bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation study: Bone density and circulating inflammatory markers in postmenopausal patients
Authors: Jin Xingyu , Wang Ye , Wang Huazheng , Wang Lu , Huan Binglong , Liu Chao
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the correlation between changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women and circulating inflammatory markers.

Methods

This retrospective study focused on postmenopausal women admitted to the orthopedic department of Suzhou Benq Medical Center from June 2022 to December 2023, following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We retrospectively collected data on initial blood routine test results and bone density measurements for all study subjects upon admission, including parameters such as white blood cell count (WBC), C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and procalcitonin (PCT). Additionally, the systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) was calculated using neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and platelet count. Statistical analyses using SPSS and GraphPad software were performed to assess the correlation between bone density and inflammatory markers.

Results

Patients were classified into three groups based on BMD results, including 60 individuals in the osteoporosis (OP) group, 127 individuals in the osteopenia group, and 37 individuals in the Normal group, respectively. Principal component analysis analysis suggested that WBC, SII, and postmenopausal OP (PMOP) held significant feature values. Correlation analysis indicated a correlation between WBC (p = 0.021), IL‐6 (p = 0.044), SII (p = 0.034), and PMOP. One‐way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in IL‐6 (p = 0.0179), SII (p = 0.0210), and PCT (p = 0.0200) among the three groups. Finally, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that SII (area under the curve = 0.716) has predictive value for PMOP.

Conclusion

This study identified a certain predictive value for PMOP through the assessment of inflammatory markers in peripheral blood using routine blood tests.
Prediction models to control final control elements for neutralization process in chemical industries
Authors: Dharshan Y , Devasena D , Srinivasan K
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Industrialization continues to increase in the 21st century, as industries start moving towards automation. Manufacturing of a component/item requires a lot of resources and energy. Usage of water in industries has increased in recent years, as it is used as both a resource and an energy generating source. Neutralization of a processed liquid is carried out by addition of solution through final control elements and most industries are utilizing pneumatic‐based control valves, which have a disadvantage in the regulation of additives.

RESULTS

A motorized valve system is introduced, which is compared with the pneumatic system in terms of their performance. The proposed system is implemented with different controllers such as proportional–integral controller tuned using linear matrix inequalities, modified internal model controller, model predictive controller and nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) model, where the final control elements are tested for pH neutralization. On implementation of the proposed system the NAR model has proven to be better under the motorized control valve system for the neutralization process, with a peak value of 7.08 (pH), settling time of 75.16 s, rise time of 5.96 s, maximum overshoot of 10.1%, slew rate of 0.21 per second, integral square error of 0.95, integral absolute error of 0.48 and integral time absolute error of 1.88.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results obtained it is observed that the NAR controller utilized with motorized control valve has better functionality in neutralizing a solution. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Striving for the self: A self‐regulation model of positive identity maintenance in platform‐based gig drivers
Authors: Van Fossen Jenna A. , Watson Gwendolyn Paige , Schuster Amy M. , Baker Nathan M. , Chang Chu‐Hsiang , Cotten Shelia R.
Published: August 2024

Research has focused on the effects of the organizational setting on work identity. However, platform‐based gig work in particular features challenges to developing a positive work identity, such as high autonomy in the absence of organizational structure, and often the lack of a clear occupational title. We conducted focus groups with platform‐based gig drivers (N = 53) and analyzed our data with an abductive approach, applying concepts from self‐regulation theories. Our model presents commitment to career success goals as a mechanism linking higher‐order abstract identity and lower‐order concrete task goals. The career success goals that workers prioritize provide the criteria for achieving a positive work identity. Gig drivers desired to attain goal states such as higher earnings and autonomy that may be indicative of career success. Goal prioritization by oneself, given multiple desirable career success goals, could be overwhelming. Yet, compared to traditional workers, independent gig workers are also granted greater freedom to prioritize the career success goals that are perceived as achievable, to protect a positive work identity. Our study thus has implications for identity theory and self‐regulation. We discuss practical implications to support independent workers given how they conceive of career success and positive work identity.
Development of a biparametric varying Non‐Stationary Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and its application in the West Liaoning semi‐arid zone
Authors: Gong Xinglong , Xu Yuan , Liu Mingyang , Xu Aiqi
Published: August 2024

The reliability of conventional drought indices is increasingly called into question as the stationarity of hydrologic series undergoes significant alterations and becomes irreversibly impacted by environmental changes. In the extant literature concerning Non‐Stationary Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (NSPEIs), researchers typically construct linear models incorporating location parameters and covariates; however, the simultaneous consideration of both location and scale parameters has been conspicuously infrequent. In this study, we developed a NSPEI using the generalized additive models in location, scale and shape. This index innovatively incorporates location and scale parameters that vary in response to changes in meteorological factors, thereby offering a more reliable and robust means to quantify drought characteristics under changing environmental conditions. The index was employed across representative sub‐watersheds within the western region of Liaoning Province and subjected to a comparative analysis alongside the conventional Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) to ascertain its reliability. The findings indicate that within the study area, both the precipitation and evapotranspiration series exhibit non‐stationary behaviour. Specifically, the precipitation data reveals an overall declining trend, while the evapotranspiration data demonstrates an ascending trend. Furthermore, NSPEI demonstrates superior performance over SPEI in the reconstruction of historical drought events within the western region of Liaoning Province, thereby providing a more accurate representation of the actual drought conditions experienced. The NSPEI estimated a larger drought peak, whereas the SPEI identified longer durations and greater severity of droughts. These findings provide valuable information for evaluating drought characteristics and managing water resources under changing environmental conditions.
Unravelling spatiotemporal patterns in global sea surface temperatures with dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Dong Menghao , Sun Cheng , Wei Tian , Guo Zijing , Lou Wei , Song Zichen , Shi Linfeng
Published: August 2024

Extracting global sea surface temperature (SST) patterns is essential for understanding climate variability in both regional and global perspective. Traditional methods, limited by assumptions of orthogonality, hinder our ability to fully capture the dynamics of global SST, particularly in the complex Pacific basin. This study introduces dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), a powerful method from fluid dynamics, to extract global SST patterns since 1900. Our analysis shows that DMD successfully captures well‐known patterns like global warming and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). More importantly, it reveals three Pacific SST modes that are spatially non‐orthogonal but exhibit distinct characteristics. Spectral analysis shows that these Pacific modes have distinct periodicities: Pacific Multi‐decadal Mode (PMDM, ~50 years), Quasi‐decadal Mode (PQDM, 8–16 years) and Interannual Mode (PIAM, 2–8 years). This highlights DMD's strength in not only capturing known patterns but also separating modes with similar spatial features but unique dynamics. Further analysis reveals significant differences in their impacts on global air temperature. During positive phases, all three modes induce tropical warming, with PIAM exerting the strongest influence and PMDM the weakest. In the Northern Hemisphere, both PQDM and PIAM drive mid‐latitude cooling and high‐latitude warming, with a more pronounced effect from PQDM. PMDM, in contrast, triggers widespread cooling across the Northern extratropics. In the Southern Hemisphere, PMDM's influence on temperature exhibits a distinct latitudinal banding pattern. PIAM and PQDM, on the other hand, exhibit a regionalized impact, primarily concentrated in the Amundsen and Ross Seas, with PQDM's influence extending to the Antarctic continent.
The Role of Epistemic Emotions and Activities in Creative Action: A Metacognitive and Self‐Regulatory Approach
Authors: Puente‐Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos‐Arroyo Judith , Puerta‐Sierra Lizbeth
Published: August 2024

Epistemic activities and emotions play an important role when generating, evaluating, and selecting creative ideas. This is especially so when examining creative actions developmentally. A total of 134 business students participated in an innovation tournament in which they were asked to explore product or service categories, generate, evaluate, and select their most creative idea, prepare a business plan of the idea selected, and present their ideas to peers who acted as participants and judges in 16 weeks. While preparing, participants were asked to complete a set of written assignments and questions to assess depth of knowledge of the category chosen, satisfaction, frustration, and self‐evaluations. All ideas were formalized as business plans and evaluated by peers during the innovation tournament. Results showed a positive relationship between depth of knowledge and satisfaction during the idea selection stage. Satisfaction and frustration were positively and negatively related, respectively, to evaluations of the creativity of the ideas. Last, depth of knowledge was the only significant predictor of peer evaluations of the creativity of the idea presented in their business plans. Qualitative findings during reflection showed important challenges for developing something truly original and effective. The implications of the results for creative action from a creative self‐regulatory and metacognitive perspective were discussed.
Transcending psychological unease with coveted home‐state travel: The role of homesickness, regret, and place attachment
Authors: Lin Zhiwei (CJ) , Wong IpKin Anthony , Yang Fiona X. , Huang GuoQiong Ivanka
Published: August 2024

What happens when a tourist is stranded at a destination and prevented from returning home? We refer to such an individual as the “castaway tourist,” who is experiencing the above situation due to border/city lockdown or other extenuating circumstances. This inquiry builds upon control theory to unpack a homesickness remedy process under severe environmental duress. It draws on a multiwave design with data from three periods to identify a process in which castaway tourists experience psychological uneasiness, leading to travel homesickness and regret. Findings further reveal that place attachment moderates the relationships between COVID worries and subsequent homesickness and travel regret. Together, this study presents a timely examination of homesickness‐induced tourism attributed to mega crises. It brings nuanced insights into the literature by introducing the notion of castaway tourists, while uncovering how adverse travel circumstances could turn into motivational forces that promote future home‐province/state travel opportunities in turbulent times.
Adverse childhood experiences, health risk factors, and significant problems with substances and behaviors among U.S. college students
Authors: King Anthony , Tong Ting , Le Danielle , Sim Donna , Wong‐Padoongpatt Gloria
Published: August 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often associated with higher rates of mental health issues and problematic behaviors within the U.S. college population. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the current associations among ACEs, six psychosocial risk factors for poor health (i.e., anxiety, depression, loneliness, negative urgency, positive urgency, and stress), and significant behavioral and substance problems in a large sample of college students (N = 1,993). Overall, 72.3% of participants reported one or more ACEs, with 21.7% reporting at least five of these experiences; the most prevalent ACE types were emotional abuse (51.7%) and parental mental illness (33.8%). Cumulative ACEs were positively associated with all health risk factors, rs = .07–.38, ps ≤ .001, and these ACE scores were most connected to student problems with alcohol, overeating, and sex, rs = .19–.22, ps < .001. Furthermore, using logistic regression, cumulative ACEs predicted which students were more likely to report behavioral problems, OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.03, 1.14]; substance problems, OR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.07, 1.26]; and both types of problems, OR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.20, 1.36], relative to students without these problems. Aside from ACEs, higher anxiety was the only other risk factor all three problem types shared. Collectively, these findings highlight the differential impact of ACEs and other psychosocial risk factors on the susceptibility of college students to particular forms of maladaptive coping and suggest potential targets for intervention and prevention efforts in these areas.
Assessing a Fermented Whey Beverage Biofortified with Folate as a Potential Folate Source for Humans
Authors: Obermaier Lisa , Candelaria Cucick Ana Clara , Gombossy de Melo Franco Bernadette Dora , Isay Saad Susana Marta , Skurk Thomas , Rychlik Michael
Published: August 2024

Folate, a vital water‐soluble vitamin (B9), requires specific attention as its recommended daily intake frequently is not reached in countries without mandatory fortification. In this regard, biofortification with microorganisms like Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus offers a compelling approach for enhancing food with natural folates. A randomized, nonblinded, and monocentric human pilot study is conducted to assess the bioavailability of a folate‐biofortified fermented whey beverage, comprising 3 intervention days and a controlled replenishment phase before and during the assay. Folate plasma concentration (5‐CH3‐H4folate) is determined using a stable isotope dilution assay and LC‐MS/MS detection. Biokinetic parameters (cmax and tmax) are determined, and areas under the curve (AUC) normalized to the basal folate plasma concentration are calculated. An average bioavailability of 17.1% in relation to the 5‐CH3‐H4folate supplement, ranging from 0% to 39.8%, is obtained. These results reiterate the significance of additional research into folate bioavailability in general and dairy products. Further investigations are warranted into folate‐binding proteins (FBP) and other potential limiting factors within the food and individual factors. In summary, biofortification via fermentation emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing the natural folate content in dairy and other food products.
Uniform and optimal error estimates of a nested Picard integrator for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with wave operator
Authors: Cai Yongyong , Feng Yue , Guo Yichen , Xu Zhiguo
Published: August 2024

We propose a second‐order nested Picard iterative integrator sine pseudospectral (NPI‐SP) method for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with wave operator (NLSW) involving a parameter and carry out rigorous error estimates. Actually, the equation propagates wave with wavelength in time, while the amplitude of the leading oscillation is for well‐prepared initial data, and for ill‐prepared initial data, respectively. Based on the exponential integrator and nested Picard iteration, the uniformly accurate (w.r.t. ) NPI‐SP scheme is proposed with the optimal uniform error bounds at in time and spectral accuracy in space for both well‐prepared and ill‐prepared data in ‐norm. This result significantly improves the error bounds of the finite difference methods and exponential wave integrator for the NLSW. Error estimates are rigorously carried out and numerical examples are provided to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Typical failure modes and corresponding repairing methods of woven lattice sandwich composites
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Shi Hougai , Bai Cuiping , Yan Qu , Wang Ben , Fan Hualin
Published: August 2024

The woven lattice sandwich composites (WLSCs) are susceptible to damage during service, which leads to a decline in their mechanical properties. Therefore, it is crucial to develop repair methods that specifically target the mechanical properties of WLSCs. In this study, repair techniques for the common types of skin and core damage in WLSCs were propose. The repair process begins with identifying the type of structural damage and removing the damaged section. Subsequently, the skin and core layers are repaired accordingly. The mechanical properties before and after repair are then compared through experimental evaluations. The results demonstrate that the carrying capacity of the repaired WLSCs is 85% higher than that of the original, unrepaired structure using the selected repair method.

Highlights

Typical damage modes of woven lattice sandwich composites were classified.

Repairing methods are proposed for woven lattice panels based on damage modes.

Core‐foaming and skin patch adhering perfectly rehabilitate the damaged sandwich.

Bearing capacity of the repaired sandwich slightly surpasses its original structure.
On the Much‐Improved High‐Voltage Cycling Performance of LiCoO2 by Phase Alteration from O3 to O2 Structure
Authors: Zan Mingwei , Xie Hongsheng , Jiao Sichen , Jiang Kai , Wang Xuelong , Xiao Ruijuan , Yu Xiqian , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie
Published: August 2024

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is an irreplaceable cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries with high volumetric energy density. The prevailing O3 phase LiCoO2 adopts the ABCABC (A, B, and C stand for lattice sites in the close‐packed plane) stacking modes of close‐packed oxygen atoms. Currently, the focus of LiCoO2 development is application at high voltage (>4.55 V versus Li+/Li) to achieve a high specific capacity (>190 mAh g−1). However, cycled with a high cutoff voltage, O3–LiCoO2 suffers from rapid capacity decay. The causes of failure are mostly attributed to the irreversible transitions to H1‐3/O1 phase after deep delithiation and severe interfacial reactions with electrolytes. In addition to O3, LiCoO2 is also known to crystalize in an O2 phase with ABAC stacking. Since its discovery, little is known about the high‐voltage behavior of O2–LiCoO2. Herein, through systematic comparison between electrochemical performances of O3 and O2 LiCoO2 at high voltage, the significantly better stability of O2–LiCoO2 (>4.5 V) than that of O3–LiCoO2 in the same micro‐sized particle morphology is revealed. Combining various characterization techniques and multiscale simulation, the outstanding high‐voltage stability of O2–LiCoO2 is attributed to the high Li diffusivity and ideal mechanical properties. Uniform Li+ distribution and balanced internal stress loading may hold the key to improving the high‐voltage performance of LiCoO2.
Automatic assessment of the fatigue life of cables of cable‐stayed bridges by on‐line monitoring
Authors: Xu Bin , Wu Zirao , Casas Joan R. , Dan Danhui
Published: August 2024

To accurately and timely evaluate the long‐term performance of cables in cable‐stayed bridges, an automatic perception technology scheme by on‐line monitoring of cable vibrations is proposed for the fatigue damage evaluation of in‐service cables. In the fatigue‐stress amplitude of cables, the stress produced by tension changes caused by external actions like traffic, wind, and temperature is the main component. When cables vibrate significantly, the stress caused by changes in cable vibration‐induced additional stress should not be neglected. Besides axial stress, bending stress is also significant in cable fatigue damage analysis. To make cable fatigue life prediction closer to real engineering scenarios, this factor should be considered. First, based on the cable dynamic stiffness theory, a method is proposed for the automatic gathering of the actual full‐stress time history of a cable by on‐line vibration monitoring. Furthermore, based on Miner's linear fatigue damage accumulation theory, an automatic fatigue life assessment method is proposed and applied to the vibration monitoring data of cables on an operational bridge. The results indicate that the proposed technology realizes automatic on‐line monitoring of cable forces and fatigue assessment of cables. Through statistical analysis of cable fatigue stress amplitude, it was determined that in cable‐stayed bridges, compared to long cables, short cables are more sensitive to external variable loads, typically experiencing larger and more frequent tension changes, and are more prone to fatigue. Therefore, short cables should be given more attention when analyzing cable fatigue in cable‐stayed bridges.
Hugh Watt Reid
Authors: Nettleton Peter , Buxton David
Published: August 2024

A scholar with an ever‐inquiring mind, he was recognised internationally as an outstanding scientist.
A positive reminder to reflect on achievements
Authors: Lamb Henry
Published: August 2024

With nominations open for the BVA Young Vet of the Year 2024, last year's winner Henry Lamb describes his experience of securing the prestigious award.
Mixed practice was my plan…then cattle health specialisation caught my attention
Authors: Gladden Nicola
Published: August 2024

Gaining experience in mixed practice was the starting point for Nicola Gladden, then locuming and travel gave her the space to decide which career route to follow next, choosing a residency pathway.
Chebyshev–Ritz and Navier's methods for hygro‐magneto vibration of Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam resting on Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation
Authors: Jena Subrat Kumar , Pradyumna S. , Chakraverty S. , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: August 2024

This research employs Chebyshev–Ritz method along with Navier's method to investigate the vibration characteristics of a nanobeam subject to a longitudinal magnetic field and linear hygroscopic environment. The nanobeam is characterized by a Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation and follows the nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The governing equation of motion is derived using Hamilton's principle, and non‐dimensional frequency parameters are computed for Simply Supported‐Simply Supported (SS), Clamped‐Clamped (CC), and Clamped‐Free (CF) boundary conditions. The motivation behind this study is to provide a comprehensive and efficient analytical framework for understanding the dynamic behavior of nanobeams in complex environments. By investigating the influence of magnetic and hygroscopic factors on the vibration characteristics of nanobeams, this research aims to offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of nanoscale structures. Employing shifted Chebyshev polynomials as shape functions in Chebyshev–Ritz method offers several advantages in the proposed model. Firstly, these polynomials possess orthogonal properties, which can significantly enhance computational efficiency. The orthogonality of shifted Chebyshev polynomials allow for simpler and more streamlined numerical computations compared to non‐orthogonal basis functions. Additionally, the orthogonality ensures that the resulting system of equations is well‐conditioned, even for higher‐order polynomial approximations. A closed‐form solution for SS boundary condition is obtained through Navier's method. Convergence analysis is performed to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model against existing models. The non‐dimensional frequency parameters obtained using both Navier's method and Chebyshev–Ritz method demonstrate strong agreement, further validating the proposed nanobeam model. Additionally, a comprehensive parametric study evaluates the impact of various characteristics, including the small‐scale parameter, Winkler modulus, shear modulus, magnetic parameter, and hygroscopic parameter. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of nanobeam vibrations under the influence of a magnetic field and hygroscopic environment, providing valuable insights for the design and optimization of nanoscale structures in practical applications.
Influence of heat source/sink on a rotating cone in a rotating nanofluid with magnetic field impact: Application of Hosoya polynomial‐based collocation method
Authors: Sharma Ram Prakash , Srilatha Pudhari , Prakash Om , Kumar R. S. Varun
Published: August 2024

The present analysis considers the angular velocities of the free flow and the arbitrarily fluctuating cone over time, leading to an unsteady stream over a rotating cone in a rotating nanofluid. The effects of heat source/sink and magnetic field on an unsteady flow past a rotating cone in a rotating nanoliquid are considered in this examination. The dimensional governing equations are transformed into nondimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the similarity variables. The nonlinear system of ODEs has been solved using the Hosoya polynomial‐based collocation method (HPBCM), and the obtained values are compared with the numerical method Runge Kutta Fehlberg's fourth‐fifth order (RKF‐45) scheme. The effects of numerous factors on the momentum and thermal distributions are shown graphically. Results reveal that the ratio of the cone angular velocity to the free stream angular velocity increases the velocity profile but converse trend is seen for the thermal profile. The upsurge in the values of the magnetic parameter intensifies the velocity profile. The rise in the values of the heat source/sink parameter upsurges the thermal profile. As the unsteady parameter increases temperature profile declines.
The Right Kind of Family, the Right Kind of Migrant: Welfare and Immigration in Poland Before and After the Populist Turn
Authors: Safuta Anna
Published: August 2024

Right-wing populism in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) uses welfare and migration policies to legitimize its illiberalism. This chapter examines welfare and immigration policies in Poland since 2005, when populists first came to power. The findings are based on 17 expert interviews and document analysis, and challenge the notion of a radical shift between liberal democracy and illiberal populism. In the welfare and immigration domains, illiberal populism is rather a reactionary intensification of prior ideological orientations. In line with the book’s focus on anti-gender and anti-migrant discourses, the chapter identifies bordering practices involved in illiberal populist welfare and migration policies. Deserving welfare subjects are those who can fulfil ‘nationalist familialist’ ideals establishing the heteropatriarchal family as the foundation of the nation. In the migration domain, illiberal populism distinguishes between desirable inflows from former Soviet countries (‘peripherally white’ migration) and unwanted non-white migrants. These insights are pertinent beyond CEE. They highlight how liberal market-oriented social policy lays the groundwork for populist self-positioning as welfare champions supporting the nation’s ‘real’ families. Additionally, the chapter shows that right-wing populism strategically opposes certain migrations while encouraging others.
The Action Repertoires of the International Organization for the Family—Transnationalizing Far-Right Family Politics
Authors: Koch Timo
Published: August 2024

Migration and far-right social movement studies have explored exclusionary politics in different national contexts. These works have explained many of the factors contributing to the hostility against minorities on the grounds of religion, race, gender, and sexual identity. Employing the concept of intersectional bordering (Cassidy K, Yuval-Davis N, Wemyss G, Polit Geogr 66:139–141, 2018), the present analysis dissects how religious, conservative, and far-right organizations employ the concept of the family to promote exclusionary politics. To achieve this, the chapter focuses on the International Organization for the Family (IOF), one of the most prominent representatives of this emerging phenomenon (Kalm S, Meeuwisse A, Global Discourse 10:303–320, 2020). I outline three key discursive and mobilization strategies of the IOF: identity formation, the sharing of resources, and knowledge transfer. Analyzing the organization’s repertoires in Russia, Hungary, Moldova, and Germany, I show how transnational collective action is facilitated through the development of common mobilization strategies, the exchange of organizational resources, and online campaigns. The concept of the family thereby becomes an adaptable repertoire creating new exclusions through contentious politics.
Developable forming of high-strength corrugated sheet metal
Authors: Bhuva Jeet , Weiss Matthias , Rolfe Bernard , Jiao Jingsi , Paulino Mariana
Published: August 2024

The classical theory of folded developables suggests that curved crease folding can be applied to sheet metal of high strength to manufacture parts with complex geometries. However, its application has been limited to sheet metals with low strength and requires grooving or perforation of the material at the fold lines. Applying the geometrical concept otherwise remains unexplored despite its potential in sheet metal-intensive industries like automotive, transportation, and construction. The current study introduces a novel sheet metal forming technique called developable forming. The theory of folded developables is applied to design a die tool for flange drawing a developable-shaped steel sheet. A developable connection is produced from high-strength material without resorting to thickness accommodation techniques. Experimental findings establish that the novel process does not follow the premises of the theory of folded developables. New shape effects are observed and the terms curving and coning are introduced to describe these. Additionally, significant redundant strains are identified in the flange, highlighting the different deformation modes in the developable forming process. A higher formability is achieved for a material with limited uniaxial elongation highlighting the need for further investigation on the mechanisms involved in the novel process.
Hyper-policing the Homeless: Lived Experience and the Perils of Benevolent and Malevolent Policing
Authors: Anthony Thalia , Walsh Tamara , McNamara Luke , Quilter Julia
Published: August 2024

Drawing on interviews with 164 people experiencing homelessness across Australia, this article discusses the concept of hyper-policing to account for excessive police interventions. Hyper-policing is exhibited in the sheer numbers of police apprehensions of people experiencing homelessness (quantitative aspect) and the extreme use of force (qualitative aspect). By deploying Wacquant’s (Daedalus 139(3):74–90, 2010) notion of hyper-incarceration in “ghettos”, we reveal that policing homelessness in Australia creates a panopticon on the streets and a conveyor belt into the panopticon of prisons. The lived experience of homeless participants demonstrates that hyper-policing is characterised by casual and constant encounters that reinforce homeless peoples’ status as ‘urban outcasts’ (Wacquant Int J Urban Reg Res 17:366–383, 1993). With growing pressures on access to housing and the cost of living across Western capitalist societies, policing is likely to play an increasing role in managing the housing crisis fallout. Homeless participants contend that the antidote to hyper-policing is not better policing but the dilution of policing. A common refrain among participants was for the police to ‘leave us alone’—a strategy that does not seek help from community policing but instead seeks peace on the streets. We articulate how the voices of homeless participants furthers ‘defund the police’ and abolitionist thinking by drawing attention to the need for housing justice over policing interventions in either benevolent or malevolent forms.
Are Interactive Exhibits at a Science Center Cognitive Artifacts?
Authors: Trybulec Marcin , Iłowiecka-Tańska Ilona
Published: August 2024

The paper examines the semiotic and cognitive status of interactive exhibits at science centers, taking the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw (CSC) as an example. Such science centers support bottom-up interactions, encouraging visitors to spontaneously explore the exhibits in various ways. We analyze one distinctive way of interaction, when young visitors ignore an exhibit’s instruction and use it as if it were a kind of a toy or machine to play with (this is particularly common with exhibits that are unfamiliar “open-ended objects”). Drawing on cognitive semiotics we describe this particular way of interacting with exhibits as the reality mode of experience, in which the user ignores an intended exhibit’s representational function. We consider whether such interactive objects can be framed as cognitive artifacts, given that standard conceptualizations of artifacts emphasize their representational function. How can we convincingly describe the process by which the cognitive function of an exhibit experienced in reality mode is constituted? In this paper we apply concept of ecological cognitive artifact and the idea of the enactive signification to these questions. We argue that exhibits experienced in reality mode do indeed perform cognitive functions, even in the absence of a representational relation. Our investigation provides insights into the cognitive functions of exhibits and contributes to the conceptualization of non-representational cognitive artifacts.
Affordances and Constraints to Implementing Project-Based STEM: A Case Study of Systemic School Change
Authors: Giamellaro Michael , Ewing Benjamin , Siegel Deborah
Published: August 2024

School change is difficult and is both leveraged and hindered by interactive influences within complex systems of social practice. Whole-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a growing trend with unique aspects of change required of educators. A qualitative case study was used to analyze educator perspectives of the affordances and constraints to implementing a project-based, STEM-focused curriculum across all grades and classes of a rural school district in the United States. Educator journals and interviews informed the case over the first 1.5 years of the initiative. Identified affordances and constraints to implementation were organized into six factors and one element. External, teacher, and curriculum factors were disproportionately described as affordances, while administration and district factors were disproportionately described as constraints to the initiative. Student elements and fixed factors were identified as balanced between affordances and constraints. STEM-specific implications of these findings are discussed.
A method to enhance the nonlinear magnetic plucking for vibration energy harvesters
Authors: Rosso Michele , Cuccurullo Simone , Perli Filippo Pietro , Maspero Federico , Corigliano Alberto , Ardito Raffaele
Published: August 2024

In this work, a technique to improve the magnetic plucking for frequency up-conversion in piezoelectric energy harvesters is presented. The technique involves shielded magnets with Neodymium-iron-boron alloy polarized in the opposite direction on a main magnet. The phenomenon is investigated both at the computational and at the experimental level. Subsequently, simulations on a mesoscale piezoelectric energy harvester are presented which demonstrate a gain of 17 times if the magnets are shielded in comparison with the classical plucking (i.e. without shielding). The technique finds useful applications and benefits in the field of low-speed and low-frequency vibration energy harvesting, as well as in actuation and sensing.
Decoupling social movements from modernity: a critical reappraisal of Charles Tilly’s theory on the origins of social movements
Authors: Ebbinghaus Mathis
Published: August 2024

Conventional wisdom situates the historical origins of social movements in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by attributing their emergence to the rise of democracy, capitalism, and the nation-state. In this article, I challenge this scholarly orthodoxy by presenting primary sources and historical scholarship that demonstrate how the German Peasants’ Revolt of 1524 and 1525 meets Charles Tilly’s criteria for a modern social movement. By challenging the standard narrative of social movements as a product of modernity, this article breaks with the dichotomy between modern and premodern social movements and encourages us to rethink the concept of social movements.
Navigating social debt and its link with technical debt in large-scale agile software development projects
Authors: Saeeda Hina , Ovais Ahmad Muhammad , Gustavsson Tomas
Published: August 2024

Agile methodologies have emerged as transformative paradigms in the ever-evolving software development landscape, emphasizing iterative development, customer collaboration, and adaptability. As the scope and complexity of projects and organizations expand, applying agile principles within the context of Large-Scale Agile Development (LSAD) encounters distinctive challenges. The majority of challenges encountered in LSAD, technical and non-technical, are attributed to the accrual of social debt. However, a conspicuous gap remains in understanding and addressing social debt in LSAD. This study aims to fill this void by investigating social debt in LSAD through an in-depth industrial case study with a leading Nordic company specializing in telecommunications software and services and focusing on producing secure 5G network solutions. The study investigates the causes of LSAD’s social debt and examines its impacts on secure 5G telecom software development. By addressing these objectives, this research sheds light on a critical aspect of LSAD’s social debt, caused by 3C challenges(communication, coordination and collaboration), social confines challenges, community smells challenges, and organisational social challenges in the telecom sector that have been underrepresented in the existing literature.
Scientific understanding in biomedical research
Authors: Varga Somogy
Published: August 2024

Motivated by a recent trend that advocates a reassessment of the aim of medical science and clinical practice, this paper investigates the epistemic aims of biomedical research. Drawing on contemporary discussions in epistemology and the philosophy of science, along with a recent study on scurvy, this paper (1) explores the concept of understanding as the aim of scientific inquiry and (2) establishes a framework that will guide the examination of its forms in biomedical research. Using the case of Tuberculosis (TB), (3) it is argued that grasping a mechanistic explanation is crucial for reaching a threshold of understanding at which we may speak of an objectual, biomedical understanding of TB.
Nonlinear dynamics in a public good game
Authors: Gori Luca , Sodini Mauro
Published: August 2024

The present work aims to study the problem of individual voluntary anonymous contributions to the financing of public goods in a dynamic setting. To do this, the article departs from a textbook model à la Naimzada and Tramontana (2010) augmented with public goods. The article studies how bounded rationality and dependence on agents’ past decisions combine with the problem of voluntary contributions. This favours the emergence of nonlinear dynamics in individual behaviour as well as in the aggregate contribution to the financing of a public good project. The Nash equilibrium can be destabilised through a flip bifurcation when the agent reactivity increases. In addition, some Neimark–Sacker bifurcations can also occur although not around the steady-state equilibrium. A sufficiently high agent reactivity level can also lead to chaotic dynamics with possible multiple attractors. When the chaotic regime prevails, synchronisation phenomena in agent behaviour may occur but are rare. Thus, usually, even if agents are homogeneous, they behave as if they were heterogeneous by making non-synchronised decisions. The work also explicitly deepens the case of a heterogeneous economy in terms of both consumer preferences and income.
Acute Augmentations to Psychological Therapies in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pennesi Jamie-Lee , Johnson Catherine , Radünz Marcela , Wade Tracey D.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the use and efficacy of acute augmentation therapies in eating disorders.

Recent Findings

A meta-analysis addressing this topic across psychological disorders found augmentation significantly improved therapy outcome with strongest findings for augmentations targeting biological mechanisms; however, only one study examined eating disorders.

Our systematic review identified 29 studies examining people with eating disorders (N = 1831 participants, 93.7% female), of which 17 RCTs (n = 1162 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Small subgroups of acute augmentations were identified. Adding acute augmentations to an intervention was effective in 72.4% of studies, with a significant effect on eating disorder outcomes (Hedges’ g = 0.14, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.26]). Acute augmentation looks to be a promising approach regardless of weight status or whether it is added to treatment as usual or a single therapy approach.
Charting cancer’s course: revealing the role of diet, exercise, and the microbiome in cancer evolution and immunotherapy response
Authors: Martin-Quesada Ana Isabel , Hennessy Maeve A. , Gutiérrez Ana Cardeña
Published: August 2024

A variety of pathophysiological mechanisms exist by which physical exercise, nutrition, and the microbiome can impact the development of cancer and the response of tumor cells to systemic anti-cancer therapy. Physical exercise positively impacts the different stages of oncological disease and may improve overall survival and quality of life, reduce treatment-associated toxicity, and improve response to immunotherapy. Nutrition impacts quality of life, and novel nutritional regimens and their role in cancer treatment and outcomes are under active investigation. Finally, the microbiome may act as a predictor of response and resistance to immunotherapy. This comprehensive review delves into the interplay between these elements and their impact on oncological outcomes, emphasizing their role in modulating the immune system and enhancing the response to immunotherapy.

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available and referenced in the bibliography section.
Early Identification of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Difficulties in Primary Schools: Explanations for Special Educational Needs Coordinators’ Different Practices
Authors: Jaspers-van der Maten Marloes L. , Rommes Els W. M.
Published: August 2024

Early identification of social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBDs) in children is essential to provide support and reduce the risk of negative outcomes. Schools are considered ideal settings to identify SEBDs, and in many countries special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) play a pivotal role in this respect. Although SENCOs may contribute to improving school-based identification of SEBDs by adopting a more systematic approach, they have a multitude of tasks and considerable professional discretion. As a result, there are differences between SENCOs in the quality of their identification practices in terms of the frequency of observations, the maintenance of a four-eyes principle, and the utilization of specialist knowledge, affecting whether and when SEBDs are identified. The aim of this study was to examine what factors can explain differences in these practices for early identification of SEBDs. Using a narrative qualitative approach, we interviewed 34 primary school professionals, studied school policy documents and observed team meetings. Thematic analysis revealed that an interplay of the factors: (1) (conformity to) school regulations, (2) team continuity, and (3) personal characteristics, explains why SENCOs decide differently on who conducts observations, and when. Generally, SENCOs are more likely to conform to frequent observations by at least two observers utilizing specialist knowledge, when schools have regulations that clearly define by whom and when observations should take place, with competent, committed, proactive school staff conforming to those regulations, within a stable team. Although each factor is important but not essential to ensure these practices, personal characteristics of the SENCO can compensate for a lack of clear school regulations or team discontinuity. Implications for school policy and practice are discussed.
Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency: a case on a commonly misinterpreted mutation in colon cancer
Authors: C King , H Edwards , E Thompson , M Abdelmasseh , A Cuaranta , A Pacioles , J Sanabria
Published: August 2024

It is estimated that 153,020 cases of CRC per year, with an increase in diagnoses in younger patients. We present a case of a female with an early presentation of Lynch Syndrome and CRC, who, on her third malignant presentation, was re-diagnosed as a constitutional mismatch repair deficiency.
A social-ecological approach to support equitable land use decision-making
Authors: Brück Maria , Benra Felipe , Duguma Dula Wakassa , Fischer Joern , Jiren Tolera Senbeto , Law Elizabeth A. , Pacheco-Romero Manuel , Schultner Jannik , Abson David J.
Published: August 2024

Human-driven land use change can result in unequitable outcomes in the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services (ES). To better address equity-related effects of land use change in decision-making, analyses of land use and ES changes under different land use management alternatives should incorporate ecological and social information and take a disaggregated approach to ES analysis. Because such approaches are still scarce in the literature, we present a generalized social-ecological approach to support equitable land use decision-making (in terms of process and outcomes) and an example of its application to a case study in southwestern Ethiopia. We propose a six-step approach that combines scenario planning with equity-focused, disaggregated analyses of ES. Its application in our study area made equity-related effects of land use change explicit through the recognition of different beneficiary groups, value types, and spatial locations. We recommend the application of our approach in other contexts, especially in the Global South.