bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the validity of the Norwegian translation of the modified weight bias internalization scale
Authors: Lussier Tiffany , Tangen Jon Harald Quindao , Eik-Nes Trine Tetlie , Karlsen Håvard R. , Berg Kjersti Hognes , Fiskum Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Background

Individuals with higher weight (overweight or obesity) may experience social stigma due to their weight. Weight stigma can be internalized with adverse health effects. Internalized weight stigma is relevant across different weight categories, but no validated weight-neutral measure of internalized weight bias currently exists in Norway. The current study aimed to examine the validity of a Norwegian translation of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale.

Methods

A Norwegian translation of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) was administered in an adult Norwegian sample (N = 315, of which 251 women) ranging from self-reported “very underweight” to “very overweight”.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 11 of the original 11 items in the WBIS-M. Based on previous factor analyses with this scale, we expected a one-factor model. One of the items related to competence showed poor model fit, and concern was raised around possible item ambiguity partway through the study. Two versions of this item were therefore tested, neither of which yielded an acceptable fit. After exclusion of this item, the results showed high loadings for the remaining 10 items on one factor with a high internal consistency (α = 0.94). Convergent validity was approached by looking at the relationship between answers on the WBIS-M, self-perceived weight, and items on overall health and psychological/emotional state.

Conclusion

The 10-item Norwegian version of the WBIS-M shows sound psychometric properties and can be used to measure internalized weight bias in a weight-neutral fashion in a Norwegian-speaking population. Internalized weight bias was correlated with psychological/emotional state and overall health, with those reporting more internalized weight bias also reporting that they felt worse. This relationship was stronger for women than men in our sample and was partially dependent on weight. The women also showed higher internalized weight bias than the men. Future studies should include more male participants and explore alternative versions of the missing item related to competence.
Geographic distribution of conversion therapy prevalence in Canada. Findings from a national cross-sectional survey, 2020
Authors: Tiwana Amrit , Salway Travis , Schillaci-Ventura Julia , Watt Sarah
Published: August 2024

Background: Conversion therapy practices (CTPs) are discredited efforts that target lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit, or other (LGBTQ2S+) people and seek to change, deny, or discourage their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of CTPs across Canadian provinces and territories and identify whether CTP bans reduce the prevalence of CTPs. Methods: We collected 119 CTPs from 31 adults (18+) in Canada who have direct experience with CTPs, know people who have gone to CTPs, or know of conversion therapy practitioners using a 2020 anonymous online survey. Mapping analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Online. CTP prevalence was compared between provinces/territories with and without bans using chi-square tests. Results: Three provinces and eleven municipalities had CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories with bans was 2.34 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 1.65, 3.31). The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without bans was 4.13 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 3.32, 5.14). Accounting for the underlying population, provinces/territories with the highest prevalence of CTPs per 1,000,000 population were New Brunswick (6.69), Nova Scotia (6.50), and Saskatchewan (6.37). Conclusions: Findings suggest only 55% of Canadians were protected under CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without bans was 1.76 times greater than provinces/territories with bans. CTPs are occurring in most provinces/territories, with higher prevalence in the west and the Atlantic. These findings and continued efforts to monitor CTP prevalence can help inform policymakers and legislators as society is increasingly acknowledging CTPs as a threat to the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ people.
Josephson Oscillations of Two Weakly Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates
Authors: Schelle Alexej
Published: August 2024

A numerical experiment based on a particle number-conserving quantum field theory is performed for two initially independent Bose–Einstein condensates that are coherently coupled at two temperatures. The present model illustrates ab initio that the initial phase of each of the two condensates does not remain random at the Boltzmann equilibrium, but is distributed around integer multiple values of 2π from the interference and thermalization of forward and backward propagating matter waves. The thermalization inside the atomic vapors can be understood as an intrinsic measurement process that defines a temperature for the two condensates and projects the quantum states to an average wave field with zero (relative) phases. Following this approach, focus is put on the original thought experiment of Anderson on whether a Josephson current between two initially separated Bose–Einstein condensates occurs in a deterministic way or not, depending on the initial phase distribution.Quanta 2024; 13: 28–37.
Aproximaciones a la historia industrial de Popayán entre los siglos XVI y XIX
Authors: Arévalo Viveros Juan Manuel , Rodríguez Escobar Ángela María , Betancourt Villalobos Wilson Andrés
Published: August 2024

El surgimiento y transformación del sector industrial en Popayán entre los siglos XVI y XIX ha sido un tema poco explorado en la historiografía colombiana. Objetivo: desarrollar un esbozo general sobre el sector industrial en el contexto circunscrito, haciendo uso de datos secundarios para aglutinar los aportes existentes más relevantes sobre la materia y motivar futuras investigaciones en el campo. Metodología: para el desarrollo del trabajo se privilegió una perspectiva metodológica cualitativa fundamentada en un paradigma constructivista e interpretativo. El método utilizado fue la revisión sistemática cualitativa y las entrevistas interpretativas. El análisis de datos se hizo utilizando elementos de la teoría fundamentada y del método comparativo constante, bajo el proceso analítico y operativo del software Atlas t. i. Resultados principales: entre los siglos XVI y XIX, la industria no fue un sector relevante en Popayán; durante ese periodo la agricultura y la minería fueron mucho más significativos. Conclusiones: el surgimiento y la transformación del sector industrial en Popayán se encuentran asociados al desarrollo de las grandes haciendas y a la consolidación de los sectores agrícola y minero.
DIÁLOGOS, DISPUTAS E RESIGNIFICAÇÕES NA MICROPOLÍTICA DOS PROCESSOS DE EXPERIMENTAÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA
Authors: Stevenazzi Alén Felipe
Published: August 2024

Este artigo pretende analisar o conceito de micropolítica e como essa produção teórica faz parte de uma concepção das instituições escolares como organizações políticas. Com a expressão micropolítica, analisa-se o conjunto de decisões e definições que se processam cotidianamente em uma instituição escolar. E como estes vão moldando a produção de uma política que se baseia em posiçoes docentes (Southwell e Vassiliades, 2014), ao mesmo tempo, constituídas em coletivas (Barreiro, Rodríguez e Stevenazzi, 2020) alcançando assim diferentes graus de explicação e reflexão, aqueles que não podem ser separadas de seu fardo político. Embora uma série de esforços materiais e simbólicos sejam feitos para excluir as dimensões políticas do trabalho pedagógico.No cotidiano escolar convivem uma série de definições postas em prática e com poucas possibilidades de reflexão, às quais se sobrepõe um processo de gestão que exclui gradativamente o pedagógico dentro da escola. A figura do quotidiano associada ao político é interessante, porque é aí que se jogam os grandes enunciados, se põem em prática todos os dias os discursos político-pedagógicos, é nessa dialéctica do quotidiano onde se processam as transformações do educativo.
Transcrevivenciar a crítica à colonialidade em ambientes de educação formal
Authors: Lima Santos Elisson , Tavares Lopes Edinéia
Published: August 2024

Transcrevivenciar corresponde à ação de propor-agir uma escrita escrevivenciada que seja permeada e atravessada pelas experiências de vidas de pessoas transvestigêneres. Por causa disso, este artigo tem como objetivo promover uma análise transcrevivenciada que suscite transgressões nos processos educativos violentos gerados, reproduzidos e perpetuados pelas colonialidades em ambientes de educação formal. Desse modo, em relação aos dados, estes foram levantados e analisados a partir da evocação das minhas transcrevivências em cinco ambientes educacionais formais. Destes, três foram escolas públicas, duas em que estudei e uma em que trabalho enquanto docente, e uma universidade pública federal, no contexto da graduação e da pós-graduação. Assim, através da análise, notei que (n)esses espaços educativos promovem um processo contínuo de (re)produção da matriz colonial de poder. Por conseguinte, ao desobedecer às epistemologias moderno-coloniais, a pesquisa se insere nas epistemologias de fronteira com a função de pensar e agir desde e com as pessoas subalternizadas do Sul, rompendo, assim, com os processos educativos violentos geridos pela colonialidade. Logo, essa escrita é fronteiriça, desobediente e de(s)colonial.
Docentes negros no pós-abolição:
Authors: Alves Sousa Ladjane , Silveira Lima Solyane
Published: August 2024

Tomamos neste escrito a análise das presenças e atuações das professoras e professores da escola primária, negras e negros, na greve ocorrida em Salvador em 1918. O objetivo é explicitar as presenças e atuações dessas professoras e professores da escola primária, negras e negros, na liderança da greve de docentes no ano de 1918, refletindo sobre a interseccionalidade que os atravessavam quando dos seus movimentos e lutas por direitos profissionais docente, com a intenção de comunicar a história daqueles que historicamente têm sido invisibilizados e as complexidades que os conformam. O aporte teórico relacionado à greve docente de 1918 é inspirado em autores como Silva (1997), Costa e Conceição (2001), Silva (2017) e Miguel (2021), com interseccionalidade e aprofundamento das desigualdades tratadas a partir de Collins e Bilge (2021) e Carneiro (2011). Dessa maneira, problematizar esse tema exige que pensemos na categoria raça e em seu atravessamento com outras categorias, como gênero e classe, e o aprofundamento das desigualdades vividas por esses docentes no final da década de 1910 no Brasil.
Dalcídio Jurandir:
Authors: Bolsanello de Carvalho Lorenna , Cabral da Silva Márcia
Published: August 2024

O escritor paraense Dalcídio Jurandir compôs o Ciclo do Extremo Norte, conjunto de romances no qual ficcionalizou vivências amazônicas do início do século XX, promovendo a circulação de saberes e de linguagens frequentemente marginalizadas. Seu ingresso na cena literária nacional ocorreu com a publicação de Chove nos Campos de Cachoeira (1941), possibilitada pela vitória do Concurso de Romances Vecchi-Dom Casmurro em 1940. Este artigo tem como objetivo mapear o papel de mediação cultural promovido por epitextos editoriais (Genette, 2009) que envolveram a divulgação do romance inaugural dalcidiano nas páginas do jornal literário Dom Casmurro, uma vez que a apresentação de Dalcídio Jurandir aos leitores do periódico possibilitou a difusão de elementos constitutivos da identidade cultural amazônica. São analisados três artigos jornalísticos relacionados à divulgação do romance e escritos pelos literatos paraenses Dalcídio Jurandir, Bruno de Menezes e Cléo Bernardo. Do ponto de vista teórico e metodológico, a ênfase recai nos pressupostos da História Cultural (Chartier, 2011; 2014), associados à maneira de conceber as relações entre grupos sociais e a circulação da cultura escrita.  Este estudo situa-se, pois, na interseção entre a História da Educação e a História do Livro e da Leitura.
Um olhar sobre as desigualdades étnico-raciais no ensino médio
Authors: Gonçalves Graziela Cristina , Mendes Geovana Mendonça Lunardi , Dutra Verônica Christina Rodrigues
Published: August 2024

Ao analisar a história do Ensino Médio no que se refere ao acesso e permanência de jovens nesta etapa da escolarização, jovens negros são protagonistas de anos de exclusão do sistema educacional. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma breve discussão mediante os dados do IBGE de 2023 e da nota técnica: “Desigualdades étnico-raciais nas matrículas e na conclusão do Ensino Médio”, produzida pela Organização Não Governamental (ONG) Todos pela Educação. A análise documental possibilitou realizar inferências e estabelecer diálogo com os dados apresentados, contribuindo com os resultados. Pode-se concluir que embora tenha ocorrido crescimento do número de jovens negros no Ensino Médio nos últimos anos, ainda vivemos desafios referente ao acesso e permanência desses jovens nessa etapa da escolarização da Educação Básica, dentre esses desafios encontra-se a permanência das assimetrias sociais nas instituições educacionais, tais como o racismo.
A capoeira e o desenvolvimento do esporte e da legislação desportiva no Brasil até a década de 1960
Authors: Martins Porto Lussac Ricardo
Published: August 2024

A prática da capoeira sob a perspectiva do esporte teve como característica a apropriação de um saber corporal específico, modificando ou extinguindo diversos aspectos desta cultura popular. Neste sentido, este artigo objetivou analisar o processo de esportivização e de institucionalização da capoeira a fim de compreender o desenvolvimento do esporte e da legislação desportiva e suas respectivas relações e implicações com a capoeira até o final da década de 1960. As análises realizadas possibilitaram compreender melhor o desenvolvimento do jogo-luta no cenário esportivo e legislativo desportivo e de como o Estado brasileiro interveio nas manifestações populares e práticas corporais. Foi possível constatar que o processo de esportivização e institucionalização da capoeira acarretou impactos significativos e irreversíveis ao se apropriar do saber corporal popular da capoeiragem, reconfigurando seus saberes e fazeres sob outra perspectiva cultural, a esportiva. Criminalizada e carregando o estigma do passado, a prática da capoeira como jogo e como luta agregou novos elementos e ganhou novos contornos ao travar um diálogo, no decorrer do século XX, com as mudanças encontradas nos novos contextos onde esta prática se manifestou. Destarte, em que pese a importância histórica e cultural da capoeira no Brasil, mesmo com as garantias constitucionais de 1988 e com o reconhecimento como patrimônio cultural imaterial já no século XXI, é correto afirmar que, a capoeira, legitimamente concebida como esporte nacional, ainda não conseguiu, no universo jurídico legal, ser contemplada com o destaque necessário e como um dos símbolos da matriz cultural e esportiva do Brasil.
Alberto Assis:
Authors: Ferreira de Assis Cristina , Moreira Brito Gilmário
Published: August 2024

Este artigo objetiva explorar a trajetória de um professor negro do ensino primário, além de autor e intelectual periférico, que desempenhou um papel fundamental, seja na luta entre os docentes pela melhoria de infraestrutura, seja no desenvolvimento do ensino primário na Bahia durante as décadas de 1920 e 1930. A intelectualidade de Alberto de Assis é compreendida à luz de Sirinelli (2004), observadas as percepções individuais do autor e a transmissão de suas concepções a outros. Por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa baseada na análise de jornais e revistas da época, o artigo busca situar a vida e a escrita desse professor para a educação na Bahia em um contexto político que envolveu uma grande greve no magistério, em 1918, seguida de uma reforma escolar, durante a gestão de Góes Calmon no estado. Assim, o texto trata de um ensaio teórico amparado em estudo bibliográfico e em análise documental. A pesquisa revela não apenas os desafios enfrentados pelo magistério, como as estratégias adotadas por Alberto de Assis, especialmente a partir da escrita, em um contexto de políticas higienistas entre as tentativas de modernizar a formação de cidadãos civilizados, aptos a servir ao país.
Black Men's Belongingness at Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Examining the Campus Environment and Culturally Engaging Practices
Authors: Brooms Derrick R.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This qualitative study explored how Black men made sense of their college years. Specifically, using Museus's (2014) culturally engaging campus environments model as the study's framework, I analyzed 41 Black men's experiences in and perceptions of the campus environment at two different Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). Findings revealed that the HSI campus environment can play a critical role in enhancing Black men's college experiences by providing an enriching campus environment that helps meet students' academic, cultural, social, and relational needs. While students credited the campus culture and student diversity as important aspects that initially attracted them to their respective institutions, they also used their agency to identify and seek out meaningful, culturally engaging opportunities within the campus environment. Most prominently, the cultural relevance of diverse and affirming programming, learning, and peer relationships, along with the cultural responsiveness of institutional agents' praxis through mentorship, guidance, and teaching, helped the men feel valued and validated and reflected a commitment to these Black men. Being enmeshed in a culturally engaging environment not only helps meet the diverse needs of Black men collegians, but it also contributes to their belonging, persistence, and success in college.
Messaging About Race: Exploring Sorority and Fraternity Social Media
Authors: Garcia Crystal E. , Goodman Michael A.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: National movements, including Black Lives Matter and Abolish Greek Life, have resurfaced attention to racial dynamics within sorority and fraternity life (SFL) communities. Often, these discussions frame SFL as a homogenous entity and ignore crucial distinctions among organizations, such as the fact that historically white sororities and fraternities were not originally created to serve Students of Color, while culturally based sororities and fraternities were intentionally created to center and celebrate People of Color. Furthermore, some historically white sororities and fraternities have been more intentional than others in implementing race-conscious initiatives and addressing their exclusionary roots. However, research has yet to explore ways (inter)national sorority and fraternity leadership across organizational types attend to matters of race and racism in organizational messaging. This qualitative critical discourse analysis explored these dynamics, examining social media messaging on topics connected to race/ethnicity by (inter)national SFL organizations. Using data drawn from 37 culturally based and historically white sororities and fraternities over a four-year span, this study examined racial messaging using critical race theory.
Early Tourism at Lake Tahoe: Rusticating Amongst the Stumps
Authors: Powell Ryan R. , Kopp Peter A.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: In the late nineteenth century Lake Tahoe's scenic beauty made it a tourist attraction for "rusticators" seeking serenity, solitude, and leisure. With the nearby Comstock demanding timber for lumber-intensive, engineered "square sets" to brace up the mines, the Tahoe Basin faced extensive deforestation. In response tourists in the Tahoe Basin accommodated the intervention of a landscape of work (logging and milling) in an era prior to concerns for conservation and preservation.
Timber Depredation Lawsuits in Nevada, 1887-1892
Authors: Straka Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: During the 1870s and 1880s complex silver ores in the mining districts of eastern Nevada demanded charcoal to supply smelting furnaces. With only sparse local timber resources in the form of pinyon and juniper trees extensive tree cutting by charcoal workers prompted federal suits by the U.S. Department of Interior against mining companies committing "timber depredations" on the public domain. The suits prompted an outcry in Nevada against federal restrictions on the cutting of timber for mining purposes.
Habitual Return
Authors: Adams Beatrice J.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: The histories of two families are examined to explore how African Americans remained attached to the American South during the Great Migration—the mass migration of African Americans out of the American South during the first half of the twentieth century. These continued attachments are described as habitual return, the ritualized practice of African Americans' frequent returns to the South. Weaving together family history and archival documents, the concept of habitual return illuminates the region as more than a place to flee from, as it remains the cultural home of countless African American families.
The evolution of aquaculture in the Mediterranean region: An anthropogenic climax stage?
Authors: Sicuro Benedetto
Published: August 2024

This study is the investigation of Mediterranean aquaculture complete history, from 1950 to 2020. Both functional than geographical expansion of aquaculture is investigated, considering two main complementary aspects of aquaculture: farmed species and farming countries. According to the models proposed in this research, Nile tilapia and Egypt will dominate the future of Mediterranean aquaculture. Malta and Israel are the first producer countries, in relative terms. The most pervasive species are European sea bass and gilthead sea bream that are promising for a future expansion. In several countries, aquaculture has huge potentiality of development and it could grow with a factor of 5 or more, based on the ratio capture vs fishery on country size. Aquaculture total production in 2020 was of 2.8 Mln tons and it is expected to reach from 3.65 Mln tons in 2030. Aquaculture will grow in the countries and species that in this moment are dominant and the future of Mediterranean aquaculture will be characterized by the affirmation of these ones.
Self-management practice and associated factors among asthmatic patients on follow-up care at public tertiary hospitals, south west, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Yadesa Girma , Abera Abebe , Amme Shamsedin , Fetensa Getahun , Mulisa Diriba , Alemu Getachew
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bronchial asthma is a major public health issue that affects patients, families, and communities worldwide. Despite the growing importance of self-management and its clear link to better health outcomes, the uptake and use of self-management among asthmatic patients is not well understood. Thus, the study aimed to determine the level of self-management practice and associated factors among asthmatic patients on follow-up care at public tertiary hospitals found in south-west Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed from August 1 to September 30, 2022. The study included all asthmatic patients on follow-up care at public tertiary hospitals found in south west Ethiopia, among whom 274 were interviewed. All asthmatic patients who were registered at the chronic follow-up unit of each hospital and fulfilled inclusion criteria were included and interviewed consecutively. The data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies, entered into EpiData version 4.6, and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participant’s characteristics. Linear regression was used to identify variables associated with asthma self-management practice, and variables with a p-value of 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Finally, tables, graphs, and text were used to present the data.

Result

Out of 274 interviewed asthmatic patients, 45.26% 95% CI (39, 51) had good asthma self-management practices. Advancing in age (ß = -0.009, P = 0.043), being a smoker (ß = -0.346, 95%, P = 0.03, being alcohol drinker (ß = -0.217, P = 0.001), having depression (ß = -0.038, P = 0.005), having anxiety (ß = -0.029, P = 0.02) and having social support (ß = 0.022, P<0.001) were identified as factors affecting asthma self-management practice.

Conclusion

The finding revealed that four of every nine asthmatic patients had good asthma self-management practices. Age, alcohol consumption, smoking, anxiety, depression, and social support were significantly associated with asthma self-management practice. Ongoing self-management support and collaborative target interventions aimed at improving asthma self-management practices and identified factors are very crucial.
Application of PBL combined with CBL teaching method in clinical teaching of vascular surgery
Authors: Zhang Mao , Hu Wei
Published: August 2024

As medical education evolves, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Learning (CBL) methodologies have emerged as vital pedagogical tools. This study aims to delve into the application and effectiveness of a hybrid PBL-CBL approach in clinical teaching for vascular surgery. By conducting a comparative analysis through concrete teaching practices, this research evaluates the impact on students’ clinical knowledge retention, advancement in clinical reasoning skills, and proficiency in resolving real-world clinical challenges. The findings reveal that the integrated PBL-CBL methodology substantially enhances learning outcomes in vascular surgery clinical teaching, ultimately fostering significant development in students’ comprehensive clinical abilities.
A qualitative study of health visitors’ family focused practice with mothers with mental illness in Northern Ireland: Perspectives of health visitors, mothers and partners
Authors: Grant Anne , Leonard Rachel , Linden Mark
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite benefits of family focused practice, little is known about health visitor’s practice with families when mothers are mentally unwell. Health visitors are midwives and nurses with additional training in community public health.

Objectives

To explore multiple perspectives of health visitor’s family focused practice with families when mothers have mental illness in Northern Ireland.

Methods

Ten health visitors, 11 mothers with mental illness and seven partners completed in-depth interviews in Five Health and Social Care Trusts. Participants were asked to describe their experiences of providing or receiving family focused practice within health visiting and data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Health visitors primarily addressed mothers and children’s needs rather than also supporting partners. Additionally, they only addressed mother’s needs associated with less severe mental illness (i.e. postnatal depression). Health visitors and mothers converged on many issues, including the influence of the health visitor’s personal and professional experiences on their practice, central role of the relationship between health visitors and mothers and importance of health visitors supporting partner’s well-being. While partners did not perceive that health visitors should support their well-being they expressed a need for further information and knowledge in order to support mothers.

Conclusion

Health visitor’s practice largely centres around mother and baby. For health visitors to increase their family focused practice they need to meet needs of mothers who have serious mental illness more effectively and consider how partners can be included in their practice, in a manner that is beneficial and acceptable to them. This study contributes to better understanding of health visitor’s family focused practice with mentally ill mothers and highlights the need for more effective engagement with mothers with serious mental illness and partners. It also highlights that for health visitors to engage in family focused practice they need the necessary training and time to do so. Results can inform organisational developments in family focused practice within health visiting.
A novel ZVS full-bridge cascaded step-up DC-DC converter with resonant auxiliary circuit for high voltage-gain applications
Authors: Hossain M. Zakir , Selvaraj Jeyraj A/L , Rahim N. A.
Published: August 2024

High conversion ratio dc-dc converters have received significant attention in renewable energy systems, primarily due to their necessary high-gain characteristics. This research proposes a high step-up ratio full-bridge resonant cascaded (FBRC) dc-dc converter designed for use in photovoltaics (PV), fuel cells (FC), electric vehicles (EV), and other low-voltage output energy sectors to achieve high voltage gain. This converter contains a full-bridge cell with a boost input inductor, a diode-capacitor cascaded stage that replaces the transformer as a voltage multiplier and an inductor-capacitor (LC) parallel-series resonant network across the FB terminal. One of the strategic features of the converter is its high voltage step-up characteristic combined with lower duty cycle operation that limits the maximum current through the active devices, making it particularly suitable for systems that generate low output voltage. In addition, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) is achieved during the turn-off and turn-on operation of the FB switches from 25% to full load, thereby lessening the switching losses. Moreover, the diminished necessity for passive components and the decreased voltage stress on both active and passive devices lead to the use of smaller and more cost-effective components. The theoretical analysis of the proposed converter is validated using a 500 W laboratory-scale prototype wherein high-performance SiC-based MOSFETs have been utilized as switching devices. It offers reduced ripples, with input current ripple at 5% and output voltage ripple at 0.76%. When the load is 400 W and 60 V as the input voltage, the maximum efficiency is found 95.8% at 400 V output voltage. The proposed dc-dc converter, with its high voltage gain and reduced component stress, shows significant promise for application in renewable energy systems.
Sex-specific associations between socioeconomic status and ideal cardiovascular health among Korean adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2017
Authors: Yang Yiyi , Lee Hokyou , Shirai Kokoro , Liu Keyang , Iso Hiroyasu , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: August 2024

Socioeconomic status (SES) has a considerable impact on cardiovascular health (CVH), which may differ by sex. We aimed to investigate sex-specific socioeconomic disparities in CVH among 31,141 individuals aged 25–64 years who participated in the cross-sectional 2007–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) and the Life’s Simple 7 metrics were used to define ideal CVH. Latent class analysis was used to estimate overall SES patterns. Logistic regression models were used to estimate sex-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the likelihood of ideal CVH across SES classes, with the highest SES as the reference group. Four SES classes were identified: (1) low class with low education and material property (2.4%), (2) lower-medium class (10.1%) and (3) higher-medium class (43.7%) with increasing material affluence, and (4) high class with highest education and income (43.8%). Lower SES was associated with decreased ideal CVH among women; compared to their high SES counterparts, women with lowest SES were least likely to achieve ideal overall CVH (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.43–0.71). Similar SES gradients in ideal overall CVH for men were also observed but it was less clear (OR (95%CI) for lowest SES: 0.83, 0.51–1.34). Low SES was associated with poorer achievement of ideal CVH with some sex-heterogeneities. Interventions that equalize the distribution of power and resources and targeted sex-specific approaches to empower low socioeconomic subgroups are warranted to prevent the transition from ideal to suboptimal cardiovascular health and to close socioeconomic disparities in CVH among Korean adults.
The satellite network cache placement strategy based on content popularity and node collaboration
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Liu Zhengxia , Wang Lin , Jin Xiaoyong
Published: August 2024

Proposed is a Satellite network cache placement strategy (PNCCP) based on popularity and node cooperation to address the issue of significant delays in end-to-end connectivity due to instability among satellites. Initially, the strategy employs spectral clustering algorithm to partition the satellite network’s topology, limiting the retrieval scope of content and reducing unnecessary propagation delays. Within each partition, a cache collaboration open mechanism among satellites is devised to share cache resources, utilizing the proximity of neighboring nodes to share popular content and cache space. Furthermore, the data naming network (NDN) cache model is enhanced and integrated with the open mechanism, with an update mechanism designed to address the invalidation caused by the dynamic nature of satellite networks. Finally, aiming to minimize users’ average retrieval delay, the artificial bee colony algorithm is employed to solve the optimal cache placement problem. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to three contrasting cache strategies, the proposed strategy reduces user content retrieval delays, improves cache hit rates, and holds an advantage in reducing request hop counts.
Association between optical coherence tomography-defined culprit morphologies and changes in hyperemic coronary flow after elective stenting assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Usui Eisuke , Hanyu Yoshihiro , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Hoshino Masahiro , Hada Masahiro , Nagamine Tatsuhiro , Nogami Kai , Ueno Hiroki , Setoguchi Mirei , Matsuda Kazuki , Sayama Kodai , Tahara Tomohiro , Mineo Takashi , Kanaji Yoshihisa , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Yonetsu Taishi , Sasano Tetsuo , Kakuta Tsunekazu
Published: August 2024

Background

Stress-transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (S-TDE) provides a noninvasive assessment of coronary flow parameters in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). However, the association between morphological characteristics and coronary flow changes after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between periprocedural coronary flow changes observed on S-TDE and lesion-specific plaque characteristics obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the interrogated vessels in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Methods and results

Patients with CCS who underwent pre- and post-PCI S-TDE and elective fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided PCI under OCT guidance for de novo single LAD lesions were included. S-TDE-derived hyperemic diastolic peak flow velocity (hDPV) was used as a surrogate for coronary flow. Lesions were categorized into two groups based on the %hDPV increase or decrease. The baseline clinical, physiological, and OCT findings were compared between the groups. In total, 103 LAD lesions were studied in 103 patients. After PCI, hDPV significantly increased from 55.6 cm/s to 69.5 cm/s (P<0.01), with a median %hDPV increase of 27.2 (6.32–59.1) %, while %hDPV decreased in 20 (19.4%) patients. The FFR improved in all patients. On OCT, layered plaques were more frequently present in the culprit vessels in the %hDPV-decrease group than in the %hDPV-increase group (85.0% vs. 50.6%, P = 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of layered plaques and high pre-PCI hDPV were independent predictors of %hDPV decrease.

Conclusions

In patients who underwent successful uncomplicated elective PCI for de novo single LAD lesions, the presence of layered plaques was independently associated with hyperemic coronary flow decrease as assessed by S-TDE.
The stress distribution around a thick-walled cylinder by a proposed constitutive model for rocks
Authors: Wu Zhaofa , Liu Chengfeng
Published: August 2024

To simulate the nonlinear stress-strain curve of rocks under static loads and contribute to the design and construction of rock engineering structures, a constitutive model has been proposed based on the elastic modulus E decreasing with the increase in longitudinal cracks. This constitutive equation offers numerous advantages, with the most noteworthy being that the simulation of stress-strain curves for rocks necessitates only three equations (Eqs 1–3) and four parameters (A, k0, C and εs). Following this, we employ the constitutive equation to analyze the stress distribution around a thick-walled cylinder and explore the impact of its four parameters on the stress distribution surrounding the thick-walled cylinder. Parameter A primarily affects the range of the plastic zone and the magnitude of the maximum tangential stress; parameter C mainly influences the magnitude of the maximum tangential stress; parameter εs mainly affects the range of the plastic zone and the magnitude of the maximum tangential stress; parameter k0 primarily influences the magnitude of the maximum tangential stress. We got the similar results with Bray model, but distribution of stress around the tunnel are different present that the shape of stress-strain curves are different.
Place-based estimates of cigarette butt litter raise environmental justice concerns in the United States
Authors: Lowe Alexander T. , Maki Alexander , Figueroa Carla , Venugopal P. Dilip
Published: August 2024

Littering of cigarette butts is a major environmental challenge. In 2022, ~124 billion cigarette butts were littered in the United States. This litter may pose an environmental justice concern by disproportionately affecting human and environmental health in communities of color or communities of low socioeconomic status. However, the lack of data on the distribution and magnitude of cigarette butt littering prevents an environmental justice analysis and limits the ability to tackle this environmental challenge. We conducted an environmental justice assessment of tobacco product waste, specifically cigarette butts, through spatially-explicit, place-based estimates across the contiguous U.S. We built a bottom-up model by synthesizing census tract-level population and smoking prevalence, state-level cigarette consumption, and published littering data to assess the spatial pattern of cigarette consumption and littering, and its implications for environmental injustice in >71,600 U.S. census tracts. Further, we compared the model output to urbanicity (rural-urban commuting area) and Social-Environmental Risk (SER; CDC Environmental Justice Index). Cigarette butt density was not uniformly distributed across the U.S. and ranged from 0–45.5 butts/m2, with an area-weighted average of 0.019 ± 0.0005 butts/m2. Cigarette butt density was 96 times higher in metropolitan vs. rural areas. Cigarette butt density increased significantly with SER, with 5.6 times more littered cigarette butts, and a steeper response to population density, in census tracts with the highest SER vs. the lowest SER. These results demonstrate the relative influences of location, smoking prevalence, and population density, and show that cigarette butt littering is a potential environmental justice concern in the U.S. This study provides information that may help devise targeted strategies to reduce cigarette butt pollution and prevent disproportionate impacts. The spatial data layer with place-based cigarette consumption and butt density is a tool that can support municipal, state, and federal level policy work and future studies on associations among cigarette butt pollution and environmental health outcomes.
Can venture capital shareholding improve M&A performance? An empirical study based on Chinese GEM-listed companies
Authors: Chao Kun , Wang Meijia , Hu Yanyong , Wang Shixue
Published: August 2024

Existing studies have explored the impact of venture capital shareholding on the GEM-listed companies before and after listing from multiple perspectives. However, there has been limited research on the influence of venture capital shareholding on these companies’ mergers and acquisitions(M&A) activities and performance. Additionally, two conflicting research findings have been presented in limited relevant studies. In order to clarify the mechanism by which venture capital shareholding affects M&A activities and performance of GEM-listed companies and verify existing research conclusions, this paper takes 468 M&A events completed by the acquirer of China’s GEM-listed companies between 2014 and 2016 as samples to explore venture capital shareholding’s effects on the M&A performance of GEM-listed enterprises. The empirical findings demonstrate that GEM-listed enterprises with venture capital shareholding perform significantly better in terms of short-term and long-term M&A performance than those without; with the increase in venture capital shareholding ratio, the short-term M&A performance of GEM-listed enterprises has remarkably improved, but the long-term M&A performance does not show obvious correlation; joint investment of venture capital can significantly improve the short-term M&A performance of GEM-listed enterprises, but it has no substantial influence on long-term M&A performance. Based on further analysis of the empirical study, it is concluded that the common one-share ownership structure of GEM-listed enterprises is not conducive to the play of the monitoring function of venture capital, and the insufficient incentives and free-riding thinking also weaken the motivation and input of some venture capital shareholders to provide value-added services. This study systematically elucidates the mechanism and impact of venture capital shareholding on the M&A performance of GEM-listed companies, addressing the shortcomings in existing research. It is conducive for GEM-listed companies to gain a rational understanding and effectively leverage the active role of venture capital shareholders in M&A activities.
The impact of adhering to a quality indicator for sedation, analgesia, and delirium management on costs, revenues, and clinical outcomes in intensive care in Germany: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Zuber Alexander , Rubarth Kerstin , Förster Frank , Balzer Felix , Spies Claudia , Fürstenau Daniel , Kumpf Oliver
Published: August 2024

Background

Management of sedation, analgesia, and delirium influences morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in patients treated in intensive care. Assessing quality indicators as part of a quality management and assurance program is an established method to ensure process quality. Currently, there is limited research on the effect of evaluating quality indicators on economic outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the adherence to an indicator on management of sedation, analgesia and delirium, and explore potential effects on hospital economics and clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed routine data from 20,220 patient records from the hospital information system of a tertiary university hospital, collected from January 2012 to December 2019. We compared two predefined subgroups with either high indicator adherence or low indicator adherence regarding factors like disease severity scores, comorbidities, and outcome measures. We used logistic regression models to examine the influence of quality indicator adherence on economic measures such as Diagnosis-related group (DRG) incomes, revenue margins, and costs, and clinical outcomes. Additionally, we used propensity score matching to probe our findings.

Results

Overall revenue margins in this cohort were negative (-320€). High adherence to the quality indicator was associated with a positive revenue margin (+197€) compared to low adherence (-482€). Higher adherence was also associated with lower costs. Additionally, high adherence was associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.95) and reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay (17 hours and 1 day respectively).

Conclusion

Higher adherence to a quality indicator for sedation, analgesia, and delirium management was associated with economic returns and costs. We also found an association with lower mortality and reduced length of stay. Further research on these associations may help identify opportunities for quality improvement without increased resource use.
Factors associated with willingness to use mHealth interventions for medication adherence among people living with HIV attending a tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ojo John Olujide , Ipinnimo Tope Michael , Afolayan Aderonke Christiana , Adewoye Kayode Rasaq , Erinomo Olagoke Olaseinde , Ajayi Paul Oladapo , Sanni Taofeek Adedayo , Ogundun Oluyemi Aduke , Ogunsakin Jimlas Opeyemi , Oluwayemi Ayodeji Lawrence , Esan Grace Bukola , Omoyele Oluwaseun Omotola , Asake Olumide Temitope , Adetona Ademuyiwa , Aderinwale Oluseyi Adedeji , Olasehinde Olanrewaju Kassim , Adeniyi Ireoluwa Oluwatomisona , Ipinnimo Oluwadare Martins , Ibikunle Austine Idowu
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There is increasing evidence in favor of enhancing adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) through mobile health (mHealth) assessment and intervention. The study aims to establish the willingness to adopt mobile phone technology to enhance adherence to ART among PLHIV.

Methods

The Researchers adopted a cross-sectional survey. Systematic sampling was employed in selecting 237 PLHIV in the HIV clinic for adults at Ido-Ekiti’s Federal Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data collection was via a 33-item semi-structured questionnaire administered by the interviewer. Information collected via the questionnaire included details on ownership of mobile phone technology, its usage, and willingness to use it to improve adherence to HIV medication. Descriptive statistics coupled with multivariate regression was employed in analyzing data, with the level of significance at 5%.

Results

The respondent’s had a mean ±SD age of 46.6 ±10 years. Most of the participants were female (77.6%), and have been on ART for over 2years (88.2%). The vast majority of study participants 233 (98.3%) owned a mobile phone. 168 (70.9%) of them were willing to embrace mHealth interventions on medication adherence. Some of the factors influencing the respondent’s willingness to receive the intervention were older age (OR = 0.05, 95%Cl:[0.01–0.24]), having formal education (OR = 7.12, 95%Cl:[3.01–16.53]), being diagnosed over 10years ago (OR = 15.63, 95%Cl:[3.02–80.83]) and previous use of phone to send text messages, record video, access the internet, send email and search the internet for health-related information (OR = 2.2, 95%Cl:[1.2–3.9]; OR = 1.8, 95%Cl:[1.0–3.2]; OR = 2.5, 95%Cl:[1.4–4.7]; OR = 2.7, 95%Cl:[1.2–5.5] and OR = 2.0, 95%Cl:[1.0–3.8]) respectively.

Conclusion

Many of the PLHIV had a cellphone and expressed willingness on their part to use it in receiving reminders to take their medication. Older age, formal education and internet users were significantly more willing to get reminders to take their medication.