bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Gentri: Serious Game on Learning about Gentrification
Authors: Kim Minju , Ahn Jihyun , Park Yunmi
Published: October 2024

As a global phenomenon, gentrification has far-reaching social and economic implications. As civic engagement and public understanding are crucial for responding to gentrification, employing a game-based approach could be effective due to the games’ ludic attributes. However, existing gamified interventions often lack structured game design and empirical assessment of their learning effectiveness. As such, this study aims to develop a serious game (SG) and assess its effect on enhancing public understanding and awareness of gentrification using an Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation framework. A prototype of a serious board game, Urban Gentri, was developed to immerse participants in the process and consequences of gentrification. A Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics framework was used when developing the rules of the game. Then, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, with forty-five participants completing pre- and post-tests and semi-structured exit interviews. Quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant increase in cognitive learning scores, demonstrating an improvement in the understanding of gentrification. The qualitative analysis of the exit interviews revealed the SG’s effectiveness in fostering empathy and encouraging participants to explore solutions (e.g., communication and policy interventions) to mitigate gentrification’s negative implications. Participants also expressed their willingness to engage in civic actions, such as supporting local businesses or paying attention to relevant news articles after playing the game. This implies the role-playing aspect allowed participants to empathize with different stakeholders, leading to a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved in gentrification. The findings highlight SGs’ potential for promoting public understanding and awareness of urban planning issues, including gentrification. By leveraging SGs as educational tools, planners and educators can create engaging platforms to inform the public and promote informed decision-making on complex urban issues.
A Cinderella industry: Private and nationalized ship-repair companies in Britain, 1970–1986
Authors: Murphy Hugh
Published: October 2024

This article explores Britain's ship-repair industry under private enterprise and partly under state control from 1970 to 1986 in order to shed much-needed light on ship repair during a crucial period in its history – a period when a substantial proportion of the industry moved from private to state control, initially in 1974 when four major ship repairers were nationalized, and again in 1977 when a further six ship-repair companies came under state control through the British Shipbuilders Corporation. The last remaining nationalized ship-repair firm reverted to private control in 1986. The article aims to encourage maritime historians to look at the histories of their ship-repairing industries nationally and internationally, either monographically or by a case study approach, in order to build up a national historiographical approach to the subject.
Vascular Abnormalities and Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Paediatric Case Series
Authors: Currao Paolo , Balzarini Marta , Pruna Dario , Marica Monica , Soddu Consolata , Marras Mariangela , Pavanello Marco , Satta Stefania , Savasta Salvatore
Published: October 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystemic neurocutaneous disease caused by a heterozygous mutation of the NF1 gene that encodes neurofibromin. Complications include vascular and neurologic abnormalities such as moyamoya syndrome, a cerebrovascular disorder with progressive occlusion of the large intracranial arteries, leading to ischemic events and the formation of abnormal vascular networks. Stenosis of the renal artery is another frequent complication of neurofibromatosis type 1, and it represents the most common cause of secondary hypertension in these patients. The purpose of the article is to describe the clinical manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 vasculopathy in 4 patients presenting with a wide range of neurologic and reno-vascular manifestations, as well as to examine current diagnostic management and follow-up, current therapeutic options, and to discuss further perspectives in terms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Building Representative State Groupings in an Input-Output Model for the Development of an Economic Impact Calculator for Nutrition Incentive Programs
Authors: Bauman Allison , Watson Philip , Thilmany Dawn , Jablonski Becca B.R. , Parks Courtney A. , Kaminsky Taylor , Yaroch Amy L.
Published: October 2024

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, and mental illness, yet few low-income adults meet these recommendations. Nutrition incentive programs have emerged over the last decade to offer incentives to food-insecure households to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Although the goal of the program is to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, defenders of nutrition incentive programs increasingly want to document economic impacts of their programs but often lack the resources to do so. Rather than these programs spending their scarce resources on conducting studies, this research created a rigorous, yet easy to use tool that U.S.-based practitioners operating nutrition incentive programs can use to estimate the economic impact of their programs, including incentive redemptions at both farm-direct and brick-and-mortar businesses.
Comprehensive analysis OF ZnO-Doped polystyrene nanocomposites: Structural, optical and defect analysis
Authors: Almara Rahimli , Huseynova Aybeniz , Musayeva Nahida
Published: October 2024

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully integrated into polystyrene (PS) matrices through solution casting and hot-pressing, producing a series of PS/ZnO nanocomposites. The structural and morphological properties of these nanocomposites were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic bands associated with C-H and C = C vibrations in PS, with increased IR absorption observed in the ZnO-doped samples, particularly at 418 cm⁻1, indicative of Zn-O valence vibrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles and showed a notable decrease in crystallite size from 3.88 nm to 1.58 nm, demonstrating the influence of ZnO concentration on the structural properties. SEM images illustrated that ZnO nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix, with the PS/5%ZnO nanocomposite exhibiting a smooth surface and well-integrated nanoparticles, suggesting effective dispersion and prevention of agglomeration. Optical properties were examined using UV-Visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, which revealed improved optical characteristics in the nanocomposite films. PL spectra showed wide emission bands in the violet and blue regions, indicating transitions from excitonic levels and/or zinc interstitials (Zni) to the conduction band, alongside contributions from defects such as zinc interstitials (Zni) and natural zinc vacancies (Znv).
‘You Can’t Sacrifice Nothing’: Exploring the Lived Realities of Chronic Poverty in a Cost-of-Living Crisis Through Participatory Research
Authors: White Holly , Evans Nancy , Ross Kim
Published: October 2024

The current portrayal of the cost-of-living crisis as an isolated, unexpected issue neglects the ongoing struggles of those in chronic poverty. This article utilises agnotology and zemiology to explore these overlooked experiences. Through the use of participatory research, the article reveals the state’s neglect of chronic poverty amid public discourse on the cost-of-living crisis, and critiques proposed solutions that demand further sacrifices from those already suffering. The article highlights the lack of accountability for neoliberal policies that exacerbate poverty and vulnerability. It exposes the institutional violence and stigma against the structurally vulnerable, whose hardships are normalised. Through a zemiological and agnotological lens, the article stresses the need to reframe the cost-of-living crisis by acknowledging chronic harm and amplifying the voices of those experiencing entrenched poverty. This reframing is crucial, not only during times of crisis, but also within the broader context of systemic structural inequality.
Cell-to-cell capacity inconsistency evaluation considering temperature effect of battery pack with cloud data
Authors: Wang Limei , Wang Lei , Zhang Ying , Lu Dong , Pan Chaofeng , He Zhigang , Li Yang , Sun Jiejie , Shao Dan , Hu Liangyong , Wu Aihua
Published: October 2024

Due to the initial and dynamic differences of battery cells, cell-to-cell capacity inconsistency exists in a battery pack. Considering the difference between the laboratory data and the operation data, this paper studies the battery pack capacity inconsistency of an electric vehicle based on cloud data. Firstly, the characteristic of different charge modes is analyzed, and the charge segment suitable for Incremental Capacity (IC) calculation is screened. Secondly, the Probability Density Frequency (PDF) method is introduced to obtain a relatively smooth IC curve considering voltage accuracy and sampling frequency. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the IC curve calculated by the low-precision cloud data is verified by high-precision laboratory test data. Based on the characteristic peak height of IC curve, an in-depth analysis of the correlation between capacity inconsistency and temperature difference is carried out. Results show that capacity consistency is affected by temperature difference. Fortunately, the capacity inconsistency affected by the temperature difference is recoverable. Subsequently, the normal distribution of battery capacity is detected, and the results show that the distribution of battery cell capacity is also subjected to the temperature. Finally, a battery cell capacity classification method considering temperature effect is proposed to realize low-capacity battery detection. The proposed method can achieve the detection of low capacity state batteries.
Unsteady numerical simulations of aircraft icing based on the dynamic grid method
Authors: Cao Yan , Bian Qingyong , Zhu Chenxiang , Wang Yibin , Zhu Chunling , Guo Wei
Published: October 2024

In this study, an unsteady numerical simulation method based on dynamic grids was established to solve unsteady aircraft icing processes. The dual-time step method was used to achieve the time advancement of the transient airflow and droplets fields. The droplets trajectory was calculated using the Euler method, which incorporates a supercooled large droplets model. The transient evolution of the water film and ice layer on the substrate surface was considered in the icing thermodynamic model. The accuracy of the unsteady method for ice-shape prediction was verified via comparison and analysis of numerical examples. Additionally, the rime and glaze ice formation processes were explored, and the coupling effects of ice horn growth and the air convective heat transfer coefficient, water collection coefficient, and water film flow on the substrate surface were studied. The ice shapes calculated by unsteady and quasi-steady methods were compared. The results indicated that the latter predicts a larger icing range than the former. Moreover, there may be more obvious distinctions between these two methods in predicting glaze ice.
Antibacterial performance of nanosecond laser irradiated zirconium-based bulk metallic glass
Authors: Du Cezhi , Wang Chengyong , Sui Jianbo , Zheng Lijuan
Published: October 2024

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to the outstanding physical, chemical, and biomedical characteristics. The biomedical application of metallic glass also received extensive attention. This report investigates the interplay among antibacterial performance, crystallization and processing parameters of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-BMG) following nanosecond laser irradiation. We examined surface morphology, crystallization behavior, surface quality, binding energy, and ion release properties post-laser irradiation. Additionally, we evaluated the generation of reactive oxygen species upon immersion of Zr-BMG in phosphate-buffered saline using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate method. Staphylococcus aureus was chosen to assess Zr-BMG's antibacterial performance, while mouse osteoblasts were utilized to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity. Our findings revealed that at laser energy intensities below 0.08 J/mm2, the amorphous structure of Zr-BMG remained intact after irradiation. Moreover, laser irradiation significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance of Zr-BMG. The release rate of ion, concentration of reactive oxygen species, and antibacterial properties exhibited direct proportionality to laser energy intensity. However, surfaces exhibiting high antibacterial efficacy also displayed elevated cytotoxicity. The surface irradiated with a 7 μJ ablation pulse and 200 mm/s irradiation speed demonstrated a superior balance between antibacterial and cytotoxic properties while maintaining an amorphous state. We hope this research can provide theoretical reference and data support for the application of metallic glass in biomedical application.
Recent advances in chemical recycling of polyoxymethylene waste
Authors: Choi Doeun , Lee Jechan
Published: October 2024

The demand for engineering plastics, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), used in the electronics and automotive industries is increasing rapidly. It is becoming increasingly important to reduce the adverse effects of waste plastics on the environment and ecosystem and to achieve the goals of the circular economy. Pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal conversion, solvolysis, and electrochemical depolymerization have been widely studied as chemical methods to manage plastic waste. Chemical recycling is a representative and effective approach to recover monomers or syngas from plastic waste. This paper reviews the properties of POM waste, various reaction mechanisms and options of chemical recycling with major studies. In addition, the economic feasibility of chemical recycling of plastic waste is discussed. Finally, opportunities and future challenges regarding the chemical recycling of POM waste are suggested.
Weaving narrative threads with social psychological processes: Narrative modulations in online consumer reviews of a medical memoir
Authors: Huang Mimi
Published: October 2024

With the growing prevalence of health and illness narratives on digital platforms, research examining the social psychological processes involved in these storytelling environments remains scarce. This paper addresses this research gap by conducting a mixed-methods study of digital storytelling within the UK’s healthcare context, focusing on online consumer reviews of the medical memoir, Do no harm: stories of life, death and brain surgery (Marsh, 2014). Utilising computer-assisted text analysis methods of LIWC-22 and the Sketch Engine, linguistic cues for cognitive, affective, social and perceptual processes are identified in a corpus of online consumer reviews. A subsequent qualitative analysis, based on ‘narrative modulation’ (Huang, 2024, 2020), investigates the role of these processes in constructing and developing storylines across the user reviews. Finally, the study explores how consumer reviews in the form of ‘small stories’ challenge canonical narratives in the UK’s healthcare services. This research advances the field of narrative studies by emphasising the role of social psychological processes (Chung and Pennebaker, 2019) in modulating emerging, evolving and counter narratives in digital storytelling. The findings reveal an instrumental role of social psychological processes, as signalled by linguistic cues, in shaping narrative threads in online user reviews. This study not only develops narrative modulation as a valuable concept for narrative analysis, but also underscores its effectiveness when combined with computer-assisted text analysis tools for in-depth examinations of narrative data. Furthermore, it provides critical insights into digital storytelling in healthcare contexts, promoting knowledge transfer across narrative studies, stylistics, social psychology and medical humanities.
Resilience, compassion fatigue, moral distress and moral injury of nurses
Authors: Albaqawi Hamdan Mohammad , Alshammari Mohammed Hamdan
Published: October 2024

Background: Compassion fatigue, moral distress, and moral injury are interconnected phenomena that have a detrimental impact on the delivery of nursing care. Nurses possess the inherent resilience necessary to effectively handle these three adverse occurrences. Aim: To determine the mediating impact of resilience on compassion fatigue, moral distress, and moral injury among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Design: The final product was a structural equation model (SEM) generated using a quantitative correlation cross-sectional design, and we followed the STROBE guidelines for this study. Methods: The study involved a sample of 511 staff nurses, who were selected using consecutive sampling. The study was conducted in three government hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Ethical considerations: This study received approval from Ethics Committee under approval number H-2021-151 on March 5, 2021. The survey’s description and consent statements were clearly presented on Google survey forms in both English and Arabic. Results: Results showed that resilience negatively influenced moral distress, while compassion fatigue and moral injury had a positive influence. Likewise, compassion fatigue had a direct, positive effect on moral distress and moral injury, and moral distress had a direct, positive effect on moral injury. Analyses also showed that resilience had positive, indirect effects on moral injury through the mediation of both compassion fatigue and moral distress. Similarly, compassion fatigue had a positive, indirect effect on moral injury through the mediation of moral distress. Conclusion: Because resilience enables nurses to adapt, it helps them overcome obstacles in their career and professional lives. Resilience is frequently cited by nurses as a protective quality. Moral injury, compassion fatigue, and moral distress can negatively impact the health of nurses. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Nurse leaders should develop programs and initiate efforts to improve nurses’ resilience as an important protective trait against compassion fatigue, moral distress, and moral injury. Patient or Public Contribution: There was no public or patient participation in this study.
Navigating the Nexus: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Evolving Interplay Between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability in Contemporary Business
Authors: Ovais Durdana , Jain Richa , Choudhary Shubham
Published: October 2024

This research, based on an in-depth review of 67 papers, explores the intersection of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability practices in modern business. The study underlines the distinction between these concepts and their evolving significance in the global business landscape. With a methodology anchored in the PRISM framework, the systematic literature review reveals key insights. Notably, it identifies the global adoption of ESG and sustainability strategies, driven by stakeholder demands for transparency. The systematic literature review methodology ensures a comprehensive analysis, providing actionable insights for businesses navigating responsible and resilient strategies. The study also points to future research avenues, emphasising areas such as social origins and consumer behaviour, alternative ESG ratings, ESG failures and challenges, ESG integration into valuation models, sustainable investment strategies in specific sectors and the impact of ESG during crises like COVID-19. The research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between ESG and sustainability. The findings offer practical implications for organisations aligning with ethical practices, meeting stakeholder expectations and securing a sustainable future.
Book review: Simon Marginson, Brendan Cantwell, Daria Platonova and Anna Smolentseva (Eds.), Assessing the Contributions of Higher Education: Knowledge for a Disordered World
Authors: Tilak Jandhyala B. G.
Published: October 2024

Simon Marginson, Brendan Cantwell, Daria Platonova and Anna Smolentseva (Eds.), Assessing the Contributions of Higher Education: Knowledge for a Disordered World. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023, 322 pp. £90, ISBN 978-1-0353-0716-6 (Hardback).
Book review: A. S. Bhalla, National and Global Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Leaders Matter?
Authors: Dastidar Ananya Ghosh
Published: October 2024

A. S. Bhalla, National and Global Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Leaders Matter? (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023), 267 pp. ₹10,715 (Hardcover), ISBN-13: 978-3031295201.
Book review: Hafsa Kanjwal, Colonizing Kashmir: State Building Under Indian Occupation
Authors: Joshi Manoj
Published: October 2024

Hafsa Kanjwal, Colonizing Kashmir: State Building Under Indian Occupation (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2023), 384 pp. ₹7,579 (Hardcover), ISBN-13: 978-1503635388.
Development of an Instrument for Evaluating Action Video Game Elements
Authors: Novak Elena , Soyturk Ilker
Published: October 2024

Background

Studies on the impact of videogame play on the brain and behavior demonstrates potential benefits of playing action video games (AVGs) for cognitive enhancements. However, it is becoming increasingly challenging to distinguish between AVGs and non-AVGs due to the emergence of new video game genres and platforms that incorporate action elements in historically non-action genres. Thus, more research is needed to understand AVG mechanics.

Objective

This study developed an Action Video Game Elements (AVGE) Likert-type scale for differentiating an AVG from a non-AVG and examined its performance in an AVG and a non-AVG.

Method

We employed standardized lab data collection procedures to administer the AVGE scale in undergraduate education majors after they played either an AVG ( n = 144) or a non-AVG ( n = 48).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor theoretically sensible structure: (1) focus, (2) pacing & goal setting, (3) challenge, (4) sensory stimulation, and (5) speed. Using an experimental research design, we examined the AVGE scale for its ability to distinguish an AVG from a non-AVG. Players who played the AVG rated the game significantly higher in all AVGE categories than their peers who played a non-AVG, thus providing empirical evidence regarding the scale’s discriminant validity of the game. Additionally, we explored the AVGE score differences in players with and without prior AVG experience in the AVG and non-AVG.

Conclusion

The AVGE scale has a promising internal consistency and discriminant validity. Future research can use it for examining AVG elements in various games as well as guiding the design and development of video games that aim to enhance cognition and better align these games with players’ demographics.
Sensing Sociality: Disruptions of Social Life When Living With Chemosensory Dysfunctions After COVID-19
Authors: Neuman Nicklas , Lövestam Elin , Karlén Jacob , Sandvik Pernilla
Published: October 2024

Taste and smell are of direct importance in most social interactions. Radical disruptions in these senses can, therefore, substantially disrupt sociality. This paper focuses on the experiences of a particular type of disruption: persistent chemosensory dysfunctions after COVID-19. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 patients undergoing treatment for chemosensory dysfunctions and analyzed the ways in which their experiences have influenced social relations and activities, particularly regarding food and eating. The findings reveal that these dysfunctions have made the participants markedly aware that food and eating are pivotal to full participation in social life. As is smell, both surrounding smells and the perception of one’s own smell, with dysfunctions leading to several social consequences. Such problems are handled through both avoidance behavior and adaptations. While adaptations facilitate interactions, they come at the cost of feeling a burden to others or not fully appreciating an event (e.g., a shared meal). Social support is of great importance, ranging from minor practical assistance, such as a friend checking if the milk is sour, to the profound emotional relief felt from empathic treatment and recognition that the problems are real. Here, healthcare professionals can play a vital role, even in the (perceived) absence of clinical effectiveness of the treatment. The experiences expressed are partially in line with other manifestations of Long COVID and with chemosensory dysfunctions due to other illnesses, but only partially, since this is a patient group with needs and experiences that are unique, in that sociality is so strongly affected solely by disruptions in sensory abilities.
Tailoring Hospice Care to the Veteran Population
Authors: Kommer Curtis G , Nadolny Autumn
Published: October 2024

United States Military Veterans are an increasingly elderly population, and more and more veterans are choosing hospice care at the end of life. These veterans, particularly if they served in combat, can bring unique management challenges and opportunities to a hospice team. This review highlights the physical and psychosocial traumas experienced by many veterans, and discusses how these issues can affect their hospice care. Traumatic injury-related issues such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, insomnia, and chronic headaches can worsen for veterans at the end of life, and the psychological sequelae of these traumatic events such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Chronic Anxiety, Substance Abuse, and increased risk of suicide can also be magnified during this time. This review details these and other commonly seen service-related comorbidities, and offers evidence-based recommendations regarding their diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it discusses what is important to veterans at the end of life, and provides suggestions on how hospice programs can individualize and optimize their care of this special population. Honoring their service and respecting their sacrifices are also important aspects of “Best Care” for veterans at the end of life, and this review provides suggestions on how to do so and includes a list of resources that can greatly assist hospice programs, veterans, and families in delivering the most respectful, comprehensive, and thoughtful care possible.
Consider the Siblings: A Mixed-Method Study on the Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Having a Sibling With a Physical and/or Cognitive Disability and Perceived Support
Authors: Steed Lily Capri , Langlais Michael
Published: October 2024

The goal of this study is to understand the short-term and long-term consequences of having a sibling who has a physical and/or cognitive disability for short-term and long-term psychological well-being and the perceived support available to these individuals. According to family systems theory, if there is a lack of support provided to individuals with a sibling with a disability, that individual may experience disruptions to their psychological well-being due to the disequilibrium in one or more dyads within the system. Using a mixed-method approach, emerging adults who have a sibling with a physical and/or cognitive disability participated in one-on-one interviews via Zoom (N = 13) or completed an online survey (N = 63). Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analytic approach, and quantitative data were analyzed using linear regression. Quantitative results revealed minor short-term consequences and no long-term consequences for psychological well-being, but qualitative results revealed strained relationships with siblings and parents, lack of parental attention, lack of information about sibling's diagnosis, and the child playing a parental role. Quantitative and qualitative data also revealed that parental support contributed the most to psychological well-being, in addition to educational support and developing a close relationship with the sibling. Implications for family systems theory and families with a child with a disability are discussed.
Latin American Challenges and Recommendations for Poly Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose Polymerase Inhibitor Treatment in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Expert Overview
Authors: Borges dos Reis Rodolfo , Aguilar-Ponce José L. , Cayol Federico , Jansen Angela M. , K Ray Manneh , Merino Tomas R , Sanku Gayatri , Vaca Laura B. , Isaacsson Velho Pedro , Korbenfeld Ernesto P.
Published: October 2024

In Latin America, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer overall and the most common in men, with the highest mortality rate of all cancers. In 2022, there were approximately 22,985 new prostate cancer cases and 61,056 deaths from prostate cancer in the region. Patients with metastatic disease that is resistant to cure by castration now have multiple therapeutic options, including poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors. These treatment advances present new challenges, such as developing monitoring protocols for early detection of disease progression to castration resistance. The Americas Health Foundation organized a 3-day meeting with 8 regional oncologists and pathologists to create a paper on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy, including the new poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors. The panel examined metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Latin America and recommended ways to improve patient care using published literature and their expertise. Gene mutations play an important role in prostate cancer development. Precision medicine innovations highlight the importance of genotyping DNA variants and tumor biomarkers for targeted treatment. Access to appropriate genetic testing is difficult, medications are available but expensive, and there is a lack of infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that prevent patients from benefiting from innovative therapies. The panel recommends developing a population database and biobank and creating tumor tissue collection, processing, and storage facilities. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed to integrate the information gathered, train staff, select target populations, improve patient accessibility, and reduce the cost burden of drugs, genetic counselors, and cancer geneticists in Latin America. Collaboration is essential among healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations to address these challenges and needs in Latin America.
A Dangerous Opportunity: Recommendations for Dismantling Racism in Psychology in the United States
Authors: Leong Frederick T. L. , Blume Arthur W. , Faye Cathy
Published: October 2024

Introduction to the special issue entitled, A Dangerous Opportunity: Recommendations for Dismantling Racism in Psychology in the United States. It s based on both the APA Apology and the related APA Resolution on Dismantling Racism. Using the lens provided by the History Chronology that served as the foundation for the APA Apology, articles in this special issue offer a review of the antecedents, behaviors and consequences of racism in Psychology. The articles also offer recommendations for change along the domains of Science, Education, Practice and Policy.
Employing artificial intelligence to steer exascale workflows with colmena
Authors: Ward Logan , Pauloski J. Gregory , Hayot-Sasson Valerie , Babuji Yadu , Brace Alexander , Chard Ryan , Chard Kyle , Thakur Rajeev , Foster Ian
Published: October 2024

Computational workflows are a common class of application on supercomputers, yet the loosely coupled and heterogeneous nature of workflows often fails to take full advantage of their capabilities. We created Colmena to leverage the massive parallelism of a supercomputer by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn from and adapt a workflow as it executes. Colmena allows scientists to define how their application should respond to events (e.g., task completion) as a series of cooperative agents. In this paper, we describe the design of Colmena, the challenges we overcame while deploying applications on exascale systems, and the science workflows we have enhanced through interweaving AI. The scaling challenges we discuss include developing steering strategies that maximize node utilization, introducing data fabrics that reduce communication overhead of data-intensive tasks, and implementing workflow tasks that cache costly operations between invocations. These innovations coupled with a variety of application patterns accessible through our agent-based steering model have enabled science advances in chemistry, biophysics, and materials science using different types of AI. Our vision is that Colmena will spur creative solutions that harness AI across many domains of scientific computing.
Exploring the Relationship Between Officer Safety and De-escalation in a Simulated Crisis Encounter
Authors: MacIsaac Audrey , Baldwin Simon , Semple Tori , Bennell Craig
Published: October 2024

Recently, there has been an increase in media attention and public interest in the use of de-escalation by police officers; however, concerns have been raised regarding potential risks to officer safety. The literature examining the relationship between officer safety and de-escalation is sparse. Drawing on performance assessments of 122 active-duty police officers during a realistic scenario with a person in crisis, the relationship between de-escalation techniques and officer safety was examined using multiple regression analysis and multiple correspondence analysis; a positive (but imperfect) relationship between de-escalation and officer safety was found. The association between relational de-escalation strategies (e.g., active listening, displaying empathy) and officer safety appeared to be strong; less so for tactical de-escalation strategies (e.g., pre-planning, self-control). However, it is unclear whether relational strategies increase officer safety, or whether greater officer safety allows relational strategies to be used. Future research is needed to understand this relationship and determine whether similar results are found in more naturalistic settings.
Feasibility of Bioremediation of Iron-Contaminated Water Using Trichonephila Clavipes Spider Webs
Authors: Ruiz Valentina Martinez , Londoño Victoria Eugenia Pizza , Suarez Marisol Gordillo , Jurado-Rosero Javier , Torres Martha Constanza Daza
Published: October 2024

Heavy metals are of great environmental and sanitary importance due to the toxicity they generate; therefore, a wide variety of methods for elimination in water has been studied. One of the approaches employed is bioremediation, which involves the use of biomass (microorganisms or plants), living plants (phytoremediation), or biomaterials to eliminate these elements. In this study, we investigated the technical feasibility of using the Trichonephila clavipes spider web as a biomaterial for iron removal from water by bioremediation. A bibliometric analysis was carried out, where the process variables and experimental design were defined using the Response Surface Methodology, and the iron concentrations were measured before and after the experiment using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy by dispersive energy. The model predicted an iron removal of 91.82% using 28.09 hr, 81.42 ppm of iron, and 0.062 g of spider web, with a relative error of 0.043 of the true value. This work is novel and presents a new methodology for the bioremediation of water contaminated with iron using spider webs. The results indicate a high efficiency in the removal of iron, which could have important implications in solving environmental and health problems associated with the presence of heavy metals in water.
Dynamics of Spatiotemporal Variation of Groundwater Arsenic in Central Rift Vally of Ethiopia: A Serial Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Demissie Solomon , Mekonen Seblework , Awoke Tadesse , Mengistie Bezatu
Published: October 2024

Background:

Arsenic is a well-known, highly poisonous metalloid that affects human health and ecosystems and is widely distributed in the environment. Nevertheless, data on the spatiotemporal distribution of arsenic in groundwater sources in Ethiopia are scarce.

Objective:

The principal aim of this study was to assess the extent of arsenic in groundwater sources and analyze the spatiotemporal variations in the central rift valley of Ethiopia.

Methods:

The study employed a serial cross-sectional study design and census sampling methods. The concentrations of arsenic in the groundwater samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority laboratory. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 29 software. Additionally, ArcGIS software was utilized to map the spatiotemporal distribution of arsenic. Furthermore, Minitab statistical software version 21.4 was employed to assess the correlation between spatiotemporal variations of arsenic concentrations in groundwater sources.

Results:

The mean values of arsenic in the groundwater samples were 11.2 µg/L during the dry season and 10.7 µg/L during the rainy season. The study results showed that 18 wells (42.2%) and 22 wells (48.8%) had higher arsenic concentrations (>10 µg/L) during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Thus, arsenic levels in 42.2% and 48.8% of the samples exceeded the maximum threshold limit set by WHO, USEPA, and Ethiopian standards (10 µg/L), respectively, during the dry and rainy seasons. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between arsenic in groundwater and well depth ( r = .75, P < .001), indicating a strong association between higher arsenic concentrations and deeper wells. Similarly, we observed a substantial positive correlation between arsenic concentration in groundwater and season ( r = .9, P < .001), suggesting notable variations in arsenic levels between dry and rainy seasons.

Conclusions:

The majority of the groundwater sources in the studied area are unfit for human consumption because they contain high amounts of arsenic, which poses a significant risk to human health. Moreover, the arsenic concentration varied spatially and temporally. Therefore, special attention is needed to reduce arsenic exposure and associated health risks.
Psychological, psychosocial and physical barriers preventing nature-based intervention participation in adults with mental health disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Burrell Mark W , Barton Jo , Reinhardt Gina Yannitell , Wood Carly J
Published: October 2024

Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are becoming a common mental health care referral option; however, little is known about the barriers to participation. Research reveals a concentration of evidence on the practical barriers with a paucity of guidance on the personal barriers as experienced by service users. This review explores what is known on the psychological, psychosocial and physical barriers as disclosed by adult mental health service users and the various stakeholders involved in NBI. Nine of the 104 articles screened met the inclusion criteria. The review identified a total of 47 barriers in which the majority were standalone barriers unique to the individual article or participant that generated them. However, other barriers suggest a level of universality with the greatest array of barriers identified in the psychosocial category. The review highlights an urgent need for further research on the psychological, psychosocial and physical barriers to NBI participation.
Intelligent vibration control of tensile cable based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Enqi , Xiang Sheng , Cheng Bin , Li Derui
Published: October 2024

Vibration of tensile cables commonly occurs in the engineering structures such as cable-stayed bridges, which may have negative effect on the driving comfort and safety, and further lead to the fatigue problems of the structure. This paper proposes a semi-active control strategy based on deep reinforcement learning and magneto-rheological (MR) damper, for the vibration control of tensile cables, and the corresponding algorithm have been developed. Through the interaction with the cable-damper system, the intelligent agent can evaluate every possible control parameter and achieve an effective control policy. Then, according to the real-time vibration state, the agent would determine an action current for the MR damper and thus change the damping coefficient of the damper, further make influences on the vibrating cable. Basically, the proposed strategy realizes the model-free semi-active control of cable vibrations. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed semi-active control strategy, a scale model test has been conducted, where the test cases of passive and semi-active control strategies are carried out and compared. Results show that, the semi-active control shows a prior performance in vibration reduction compared to the passive control strategy, with regard to the vibration profile, the vibration energy, as well as the energy dissipation of MR damper.
The Danish National Health Survey 2023: study design and participant characteristics
Authors: H. Jezek Andrea , Ekholm Ola , Davidsen Michael , Petersen Christina B. , Rosendahl Heidi , MØller Sofie R. , EghØj Martin , Thygesen Lau C. , Christensen Anne I.
Published: October 2024

Aim:

To describe the design of the Danish National Health Survey (DNHS) 2023, participants’ demographic characteristics and differences in demographic and selected health-related characteristics between respondents invited by web-mode and paper-mode.

Methods:

A sample of 25,000 residents in Denmark aged 16 years or above was invited to participate in the DNHS 2023 using a mixed-mode approach (web/paper mode). Web-mode invited were additionally invited to participate in an accelerometer study. The self-administered questionnaire included 83 questions about health, health behaviour and morbidity. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics associated with response and invitation mode.

Results:

The response proportion was 40.8%. Non-response was more frequent among men, individuals of the youngest age groups, individuals with non-Western backgrounds, unmarried and individuals from densely populated areas. The response proportion was higher among web-mode invited (42.0%) than paper-mode invited (22.6%). Paper-mode invited respondents were more often women, aged 80 years or older, and widowed compared with web-mode invited respondents.

Conclusions:

The DNHS 2023 is a national health survey including adult residents in Denmark. Non-response was more pronounced among some subgroups; however, calibrated weights were calculated to minimise non-response bias. The survey is essential for public health surveillance and can be used in health planning and policy development. Furthermore, the data from the survey can be used for research on the population’s health and health behaviour. For future waves of the DNHS, it should be considered whether resources should be used to invite people unsubscribed from digital-post due to the low response proportion.
Structural and acoustic behavior of a timber slab with wooden tuned mass dampers
Authors: Müller Theresa , Krtschil Anna , Mahler Michael , Knippers Jan , Leistner Philip
Published: October 2024

The increasing use of timber in multi-story construction has highlighted challenges related to the vibration behavior of timber floor slabs, affecting both structural and acoustic performance. Floor vibrations between 0 and 20 Hz and structure-borne sound especially between 50 and 100 Hz are impairing the user comfort and serviceability. This paper investigates a mono-material approach using wooden tuned mass dampers (TMDs) to reduce these vibrations in timber slabs, particularly in buildings with long spans. Eigenmodes in relevant frequency ranges are first identified, followed by the separate design and interdisciplinary integration of TMDs for structural and acoustic performance. The study integrates acoustic and structural design requirements through an interdisciplinary process, employing both experimental and numerical models. Results demonstrate that wooden TMDs can address both disciplines and reduce deflection in timber slabs and improve structure-borne and low-frequency sound transmission.
A comprehensive study of LPBF parameter influence in 316L stainless steel mechanical properties, macrostructure, and printability
Authors: Lopes Pedro , Zafar Fahad , Costa Catarina , Castro João , Matos João R , Nogueira Pedro , Magrinho João P G , de Deus Augusto Moita , Vaz M Fátima , Beatriz Silva M , Oliveira Luís , Alves Jorge L
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing, particularly using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technologies with 316L stainless steel, has proven highly promising in biomedical engineering due to the material’s exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This study, which is a foundational step towards developing porous bone implants, focuses on assessing the influence of a broad range of parameters - spot size, scanning speed, laser power, and energy density - on the mechanical performance and structural integrity of 316L stainless steel parts across three distinct specimen geometries: fully dense parallelepipedic, fully dense cubic, and cellular (lattice) specimens. By analysing 17 different parameter sets and producing over 150 specimens, a thorough series of experimental tests were conducted, including flexural tests, compression tests, hardness tests, macroscopic evaluation of the surface of fully dense specimens, and macroscopic evaluation of the lattice structures.e in powder accumulation within the pores of cellular structures, with higher energy densities (100 J/mm3) leading to a significantly greater retention compared to lower energy densities (66 J/mm3). This underexplored phenomenon has significant implications for the selection of parameters in the fabrication of bone implants. Further research is needed to refine LPBF printing parameters and enhance the quality of porous bone implants.
In-silico user study case: wearable feedback haptic device for rehabilitation
Authors: André António Diogo , Parente Marco , Martins Pedro
Published: October 2024

Soft smart materials have useful properties for addressing everyday problems affecting human health and well-being, having a positive societal impact. For instance, these materials can serve as sensors for breath monitoring or as soft actuators to stimulate muscles impaired by injury or illness. A notable example of their versatility lies in piezoelectric materials, which can function both as passive elements (utilising the direct piezoelectric effect) and as active elements (employing the converse piezoelectric effect). This dual functionality showcases the broad potential of smart materials in various applications. The present study is an in silico simulation of a wearable piezoelectric material (polyvinylidene fluoride - PVDF), using finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effectiveness of the touch sensation provided by the haptic device on human skin, using different actuators geometries and voltage input intensities. Moreover, the main active element, a PVDF-based soft actuator, was fully characterised in terms of the piezoelectric matrix, using an inverse finite element approach. In conclusion, the findings point to promising results when using this haptic technology for re-educational therapies.