bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender difference in workplace violence associated with job characteristics among civil servants: A nationwide Taiwan survey
Authors: Lin Ping-Yi , Tseng Po-Chang , Liang Wen-Miin , Lin Wen-Yu , Kuo Hsien-Wen
Published: March 2024

Workplace violence (WPV) is on the rise in occupational settings across Taiwan, with civil servants being no exception to this concerning trend. This study seeks to explore gender disparities in WPV and assess its correlation with job characteristics. A total of 20,046 civil servants from 647 institutions participated in the study, revealing significant gender-based differences in the occurrence of four categories of violence. Upon adjusting for covariates, the findings indicate that female civil servants exhibit higher odds ratios (aORs) for experiencing psychological (aOR=1.62), verbal (aOR=1.43) and sexual harassment (aOR=1.40). Particularly noteworthy is the increased likelihood of WPV among female civil servants compared to their male counterparts, especially within specific demographics: those working in health services (aOR=2.24), local government (aOR=1.64), unmarried civil servants (aOR=1.88) and those in supervisory positions (aOR=1.64). These results hold significant implications for anticipating, preventing and intervening in incidents of WPV within governmental offices. There is a pressing need for enhanced training programmes addressing gender-based WPV, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and intervention strategies for civil servants, especially those identified as more vulnerable based on their demographic and occupational profiles.
Solar drying of oregano leaves (Plectranthus amboinicus, Lour): Analysis of experimental performance under a tropical climate
Authors: Castillo-Téllez Margarita , Martínez Omar Sarracino , Miranda-Mandujano Erika , Galvez Geovanni Hernández , López Damianys Almenares , Castillo-Téllez Beatriz , Cetina-Quiñones A.J.
Published: March 2024

Despite the multiple applications of the oregano ( Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour)), an important herbaceous plant because of its medicinal and culinary properties, limited research has been conducted on this species’ solar drying. Thus, the experimental drying of oregano leaves in a tropical climate was performed using direct and indirect solar drying and an electric oven in this research work. Also, mathematical modeling of the drying process, moisture diffusivity, activation energy, and colorimetric analysis (as a quality parameter) were accomplished to complement the experimental evaluation and understand the drying process behavior. The results show a shorter drying time obtained with the electric oven with 210 min reached at 65°C; however, the minimum solar drying time (250 min) was achieved with a maximum drying rate of 0.025 g water/g dry matter per minute and minimum final moisture between 0.28 and 0.13 g water/g dry matter was obtained with indirect solar dryer. Moreover, the models that better represented the experimental data were Modified Page, Page, and Logarithmic, with a maximum value of R2 obtained of 0.9980 corresponding to the Logarithmic model. Furthermore, a maximum effective diffusivity value of 1.81E-9 was obtained with direct solar dryer natural convection, while for the electric oven, were 1.14E-10, 2.280E-10, and 1.026E-09 for 45, 55, and 65°C, respectively. The activation energy for water diffusion in oregano leaves was 55.66 and 97.78 kJ/g mol for solar dryers and electric ovens, respectively, which were values very close to those reported in the literature. Finally, the colorimetric analysis exhibited a minimum color change value of 17.1 obtained for the indirect solar dryer, allowing better oregano preservation and maintaining its quality for the market, which makes it ideal for drying oregano in tropical climates and promotes solar drying use for sustainable growth of the region.
The Fundamental Role of Multidisciplinary Approach in Complex Head and Neck Pathology: A Case Report of Maxillary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Juan José Santivañez , Nicolas Granados-Casallas , José Antonio Hakim
Published: March 2024

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor, with a documented annual incidence ranging from 3 to 4.5 cases per million. It constitutes approximately 1% of all head and neck malignancies and around 10% of salivary gland tumors. It is imperative to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the most appropriate therapeutic outcome. Treatment strategies usually involve a multidisciplinary approach and may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or various combinations of these. In this context, we present a clinical case of ACC originating in the palate of a woman. Throughout this article, we will detail the diagnostic challenges and multidisciplinary treatment strategies implemented, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach in cases of palatal ACC. In addition, we will discuss the rehabilitation process and the outcomes observed during the follow-up of this case.
Impacts of Unethical Behavior on Self-Esteem: A Contingent Dual-Process Model
Authors: Liang Yuan , Huang Lingling , Liu Li , Tan Xuyun , Ren Deyun
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have reported mixed findings on how and why unethical behavior affects self-esteem. To address this issue, a contingent dual-process model is proposed and tested. The model postulates a negative impact of unethical behavior on self-esteem through decreased morality, a positive effect through increased competence, and the relative strength of these two paths depending on system-justifying motives. Studies using unethical behavior for self-interest (Studies 1 and 2), involving ingroup interest (Study 3), and measuring (Studies 1 and 3) and manipulating general system justification (Study 2) provide support for the model. By identifying the effects of system-justifying motives and linking the two competing paths, the model reconciles inconsistencies in previous research regarding how self-esteem is influenced by unethical behavior and reveals the underlying mechanism of this association. Accordingly, the current research constructs a motivational and superordinate framework to clarify the dynamic consequences of unethical behavior.
Strategic Social Value Orientation and Sustainability Performance: A commensuration perspective
Authors: de la Cruz Jara Marcelo F. , Spanjol Jelena , Doppstadt Theresa
Published: March 2024

Firms increasingly express the strategic importance of creating social value in addition to financial and market value in their communications to investors. Yet, it is unclear what a strategic orientation towards social value creation entails and whether it differentiates firms in terms of their sustainability performance. This article provides a conceptualization of strategic social value orientation (SSVO) consisting of three behavioral components (leading business with purpose, support of stakeholders, focus on consequences) and one shared belief (mutuality). Utilizing a novel linguistic, content-analytic measure of strategic social value orientation, we analyse annual letters to shareholders and sustainability ratings across 1580 firm-year observations, indicating that firms with a stronger strategic social value orientation show greater sustainability performance. The article explores commensurability of strategic attention towards social value creation, suggesting that future research prioritize more fine-grained assessments of social value, sustainability strategies and performance. Our study makes two main contributions. First, we advance theory at the intersection of sustainability and strategic orientation literatures by introducing a new concept of a firm’s strategic orientation toward social value creation (i.e. SSVO). Second, we develop and validate an empirical measure at the firm level for analysing a firm’s strategic social value orientation, making an important contribution to the commensuration of sustainability. Our findings offer guidance to scholars and implications for practitioners.
Estimating a Theoretically Consistent Human Capital Production Function With an Application to Head Start
Authors: Faundez Luis , Kaestner Robert
Published: March 2024

This article describes a conceptual and empirical approach for estimating a human capital production function of child development that incorporates mother- or child-fixed effects. The use of mother- or child-fixed effects is common in this applied economics literature, but its application is often inconsistent with human capital theory. We outline the problem and demonstrate its empirical importance with an analysis of the effect of Head Start and preschool on child and adult outcomes. The empirical specification we develop has broad implications for a variety of applied microeconomic analyses beyond our specific application. Results of our analysis indicate that attending Head Start or preschool had no economically or statistically significant effect on child or adult outcomes.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Torre Tiziano , Schlotterbeck Hervé , Ferraro Francesco , Klersy Catherine , Surace Giuseppina , Toto Francesca , Pozzoli Alberto , Ferrari Enrico , Demertzis Stefanos
Published: March 2024

Background

Blood glucose level variability has been associated with increased risk of complication in the postoperative setting of cardiovascular surgery. Although interesting for optimization of blood glucose management in this context, continuous blood glucose (CBG) devices can have a limited reliability in this context, in particular because of the use of paracetamol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of Dexcom G6®, a recently developed continuous glucose monitoring device.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational, non-randomized, single-centre study comparing Dexcom G6® CBG level monitoring with the standard methods routinely used in this context. The standard blood glucose values were paired to the time corresponding values measured with Dexcom G6®. Agreement between the two methods and potential correlation in case of paracetamol use were calculated.

Results

From May 2020 to August 2021, 36 out of 206 patients operated for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled; 673 paired blood glucose level were analyzed. Global agreement (ρc) was 0.85 (95% C.I.: 0.84–0.86), intensive care unit agreement was 0.78 (95%C.I.: 0.74–0.82) and ward agreement was 0.91 (95%C.I.: 0.89–0.93). In the diabetic population, it was 0.87 (95%C.I.: 0.85–0.90). When paracetamol was used, the difference was 0.02 mmol/l (95%C.I.: 0.29–0.33).

Conclusions

Dexcom G6® provides good blood glucose level accuracy in the postoperative context of cardiac surgery compared to the standard methods of measurements. The results are particularly reliable in the ward where the need for repeated capillary glucose measurements implies patient discomfort and time-consuming manipulations for the nursing staff.
Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS): Feasibility Testing of a Co-developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention to Support Psychological Adjustment After Stroke
Authors: Patchwood Emma , Foote Hannah , Vail Andy , Cotterill Sarah , Hill Geoff ,   The WAterS PCPI Group, Bowen Audrey
Published: March 2024

Objective

Feasibility test a co-developed intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support psychological adjustment post-stroke, delivered by a workforce with community in-reach.

Design

Observational feasibility study utilising patient, carer, public involvement.

Setting

Online. UK.

Participants

Stroke survivors with self-reported psychological distress 4  +  months post-stroke.

Interventions

The co-developed Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS) intervention includes: 9-weekly, structured, online, group sessions for stroke survivors, delivered via a training programme to upskill staff without Acceptance and Commitment Therapy experience, under Clinical Psychology supervision.

Main measures

Feasibility of recruitment and retention; data quality from candidate measures; safety. Clinical and demographic information at baseline; patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) via online surveys (baseline, pre- and post-intervention, 3 and 6 months after intervention end) including Mood (hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)), Wellbeing (ONS4), Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ5D5L), Psychological Flexibility (AAQ-ABI) and Values-Based Living (VQ).

Results

We trained eight staff and recruited 17 stroke survivors with mild-to-moderate cognitive and communication difficulties. 12/17 (71%) joined three intervention groups with 98% attendance and no related adverse events. PROMS data were well-completed. The HADS is a possible future primary outcome (self-reported depression lower on average by 1.3 points: 8.5 pre-group to 7.1 at 3-month follow-up; 95% CI 0.4 to 3.2).

Conclusion

The WAterS intervention warrants further research evaluation. Staff can be trained and upskilled to deliver. It appears safe and feasible to deliver online to groups, and study recruitment and data collection are feasible. Funding has been secured to further develop the intervention, considering implementation and health equality.
Expression and clinical role of PRDX6 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Zixin , Lin Junjun , Wang Huifang , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhou
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the levels of expression and clinical role of peroxiredoxin 6 ( PRDX6) in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective study used a series of bioinformatics methods to detect the levels of expression of and mutations in the PRDX6 gene in a range of cancers and lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the levels of expression of PRDX6 protein in samples of lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal adjacent tissue. The effect of PRDX6 gene knockdown on the in vitro proliferation of a lung adenocarcinoma cell line was measured. Bioinformatics methods were used to determine the diagnostic value and impact on survival of the PRDX6 gene in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Results

The results showed that the PRDX6 gene was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and there were five mutations at different sites on the gene. PRDX6 promoted the proliferation of the lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The survival duration of lung adenocarcinoma patients with high levels of PRDX6 gene expression was significantly shorter than that of patients with low PRDX6 gene expression.

Conclusion

PRDX6 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and higher levels of expression of the PRDX6 gene were associated with a poorer prognosis.
Predictors for anaemia, blood transfusion and outcome in plastic surgery patients
Authors: Țichil Ioana , Țichil Teodora , Haplea Ionuț Stefan , Tomuleasa Ciprian Ionuț , Fodor Lucian , Mitre Ileana
Published: March 2024

Objective

In patients undergoing plastic surgery, to identify specific risk factors for anaemia and use of blood products, and assess their impact on patient outcome.

Method

For this retrospective study, data were analysed from patients who attended the Plastic Surgery Department at our hospital over a three-year period (2018 to 2020). Adult patients who presented with traumatic injuries, oncologic patients who underwent reconstructive procedures, and patients with soft tissue infections (STIs) who required plastic surgery for tissue coverage were included. Demographic and injury data, hospital admission characteristics, surgical procedures, laboratory test results, transfusion events, and in-hospital complications were extracted from patient records.

Results

Of the 350 patients included in the study, 228 (65%) presented with trauma, 76 (22%) underwent reconstructive surgery for cancers and 46 (13%) had STIs. In total, 175 (50%) patients developed anaemia, and 37 (11%) received blood transfusions; these were 20 (54%), 5 (14%), and 12 (32%) patients in the trauma, cancer and STI groups, respectively. Associated comorbidities and upper and lower limb surgery were the most significant risk factors for anaemia, while the number of surgeries and NSTIs were identified as risk factors for blood transfusions. Direct wound closure was consistently a protective factor for both anaemia and blood transfusions. Blood transfusions were independently associated with a high risk of sepsis, wound complications, and prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion

While transfusions are necessary and even lifesaving in surgical patients, blood is a finite resource and its use may negatively impact patient outcome. Therefore, ongoing research must focus on providing safe and restrictive clinical practices while developing sustainable and accessible alternatives.
Music performance anxiety can be facilitating or debilitating: Emotion accompaniment makes the difference
Authors: Murphy Emily , McGillivray Molly F , MacIntyre Peter D
Published: March 2024

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is most often defined as a negative experience that is harmful to successful performance, but potential facilitating effects of MPA often are acknowledged. The distinction between facilitating and debilitating effects often is attributed to various cognitive frameworks based on the quantity of anxiety, where smaller amounts may be helpful and larger amounts harmful. The hypothesis underlying the present study holds that the difference between facilitating and debilitating MPA is more a matter of quality than quantity, specifically the qualities associated with the other positive and negative emotions that accompany MPA. A web survey recruited 114 musicians to test for differences in MPA and accompanying emotions by responding to descriptions of four specific musical contexts. Results show that between roughly one-quarter and one-half of the musicians in the study viewed MPA as facilitating, depending on context. Respondents endorsing the facilitating quality of MPA (compared with the debilitating group) showed significantly higher levels of positive emotion accompanied by lower levels of both MPA and negative emotion in three of four contexts. Results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that emotions accompanying MPA shape the quality of its effect on musical performance.
The anti-politics of impact investment: Financial self-regulation, market competition and over-indebtedness in Cambodia
Authors: Green W. Nathan
Published: March 2024

Social impact investors claim to promote sustainable development by mobilizing private finance capital to solve pressing global challenges like poverty alleviation. In this paper, I interrogate this claim through an examination of microfinance in Cambodia, a major destination for impact investment. In the past decade, Cambodia has received nearly 10% of global investments from microfinance-specific funds. It now has the largest microfinance-debt per capita ratio of any country in the world. Based on qualitative research between 2021 and 2023, I argue that impact investment functions as an anti-politics of development that reinforces finance as a political technology of neoliberal governance. Over the past two decades, impact investors have poured capital into the country’s microfinance industry to expand access to credit without acknowledging structural political-economic conditions that have produced rising over-indebtedness among microfinance borrowers. Instead, they have argued that the problems created by the microfinance industry are best resolved through a self-regulation model that uses a voluntary code of conduct based on global standards of responsible finance. Thus, impact investors have been integral in broader transformations that have extended financial logics, technologies and accumulation imperatives into people’s daily lives. This paper contributes to economic geography and critical development studies by explaining how impact investment deepens neoliberal financialization.
Making it in medical sociology
Authors: Balfe Myles
Published: March 2024

This article gives an account of some of my experiences of working in the field of Medical Sociology in Ireland. It concentrates in particular on the time period of the Great Recession and Ireland's economic crash and what it was like to be a precarious researcher and lecturer around that time.
Cinematic Rendering of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours: Opportunities for Clinical Implementation: Part 1: Tumour Detection and Characterization
Authors: Ahmed Taha M. , Fishman Elliot K. , Chu Linda C.
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are a rare subset of pancreatic tumours that have historically comprised up to 3% of all clinically detected pancreatic tumours. In recent decades, however, advancements in imaging have led to an increased incidental detection rate of PNETs and imaging has played an increasingly central role in the initial diagnostics and surgical planning of these tumours. Cinematic rendering (CR) is a 3D post-processing technique that generates highly photorealistic images through more realistically modelling the path of photons through the imaged volume. This allows for more comprehensive visualization, description, and interpretation of anatomical structures. In this 2-part review article, we present the first description of the various CR appearances of PNETs in the reported literature while providing commentary on the unique clinical opportunities afforded by the adjunctive utilization of CR in the workup of these rare tumours. The first of these 2 instalments highlights the utility of CR in optimizing PNET detection and characterization.
New-Onset Vision Impairment in Children: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings by Age Groups
Authors: Çıvgın Esra , Duran Semra , Parlak Izzet Selçuk , Gülleroğlu Başak , Timur İnci Elif Erbahçeci , Dedeoğlu Özge , Ekşioğlu Ayşe Seçil Yücel
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Non-traumatic visual impairment is rare in the pediatric population, but early diagnosis and treatment of the cause is crucial to prevent long-term consequences affecting children's neurocognitive development. The authors aim to determine the most common causes of non-traumatic visual impairment in pediatric patients according to age groups by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Images of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced cranial and orbital MRI for new-onset visual impairment between June 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. MRI findings were categorized as tumors, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, demyelinating disorders, infections, isolated optic neuritis, and others. The patients were grouped according to age as preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents. Demographic features of patients and MRI findings were collected and compared among age groups.

Results

One hundred seventeen of the 238 patients had pathologic MRI findings. The most common pathologies were tumors (26.4%), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (24.7%), demyelinating disorders (18.8%), infections (11.1%), and isolated optic neuritis (7.6%). Tumors (69.2%) in preschool children, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (36.3%) in schoolchildren, and demyelinating disorders (32.7%) in adolescents were the most common cause of vision impairment by age group.

Conclusion

Children with acute vision impairment could have severe pathologies. Tumors in preschool children, idiopathic intracranial hypertension in schoolchildren, and demyelinating disorders in adolescents were the most common causes of new-onset vision impairment detected with MRI. Because of the difficulty of performing optimal ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations, especially in young children, cranial and orbital MRI should be considered to detect life-threatening pathologies.
On Pedestrian Accessibility: Spatial Justice and Progressive Planning in African Cities
Authors: Cobbinah Patrick Brandful , Finn Brandon Marc
Published: March 2024

Africa is predicted to be the fastest urbanizing continent over the next century, with its primary and secondary cities expected to experience rapid growth. On the continent, over 70 percent of daily trips are made by walking. Yet, pedestrian-friendly city spaces remain underexplored in research on Africa as city planning regimes continue a long-established trend of prioritizing vehicular mobility. In response to this knowledge gap, and with the recent increased scholarly focus on spatial justice in African cities, we argue that it is essential to prioritize pedestrian accessibility within them. In this paper, we highlight vulnerable urban populations who are impacted by exclusive urban planning design and policies by focusing on children, women working in informal economies, and older adults. We conduct a critical literature review of the history and patterns of urban (spatial) planning on the continent, as well as mobility and transport infrastructure in African cities. We then outline a forward-looking section that assesses effective urban planning proposals relating to mobility and African urban development, as we consider how urban interventions can be applied to address the needs of vulnerable urban populations. Finally, we link the theoretical and applied components of the paper to scholarly discussions of spatial justice and articulate the progressive possibilities of African urban futures as central to future city development. We conclude with research directions on pedestrian accessibility and spatial justice in African urban planning agenda.
What are you Reading? A Glimpse Into What is Captivating Health Promotion Professionals
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: March 2024

Story telling is one of the most time honored methods for conveying ideas, inspiring action and offering insights into the foibles and ferment of the human condition. This editorial offers a glimpse into what is sparking the imaginations and passions of health promotion professionals by simply asking them ‘what are you reading?’ Those who shared the books currently sitting alongside their reading chairs were not asked to select books that were related to improving health and well-being. Still, it came as no surprise that contributors to this article uniformly described plots, characters and narratives that illuminate how life circumstances can accost health and jeopardize well-being. What’s more, you will see that in fiction, non-fiction and fanciful fables alike, health promotion professionals extract inspiration from these books and find ways to apply the moral of these stories toward the improvement of our profession.
Principle and power: The struggle to protect human rights
Authors: van Boven Theodoor C.
Published: March 2024

Professor Theo van Boven sent this piece to the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights as part of his reflections on the 75 years anniversary of the UDHR. Professor van Boven is the former Director of the UN Human Rights Secretariat between 1977 and 1982, about which the film “The Subversives” was made in 2019. He was a Dutch representative on the UN Commission on Human Rights, an expert member of the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, an expert Member on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UN Special Rapporteur against Torture, Consultant at the World Council of Churches and Professor of Human Rights at Maastricht University from 1982 to 1999.

[Formula: see text]
The three colors of humanity: Early Jewish race-making in 1 Enoch’s Animal Apocalypse
Authors: Olsen Emily
Published: March 2024

Over the past several decades since Frank Snowden published his seminal monograph Blacks in Antiquity, scholars have become increasingly interested in understanding the ethnic and racial frameworks deployed by ancient peoples. The intersections of race, color, and ethnicity in classical literature have long been debated, but ancient Jewish texts tend to be left out of these discussions. In this article, I first analyze 1 Enoch’s Animal Apocalypse against the backdrop of Hellenistic-era environmental theory to show that it displays early forms of race-making through its differentiation of colored bulls. Although leading commentaries offered by Nickelsburg and Tiller reject racial readings of the Animal Apocalypse’s colored bulls, Matthew Black’s commentary from the 1980s does not. I show that ancient Hellenistic conceptions of peoples’ color, ethnicity, and behaviors shaped by environmental determinism support Matthew Black’s framework for understanding the Animal Apocalypse’s use of color, namely his equating of Chapter 89’s black bull with Ham, contra Nickelsburg and Tiller. Second, I stress that the Animal Apocalypse’s schema of colored bulls reflects the view that all of humanity derives from white, red, and black ancestors and that this ordering of the three colors constitutes a hierarchal sequencing of humankind, classified into three different types of people in descending order.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the critical velocity of interface instability in gas jet forming
Authors: Fu Weijie , Wang Mingwei , Zhang Xinming
Published: March 2024

Gas jet forming can be used for creating optical reflectors, but under certain conditions, the surface shape fluctuation of the gas-liquid interface, that is, interface instability, may occur during the forming process. This study investigated the mechanism of interface instability in gas jet forming by combining the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and the gas jet flow velocity distribution law. Theoretical analysis revealed that when the nozzle height is fixed, interface instability occurs when the gas flow rate reaches a certain value, which increases with the distance between the nozzle and the liquid surface. In order to verify the results of the theoretical analysis, experiments were carried out within the range of nozzle height from 0 to 42 mm, based on the formulas of the transition section between the potential core region and the self-similarity region in the gas jet. Within this range, the critical velocity of interface instability was found to be the minimum, 9.946 m/s, when the nozzle height was 0 mm, and the maximum, 15.562 m/s, when the nozzle height was 42 mm. The results of the theoretical analysis and experiments were used to establish a predictive model for the critical condition of interface instability, with a mean prediction deviation of 0.119 m/s. This model can provide a basis for selecting parameters for gas jet forming.
Investigation on the modeling and simulation of hydrodynamics in asymmetric conduction laser micro-welding of austenitic stainless steel and its process optimization
Authors: Velázquez de la Hoz José Luis , Cheng Kai
Published: March 2024

Laser micro-welding is a joining technology utilized across various high-value industries, like medical, automotive, e-mobility, and aerospace. A trial-and-error process to identify welding parameters does not necessarily lead to optimized quality levels. Furthermore, offline non-destructive examination methods often launched to verify welding quality may inadvertently trigger excessive costs and time delays, ultimately failing to guarantee defect-free welds. In response to these challenges, this article introduces an advanced multiscale model designed to unravel the intricate dynamics of hydrodynamics and the overarching physics within laser micro-welding melting pools. Developed using the COMSOL software package, the model adeptly demonstrates how surface tension gradients shape the geometry of welds, thus influencing their quality. This knowledge allows the mapping of welding defects. One of the novelties of the article is to introduce geometric dissimilar welding conditions by simulating an asymmetric edge joint. It shows a study on a new, unstudied way to laser weld with many applications in the field. The model further establishes its utility in design experiments to determine parameter, tolerance, and system design. Moreover, the insights garnered from understanding and controlling these drivers have far-reaching implications for the advancement of subsequent methodological research and the development of in-situ quality control practices by characterizing the welding defects. Finally, the results shows that the discouragingly high computational costs restrict its potential application to support a Digital Twin.
Mathematical model of discharge and charge in rechargeable polymer based lithium-ion battery
Authors: Okonkwo Fidelis N , Okonkwo Chika A , Nwigbo Solomon C
Published: March 2024

Shepherd’s model is considered as an improved and simple to-apply battery dynamic model. The experimental nominal parameters of five different capacities of Lithium-ion Polymer battery samples are established from the manufacturer’s datasheets. The discharge and charge dynamics of the battery sample with the highest capacity, 3100 mAh are examined and validated. The clarity to derive the dynamic model parameters from the battery datasheet is a fascinating attribute of this model. The experimental database is utilized to study its dynamic feature and subsequently the dynamic battery model, which describes the relationship between the state of charge, the open circuit voltage and ambient temperature. The model is implemented and simulated by using MATLAB/Simulink tools. The current charge-discharge equations describe the optimized electrochemical activities with sustainable long cycle duration. The temperature model brings under control the aging effect, which plays down on the energy capacity of the battery. A steady load of 5 A is linked to the battery and used in a detail simulation of a direct current machine in determination of load effect. The compatibility of these equations and simulations implies that Shepherd’s model is promising to provide guidelines for the analysis of discharge and charge in rechargeable polymer based lithium-ion batteries. The results show that the model can precisely illustrate the dynamic behavior of the batteries.
Solar radiation powered biodiesel synthesis using C&D waste catalyst – a novel approach
Authors: Geetha NK , Chinta Sandeep , Dongre Ganesh , Balamurugan S , Manoj Prabhakar BS
Published: March 2024

A significant amount of construction and demolition waste is generated in India every year. The proper management of this waste has become a crucial concern due to fast urban growth, building projects, and increased construction work. The volume of this waste is substantial, which can harm the environment, deplete resources, and pose health risks if not handled well. This study presents an innovative method for biodiesel synthesis, addressing the challenges of construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and renewable energy integration. The research introduces a novel catalyst derived from C&D waste through a calcination process, offering an eco-friendly solution for waste repurposing. This catalyst demonstrates potential for sustainable biodiesel production, marking a significant advancement in waste management practices. Furthermore, a pioneering solar-powered reactor is utilized for biodiesel synthesis, achieving an impressive 92.2% conversion rate under specific conditions. The system's energy efficiency, calculated as [Formula: see text], surpasses conventional methods, highlighting its potential for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Moreover, the produced biodiesel meets ASTM D6751 standards, ensuring quality and compatibility with industry requirements.
Effect of raster orientation on pure nylon, carbon fibre nylon, and glass fibre nylon using three-dimensional printing
Authors: Kirubakaran Gokulamani , Senthamaraikannan Chinnasamy , Vignesh M
Published: March 2024

In this study, pure Nylon 6 is taken for investigation and printed in fused deposition modelling, with short carbon fibre, and short glass fibre as reinforcements. The material behaviour under static and dynamic thermal analysis was measured. The specimens were three-dimensional printed as per ASTM standards, and their mechanical behaviour was analysed. According to the findings, a short carbon fibre-printed specimen results in a maximum tensile strength of about 76% and a flexural strength of 89%. Virgin nylon results in the highest impact properties, showing that adding short fibre reduces the impact strength. The dynamic thermal analysis of virgin nylon, short carbon fibre, and short glass fibre results reveals that carbon fibre nylon increases storage modulus, whereas glass fibre nylon increases loss modulus. The nylon reinforced with short carbon fibre results show improved behaviour under static and dynamic thermal conditions.
Finite-time state-constrained adaptive fault-tolerant control for heavy launch vehicles with input quantization
Authors: Zhang Ruitao , Wang Zheng , Fang Yangwang , Guo Hang , Fu Wenxing , Yan Jie , Rong Lulu
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes the finite-time state-constrained adaptive fault-tolerant control method for a class of heavy launch vehicles subject to quantized input signals and actuator faults. Firstly, the attitude dynamic model of the heavy launch vehicles suffering from the actuator faults and disturbances is formulated. Secondly, to deal with the completely unknown nonlinear functions, radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are introduced for approximation and compensation. Meanwhile, the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is introduced to ensure that all the states in the closed-loop system are bounded and the constraints of the system states are satisfied. As a result, the finite-time state-constrained adaptive fault-tolerant control structure is constructed for the heavy launch vehicles and the semi-globally practical finite-time stability (SGPFS) of the closed-loop control system is proved. Finally, numerical simulation results show the effectiveness and the satisfactory performance of the proposed control algorithm.
The proliferation of municipal green bonds in Africa and Latin America: the need for a climate justice approach
Authors: Herrera Héctor
Published: March 2024

This paper utilizes a climate justice perspective to examine municipal green bonds (MGBs), a green-labelled debt instrument issued by subnational governmental entities, such as municipalities or cities, that determines financial, social and environmental redistributions in the context of climate change. This analysis focuses on the origins and financial construction of MGBs as the “descendant” of US municipal bonds and provides data on their recent diffusion in Africa and Latin America. It then draws connections with the lessons learned from critical analyses of US municipal bonds. The case study section explores one wastewater MGB of San Francisco (California) and creates material and theoretical connections with MGBs issued to finance water infrastructure in Mexico City (Mexico) and Cape Town (South Africa). The article concludes that the analysis and implementation of municipal green bonds needs a climate justice approach in order to recognize and address the production and reproduction of climate injustices.
Differences in socio-demographics status, risk behaviours, healthcare uptake and HIV/ sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between brothel-based and street-based female sex workers in Yunnan, China
Authors: Cai Guoxi , Liu Yufen , Zhuang Jinman , Chen Zishan , Lu Yixiao , Wu Jiwen , Hu Zhijian , Zhang Jianping , He Fei
Published: March 2024

Background

Heterosexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission in China and commercial sex is thought to play a crucial role in China’s epidemic. Female sex workers (FSWs) in China tend to be either brothel-based (BSWs) or street-based (SSWs), but few studies have investigated the differences between these important segments of this difficult-to-reach, high-risk population. Our aim was to explore the differences between SSWs and BSWs in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and risky practices, HIV/STI-related knowledge, health services, HIV/STI prevalence and other aspects.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan Province of China in partnership with a local FSW-friendly non-governmental organization. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, sex work history, sexual behaviours, HIV/STI-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and healthcare services uptake. Blood samples were taken for HIV and syphilis testing, and urine samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate differences between SSWs and BSWs.

Results

A total of 185 BSWs and 129 SSWs were included in the study. SSWs were older and less educated, had more dependents and more clients, lower condom use and accessed fewer healthcare services. Moreover, 37.2% of SSWs and 24.9% of BSWs were found to have HIV/STI infection. Unfortunately, the awareness related to STIs was relatively low in both groups, especially SSWs.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that confirms the disproportionately high vulnerability of SSWs to HIV and other STIs, underscoring the urgent need for the Chinese health and public health sectors to prioritize outreach to SSWs. Awareness and educational programs, condom distribution, testing and health check-ups should be included in a comprehensive strategy for HIV/STI prevention in this high-risk population.
Effect of mass treatment on the long-term prevalence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis-a systematic review
Authors: Vanbaelen Thibaut , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba S , Kenyon Chris
Published: March 2024

Background

Selective mass treatment of STIs may lead to a durable reduction in the prevalence of STIs or a temporary reduction associated with an increased probability of antimicrobial resistance emerging.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies evaluating the impact of mass STI treatment on the long-term prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and chancroid. The primary outcomes were the long term (≥3 months post the intervention) impact of the intervention on prevalence/incidence of the STI and on antimicrobial resistance.

Results

Our search yielded 269 studies, of which 4 met the inclusion criteria. With the exception of the Carletonville study, where this was not assessed, three of the four studies found that intensive STI treatment was associated with a reduced prevalence of the targeted STI during or immediately after the intervention. In all four studies, there was no evidence that the intense treatment had a long-term effect on prevalence. In the only study where this was assessed, the intensive use of penicillin to reduce gonococcal prevalence was associated with the emergence of reduced susceptibility to penicillin in N. gonorrhoeae.

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests that mass treatment of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in high prevalence populations is only associated with a temporary reduction in the prevalence of these infections and may select for antimicrobial resistance.
On the Efficacy of Accuracy Prompts Across Partisan Lines: An Adversarial Collaboration
Authors: Martel Cameron , Rathje Steve , Clark Cory J. , Pennycook Gordon , Van Bavel Jay J. , Rand David G. , van der Linden Sander
Published: March 2024

The spread of misinformation is a pressing societal challenge. Prior work shows that shifting attention to accuracy increases the quality of people’s news-sharing decisions. However, researchers disagree on whether accuracy-prompt interventions work for U.S. Republicans/conservatives and whether partisanship moderates the effect. In this preregistered adversarial collaboration, we tested this question using a multiverse meta-analysis ( k = 21; N = 27,828). In all 70 models, accuracy prompts improved sharing discernment among Republicans/conservatives. We observed significant partisan moderation for single-headline “evaluation” treatments (a critical test for one research team) such that the effect was stronger among Democrats than Republicans. However, this moderation was not consistently robust across different operationalizations of ideology/partisanship, exclusion criteria, or treatment type. Overall, we observed significant partisan moderation in 50% of specifications (all of which were considered critical for the other team). We discuss the conditions under which moderation is observed and offer interpretations.
A Historical Plankton Index: Zooplankton abundance in the North Sea since 800 CE
Authors: Scherer Cordula , Ludlow Francis , Matthews Al , Hayes Patrick , Klais Riina , Holm Poul
Published: March 2024

The North Sea region boasted one of the world’s most important fisheries for many centuries. Climate directly and indirectly influences the development and survival of many important pelagic fish in the North Sea ecosystem. One indirect influence is the food availability in the form of phyto- and zooplankton abundance, which is strongly controlled by environmental factors. One of these environmental factors is local sea surface temperatures. A negative correlation between zooplankton abundance and sea surface temperature is well established for the epeiric sea on the European continental shelf. Continuous temporal observations of North Sea zooplankton production only exist since 1958. Therefore we developed a Historical Plankton Index (HPI) from 800 CE onwards to extend our record of temperature-driven zooplankton abundance in the North Sea over a multi-centennial time scale. For this we used the North Atlantic temperature reconstructions and associations between zooplankton abundance and contemporary sea surface temperatures established applying a General Additive Modelling (GAM) approach. We then examined the association between the HPI and historical landings from the Dutch commercial herring fishery in the 17th century to test the utility of our HPI. We examine the potential influence of food availability (in terms of zooplankton abundance) on the fishery, the evolution of which is often only considered in terms of human influences such as conflict, fishing gear and demand for fish as a commodity. We find that under certain conditions the HPI can explain 20% of the variability in Dutch herring landings. This highlights the importance of developing long-term and large-scale indices of natural marine ecosystem dynamics to understand the historical fortunes of the commercial fishing industry. The results are directly relevant to the United Nations’ sustainable development goal 14 – life below water.
Effect of demographic factors on reading habits: Study on Indonesian secondary school students
Authors: Prabowo Thoriq Tri , Marwiyah  , Zain Labibah , Martias Lilih Deva , Riani Nur , Farhanah Nazzatul , Sitthiworachart Jirarat
Published: March 2024

This study explored the relationship between demographic variables and reading habits among Indonesian secondary school students, focusing on gender, age, current school, school type (public or private) and level. 451 students from six schools participated in the study. We used an explanatory sequential design, a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey based on the reading habits scale by the National Library of Indonesia and included demographic questions. Qualitative data were then collected through an in-depth follow-up survey. An independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA analyzed the influence of gender, age, current school, school type and school level on reading habits. Thematic analysis analyzed the qualitative data from the survey. The quantitative data indicated that students possessed low reading habit levels. Among the demographic variables, school location, public or private and level influenced the reading habit score, while gender and age had no influence. The qualitative findings highlighted the need for reading motivation, parent reading attitude and school library improvement to enhance reading habits. This study highlights practices that could shape reading habits, especially in secondary and upper secondary school students.