bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning web application for predicting varicose veins utilizing global prevalence data
Authors: Rusinovich Yury , Rusinovich Volha , Doss Markus
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study aimed to develop a web-based machine learning (ML) model to predict the lifetime likelihood of developing varicose veins using global disease prevalence data.

Methods

We utilized data from a systematic review, registered under PROSPERO (CRD42021279513), which included 81 studies on varicose vein prevalence across various geographic regions. The data used to build the ML model included disease prevalence as the outcome (%), along with the following predictors: mean age, gender distribution (%), mean body mass index (BMI) of the study cohort, and the mean gravity field of the study region (mGal), representing variations in Earth’s underground mass distribution that influence blood and fluid redistribution in the human body, affecting disease prevalence. After standardizing the outcome and predictors, the model was trained using neural network regression implemented with the TensorFlow.js library and deployed as a web-based ML application.

Results

After 406 epochs of training, and upon achieving a validation loss (mean squared error) of 0.9, training was stopped due to no further improvement. The achieved test loss was 0.49, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.56, corresponding to an up to 6.7% difference between the predicted and true disease probabilities (calculated as MAE x σ, where σ is the standard deviation of the mean disease prevalence = 0.56 x 11.9 = 6.7). The likelihood of developing varicose veins, as predicted by the model, showed the strongest correlation with age (0.78), followed by gravity anomaly (0.30), BMI (0.27), and gender (0.15).

Conclusion

This study summarizes research on the prevalence of varicose veins by developing a web-based ML model to predict an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease. Using data reported in the literature, the ML algorithm provides a non-discriminatory predictive baseline, offering a valuable tool for future investigations into disease epidemiology.
Magnetic resonance imaging of focal organizing pneumonia: differential diagnosis with peripheral lung carcinoma
Authors: Duan Hai-feng , Dang Shan , Yu Nan , Chen Yuanyuan , Han Dong , Yu Yong , Duan Xiaoyi
Published: January 2025

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is the most common way to evaluate focal organizing pneumonia (FOP); however, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate FOP and peripheral lung carcinoma (PLC).

Purpose

To clarify the MRI manifestation of FOP and the value of MR in the differential diagnosis of FOP and PLC in comparison to CT.

Material and Methods

Chest MR (3D T1WI, T2WI TSE, DWI) and CT images of 72 patients (50 men: mean age=64.7 years; 22 women: mean age=64.9 years; 36 FOPs and 36 PLCs) were retrospectively analyzed. Two experienced radiologists reviewed all CT and MR images and graded CT and MR findings completely independently. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was measured by the two radiologists independently. Paired sample t-test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the ADC values and MR features between the two groups. Finally, the ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of MR.

Results

The ADC value of FOP was larger than PLC ( P < 0.05). Necrosis, abscess cavity, broad contact with the pleura, and focal pleural effusion were more common in FOP ( P < 0.05). PLC patients showed more ( P < 0.05) irregular margins, pleural indentation, and lymphadenopathy. ADC value can be used to differentiate FOP and PLC, and the cutoff value is 1048 × 10−6mm2/s. The sensitivity, specificity, AUC and accuracy of diagnosis of CT, MR was (61.1%, 88.9%, 0.820, and 75%) vs (72.2%, 97.2%, 0.950, and 93.1%), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with CT, MR can increase radiologists’ confidence in the differential diagnosis of FOP and PLC.
The role of four-dimensional flow MRI as an adjunct to endoscopy for predicting variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Moon Chung Man , Lee Yun Young , Park Sung Ho , Huh Hyungkyu , Kim Seul Kee , Heo Suk Hee , Shin Sang Soo
Published: January 2025

Background

Non-invasive approach other than conventional endoscopy could be effectively used for screening and monitoring esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB).

Purpose

To retrospectively investigate the role of four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an add-on tool to endoscopy for predicting EVB in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices (EVs).

Material and Methods

A cohort of 109 cirrhotic patients with EVs was divided into four groups: A = negative red color [RC] sign, no EVB, n = 60; B = negative RC sign, EVB, n = 13; C = positive RC sign, no EVB, n = 10; and D = positive RC sign, EVB, n = 26. All patients underwent laboratory assessments and 4D flow MRI using a 3-T scanner to analyze hemodynamic parameters within the main portal vein (PV), splenic vein, and superior mesenteric vein. Comparative analysis of 4D flow parameters among the groups was performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, and diagnostic accuracy was assessed through the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

In the main PV, all 4D flow parameters were significantly lower in patients with a positive RC sign compared to those with a negative RC sign ( P < 0.05). Patients with EVB had lower parameters than those without EVB ( P < 0.05). The AUC values predicting actual variceal bleeding was 0.762 for endoscopy alone and 0.770−0.787 for 4D flow MRI. Integrating the endoscopic classification with the 4D flow MRI significantly improved the AUC value to 0.871 ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Four-dimensional flow MRI may be useful as an add-on tool to endoscopy for predicting actual bleeding in cirrhotic patients with EVs.
Simulation study of irrigation system in the cross-pipe primary cooler of coke oven gas purification
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Shijie , Yang Yafei , Fang Hongming , Xie Zhao
Published: January 2025

The irrigation system is a key component of the gas primary cooler. Enhancing the uniformity of the water irrigation system can extend the operating time of the gas cooler, prevent the shell side from being blocked, and improve the heat transfer efficiency. In contrast to the high cost and long test cycle of factory testing, this article, based on a physical model analysis of the irrigation process, developed a simulation research method for the primary cooler irrigation system using the multiphase model. The study examined the impact of different water injection rates on uniformity. The results show that the optimal range for uniformity of irrigation water flow velocity is 1.1–1.3 m/s, and when the injection density is equal to or > 6.21 m3/m2/h, the water film distribution is relatively uniform. Changing the irrigation water flow velocity has little effect on the coke oven gas outlet temperature.
Application of digital twin technology in mining machinery education
Authors: Su Chang , Huang Hao , Wei Zhongliang , Xu Naizhong
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the application of digital twin technology in the teaching of mining machinery. Digital twin technology, an innovative approach that has significantly transformed engineering education and practice, creates dynamic digital replicas of physical entities in virtual environments. This allows for the simulation, prediction, and optimization of system performance without the need for physical intervention. In mechanical engineering education, digital twins provide students with real-time, interactive learning experiences, enabling a more intuitive understanding of complex mechanical structures. Students can conduct experiments and make modifications within a virtual setting, enhancing both learning efficiency and reducing experimental costs. Furthermore, this technology offers a scalable and replicable model for the future of engineering education.
Isothermal low-cycle fatigue and fatigue-creep of Alloy 709 using an unified viscoplasticity modelling
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Zhao Xu , Cui Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

An improved unified viscoplastic model (UVM) is proposed to simulate the cyclic viscoplastic behaviors of Alloy 709 under low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep fatigue interaction (CFI) loadings. And the effects of strain amplitudes and hold times on the model parameters as well as the relationship between the static recovery parameter and the accumulated inelastic strain are considered to reflect the evolutionary behavior of strain-stress hysteresis loops, the varying stress relaxation and cyclic hardening behavior. Moreover, an efficient numerical implementation is proposed using Voigt notation and implicit radial return method with Newton-Raphson iteration, and the consistent tangent operator (CTO) for the improved UVM can be simply solved using matrix operations. The proposed model accurately depicts the mechanical behavior of Alloy 709 at 750°C.
Here's to your Health
Authors: Alcaraz Mary , Hahnlen Brian
Published: January 2025

SEVEN KEY ELEMENTS TEND TO DRIVE HEALTHCARE LIGHTING DESIGN, WHETHER THE SPACE IS A MATERNITY WARD, NURSE'S STATION OR ANYTHING IN BETWEEN
Score One for Leed
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

POINTS AWARDED FOR LIGHTING AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAY A KEY PART IN GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
The Century Series: Pioneers Louis Bell: Editor, Educator, Engineer
Authors: Rambusch Viggo , Fagan Dick
Published: January 2025

The Society's third president was revered in his time as ‘an engineer of wide reputation and great versatility who added dignity and luster to the profession’
What's in Store for Retail?
Authors: Bauer Bernard V.
Published: January 2025

Exotic store layouts, an array ot new lighting choices and increasingly stringent energy codes have made retail lighting a dizzying experience tor designers. A few tips for finding your way
Making the Miracle
Authors: Deeb Paul
Published: January 2025

Tis ‘the season for Christmas lighting displays— one of the oldest manifestations of American folk art and a staple during the holiday season in • • one Baltimore neighborhood
Energy Advisor: Metrics Miss the Point
Authors: Warren Willard L.
Published: January 2025

Study after study show that good lighting is not just a measure of meeting illuminance recommendations and energy codes
Brave New Hall
Authors: Barr Vilma
Published: January 2025

At the Australian War Memorial's new Hall of Valour, the architecture and lighting combine to visually recount the stories of the country's Victoria Cross recipients
Trinity Triumph
Authors: Barr Vilma
Published: January 2025

A 134-year-old church building in downtown Montreal serves three distinct roles with a lighting plan that covers all angles
Newsmaker: The Veep
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

True to his futuristic job title, Acuity's Kevin Leadford is a catalyst for big ideas in the lighting industry
Big Tent Philosophy
Authors: Barr Vilma
Published: January 2025

Spatial reorganization and relighting of a tent-like 1950s’ synagogue in Beverly Hills creates an environment of contemporary elegance that respects its historical origin
Maximizing ROI through Good Design
Authors: Mellinger Dan , Samla Connie
Published: January 2025

A strategic approach to upgrades that leverages the expertise of a lighting designer can pay much bigger dividends than simple one-for-one replacements
A Page from History
Authors: Falzano Rebecca
Published: January 2025

The iconic Central Branch of the St. Louis Public Library celebrates its centennial with an eye toward the future–and a nod to the past
Fluid Lighting
Authors: Loomis John S.
Published: January 2025

Designer focuses on fountains
Lighting and Hvac
Authors: Treado Stephen J.
Published: January 2025

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning affect lighting efficiency
Instant Replay
Authors: Rice James D. , Jackson David
Published: January 2025

Holophane fixtures go into overtime, survive retrofit
Lighting Spans the Globe
Authors: Woodburn William A.
Published: January 2025

Bumping shoulders in a crowded world
Russia in Flux
Authors: Aizenberg Julian B.
Published: January 2025

Electrical illumination from a Russian perspective
Inherent Protectionism
Authors: Anisfield Richard
Published: January 2025

US lighting fixture industry leaves no open window for foreign rivals
The Evolution of Lighting Software
Authors: Stannard Steve
Published: January 2025

From humble origins to a new reality
Light Trespass: Problems and Directions
Authors: Lewin Ian
Published: January 2025

The lighting engineer's nightmare may have just begun
Research and Design
Authors: Rea Mark , Leslie Russell
Published: January 2025

Two views of the relationship between lighting and ergonomics
Optimizing Takeover Performance: Balancing Warning Information Amount for Urgent and Non-Urgent Autonomous Transitions
Authors: Wang Yu , Hu Qia , Shen Yanglin , Zhang Chengcheng , Yang Zhen , Li Hongting , Ma Shu , Zhang Jingyu
Published: January 2025

Informative warnings can improve takeover performance in automated vehicles, but improper or excessive information may hinder it. This study investigates the optimal amount of information in urgent and non-urgent autonomous takeover transitions. Forty-five drivers were randomly assigned to groups receiving different amounts of the selected takeover warning information elements. Each group completed simulated takeover tasks in four scenarios with different urgency. Takeover performance, situation awareness, and stress levels were measured. The results indicate that, in urgent situations, single-element assistance delays takeover response, while three elements increase failure risk. However, dual-element assistance yields faster response, equivalent awareness, and minimal stress. In non-urgent situations, having three elements leads to the best awareness and lowest stress compared with having fewer elements. In conclusion, an appropriate and non-overwhelming level of information facilitates urgent takeover performance, whereas greater information is advantageous in non-urgent cases. These findings provide insights into designing appropriate warning amount assistants for automated driving takeover requests across varying time-pressure situations.
Are Toll Facility Travelers Aware of Their Toll?
Authors: Leungbootnak Natchaphon , Cheung Evan , Pal Rajdeep , Ju Hyemin , Burris Mark
Published: January 2025

In 2022, the North Central Texas Council of Governments in the U.S. conducted a survey to explore the social equity and travel behavior of Texas residents who used one of six limited access facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region: two toll roads, two managed lanes (MLs), and two general purpose lanes. Driver characteristics and trip information were collected, including trip purpose and toll awareness. Surprisingly, 82% of the toll facility users did not know how much they paid in tolls for their trips. The median willingness to pay (WTP) of ML drivers who knew the toll amount was much higher than that of drivers who did not know their toll amount. This study employed a binary choice model to examine toll awareness and toll facility use. It was found that travelers’ awareness of tolls differed by many trip characteristics such as toll price, toll discount, owning a toll tag (prepaid payment), travel time, and trip purpose. Lower toll prices and employers who subsidized the toll payment led to lower likelihood of being toll-aware. Conversely, possessing a toll tag and longer travel time increased the likelihood of being toll-aware. Travelers taking home-based work trips were more likely to know their toll, highlighting the habitual nature of these trips and the significance of route planning in commuter behavior.
Osteochondral Fractures in Adolescents With First-time Patellar Dislocation: Three-dimensional Characterization and Association With Radiographic Features
Authors: Wang Annmarie , Torres-Izquierdo Beltran , Nepple Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Consequences of osteochondral fractures associated with patellar dislocation can be severe for younger patients. Precise 3-dimensional characterization of fracture location, size, frequency, and radiographic associations remain undefined in this population.

Purpose:

(1) To define the topographic characteristics of osteochondral fractures in pediatric and adolescent patients with first-time patellar dislocations and (2) to determine the relationship between these characteristics and radiographic and patient factors.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2015 and 2023 of consecutive patients aged <18 years undergoing surgical intervention for displaced osteochondral fractures in the setting of first-time patellar dislocation. Three-dimensional location and relative injury frequency were quantified with heat map analysis. Subgroup analysis of intraoperative osteochondral fracture size and location was conducted using chi-square testing and an independent t test at an alpha of .05.

Results:

The study cohort included 82 knees (80 patients) with first-time patellar dislocation and osteochondral fracture. A total of 97 osteochondral fractures were identified, with the lateral femur as the most common fracture site at 55% (n = 53), as compared with 43% (n = 42) for the patella and 2% (n = 2) for the lateral trochlea. Patellar osteochondral fractures were significantly larger than femoral lesions (mean ± SD, 258 ± 168 mm2 vs 126 ± 109 mm2; P < .001) and more amenable to fixation than femoral osteochondral fractures (fixation, 57.1% [n = 24] vs 15.1% [n = 8]; P < .001). Patellar and femoral osteochondral fractures were >100 mm2 in 78.6% (n = 33) and 32.1% (n = 17) of lesions, respectively. Patellar mean fracture size was significantly larger in the group with a tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance <20 mm ( P = .018). The mean osteochondral fracture size of the lateral femoral condyle was significantly larger in the open physis group as compared with the closed physis group ( P = .027).

Conclusion:

We found that the most common site for osteochondral fracture was the femur, although patellar osteochondral fractures were significantly larger. Factors that affect anatomic structure and ligamentous laxity appear to contribute to patterns of osteochondral fractures.
Association Between Joint Line Convergence Angle and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Tsushima Takahiro , Sasaki Eiji , Sakamoto Yukiko , Kimura Yuka , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: January 2025

Background:

A larger joint line convergence angle (JLCA) increases the stress load on the medial compartment. Few reports, however, have discussed the effect of the JLCA on the cartilage status and clinical outcomes after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To reveal the effect of the JLCA on clinical results after OWHTO. We hypothesized that a smaller JLCA improves cartilage status and clinical outcomes by reducing mechanical stress in the medial compartment.

Study Design:

Cohort study: Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 106 knees that underwent OWHTO and second-look arthroscopy during implant removal 1 year after OWHTO. The mean follow-up period was 5.5 (SD, 2.9) years. The pre- and postoperative JLCAs were measured radiographically. The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and the medial tibial plateau (MTP) were evaluated during the initial and second-look arthroscopy. The relationship between the JLCA and cartilage status, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at the final follow-up were evaluated.

Results:

Preoperative JLCA was related to improvements in the ICRS grade of the MFC and the MTP, with cutoff values of 2.6° (sensitivity, 0.700; specificity, 0.561; P = .016) and 2.4° (sensitivity, 0.704; specificity, 0.595; P = .028), respectively. In addition, the preoperative JLCA was related to KOOS Pain ( P = .037), Symptoms ( P < .001), Activities of Daily Living ( P = .005), Sports Activities ( P = .005), and Quality of Life ( P = .006) subscales using multivariable linear regression analysis. The postoperative JLCA was not related to the improvement in the ICRS grade of the MFC but was related to the improvement in the ICRS grade of the MTP, with a cutoff value of 1.6° (sensitivity, 0.704; specificity, 0.603; P = .015). Furthermore, postoperative JLCA was related to the KOOS Pain ( P = .004), Symptoms ( P = .002), Activities of Daily Living ( P = .031), Sports Activities ( P < .001), and Quality of Life ( P = .015) subscales.

Conclusion:

A smaller pre- and postoperative JLCA was related to improvements in the ICRS grade and favorable clinical outcomes, with a mean 5.5-year follow-up after OWHTO.
Advances in understanding the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on gut microbiota during cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhang Yinchang , Luo Wei , Zhao Maomao , Li Yongnan , Wu Xiangyang
Published: January 2025

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an indispensable technique in cardiac surgery; however, its impact on gut microbiota and metabolites remains insufficiently studied. CPB may disrupt the intestinal mucosal barrier, altering the composition and function of gut microbiota, thereby triggering local immune responses and systemic inflammation, which may lead to postoperative complications. This narrative review examines relevant literature from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI databases over the past decade. Keywords such as “gut microbiota,” “cardiopulmonary bypass,” “cardiac surgery,” and “postoperative complications” were employed, with Boolean operators used to refine the search results. The review examines changes in gut microbiota before and after CPB, their role in postoperative complications, and potential strategies for modulation to improve outcomes.
Economy and state: The politics of citizenship and universality in Gillian Rose, Hannah Arendt and Rosa Luxemburg
Authors: Lazarus Michael
Published: January 2025

This article examines Gillian Rose's understanding of the relationship between universality and diremption in the capitalist economy and the capitalist state. Adopting Rose's triadic discussion in The Broken Middle, I contrast her thought with Hannah Arendt and Rosa Luxemburg. Rose's investigation of the ‘political diremption’ of the modern state is conducted via a critical appraisal of Arendt's oeuvre. While Arendt is one of the most celebrated thinkers today, Rose's analysis has been virtually ignored. Strikingly, Rose makes a novel distinction between the problematic of diremption between economy and state in Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism and the idealism of The Human Condition. Rose argues that Arendt's shift is ahistorical and betrays the radical potential of her best insights. This critique helps assess current debates over universal human rights and the relation between the capitalist economy and nation-state. Identifying the exclusions of citizenship, Rose advances a politics of universal freedom from ‘the broken middle’.
Using Asynchronous Training and Emailed Performance Feedback to Change a Teaching Behavior of Preservice Teachers
Authors: Byrd Kelly O. , Allday R. Allan , Henderson Rachel R. , Francis Zachary
Published: January 2025

The current study used a multiple probe design to determine the effects of an intervention package (asynchronous training plus emailed specific performance feedback) on the rate of opportunities to respond (OTR) of three preservice elementary teachers providing small group mathematics instruction. The study utilized Swivl to record and upload lessons, which were viewed and coded to determine the rate per minute of OTR. Results show a functional relation between the intervention package and increased rates of OTR across all participants. Calculations using Nonoverlap of All Pairs (NAP) and Log Response Ratio (LRRi) suggest strong effects on the rate of OTR. Social validity was determined by semi-structured interviews, during which participants noted the intervention package to be effective at changing their behavior and simple to implement. Limitations and future research directions are addressed.
Safer Stimulant Supply: Program Outcomes
Authors: Haines Marlene , O’Byrne Patrick
Published: January 2025

Objectives

With nearly 50,000 people having died since 2016 as a result of the unregulated toxic drug supply, novel approaches to care are needed. A small number of Safer Stimulant Supply programs have been piloted in Canada, which seek to provide a pharmaceutical-grade stimulant medication replacement for the toxic unregulated stimulant supply. In this paper, we describe the results of retrospective Safer Stimulant Supply program medical chart reviews.

Methods

We extracted data from program intake and check-in forms collected on an ongoing basis by the clinical teams. In total, 28 medical charts were included in this evaluation. Data collected was reported using descriptive statistics.

Results

Chart reviews showed that over the course of the program, program participants reported an overall decrease in their unregulated stimulant use. Specifically, at program intake and check-in appointments, cocaine use went from a median of 10 points/day to 0 points/day, and crystal methamphetamine use went from a median of 1.5 points/day to 0 points/day. Chart reviews also showed that program participants reported increased access to primary care and infectious disease programs and improvements in housing status.

Conclusions

Our research demonstrated that program participants found Safer Stimulant Supply programs to be impactful in addressing ongoing drug use. Safer Stimulant Supply programs remain an underutilized but important harm reduction tool to address the drug poisoning crisis.
Notes on Abolition in Planning: A Framework for Listening
Authors: Kim A. J. , Knapp Courtney , Sarmiento Carolina
Published: January 2025

How can city planners support abolitionist movements? The case for abolition in planning must first confront historic and contemporary white supremacy, colonialism, and racial capitalism. Urban planning often reifies harmful structures targeting black, Indigenous, and people of color communities through affirmation of practices that uphold systems of policing and surveillance. Leaders in abolitionist thought, Kaba and Ritchie, among others, provide a blueprint for practicing planners for whom the incremental is perhaps more doable, but a critical reframe is required to move toward abolition planning. We briefly review emergent dialogues in planning pedagogy and practice on what abolition looks like.
Women Ridesharing Drivers’ Responses to Sexual Violence on the Job: The Role of Confrontation
Authors: Crowley Jocelyn Elise
Published: January 2025

One critical area where sexual violence has been underexplored is in the ridesharing industry in the United States, where women drivers frequently must interact with unknown male passengers. Sexual violence against them is categorized as technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the online to offline world, where services such as transportation are ordered through an online app and result in a person-to-person interaction once the driver picks the passenger up. Since ridesharing drivers are mostly independent contractors, they do not have at their disposal traditional legal and strong organizational remedies to address sexual violence; moreover, like all victims of violence, these methods usually can only be accessed after the incident has taken place. Instead, in the moment of sexual violence, they must often utilize informal methods at their disposal, including confrontational and nonconfrontational coping tools. This study uses qualitative content analysis methods on a survey of 32 ridesharing drivers (31 women and 1 nonbinary individual) who described 69 cases of sexual violence. It found that confrontational responses dominated, including the following: verbal opposition sometimes paired with physicality; canceling the ride, threatening to stop the ride, and actually stopping the ride; and threatening to attack the perpetrator, actually attacking the perpetrator, and threatening to involve the police. Less common nonconfrontational responses included emotional reactions; other strategies in this category involved ignoring the perpetrator, joking with the perpetrator, and changing the conversational subject. This study has important implications for understanding the contextual environment where confrontation is prevalent and strongly points to additional needed safeguards for drivers, passenger education campaigns, as well as app-based transportation corporate reform.
Efficacy of a Community- and Family-Based Intervention on Cardiovascular Fitness and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors Among Primarily Latino Families
Authors: Crespo Noe C. , Vega-López Sonia , Szeszulski Jacob , Todd Michael , Behar Alma I. , Ray Frank , Hartmann Leopoldo , Quintero Anabell Lorenzo , Hyde Eric T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Targeting cardiovascular fitness (CVF), rather than weight loss, may be a more acceptable and feasible outcome among Latinos.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test the short-term efficacy of Athletes for Life (AFL), a fitness- and lifestyle-focused behavioral intervention to improve CVF and performance among Latino families.

Methods

Latino parent-child dyads (n = 137) were randomized to either AFL program or a waitlist control condition. AFL consisted of 24 group family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness oriented 90-minute sessions (twice-weekly). Measures included 1-mile run/walk time, three-minute step test, accelerometer-measured physical activity, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, DEXA-measured % body fat, cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, and sociodemographic characteristics. Group differences at post-intervention were tested using ANCOVA analyses adjusting for outcome values at baseline and demographic variables.

Results

Parents were primarily female (93%), aged 38.3 ± 6.9 years, and 96% Latino and children were 8.8 ± 1.7 years old and 58% female. Intervention participants showed significantly faster adjusted post-intervention 1-mile run/walk times compared to control group participants (difference of −76.6 seconds P < 0.01 and −44 seconds P = 0.04, respectively). Parents also showed a significantly higher adjusted relative VO2 max (ml/kg/min) compared to control group parents (43.91, SE = 0.41 vs 42.93, SE = 0.44, respectively, P < 0.01). There were no significant post-intervention group differences on physical activity, BMI, waist circumference, % body fat or cardiometabolic biomarkers P > 0.05.

Conclusions

The AFL program successfully improved aerobic performance among underserved Latino families with no observable changes in adiposity. These results support that fitness may be a more viable and acceptable outcome among Latino families than weight loss.
Employing Synthetic Control Method to Examine Whether State Corporate Tax Rate Reductions Grow Manufacturing Employment
Authors: Landers Jim , Liu Ivy
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of reductions in Indiana's corporate income tax rate beginning in July 2012. It employs the synthetic control method to construct a counterfactual, or “synthetic Indiana,” using quarterly manufacturing employment data from 23 states that did not change their tax rates during the 2003–2018 study period. The analysis suggests that a weighted combination of Iowa (11.9%), Tennessee (69.5%), Utah (8%), and Wisconsin (10.5%) best predicts the trajectory of manufacturing employment in Indiana from 2003 to 2011 before the rate cuts. Placebo tests and exact p-value estimates are used to test the significance of the employment effects of the corporate income tax rate cuts, and a placebo-date falsification test is used as a robustness test. The test results suggest that the rate cuts did not impact manufacturing employment. Placebo-date falsification tests suggest that changes to the corporate apportionment formula from 2007 to 2011 instead positively affected manufacturing employment.
Cybernetic Society and the Demise of Democracy
Authors: Thompson Michael J
Published: January 2025

I argue in this paper that capitalism has taken on a new social formation characterized by an absorption of the self into the matrix of social patterning and control that has led to the diminution of the cultural and psychic foundations for democratic citizenship and politics. The increased expansion of capital into new realms of human experience and development has rendered modern society prone to anxiety and fragile forms of social security as the arbitrary powers of elites expands in scope. I trace the features of what I call the ‘cybernetic society’ before pointing to a radical republicanism as a response for progressive politics to the anti-democratic tendencies of late capitalism.
Fundraising Ethics: Toward an In-Depth Understanding of Individual Donors’ Perceptions
Authors: Faseur Tine , De Bock Tine , Timmermans Glenn
Published: January 2025

The rise of donorcentrism in fundraising often translates into donor-centric ethical thinking based on the idea that fundraising is ethical when it gives priority to donors’ wants, needs, desires, and wishes. However, nonprofit organizations cannot claim to be donor-centric without having a clear idea of donors’ ethical beliefs about fundraising. This study is the first to thoroughly examine individual donors’ ethical perceptions of fundraising practices by nonprofit organizations. More specifically, we develop an in-depth understanding of what drives donors to judge these practices as (un)ethical. Based on 52 in-depth interviews with individual donors, we uncover seven drivers: authenticity, honesty, effectiveness, accountability, efficiency, freedom of choice, and respect. Insight into these drivers allows fundraising professionals to broaden their current frame of reference and inspires a more informed debate on ethics when setting up, implementing, and evaluating fundraising campaigns.
Research on the chip formation mechanism of orthogonal cutting in particulate reinforced titanium matrix composites
Authors: Luo Tao , Huan Haixiang , Ding Wenfeng , Zhao Biao , Wang Mengxiong , Yao Ruwei , Wu Jie
Published: January 2025

Particle-reinforced titanium matrix composites (PTMCs) have recently become popular in the field of metal matrix composite research because of their outstanding mechanical properties. However, the diffuse distribution of strong reinforcing phases within a material influences chip formation, resulting in tool wear and lower cutting performance during machining. Examining the chip formation mechanism in PTMCs is crucial for enhancing machining performance. This paper explored how particles affect the chip formation process during the orthogonal cutting of PTMCs by utilizing both experimental and numerical methods for analysis. After characterizing the microstructure of PTMCs via image recognition technology, a finite element cutting model was established. Based on the dislocation theory, the effects of reinforcing phase damage and reinforcing phase content on the chip formation of PTMCs were analyzed. The results suggested that the chips exhibited a serrated shape with brittle cracks sprouting and expanding from the free surface. With a higher content of the reinforcing phase, the chip morphology of the PTMCs increases in terms of the degree of serration, and the chip formation process is influenced more by the particles. Furthermore, the chip formation results from a combination of thermoplastic shear instability, periodic fracture, and particle damage. As the cutting speed gradually increases, the PTMCs are more affected by the thermal softening effects, and the main cutting force generated during cutting gradually decreases from 625 to 589 N. Both the values and trends of the experimental results can verify the accuracy of the simulation.
Research on an equivalent calculation method of the sealing structure of subsea pipeline connectors based on dimensionality reduction method
Authors: Jiao Kefeng , Yun Feihong , Hao Xiaoquan , Wang Gang , Wang Liquan , Jia Peng , Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Lan , Gong Haixia
Published: January 2025

For the sealing structure of subsea pipeline connectors, it is crucial to understand the maximum equivalent stress of the sealing ring, the normal force generated by the pressure effect of the internal fluid acting on the contact area of the flanges and the sealing ring, and the displacement of the flange in the pre-tightening state and the working state. This paper proposes an equivalent calculation method (ECM) to quickly compute the values of these three variables. A theoretical model for the parallel contact of the axially symmetric object and an elastic foundation is proposed based on the dimensionality reduction method and Hertzian theory. Considering the contact and structural characteristics of the flanges and the sealing ring of the sealing structure, an equivalent hollow cylinder model is introduced. By combining these two models, along with the long hollow cylinder theory, theoretical formulas for the maximum equivalent stress, the normal force, and the flange displacement in the pre-tightening state and the working state of the sealing structure are derived. In addition, finite element simulations were conducted on the sealing structure of different sizes and working states. A comparative analysis was performed between the simulation results and the theoretical formulas results. The results show that, within the yield strength of the sealing ring, the maximum relative deviation of the three theoretical formulas is less than 10%. The theoretical formulas can be used for the design and engineering application of the sealing structure of subsea pipeline connectors.
A computational investigation into energy absorption characteristics of multicomponent facing-foam systems of helmets
Authors: Drane Patrick , Inalpolat Murat
Published: January 2025

The strategic utilization of facing layers is investigated as a mechanism to increase the energy absorption in foam liner systems for improving the protective performance of helmets. Energy absorption applications extensively use foams because of their ability to efficiently absorb large amounts of strain energy at low stress levels; however, many deformations are localized to a small volume of the foam available in the system thereby reducing the material system effectiveness. One of these cases occurs as the result of poor fit of helmets. This paper details a systematic computational investigation characterizing the energy absorption of multi-layer material constructions consisting of foam combined with a relatively stiff facing layer. Results obtained reveal that facings provide a mechanism to alleviate the effects of a small deformation area caused by both poor fit and thick comfort foam in helmets, though the facings must have substantial flexural rigidity of [Formula: see text] to improve the energy absorption of the pads. Energy absorption efficiency of the foam-facing system for multiple loading curvatures have been used to quantify the energy absorption improvements of the system provided by the use of higher facing rigidity, especially when the impact is near or past the edge of the pad system.
Superimposed reverse diamond turning of polycrystalline copper for ultra-precision optical surface finish
Authors: Tao Sai , Wang Zhanfeng , Jian Ting , Jiang Beibei
Published: January 2025

The precise manipulation of surface morphology and roughness at the nanoscale level is crucial for various engineering applications. This study presents the superimposed reverse diamond turning (SRDT) technique for polycrystalline copper, aiming to achieve exceptionally small surface roughness. Through molecular dynamics simulations and experimental verification using ultra-precision diamond turning, the nanoscale cutting process and its effects on the surface quality of polycrystalline copper are analyzed. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal detailed insights into cutting morphology, grain distribution, and cutting forces, providing a fundamental understanding of material behavior during the cutting process. Experimental validation using diamond turning experiments corroborates the simulation results, demonstrating the effectiveness of superimposed reverse feeding in reducing surface roughness and improving surface finish. The SRDT technique has been shown to significantly reduce surface roughness in polycrystalline copper, with a 30% decrease and average roughness values reaching as low as 1.25 nm. This demonstrates the potential of SRDT to enhance precision machining techniques, contributing to the advancement of ultra-precision manufacturing processes.
Effect of addition of boron and B4C coated diamond on the microstructure and compressive behaviour of porous aluminium composites
Authors: Parveez Bisma , Jamal Nur Ayuni , Mohammad Kadri Syazwan Bin , Ahmad Mukhtar , Qayoum Adnan
Published: January 2025

Owing to the growing demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace applications, porous aluminium composites are studied in-depth due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, higher stiffness and good compressive properties. The studies include enhancing their strength by the inclusion of strengthening reinforcements. In this study, the effect of boron addition in the matrix combined with uncoated diamond as reinforcements was compared with the effect of B4C coated diamond on the microstructure, density, porosity and compressive properties of porous AlSnMg matrix composites. The addition of boron in the matrix combined with using uncoated diamond showed least significant improvement in properties while the addition of B4C coated diamond revealed better results. The microstructure of porous composites revealed that the boron addition insignificantly affected the bonding at the interface of matrix and uncoated diamond reinforcement comparatively B4C coated diamond improved the bonding at the interface of aluminium matrix and diamond. As a result, the higher densities and compressive strength of 39.97 MPa and energy absorption capacity of 13.2 MPa were acquired for porous Al composites with 10 wt.% of B4C coated diamond suggesting the use of coated diamond in porous aluminium for enhancing their strength in applications as fillers in light weight structures for automotives.
Human upper limb kinematics using a novel algorithm in post-stroke patients
Authors: Jayavel Porkodi , Srinivasan Hari Krishnan , Karthik Varshini , Fouly Ahmed , Devaraj Ashokkumar
Published: January 2025

Assessing the kinematics of the upper limbs is crucial for rehabilitation treatment, especially for stroke survivors. Nowadays, researchers use computer vision-based algorithms for Human motion analysis. However, specific challenges include less accuracy, increased computational complexity and a limited number of anatomical key points. This study aims to develop a novel algorithm using the MediaPipe framework to estimate five specific upper limb movements in stroke survivors. A single mobile camera recorded the movements on their affected side in a study involving 10 hemiplegic patients. The algorithm was then utilized to calculate the angles associated with each movement, and its accuracy was validated against standard goniometer readings, showing a mean bias within an acceptable range. Additionally, a Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a 95% limit of agreement between the algorithm’s results and those of the Goniometer, indicating reliable performance. The MediaPipe framework provides several advantages over other methods like OpenPose and PoseNet, such as several anatomical key points, improved precision and reduced execution time. This algorithm facilitates efficient measurement of upper limb movement angles in stroke survivors and allows for straightforward tracking of mobility improvements. Such innovative technology is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals assessing upper limb kinematics in rehabilitation settings.
Pensions, policy drift and old-age poverty in Western Europe and North America
Authors: Anderson Karen M , Weaver R Kent
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses patterns, trends, and “pockets” of old-age poverty in Western Europe and North America since 2000, with a focus on five of the more financially resilient countries: Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. Despite major public pension retrenchment initiatives in several of these countries, increases in both the breadth and depth of old-age poverty have been limited in most of these countries. Increases in old-age poverty that did occur were largely “collateral damage” from across-the board cutbacks in pension replacement rates and eligibility that were not adequately compensated for by increases in means-tested or minimum pensions. Poor retirees have only rarely been targeted directly for retrenchment in these countries. The most consistent pattern in the case studies is the role of policy drift--the production of different old-age poverty outcomes as the social and fiscal context within which government programs operate change, but policies do not. It is the limited positive power of poor retirees (their inability to get policy changes enacted that favor them) rather than their negative power (inability to block changes that hurt them) that has been more important as a driver of increased old-age poverty where it has occurred.
Adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control based finite-time disturbance observer for a quadrotor system
Authors: Lhayani Mouna , abbou Ahmed , Houm Yassine El , Mahmoudi Hassane
Published: January 2025

The present paper introduces an adaptive non-singular fast terminal sliding mode control (ANFTSMC) combined with a finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO), designed to address the trajectory tracking problem of a quadrotor system under the influence of external perturbations, model uncertainties, and mass variations. First, the nonlinear simplified dynamic model of the quadrotor is derived using the Newton-Euler approach. Then, an ANFTSMC method is employed to formulate control strategies for both the inner and outer loops of the quadrotor system. Backpropagation laws are used to tune the gains of the discontinuous reaching law. In addition, the paper integrates a finite-time disturbance observer with the proposed approach to estimate and counteract external disturbances. The closed-loop control stability is verified using Lyapunov theory. To assess the effectiveness of the suggested method, multiple flight tests are proposed using numerical simulations carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Simulation results are compared with an adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller (ANFTSMC). Numerical simulations demonstrate the superior performance of the suggested approach in terms of convergence time, tracking precision, and ability to reject external disturbances and uncertainties.
Guaranteed performance adaptive fixed-time neural control for robot manipulators with disturbance observer
Authors: Huang Jianbang , Cao Teng , Zhang Zhe , Yang Shaohua
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the fixed-time tracking control scheme for robot manipulators within the constraints of prescribed performance bounds (PPB). Firstly, a disturbance observer with exponential convergence performance is developed to estimate the lumped disturbances and actuator failures, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is introduced to reduce the estimation error which generated by the observer. Based on prescribed performance function, an adaptive fixed-time fault-tolerant control (AFFTC) is developed using the back-stepping control framework. This approach does not necessitate complete information about the robot manipulator’s dynamic model, thereby making its implementation in practical, real-life situations more accessible. The stability of the proposed system is established via the Lyapunov criterion and the feasibility of the observer is validated.