bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nivolumab in pretreated pleural mesothelioma: Results from an observational real-world study of patients treated within the AIFA 5% Fund
Authors: Cerbone Luigi , Delfanti Sara , Crivellari Stefania , De Angelis Antonina Maria , Mazzeo Laura , Proto Claudia , Occhipinti Mario , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Dellepiane Chiara , Biello Federica , Alabiso Irene , Verderame Francesco , Gauna Roberta , De Simone Irene , Cuppone Federica , Petraglia Sandra , Pasello Giulia , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Garassino Marina Chiara , Torri Valter , Grosso Federica
Published: February 2024

Background:

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a dismal prognosis and few therapeutic options, especially in the pretreated setting. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors as single agents yielded interesting results in refractory pleural mesothelioma, achieving a response rate between 10-20%, median progression-free survival of 2-5 months and median overall survival of 7-13 months.

Patients and methods:

A retrospective, multi-institutional study of pleural mesothelioma patients treated with nivolumab in second and further line was performed. The endpoints of the study are response rate, disease control rate, progression free survival and overall survival.

Results:

Sixty-five patients with pleural mesothelioma treated with nivolumab in second and further line were enrolled at seven Italian institutions. The response rate was 8%, disease control rate was 37%, median progression free survival was 5.7 months (95% CI: 2.9-9.0) and median overall survival was 11.1 (95% CI 6.2-19.9) months. A higher neutrophils and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio at baseline were associated with worse prognosis.

Conclusion:

Nivolumab as a single agent is fairly active in a cohort of unselected pretreated pleural mesothelioma patients. Further investigations on clinical and translational factors are needed to define which patient might benefit most from nivolumab treatment in pleural mesothelioma.
Dismissal, legibility and the normalising of colonial misrecognition
Authors: Sheth Falguni
Published: February 2024

The judicial act of dismissal in discrimination cases involving diasporic or minority populations is part of a larger cultural approach to diasporic subjects. Racial dismissal includes judicial as well as larger cultural forms of dismissal, whereby an authority judges a speaker’s grievances as implausible or unworthy of consideration, often due to cases of misrecognition or illegibility to a hegemonic culture or authority. Here the author draws on Kristie Dotson’s notion of epistemic silencing, which illustrates that grievances from diasporic subjects are dismissed because they fall outside settler-colonial norms, and are apprehended as trivial or illegitimate. Hence, dismissal is based on a sustained and protected misrecognition of diasporic populations.
Trip Purpose Inference and Spatio-Temporal Characterization Based on Anonymized Trip Data: Empirical Study from Dockless Shared Bicycle Dataset in Xi’an, China
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Cui Mengyan , Wang Huimin , Yang Hao , Guo Xiaowei , Liu Xuxu , Fu Xin
Published: February 2024

The rapid and widespread deployment and applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data technology has generated massive personal travel data. Although most of the data are anonymized, they still provide possibilities for analyzing individual travel behavior. It is worthwhile to explore how to more accurately infer travel purposes based on trajectory data, smart card fare data, or shared bicycle data. In this paper, an improved research framework is proposed for travel purpose inference by applying the gravity model, Bayesian criterion, and spatial clustering method. The gravity model and Bayesian rule are used to calculate the probability of users traveling to nearby POIs (points of interest), and the clustering algorithm is used to identify the locations regularly visited by users. Through the identification of maximum probability POI and regular trips, different travel purposes represented by POI can be distinguished. The results showed that the identification of regular trips could verify and complement the recognition of trip purposes by POIs. Using Xi’an city of China as an example for the study, the results show that: 1) regular trips accounted for 32% of the week’s trips; 2) there are 10% of the trips reflect different trip purposes for the same POI; 3) it is also important to note that 70% of the users have a parking error of fewer than 100 m when going to the exact location. This distance can provide a reference for the study of bicycle commuting. Finally, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of different trip purposes. The analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution can provide suggestions for the operation of bike-sharing enterprises and the management of regulators.
Chemical and Rheological Properties of Bitumen Partially Substituted with Rice-Straw-Based Lignin from Bio-Ethanol Industry Residue
Authors: Andiyappan Thavamani , Banapuram Rahul Reddy , Minchala Divakar , Kuna Kranthi Kumar
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in the chemical and rheological properties of bitumen when partially substituted, up to 15%, with rice-straw-based lignin materials, namely isolated lignin (IL) and fermentation residue lignin (FRL), obtained from second-generation bio-ethanol industry residues. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the alterations in chemical properties. The rheological properties that were assessed include Superpave upper performance grade (PG), rutting resistance using the multiple stress creep recovery test, and fatigue resistance using the linear amplitude sweep test. The results indicated that the addition of IL and FRL materials to the base bitumen is a physical process. Furthermore, IL and FRL substituted bitumen blends exhibited distinct trends for carbonyl (C=O) and sulfoxide (S=O) functional groups with ageing, depending on the chemical structure of the additive. Specifically, the IL materials showed a reduction in the rate of increase of ageing products and a decrease in the combined ageing index, up to 10% IL dosage, suggesting some antioxidant effect within the group. The addition of IL up to 15% dosage and FRL up to 10% dosage also led to an increase in the base binder high-temperature grade from PG70-XX to PG76-XX. Moreover, both IL and FRL materials enhanced rutting resistance and reduced fatigue resistance with an increase in dosage. It is worth noting that bitumen blends with different additives showed varying trends between chemical and rheological properties.
Microaxial mechanical circulatory support after orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Pritting Christopher , Ahmad Danial , Patel Keyur , Miyamoto Takuma , Rajab Taufiek K , Rajapreyar Indranee N , Massey Howard T , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: February 2024

Aim:

Use of microaxial mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been reported for severe graft rejection or dysfunction after heart transplantation (HTx). We aimed to assess utilization patterns of microaxial MCS after HTx in adolescents (ages 18 and younger) and adults (ages 19 and older).

Methods:

Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies on post-HTx use of microaxial support in adults and adolescents. A total of 18 studies were selected and patient-level data were extracted for statistical analysis.

Results:

All patients ( n=23), including adults ( n=15) and adolescents ( n=8), underwent Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) microaxial MCS after HTx. Median age was 36 [IQR 18–56] years (Adults, 52 [37–59]; adolescents, 16 [15–17]). Primary right ventricular graft dysfunction was an indication exclusively seen in the adults 40% (6/15), while acute graft rejection was present in 46.7% (7/15) of adults. Median time after transplant was 9 [0–32] months (Adults, 4 [0–32]; adolescents, 11 [4.5, 45]). Duration of Impella support was comparable between adults and adolescents (5 [2.5–8] vs 6 [5–8] days, p = 0.38). Overall improvement was observed both in median LV ejection fraction (23.5% [11.3–28] to 42% [37.8–47.3], p < 0.01) and cardiac index (1.8 [1.2–2.6] to 3 [2.5–3.1], p < 0.01). Retransplantation was required in four adolescents (50%, 4/8). Survival to discharge was achieved by 60.0% (9/15) of adults and 87.5% (7/8) of adolescents respectively ( p = 0.37).

Conclusion:

Indications for microaxial MCS appear to vary between adult and adolescent patients. Overall improvement in LVEF and cardiac index was observed, however, with suboptimal survival to discharge.
Nurses and Climate Change: A Narrative Review of Nursing Associations’ Recommendations for Integrating Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Gaudreau Coralie , Guillaumie Laurence , Jobin Édith , Diallo Thierno Amadou
Published: February 2024

Background

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the greatest challenge of the twenty-first century. It is already affecting the health of many Canadians through extreme heat, wildfires and the expansion of zoonotic diseases. As trusted professionals, nurses are in favourable position to take action on climate change.

Purpose

To document the recommendations issued by Quebec, Canadian, American and international nursing associations regarding nursing practices that address climate change or environmental issues.

Methods

This narrative review was conducted by establishing a list of environmental and general nursing associations in the geographical areas of interest through Google searches as well as by retrieving documents about climate change or environmental issues published by these organizations on their websites. Data related to the documents’ characteristics and recommended nursing roles were then extracted.

Results

The review identified 13 nurses’ organizations and 20 documents describing 37 recommendations for nurses in seven socioecological areas: individual, patient-focused, workplace, nursing associations, public health organizations, political and education.

Conclusions

There is a gap between the breadth of roles that nurses may be called upon to play in addressing climate change and the degree to which relevant organizations are prepared to create the required conditions for them to do so. Several lessons emerged, including that the urgency of the climate crisis requires clear guidelines on how nurses can integrate climate change and its resultant health concerns into practice through nurses’ associations, education and bottom-up nursing innovations. Funding is required for such initiatives, which must also prioritize health inequalities.
Dynamics modeling and simulation of steel cord conveyor belt based on dynamic elastic modulus
Authors: Sun Xiaoxia , Xiao Hui , Meng Wenjun
Published: February 2024

Steel cord conveyor belts are widely used in long-distance transportation of various materials. The steel cord belt is composed of rubber and steel cord core, exhibiting excellent viscoelasticity and complex dynamic characteristics during operation. The existing static elastic modulus cannot accurately reflect the real dynamic properties of the conveyor belt. In this paper, based on the catenary theory, the formula for the dynamic elastic modulus of the conveyor belt is derived by introducing the sag and elastic deformation of the steel cord conveyor belt on the basis of the static elastic modulus. The dynamic modeling of the steel cord conveyor belt is carried out using rigid belt block element + flexible beam method. Then, the RecurDyn software is used to establish the dynamic simulation system of the belt conveyor and conduct simulations, which are validated through a test bench. The results show that dynamics simulation based on the dynamic elastic modulus is closer to the real dynamic characteristics of the belt conveyor. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of belt conveyors under different start-up times, different start-up speeds, and idler spacing are analyzed using this modeling and simulation method. The results demonstrate that the dynamic elastic modulus can accurately reflect the real dynamic properties of the conveyor belt, providing a more accurate dynamic modeling and simulation method for the design of belt conveyors.
Innovative twist design for solar water heaters: Experimental findings and implications
Authors: Jambulingam Ananth , Subramanian Jaisankar , Murugesan Bakkiyaraj
Published: February 2024

More effective use of solar energy in hot water systems is made possible by optimising heat transfer and flow resistance. In light of this, Research has been conducted to enhance convective heat transfer while analysing flow friction characteristics for best performance, resulting in the design of novel inserts known as customised twists, which increase the efficiency of the solar hot water system. A conventional, plain tube heater is used as a baseline for the study on thermal characteristics, heat transportation and flow friction attributes. A thorough analysis and comparison of the thermal behaviour of the system with customised twist inserts that have been modified using rods and spacers of different lengths is performed. As a result of the induced disturbance in the fluid particle flow pattern throughout the length of risers, a significant improvement in the coefficient of convective heat transfer is observed. The study validated the correlations for the convective heat transfer coefficient and the resistance coefficient against previous research findings. The findings indicated that the thermal efficiency of the full-length twist-inserted system is almost three times greater than that of a plain collector while doubling its pressure drop. The findings of this research could be useful in designing low-cost, compact solar water heaters.
Thermodynamic assessment of a novel solar powered trigeneration system for combined power generation, heating, and cooling
Authors: Anjum Aftab , Mishra RS , Samsher
Published: February 2024

Solar power tower (SPT) technology is the mature technology among the various concentrated solar technologies for energy generation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the efficient energy generation system that utilizes the SPT plant. In the current study, a novel trigeneration system was presented to utilize the SPT for combined power generation, heating, and cooling. The trigeneration system consists a helium Brayton cycle and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with ejector refrigeration system for recovering the waste heat. The power was produced by the helium Brayton cycle and ORC turbine whereas, cooling and heating was produced simultaneously by the condenser and evaporator respectively. For building applications such as hospitals and hostels, the heating and cooling effects were generated at 50°C and 10°C respectively. Finally, the optimal system exhibits exergy and energy efficiency of 25.12% and 23.3%, respectively, when all the studied parameters are taken into consideration. Apart from this power output, heating and cooling productions were observed as 14,998, 60.52 and 8.25 kW and respectively at the 2.3 of compressor pressure ratio, 197.2°C of inlet temperature of ORC turbine.
Electromechanical coupling dynamics of dual-motor electric drive system of hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Ge Shuaishuai , Hou Shuang , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Huan , Li Wenli
Published: February 2024

In this study, to investigate the electromechanically coupled dynamics of a dual-motor electric drive system (DEDS) of hybrid electric vehicles under typical conditions. Considering the time-varying stiffness of gears, a dynamic model of the gear system and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) was developed, and a comprehensive electromechanical coupling dynamics model of DEDS applicable to coupling dynamics analysis was obtained. Based on this model, the impacts of the transmission error and electromechanical coupling effect on the dynamics of DEDS under steady-state and acceleration conditions were simulated and analyzed. This study demonstrates the significant impact of transmission errors on the dynamic load of high-speed gear pairs and the speed synchronization characteristics of the system. The study also reveals that the electromechanical coupling effect exacerbated the fluctuation of the gear dynamic load. During the speed change process, the electromechanical coupling effect did not introduce new resonance points. However, transmission errors tend to induce low-frequency resonance of the gear dynamic load and speed synchronization error (SSE). In addition, when the system is operated near the resonant speed, a large torsional vibration dominated by the resonant excitation frequency is generated, distinguished using the current signal to assess the resonance risk. The research results are important for the integrated design and condition monitoring of DEDS and offer valuable insights for enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the system.
Analysis of settlement thresholds for a new ballastless track-concrete box subgrade structure
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Tang Yongjiu , Zheng Weiqi , Qin Yu , Yu Lei , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the effects of settlement on force, track deformation, and train dynamics to determine the settlement thresholds of ballastless track-concrete box subgrade (BTCBS) are studied. Firstly, this study introduces four settlement types, namely V-shape, box rolling, box faulting, and trapezoid settlement. The nonlinear finite element model (FEM) of BTCBS and the train-ballastless track-concrete box subgrade (TBTCBS) model considering nonlinear contact between track slabs and base slabs are established. Then, the effects of settlement on fastener force, track deformation, and vehicle dynamics are studied. According to the calculated results and China’s codes, the settlement limit values of BTCBS can be obtained. The results indicate that the settlement thresholds with box rolling and faulting are controlled by vertical force of fasteners, and the settlement limit values with V-shape and trapezoid settlement are controlled by 10 m chord versine of vertical irregularity (CVVI). The suggested settlement limit values of BTCBS for box faulting, box rolling, trapezoid, and V-shape settlement are respectively 2.48 mm, 2.55 mm, 17.43 mm, and 8.79 mm.
Start-ups in the Brazilian Innovation Ecosystem
Authors: Botelho Antonio José Junqueira , Almeida Mariza
Published: February 2024

The article analyses the dynamics of start-up growth in Brazil highlighting the role of government, companies, venture capital and the innovation system in start-up policy. The most significant recent change in the Brazilian start-up ecosystem was the rise of growth-oriented entrepreneurship and start-ups. The 2021 Brazilian Legal Framework of Start-ups and Innovative Entrepreneurship is a milestone as it establishes mechanisms for the acquisition of products/services by the government provided by start-ups.
Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection and Diagnosis of COVID-19: Immense Potential of a Powerful Technology
Authors: Miah Muhammed , Venkatraman Santosh
Published: February 2024

The novel coronavirus pandemic, shortly known as COVID-19, has become one of the deadliest and costliest events in recent human history. Since it started in December 2019, as of 4 January 2021, this virus infected 83,910,386 people around the globe and killed 1,839,660 lives, including 20,258,725 confirmed cases with 347,555 deaths only in the United States. Early detection and diagnosis of the virus can significantly save lives by controlling the spreading of the virus and monitoring the patients. In the process to fight COVID-19, artificial intelligence (AI) can be a very important tool for early detection and diagnosis to fight COVID-19 and save the global economy and lives. This article presents a unique and timely review on using AI for the early detection and diagnosis of COVID-19. Sourcing from open-access online materials and academic outlets, the article analyses sample articles concerning the use of AI in detecting and diagnosing COVID-19. The research team scrutinised the contents using established content analysis approach. Even though the pandemic started only about a year ago, AI is being used very effectively for the detection and diagnosis of COVID-19. Medical practitioners, researchers and scientists around the world are using AI for this purpose in different ways. AI is playing an important role to fight COVID-19 by early detecting and diagnosing it. It is anticipated that the findings would offer benefits in enhancing the use of AI to control the spreading and saving lives from the deadly virus.
Manager’s Age, Employee Environmental Passion, and Employee Green Engagement: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Khan Naveed R. , Siddiqui Aamna H. , Jafar Rana Muhammad Sohail , Khan Mustafa Rehman , Ahmad Wasim
Published: February 2024

Environmental concerns are growing worldwide, especially in the business context, where employee green engagement plays a crucial role in enhancing organizational environmental performance. The purpose of this research is to explore the conceptual link between a manager’s age, employee environmental passion and employee green engagement. The research adopts a systematic literature review methodology. Using the Scopus database, articles were selected for analysis related to employee green engagement published between 2002 and 2023. The study’s findings provide evidence in support of the proposition that a manager’s age has a significant impact on employee green engagement, with younger managers fostering environmental passion and encouraging eco-friendly activities. Employee environmental passion plays a significant role in this relationship. This research contributes to the conceptualization of employee green engagement and highlights the importance of organizational factors, such as a manager’s age and employee environmental passion, in shaping sustainable practices. Organizations can enhance environmental sustainability by engaging employees in sustainability initiatives. This study contributes novelty by shedding light on the motivational drivers that encourage employees to actively engage in green initiatives. The research provides valuable insights for organizations to create sustainable work environments and address critical environmental concerns, making it a valuable addition to the field of sustainability research.
Scientific Insights into Hyperlipidemia Mitigation: A Profound Examination of Isolated Bioactive Fractions of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Leaves and their Therapeutic Implications Using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico Study from the Characterized Compounds Using HPTLC MS/MSn Analysis
Authors: Singh Ravi Pratap , Pattnaik Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background

Hyperlipidemia is a common precursor to cardiovascular diseases, necessitating effective intervention. This study explores the potential of a bioactive fraction derived from Kalanchoe pinnata leaf, a less-explored natural source, for its antihyperlipidemic properties.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this research are to isolate and assess the bioactive fraction from Kalanchoe pinnata leaves extract for its antihyperlipidemic attributes using a murine model. The study also aims to characterize the fraction and investigate its interactions with hyperlipidemia-related proteins.

Materials and Methods

Kalanchoe pinnata leaves were extracted and fractionated via flash chromatography. Isolated fractions underwent phytochemical, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition assays in vitro. In vivo, selected fractions were tested in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Fraction F2, which exhibits the most potent activity, was characterized using HPTLC MS/MSn chromatography. Molecular docking studies explored interactions between F2 compounds and hyperlipidemia-related proteins.

Results

Fraction F2 displayed significant in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity, with observable morphological changes in mice. HPTLC MS/MSn identified four major compounds in F2, while docking studies revealed potential interactions with hyperlipidemia-related proteins.

Conclusion

This study underscores F2’s potential as a potent antihyperlipidemic agent sourced from Kalanchoe pinnata leaves. The identified compounds hold promise for further research in hyperlipidemia therapy development, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of natural Kalanchoe pinnata compounds for managing hyperlipidemia and related cardiovascular conditions.
An Exploratory Study on the Transmission of Language Memes: The Case of Chinese Language Memes
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Pei-ji , Li Wen-yang , Yokoi Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

We did an exploratory investigation of the transmission of language memes using the meme concept. Using 62 Chinese language memes as an example, we mined the emotions of netizens’ posts containing these languages on Weibo, a Chinese social platform and successfully demonstrated language memes’ potential for eliciting both positive and negative emotions. By comparing the features of emotional changes with the features of the four different language meme transmission processes (bursty, continuous expansion, continuous decline and steady) classified in this study, the results of correlation analysis objectively illustrate the existed connection between emotion and language meme transmission. Specifically, we discovered that the positive emotion ‘good’ and the negative emotion ‘disgust’ are the most obvious emotions elicited by language memes. Additionally, 79% of language memes’ transmission processes were correlated with emotions (positive or negative). And most language memes’ transmission process belongs to the bursty type, especially the latency → burst mode.
Online Resources for Robin Sequence; an Analysis of Readability
Authors: Browne R. , Hurley C.M. , Carr S. , de Blacam C.
Published: February 2024

The objective was to evaluate the readability of easily accessible parent-directed information concerning Robin Sequence (RS) online, compared to the American Medical Association (AMA)-recommended sixth grade (age 11-12) readability level.

A Google search of the term “Pierre Robin Sequence information” was performed. The first ten websites were evaluated using six commonly used readability formulas. Sample texts from three websites were ‘translated’ by the authors, with the aim of achieving a sixth grade readability level.

The following outcomes were used: Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score.

The mean pooled grade level of the top 10 included websites was 12.1 (age 17-18). The overall FRE Index was 45.8, which is equivalent to a College-grade reading level. The mean grade level by each test used was: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 11.6 (age 16-17), Gunning Fog Score 13.3 (age 18+), SMOG 10.0 (age 14-15), Coleman-Liau Index 13.8 (age 18+), and ARI 12.0 (age 17-18). The author-translated resources achieved pooled mean grade levels of 6.3-6.5.

Parent-directed online materials concerning RS have a readability in excess of the AMA-recommended sixth grade reading level. Even though the condition is complex, more readable resources are achievable. Coproduction of parent-directed resources in association with public an patient involvement (PPI) contributors is encouraged.
The contingent animal: does artificial innateness misrepresent behavioral development?
Authors: Kohn Gregory M , Kostecki Mateusz
Published: February 2024

While organisms are continually experiencing and interacting with their environments, the role and extent of experiences in behavioral development has been controversial. Some argue that adaptive behaviors are acquired through experiences, while others claim they are the result of innate programs that don’t require environmental input. Such controversies have historically occurred within animal behavior and psychology, but similar debates are emerging in the field of artificial intelligence. Here, the debate is centered on those who design experience-dependent systems that are trained to learn the statistical properties of “environmental” inputs, and those advocating the use of pre-packaged artificially “innate” responses tailored to prespecified inputs. Those favoring artificial innateness draw analogies with animal behavior to argue that innateness is necessary for the emergence of complex adaptive behavior. But does behavioral development in animals reflect the unfolding of innate programs? Here we highlight the widespread role of specifically causal experiences in the ontogeny of species-typical behaviors. All behaviors are an outcome of a chain of organism-environment transactions—called ontogenetic niches—that begin in the earliest periods of life. This challenges the notion that organisms come prepared with innate programs for behavior. We suggest that an artificial intelligence that matches the complexity of animal behavior should be based on principles of behavioral development, where experiences are necessary and specifically causal factors in the emergence of behavioral abilities.
The Resilience and Socioeconomic Status of Caregivers and School-Aged Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yates Julia , Burke Shauna M. , Orchard Treena , Mantler Tara
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between (1) caregiver and child resilience; and (2) socioeconomic status (SES) and the resilience of both caregivers and children. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many unanticipated challenges for school-aged children and caregivers and navigating them required tremendous resilience. The degree to which the resilience of family members influenced one another or how it was related to economic hardships tied to the pandemic, particularly for members of low SES families, remains poorly understood. Methods: Online surveys were administered to 22 caregivers ( Mage = 40.45 years; SD = 4.55) and 27 children ( Mage = 8.19 years; SD = 1.14) to measure self-reported resilience and SES. Correlational analyses were conducted to assess both objectives. Results: Analyses detected no significant relationships between the resilience of caregivers and children, nor the resilience and SES of these groups. However, trends revealed that caregivers who reported “normal” levels of resilience had a higher average income than those who reported low levels of resilience. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to suggest a relationship between the resilience of caregivers and their children, but income levels may play a role in the resilience of caregivers. Implications: Targeting factors that help families with low SES navigate adversities, including those related to income, need to be identified and better understood to ensure a proactive and equitable public health response in future phases of the pandemic or similar situations.
Looking Back and Venturing Forth: Perspectives in Marriage and Family Counseling From a Content Analysis of The Family Journal
Authors: Southern Stephen
Published: February 2024

The Family Journal is a quarterly peer-reviewed professional journal that has undergone substantial changes in the last three years. A content analysis of the first 13 years of the journal (Southern, 2006) provided a context for understanding changes over time. The preliminary results of a pilot content analysis for 2023 (Volume 31, Issues 1–4) identified types and subtypes of published articles as well as categories, subcategories, and domains. The pilot testing refined categories and raised important issues for the ongoing content analysis. One of the major challenges involves the proliferation of international manuscripts and quantitative research designs. The mission of the journal is to balance theory, research, and practice for the predominantly clinical readership. The review concludes with some guiding questions for ongoing research and practice in marriage and family counseling.
Gender Differences in the Mechanism of the Impact of Employee Family Sacrifice Behavior on Partner’s Career Aspirations
Authors: Zhang Lanxia , Wang Huichen , Li Jiamin
Published: February 2024

The literature lacks clarity about the influence of family sacrifice behavior, which is considered a pro-family activity, on the career aspirations of partners. The study employed interdependence theory and gender role theory to examine a sample of 248 double-working couples in China. The hypotheses were tested using a three-wave survey administered to both parties. The main aim is to investigate the gender differences in how employee family sacrifice behavior affects their partner’s career aspirations. Furthermore, the study investigates the moderating role of gender egalitarianism. Research findings suggest that when husbands engage in sacrificial behavior for their families, it has a notable detrimental effect on their own career aspirations. Individual family sacrifice behavior promotes an increase in the partner’s family-work enrichment, thereby enhancing the partner’s career aspirations. This mediating mechanism is conditional and displays differences in gender. When husbands engage in family sacrifice behavior, the mediating mechanism holds true regardless of their wives’ level of gender egalitarianism. However, when wives engage in family sacrifice behavior, the mediating mechanism only holds true when their husbands have a high level of gender egalitarianism. The research findings have profound theoretical implications and practical insights for improving employees’ career aspirations and advancing gender egalitarianism.
TFFNet: A robust approach with anti-noise and domain shift adaptation for intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machinery
Authors: Kawale Pushkar , Mishra Sitesh Kumar , Shakya Piyush
Published: February 2024

Recently, deep learning has been a predominantly used technique for intelligent fault diagnosis of industrial machines. It has accomplished satisfactory performance as well. However, noise is present in a real-life industrial working environment, and the operational load also constantly changes. This work proposes a Time-Frequency Fusion Network (TFFNet) for intelligent fault diagnosis. It is robust convolutional neural network based deep-learning algorithm and eliminates the signal processing required for denoising. The success of the developed model is verified in the presence of real-time noisy conditions and under a load-varying environment. The proposed model attained 99.98% accuracy in a noisy environment and 98.6% average accuracy under six cases of domain shift. Finally, the results are compared with past studies using accuracy as a performance indicator.
Damped Normal Compliance (DNC) and the restitution coefficient
Authors: Shillor Meir , Pahuja Ian
Published: February 2024

This work introduces and studies a novel normal compliance contact condition with damping, the Damped Normal Compliance (DNC), which is more realistic than the usual normal compliance condition that is often used in modeling contact between solids. The condition is applied in a model for the contact of a rigid mass with a reactive obstacle and allows for energy dissipation during contact. We analyze the model and show that the condition is of mathematical, as well as applied, interest. Then, we establish its relationship with the so-called “coefficient of restitution,”[Formula: see text], and show that the concept is not well defined, since [Formula: see text] depends on the system parameters, applied force, and initial data. The various theoretical results are depicted using computer simulations.
Towards automated image-based cohesive zone modeling of cracking in irregular masonry
Authors: Ehab Moustafa Kamel Karim , Massart Thierry J
Published: February 2024

The models developed for masonry and historical structures in the literature are usually classified into macromodels considering masonry as an equivalent continuum; and micromodels in which brick, blocks, or stones and mortar joints are represented explicitly. In this second category, many contributions dealt with regular bond masonry for which the geometrical description and the discretization are rather straightforward. For irregular masonry structures however, even though both finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) approaches have been developed, obtaining a versatile geometry representation and its discretization remains much less straightforward. This becomes an important issue nowadays with the availability of image acquisition techniques, based on which computational models could be derived. The present contribution proposes an automated methodology to produce a line description of the mortar joints of an irregular masonry blocks/stones and mortar assembly, which can subsequently be used in modeling approaches. The starting point of the development is a generation technique based on inclusions packings which uses distance fields to the nearest neighboring inclusions to describe an assembly of blocks or stones geometrically. It is shown that such an assembly and the corresponding distance fields can be used to extract efficiently and in an automated way a line or lumped description of the corresponding mortar joint based on the concept of a medial axis. This line description can subsequently be used to define computational models. This is illustrated by the automated generation of FEM models that represent mortar joints by interface elements equipped with a cohesive law. Simulations on representative volume elements (RVEs) and on a wall are shown to illustrate the methodology that paves the way towards the image-based modeling of irregular masonry structures through the automated generation of cohesive zone-based models.
Probiotics as a Promising Therapy in Improvement of Symptoms in Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nahidi Mahsa , Soleimanpour Saman , Emadzadeh Maryam
Published: February 2024

Background:

ADHD is widely recognized as the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Recently, the potential role of gut microbiota as an etiological factor in ADHD has gained attention. This systematic review aims to investigate the potential impact of probiotic supplements on alleviating ADHD symptoms and influencing behavior.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS were searched from inception to May 2023. Only randomized controlled trials that have suitable data of the effects of probiotics/synbiotics on children with ADHD were enrolled. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool.

Results:

Five related randomized controlled trial were evaluated in the current review. Types of interventions ranged from single/multi strain probiotics to synbiotic. The duration of intervention in all of the studies were 2 to 3 months. The assessed outcomes were very diverse and different tools were used to report the symptoms in children. Among those which used Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, a decrease in the total score occurred in the probiotic group, compared to the placebo group. An improvement in both intervention and control groups was seen in one study which used ADHD-Rating Scale.

Conclusion:

In summary, the combined findings from the reviewed studies suggest that probiotic supplements might potentially serve as a complementary intervention for ADHD. However, given the small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and the diversity of probiotic strains, further research is needed to clarify the effects of probiotics in children with ADHD. The observed tolerability of probiotics is noteworthy as none of the studies report adverse effects.
Facilitating Text Comprehension in Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability
Authors: Saletta Fitzgibbons Meredith , Stein Amy Buros , Khan Omar M.
Published: February 2024

Text comprehension can be facilitated in many ways, including enabling the listener to see pictures illustrating the story, to read along silently, or to read along aloud. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any of these three supports facilitated text comprehension in adults with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). Researchers read four stories aloud to 26 U.S. adults with IDD under four conditions: listening only and listening while receiving each of the abovementioned three supports. Following each story, the participants responded orally to “wh-” comprehension questions. Participants’ reading and visuospatial skills were quantified. Results indicated that only participants with strong reading skills benefited from reading along silently or aloud and that illustration support did not appear to be an effective strategy. We provide implications and discuss the importance of adapting instruction to students’ strengths and preferences.
Does-dual mobility still offer improved stability in smaller cup sizes? A computer modelling comparison of stability with 22-mm versus 28-mm inner heads in dual-mobility versus single-bearing constructs
Authors: Atrey Amit , Navacchia Alessandro , Ward Sarah E , Rister David , Brillantes Jacqueline , Stavrakis Alexandra , Khoshbin Amir
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Dislocation remains 1 of the leading causes of revision after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and there is clear evidence the dual-mobility (DM) is used more frequently to minimise this. But in smaller cups, whether the use of DM with smaller 22-mm heads imparts any increased stability compared to standard bearing is unknown; especially when those smaller cups now allow for large single-bearing (SB) heads.

Methods:

3 primary cup sizes (48 mm, 50 mm, 52 mm) were chosen a priori for modelling. Head sizes trialled for the standard bearing (SB) constructs group were 28-0 mm, 32-0 mm and 36-0 mm against neutral polyethylene liners. In the modular sub-hemispheric DM constructs the inner head sizes for the DM constructs were altered where appropriate (22-0 mm vs. 28-0 mm). Cup position, stem offset, and stem size were standardised.

Results:

Both DM constructs outperformed all SB constructs because of a statistically significant jump distance increase ( p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in range of motion (ROM) or jump distances between the 22-mm and 28-mm DM inner heads. The ROM angle before impingement between the DM (with 22-mm or 28-mm heads) and SB (with different head sizes where appropriate) showed no statistically significant difference. However, DM constructs presented significantly larger jump distances than SB constructs for both provocative dislocation tests across all 3 cup sizes. Of interest, for 50-mm and 52-mm cup sizes (for which this particular DM construct design can accommodate both 22-mm and 28-mm inner heads), there were no differences in ROM or jump distance between 22-mm versus 28-mm inner heads.

Conclusions:

In this computer-modelling study, DM constructs are advantageous over SB constructs for improving jump distances in clinically provocative positions, but not range of motion angles. Inner head diameter of DM has no effect on stability.
Crowding-in and (temporary) crowding-out in Venice. The effect of cultural events on residents
Authors: Baldin Andrea , Bertocchi Dario , Camatti Nicola
Published: February 2024

Cultural events are endorsed in urban cultural policy for their economic role in supporting the tourism industry and their social role in strengthening community cohesion. Nevertheless, conflicts can arise between these two objectives, especially in cities already experiencing massive tourism regardless of the staging of major events. Taking Venice as a case study, we investigate the effects that different types of cultural events have on the relationship between residents and tourists in a crowding-in/temporary crowding-out dynamic. We implement a structural equation model using a unique dataset that records the daily number of residents, tourists, day visitors and commuters in the city. Results show evidence of both a crowding-in and temporary crowding-out effect during major cultural events, whereas such effects are not present for cultural events associated with local traditions. The paper highlights how these dynamics can impact the economy and the management of tourism destinations during cultural events.
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the German Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QOLEB) questionnaire
Authors: Salamon Gudrun , Strobl Sophie , Field-Werners Ursula , Welponer Tobias , Murrell Dédée F , Diem Anja
Published: February 2024

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease characterised by skin fragility and a wide variety of symptoms. The Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QOLEB) score is an English 17-item EB-specific validated measurement tool with two dimensions: functioning and emotions. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a culturally adapted German QOLEB. The following steps were carried out: translation, expert evaluation, back translation, linguistic and cultural adaptation, sample-based psychometric testing and evaluation. Data analysis was performed with n = 46 patients across all EB types. The reliability and internal consistency of the translated German QOLEB were excellent (α = 0.901). Regarding convergent validity, the QOLEB correlated highly with the iscorEB ( r = 0.879; p < 0.001). Structural similarity with the English original version was confirmed through exploratory factor analysis. In conclusion, the German QOLEB demonstrates internal reliability and construct validity and is suitable to assess the quality of life in German-speaking EB patients.
Podcasting women’s pleasure: Feminism and sexuality in the sonic space of China
Authors: Yang Fan , Kavka Misha
Published: February 2024

This article sheds light on the landscape of sex-positive podcasts for women in mainland China, with particular emphasis on the podcast Bitch Up (2015–2022). Drawing on the sexualization of popular culture in China since the 1990s, we trace the origins of sex-positive podcasting back to late-night radio to show how the celebration of women’s sexual pleasure in podcast form builds an erotic sonic space that engages with feminist discourses of liberation through pleasure. Through historical and discourse analysis, we argue that Bitch Up sought to establish a new sexual norm that moulds the orgasmic body as female and reconfigures pleasure as an act of women’s self-determination. Refusing to conflate sexual celebration with sex education, Bitch Up discovered and nurtured an appetite for sexual pleasure and expressivity amongst Chinese women that contributes to understanding the complexities of feminism, erotics and politics in contemporary China.
Romantic opportunism: Doing the work of structures in post-feminist creative industries
Authors: Bandinelli Carolina
Published: February 2024

This article contributes to feminist cultural studies on the creative industries by offering an ethnographic account of the lifeworld of a female and creative entrepreneur. Drawing on interview data and ethnographic observations collected over the course of 10 years, I offer a thick description of the personal and professional trajectories of Alexandra, through the rise and fall of her fashion brand and first marriage and on to her second marriage and new job as an employee for a marketing firm. I focus on the ways in which she becomes her own microstructure, building connection between love and career in a de-regulated and de-territorialised environment. I argue that she engages in what I call ‘romantic opportunism’, a biographical device that enables her to spot instrumental connections between different dimensions of life, whilst unifying them into a romantic plot. The story of Alexandra can therefore be seen as an instantiation of ‘freelance feminism’, whereby life emerges as the combination of parallel and interdependent projects.