bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Serum Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Independently Associated With Severity of Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Kelesoglu Saban , Yilmaz Yucel , Elcik Deniz , Bireciklioglu Fehmi , Ozdemir Fatma , Balcı Fatih , Tuncay Aydin , Kalay Nihat
Published: December 2022

Stroke is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated how the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) could be used to predict the likelihood of developing carotid artery stenosis (CAS), which can be seen using carotid artery angiography (CAAG). This study comprised 418 individuals who underwent CAAG for CAS. SII was calculated by multiplying the platelet count by the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The patients were divided into two groups: non-critical and critical CAS (stenosis below %70 and above ≥70%, respectively). Compared with the non-critical CAS, the critical CAS group had greater high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (4.5 [3.1-5.7] vs 3.9 [2-5] [mg/L], P < .001), NLR (4.1 [2.9-7.5] vs 2.9 [1.8-3.7], P < .001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (233 [110-297] vs 119 [96-197], P < .001), and SII (860 [608-2455] vs 604 [458-740], P < .001). Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analysis demonstrated the best cutoff value of 672.3 for SII to predict the critical CAS with 71.2% sensitivity and 60.1% specificity. According to our study, an increase in SII is an independent predictor of the severity of CAS in patients undergoing CAAG.
A Computational Cognitive Model of Driver Response Time for Scheduled Freeway Exiting Takeovers in Conditionally Automated Vehicles
Authors: Tan Xiaomei , Zhang Yiqi
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study develops a computational model to predict drivers’ response time and understand the underlying cognitive mechanism for freeway exiting takeovers in conditionally automated vehicles (AVs).

Background

Previous research has modeled drivers’ takeover response time in emergency scenarios that demand a quick response. However, existing models may not be applicable for scheduled, non-time-critical takeovers as drivers take longer to resume control when there is no time pressure. A model of driver response time in non-time-critical takeovers is lacking.

Method

A computational cognitive model of driver takeover response time is developed based on Queuing Network-Model Human Processor (QN-MHP) architecture. The model quantifies gaze redirection in response to takeover request (ToR), task prioritization, driver situation awareness, and driver trust to address the complexities of drivers' takeover strategies when sufficient time budget exists.

Results

Experimental data of a preliminary driving simulator study were used to validate the model. The model accounted for 97% of the experimental takeover response time for freeway exiting.

Conclusion

The current model can successfully predict drivers’ response time for scheduled, non-time-critical freeway exiting takeovers in conditionally AVs.

Application

This model can be applied to the human-machine interface design with respect to ToR lead time for enhancing safe freeway exiting takeovers in conditionally AVs. It also provides a foundation for future modeling work towards an integrated driver model of freeway exiting takeover performance.
Army embeddedness, political opportunities and threats, and the dynamics of contention: Understanding the varying role of the armed forces in the Egyptian, Syrian, and Libyan 2011 revolts
Authors: Alimi Eitan
Published: December 2022

In many Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, the army has traditionally been a central pillar of the authoritarian regimes, responsible for the security and integrity of the state and a symbol of national sovereignty and social unity. Nevertheless, the 2011 Arab revolts witnessed stark differences in the response of the armies. This article argues that a relational reading of the Structure of Political Opportunities and Threats, particularly when its dimension of the state’s capacity and propensity for repression is informed by a MENA-salient regime feature—army embeddedness—offers a compelling solution to the puzzle. An analysis of the Egyptian, Syrian, and Libyan episodes of contention, based on a comparative method that combines mechanism-based process tracing and typological theorizing, demonstrates the theoretical payoffs of this sensitized dimension. Cross-case similarities underscore the value of thinking about the army as a full-fledge agent embedded within a web of relations with social and political forces. Specifically, findings reveal how army embeddedness shapes the respective operation and effect of the mechanisms “political opportunities” and “political threats,” and highlight the importance of differentiating between the state’s capacity and the state’s propensity for repression. Within-case variations highlight the historically specific development of such embeddedness and how it plays out distinctively in each case, forming different scenarios of high and low capacity and propensity for repression.
Age, period and cohort effects in depression prevalence among Canadians 65+, 1994 to 2018: A multi-level analysis
Authors: Yang Guang , D’Arcy Carl
Published: December 2022

Background:

The nature of the Canadian population 65+ has changed considerably over the past several decades. They comprise a larger proportion of the population, are better educated, and are wealthier than previous generations. We estimate the contributions of chronological aging, temporal periods, and birth cohort effects on the trends in the major depressive episode (MDE) prevalence among Canadian seniors from 1994/1995 to 2017/2018.

Methods:

Using data from two sets of national health surveys, the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) and the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Pooled data on 150,246 survey respondents aged 65+ from 16 repeated cross-sectional surveys are included. Hierarchical regression age-period-cohort models were used to visualize the linear and non-linear effects of age, period, and cohort trends in late-life depression.

Results:

We found that: the prevalence of MDE in later life fluctuated non-significantly during the study time period; the probability of developing MDE declined with increasing age from 65 to 80+ (β = −.32, p = .027). The significant quadratic birth cohort predictor showed a non-linear increasing association with the prevalence of MDE from the earlier to later-born cohorts (β = .01, p = .049). We also found that females 65+ were consistently more likely to be depressed than males 65+ (β = .47, p = .007). The significantly negative “age × female” interaction shows that age exerts a greater effect on females’ probability of developing MDE than males (β = −.09, p = .011). There were no consistent significant period effects but there were peaks in prevalence around 2001, 2008, and 2012 which corresponded to some recent historical events. Our moderation analysis documents that lower levels of education significantly contributed to the higher rates of depression among cohorts born earlier in the 20th century.

Conclusions:

Our findings show the presence of strong chronological age and cohort effects and weaker period effects on the prevalence of late-life depression in Canadian seniors.
Investigation of the relation between free volume and physico-mechanical performance in rigid polyurethane foam containing turkey feather fibers: Part 2
Authors: Soykan Ugur , Khaleel Mustafa , Cetin Sedat , Yahsi Ugur , Tav Cumali
Published: December 2022

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were modified with 0–15 wt.% turkey feather fibers (TFFs) produced from waste turkey feathers. One-shut free rising method was used for the production of TFFs-filled-RPUFs in a closed mold. The dependence of mechanical performance and water vapor permeability (WVP) feature of the final foams on TFFs loading was evaluated with free volume change. The free volume analysis was performed via Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS), while the mechanical and WVP characteristics were determined with the use of the universal tester machines. PALS findings showed that the incorporation of TFFs with RPUF matrix caused the considerable diminishment in the free volume due to TFFs serving as a filling material and formation of strong secondary bonds between components. Moreover, tensile strength and extension of the foams decreased with the increasing of TFFs, which caused by the occurrence of noteworthy restriction on the spatial alignment and orientation capability of polyurethane chains due to the lack of sufficient free volume allowing the chains to move freely. As for the compression tests, all the TFFs-loaded RPUFs depicted substantially lower performance due to TFFs interfering with the ordered organization of isocyanate domains. Moreover, impact test results showed that the addition of TFFs into RPUF matrix brought about the insufficient impact energy delocalization throughout the matrix due to the restriction on the mobility of polymer chains. Additionally, the remarkable diminishment in WVP was recorded due to the reduction in the number of vacancies and constitution of keratin composed of roundly 60% of hydrophilic protein (especially cystine). All in all, this study established a strong links between free volume and characteristics of TFFs-loaded RPUFs.
Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: A flammability study
Authors: Basnayake Asanka P , Hidalgo Juan P , Heitzmann Michael T
Published: December 2022

This study investigated suspending two fire retardants in sugar-cane bagasse plies used for manufacturing natural fibre reinforced composites. Sugar-cane bagasse was alkali treated, blended with either APP (Ammonium Polyphosphate) or ATH (Aluminium Hydroxide), pressed and dried to form plies. Composites were manufactured using a light resin transfer moulding process with epoxy resin. Composites manufactured with fire retardant suspended plies were compared to composites with plies layered with equivalent amounts of fire retardants. The composites were characterised using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability and char yield, isotropic hot disc method for thermal properties, and cone calorimeter for studying ignition and flammability. Plies suspended with APP had the highest char yield of 58% (in nitrogen), reducing to 26% in the composite form, with degradation driven by the epoxy matrix. The composite layered with ATH had the latest ignition times of 118 s when tested with a radiant heat flux of 35 kW/m2. The composite layered with APP displayed the lowest average heat release rate (179.7k W/m2), peak heat release rate (305.6k W/m2), and total heat released (135.5 MJ/kg). When assessing the fire growth, the composite layered with APP was again favourable. While the layering yielded more favourable results than the suspension of the same retardants, this study showed that a rudimentary process was able to suspend enough retardants to improve the behaviour of the resulting composites in a fire scenario.
Validity of a novel ex vivo porcine liver perfusion model for studying haemostatic products
Authors: Roozen Edwin A , Lomme Roger MLM , Calon Nicole UB , Warlé Michiel C , Van Goor Harry
Published: December 2022

Introduction

We developed a novel normothermic ex vivo porcine liver perfusion model with whole blood in order to have alternatives for animal experiments in the research and development of new local haemostatic agents. This study aims to assess the construct and content validity of this model.

Methods

In this study we performed two ex vivo experiments using nine livers and one in vivo experiment using six female Norsvin Topigs pigs: (1) ex vivo liver perfusion for establishing physiological blood parameters of the perfused liver and controlled heparinization, (2) ex vivo liver perfusion with a surgical injury and (3) a surgical liver injury in anaesthetized pigs with and without heparin.

Results

Ex vivo coagulation parameters were comparable to in vivo with heparin. Blood gas values and metabolic parameters were comparable between ex vivo and in vivo with heparin, but significantly different compared with in vivo baseline, with the exception of (partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). Activated clotting time (ACT) values significantly differed depending on the heparin doses. The coagulation parameters fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and ACT were rather constant during the 4 h ex vivo perfusion. Haemostatic efficacy of commercially available products was comparable between in vivo with heparin and the ex vivo liver perfusion experiment.

Conclusion

This novel ex vivo liver perfusion model demonstrates good construct and content validity for at least 4 h of perfusion. The model is an easily accessible, table-top, tunable and effective alternative for the in vivo testing of (new) haemostatic products on their haemostatic properties. Validité d'un nouveau modèle de perfusion hépatique porcin ex-vivo pour l'étude des produits hémostatiques Résumé
Effects of β-eudesmol and atractylodin on target genes and hormone related to cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and endocrine disruption in developing zebrafish embryos
Authors: Tshering Gyem , Pimtong Wittaya , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: December 2022

Atractylodes lancea, commonly known as Kod-Kamao in Thai, a traditional medicinal herb, is being developed for clinical use in cholangiocarcinoma. β-eudesmol and atractylodin are the main active components of this herb which possess most of the pharmacological properties. However, the lack of adequate toxicity data would be a significant hindrance to their further development. The present study investigated the toxic effects of selected concentrations of β-eudesmol and atractylodin in the heart, liver, and endocrine systems of zebrafish embryos. Study endpoints included changes in the expression of genes related to Na/K-ATPase activity in the heart, fatty acid-binding protein 10a and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 in the liver, and cortisol levels in the endocrine system. Both compounds produced inhibitory effects on the Na/K-ATPase gene expressions in the heart. Both also triggered the biomarkers of liver toxicity. While β-eudesmol did not alter the expression of the cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 gene, atractylodin at high concentrations upregulated the gene, suggesting its potential enzyme-inducing activity in this gene. β-eudesmol, but not atractylodin, showed some stress-reducing properties with suppression of cortisol production.
Twinning for solidarity: building affective communities in the aftermath of the Nicaraguan Revolution
Authors: Ryan Holly Eva
Published: December 2022

In the British popular imagination, ‘twinning’ is perhaps most commonly associated with mayoral delegations, civic ceremonies and the post-war peacebuilding project in Europe. However, the model and practice of twinning has also been utilised to develop an impressive array of political, economic and cultural relationships that connect geographically remote communities and institutions all across the globe. Among these relationships are a number of twinnings that have emerged as a part of wider movements to extend political solidarity to peoples and communities facing forms of tyranny and persecution. Despite the renewed interest in the politics and practice of solidarity, ‘twinning for solidarity’ has been scarcely addressed in academic research to date. This paper seeks to redirect the scholarly gaze towards this phenomenon by taking a closer look at transnational relationships that were forged across British and Nicaraguan localities in the aftermath of the 1979 Sandinista Revolution. Building on an empirical base of research undertaken over 3 years, it promises to (a) trace why and how ‘twinning’ emerged within the broader repertoire of solidarity initiatives at this time; and (b) explore just what twinning has and might yet achieve in the particular context of political solidarity.
The typology of second language listening constructs: A systematic review
Authors: Aryadoust Vahid , Luo Lan
Published: December 2022

This study reviewed conceptualizations and operationalizations of second language (L2) listening constructs. A total of 157 peer-reviewed papers published in 19 journals in applied linguistics were coded for (1) publication year, author, source title, location, language, and reliability and (2) listening subskills, cognitive processes, attributes, and listening functions potentially measured or investigated. Only 39 publications (24.84%) provided theoretical definitions for listening constructs, 38 of which were general or had a narrow construct coverage. Listening functions such as discriminative, empathetic, and analytical listening were largely unattended to in construct conceptualization in the studies. In addition, we identified 24 subskills, 27 cognitive processes, and 54 listening attributes (total = 105) operationalized in the studies. We developed a multilayered framework to categorize these features. The subskills and cognitive processes were categorized into five principal groups each (10 groups total), while the attributes were divided into three main groups. This multicomponential framework will be useful in construct delineation and operationalization in L2 listening assessment and teaching. Finally, limitations of the extant research and future directions for research and development in L2 listening assessment are discussed.
Comparison of MRI and CT-based radiomics for preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Piaoe , Qu Chao , Liu Jianfang , Cui Jingjing , Liu Xiaoming , Xiu Dianrong , Yuan Huishu
Published: December 2022

Background

The preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is essential in prognosis and treatment strategy formulation.

Purpose

To compare the performance of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics models for the preoperative prediction of LNM in PDAC.

Material and Methods

In total, 160 consecutive patients with PDAC were retrospectively included, who were divided into the training and validation sets (ratio of 8:2). Two radiologists evaluated LNM basing on morphological abnormalities. Radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted imaging, T1-weighted imaging, and multiphase contrast enhanced MRI and multiphase CT, respectively. Overall, 1184 radiomics features were extracted from each volume of interest drawn. Only features with an intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.75 were included. Three sequential feature selection steps—variance threshold, variance thresholding and least absolute shrinkage selection operator—were repeated 20 times with fivefold cross-validation in the training set. Two radiomics models based on multiphase CT and multiparametric MRI were built with the five most frequent features. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) values.

Results

Multiparametric MRI radiomics model achieved improved AUCs (0.791 and 0.786 in the training and validation sets, respectively) than that of the CT radiomics model (0.672 and 0.655 in the training and validation sets, respectively) and of the radiologists’ assessment (0.600–0.613 and 0.560–0.587 in the training and validation sets, respectively).

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI radiomics model may serve as a potential tool for preoperatively evaluating LNM in PDAC and had superior predictive performance to multiphase CT-based model and radiologists’ assessment.
Cedric J. Robinson, Black radicalism and the abolition of Europe
Authors: Bjelić Dušan
Published: December 2022

A militant critique of ‘Europe’ as the civilisation of racialism singles out the work of Cedric J. Robinson from other critical scholarship on Europe. Even though his concept of ‘racial capitalism’ is increasingly cited, on the whole, Robinson’s works are largely unknown in European studies. Perhaps they are too threatening to Europe’s self-centred and self-embellishing narratives on racism, which would explain European studies scholars’ silent treatment of Robinson’s critique of ‘Europe’ as foundational to the West’s culture of racialism. Unlike the proponents of postcolonial and decolonial studies, Robinson does not challenge Eurocentrism from a non-European perspective, but rather from the erased history of European slavery as the material variant of Western civilisation. To this end, he dives deeply into European medieval and early medieval history with a series of interventions that aim to abolish the notion that European culture was universalist in its trajectory, rather than racialist ab initio. And from that understanding derives the imperative for the abolition of the Western racialist order of civilisation.
Machine-Supported Bridge Inspection Image Documentation Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Xin , Eric Wogen Benjamin , Chu Zhiwei , Dyke Shirley J. , Poston Randall , Hacker Thomas , Ramirez Julio , Liu Xiaoyu , Iturburu Lissette , Baah Prince , Hunter Jeremy
Published: December 2022

The purpose of a routine bridge inspection is to assess the physical and functional condition of a bridge according to a regularly scheduled interval. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires these inspections to be conducted at least every 2 years. Inspectors use simple tools and visual inspection techniques to determine the conditions of both the elements of the bridge structure and the bridge overall. While in the field, the data is collected in the form of images and notes; after the field work is complete, inspectors need to generate a report based on these data to document their findings. The report generation process includes several tasks: (1) evaluating the condition rating of each bridge element according to FHWA Recording and Coding Guide for Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges; and (2) updating and organizing the bridge inspection images for the report. Both of tasks are time-consuming. This study focuses on assisting with the latter task by developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based method to rapidly organize bridge inspection images and generate a report. In this paper, an image organization schema based on the FHWA Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges and the Manual for Bridge Element Inspection is described, and several convolutional neural network-based classifiers are trained with real inspection images collected in the field. Additionally, exchangeable image file (EXIF) information is automatically extracted to organize inspection images according to their time stamp. Finally, the Automated Bridge Image Reporting Tool (ABIRT) is described as a browser-based system built on the trained classifiers. Inspectors can directly upload images to this tool and rapidly obtain organized images and associated inspection report with the support of a computer which has an internet connection. The authors provide recommendations to inspectors for gathering future images to make the best use of this tool.
Depressed Protein Synthesis and Anabolic Signaling Potentiate ACL Tear–Resultant Quadriceps Atrophy
Authors: Keeble Alexander R. , Brightwell Camille R. , Latham Christine M. , Thomas Nicholas T. , Mobley C. Brooks , Murach Kevin A. , Johnson Darren L. , Noehren Brian , Fry Christopher S.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (ACLT) leads to protracted quadriceps muscle atrophy. Protein turnover largely dictates muscle size and is highly responsive to injury and loading. Regulation of quadriceps molecular protein synthetic machinery after ACLT has largely been unexplored, limiting development of targeted therapies.

Purpose:

To define the effect of ACLT on (1) the activation of protein synthetic and catabolic signaling within quadriceps biopsy specimens from human participants and (2) the time course of alterations to protein synthesis and its molecular regulation in a mouse ACL injury model.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Muscle biopsy specimens were obtained from the ACL-injured and noninjured vastus lateralis of young adult humans after an overnight fast (N = 21; mean ± SD, 19 ± 5 years). Mice had their limbs assigned to ACLT or control, and whole quadriceps were collected 6 hours or 1, 3, or 7 days after injury with puromycin injected before tissue collection for assessment of relative protein synthesis. Muscle fiber size and expression and phosphorylation of protein anabolic and catabolic signaling proteins were assessed at the protein and transcript levels (RNA sequencing).

Results:

Human quadriceps showed reduced phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (–41%) in the ACL-injured limb ( P = .008), in addition to elevated phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (+98%; P = .006), indicative of depressed protein anabolic signaling in the injured limb. No differences in E3 ubiquitin ligase expression were noted. Protein synthesis was lower at 1 day ( P = .01 vs control limb) and 3 days ( P = .002 vs control limb) after ACLT in mice. Pathway analyses revealed shared molecular alterations between human and mouse quadriceps after ACLT.

Conclusion:

(1) Global protein synthesis and anabolic signaling deficits occur in the quadriceps in response to ACL injury, without notable changes in measured markers of muscle protein catabolism. (2) Importantly, these deficits occur before the onset of significant atrophy, underscoring the need for early intervention.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings suggest that blunted protein anabolism as opposed to increased catabolism likely mediates quadriceps atrophy after ACL injury. Thus, future interventions should aim to restore muscle protein anabolism rapidly after ACLT.
Suicidal Ideation Amongst University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Trends and Risk Factors
Authors: Jones Laura B. , Vereschagin Melissa , Wang Angel Y. , Munthali Richard J. , Pei Julia , Richardson Chris G. , Halli Priyanka , Xie Hui , Rush Brian , Yatham Lakshmi , Gadermann Anne M. , Pendakur Krishna , Prescivalli Ana Paula , Munro Lonna , Bruffaerts Ronny , Auerbach Randy P. , Mortier Philippe , Vigo Daniel V.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Examine time trends in suicidal ideation in post-secondary students over the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and identify subpopulations of students with increased risk.

Method

We analysed 14 months of data collected through repeated cross-sectional deployment of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health-International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey at the University of British Columbia. Estimated log odds weekly trends of 30-day suicidal ideation (yes/no) were plotted against time with adjustments for demographics using binary logistic generalized additive model (GAM). Risk factors for 30-day suicidal ideation frequency (four categories) were examined using the ordered logistic GAM, with a cubic smoothing spline for modelling time trend in obervation weeks and accounting for demographics.

Results

Nearly one-fifth (18.9%) of students experienced suicidal ideation in the previous 30 days. While the estimated log odds suggested that binary suicidal ideation was relatively stable across the course of the pandemic, an initial drop followed by an increasing trend was observed. Risk factors for suicidal ideation frequency during the pandemic included identifying as Chinese or as another non-Indigenous ethnic minority; experiencing current symptoms of depression or anxiety; having a history of suicidal planning or attempts; and feeling overwhelmed but unable to get help as a result of COVID-19. Older age was identified as a protective factor.

Conclusions

The general university student population in our study was relatively resilient with respect to suicidal ideation during the first three waves of the pandemic, but trends indicate the possibility of delayed impact. Specific sub-populations were found to be at increased risk and should be considered for targeted support. Further analyses should be undertaken to continue monitoring suicidality trends throughout the remainder of the pandemic and beyond.
From Movements to Managers: Crossing Organizational Boundaries in the Field of Sustainability
Authors: Augustine Grace , King Brayden G
Published: December 2022

This study investigates a route to occupational activism whereby individuals with significant experience in a social movement enter organizational positions that have been established to address those same movement's concerns. Utilizing data on the career pathways of 800 individuals from the field of sustainability in higher education, we formulate and test hypotheses related to whether or not individuals with more experience in the environmental movement gain access to sustainability manager positions, and whether or not entry patterns change as the roles become more institutionalized. These questions matter because although movements pressure organizations to address issues such as equality, diversity, and sustainability, it is individuals inside organizations who are best positioned to institutionalize movement-aligned practices and policies. And if those individuals have movement backgrounds, they can be carriers of movement praxis and ideals. Through our analyses, we find that although individuals with more experience in the environmental movement have a higher likelihood of entering sustainability manager positions overall, their advantage diminishes as the positions become institutionalized as formalized organizational roles. Our findings contribute to scholarship on occupational activism and in particular to outstanding questions regarding the role of occupations and occupational members in furthering social movement ideals and initiatives inside organizations.
Low Tech, High Potential: Using Technology to Improve Communication across Home Care Workers
Authors: Bandini Julia I. , Siconolfi Daniel , Feistel Katie , Etchegaray Jason
Published: December 2022

We sought to examine how technology is currently utilized in home care and how the integration of new technologies in the completion of tasks may change the future of work for home care workers (HCWs), including personal care aides and home health aides. We triangulated data from three sources: A scoping review, interviews with HCWs, and monthly stakeholder input from 17 experts in home care and technology. Our findings suggest that while current technology use is limited and rudimentary within home care, technology may be especially beneficial in mitigating challenges around communication handoffs among HCWs. Our study points to the potential for the introduction and integration of technology into home care, particularly for communication to improve direct care worker experiences in providing care to vulnerable clients in their homes.
To Be Successful and/or Comfortable? Parental Career Expectations and Chinese Undergraduates’ Career Indecisiveness across Gender
Authors: Zhu Jiajia , Hou Zhijin , Zhang Hang , Wang Danni , Jia Yin , Flores Lisa Y , Chen Shufang
Published: December 2022

This study explored the association between two parental career expectations (reward/prestige and comfort/stability) and career indecisiveness with the moderation of gender in 523 Chinese undergraduates. We found that women undergraduates perceived lower parental reward/prestige and higher comfort/stability expectations than men. Perceived parental comfort/stability expectations on career indecisiveness were significant for men but non-significant for women. Results indicated a three-way interaction among parental expectations of reward/prestige, parental expectations of comfort/stability, and students’ gender in the prediction of career indecisiveness. For women, perceived parental comfort/stability and reward/prestige expectations had a significant interactive effect on career indecisiveness. Perceived parental reward/prestige expectations were positively associated with career indecisiveness only when they perceived higher levels of parental comfort/stability expectations. For men, perceived parental comfort/stability and reward/prestige expectations had no interactive effect on career indecisiveness. We addressed the importance of joint influences of differential parental expectations on young adults’ career decision-making across gender.
The Dilemma of Foxconn Moms: Social Reproduction and the Rise of ‘Gig Manufacturing’ in China
Authors: Dong Yige
Published: December 2022

As the first ethnographic account of Foxconn in Zhengzhou—the world’s largest iPhone manufacturing base—this paper argues that a new labor regime features ‘hegemonic precarity’ has arisen since capital’s move to inland China. Despite being offered formal contracts with long-term benefits, inland Foxconn workers choose a more precarious employment status. I argue that this surprising pattern is a result of the interaction between dynamics at the point of production and that of social reproduction. Through the mechanism of ‘hoarding of time’, Foxconn’s management pays relatively high wages to a minority of workers while keeping the majority’s wages minimal. Meanwhile, changing dynamics in the realm of social reproduction makes Foxconn workers, especially women with children, constantly struggle between work and the family. Working together, these factors have led to extremely high turnover rates, bleak prospects for labor solidarity, and the rise of ‘gig manufacturing’ in China.
Hierarchical coordinated control strategy for regenerative braking energy recuperation with an electrobooster
Authors: Guo Hongyan , Zhao Xu , Liu Jun , Zhu Feibai , Chen Hong , Cao Dongpu
Published: December 2022

To guarantee the braking performance and safety of electric vehicles (EVs) and to improve their regenerative energy performance, a regenerative braking recuperation control strategy based on hierarchical coordinated control of an electrohydraulic brake system (eBooster) is proposed in this paper. First, considering the EV braking system characteristics, the eBooster model, vehicle dynamics model and energy recuperation model are established. Then, a hierarchical coordinated control strategy (HCCS) is proposed, and the top-level controller based on model predictive control (MPC) reasonably coordinates the braking torque according to the control objectives and constraints. Additionally, as per the eBooster characteristics, the bottom-level controller adopts a double closed-loop controller to improve the control accuracy and response speed. Finally, verification in the Simulink/AMESim joint simulation environment shows that the eBooster and the HCCS enable combined regenerative and hydraulic braking, which improves brake safety and performance.
An industrially viable wavelet long-short term memory-deep multilayer perceptron-based approach to tool condition monitoring considering operational variability
Authors: Gudelek M Ugur , Serin Gokberk , Ozbayoglu Ahmet Murat , Unver Hakki Ozgur
Published: December 2022

Tool wear is a fundamental aspect of the machining process. Therefore, tool condition monitoring is of paramount importance to ensure part quality and avoid catastrophic damage. Tool wear has a direct correlation with the vibration emanating from the process; however, accurate prediction of tool wear indirectly from the vibration level is difficult because machining parameters such as cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate may vary continuously during an operation, depending on tool diameter, geometry, and material. These affect vibration levels as much as wear progress, which demands advanced intelligence that can adapt to variations in cutting conditions. This paper proposes a wavelet long-short term memory (WLSTM)-deep multilayer perceptron (DMLP)-based model, which utilizes the continuous wavelet transform for preprocessing of raw data, long-short term memory (LSTM) for extracting temporal information, and DMLP for regression of the tool wear. First, the model is evaluated by comparing it with other LSTM studies developed using the PHM 2010 dataset in the literature. Afterward, its industrial viability and adaptability performance to variations in cutting speed and tool diameter are assessed with several training scenarios. The results revealed auspicious performance in the proposed architecture’s potential in predicting tool wear under operational variability.
Behaviour of coal-fouled elastomeric polyurethane-stabilized ballast under cyclic loading
Authors: Hussaini Syed Khaja Karimullah , Gundavaram Dinesh
Published: December 2022

The current study assesses the deformation and degradation behaviour of geogrid and elastomer-stabilized coal fouled ballast under cyclic loading with frequencies ( f) ranging from 15 to 35 Hz. Different percentages of coal were added to ballast to have void contamination index (VCI) in the range of 0–45%. Test results confirmed that the deformation and degradation behaviour of ballast was highly affected by the presence of coal fines. The elastomer-stabilized ballast (ESB) exhibited lower deformations and degradation when compared to geogrid-stabilized (GSB) and unstabilized ballast (USB). The effectiveness of geogrid/elastomer in arresting the spread of ballast along its depth is evaluated in terms of the stabilization efficiency factor ( S ef, cyc). The S ef, cyc of clean GSB is computed to be 0.107, whereas the S ef, cyc of clean ESB is 0.811. The S ef, cyc of GSB decreased significantly with the increase in VCI but in case of ESB the reduction is only marginal. Further, the resilient modulus ( M r) and damping ratio ( D) of ballast reduced due to coal fouling. The elastomer has significantly improved resilient modulus ( M r) and damping ratio ( D) of ballast when compared to GSB. Moreover, the extent of lateral and vertical deformations was found to be influenced by the interface shear strength as obtained under direct shear conditions. In addition, empirical models were developed to predict deformation, breakage and resilient modulus of ballast as functions of loading frequencies and VCI.
Synchronous change in the intensified millet cultivation and ecological environment from the early to middle Holocene on the Inner Mongolia Plateau, northern China
Authors: Zhao Keliang , Wei Huiping , Zhao Zhanhu , Zhang Yaping , Liu Wenqing , Wang Jian , Chen Guanhan , Shen Hui , Du Hua , Cheng Peng , Chen Shan , Jia Peter Weiming , Zhou Xinying , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2022

The mechanisms of the origin and dispersal of millet agriculture in northern China are poorly understood. We used plant macroremains, stable isotope compositions of human bone collagen, and pollen records from the Sitai site to reconstruct changes in subsistence strategies and their relationship with the ecological environment from the early to middle Holocene on the Inner Mongolian Plateau in northern China. Charred weed-like seeds, the bones of small mammals, eggshell fragments, together with microliths, indicate the practice of hunter-gatherer subsistence strategies during 10,500–10,200 cal yr BP. Deciduous broadleaved forest-steppe vegetation was present around the Sitai site during the early middle Holocene (8000–7000 cal yr BP). Additionally, isotopic compositions of human bones and plant remains reveal that millet agriculture and hunting-gathering appeared in the early middle Holocene. The spread of millet agriculture on the Inner Mongolian Plateau was likely favored by an increase in precipitation between 8000 and 7000 cal yr BP. The development of millet agriculture on the Inner Mongolia Plateau and the Loess Plateau was the prelude to its subsequent spread to the Tibet Plateau.
Solving a ‘puzzle’. The global 4.2 ka Bond Event at El Mirador cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain) and the importance of small mammal taphonomy to the interpretation of past environments and their climatic controls
Authors: García-Morato Sara , Marin-Monfort Dores , Bañuls-Cardona Sandra , Cuenca-Bescós Gloria , Vergès Josep María , Fernández-Jalvo Yolanda
Published: December 2022

The regional climatic context in which Chalcolithic (MIR5) and Bronze Age (MIR4) levels from El Mirador cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain) are framed is affected by the 4.2 ka cal. BP event, a global event defined as a cooling and aridification phase. Previous works based on palaeoenvironmental inferences indicate conflicting results regarding the possible impact of the event on vegetation and small mammals from MIR5. Pollen record illustrates a possible aridification episode that could match with the 4.2 ka cal. BP event, while the signal of this event is not clearly recorded in the small mammal assemblage, which indicates more humid environmental conditions than pollen record. Taphonomic analyses confirmed that the small mammal assemblages from MIR4 and MIR5 are the result of predation, supporting the involvement of European eagle owls ( Bubo bubo) in its formation. This avian raptor shows a marked preference for hunting animals living in the more open and wetter parts of their hunting range. Likewise, spontaneous specialisation on abundant prey species could also be observed under certain environmental conditions. This characteristic behaviour of eagle owls may have provided the contradictory results observed between the small mammal assemblage and palynological evidence. Nonetheless, taphonomic analyses also provided information about climatic conditions and fluctuations along time. The low incidence of manganese coatings and carbonate crusts deposits in small mammal bone remains from MIR5 support the presence of arid conditions during the formation of this level, which agreed with the aridification phase probably related to the 4.2 ka Bond Event inferred by palynological data from MIR5. These results provided a more robust conclusion about the paleoenvironmental contexts during the formation of Chalcolithic and Bronze Age levels at El Mirador cave.
Velopharyngeal Characteristics in Aarskog–Scott Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Kollara Lakshmi , Reiss Samantha L. , Singam Sreekara , Kellogg Brian
Published: December 2022

Aarskog–Scott syndrome (AAS), also known as facio-digito-genital syndrome, is a rare heterogenous syndrome characterized by facial dysmorphism, brachydactyly, and genetic abnormalities. Although severe craniofacial abnormalities have been reported in AAS, little is known about speech and resonance issues in AAS. Specifically, published data to date have only indicated reports of hypernasality associated with a cleft palate in AAS. This case report provides clinical and anatomic information surrounding hypernasal speech in the absence of an overt cleft palate in a patient with AAS.
Supporting and Establishing Gender and Sexuality Alliances in Chicago Public Schools
Authors: Boyd Makayla , Cygan Heide R. , Marshall Booker , Little Derrick , Bejster Mallory
Published: December 2022

School nurses are uniquely positioned to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) students. One approach is involvement in Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs). GSAs have been found to improve outcomes for LGBTQ students. The purposes of this quality improvement project were to build infrastructure for GSAs by implementing a GSA Support Plan including a digital resource binder, GSA advisor trainings, and establishment of an Advisor Leadership Committee and increase the number of schools with a GSA. The binder was distributed electronically to 95 advisors. Forty-nine participants attending virtual trainings. A statistically significant increase in all measures of participant confidence occurred between the pre- and post-training surveys. The Advisor Leadership Committee was established. This paper adds to the literature by showing that support for GSAs is important to aiding LGBTQ students. Further, authors suggest ways in which school nurses can harness their expertise to be involved with GSAs.
Social Dynamics, Gendered Subjectivities, and Surreptitious Acts of Agency From Women to Face Intimate Partner Violence in a Rural Community of Peru
Authors: Bracco Bruce Lucia , Rodríguez Campos María Teresa , Velázquez Tesania
Published: December 2022

The article analyzes women's inner subjective processes while engaged in male-to-female intimate partner violence (IPV) situations. Through in-depth interviews with 12 women who had suffered violence in a rural community in Peru, it examines three topics: social dynamics that simultaneously contribute to resist within and openly question IPV, the transformations of hegemonic femininity in the community and the implications on their gendered subjectivities, and women's surreptitious acts and processes of agency to recalibrate power within their situation of IPV. In conclusion, women experience inner psychic tensions about themselves, their partners, and their relationships, which enables them to question IPV while resisting within the violent situation.
Barriers and Facilitators to Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Linz Sheila , Jerome-D’Emilia Bonnie
Published: December 2022

Background:

Women with severe mental illness (SMI) are diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages, with greater mortality rates than the general population. Although breast cancer screening is an acknowledged strategy for early breast cancer detection, women with SMI are 32% to 50% less likely to have regular mammography screenings, yet the specific factors related to the disparity in this population have not been determined.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators toward breast cancer screening in women diagnosed with SMI.

Method:

In collaboration with a community-based mental health services agency, women aged 40 and older, diagnosed with SMI, and treated at that agency, were identified and asked if they were willing to participate. Fifteen women agreed to be interviewed. An interpretive descriptive approach was utilized to analyze the qualitative data.

Results:

The themes elicited included barriers and facilitators to screening. Barriers found were: Psychiatric Symptoms, Fear, Distrust in the Health care System, and Not my Priority. Among the facilitators were Support, Good Health care Experiences, Make it Easy, Integrated Care, and Self-Care.

Conclusion:

Unique to this study was the understanding by participants that physical health needed to be integrated into their mental health care services through direct support and education, primarily because the process of recovery from mental illness itself entailed the increasing ability for self-care, encompassing a focus on both mental and physical health needs and preventive care.
Logarithmic convexity for third order in time partial differential equations
Authors: Fernández José R , Quintanilla Ramón , Rajagopal Kumbakonam R
Published: December 2022

In this short note, we want to describe the logarithmic convexity argument for third order in time partial differential equations. As a consequence, we first prove a uniqueness result whenever certain conditions on the parameters are satisfied. Later, we show the instability of the solutions if the initial energy is less or equal than zero.
An elliptical inhomogeneity under nonuniform heat flux
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: December 2022

We use complex variable techniques to study the decoupled two-dimensional steady-state heat conduction and thermoelastic problems associated with an elliptical elastic inhomogeneity perfectly bonded to an infinite matrix subjected to a nonuniform heat flux at infinity. Specifically, the nonuniform remote heat flux takes the form of a linear distribution. It is found that the internal temperature and thermal stresses inside the elliptical inhomogeneity are quadratic functions of the two in-plane coordinates. Explicit closed-form expressions of the analytic functions characterizing the temperature and thermoelastic field in the matrix are derived.