bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEI-Coated Carbon Particles: Electrochemomechanical Fracture Mechanisms
Authors: Sanjuan Alfredo , Surya Mitra A. , Edwin García R.
Published: February 2024

By starting from fundamental physical principles, a generalized theoretical framework was developed to engineer the intercalation-induced mechanical degradation in SEI-coated carbon particles from the surrounding electrolyte in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Six elemental regimes of fracture formation in spherical electrochemically active carbon particles of radius, r

p
, coated with an SEI layer of thickness, δ ≪ r

p
, have been identified: The pristine regime, the SEI debonding regime, the SEI surface flaw regime, the surface carbon flaw regime (delithiation), the internal circular carbon flaw regime (lithiation), and the carbon exfoliation regime (lithiation); as well as four combined regimes during delithiation and four combined regimes during lithiation. Results are summarized in terms of C-Rate versus particle size, degradation maps, to identify LIB operation conditions where the performance can be optimized, while suppressing the decrepitation of the SEI-coated carbon particle system. Improved porous electrode layers that deliver longer battery life are possible by selecting electrolytes that considering the design of SEI-coated carbon particles of tailored elastic stiffness and critical stress intensity factor, so that they are safe from developing a chemomechanically induced flaw, exfoliation, or carbon re-forming, during both lithiation or delithiation in the 1 to 10 μm size particle, and C-Rates < 1 C.
Hammerstein Model Based Battery SOC Estimation Considering Temperature Variation
Authors: Yue Xianyun , Fu Qiang , Hu Haiyang , Wang Dongqing
Published: February 2024

The State of Charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries is a crucial state in electric vehicle battery management systems. In this study, a Hammerstein SOC estimation model is constructed with three inputs (battery voltage, current, and temperature) and one output (battery SOC). Subsequently, by the key term separation principle, the key term (the output of the nonlinear part) is separated in the equation of the linear module, and is substituted with the equation of the nonlinear module. The model output is then represented as a linear autoregressive form with the minimum number of unknown parameters. Further, the adaptive moment estimation (Adam) algorithm is used to identify parameters of the Hammerstein SOC model. The simulation results demonstrate that the model can accurately and effectively estimate the SOC of lithium-ion batteries under varying road conditions and environmental temperature changes during automotive driving, and indicate that the Adam algorithm has the advantages of fast convergence and high accuracy compared to the batch gradient descent algorithm for model parameter identification.
Improvement of the Interface Contact between Solid Polymer Electrolytes and Electrodes via Ultrasonic-Press Fusion
Authors: Wang Hui , Cui Xiaodong , Wang Jinhuo , Chen Yizhe , Hua Lin , Yang Liu , Lin Jia
Published: February 2024

All solid-state lithium batteries have high energy density, good safety, and broad prospects. However, the poor compatibility of the electrolyte/electrode interface limits its development. To improve the interface contact performance of batteries, this study proposes an ultrasonic-press fusion method. The electrolyte/electrode structure was pressed by an ultrasonic sonotrode, and fused tightly via thermal and mechanical effects produced by ultrasonic-press fusion. The results showed that the charge transfer impedance at the battery interface was reduced by 80.3% in AC impedance testing, and the battery interface impedance performance was significantly improved. By observing the surface and interface morphology of the electrolyte, it was found that ultrasonic-press fusion improved the electrolyte interface contact. The electrolyte melted and produced microscale rheological behavior under the action of ultrasonic-press fusion, ultimately filling the capillary structure of anode in the battery, improving contact performance of the interface. Furthermore, a molecular dynamics model of the interface was constructed to calculate the contact performance. It was found that ultrasonic-press fusion generates thermal and mechanical effects. The thermal effect facilitates the electrolyte melts, and the mechanical effect causes the melt to vibrate, which coordinate and act on the electrolyte and cause the electrolyte to solder to the anode.
Construction of Artificial SEI on Graphite Electrode through Electropolymerization of p-Sulfonated Polyallyl Phenyl Ether
Authors: Cai Kexing , Xiang Chengcheng , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Dan , Zheng Zhen , Jin Haizu , Li Xing , Li Lei
Published: February 2024

The artificial inert layer is a dense passivation film formed on the electrode, which can effectively maintain the phase stability of the electrode. Here, p-sulfonated allyl phenyl ether monomer (SAPE) was prepared and a layer of polymer coating with ionic conductivity was electropolymerized on the surface of a graphite electrode as an artificial SEI film using cyclic voltammetry. The overall electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries can be significantly improved by using p-sulfonated polyallyl phenyl ether/graphite composites (SPAPE/NG) as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. The large amount of sulphonic acid groups in SPAPE is beneficial to improve the lithium-ion transport rate at the graphite electrode interface, and the polymer layer can effectively inhibit the adverse side reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The SPAPE/NG electrode with 20 cycles of electropolymerizing shows the best electrochemical performance. After 150 cycles at a 0.2C rate, the SPAPE/NG electrode still retains a discharge specific capacity of 221.6 mAh·g−1, which is higher than that of the pure graphite electrode (155.3 mAh·g−1).
Optimum Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared from an Extract of Aloe fleurentinorum
Authors: Jamil Yasmin M. S. , Al-Hakimi Ahmed N. , Al-Maydama Hussein M. A. , Almahwiti Ghadeer Y. , Qasem Ashwaq , Saleh Sayed M.
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles through the use of plant extract is a process that is not only simple but also inexpensive, quick, and favorable to the environment. As a result, it is utilized in a wide variety of fields. When synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), several different kinds of plant extracts were utilized. The manufacture of silver nanoparticles was carried out in this study using an environmentally friendly technique. The aqueous extract of the Aloe fleurentinorum plant was utilized as a stabilizing and reducing agent. To determine the optimal conditions for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, it was necessary to investigate the impact of several parameters on the process. These parameters included the reactant volume ratio, pH values, temperature, and reaction time. To get crystallite and stable silver nanoparticles, an aqueous solution of AgNO3 (0.01M) was added to an aqueous extract of Aloe fleurentinorum plant at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius and a pH of 8. The mixture was then stirred with a magnetic stirrer for ninety minutes (90 minutes). Using a variety of methods (UV‐vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and XPS), several approaches were utilized to investigate and describe the green‐produced AgNPs. Through the use of the SEM method, it was demonstrated that the morphology of AgNPs is tetrahedral. It was determined using X‐ray diffraction that the size of crystalline AgNPs was 26.7 nm. AgNPs that have been optimally synthesized have antibacterial properties that are both significant and effective against various bacterial species that have been tested at varying doses.
A Machine Learning Approach for Environmental Assessment on Air Quality and Mitigation Strategy
Authors: Shetty Chetan , Seema S. , Sowmya B. J. , Nandalike Rajesh , Supreeth S. , P. Dayananda , S. Rohith , Y. Vishwanath , Ranjan Rajeev , Goud Venugopal
Published: February 2024

Air pollution has a significant impact on environment resulting in consequences such as global warming and acid rain. Toxic emissions from vehicles are one of the primary sources of pollution. Assessment of air pollution data is critical in order to assist residents in locating the safest areas in the city that are ideal for life. In this work, density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) is used which is among the widely used clustering algorithms in machine learning. It is not only capable of finding clusters of various sizes and shapes but can also detect outliers. DBSCAN takes in two important input parameters—Epsilon (Eps) and Minimum Points (MinPts). Even the slightest of variations in the parameter values fed to DBSCAN makes a big difference in the clustering. There is a need to find Eps value in as minimum time as possible. In this work, the goal is to find the Eps value in less time. For this purpose, a search tree technique is used for finding the Eps input to the DBSCAN algorithm. Predicting air pollution is a complex task due to various challenges associated with the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the atmosphere such as meteorological variability, local emissions and sources, data quality and availability, and emerging pollutants. Extensive experiments prove that the search tree approach to find Eps is quicker and efficient in comparison to the widely used KNN algorithm. The time reduction to find Eps makes a significant impact as the dataset size increases. The input parameters are fed to DBSCAN algorithm to obtain clustering results.
A Novel Epidermis Model Using Primary Hidradenitis Suppurativa Keratinocytes
Authors: Haferland Isabel , Pinter Andreas , Rossmanith Tanja , Diehl Sandra , Buerger Claudia , Ickelsheimer Tanja , Kaufmann Roland , Koenig Anke
Published: February 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Patients can present with inflammatory nodules, abscesses up to fistulas, or sinus tracts in intertriginous body parts. Occlusion of the sebaceous gland unit leads to its rupture, with a subsequent exuberant immune response. Given there is still no causative therapy, to better understand HS and develop novel therapeutic concepts, research activities in the HS field are constantly growing. Primary skin cells, blood cells, and ex vivo explant cultures from HS patients have been previously used as HS cell culture models. In vitro reconstituted epidermal models are established to study inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. For HS, the exploration of epidermis models would be an excellent addition, e.g., biomarkers or barrier function in testing new topic treatment options. We therefore established a stratified in vitro HS epidermis model based on primary cells from HS lesions. After isolating keratinocytes from lesional skin, we cultured them submerged in a transwell system. To induce differentiation, we then lifted them to the air-liquid interface. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that our HS-epidermis model meets the expected differentiation pattern. In addition, we detected the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and TNF-α.
A Man in His Forties with Recurrent Cat-Scratch Disease
Authors: López-Rueda Sara , Valente-Acosta Benjamin , Murillo-Zolezzi Adrian , Moreno-Sánchez Francisco , Hoyo-Ulloa Irma , Baquera-Heredia Jesús Javier
Published: February 2024

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a self-limited zoonotic infection transmitted by felines caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bartonella henselae. It usually presents with lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms that resolve within eight weeks, with, or without antibiotic treatment. The diagnosis is made by serology, molecular diagnosis in a biopsy, or a positive culture. The recurrence or reactivation of B. henselae has rarely been reported. We present the case of a 45-year-old man with a history of CSD two years before who presented to the clinic with groin lymphadenopathy. The patient had a history of close contact with felines though no known risk exposure was reported. The diagnosis was made with a positive serology suggestive of recent infection along with histopathological changes suggestive of CSD. Subsequently, azithromycin was administered with complete resolution of symptoms.
Analyzing the Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructural Impact of Partial Cement Replacement with Pumice Powder and Bamboo Leaf Ash in Concrete
Authors: Adem Haris Hassen , Cherkos Fikreyesus Demeke
Published: February 2024

This study explores the physiomechanical and durability properties of C‐25 concrete by partially replacing cement with blends of pumice powder (PP) and bamboo leaf ash (BLA). The combined amount of major oxides SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 in PP is 84.59%, while in BLA, it is 74.4%, classifying PP and BLA as class N and F pozzolans. Subsequently, the study examines the impact of different cement replacement percentages, emphasizing 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% on C‐25 with varying mixes of concrete: Mix‐1 (100, 0, and 0), Mix‐2 (90, 5, and 5), Mix‐3 (85, 10, and 5), Mix‐4 (85, 5, and 10), and Mix‐5 (80, 10, and 10) which correspond to the proportions of OPC, VPP, and BLA used in each mix respectively and by using 1 : 2.34 : 2.68 (cement : sand : aggregate) with the water/cement ratio (w/c) of 0.491. The study’s findings indicate that as the proportion of PP and BLA increases in concrete, the workability of the mixture decreases. Moreover, on the 28th day, Mix‐2 with (35.84 MPa) and Mix‐3 with (33.55 MPa) met the desired mean compressive strength (33.5 MPa) required for C‐25 concrete per the ACI standards. Additionally, the flexural strength of concrete produced with partial replacement of Mix‐2 with a flexural strength of 3.86 MPa fulfills the minimum strength requirement of 3.5 MPa specified by the C‐25 ACI standards. The PP and BLA blended concrete had lower water absorption than the control mix in Mix‐2. It also improved resistance to sulfuric acid attack, and Mix‐3 had the least strength reduction of 9.59%. In contrast, the control mix has a 33.34% strength reduction.
Pulmonary Venous Index as Additional Diagnostic Criteria for Fontan Palliation
Authors: Kovalev D. V. , Alexandrova S. A. , Yurlov I. A. , Zelenikin M. M. , Aslanidis I. P. , Podzolkov V. P.
Published: February 2024

Backgroud. The results of the Fontan operation, depending on the anatomy of the pulmonary arteries, have been studied quite well. Various indices have been proposed to assess the degree of hypoplasia of the pulmonary arterial bed (Nakata, Reddy, and McGoon indexes). At the same time, an obstruction of pulmonary venous blood return may be considered as a contraindication to Fontan operation. Aim of the Study. To present an optimal method for pulmonary venous index (PVI) calculation based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) enhancement of the heart data in patients with a functional single ventricle. Materials and Methods. 63 patients with a functional single ventricle (SV) underwent CTА (Philips, Brilliance iCT) before the Fontan operation. Axial sections were reconstructed to a thickness of 0.75–3 mm using soft tissue and lung filters, followed by postprocessing of the data (Horos and OsiriX software) and construction of multiplanar and 3D images. The diagnoses were presented by various types of SV of the heart. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 30 years (median 7 years). Comparison of PVI was carried out in patients of two groups: those who survived the intervention (n = 55 patients) and those who died (n = 8). The evaluation of the pulmonary veins (PV) and the calculation of the pulmonary venous index (PVI) were carried out based on the measurement of each pulmonary vein at 2 levels (at the level of the orifices and bifurcation). The calculation of the PVI was carried out according to the formula: the sum of the cross‐sectional area of the main pulmonary veins, related to the body surface area. 3 variants of PVI calculation were compared: taking into account the values of the PV areas at the level of the orifices, the bifurcation, and the sum of the minimum areas of each of the PVs. Results. In the group of survived patients, the median PVI at the level of the PV orifices was 292 mm/m2, and in the group of deceased, it was 242 mm/m2(p = 0.0326); at the level of PV bifurcation in the group of survivors, it was 299 mm/m2, and in the group of dead patients, it was 281 mm/m2(p = 0.0776); the minimum PVI was 257 mm/m2 in the survivor group and 218 mm/m2 in the deceased group (p = 0.006). An ROC analysis performed to determine the critical value of the minimum PVI affecting survival after Fontan operation revealed that PVI measured taking into account the minimum dimensions of the areas of the PV is a significant risk factor for death after Fontan operation (p = 0.00015), with its value (cutoff) <233.5 mm2/m2. Conclusion. The value of the minimum PVI can be an important morphological indicator of the state of PV blood return and serve as an additional criterion in determining indications for the Fontan operation.
Lip Repositioning Surgery: A Simple Smile and Life Transformation Procedure
Authors: Salihu Besir , Agani Zana , Demiri Arta Sinanaj
Published: February 2024

Excessive display of the gums when smiling, known as gummy smiles, can lead to aesthetic concerns and emotional discomfort for individuals. In recent times, there has been a notable rise in the popularity of gummy smile surgery as a cosmetic procedure aimed at addressing this problem. A novel technique known as lip repositioning has emerged and gained recent popularity, either on its own or in conjunction with other approaches. In specific situations, it offers a simpler, less intricate alternative to more extensive surgical procedures, resulting in a pleasing and satisfactory camouflage effect while reducing postoperative complications. This case report illustrates the effective treatment of a gummy smile in a patient with excessive gum exposure using a lip repositioning technique. The procedure involved the removal of a partial thickness strip of mucosa lining in the maxillary buccal vestibule, without including the labial frenulum, and suturing the lip lining to the gum line. Our aim was to present lip repositioning as an effective method for reducing excessive gum exposure and addressing any unevenness in a minimally invasive manner. We sought a solution that offers long‐lasting results over time while minimizing the chances of the issue recurring, with a 14‐month follow‐up.
Hsa_circ_0000190 Promotes NSCLC Cell Resistance to Cisplatin via the Modulation of the miR‐1253/IL‐6 Axis
Authors: He Hua , Li Tian
Published: February 2024

Background. This study explored the mechanistic basis for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cisplatin (DDP) treatment resistance in an effort to define effective approaches to abrogating the emergence of such chemoresistance. Methods. Analyses of NSCLC expression of hsa_circ_0000190, miR‐1253, and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) were conducted via a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach, while the ability of these tumor cells to resist DDP treatment was evaluated with a CCK‐8 assay. Interactions between different RNA molecules were assessed using both RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. Results. NSCLC cell lines and tissues resistant to DDP were found to express higher levels of hsa_circ_0000190, and knocking down this circRNA in NSCLC cells was associated with greater sensitivity to DDP exposure. Further research identified miR‐1253 as a hsa_circ_0000190 target, with the ability of hsa_circ_0000190 knockdown to restore DDP sensitivity being largely attributable to the ability of this circRNA to suppress miR‐1253 activity. IL‐6 was identified as a major miR‐1253 target in this context, with miR‐1253 regulating chemoresistance in NSCLC cells in part by preventing IL‐6 upregulation. Conclusion. Together, these data suggest that hsa_circ_0000190 can promote DDP chemoresistance in NSCLC cells through its ability to modulate miR‐1253/IL‐6 axis activity, highlighting a novel pathway that can be targeted in an effort to guide the more effective diagnosis and management of DDP‐resistant tumors.
Subseasonal Prediction of Summer Temperature in West Africa Using Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study of Senegal
Authors: Kenne Annine Duclaire , Toure Mory , Logamou Seknewna Lema , Ketsemen Herve Landry
Published: February 2024

Despite the rapid growth of machine learning (ML) and its far-reaching applications in various fields such as healthcare, finance, and urban heat management, there are still some unresolved challenges in the field of climate change. Reliable subseasonal forecasts of summer temperatures would be a great benefit to society. Although numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are better at capturing relevant sources of predictability, such as temperatures, land, and sea surface conditions, the subseasonal potential is not fully exploited. One such challenge is accurate subseasonal temperature forecasting using cutting-edge ML technology. This study aims to assess and predict the changes in subseasonal temperature during the summer season (from March to June) in Senegal on 2-weeks time scales. Six ML techniques, including linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent units (GRU), are used. The experiments utilize a multivariate approach by incorporating variables of the ERA-5 dataset from 1981 to 2022. The results compared all the performances of the methods to assess their overall effectiveness in forecasting air temperature (t2m) values over 2 weeks. Our analysis demonstrates that the GRU model outperforms the other ML models, achieving a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) score of 74.68% and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.51%. The GRU model effectively captures long-term dependencies and exhibits superior performance in temperature forecasting. Furthermore, a comparison between the observed and predicted values confirms the accuracy of the GRU model in aligning with actual temperature trends. Overall, this study contributes an impactful deep learning model to the field of subseasonal temperature forecasting in West Africa (Senegal), which offers local authorities the capability to anticipate climatic events and enact preventive measures accordingly.
Platonic Dualism Reconsidered
Authors: Obdrzalek Suzanne
Published: February 2024

I argue that in the Phaedo, Plato maintains that the soul is located in space and is capable of locomotion and of interacting with the body through contact. Numerous interpreters have dismissed these claims as merely metaphorical, since they assume that as an incorporeal substance, the soul cannot possess spatial attributes. But careful examination of how Plato conceives of the body throughout his corpus reveals that he does not distinguish it from the soul in terms of spatiality. Furthermore, assigning spatial attributes to the soul plays an important role in Plato’s account of the relation of body and soul.
Contributions to the taxonomy, identification, and biogeography of Palaearctic Campopleginae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), with the description of a new Porizon Fallén species from Iran
Authors: VAS ZOLTÁN , FEIZI ALI , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , HEYDARI MARYAM ZARDOUEI
Published: February 2024

New species and new records of Palaearctic Campopleginae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are reported in this paper: Porizon dahaka Vas, sp. nov. is described from Iran, with a complementary modification to the identification key of the genus; seven Western Palaearctic species, namely Bathyplectes rufigaster Horstmann, Casinaria paramorionella Riedel, Diadegma mediterraneum (Constantineanu), Diadegma neomajale Horstmann, Diadegma tamariscator (Aubert), Eriborus obscuripes Horstmann, and Hyposoter fitchii (Bridgman) are reported for the first time from the Eastern Palaearctic region (Iran); four species already known from the Eastern Palaearctic region, namely Diadegma aculeatum (Bridgman), Diadegma elegans Dbar, Dusona stragifex (Förster), and Meloboris pektusana Vas, are reported for the first time from Iran, the latter with the complementary description of the hitherto unknown male. Additionally, further data are provided on the distribution of Lemophagus eburnipes Vas, a species recently described from Iran.
The Dynamics of ENSO Phase Locking in a Spatiotemporal Oscillator Model
Authors: Li YaoKun
Published: February 2024

The ENSO phase locking to the annual cycle is investigated by applying a spatiotemporal oscillator (STO) model, in which the annual cycle of the climatological thermocline depth and its associated parameter are introduced. It is easy to derive its analytic solution, which demonstrates a harmonic oscillation of a combined variable. The ENSO phase locking can be theoretically proven by discussing the distribution of the calendar months of the peak time of the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) time series. The calendar months of the peak time can be divided into two parts. The first part can evenly distribute in any a month of a year and hence has no phase locking feature whereas the second part, directly associated with the annual cycle, adds an increment onto the first part to make it move toward the phase of the annual cycle to realize the phase locking feature. This is the physical mechanism of the ENSO phase locking. With observed seasonal variation of the climatological thermocline depth, the Niño-3.4 index time series approach to extreme values in November was calculated with higher probability, reproducing the observed phase locking phenomenon quite well. The maximum probability of the calendar month that the ENSO peak time occurs is directly determined by the phase of the annual cycle and the stronger the annual cycle is, the larger the maximum probability is.

Significance Statement

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events tend to be strongest in the boreal wintertime. This phenomenon is called ENSO phase locking. This study investigates the dynamics of ENSO phase locking to the annual cycle by introducing the annual cycle to a spatiotemporal oscillator (STO) model that can deal with the complex spatial and temporal variations in SSTAs. The analytic solution can be obtained and then the phase locking feature can be theoretically proven and numerically testified. Therefore, the dynamics and the mechanism of ENSO phase locking can be comprehensively understood. It may be beneficial for the community to have a better understanding of this complex phenomenon.
Should We Really Be Afraid of “Weakness”? Applying the Insights of Attribution Theory
Authors: Abdulla Adam
Published: February 2024

It is widely assumed that the term “weakness” has negative psychological effects and should be replaced by “area for improvement.” The present study is the first to examine the matter experimentally. It was hypothesised that effects of “weakness” (vs. “area for improvement”) are most pronounced in those with low perceived self-efficacy in the relevant domain. Two experiments were conducted in the domain of self-regulation. In those with low perceived self-efficacy for self-regulation (PSESR), “weakness” apparently had a negative indirect effect on improvement expectancy by increasing the perceived stability (Experiment 1) or lowering the perceived controllability (Experiment 2) of the problem. Moreover, at low levels of PSESR in Experiment 2, estimated indirect effects of “weakness” on perceived value of improvement were both positive and negative. However, gender apparently moderated those effects. “Weakness” apparently lowered perceived controllability in both males and females but in women the negative effect was more pronounced when PSESR was low. In addition, “weakness” apparently increased perceived internality in males with low PSESR. Compared to “area for improvement,” “weakness” may indeed have some (negative) psychological effects in people with low perceived self-efficacy in the relevant domain. Given the ubiquity of these terms in evaluative contexts and the widespread fears of the term “weakness,” more experimental research needs to be conducted.
A gendered analysis of Palestinian refugee women’s experiences of migration from Syria to Türkiye
Authors: Kurtoğlu Ayça , Teke Lloyd Armağan , Salimoğlu Zafer
Published: February 2024

After the outbreak of the conflict in 2011, millions of people fled Syria across its borders. This gave way to a new category of people, “Syrian refugees.” While this categorical understanding constitutes the basis for legal entitlements, it homogenizes all fleeing Syria and results in concealing the differential experiences and vulnerabilities of particular groups. The paper challenges this blanket categorization by focusing on the migration experiences of Palestinian women from Syria to Türkiye around the concepts of biological and social reproduction which represent the largely neglected aspects concerning the process of forced migration. By drawing on six women’s experiences, the paper concludes that the homogeneity of the Syrian migrants is an illusion; women’s migrations are shaped through their gendered and ethnic history; and women face gender-specific challenges and opportunities in both home and host countries. We particularly argue that policies on border control and migrant’s integration fail to consider the subjective conditions and needs of particular groups within the Syrian migrants.
Family Relationships and Young Italian Adults’ Well-Being: The Mediation Role of Mattering
Authors: Di Napoli Immacolata , Agueli Barbara , Arcidiacono Caterina , Alfieri Sara , Esposito Ciro
Published: February 2024

The perception of mattering, worthiness, and being meaningful for others is a fundamental condition for the human being. During young adulthood, mattering is particularly significant for the identity consolidation and well-being. This study aims to investigate the effect of relationships with parents on multidimensional well-being of young adults, mediated by mattering. A total of 1249 young Italian adults (age range 18–35) were involved, filling an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that maternal support has a significant direct relationship just with interpersonal well-being, while paternal support with community well-being. Only through the mediation of mattering, both maternal and parental supports have a positive effect on all the well-being dimensions. The results suggest the importance of promoting a sense of mattering in significant interpersonal contexts for young adults to guarantee their well-being when they are involved in facing demanding challenges that the transition to adulthood requires.
Prevalence of Loneliness in Older Adults in Rural Population and Its Association with Depression and Caregiver Abuse
Authors: Mehra Aseem , Agarwal Arun , Bashar Mohammad , Avasthi Ajit , Chakravarty Rahul , Grover Sandeep
Published: February 2024

Background:

Loneliness in the elderly is of public health importance as it is a risk factor for adverse consequences. There is lack of data on loneliness among the elderly population of India, especially those residing in a rural community.

Aim:

To estimate loneliness and its association with depression and caregiver abuse.

Materials and Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural health clinic in North India. 125 elderly persons were evaluated on the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Geriatric Depression Rating Scale‑30 (GDS), and Caregiver Abuse Screening (CASE) scale.

Results:

67.6 years was the mean age of the study’s subjects, with a mean number of years of education of 2.9. Most were female, married, and from lower socioeconomic status and belonged to a non-nuclear family. The prevalence of loneliness was 66.4%. Regarding specific features, subjects reported a lack of companionship (64.8%), being left out in life (45.2%), and being isolated from others (52.8%). The severity of depression, somatization, psychological and physical abuse, neglect abuse, and caregiver abuse had a significant positive association with loneliness. Those with a presence of loneliness scored higher on GDS and CASE than those without. Those who were single at the time of the study reported significantly more loneliness than married ones. Those from nuclear families and middle socioeconomic status reported a significantly higher level of loneliness.

Conclusion:

Loneliness among the elderly rural population is significantly high. The severity of loneliness is associated with higher severity of depression, somatization, and caregiver abuse.
Immature ovarian teratoma in a 20-year-old woman: A case report
Authors: Errami L. , Douzi A. , Lamzouri O. , Taheri H. , Saadi H. , Mimouni A.
Published: February 2024

Immature ovarian teratomas are a rare subtype of germ cell tumours characterized by the presence of embryonic elements, particularly primitive neuroepithelium, and they typically affect young women. We report the case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with a growing abdominal mass that turned out to be a grade II immature teratoma after adnexectomy. This article reviews the clinical presentation, imaging features, and some of the main problems that arise in the management of immature ovarian teratomas.
Success and Failure of MSE II Assisted MARPE: Comparative Evaluation of Two Cases
Authors: Chaudhary Dinesh Chander , Thakur Vivek , Sandhu Guramrit , Jayan Balakrishnan
Published: February 2024

Mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) offers a less invasive option for management of skeletal maxillary transverse discrepancy in advanced stages of palatal sutural maturation that cannot be optimally addressed by conventional rapid maxillary expansion techniques. This article briefly discusses two cases of transverse skeletal maxillary discrepancy matched for age and sutural maturation but with varied outcomes. One of the cases was successfully managed with MARPE using the maxillary skeletal expander II (MSE II) appliance, while the other failed. This communication also aims to highlight the possible cause–effect relationship and the caution required in case selection for such techniques. Since the technique is still in its infancy, MSE II should be avoided in palatal region with bone density below 1,000 HU to prevent inadvertent failure.
Music engagement for stress and anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Katherine , Tabuchi Rina A , Zhang Kevin , Finnerty Rachael
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused heightened mental distress globally. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the impact of music engagement on stress and anxiety in adults during COVID-19. Thirteen articles were included, encompassing 9,893 adults and reporting on seven forms of music engagement: music listening, singing, playing an instrument, watching music videos or virtual performances, dancing to music, composing, and externally-facilitated music interventions. The majority of articles concluded a beneficial impact of music on stress and anxiety among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the seven studies that investigated stress, four (57.1%) reported that music had a positive impact on stress and, of the nine studies that investigated anxiety, six (66.7%) reported a positive impact on anxiety. A higher proportion of externally-facilitated music studies reported reductions in stress and anxiety compared to studies with participant-facilitated music interventions. Our systematic review demonstrates the potential feasibility of music to improve mental health outcomes during times of heightened psychological distress. However, given the limited quality of included articles and the high proportion of observational studies, further research is required to better elucidate the effect of music on stress and anxiety among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Are the Most Important Items to Inspect on a Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall? A Summary from 30 Experts
Authors: Kulesza Stacey , Parsons Robert L. , Han Jie
Published: February 2024

Geotechnical asset management (GAM) demonstrates stewardship, provides data and processes for making informed decisions, and can enable financial savings throughout the geotechnical life cycle. For a GAM program to be effective, a well-defined inspection system for evaluating the current condition of assets is required. If the process contains a substantial number of inspection items, individual items need to be weighted based on relative importance. This paper focuses on the inspection system for Kansas Department of Transportation mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. Although there is literature on what a Department of Transportation (DOT) may inspect on an MSE wall, there are currently no data available on which inspection item is most important. The objective of this paper is to establish the weights of 14 inspection items for MSE walls. This is done by interviewing 30 experts from North America using the analytical hierarchy process. The results are then further filtered by career and region. Overall, experts prioritize scour, internal drainage, wall tilting, and panel bowing as the most important, and panel staining and coping damage as least important. When filtered for subgroups, academics and industry prioritize internal drainage, whereas DOTs prioritize wall tilting. Industry and experts from northeast North America are unique in that they also prioritize electrical resistivity relatively high, but when this category is further queried for individual responses the scatter is wide. The framework presented in this paper addresses the need for identifying the most critical elements in an MSE wall inspection while also highlighting variability in individual responses.
Herbert Gintis and the Societal Origins of Preferences: A Personal Memoir
Authors: Bowles Samuel
Published: February 2024

In this personal memoir of my lifelong collaborator and friend, Herb Gintis, I reflect on his “A Radical Analysis of Welfare Economics and Individual Development.” Published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics in 1972, the article advances a novel Marx-inspired interpretation of the societal origins of preferences, one that profoundly influenced the ideas of a group of like-minded young economists at Harvard at the time, economics more broadly, and Herb and my subsequent joint work.

JEL Classification: B14, B21, D01
Vision Impairment and Frailty Among Mexican American Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Sonnenfeld Mandi L. , Pappadis Monique R. , Reistetter Timothy A. , Raji Mukaila A. , Ottenbacher Kenneth , Al Snih Soham
Published: February 2024

We examined the relationship between vision impairment (VI) and new-onset frailty among non-frail Mexican American older adults (≥70 years) at baseline and determined the differential impact of VI on each frailty criteria. Data were from an 18-year prospective cohort from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1998/1999, N = 1072 to 2016, N = 175). Frailty was defined as ≥3 criteria: unintentional weight loss of >10 pounds, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and slowness. VI was defined as difficulty in recognizing a friend at arm’s length’s away, across the room, or across the street. We found that participants with VI (near or distant) and distant VI had greater odds of frailty (near or distant VI, OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.30–2.73 and distant VI, OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.34–2.86, respectively) after controlling for covariates over time. Early screening (optimal management) of VI may prevent or delay onset of frailty among older Mexican Americans.
Personal Competence or Environmental Characteristics? Factors Influencing Happiness among Ageing Adults in Hong Kong Around the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhou Jia-Jia , Lee Chi Ko , Lee Vincent W.P. , Lai Daniel W.L.
Published: February 2024

Drawing upon person–environment fit perspective, this study examines the joint and interactive influences of personal competence and environmental characteristics on the happiness of ageing adults around the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected in two rounds, before and during the pandemic, with 2,028 participants aged 55 years and older in Hong Kong. Personal competence encompassed financial status, physical health, and mental capital, while environmental characteristics included experiences of ageism, perceived social conditions, and age-friendly policies. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine personal and environmental influences on happiness. Results indicated a significant decline in happiness following the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Mental capital was found to have the strongest positive influence on happiness, followed by physical health, financial status, and social conditions. Mental capital mitigated the negative relationship between experiences of ageism and happiness. Practical interventions are informed to improve the well-being of ageing adults during pandemic.
On the Overlap of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Examination of Trauma-Related Shame
Authors: Walker Emily D. , Reid Joan A.
Published: February 2024

Every year, millions of people experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), with researchers increasingly discussing the overlap between these two forms of interpersonal violence. However, researchers have not yet used quantitative methods to examine the link between IPV and CSE or to explore potential mechanisms underlying the overlap, including child maltreatment risk factors and psychological mechanisms. One potential mechanism is trauma-related shame, a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder commonly experienced by both victims of CSE and IPV. The current study explores trauma-related shame, childhood maltreatment, and IPV and their associations with CSE using a sample of 174 primarily Black women. Binomial logistic regression is used to analyze the impact of IPV, child abuse and neglect, and trauma-related shame on CSE. Results indicate that IPV and trauma-related shame are both significant predictors of CSE. Implications for future research and the incorporation of shame in trauma-related treatment are discussed.
Is Early-Life Enrichment Associated With Better Cognitive Function Among Older Adults? Examining Home and School Environments
Authors: Bell Mallory J. , Sauerteig-Rolston Madison R. , Ferraro Kenneth F.
Published: February 2024

Objectives: We examine whether early-life enrichment, involving varied and stimulating activities to enhance cognitive function during childhood and adolescence, is associated with cognitive function in later life and whether the benefits persist over time. Methods: Growth curve models were used to examine up to five waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study—a nationally representative survey of adults 50 years and older ( N = 10,070). We constructed separate measures of early-life enrichment to distinguish sources of influence (i.e., enriched home environment and enriched school environment). Global cognitive function was assessed with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Results: Greater enrichment in each environment was incrementally associated with better cognitive function at baseline, but enrichment was not associated with change in cognitive function over time. Discussion: Receiving enrichment from multiple environments during sensitive periods of cognitive development may be advantageous for cognitive functioning in later life.
Statistical analysis of electrical discharge machining performance variables to measure form deviation and machinability using non-dominating sorting genetic algorithm-II and fuzzy logic system
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Dhanabalan S. , Polini Wilma , Corrado Andrea
Published: February 2024

The main objective of this experimental work is to examine the geometric deviations and machinability of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process on nickel-based Inconel-718 alloy using square profile copper tool electrodes. The significance of three major EDM process parameters, that is, peak current (IP), pulse on time (Ton) and pulse off time (Toff), have been analyzed to measure the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and squareness deviation, respectively. The dominance of each parameter was measured using design of experiments and the Taguchi method. Non-dominating sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) method was utilized for multiobjective optimization. Empirical modeling has been done using the artificial intelligence-based fuzzy logic system to measure the performance variables. The developed model using fuzzy logic system has an accuracy of 96.45%, that was calculated as the difference between predicted and experimental results; therefore, the developed models can be utilized for more reliable results. The optimized results obtained through this experimental work and empirical modeling will facilitate the aerospace, defense and advanced machining industries to improve the machinability and squareness deviation of nickel-based Inconel-718 alloy with higher MRR and dimensional stability. Finally, the geometric deviations obtained on the square slots of two plates by the previously described EDM process have been transferred to the assembled product in order to verify its assemblability.
The Rabbi Frain’s Be-longings, Spain 1492–93: Things and Theory, History and Fabulation
Authors: Morris Jean
Published: February 2024

On the 31st of March 1492, the Catholic monarchs Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Aragon and Castile issued the Edict of Expulsion. The Edict ordered that Spain’s Jews depart from Spanish lands. Before his enforced migration to Portugal, Rabbi Frain of Burgos left a small collection of items with his friend Doña Isabel Osorio. In May 1493 a further royal decree ordered that all Jewish goods which were in the possession of Spanish citizens should be handed over to the Crown in order to fund Christopher Columbus’ second journey to the Americas. Rabbi Frain’s belongings were thus sequestered and sold. This article contemplates the Rabbi Frain’s belongings through a theoretical lens, specifically, the work of Jane Bennett and Graham Harman, asking whether history can be told from the perspective of things and objects. The article ends with fabulation, reimagining the trauma of departure, when the borders between things and humans disappear.
Harvesting vibration energy through a cantilever beam with enhanced harvesting capability
Authors: Wang Jishuo , Yuan Di , Ying Qin , Li Bao , Yuan Weifeng
Published: February 2024

Piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) is being world widely studied by many researchers due to their excellent advantages over batteries. Therefore, how to improve the capability of energy harvesting has become a hot research topic. In this study, based on the theory that the electromechanical coupling coefficient is proportional to the difference of mode shape slopes at the two ends of a piezoelectric sheet made of macro fiber composite, a modified cantilever structure consisting of two segments is proposed. The piezoelectric sheet is affixed on the segment close to the fixed end, while the segment containing the free end is rotated by 90° along its axial direction. The mode shape of the cantilever structure is calculated based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Prototypes of the conventional and modified PEHs are fabricated and tested. Compared to the conventional one, the experimental result of the modified PEH demonstrates that the electromechanical coupling coefficient is enhanced by 600%, and the output power is increased by more than 300%. The proposed PEH is simple, highly efficient, and easy-realized.