bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insight into the Extent of the Sundown Town Phenomenon in Canadian Company Towns; the Thompson, Manitoba, Case Study
Authors: Guillemette Myriam
Published: January 2025

The notion of “sundown town” broadly encompasses the various methods employed by American towns and counties to exclude specific racial or ethnic groups from their borders. This paper mobilizes the sundown town notion to explore the dynamics of exclusion present within Canadian company towns by first establishing a sundown exclusion scale that categorizes cases of sundown towns in the United States. Using this framework, it then specifically examines the case of Thompson, Manitoba, a Canadian mining community established in 1956 by the International Nickel Company (INCO). Findings reveal that there appeared to be a voluntary absence of consideration by the parent company of the issues relating to employment and housing discrimination faced by the town’s First Nations and Métis population during the town’s first years of existence. The paper further discusses the lasting effects of these dynamics of exclusion and marginalization on the city’s residents of Indigenous identity.
On the Limits of Anonymization for Promoting Diversity in Organizations
Authors: Chang Linda W. , Chang Edward H.
Published: January 2025

Anonymization of job applicant resumes is a recommended strategy to increase diversity in organizations, but large-scale tests have shown mixed results. We consider decision-makers’ social dominance orientation (SDO), a measure of anti-egalitarianism/endorsement of group-based hierarchy, to illustrate the limits of anonymization. Across four pre-registered studies ( N = 3,150), we show that (a) lower SDO individuals are less likely to hire individuals from underrepresented groups when job materials are anonymized and (b) they are more likely to opt into using anonymization. Taken together, these results suggest that opt-in anonymization policies may sometimes reduce the diversity of who is selected. Furthermore, people appear to have inaccurate lay beliefs about the consequences of anonymization. Our results suggest policy evaluations of diversity interventions should consider the interaction of heterogeneous treatment effects and selection effects, which may inadvertently lead to outcomes that are contrary to the stated policy goals.
Commentary: Review of Mandatory Maintenance of Certification in the USA
Authors: Peri Katya , Eisenberg Mark J.
Published: January 2025

The goal of maintenance of certification (MOC) activities is to ensure physicians are up to date on current practices and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to provide patients with optimal care. The program’s aim is to promote professional development, lifelong learning and quality assurance for the public and medical community. However, physicians are not happy with the current structure of the program, claiming it to be time-consuming, expensive and ineffective for their practice. The lack of concrete evidence confirming the efficacy of MOC in improving knowledge and clinical outcomes causes many to question how this system can be improved to better serve practitioners and the public. In this commentary, we provide an overview of the current MOC situation for U.S. specialists and highlight the importance of increasing research to inform evidence-based changes that can be applied to clinical situations.
The influence of employees’ regulatory focus on knowledge hiding behavior
Authors: Guo Yuheng , Li Jie , Wang Wangshuai
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND Knowledge sharing is a prerequisite for organizational success, while knowledge hiding is often detrimental to organizational development.

OBJECTIVE Drawing upon regulatory focus theory and interactionism, this research aims to investigate how regulatory focus influences employees’ knowledge hiding and the moderating role of cooperative climate.

METHODS Data were collected through a time-lagged survey of 320 full-time employees enrolled in a professional training program at a Chinese university. Confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive analysis, hierarchical regression analyses, and bootstrap analysis were some of the analytical techniques used.

RESULTS The results indicate that promotion focus has a positive impact on knowledge hiding, whereas prevention focus is negative to knowledge hiding. Furthermore, cooperative climate moderates the influence of regulatory focus on knowledge hiding.

CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to our understanding of the important role of employees’ regulatory focus on knowledge hiding behavior in the workplace.
The quest for a perfect hybrid working: A case study of Mars Wrigley Poland
Authors: Wiatr Anna , Skowron-Mielnik Beata
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Although hybrid work has been a topic of research for many years, the pandemic has introduced a new context that remains relatively unexplored.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper aims to define hybrid working as a novel flexible working arrangement and investigate the factors that influence its effective implementation within organisations.

METHODS:

To achieve this research objective, we conducted a single case study focusing on Mars Wrigley Poland. The study involved interviews with the People & Organization Director of the company and an analysis of internal documents developed during the implementation of hybrid working.

RESULTS:

Our findings show that hybrid working is a team-managed flexible working arrangement, and it is within the teams that the specifics of the hybrid work should be determined and defined. Additionally, the findings reveal that hybrid working is not a one-size-fits-all model. It requires a holistic approach to establish a clear strategy that encompasses various factors such as culture, technology, and employee experience. Of particular importance is the need to ensure connection in the broader sense and ongoing support to employees.

CONCLUSIONS:

Managers can significantly improve the success rate of hybrid working by gaining insight into the key factors that facilitate the implementation of the hybrid model.
Beyond Gateways: Unraveling Residential Mobility and Integration In and Out of Chinatowns
Authors: Liang Hao
Published: January 2025

This article examines immigrant residential mobility patterns in and out of ethnic neighborhoods, focusing on the effects of both socioeconomic attainment and coethnic preferences. Using a recently conducted survey sample of Chinese immigrants in Japan, the study reveals four distinct mobility patterns that lead to residence in and out of ethnic neighborhoods. The four types are a combination of mobility between ethnic and majority neighborhoods, including remaining in ethnic neighborhoods, moving from ethnic neighborhoods to majority neighborhoods, remaining in majority neighborhoods, and moving from majority neighborhoods to ethnic neighborhoods. Varying levels of socioeconomic resources and coethnic residential preferences influence these patterns. They show that ethnic neighborhoods, while serving as essential gateways that offer an initial foothold for newcomers, also act as hubs for cultural affiliation for those with high coethnic preferences, leading some immigrants to move from majority to ethnic neighborhoods. The results also highlight the role of ethnic housing agents in securing housing for socioeconomically disadvantaged immigrants and underscore the importance of language proficiency in achieving spatial assimilation. These results emphasize the significance of mobility pathways in residential integration and suggest potential differences in the integration processes between traditional and global new destinations.
What explains equity-enhancing reforms under centre-right governments? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Alves Daniel H
Published: January 2025

Inequality levels declined across Latin America between the 1990s and 2010s, but research remains incipient on how equity-enhancing initiatives sometimes emerged in centre-right governments. This article checks which mechanisms enabled education reform and cash-transfer schemes during the PSDB-led administration in Brazil (1995–2002), considering electoral competition, left-wing legislative strength, social mobilisation, and coalition dynamics. By combining multiple data sources, it is possible to observe the president promoting his party’s electoral ‘brand’ and cultivating a large multiparty alliance as the equalising policies passed through Congress. Meanwhile, leftist legislators comprised a relatively weak group, and bottom-up pressures were almost non-existent. As validity checks, the study first engages with two alternative explanations: personal leadership and bureaucratic action. Second, it proposes applying competitive elections and cross-party cooperation as possible explanatory factors for the persistence of the two analysed redistributive programmes in the governments of the left-wing Workers’ Party (2003–2016) and the far-right Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022).
Canine synovial lipomatosis: Clinicopathologic findings and HGMA2 immunohistochemistry in 4 cases
Authors: Kuroki Keiichi , Dark Katelin , Lattimer Jimmy C. , Johnson Gayle C.
Published: January 2025

Synovial lipomatosis is an uncommon, intra-articular, fat-containing, proliferative lesion with unknown etiology that is rarely reported in dogs. A retrospective study spanning 13 years was conducted to search for cases of canine synovial lipomatosis. Among 188 synovial biopsies of major diarthrodial joints (ie, shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus) from 186 dogs, 4 cases (2.1%) of synovial lipomatosis were identified. One case occurred in a stifle with chronic lateral patellar luxation. The other 3 cases had microscopic evidence of synovitis (eg, synovial hyperplasia, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, hemosiderin-laden macrophages, myxomatous changes, fibrosis, and increased vascularity) but lacked a clinical history of arthritis. Immunohistochemistry for HMGA2 was negative, suggesting canine synovial lipomatosis is a non-neoplastic proliferative lesion, yet the cause remains unknown.
Cosegregation of metal and nonmetal atoms in FeCrAl alloys under ultrafast cooling state
Authors: Peng Xuecheng , Shen Zhongmin , Guo Hanjie , Guo Jing , Zhang Xinfang , Sun Jin'e , Li Gang , Li Hongli
Published: January 2025

In iron-based alloys, a series of micro-segregation is caused by localised slow cooling due to large-size configurations, and the regulation of solute-atom grain-boundary segregation has far-reaching effects on the structural properties of polycrystalline materials. Here, researchers report that ultrafast cooling techniques are utilised in conventional casting processes to provide control of grain boundary elemental segregation. In alloys with low oxygen and nitrogen, the interaction force between trace nonmetallic impurity atoms and metal alloy atoms greatly alters the state of grain boundary segregation. Two special atomic cosegregation processes for Al–N and Cr–O–C exist simultaneously in the slow-cooled state. However, the ultrafast cooling states ( Vc = 1602.6 °C/s) will effectively inhibit the Cr–O–C atomic cosegregation and precipitate nano-AlN precipitation phases at grain boundaries and stabilise the grain boundary structure. We further demonstrate this property remains similarly regular in high-oxygen concentration specimens. Our related research not only expands new insights into the cosegregation of metallic and nonmetallic atoms in conventional casting processes under ultrafast cooling states, but also provides new ideas for solving the problem of corrosion resistance, strength and other performance degradation due to Cr atomic segregation.
Exploring pyrolysis and reduction behaviour of high-sulphur petroleum coke for disposal of Zn-containing dust
Authors: Haiming Cheng , Weitong Du , Tingfeng Yao , Guangqiang Pu , Dianchun Ju , Zhuo Chen
Published: January 2025

High-sulphur petroleum coke (HSPC), a significant byproduct of petroleum refining, has limited applications except as fuel for combustion. This study aims to expand its utility by investigating its efficacy as a reductant for disposing of Zn-containing dust, thereby substituting traditional coal-based reductants. The pyrolysis results showed that the gases generated from the pyrolysis of HSPC primarily comprised hydrogen gas (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane and carbon dioxide. The reductant gases H2 and CO accounted for above 90% of the total pyrolysis gas at 1200 °C. The reduction reaction mechanism was elucidated by thermodynamic calculations and carbothermal experiments. At 800 °C, ZnFe2O4 is gradually decomposed into Fe3O4, FeO and ZnO, and Fe2O3 is completely reduced to Fe3O4. At 900–1000 °C, iron oxides are basically reduced to Fe, and ZnO is also reduced to Zn. Above 1100 °C, CaMgSiO4 as a slag phase is generated due to the combination of CaO, MgO and SiO2. At 1200 °C, the roasting product with a metallic material is obtained, and the sulphur removal rate reaches 58%. This study provides valuable insights into the clean and efficient recovery and reuse of petroleum coke–coal, offering a promising avenue for sustainable resource management.
Formation and evolution of inclusions in Q355B steel deoxidised with silicon and manganese
Authors: Xue Chao , Xu Weili , Fan Fuhua , Zhao Lihua , Bao Yanping , Xu Yongzhao
Published: January 2025

Q355B is extensively utilised owing to its superior mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the inclusions generated during the deoxidation process with aluminium and the treatment with calcium in steelmaking can profoundly influence these properties. Consequently, this study explores the inclusions formed during the manufacturing process of Q355B utilising silicon–manganese deoxidation alloys in an industrial setting. Furthermore, this research evaluates the deoxidation efficacy of the silicon–manganese alloy and elucidates the fluctuations in oxygen and nitrogen concentrations throughout the entire process. This study further investigates the types, number density, size, morphology and transformation processes of the inclusions generated throughout the Q355B production using silicon–manganese deoxidation alloy; additionally, electrolytic treatment was performed on the cast billets to extract large inclusions. The findings reveal that the deoxidation efficiency of the SiMn alloy is enhanced at relatively low temperatures and with a high manganese-to-silicon ratio. The predominant cause for the increase in total oxygen content in the molten steel during the smelting process is the exposure of the molten steel to secondary oxidation. Manganese–silicon deoxidation adequately fulfils the production requirements for Q355B. Oxide inclusions predominantly comprise Si–Mn-type oxides and their evolved inclusions; during the evolution process, aluminium-containing spinels generate calcium aluminium silicates in conjunction with CaO present in the slag. The number density of inclusions consistently decreases; however, it may subsequently increase due to secondary oxidation and slag entrapment. Throughout the evolution process, inclusions continuously aggregate and grow, resulting in an increasing proportion of large inclusions, while small-sized sulphide inclusions precipitate during the continuous casting process. The analysis of the isothermal ternary phase diagram of the slag system, in conjunction with the electrolytic results of the cast billets, confirms the occurrence of secondary oxidation and slag entrapment during the smelting process. Thermodynamic software calculations elucidate the formation and evolution of composite inclusions, offering critical insights for composition control to mitigate the associated hazards of composite inclusions. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of precipitates clarify the solidification conditions and temperature required for the precipitation of MnS, demonstrating that the size of the precipitates is negatively correlated with the cooling rate and positively correlated with the concentration of the strongly segregated element sulphur.
Thermal deformation model and grain refinement mechanism in δ-ferrite-based lightweight steel
Authors: Chen Ming , Hu Feng , Yershov Serhii , Wu Kaiming
Published: January 2025

To explore effective strategies for optimising the grain size of experimental steel, a thermal simulation experiment was utilised within a temperature range spanning from 650 °C to 950 °C, at strain rates varying from 0.1 to 10/s, with a true strain of 0.918. Through thermal compression, the grain size could be reduced from 103.4 μm in the forged sample to a minimum of 11.6 μm (0.1 s−1–950 °C). The double-hyperbolic sine constitutive model was developed based on the flow stress curves, with the thermal activation energy for plastic deformation determined to be 514.66 kJmol−1. The critical conditions for recrystallisation were identified as [Formula: see text]. Combined with microstructural observations, it was determined that grain refinement primarily occurred through the dynamic recrystallisation mechanism and the deformation induced ferrite transformation mechanism. Additionally, within the deformation temperature range spanning from 850 °C to 950 °C, residual austenite emerged and its distribution was affected by the temperature.
Variations in glacial area in the middle Himalayas over the past 30 years
Authors: Fan Yi-fei , Tong Li-yuan , Ji Qin
Published: January 2025

As an integral part of the Asian water tower, the spatiotemporal characteristics of Himalayan glaciers are closely linked to climate and the environment. Using Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI image data, the distributions of and changes in glacial areas in the middle Himalayas from 1990 to 2020 were extracted and analysed through the ratio threshold method and manual visual interpretation. The findings revealed a retreat of glaciers over the past 30 years, with the glacial area decreasing from 8584.75 km2 in 1990 to 7210.79 km2 in 2020, indicating a reduction of 1373.97 km2 (16.00%) and an average annual retreat rate of 0.53%. Debris-covered glaciers and debris-free glaciers show similar proportions in the study area, but the former exhibit a significantly lower annual retreat rate (−0.30%) than the latter (−0.78%), suggesting that moraine may impede glacier retreat. Glacial morphology encompasses valley glaciers, hanging glaciers, cirque glaciers, cirque valley glaciers, and flat-topped glaciers. Among these glaciers, valley glaciers constitute the primary glacier type in the study area, accounting for approximately 50% of the total area, whereas flat-top glaciers are the least common. Moraines associated with valley glaciers are relatively developed; debris-covered glaciers represent 75.74% of this glacier type, whereas flat-topped glaciers are entirely debris-free.
Impact on the Short-Term Hospital Outcomes From COVID Pandemic Among Older Adults With Sepsis
Authors: Lee Se Won , Smith Mavis , Lee Soohyoung Rain
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study evaluates clinical characteristics, hospitals outcomes, and mortality determinants in older sepsis patients before and during COVID-19. Methods: Retrospective of sepsis cases (aged 65+) from nine hospitals (2018–2020) using ICD codes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze mortality predictors. Results: Of 4635 sepsis patients, 515 (11.1%) passed in-hospital, with mortality rising to 13.9% during the pandemic from 10% prior ( p < .01). Pandemic admissions had more racial minorities and severe comorbidities. Patient safety indicator events decreased during the pandemic (14.8% vs. 17.9%, p < .01), while home discharge rates remained consistent. Pandemic admission and lack of insurance correlated with increased mortality, alongside advanced age, ICU admission, and opioid and sedative use. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic admission and socioeconomic factors heightened mortality risks in older sepsis patients, highlighting the need for targeted care strategies.
Effects of Augmented Reality on Students’ Higher-Order Thinking: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Zhuotao , Chiu Ming M. , Wang Shuai , Mao Weijie , Lei Hao
Published: January 2025

Teachers are increasingly using augmented reality (AR) to develop students’ higher-order thinking (HOT). As past studies showed mixed results, our random effects meta-analysis of 21 effect sizes from 17 studies of 1256 participants determined the overall effect of AR on HOT and accounted for differences across studies via moderator effects. AR had a large positive overall effect on HOT ( g = 1.109, 95% CI [0.699, 1.518]) but differed significantly across studies. AR effects on HOT were (a) largest for 3D visualization ( g = 1.216), with progressively smaller ones for immersion ( g = 1.198), collaboration ( g = 0.934) and contextualization ( g = 0.408), (b) larger for skills ( g = 1.243) than disposition ( g = 0.371), and (c) larger for convergent HOT ( g = 1.625) than divergent HOT ( g = 0.395).
Embracing Ambiguity and Uncertainty: A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Dementia Care in Latinx Communities
Authors: Flores-Vázquez Juan F. , Gómez-Martínez Rodrigo , Karp Jordan F. , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis M. F.
Published: January 2025

Dementia in Latinx communities is increasingly prevalent and its approach is complicated by systemic and cultural barriers to care. In both Latin American countries and Latinx immigrant communities, limited healthcare access, structural barriers, and cultural misconceptions hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Culturally sensitive care is essential in these contexts to ensure that patients and families are treated with dignity and compassion, addressing their unique challenges and perspectives on dementia. This paper discusses the philosophy of ambiguity and medical uncertainty to explore dementia’s complex realities, particularly in underserved Latinx populations. Clinically, this includes addressing the uncertainty in dementia diagnosis and prognosis in low- and middle-income countries, bridging knowledge gaps by building trust through culturally sensitive communication, and recognizing the impact of ambiguous loss of homeland for Latinx caregivers and patients. Additionally, the ambiguity of familism, with its mixed effects on caregiving roles and expectations, requires nuanced understanding. Embracing these ambiguities fosters a more compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to dementia care that goes beyond the biomedical model and acknowledges the complexities of living with dementia.
State Physical Education and Physical Activity Laws and Regulations in the United States: Estimating Mandated Time in Public Schools
Authors: Liang Yahan , Zhu Xihe , Wang Yubing , Martinez-Rivera Sheyla
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study estimated mandated physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA) time stipulated by state laws in public schools across the 50 States and the District of Columbia, and compared these times between states with and without specified mandates across education levels.

Design

Descriptive research.

Sample

State PE and PA regulation across 50 States and the District of Columbia.

Measures

Regulations were sourced from the School Health Policy Database developed by the National Association of State Boards of Education, Nexis Uni academic research database, Casetext, and state government websites.

Analysis

Frequency analysis and two-way analysis of variance were used to compare estimated PE and PA time between states with and without specific mandates.

Results

Across education levels, only 25.5% of the states mandated specific PA/recess time, 74.5% did not. About 51.0% mandated specific PE time, 45.1% mandated PE without specifying time, and 3.9% did not mandate PE. States with specified mandated PE and PA time averaged 76.54 and 131.41 minutes per week, respectively, showing significantly higher estimated PE and PA ( P < 0.001) time compared to states without such mandates.

Conclusion

Many states mandate specific PA or PE times, but the average mandated time is significantly below the recommended 60 minutes of daily PA for school-aged children. This highlights the need to reassess current legislation to align with established recommendations.
Pharmaceutical product recall and educated hesitancy towards new drugs and novel vaccines
Authors: Rhodes Peter , Parry Peter I
Published: January 2025

Background: Of many pharmaceutical products launched for the benefit of humanity, a significant number have had to be recalled from the marketplace due to adverse events. A systematic review found market recalls for 462 pharmaceutical products between 1953 and 2013. In our current and remarkable period of medical history, excess mortality figures are high in many countries. Yet these statistics receive limited attention, often ignored or dismissed by mainstream news outlets. This excess mortality may include adverse effects caused by novel pharmaceutical agents that use gene-code technology.

Objective: To examine key pharmaceutical product withdrawals and derive lessons that inform the current use of gene-based COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods: Selective narrative review of historical pharmaceutical recalls and comparative issues with recent COVID-19 vaccines.

Results: Parallels with past drug withdrawals and gene-based vaccines include distortion of clinical trial data, with critical adverse event data absent from high-impact journal publications. Delayed regulatory action on pharmacovigilance data to trigger market withdrawal occurred with Vioxx (rofecoxib) and is apparent with the gene-based COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusion: Public health requires access to raw clinical trial data, improved transparency from corporations and heightened, active pharmacovigilance worldwide.
Microstructural and mechanical analysis of directed energy-deposited mild steel
Authors: Singh Mahendra , Biswas Ajay
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a novel submerged arc additive manufacturing (SAAM) method that uses high-efficiency submerged arc plasma to produce large-scale low-carbon steel components with isotropic microstructures. Using submerged arc welding (SAW) with copper-coated electrode wire and AUTOMELT A55 flux, low-carbon steel parts were produced with high surface quality and dimensional accuracy. The parameters analyzed include the submerged arc welding technique, contact-tip-to-work distance, current and wire feed speed (WFS), welding travel speed, and heat input. The welded part underwent multiple reheating cycles due to the layer-by-layer manufacturing process. As a result, high temperature gradients at the beginning of the weld led to the formation of a fine grain structure. In contrast, as the part's height increased and the temperature gradient decreased, coarser grains were formed. By leveraging an in situ intrinsic heat treatment process (multi-layer-penetration normalizing, full-layer-penetration inter-critical annealing, and tempering), the method achieves a columnar-to-equiaxed grain transition, refining and homogenizing the microstructure layer by layer. Similar trends were observed in the mechanical properties, with an average hardness ranging from 125 to 201 HV1. High yield strength values between 436 and 454 MPa and ultimate tensile strength values between 324 and 340 MPa were achieved. No significant differences were found in the mechanical properties based on specimen orientation, suggesting the isotropy of the material properties. This approach addresses the common issue of mechanical anisotropy in both traditional and additive manufacturing, offering a scalable solution for producing large, high-performance components. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the effects of thermal cycles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel produced via wire arc additive manufacturing. This knowledge can guide the optimization of process parameters for specific applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and power generation.
Numerical analysis of solid–liquid flow and erosion characteristics during the opening and closing processes of ball valves
Authors: Cao Haibin , Ming Lining , Zhang Guang , Lin Zhe , Chen Desheng , Wu Dongyang , Wu Fei
Published: January 2025

Valves are the key components used for flow control in the process industry, and solid–liquid two-phase flow is commonly encountered during valve regulation. Solid particles impact wall surfaces and cause continuous erosion, which undermines the stability and reliability of long-term operation. In this study, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to investigate the solid–liquid two-phase flow and flow-induced erosion characteristics inside a ball valve. Simulations were conducted for different dynamic processes (valve opening and closing) and particle diameters (50, 250, and 500 μm). Flow field results, including particle distributions and erosion rate distributions, were obtained and analyzed in detail. Two distinct erosion bands appeared on the rear wall inside the valve core, while two symmetric erosion peaks were observed on the interior wall of the downstream pipeline. The particle diameter significantly influenced the flow distributions and erosion characteristics in the valve, and the erosion was slightly more severe during the valve closing process than during the opening process. The results of this study can contribute to an in-depth understanding of the flow behavior and flow-induced damage during valve operation and can serve as an important reference for erosion resistance designs and valve applications.
Investigation to study the effect of WEDM parameters on the dimensional deviation during machining of hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite
Authors: Lodhi Brajesh Kumar , Sharma Sumit , Agarwal Sanjay
Published: January 2025

Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is an unconventional machining method employed in the manufacturing sector to precisely cut intricate forms and contours in materials such as the Al-SiC-ZrO2 hybrid nanocomposite, which is notoriously challenging to machine. This investigation focused on the effect of WEDM parameters specifically pulse-on-time ( TON), pulse-off-time ( TOFF), peak current ( IP), and wire feed ( WF) on dimensional deviation (DD) while machining the Al-SiC-ZrO2 hybrid nanocomposite material. The Box–Behnken design, a statistical experimental design technique, was used for experimentation. Response surface methodology investigated the relationship between the input and output variables. The results indicated that the most significant factors affecting DD were TON, TOFF, and IP. The desirability function approach was employed to determine the optimal values of the WEDM parameters that significantly impacted DD. Confirmation experiments were then conducted under the optimal conditions to validate the predicted model. The results obtained from the confirmation experiments under optimal conditions agreed well with the predicted results.
Prediction of bidirectional milling forces based on spindle current signals by using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Li Guochao , Jiang Ru , Sun Li , Zhou Honggen , Liu Yinfei , Shang Xinhang
Published: January 2025

Milling force, which can determine factors such as tool wear and chatter, is the most crucial and accurate variable for monitoring the milling process. However, its application remains limited due to the utilization of expensive and invasive measurement sensors. Predicting the milling force based on low-cost and highly accessible spindle current signals is therefore an effective solution. However, the existing method is generally inaccurate and cannot predict the milling forces in two main directions, namely along the tool feed direction and perpendicular to the tool feed direction. Thus, a data-driven bidirectional milling-force prediction method based on the screened spindle current features is proposed. First, 40 milling process samples including force and current signals are experimentally established. Accordingly, the signals’ time domain, frequency domain, and time–frequency domain features are calculated, and current features with high stability and high correlation with force signals are derived. Finally, a deep learning algorithm Convolutional Network (CNN) combined with Residual Network (ResNet) is established to model the milling force based on the current. In predicting the average milling force using this deep learning algorithm, the percentage error is less than 4% along the feed direction, and less than 10% perpendicular to the feed direction.
Experimental study on vibration control of pipeline system with enhanced active constrained layer treatment
Authors: He Tong , Gao Peixin , Jin Jie , Yin Hui , Yu Tao
Published: January 2025

The vibration of a pipeline system significantly affects the stability and reliability of aircraft and industrial equipment. Effective methods are required to control pipeline vibration. The predominant approach for pipeline vibration suppression is passive vibration reduction, which involves adding damping materials to the pipeline or its support. However, the effectiveness of this method is limited, especially for the low-frequency vibration control. Active constrained layer damping (ACLD) is a modern technology that can realize effective vibration control in a wide frequency range. Adding elastic materials to the ACLD forms an enhanced active constraint layer (EACL) structure, which can further improve the vibration suppression effect. In this study, a test platform was used to investigate the influence of various parameters of EACL on the vibration-damping effect of the pipeline, which is supported by metal damping clamps. The test results demonstrated that the pipeline vibration decreased by 12.8 dB when the control was activated, verifying the effectiveness of the EACL for vibration reduction of the pipeline. Additionally, the effects of the viscoelastic layer thickness, the location and coverage length of the active constraint layer, and the control voltage on the vibration damping effect were all discussed. An intriguing phenomenon regarding pipeline vibration stress was discovered. Vibration stress significantly drops in the middle of the pipeline, while increasing close to the actuator. Therefore, this phenomenon should be considered in engineering applications of pipeline systems. These findings are significant and can provide efficient design guidelines for the active vibration control in the pipeline systems.
Information-seeking and content creation: The impact of YouTube educational videos on learning practices in library and information science
Authors: Boté-Vericad Juan-José
Published: January 2025

This study examines the information behaviour of university professors and students in higher education, specifically within Library and Information Science, from Europe and Latin American countries, as they search for, utilize, and create educational content on YouTube. The research aims to shed light on the evolving role of educational videos in academic settings and their impact on digital literacy. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 63 participants, including 21 video creators and 42 professors and students.

The findings reveal diverse motivations for creating and consuming educational videos, highlighting YouTube’s dual function as both a supplementary learning resource for students and a tool for pedagogical enhancement for professors. The study identifies significant preferences for content produced by established university professors, emphasizing the importance of authority and credibility in digital education. Additionally, linguistic challenges, such as the scarcity of content in minority languages and the need for accurate subtitles, emerged as critical factors influencing video consumption and comprehension.

This research contributes to the field of librarianship and information science by exploring how digital platforms like YouTube are transforming traditional educational practices and information-seeking behaviours. The insights provided are valuable for librarians, educators, and information professionals who must navigate the complexities of digital content creation and curation in academic environments. The study also suggests future research directions, including the integration of emerging technologies such as virtual reality into educational videos and further exploration of the impact of digital media on academic performance.
Between ‘I’ and ‘They’: Distributing Authorship for Evidence-Making: How Asylum Lawyers Construct Credible Accounts Before the French Court of Asylum Law
Authors: Stoufflet Bénédicte
Published: January 2025

Lawyers who represent asylum seekers in the French Court (CNDA) face the critical issue of ‘credibility’ on a daily basis. Drawing on legal advice meetings and court hearing sequences, I show how they navigate the tension between applicants’ natural storytelling and the legal framework's demand for consistency. I demonstrate that lawyers possess a ‘professional vision’ that enables them to distribute authorship between the applicants and themselves. On the one hand, the applicant is expected to deliver a genuine account in “I”. But they should also attempt not to defeat judges’ background assumptions. To this end, the lawyer familiarizes their client with this practical “know-how” using suggestion rather than explanation. On the other hand, judges suspiciously address self-identification in typical cases. The lawyer speaking in “they” in their defense speech allows them to rearticulate the applicant's personal reasons into a legal category.
The clinical use of dream content in modern psychiatry
Authors: Plevin David , Munro Virginia
Published: January 2025

Objective

Though there is a rich psychoanalytic tradition investigating the content and phenomenology of dreams, the clinical use of this has fallen into widespread disuse. We have undertaken a narrative review of the clinical significance and utility of dream content.

Findings

Dream content may have useful clinical and prognostic value in a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, temporal lobe epilepsy, REM sleep behaviour disorder, dementia, the culture-bound syndrome of Latah, and substance use.

Conclusions

This review highlights the importance of dream phenomenology in clinical practice. Building on the psychoanalytic tradition, the findings of our review should motivate clinicians to regularly enquire about dream content, in order to enhance diagnostic insights and formulations of patient presentations.
A Tale of Identities: Environmental Identities Based on a Deliberate Metaphor Analysis of U.S. Energy Companies’ Social Media
Authors: Yang Kaiwen , Sun Ya
Published: January 2025

Environmental discussions have increased on social media, along with the rising interest in sustainability. This study introduces a modified procedure for a deliberate metaphor analysis of environmental metaphors in two U.S. energy companies’ Twitter (now X) accounts. Its findings suggest that the two U.S. companies used HUMAN, WEALTH, COLOR, JOURNEY, WAR, SPORTS, STEWARDSHIP, EVIL CREATURE, FOOD, and CRIME metaphors to fulfill publicizing, commercial, persuasive, evocative, and interactive functions, as well as to communicate their inherent environmental identities as protectors, stewards, competitors, and collaborators. These findings provide insights into corporate environmental communication and offer new perspectives on the communicative functions of deliberate metaphors.
Korean Professionals’ Experience With Using Business English as a Lingua Franca (BELF): A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Lee Kanghee
Published: January 2025

This study uses grounded theory to explore Korean professionals' experience with communication in Business English as a lingua franca (BELF). The author collected data for the study by conducting semistructured interviews with 12 Korean professionals, resulting in 120 concepts, 33 categories, and 14 main categories in the coding process. The findings highlight the significance of accommodation, which affects the success of BELF communication and serves as a major action for resolving problems. The study emphasizes that BELF dynamics should be understood as a multifaceted and interactive process in which various factors are intricately interconnected, giving rise to fluid and complex BELF phenomena.
Design of health technologies for users facing limitations: A scoping review
Authors: König-Klever Emanuele , Bohn Patrícia Raquel , Libânio Cláudia de Souza , Fogliatto Flavio Sanson , Tonetto Leandro Miletto
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Studies reveal healthcare disparities for people with disabilities (PwD) due to various barriers. Digital health offers promise but raises concerns about the digital divide. To address that, health Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) should follow inclusive design principles for accessibility to all, including PwD.

OBJECTIVE

We examine the design of ICTs in healthcare to address the needs of people with disabilities. Three research questions guide the study: (i) how health technologies contribute to healthcare accessibility and inclusion; (ii) what the main challenges are in implementing these technologies; (iii) how health ICTs are structured to meet users’ limitations and enhance performance.

METHODS

Research questions are addressed through a scoping review and critical literature analysis, drawing from seven databases and grey literature. The analysis of research question (iii) uses the accessibility fundamentals recommended by the Web Accessibility Initiative as starting point.

RESULTS

Our research reveals a predominant focus on the elderly, with cognitive impairment as the most studied limitation, followed by mobility, reach and dexterity, vision, and hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

We emphasize the need for inclusive design for all health technologies and investigate their potential to improve user and healthcare system performance. We also propose four promising research directions for further investigation.
Using heart rate monitoring to discover pain and discomfort in non-verbal persons with severe intellectual disability: Caregivers’ experiences
Authors: Boysen Elin Sundby , Øderud Tone , Strisland Frode , Kildal Emilie Smith-Meyer , Dahl Inger-Lise , Hassel Bjørnar , Morland Cecilie
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Non-verbal persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) may suffer from pain or discomfort, but caregivers may not notice this because of the communication difficulties. Previously, we conducted a study in which professional caregivers used heart rate (HR) monitoring to identify situations that cause acute pain or distress in the everyday life of non-verbal persons with ID.

OBJECTIVE

To explore professional caregivers’ experience with using HR monitors to better understand non-verbal persons with ID.

METHODS

Fifteen professional caregivers and 30 final-year students of social education were recruited as informants based on their experience with HR monitoring in non-verbal persons. The informants were interviewed, and they responded to a questionnaire with open-ended questions. The qualitative data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Caregivers reported that HR monitoring provided information about acute pain, acute or prolonged distress, occurrence of epileptic seizures, and the non-verbal persons’ preferences and dislikes. HR data had to be interpreted contextually to be meaningful. Some informants found HR monitoring time-consuming or the interpretation of HR data challenging due to multiple possible causes of increased HR.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers experience HR monitoring as a potentially important source of information that may help them better understand non-verbal persons with ID.
Impact of central vision loss on oculomotor skills required for reading: An eye-tracking study
Authors: González-Vides L. , Gómez-Pedrero J.A. , Cañadas P. , Hernández-Verdejo J.L.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of the relationship between eye movements required for reading and central visual field loss may facilitate the design of more effective personalized visual rehabilitation programs to improve access to information and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of central vision loss due to maculopathy on the oculomotor skills required for reading and tasks of varying complexity, eye-tracking technology was used.

METHODS

Case-control study. Participants were 17 cases (61.7 years (SD [Formula: see text] 8.8), 12 females and 5 males) and 17 controls, matched for age and sex. Three computer-based tests were administered, analyzing eye fixations, saccadic movements, and visual search, measured with a 60 Hz eye-tracking device.

RESULTS

Central vision loss due to maculopathy increases the number of fixations and saccadic movements, indicating more instability in and out of the region of interest. Visual search required more fixations (16.2 [Formula: see text] 10.2 vs. 6.7 [Formula: see text] 1.9), more saccades (11.7 [Formula: see text] 6.4 vs. 3.3 [Formula: see text] 1.9), longer latency (701.3 [Formula: see text] 191.4 ms vs. 315.9 [Formula: see text] 56.0 ms), and longer time to find the target (113.1 [Formula: see text] 76.6 s vs. 18.5 [Formula: see text] 10.1 s). All comparisons between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed the significant impact of central vision loss due to maculopathy on reading by increasing patterns of eye fixations, saccadic movements, and visual search strategies, as measured by eye-tracking technology. This technology may have high potential to improve the assessment and rehabilitation of people with maculopathy, and this may become key information for designing personalized interventions to improve the quality of life and autonomy of individuals with central vision loss.
Empowering accessibility: The dynamics of assistive technology acquisition
Authors: Eshleman Julie , Moon Nathan , Harris Frances , Linden Maureen
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

While it has been broadly agreed that there is a need for consolidated information about assistive technology, previous attempts have not been sufficient for detailed consumer demands.

OBJECTIVE

Researchers sought consumer feedback to determine what should be included in a comprehensive, accessible database of AT.

METHODS

We conducted focus groups with different stakeholder groups (people with diverse disabilities, practitioners, and circles of support). We used a framework analysis to map participant responses to the research questions using focus group transcripts and notes.

RESULTS

AT users are looking for quick access to certain information such as the cost versus benefit, reliability, funding, and compatibility. They expect to find this in a variety of formats (video, audio, text) with a collaborative element (reviews and recommendations) from other users.

CONCLUSIONS

In an AT product database, users want the option to search by activity rather than only disability category, as disability can fluctuate. Accessibility of the database is key, with people preferring modifiable and flexible formats for both adding and consuming information. A community of practice will foster the connections people require to confirm their decisions prior to purchase.
Enhancing Caseworker Job Satisfaction Through Empowerment: An Innovative Tool for Employee Retention
Authors: Alboroto Richard , Garza Tiberio , McNaughtan Jon
Published: January 2025

Child welfare caseworkers typically have high turnover rates, and little is known about how to increase their job satisfaction. Utilizing structural equation modeling, this study investigates the connections between empowerment, leadership, learning culture, physical environment, and job satisfaction among social workers in child welfare organizations. We employ a dataset from a comprehensive organizational health assessment survey of 2801 individuals to analyze the direct and indirect effects of empowerment variables on job satisfaction, as well as the influence of leadership, learning culture, and the caseworkers’ physical environment. The findings highlight the potential for empowerment as a tool for strengthening culture and increasing job satisfaction. Specifically, trust and self-determination had the strongest relationship with the empowerment construct in this study.