bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decadal Thermal Variability of the Upper Southern Ocean: Zonal Asymmetry
Authors: Song Yuanyuan , Li Yuanlong , Hu Aixue , Cheng Lijing , Forget Gaël , Chen Xiaodan , Duan Jing , Wang Fan
Published: March 2024

As the major sink of anthropogenic heat, the Southern Ocean has shown quasi-symmetric, deep-reaching warming since the mid-twentieth century. In comparison, the shorter-term heat storage pattern of the Southern Ocean is more complex and has notable impacts on regional climate and marine ecosystems. By analyzing observational datasets and climate model simulations, this study reveals that the Southern Ocean exhibits prominent decadal (>8 years) variability extending to ∼700-m depth and is characterized by out-of-phase changes in the Pacific and Atlantic–Indian Ocean sectors. Changes in the Pacific sector are larger in magnitude than those in the Atlantic–Indian Ocean sectors and dominate the total heat storage of the Southern Ocean on decadal time scales. Instead of heat uptake through surface heat fluxes, these asymmetric variations arise primarily from wind-driven heat redistribution. Pacemaker and preindustrial simulations of the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) suggest that these variations in Southern Ocean winds arise primarily from natural variability of the tropical Pacific, as represented by the interdecadal Pacific oscillation (IPO). Through atmospheric teleconnection, the positive phase of the IPO gives rise to higher-than-normal sea level pressure and anticyclonic wind anomalies in the 50°–70°S band of the Pacific sector. These winds lead to warming of 0–700 m by driving the convergence of warm water. The opposite processes, involving cyclonic winds and upper-layer divergence, occur in the Atlantic–Indian Ocean sector. These findings aid our understanding of the time-varying heat storage of the Southern Ocean and provide useful implications on initialized decadal climate prediction.
Association of Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Acute Cerebral Infarction Patients
Authors: Liang Libing , Chen Jingjuan , Zhang Chengguo , Luo Baigui , Zhou Tianen , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Yukai
Published: March 2024

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an inflammatory marker associated with atherosclerotic and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the association of Lp-PLA2 with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and explore a threshold level to predict the risk of vulnerable plaques. This retrospective observational study included patients with AIS in the Neurology Department of our Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The study included 293 patients aged 65.29 ± 12.11 years, including 212 males, of whom 124 had carotid intima-media thickening (42.32%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that Lp-PLA2 level was an independent risk factor for cIMT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.004, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.001–1.008, P = .008). Threshold effect analysis showed that the risk of vulnerable carotid plaque occurrence increased by 2% for every 1 ng/mL increase in Lp-PLA2 level with serum Lp-PLA2 levels between 157 and 279 ng/mL; this increase was statistically significant (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P < .001). Serum Lp-PLA2 is an independent risk factor for increased cIMT in patients with AIS, and a threshold Lp-PLA2 level between 157 and 279 ng/mL showed a higher risk of carotid plaque rupture.
Mean Square Error Estimation of Small Area Predictors by Use of Parametric and Nonparametric Bootstrap
Authors: Pfeffermann Danny , Glickman Hagit , Preminger Arie
Published: March 2024

In this article, we propose and compare some old and new parametric and nonparametric bootstrap methods for MSE estimation in small area estimation, restricting to the case of the widely used Fay-Herriot model. The parametric method consists of generating parametrically a large number of area bootstrap samples from the model fitted to the original data, re-estimating the model parameters for each bootstrap sample and then estimating the separate components of the MSE. The use of double-bootstrap is also considered. The nonparametric method generates the samples by bootstrapping standardized residuals, estimated from the original sample data. The bootstrap procedures are compared to other methods proposed in the literature in a simulation study, which also examines the robustness of the various methods to non-normality of the model error terms. A design-based MSE estimator for the Fay-Herriot model-dependent predictor is also described and its performance is investigated in a separate simulation study.

AMS subject classification: 62F10, 62F40
Characterization and properties of Chinese red clay for use as ceramic and construction materials
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Ling Yongqiang
Published: March 2024

This study involves the characterization and analysis of a Chinese red clay obtained from Hunan province to determine its suitability for manufacturing ceramic products. X-ray fluorescence analysis showed the clay has high silica (63.25 weight percent) and alumina (21.38 weight percent) content along with iron oxide, alkalis, and calcium acting as fluxes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of quartz, kaolinite, illite, and hematite as the major mineralogical phases. Scanning electron microscopy revealed loosely stacked, plate-shaped kaolinite particles exhibiting pseudohexagonal morphology. Particle size distribution shows a d50 of 12.7 μm and specific surface area is 21.3 m2/g. Differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetric analysis showed mass losses between 450–600°C and 950–1050°C corresponding to dehydroxylation and formation of a liquid phase, respectively. Dilatometry traced the onset of viscous flow sintering around 1000°C. Test bars produced from the clay were fired at 800°C, 900°C, 950°C, 1000°C, and 1050°C. The firing shrinkage increased from 2.5% at 800°C to 12.8% at 1050°C. Strength improved from 11.2 megapascals at 800°C to 42.3 megapascals at 1050°C due to densification and mullite formation. Hematite content caused the color to change from orange-red at 950°C to dark red at 1050°C. XRD analysis of fired specimens confirmed the presence of hematite and newly formed mullite and cristobalite phases. The results indicate the suitability of the clay for manufacturing bricks, roof tiles, and wall tiles using appropriate firing temperatures and cycles.
Patient information videos via QR codes: An innovative and sustainable approach in ophthalmology
Authors: Patel Sirjhun , Ong Wei Han , Cobb Caroline , Gillan Stewart
Published: March 2024

Background

We explore an innovative approach by transforming patient information leaflet (PILs) into Quick Response (QR) code linked patient information videos (PIVs) in ophthalmology. Our objectives are to assess the subjective utility of a PIV on glaucoma and analyse the use of QR codes as a delivery method.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside. A glaucoma PIV was created and linked to a QR code provided to 130 glaucoma patients. Pre- and post-video questionnaires evaluated the patients’ perception of using a QR code and subjective improvement in their understanding of glaucoma.

Results

Out of 102 responses collected, 55% of patients had no prior experience with QR codes. However, 81% of patients were able to watch the PIV. The average view duration of the video was 3:26, with 82.5% view retention. Statistically significant improvement in glaucoma knowledge was observed across all six areas questioned (p < 0.001) using a 5-point Likert scale. Overall, 70% of patients preferred PIVs over PILs, and 77% acknowledged that PIVs could be a sustainable alternative.

Conclusion

QR codes for delivering PIVs were well-received, with patients finding them easy to use. Our PIV on glaucoma effectively enhanced patients’ understanding of the condition.
Is adoption an environmental threat? Domestication fantasies in Swedish adoption narratives
Authors: Wyver Richey , Matthewman Steve
Published: March 2024

In 2017 Ghassan Hage published Is Racism an Environmental Threat? The book’s question misleads. For Hage does not seek to show that the former leads to the latter, rather, he elucidates the logics of domination that are common to both. Hage states that ‘generalised domestication’ is the clearest optic through which to see both racism reproducing and revitalising itself and violence towards the environment. This is a way of being in the world that seeks to capture, tame, domesticate and control people and non-humans. It seeks to render others docile and to extract value from them. In so doing it leads to the creation of ‘homely spaces’. Following Hage, this article asks: Is adoption an environmental threat? We reflect on the role of international adoption in fantasies of Swedishness using Hage’s concept of domestication to explore the desire for ‘transracial’ bodies of adoptees in white national space. We argue that the adoptee body plays an important role in domesticating the Swedish nation. It is used to represent national myths of goodness, anti-racism and international solidarity; effectively bringing national projects into the home. This is linked to a broader desire for domestication that encompasses colonialism, slavery and species and environmental domination. While our focus is on Sweden – which has the highest per capita adoption rates in the world – we hope that our scholarship can inform adoption issues elsewhere, as well as contribute to sociological debates around extraction and domination in postcolonial contexts more broadly.
Availability and Perceived Importance of High-Impact Practices for Psychology Graduate Program Admission
Authors: Kotter-Grühn Dana , Grühn Daniel
Published: March 2024

Background: Participation in high-impact practices (HIPs) is related to student success and development. Less is known about whether HIPs can increase students’ chances of getting into graduate school in psychology. High-impact practice participation might be one strategy for students to stand out in the competitive graduate school admission process. Objective: We examined (a) the perceived availability of HIPs and (b) the perceived role that HIP participation plays in psychology graduate program admission success. Method: A total of 81 U.S. psychology professors who are involved in graduate program admission decisions rated the availability, importance, and influence of HIPs and non-HIPs (e.g., GPA) on psychology graduate program admission success. Results: Many HIPs are widely available. Of all HIPs, only undergraduate research was rated as very important and strongly increases admission chances. Participation in honors, writing-intensive courses, and applied experiences slightly increased admission chances. Conclusion: Research continues to be the most beneficial HIP when applying to graduate programs in psychology. Non-HIPs (e.g., grades, letters of recommendation) are more important in graduate program admission than most HIPs. Teaching Implications: Students, academic advisors, and faculty mentors can use the results of this study to align students’ HIP participation with postgraduation goals.
Analysis of Psychology of Religion Content in Introductory Psychology Textbooks
Authors: Wesely Laura Priscilla , Miller-Perrin Cindy
Published: March 2024

Background

Past research on the representation of religion/spirituality in introductory psychology textbooks is dated.

Objective

Analyze religion/spirituality content in the nine most frequently purchased introductory psychology textbooks published within the last 5 years.

Method

The current study identified 27 terms that related to religion/spirituality and performed qualitative analysis of term's mentions in each textbook.

Results

Findings indicated that 100% of textbooks mentioned religion/spirituality, which represents an increase in mentions compared to past research. However, none of the textbooks included a specific section on the psychology of religion and spirituality. Overall, there was greater discussion-based coverage of religion/spirituality than research-based coverage, similar to past research findings, although the current study found a greater percentage of research-based discussion than previous research. Compared to past research, the current study found a greater proportion of positive coverage of religious/spiritual mentions but found that most textbooks included negative coverage of religious/spiritual mentions representing rare phenomena associated with religion/spirituality.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that coverage of religion/spirituality is better represented in introductory psychology textbooks than past research, but organization and inclusion is still lacking.

Teaching Implications

Religion/spirituality content could be better organized in textbooks by including a specific section dedicated to the psychology of religion and spirituality.
Labor exploitation, discrimination and coping tactics of male forced migrants in Türkiye
Authors: Kızılelmas Fatma
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the forms of discrimination against male forced migrants and their coping tactics in Duzce City, Türkiye. Located between the large metropolitan cities of Ankara and Istanbul, Duzce offers informal jobs to migrants in economic sectors where labor shortage exists, such as agriculture, construction and services. Based on in-depth interviews with 39 Iraqi, Afghan and Syrian migrant men in Duzce conducted between 2021 and 2022, this paper focuses on male forced migrants’ experiences. The research found that male forced migrants, especially the single ones, are often stigmatized; they are subjected to exploitation as unskilled workers in labor-intensive, low-paid jobs and marginalized in various aspects of daily life. To cope with difficulties and discrimination, they adopt different tactics, such as keeping silent, speaking Turkish in public spaces, concealing their identity, avoiding encountering locals and showing a humble attitude towards local people. Findings from the study can contribute to the development of programs that enhance cohesion between asylum seekers and local people. In addition, policies should aim to prevent asylum seekers from being marginalized and discriminated against in different areas of life.
Ambiguity and migration governance in the satellite city of Duzce, Türkiye
Authors: Yüksel Kübra
Published: March 2024

Türkiye has adopted regulations to manage migration and refugee flows requiring the cooperation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) since the early 2000s. Even though the basic rights of refugees, such as health and access to educational aid, are defined by regulations, there are barriers that cause discrimination by the authorities of the institutions providing these rights and services, despite the fact that refugees are registered to access these rights. Due to these barriers, which are caused by the lack of standardized procedures, local institutions also tend to put national security first before providing the services refugees need. Based on in-depth interviews with 39 key informants—including refugees, public employees and NGO workers, this paper examines how national migration policy is reflected in local practices, using Duzce city as the example. The paper also shows how refugees develop their own survival strategies through informal mechanisms in response to this situation.
Research on DEM geomorphic factor terrain recognition algorithm using probabilistic neural networks based on tactile systems
Authors: Xing Meichao , Du Qiaoling , Bi Zhenlong
Published: March 2024

The accurate recognition of unknown terrain by robots plays a vital role in completing walking tasks. Haptic-based terrain recognition methods have their own advantages over visual, audio, and vibration-based terrain recognition methods. With the increasing complexity of robot application scenarios, there are still many technical difficulties in using tactile systems to recognize terrain. For real-time terrain detection technology, how to improve the accuracy of terrain recognition and shorten recognition time based on tactile systems is an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, the digital elevation model (DEM) geomorphic factor terrain recognition algorithm using probabilistic neural networks (DGFTRA-PNN) based on tactile force-feedback system is proposed to solve this problem. First, the tactile force-feedback system is mounted on the foot ends of the hexapod robot to collect terrain data. Second, the feasibility of using DEM geomorphic factors as terrain features to identify terrain was demonstrated. Third, DGFTRA-PNNs are established based on the different walking gait of the hexapod robot, achieving terrain recognition based on DEM feature values. Finally, the accuracy and speed of DGFTRA-PNN were verified through field experiments. Compared with the terrain recognition algorithm based on back propagation neural network (BP) and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm, the DGFTRA-PNN has advantages in terms of terrain recognition accuracy and recognition time: the average recognition accuracy for various types of terrain is 96%, and the calculation time is 0.04 seconds.
Review of the policies and development programs for renewable energy in Malaysia: Progress, achievements and challenges
Authors: Abd Aziz Azreen Junaida , Baharuddin Nurul Akidah , Khalid Rasyikah Md. , Kamarudin Siti Kartom
Published: March 2024

In 2022, Malaysia was ranked 28th worldwide in terms of its energy oil consumption. Energy consumption in Malaysia has been predominantly reliant on natural gas and coal in both the past and present. Oil and gas in Malaysia are predicted to be depleted in 14 years due to the high energy consumption, especially from petroleum sources. Thus, the Malaysian government aims to expand renewable energy (RE) in the country's energy mix as an alternative source of energy. As of 2022, Malaysia has generated roughly 2% of its electricity from various renewable sources, which is still far from the initial target of reaching 20% RE penetration by 2030. However, since 2017, RE has started to contribute to energy mix generation. Several policies, including an act, have been implemented in Malaysia to achieve the target in RE, but many challenges and difficulties have hindered the progress. Thus, the present study explored the current status and challenges for RE in Malaysia and discussed the effectiveness of the available energy policies and programs. The outcomes are potentially valuable to Malaysian policymakers, industries and researchers to improve their current practices for achieving the initial national RE target by 2030 as well as to move forward towards net zero emissions by 2050. This study provides a crucial roadmap for Malaysia to achieve its RE objectives and contribute significantly to the international transition towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
A Comparative Study of Hearing Handicap Inventory and Pure-Tone Audiometry Scores in Unilateral Hearing Impaired Patients
Authors: Bao XiaoLin , Ding YiLi , Wang Yuan , Liu XiaoWen , Xu BaiCheng , Guo YuFen
Published: March 2024

Objective: To investigate the consistency between the hearing handicap inventory (HHI) and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) scores in assessing hearing status to provide valuable insights for clinical application. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical data and the HHI reporting status of 6540 patients admitted between April 2020 and July 2022 for self-reported unilateral hearing loss who met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the consistency of HHI and PTA in assessing the hearing status of the participants. Results: The PTA results showed that among the 6540 participants, 3895 exhibited normal hearing, 1434 showed mild hearing loss, 809 presented with moderate hearing loss, and 402 showed severe hearing loss. The mean hearing thresholds from 0.5 to 4 kHz in healthy ears ranged from 3.65 to 18.45 dB HL, with a mean of 10.83 ± 5.29 dB HL; in ears affected by hearing loss, this ranged from 35 to 125 dB HL, with a mean of 69.63 ± 28.45 dB HL. The HHI scores showed that 4820 people had normal hearing, 1245 had mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and 475 had severe hearing loss. The kappa coefficients of normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe hearing loss were 0.312, 0.223, and 0.716, respectively ( P = .001). The consistency between the 2 groups was particularly significant in the assessment of severe hearing loss. Using the PTA results as a benchmark, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the HHI were found to be 73.08%, 87.83%, 95.60%, and 70.98%, respectively. Conclusion: The HHI and PTA results were consistent in the assessment of hearing status, particularly in the assessment of severe hearing loss, and the level of consistency between the 2 methods was high. The combined use of these tools can facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the auditory status of patients with hearing loss.
Can Common Institutional Investors in Supply Chains Decode the Bullwhip Effect? Evidence From Order Backlog Mispricing
Authors: Chen Jengfang , Kim Sungsoo , Srinivasan Dhinu , Zhou Yaou
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the role of supply chain common institutional investors (i.e., who own stocks of both upstream suppliers and their downstream customers in a supply chain) in the valuation of upstream supplier firms’ order backlog information. Based on the theory and evidence that backlog orders’ predictive power is diminished further in a supply chain due to the bullwhip effect, we hypothesize and find that the overpricing of order backlog is mainly driven by upstream rather than downstream firms. More importantly, we use both hedge portfolio methods and Fama-MacBeth regressions to show that common institutional investors in a supply chain can utilize their knowledge to better incorporate the bullwhip effect and mitigate the magnitude of order backlog mispricing. Further, we find that the overpricing of second-tier suppliers’ backlog orders and thus, the role of supply chain common institutional investors is more pronounced during expansion periods than during recession periods. Overall, we highlight the role of institutional supply chain knowledge in improving pricing efficiencies of complex supply chain dynamics.
Reputation-Damaging Events Over a Long Time Horizon: An Event-System Model of Substantive Reputation Repair
Authors: Vassallo Jarrod P. , Seo Yeonji , (Shaz) Ansari Shahzad
Published: March 2024

Current models of substantive reputation repair primarily focus on isolated reputation-damaging events (RDEs) and corresponding responses by firms within short time frames. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that firms encounter numerous RDEs over extended periods while only sporadically and intermittently engaging in top-down substantive repair. To investigate this event-response asynchrony, we adopt an event system theory (EST) approach and conduct a qualitative study of a multinational firm. Over a 10-year period, we analyzed 47 RDEs that eventually prompted top management to initiate substantive repair. Our findings reveal that top managers perceive reputation management as a complex system comprising self-correcting subsystems that follow recurring adaptive event cycles. These cycles consist of iterations, transitioning from routine business-as-usual activities managing most RDEs (foreloops) to nonlinear, transformative responses to certain events (backloops). As long as these cycles are deemed effective, top managers refrain from substantive repair, intervening only when they identify a subsystem breakdown. Consequently, our event-system model of substantive reputation repair elucidates event-response asynchrony in two phases: (1) top managers’ confidence in the hierarchy of adaptive event cycles leads them to purposefully avoid most RDEs, and (2) the convergent intersection of three specific event chain patterns gradually establishes a shared narrative among top managers, triggering top-down substantive repair. By employing EST, we not only provide novel insights into how firms manage reputations but also enhance the explanatory power of EST by illuminating event cycle dynamics.
Augmented Reality Based Personalized Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Reading Skills
Authors: Khoirunnisa Azizah Nurul , Munir Munir , Shahbodin Faaizah , Dewi Laksmi
Published: March 2024

Reading can be a way to increase students’ social interaction and writing, especially for those continuing to a higher level of education. More recent research shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a variety of reading profiles that differ across a range of reading sub-skills. Meanwhile, the school teaching system provides one-size-fits-all learning for students with different abilities. This study aimed to test the use of personalized learning model-based Augmented Reality (AR) in supporting the learning of early reading skills in aspects of reading words, syllables, and letters. Four students with ASD participated in various cross-behavioral investigations. Data was collected based on early reading skills in words, syllables, and letters using the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) instrument, which had been adjusted according to the children’s abilities (three groups of children). Participants went through baseline-1 sessions, AR interventions, and baseline-2. The results show increased student learning outcomes in reading words and syllables. However, there was no significant increase in learning outcomes regarding recognizing letters.
Combining motherhood and work in the creative industries: Mothers have the problem
Authors: O’Brien Anne , Arnold Sarah
Published: March 2024

This article examines film and television workers’ experience of mothering in Ireland and argues that not only are mothers constructed as a ‘problem’ in these Creative Industries workplaces because of their care work duties, but the ‘problem’ of work’s incompatibility with motherhood is presented as one to be ‘solved’ by mothers themselves. Drawing from the scholarship on motherhood in film and television work and 12 interviews with workers in the film and television Creative Industries sectors who are mothers, we undertake a thematic analysis to uncover common experiences and insights that are reflective of but depart in some ways from the literature. We identify four themes that suggest that motherhood remains Othered in film and television work and that balancing care work and motherhood remains a form of additional labour that mothers (almost exclusively) must undertake: managing pregnancy at work; maternity leave and the return to work; care for children while working; and mothers’ finding solutions.
The psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test – a systematic review using the COSMIN guidelines
Authors: Aakrann Endre Bakke , Brincks John
Published: March 2024

Objective

Accurate and reliable balance measures are important for prescribing fall prevention treatments and monitoring their effectiveness. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, an increasingly used measure of dynamic balance.

Data sources

A literature search using the free-text term “Six-Spot Step Test” was performed on 12 February 2024, in Medline, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 18 or more, trials evaluating the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, and English-language articles. Conference abstracts were excluded.

Review methods

Two investigators screened and selected data independently and assessed the methodological quality and evidence using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and modified GRADE approach. One investigator extracted study characteristics such as design, population and psychometric properties.

Results

Of the 159 articles identified, 16, evaluating multiple measurement properties, were included in the final analysis. A total of 1319 people participated, including people affected by Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkison's disease, chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy and older adults with balance problems. Eight articles assessing reliability (n = 618, intraclass correlations coefficient ≥0.7, minimal detectable change = 22%) and 12 construct validity (n = 1082, 83% true hypothesis, area under the curve >0.7) exhibited sufficient methodological quality with high-level evidence, while two studies (n = 167) examining responsiveness showed very low evidence.

Conclusion

Apart from responsiveness, robust evidence supports the reliability and validity of the Six-Spot Step Test for assessing dynamic balance in a specific group of individuals with neurological diseases and older adults. Further, it is considered feasible for clinical use.
Adapting to an Economic Crisis: The Market System vs Hierarchical Governance
Authors: Martinez Octavio J.
Published: March 2024

This research investigates how exchange governance and the local market system influence a firm's adaptability to an economic crisis. This paper unveils a nuanced performance disparity by leveraging a rich dataset of manufacturing firms in Spain. While vertically integrated firms exhibit superior performance during periods of stability, they confront more significant setbacks in the aftermath of economic crises. This study demonstrates that the extent of this performance divergence is contingent upon the thickness of the local market system, supporting the hypothesis that vertically integrated firms derive reduced adaptive benefits from agglomeration economies. These findings shed light on the dynamic interrelationship between a firm's vertical scope and geographical context. They underscore the significance of a holistic assessment when determining the optimal approach to exchange governance. This assessment must evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of autonomous versus coordinated adaptation across economic cycles and geographies.
Research on elasticity behavior of Ni-Ti shape memory alloys using the reproducing kernel particle method
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Wei Gaofeng , Liu Tengda
Published: March 2024

The unique superelastic properties of the Ni-Ti shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been found extensive practical application in many engineering fields, but the Ni-Ti SMAs exhibits elastic behavior in small load, so the elastic behavior of the Ni-Ti SMAs is studied by using meshless method of reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM) in this paper. The displacement boundary conditions are applied by utilizing the penalty function method, and the impact of penalty factor and parameter of influence domain on errors are discussed, and computational stability is analyzed. At last, the correctness of the RKPM in studying the elastic behavior of the Ni-Ti SMAs is evidenced by using three numerical examples.
Increased prevalence of migraine in women with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Pascual-Mato Marta , Gárate Gabriel , de Prado-Tejerina Carlota , García María José , Castro Beatriz , González-Quintanilla Vicente , Madera Jorge , Crespo Javier , Pascual Julio , Rivero Monserrat
Published: March 2024

Background

Some studies have suggested an association between migraine and inflammatory bowel disease. We determined migraine prevalence in a cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease aged 18–65 years were interviewed using an ad hoc headache questionnaire. Those who admitted a history of headache in the last year answered the three questions of the ID-Migraine questionnaire. Those who answered “yes” to the three of them were classified as “definite” and those who answered “yes” to two were classified as “probable” migraine.

Results

We interviewed 283 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Of these, 176 (62.2%) had headache. Fifty-nine (20.8%; 95% CI 16.3–26.0%) met migraine criteria either definite (n = 33; 11.7%; 95% CI 8.2–16.0%) or probable (n = 26; 9.2%; 95% CI 6.1–13.2). When divided by gender, 12 men (9.6%; 95% CI 5.1–16.2%) and 47 women (29.8%; 95% CI 22.8–37.5%) met migraine criteria. The prevalence of migraine was increased in inflammatory bowel disease patients from the current cohort (20.8%) versus that reported for our general population for the same age group (12.6%; p < 0.0001). These differences remained significant in female inflammatory bowel disease patients (29.8% versus 17.2% in our general population; p < 0.0001), but not in males (9.6% in inflammatory bowel disease vs 8.0%; p = 0.30). Seventeen patients with inflammatory bowel disease (6.0%; 95% CI 3.54–9.44%) fulfilled chronic migraine criteria. There were no differences in migraine prevalence by inflammatory bowel disease subtypes.

Conclusion

Migraine prevalence, including chronic migraine, seems to be increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The fact that this association was stronger for women suggests an influence of sex-related factors.
Evaluation of erythrocyte membrane oxidation due to their exposure to shear flow generated by extracorporeal blood pump
Authors: Inoue Masataka , Udono Yuki , Kato Yugo , Fukui Koji , Watanabe Nobuo
Published: March 2024

Several similarities have been found between shear stress-induced erythrocyte damage and physiological aging of erythrocytes in terms of elevated mechanical fragility, increased erythrocyte aggregation, and decreased membrane surface charge. Accordingly, we hypothesized that blood pump circulation, which generates shear stress, would accelerate erythrocyte aging, manifesting as oxidation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of blood pump circulation on erythrocyte oxidation. Fresh porcine blood was acquired from a slaughterhouse and anticoagulated with sodium citrate. About 500 mL of anticoagulated whole blood was circulated for 180 min in an in vitro test circuit comprising a BP-80 blood pump with a pump speed and a pump pressure head of 100–120 mmHg. A blood sample was taken at the start of the circulation and 180 min afterward. The hemolysis level and oxidation amount of the erythrocyte membrane were analyzed and compared between samples. Hemolysis increased with the prolongation of shear exposure inside the pump circuit. After 180 min of blood pumping in circuit, the oxidation level of the erythrocyte membrane showed an increase of 0.1 nmol/mg protein. Moreover, the membrane oxidation levels of sheared erythrocytes were greater than those of control erythrocytes. These results suggest that blood pump circulation accelerates erythrocyte aging and give us a greater understanding of the effects of blood pump perfusion.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Psychiatric Traits and Diagnoses within a Community-based Sample of Children and Youth: Disparités raciales/ethniques dans les traits et diagnostics psychiatriques au sein d’un échantillon communautaire d’enfants et de jeunes
Authors: Dissanayake Andrew , Dupuis Annie , Burton Christie L. , Soreni Noam , Peters Paul , Gajaria Amy , Arnold Paul D. , Schachar Russell , Crosbie Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Objective

Racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders have been reported, but have not accounted for the prevalence of the traits that underlie these disorders. Examining rates of diagnoses in relation to traits may yield a clearer understanding of the degree to which racial/ethnic minority youth in Canada differ in their access to care. We sought to examine differences in self/parent-reported rates of diagnoses for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders after adjusting for differences in trait levels between youth from three racial/ethnic groups: White, South Asian and East Asian.

Method

We collected parent or self-reported ratings of OCD, ADHD and anxiety traits and diagnoses for 6- to 17-year-olds from a Canadian general population sample (Spit for Science). We examined racial/ethnic differences in trait levels and the odds of reporting a diagnosis using mixed-effects linear models and logistic regression models.

Results

East Asian ( N = 1301) and South Asian ( N = 730) youth reported significantly higher levels of OCD and anxiety traits than White youth ( N = 6896). East Asian and South Asian youth had significantly lower odds of reporting a diagnosis for OCD (odds ratio [ OR]East Asian = 0.08 [0.02, 0.41]; ORSouth Asian = 0.05 [0.00, 0.81]), ADHD ( OREast Asian = 0.27 [0.16, 0.45]; ORSouth Asian = 0.09 [0.03, 0.30]) and anxiety ( OREast Asian = 0.21 [0.11, 0.39]; ORSouth Asian = 0.12 [0.05, 0.32]) than White youth after accounting for psychiatric trait levels.

Conclusions

These results suggest a discrepancy between trait levels of OCD, ADHD and anxiety and rates of diagnoses for East Asian and South Asian youth. This discrepancy may be due to increased barriers for ethnically diverse youth to access mental health care. Efforts to understand and mitigate these barriers in Canada are needed.
Comprehensive functional outcome analysis and importance of bone remodelling on personalized cranioplasty treatment using Poly(methyl methacrylate) bone flaps
Authors: Iratwar Sandeep , Roy Chowdhury Sulob , Pisulkar Shweta , Das Soumitra , Agarwal Akhilesh , Bagde Ashutosh , Paikrao Balaji , Quazi Syed , Basu Bikramjit
Published: March 2024

Cranioplasty involves the surgical reconstruction of cranial defects arising as a result of various factors, including decompressive craniectomy, cranial malformations, and brain injury due to road traffic accidents. Most of the modern decompressive craniectomies (DC) warrant a future cranioplasty surgery within 6–36 months. The conventional process of capturing the defect impression and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) flap fabrication results in a misfit or misalignment at the site of implantation. Equally, the intra-operative graft preparation is arduous and can result in a longer surgical time, which may compromise the functional and aesthetic outcomes. As part of a multicentric pilot clinical study, we recently conducted a cohort study on ten human subjects during 2019–2022, following the human ethics committee approvals from the participating institutes. In the current study, an important aspect of measuring the extent of bone remodelling during the time gap between decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty was successfully evaluated. The sterilised PMMA bone flaps were implanted at the defect area during the cranioplasty surgery using titanium mini plates and screws. The mean surgery time was 90 ± 20 min, comparable to the other clinical studies on cranioplasty. No signs of intra-operative and post-operative complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hematoma, or local and systemic infection, were clinically recorded. Importantly, aesthetic outcomes were excellent for all the patients, except in a few clinical cases, wherein the PMMA bone flap was to be carefully customized due to the remodelling of the native skull bone. The extent of physiological remodelling was evaluated by superimposing the pre-operative and post-operative CT scan data after converting the defect morphology into a 3D model. This study further establishes the safety and efficacy of a technologically better approach to fabricate patient-specific acrylic bone flaps with improved surgical outcomes. More importantly, the study outcome further demonstrates the strategy to address bone remodelling during the patient-specific implant design.
Sexual Harassment/Abuse Policies in U.S. Youth Sport Programs
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Connaughton Daniel P.
Published: March 2024

Sport governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee, have recommended youth sport organizations develop policies, procedures, and/or ethical guidelines to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) experienced by young athletes. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated SHA policies or procedures in U.S. youth sport programs. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine U.S. youth sport programs’ policies regarding SHA. The results are based on a cross-sectional survey completed by youth sport coaches ( n = 200) from various organizations (e.g., public recreation organizations, private nonprofit organizations, and interscholastic sports). Findings suggest that most organizations have several SHA policies, such as education and training requirements, written policies and codes of conduct regarding coach-athlete sexual relationships, and formal complaint and disclosure procedures for investigating SHA. A bivariate analysis suggests that the presence of several SHA policies was associated with an increased number of self-reported SHA incidents. Moreover, youth sport programs located in urban areas had a greater extent of SHA policies compared to those located in suburban or rural areas. These results are discussed with respect to the potential relationships between the presence of policies and increased cases of SHA. Also, we discussed advocating for equitable resources among youth sport programs regardless of geographic and/or demographic factors. Future research should identify social and cultural barriers that inhibit the successful implementation of SHA policies. While developing and implementing SHA policies is a step in the right direction, it may not be used as the only means to address this complex, systematic, and structural issue.
Status and challenges of university-industry linkage in the Tigray Regional State of Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Hilluf Reddu , Girmay Hailemariam Areaya , Gebremedhen Yohannes Berhane , Olle Betgilu Oshora , Domez Gebregzabher Abreha , Gebreyesus Merhawi Abreha
Published: March 2024

University-Industry Linkage (UIL) is the interaction of academic or research universities and industries of different sectors for complementary benefits. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to understand the present status and challenges of UIL in the Regional State of Tigray, Ethiopia. Using convergent parallel mixed research design, the study addressed two research questions: (1) what is the status of UIL in the Regional State of Tigray, Ethiopia? (2) what are the UIL challenges facing universities and industries in the Regional State of Tigray, Ethiopia? Respondents were recruited from two universities and eight industries of different business areas including service, manufacturing, finance and energy. A survey questionnaire and interview protocols were developed by adapting items used in previous studies and distributed to a sample size of 1350. The findings show that there are occasional collaborations between the universities and industries in the Region mostly focusing on internship and training. Although communications and meetings are conducted between the universities and industries to create UIL opportunities in Tigray, signed collaboration agreements remain mostly on the shelf mainly due to lack of due attention and commitment from both sides in taking the step forward. Therefore, awareness creation measures and sound policy framework and guidelines should be in place for effective and practical collaborations to exist and get realized.
An optimization design method of asymmetric wheel bearing with equal friction torque and equal fatigue life in two rows
Authors: Qiu Ming , Zhang Jiaming , Tang Yibo , Yang Chuanmeng , Wang Huijie
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the problem of asymmetric wheel bearings with inconsistent friction torque and service life of the left and right rows, this paper proposed a different optimization design method for asymmetric wheel bearings. Firstly, the calculation model of friction torque and fatigue life of asymmetric wheel bearings is established based on the proposed quasi-statics, and the model's accuracy is verified. Furthermore, combined with the Cooperative Equilibrium Point Method, the optimization method of equal friction and equal life for the left and right rows, that is, CEPM-NSGAII, is proposed, which takes the ratio of friction torque and the ratio of fatigue life for the left and right rows as the objective function, and optimizes the structural parameters of the left and right rows such as the rolling element diameters, the pitch circle diameters, and the number of rolling elements, and so on. After optimization, the friction torque ratio and fatigue life ratio of the left and right rows tend to be close to 1, which considerably improves the performance imbalance between the left and right rows of the bearings, meanwhile prolongs the fatigue life of the bearings and reduces the friction torque of the bearings. In addition, the superiority and reliability of the CEPM-NSGAII optimization method are verified by comparison.
State-of-the-art survey of literature for finding an effective solution to mitigate the exit-hole defect in friction stir welded samples
Authors: Debbarma Pohor Patric , Das Bipul
Published: March 2024

Friction stir welding is a solid-state welding process among the most important processes used for welding materials that the conventional welding process cannot weld. The joining of two metals occurs by heat generated due to the friction between the non-consuming rotating tool surface and workpiece. This technology is extensively used in the automobile, railway, maritime and aerospace industries. There are some defects that occurred in this process such as the tunnel, kissing bond, incomplete root penetration, excessive flash and void, those can be overcome by modifying the process parameters namely tool rotational speed, welding speed, downward force, shoulder diameter, shoulder geometry, tool pin geometry, tool pin diameter, tool pin length and tilt angle. The inevitable defect is the exit-hole left after the retraction of a rotating tool at the end of the weld cycle. The present work reviews different repair techniques for the exit-hole of the welded joints. This article discusses various exit-hole repairing techniques pertinent to the method, process parameters, material, plate thickness and the defect that emerges using these techniques. The current survey also presents a few future research opportunities in this field that can be carried out to mitigate the exit-hole defect.
Thinking different as an act of resistance: Reconceptualizing the German protests in the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergent counter-knowledge order
Authors: Primig Florian
Published: March 2024

Massive anti-government protests erupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The crisis activated a potential for resistance that has been simmering under the impositions of late-modern knowledge society. Made salient by the pandemic conditions of sudden extreme reliance on scientific (non) knowledge, the corona protestors activated this potential for resistance and constructed their own counter-knowledge order bound by shared resentment of and distrust in the established order and facilitated by digital platforms. Utilising social network analysis and structural topic modeling for digital critical discourse analysis, in this paper I explore how the corona protest counter-knowledge order is constructed with a particular focus on its contexts, roles, and hierarchies. I find that far-right and conspiracy imaginations are used to level out hierarchies and detach epistemic roles from their contexts to reinstate a superior self into interpretative power. The counter-knowledge order’s inherent construction of unwarranted omnipotence points to a more fundamental resistance to the established normative orders of our society that should be addressed more effectively if we want to be prepared for future crises and not lose common ground for making sense of them.