engineering technology
Authors: Jin Congrui
Published: May 2024

Undergraduate students in engineering technology are typically not required to take any courses on numerical methods or computational techniques and thus have little or no knowledge of many basic numerical approaches commonly used in engineering disciplines, such as root finding, curve fitting, numerical integration, and numerical differentiation. In addition, they are only required to take one introductory level programming course and thus usually experience difficulty when working on course projects involving extensive programming. However, the industry is demanding different skillsets than the ones that were expected just a decade ago. Numerical and programming skills are becoming increasingly important. In this case study, the effectiveness of embedding numerical methods and MATLAB programming in MMET 303 Fluid Mechanics and Power, a four-credit junior-level required course offered every semester for undergraduates at the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University, was assessed. A series of learning modules were purposefully designed and implemented as a trial test in the classes offered in the semester of Fall 2023. Instructor's observation, submitted assignments, and survey results were analyzed. The results suggested that embedding numerical methods and associated MATLAB programming into a required course enhanced students’ analytical skills of tackling practical problems, helping them become better prepared as they move on into the industrial companies or the graduate schools.
Rule by glorification: The imposition of state honours and ‘grateful coerced subjects’ in contemporary Vietnam
Authors: Lam Minh Chau
Published: May 2024

By bestowing honours, states produce subjects. But what kind of subjects are created if those honoured do not seek state honours, because they find the honours not worth the responsibilities they have to shoulder, or because they do not internalise the state's values that the honours embody? Building on ethnographic materials from Vietnam, this article explores how some who receive honours are “grateful coerced subjects” on whom state honours are imposed through social pressure, persistent persuasion, or as a matter of fait accompli they cannot refuse. The bestowal of honours exposes them to pressure from the wider society to comply with state's goals and values to prove themselves worthy of the honours, in ways they find physically burdensome and morally problematic. Yet the coerced subjects do not hold a grudge against the state, and even feel grateful to the state for conferring honours on them.
Field Validation of Deep-Learning-Based Ground Penetrating Radar Image Analysis for Advancing Subsurface Distress Detection
Authors: Abdelmawla Ahmad , Yang Jidong J. , Kim S. Sonny
Published: May 2024

This research introduces an innovative method for detecting subsurface cracks within pavements by leveraging ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology in conjunction with advanced deep learning techniques. Its primary aim is to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of pavement assessment, particularly for operational and maintenance purposes. The proposed model, GPR-YOLOR (You Only Learn One Representation), extends the YOLOR framework and incorporates a region of interest within the top pavement layer to detect subsurface cracks. While the model can be trained with annotated data, the main challenge lies in validating results in the field because of the inability to visually inspect subsurface conditions and the high cost associated with direct coring. To overcome this challenge, we propose an alternative approach that utilizes the co-occurrence of surface cracks as pseudo labels, allowing for easy verification. To ensure that surface cracks correspond to subsurface cracks, the focus is exclusively on transverse cracks that develop in a bottom-up manner, such as fatigue and reflective cracks. Through this methodology, our GPR-YOLOR model achieves an F1 score of 0.72, with a precision of 0.76 and a recall of 0.68. The results from field validation underscore the effectiveness of the GPR-YOLOR model in accurately identifying subsurface cracks, highlighting its practical significance in conducting field condition assessments.
Status, Challenges, and Trends of International Research on Roadside Safety
Authors: Han Lei , Du Zhigang
Published: May 2024

Roadside safety refers to the assessment and improvement of safety measures related to roadside environment, design, management, and objects. It encompasses factors such as road design, signage, markings, traffic control devices, and roadside features, and its goal is to reduce accident risk, minimize injuries, and enhance overall safety and comfort for road users. To comprehensively summarize roadside safety research progress, this review retrieved 1637 English papers published between 2000 and 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer software was utilized to visualize and analyze the literature, conduct a situational analysis of publication, create knowledge maps of the main research hotspots and trends, and summarize research status, methods, systems, challenges, and trends in this field. Results showed an overall increasing trend in relevant research. The countries, institutions, and journals contributing most are the United States, the University of Nebraska, and the Transportation Research Record, respectively. Current research hotspots include evaluation of roadside safety and risk levels, factors influencing roadside safety and driving risks, drunk and drug-impaired driving in relation to roadside traffic accidents, frequency and severity of roadside accidents, and roadside safety assurance techniques and improvement strategies. Current modeling methods mainly consist of mathematical statistical analyses and data-driven modeling based on machine learning. Future research should focus on comprehensive quantitative mapping of influencing factors and evaluation criteria, establishing an active-guidance-based evaluation system and optimization strategy, improving the accuracy of computational problems and model construction, and exploring theories and technologies of intelligent transportation for roadside safety management and improvement.
Capacity of Reinforced/Prestressed Concrete Compression Members Strengthened/Repaired Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Encasement
Authors: Hedia Mohammed H. , Morcous George
Published: May 2024

Currently, 36% of bridges in the United States need major repair work or replacement and 7% of them are classified as structurally deficient. Most of these bridges can be repaired or strengthened to meet the current load demands and withstand the environmental impacts for the remaining service life. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has shown immense potential as a repair and strengthening material thanks to its exceptional characteristics such as high workability, excellent strength and durability, and remarkable energy absorption capacity. This paper presents an analytical approach to predict the capacity of reinforced or prestressed concrete compression members with UHPC encasement (jacket) under combined axial and bending effects. The approach is based on strain compatibility and uses idealized UHPC material models in tension and compression according to the new AASHTO Guide Specifications. The approach uses integration to develop accurate interaction diagrams for any section with complex geometry, which overcomes the approximations of the lamina approach. The paper also provides a comprehensive literature review on UHPC usage in repairing and strengthening concrete bridge columns and piers. A design example of a circular reinforced concrete column is presented to illustrate the proposed approach and to calculate the nominal and design capacities of the composite section. This example has shown that increasing the thickness of the UHPC jacket has a prominent effect on enhancing the axial capacity but only a slight effect on the flexural capacity of compression members.
MASH TL-3 Evaluation of the Hawaii Department of Transportation 34 in. Tall Aesthetic Bridge Rail with Pedestrian Rail and Sidewalk Options
Authors: Stolle Cody , Bielenberg Robert W. , Faller Ronald K. , Changizian Sina , Takiguchi Dean , Okamura Kimberly M. , Fu James
Published: May 2024

Recommended guidelines were provided for the shape and size of aesthetic features added to roadside barriers in National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report No. 554, but limited full-scale crash testing has been performed on barriers with aesthetic features, especially in combination with sidewalks and pedestrian railings, each of which may contribute to increased propensity for vehicle snag, vehicle instabilities, and occupant risk metrics. A Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) bridge rail design with vertical faces and aesthetic recessed panels was evaluated to Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) TL-3 impact conditions in three configurations: stand-alone; in combination with a pedestrian handrail installed on the back side of the barrier system; and in combination with a pedestrian rail and 6 ft long x 6 in. tall sidewalk. The 34 in. tall aesthetic concrete bridge rail consisted of segments measuring 11 ft long at upstream and downstream ends and three 22 ft long, consecutive interior segments. MASH test designation Nos. 3-10 and 3-11 were performed on the stand-alone system and with the sidewalk and pedestrian rail, and test designation 3-11 was performed on the system on level terrain with handrail. Results indicated that the HDOT 34 in. tall aesthetic concrete bridge rail was crashworthy in all of the configurations evaluated.
Evaluating Classical Airplane Boarding Methods Focusing on Higher-Risk Passengers during Post-Pandemics
Authors: Hu Xiaojian , Hong Yang , Cui Zhiwei , Xie Tiancheng , Fu Wenjun
Published: May 2024

As the global civil aviation industry recovers and the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 on the process of aircraft boarding gradually diminish, the issue of how to reduce health risks in special populations who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 during Post-pandemics has become urgent. In this paper, we propose a health metric for the health risks of boarding groups based on the seat risk metrics used during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the comparison of health risks among boarding groups. Secondly, based on the agent-based model using NetLogo, we evaluate the health risk of boarding groups from the boarding methods currently used in airline practice, using the health and efficiency metrics used during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it was confirmed that health risk was associated with the boarding group sequences. As a result, specific boarding groups for high-risk groups are proposed when using the classical boarding methods for passengers at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Our results show that considering the placement of high-risk groups in the reverse pyramid fourth boarding group will contribute to a faster boarding for all methods (20.5% reduction in time) and a lower risk of transmission within this group (73.6% reduction) compared with the standard random boarding procedure.
Does enzalutamide related PSMA upregulation affect outcomes of lutetium-177 PSMA radioligand therapy?
Authors: Cengiz Turgut Bora , Kulkarni Raksha , Novello Matteo , Hafez Anthony , Gavane Somali , Ghesani Munir , Ghesani Nasrin
Published: May 2024

Background:

Enzalutamide is an antiandrogen drug used prior to lutetium-177 prostate specific membrane antigen (Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy and has shown promising results for upregulating the PSMA expression on prostate cancer cells. In this study, we aim to compare prostate specific antigen (PSA) level changes in prostate cancer patients who received enzalutamide to those who did not.

Methods:

Prostate cancer patients who underwent Lu-PSMA between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively included. Patients were grouped based on prior enzalutamide therapy: those who received enzalutamide (EZ+) for at least 14 days and those who did not (EZ−). PSA changes and F-18 DCFPyL SUV (Standardized Uptake Values) were compared.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients were included, 18 EZ+ and 19 EZ−. The median age, Gleason score, and prior chemo/hormonal therapies were similar for EZ+ and EZ−, except for radium-223. Eleven patients (61%) in EZ+ and 13 patients (68%) in EZ− showed a decrease in PSA after the first cycle ( p = 0.64). Four patients (22%) in EZ+ and seven patients (37%) in EZ− had more than 50% decrease in PSA after the first cycle ( p = 0.33). The average percent decline at the end of the treatment was 23.3% in EZ+ and 50.4% in EZ− ( p = 0.4). There was no difference in terms of lesion with highest SUVmax, mean SUV, total tumor volume or activity on pre-therapy PSMA imaging.

Conclusion:

Enzalutamide treatment prior to Lu-PSMA does not improve patient outcomes when applied remotely. Larger studies evaluating the combination therapies and the timing of enzalutamide are needed to assess its correlation with Lu-PSMA outcomes.
Individualized Care Delivery for Children With Autism and Related Disabilities Undergoing Overnight Video Electroencephalography (EEG): One Hospital's Experience With a Coordinated Team Approach
Authors: Nix Kalyn , Siegel Atara , Smith Jessica V. , Wells Elizabeth M. , Atmore Kathleen
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose: Children with developmental disabilities have increased risk of epilepsy and need for overnight video electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring. However, video EEGs have historically been considered difficult to complete for this population. An autism support service at a pediatric tertiary care hospital implemented a coordinated team approach to help children with developmental disability tolerate overnight video EEGs. The project included completion of a caregiver-report preprocedure questionnaire that then was shared with the multidisciplinary team and used to create individualized care plans. The current study aims to describe rates of video EEG completion and need for lead placement under general anesthesia among children with autism and related disabilities who received these supports. Methods: Rates of video EEG completion and general anesthesia use were analyzed for children referred to the support service between April 2019 and November 2021. Results: A total of 182 children with developmental disability (mean age  = 10.3 years, 54.9% diagnosed with autism) met inclusion criteria. 92.9% (n  = 169) of children successfully completed EEG (leads on ≥12 hours). Only 19.2% (n  = 35) required general anesthesia for video EEG lead placement. The majority (80.2%) of parents (n  = 146) completed the preprocedure questionnaire. Video EEG outcomes did not differ based on completion of the questionnaire. Parent-reported challenges with communication and cooperation were associated with shorter video EEG duration and greater use of general anesthesia. Conclusions: These findings suggest that most children with developmental disability can complete video EEG with sufficient support. Preprocedure planning can identify children who would benefit from additional accommodations. Further research is necessary to clarify which supports are most helpful.
Integration Maturity of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine: Has DCFTA Helped Prepare Them for the EU Accession Process?
Authors: Nielsen Kristian L. , Šiljak Dženita
Published: May 2024

The aim of this article is to research the economic preparedness for EU integration—or “integration maturity”—of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, the three countries that have signed Association Agreements with the European Union. A major part of these is the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements, which offer significant access to the EU single market and provide a pathway to deeper economic integration. The article analyzes the three countries’ economic integration maturity through five key components: macroeconomic stability, functioning market economy, competitiveness, access to foreign finance, and, lastly, convergence with the European Union. The analysis shows that although all three countries have made significant progress since signing the agreements, they have still not progressed to the point where they will be competitive and capable of maximizing the economic benefits from deeper integration. However, the current framework provides a beneficial platform from which to conduct further reform, and is therefore a good interim solution for the short to medium term. This finding is particularly relevant in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the significant rebuilding efforts that await at the end of the war, and the expressed desire of all three countries for full EU membership.
Effect of moral case deliberation on midwives’ knowledge and practice regarding respectful maternity care
Authors: Samsami Khatoon , Chananeh Maryam , Kamali Farahnaz , Bagherzadeh Razieh
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Although there have been reports of misbehavior and disrespectful maternal care by healthcare providers worldwide, there are few intervention studies aimed at promoting respectful care, particularly among midwives.

Research objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Moral Case Deliberation (MCD) on the of midwives’ knowledge and practice in the field of respectful maternity care.

Research design and methods

This semi-experimental study involved 46 midwives working in the maternity departments of two hospitals affiliated with Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The two hospitals were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. All midwives from both hospitals were included in the study. The Dilemma Method of MCD was implemented for midwives of intervention hospital. The Midwives’ Knowledge and Practice of Respectful Maternity Care scale was used for data collection. It was administered both before and two weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20).

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by ethics committee of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in Bushehr, Iran (ethics code: IR.BPUMS.REC.1402.017). All participants provided written informed consent.

Findings

The intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in knowledge scores from pre-test to post-test compared to the control group ( p < .001). The intervention group had a significantly higher mean change score in practice self-assessment and practice peer evaluation, from pre-test to post-test, than in the control group ( p < .001).

Discussion

MCD based on the dilemma method can improve practice in the field of respect-oriented midwifery care by increasing knowledge and potentially changing attitudes.

Conclusion

The Dilemma Method of MCD improved midwives’ knowledge and practice regarding respectful maternity care. This method can be included in the midwifery care quality improvement program to promote respectful maternity care. It is necessary to develop methods for wider dissemination of MCD in the cultural context of Iran.