bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mission and people of God: Rethinking theology and theological methodology in Asia
Authors: Lee Justin Joon
Published: February 2024

The 20th century brought unprecedented growth to the global church. With this growth came new and contextual forms of theology, as well as recognition of the limits of the Western theological tradition. However, compared with Africa and Latin America, Asian theology has been slow to develop in response to this shift, especially among conservatives and evangelicals. While several prominent names are often cited as representatives of Asian theology, their work has little impact on much of the Asian church, which is characteristically grassroots and conservative. Scholars continue to debate what Asian theology is and how to do it. This article explores some of the methodological implications of the global shift in theology, specifically for Asian contexts. It also identifies some of the hindrances to better and more relevant Asian theology: (1) a universal top–down approach to theology in Asia and (2) overly Western ways of thinking that have shaped the discipline. Finally, this article offers two possibilities for Asian theology going forward: (1) mission and the reality of God’s work in Asia and (2) the people themselves and the stories of God’s work among them.
Why Do Users Stop Pleasurable Media Experiences? The Dynamics of Media Experiences and Their Impact on Media Disengagement
Authors: Baumgartner Susanne E. , Kühne Rinaldo
Published: February 2024

Given the vast amount of permanently available entertainment content and the high pleasure that viewers derive from it, the question of when and why users disengage from a media entertainment viewing session becomes more pressing. We argue in this paper that communication theories lack a conceptualization of the disengagement part of the communication process. The study presents a novel dynamic view on media use, and argues that specific processes that occur during media exposure contribute to its termination. The assumptions of the theoretical framework are tested with an event-based experience sampling study during TV series viewing sessions among 89 participants (1,952 answered surveys). The findings show that negative and positive response states evolve (partly) independently of each other in the course of entertainment viewing sessions: Despite an increase in negative experiences of goal conflict, guilt, and fatigue, individuals’ level of enjoyment remained stable during a viewing session. These results indicate that negative responses do not necessarily interfere with the experience of enjoyment. The level of enjoyment was the strongest predictor for whether someone stopped a viewing session indicating that hedonic experiences might overrule rational decisions to stop due to being fatigued or having other things to do.
Between Suspicion and Benevolence: How the Social Status of Initiators Plays a Role in Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Assessments of Citizens’ Initiatives
Authors: Visser Vivian , de Koster Willem , van Buuren Arwin
Published: February 2024

Citizens with lower social status are underrepresented in participatory democratic innovations like citizens’ initiatives. Much research focuses on the barriers to participation that these citizens experience. The current study concentrates on civil servants tasked with advising on what initiatives to support and how. Informed by research on the social construction of target groups and the use of social stereotypes by civil servants, our work scrutinizes how the social status of initiators plays a role in the assessments of citizens’ initiatives. Grounded on vignette-based, in-depth interviews with civil servants, we conclude that social status does indeed play a role. Contrary to the conventional understanding, we find that: (1) high-status initiators are met with suspicion and low-status initiators with benevolence; and (2) high-status initiators are offered hands-off support, while those with a low status are provided with hands-on help to carry out their plans.
Salivary Duct Carcinoma Arising in the Submandibular Gland in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Hayashi Shuto , Bandoh Nobuyuki , Hayashi Misaki , Goto Takashi , Kato Yasutaka , Baba Shogo , Aimono Eriko , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

A 71-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presented to our department with a 1-week history of a painful mass in the left submandibular area. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular-shaped tumor with a diameter of 2.0 cm in the left submandibular gland and a metastatic lymph node with a diameter of 1.0 cm adjacent to the tumor. Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/CT revealed increased uptake in the tumor. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed atypical cells, suggesting salivary duct carcinoma (SDC). Left neck dissection with resection of the tumor and submandibular gland was performed under general anesthesia. Histologic examination revealed ductal formation with a solid, cystic, cribriform, and papillary structure with intraductal comedonecrosis, diagnosing as SDC originating in the submandibular gland (pT3N1M0 pStage III). Mutational analysis of 160 cancer-related genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a germline and frameshift mutation in the NF1 gene (p.R2408Kfs*14) and a somatic and frameshift mutation in the TP53 gene (p.C176Wfs*22). The patient received postoperative radiotherapy to the left neck area at 66 Gy. No evidence of recurrence or metastasis has been observed as of 10 months postoperatively. This is the first reported case of SDC in the submandibular gland in a patient with NF1. The mutational data by NGS may contribute to a better understanding of the oncogenesis of SDC in patients with NF1.
Multiple Retained Needles in the Neck of a Drug User: A Case Report
Authors: Bouzid Mohamed El Mehdi , Tbini Makram , Ben Ayed Mariam , Idriss Sarra , Ben Salah Mamia
Published: February 2024

Retained needles are frequently observed in intravenous drug users. However, an incidental discovery of multiple needles at the neck seldom occurs. These foreign bodies remain either asymptomatic or cause local and central complications that can be fatal. We report the case of a 43-year-old male having a medical record of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C who presented to our department with a 3-day history of a febrile lateral neck swelling. He reported a history of repetitive intravenous drug use and previous abscesses that were surgically drained. We noted a left and tender 8 cm neck swelling with torticollis. Computed tomography scan showed a collected myositis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in association to multiple metallic foreign bodies at the neck that were compatible with the aspect of broken needles. Imagery also showed a thrombosis of the ipsilateral jugular vein. No central embolism of a foreign body was noted. We performed a surgical drainage of the muscular abscess and managed to retrieve a 1 cm broken needle that was retained at the level of the collection. We did not retrieve the other needles since they were asymptomatic. The patient was placed under intravenous antibiotics for 1 week followed by oral amoxicillin-clavulanate with a total regression of the cellulitis. At the further follow-ups, the rest of the foreign bodies remained asymptomatic. Our study emphasizes on the importance of suspecting a retained foreign body in intravenous drug users to ensure an adequate management of the possible complications and to protect the medical team from incidental needle injuries.
Assessing the impact of health information orientation and health information literacy on patients’ engagement with health information
Authors: Hashmi Ferhana Saeed , Soroya Saira Hanif , Mahmood Khalid
Published: February 2024

Health information engagement can help individuals to find and use reliable sources of health information to make informed decisions about their health. This helps to improve their health outcomes and prevent unnecessary healthcare costs. Drawing upon the cognitive behavioural theory, this pilot study postulated a model to understand that the consequences of information orientation in terms of information engagement (behaviour), information literacy (cognition) and information avoidance (behaviour) in post-COVID era under health context. Furthermore, the moderation effects of health information literacy (HIL) are also calculated in managing health information avoidance beahvior. This pilot study is conducted in the context of social media exposure to health information by diabetic patients in Pakistani community. The proposed model was tested using Partial Lease Square Structural Equational Modelling (PLS-SEM). The data were collected from 166 diabetic patients (active social media users) through a survey. The study findings suggest that health information orientation on social media leads to HIL and engagement. Whereas, it has significant negative impact towards health information avoidance behaviour. Furthermore, HIL significantly increases health information engagement of diabetic patients. Also, HIL moderates the relationship between health information orientation and information engagement positively, whereas between health information orientation and health information avoidance negatively.
Does Richard Rorty have ‘anything to say to blacks’? Greater cruelties, lesser cruelties and the permanence of racism
Authors: Dean Nathan W
Published: February 2024

Richard Rorty does have something ‘to say to [Black Americans]’ and to their racially conscious nonblack allies in the sense that his understanding of liberalism, his prophecies about the future and his urgent appeals to the American Left all paint a picture of a white middle class fully prepared to make life increasingly miserable for Black Americans unless it is ‘protected from catastrophe’. Rorty hopes that this group will undergo a moral transformation that enables it to see past its narrow group interests, but doubts that it will. He, nevertheless, prescribes a politics of hope and appeasement as a hedge against both despair and backsliding. In so doing, he fails to appreciate the availability and the suitability of an alternative ‘racial realist’ (and tragicomic) posture vis-à-vis American liberalism inspired by thinkers like Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin and Derrick Bell. This alternative enables racially conscious Americans to respond to the intransigence of (certain) white Americans with cunning rather than by escaping into fantasies of a ‘dream country’ unmarked by the damage caused by racism and its long-lingering effects. I uncover and explore this alternative through Rorty’s warnings regarding the white middle class, a somewhat surprising consistency between Rorty’s brand of class politics and Bell’s understanding of ‘racial fortuity’, and, finally, through a development of Bell’s ‘racial realist’ posture combined with Baldwin’s ‘uses of the blues’ resulting in a ‘hard-eyed’ tragicomic sensibility sufficient to effectively pair continued struggle with creative consolation and resilience.
Collaborative working between speech and language therapists and teaching staff in mainstream UK primary schools: A scoping review
Authors: Mathers Alys , Botting Nicola , Moss Rebecca , Spicer-Cain Helen
Published: February 2024

Support for school-age children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) usually takes place within the school setting. Successful outcomes for children with SLCN rely on effective collaborative working between speech and language therapists (SLTs), school staff and families. We need to understand the current evidence regarding the joint working practices, relationships and collaboration experiences of SLT and teaching staff within mainstream primary schools, in order to identify whether sufficient research exists for a systematic review within this field, and to inform practice. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify what research currently exists regarding collaboration, roles and relationships of SLTs and teaching staff within mainstream UK primary schools, and clarify the nature, participants and concepts described within this literature. A scoping review framework was used, consisting of identification of the review objectives, identification of relevant studies, study selection and iterative searches, data charting and reporting of the results. Information regarding research question, participants, data collection and analysis and terms used for key concepts was extracted. This scoping review identified 14 papers, however, collaboration was the primary focus of only 5 of these. Clarity and perceptions of roles were key themes within six of the papers. Whilst facilitators and barriers to collaboration are discussed in all 14 papers, only 4 studies aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators. Teaching assistant (TA) views are underrepresented within the research. Drawing conclusions from the body of research is challenging due to the varied ways in which the key concept ‘collaboration’ is used. Currently, there is insufficient literature to carry out a systematic review. This scoping review highlights the need for research that considers collaboration within the complex social network of school staff (including TAs) and SLTs, in order to ensure that future guidance is rooted in research.
Effects of lower limb muscle strengthening on interface pressure in older adults undergoing inelastic compression: Randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Da Matta Eduardo Simões , Mosti Giovanni , Corralo Vanessa da Silva , Moura Glauciano Policeno de , Quadros Luciano Branco de , De Sá Clodoaldo Antônio
Published: February 2024

Objective

To analyze the effects of lower limb muscle strengthening on interface pressure (IP), static stiffness index (SSI), dynamic stiffness index (DSI), and walking pressure amplitude (WPA) in older adults undergoing inelastic compression therapy.

Method

Forty-three healthy older adults of both sexes (Age: 66.2 ± 4.4 years) met the eligibility criteria and completed all stages of the study (Resistance Training – RT: N = 20; Control – CONT: N = 23). Body composition, strength and functional mobility of lower limbs, IP, SSI, DSI, and WPA were evaluated before and after intervention.

Results

The two-way ANOVA with repeated measures demonstrated a significant time-group interaction effect on muscular strength for 1-RM [F (1, 41) = 21.091; p ≤ 0.001], IP in the orthostatic position [F (1, 41) = 5.124; p ≤ 0.05], minimum WPA [F (1, 41) = 10.999; p ≤ 0.05], maximum WPA [F (1, 41) = 8.315; p ≤ 0.05], DSI minimum (F (1, 41) = 4.608; p ≤ 0.05), DSI maximum (F (1, 41) = 8.926; p ≤ 0.05), and on the delta DSI (F (1, 41) = 7.891; p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

In RT group, the increase in lower limb muscle strength was accompanied by an increase in IP in foot dorsiflexion and plantar flexion maneuvers, both in the standing position (DSI) and during gait (WPA).
‘So being here is. . . I feel like I’m being a social worker again, at the hospice’: Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore social workers’ experiences of hospice work
Authors: Scanlon Hayley , Latchford Gary , Allsop Matthew
Published: February 2024

Background:

Social workers have a significant role in hospices working with clients who are facing death but there is limited detailed understanding of the emotional impact of this work on social workers. Research has highlighted that those involved in hospice work find the work both a struggle (e.g. because of heightened emotions) and rewarding (noting that end-of-life care can feel like a privilege).

Aim:

To explore UK hospice social workers’ emotional experiences of work and how this influences their practice.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospice social workers. Interviews were transcribed and transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Setting/participants:

Eight social workers from different hospices in the UK.

Results:

Five overlapping superordinate themes emerged: making a difference to clients and families (‘the difference made’), the emotional impact of working in hospices (‘dealing with people’s emotions, and death, and dying, it’s serious stuff’), the relational context of this type of work (‘awareness of affinity to connect’), the ways in which coping is facilitated in hospices (‘seen it coming’) and a foundation theme, connection and disconnection to values (‘(dis)connection to values’).

Conclusions:

The results offer an exploration of social workers’ experiences of their work in hospices; how adept they were at coping and how they prepared for and made sense of the often emotionally-laden experiences encountered. Their experience of the rewards and meaning derived from their work offers important findings for clinical practice. Further research is suggested to explore a multitude of healthcare professionals’ perspectives across country settings using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Melanoma and sex hormones: Pathogenesis, progressive disease and response to treatments
Authors: Taglialatela Ida , Indini Alice , Santanelli Giulia , Di Liberti Giorgia , Di Guardo Lorenza , De Braud Filippo , Del Vecchio Michele
Published: February 2024

Cutaneous melanoma represents the fifth tumor in terms of incidence in young adults, with a major involvement of males than females. Despite the significant changes in available effective treatments for cutaneous melanoma, there is still a proportion of patients that do not benefit long-term disease control with immune checkpoint inhibitors and/or BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and eventually develop progressive disease. In addition to the emerging biomarkers under investigation to understand resistance to treatments, recent studies resumed the role of sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone and androgens) in melanoma patients. In the last decades, the impact of sex hormones has been considered controversial in melanoma patients, but actual growing preclinical and clinical evidence underline the potential influence on melanoma cells’ growth, tumor microenvironment, the immune system and consequently on the course of disease.

This review will provide available insights on the role of sex hormones in melanoma pathogenesis, disease progression and response/resistance to systemic treatments. We will also offer an overview on the recent studies on the theme, describing the hormonal contribution to disease response and the interaction with targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in cutaneous melanoma patients, illustrating an insight into future research in this field.
Fractional dual-phase-lag thermal-mechanical response of an functionally graded spherical microshell with size-dependent effect
Authors: Peng Wei , Pan Baocai
Published: February 2024

Functionally graded materials (FGM) have attracted much attention due to their superior thermal shock resistance in extreme thermal environment. In addition, the memory-dependent feature of transient heat transfer progress can’t be reflected in the frame of integer-order heat conduction model due to the inability of depicting the effect of the past states on the current state. It is noticed that the size-dependent effect of elastic deformation has become significant due to the development of micro-devices. To describe the memory-dependent effect and the size-dependent effect in the functionally graded microstructures, the work aims a thermoelastic model by incorporating the fractional dual-phase-lag heat conduction model and the Eringen’s nonlocal model. To illustrate its application values, the modified model is used to investigate the dynamic performance of an functionally graded spherical microshell subjected to a thermal-mechanical loading. Governing equations including the modified parameters are derived and solved by Laplace transformation. The achieved results show that considering the influences of nonlocal effect and ceramic composition will reduce the thermal deformation under ultrafast heating condition.
Research on the Setting and Control Method of Centrosymmetric Short Straight Lanes for Signalized Intersections
Authors: Zhang Peng , Fang Xiaofeng , Sun Chao , Li Wenquan
Published: February 2024

A new traffic organization method has been proposed to address the issue of traffic congestion caused by oversaturation through traffic during peak hours at signalized intersections. This method involves the installation of approximately centrosymmetric short straight lanes (CSSLs) to facilitate the passage of through vehicles, aiming to improve the traffic efficiency at signalized intersections. Firstly, two types of intersection designs with CSSLs were investigated, along with their operational principles. Secondly, a capacity model for the CSSL was established, taking into account the probability theory and mutual blockage considerations, as well as a delay model based on vehicle accumulation under oversaturated conditions. Finally, the intersection of Nanxu Road and Huangshan South Road in Zhenjiang City was chosen as an example. A simulation scheme was designed using VISSIM software to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method by implementing CSSLs before and after the intersection. The simulation results indicate that this method effectively increases the capacity of the oversaturated intersection approaches at the intersection and reduces the average delay. Under different lengths of short through lanes and utilization rates, the capacity of the eastbound short through lane and its adjacent lane increased by 20.7%, and the average delay decreased by 14.2% in all cases. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the impact of short through lane capacity and the number of short through lanes on intersection capacity under different traffic volume levels. This analysis provides further insights into the influence of the CSSL on intersection capacity.
Does Crowding Have a More Complicated Effect on Public Transport Users with Respect to Perceived Travel Time?
Authors: Shafaati Mostafa , Saffarzadeh Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

The issue of crowding in public transportation has long been of concern. Numerous studies have been conducted to address this issue. It has become increasingly common to convert crowding to something more tangible, such as cost and time, in recent years. As a result of converting crowding into time, the concept of perceived travel time (PTT) has been introduced. Viewing crowding from the perspective of PTT may provide new insights into crowding and its effects. Therefore, in this study the PTT was calculated using the data obtained from both automated fare collection and automated vehicle location systems for the most heavily populated bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Tehran, the capital of Iran. A total of 429,000 PTTs were calculated, and then cluster analysis was used to determine that crowding has a significant effect on the PTT, not only for those who travel during peak hours, but also for those who travel during non-peak hours. Crowding therefore appears to have a more complex effect that persists over time. We conducted a time series analysis for some selected origin stops to test this theory. For stops intersected by other BRT lines or metro lines, the results suggest that the difference between PTT and nominal travel time for each block (stop-to-stop distance) increases over time, despite the start travel time not being chosen during peak hours for these stops. Based on the findings of our study, crowding could even affect travelers traveling during low-demand hours if viewed from the point of view of PTT. This effect is referred to as the “dynamic effect of crowding” in this paper.
Efficacy of transurethral botulinum toxin A injections for bladder outlet obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gavi Filippo , Ragonese Mauro , Fettucciari Daniele , Bientinesi Riccardo , Gandi Carlo , Campetella Marco , Marino Filippo , Racioppi Marco , Sacco Emilio , Foschi Nazario
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections in the prostate gland have been used as a minimally invasive option for treating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). However, the efficacy of transurethral BoNT-A injections for BOO is not well established in the literature. The aim of this study is to collect evidence on the efficacy of transurethral BoNT-A injections for the treatment of BOO.

Materials and methods:

This systematic review and meta-analyses was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. A systematic literature search was performed till December 2022. The study population consisted of adult patients diagnosed with BOO, who underwent transurethral injections of BoNT-A for the treatment of BOO.

Evidence synthesis:

Out of 883 records, we identified seven studies enrolling 232 participants, of which only one nonrandomized controlled trial was found. Four prospective studies and two retrospective studies. Three studies included patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies included patients with urethral sphincter hyperactivity. One study included patients with primary bladder neck disease (PBND). All studies showed significant improvements from baseline in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and postvoid residual (PVR) at 3 and 6 months. The adverse events were mild in all studies. Hematuria, UTI, and urinary retention were reported across all studies.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, transurethral BoNT-A injections have been shown to improve LUTS, QoL, and urodynamic parameters of individuals with BOO at 3 and 6 months after injections, and no serious adverse effects have been reported. However, data on the long-term benefits of this treatment are scarce, and more prospective, randomized studies with larger samples examining various injection techniques, dosages, and extended follow-up of recurrent injections are needed.
Societal Transformation Through Social Entrepreneurial Action Research
Authors: Castro Iana A. , Swayne Madison R.E. , Lowery Bryce C. , Gonzalez Gabriel R.
Published: February 2024

As communities experience social problems that negatively impact residents’ health and well-being, there is a growing need for unique, innovative solutions to address them. Researchers are increasingly studying social problems, especially those that require localized solutions. This article introduces Social Entrepreneurial Action Research (SEAR), a research process that uses social enterprises to advance an iterative cycle of research insights leading to business innovations. SEAR is driven by community stakeholders, grounded in research, and focused on ongoing societal transformation. This article describes the SEAR process and its theoretical foundation and demonstrates its application using a case study that provides illustrative examples from a social enterprise as it went through the stages of the process. SEAR is a method that can be used to address social problems with localized solutions that are community-based and long-lasting, and that result in societal transformation.
“Somebody That can Meet you on Your Level:” Cancer Survivors’ Perspectives on the Role of Indigenous Patient Navigators in Cancer Care
Authors: Groot Gary , Marques Santos José Diego , Witham Stephanie , Leeder Erin , Carr Tracey
Published: February 2024

Background

Cancer incidence has increased for First Nations and Métis Peoples in Canada over recent years. Despite a growing cancer burden, there remain challenges to accessing culturally appropriate and quality care in Saskatchewan.

Objective

The study aimed to explore, from cancer survivors’ perspectives, the potential of Indigenous patient navigators to enhance the healthcare experiences of First Nations and Métis cancer survivors in Saskatchewan.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 First Nations and Métis cancer survivors. Participants were interviewed by phone between May 2022 to March 2023. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes, categories, and codes reflecting participants’ experiences with patient navigators.

Results

Participants reported several supports to help patients with cancer through their cancer journey, including family, community, traditional ways, and First Nations and Métis health support services. Challenges to accessing care included language and communication barriers, logistical challenges, cultural differences, financial challenges, and gaps in care. Indigenous patient navigators may play a critical role in overcoming barriers by providing communication, translation, coordination, education, advocacy, and guidance to Indigenous cancer survivors. In participants’ view, the tasks of Indigenous patient navigators could vary, ranging from helping schedule appointments to advocating for the patient's treatment preferences. In addition, Indigenous patient navigators could be helpful bridging Western medicine with traditional medicine when supporting patients seeking cancer care.

Conclusion

According to study participants, Indigenous patient navigators could be beneficial to Indigenous cancer survivors in Saskatchewan.
Party System Change and Challenges to Democracy in Slovenia
Authors: Fink-Hafner Danica
Published: February 2024

In the context of a post-socialist party system, stabilisation is believed to be linked to democracy. Based on that assumption, it could be inferred that party system instability is not compatible with the consolidation of democracy. However, research has found that the destabilisation of party systems does not endanger democracy in Western countries. The case study of Slovenia reveals that dynamic changes in the party system and consolidation of democracy may also be feasible in the post-socialist context. There are factors additional to party system instability that may together produce a shift away from democracy, as happened in Slovenia in the period between 2019 and 2022 under Janez Janša’s government. This exploratory study of Slovenia has revealed domestic and external factors, which together co-create the particular outcomes of a fluid democracy, including several not yet revealed in the literature as relevant. The findings encourage further comparative qualitative and quantitative research not only into factors of democratic decline, but also of democratic stability in the context of multiple external shocks.
Numerical investigation on orthogonal cutting and damage response of CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Keyi , Cepero-Mejias Fernando , Curiel-Sosa Jose L , Mao Chunjian
Published: February 2024

CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks are widely employed in aerospace, automotive and marine applications owing to their superior properties. However, machining these stacked structures pose challenges due to the intrinsic difference in the mechanical properties of CFRP and Ti6Al4V. Such difference can induce distinct failure mechanisms and chip formation processes compared to those observed in individual materials. This paper presents an explicit finite element (FE) modeling to predict the cutting forces and analyze the induced damage during the orthogonal cutting process. The proposed FE model is validated using available experimental data for separate CFRP and Ti6Al4V conditions before being applied to simulate the cutting behavior of CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks. The effects of fiber angles, cutting sequences and cutting parameters on the cutting performance and damage mechanism of CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks are investigated in detail. This work provides insights into the cutting behavior of CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks and facilitates the optimization of machining process for such composite system.
Historicizing Black Educational “Choice”: Toward Black Educational Self-Determination
Authors: Henry Kevin Lawrence
Published: February 2024

The linking of school choice and charter schools to the legacy of Black alternative education and civil rights initiatives is a central discursive galvanizing and organizing tool for charter proponents, as it aims to provide legitimacy to the charter movement, while simultaneously coopting Black critiques of the institution of education to advance neoliberal restructurings of the state. In this paper, I posit there exists a conceptual and political distinction between school choice and efforts of Black educational self-determination, an approach to challenge white dominance and supremacy. The paper engages in a historical analysis exploring the history of school choice and Black educational self-determination.
Modelling and characteristics analysis of an electro-hydraulic proportional valve with a discrete pilot stage for underwater hydraulic manipulators
Authors: Gao Qiang , Lan Bo , Zhu Yong
Published: February 2024

As the harshness of the underwater operating environment and complexity of underwater tasks gradually increase, underwater hydraulic manipulators with high reliability and precision attract more research attention. To improve the reliability and dynamic performance of the traditional electro-hydraulic proportional valve (EHPV) used in the underwater hydraulic manipulator, an improved electro-hydraulic proportional valve with a discrete pilot stage (DEHPV) is proposed. In the pilot stage, two 2-position 3-way normally open high speed switching valves (HSVs) are used, and the initial oil spring stiffness in the control chamber is large enough to maintain the dynamic performance of the DEHPV. First, the working principle and configuration of the DEHPV are both given, and the coupled electric-magnetic-mechanical-fluid model of the DEHPV is presented. Moreover, a dual-valve hybrid pulse width modulation (DVHPWM) control strategy is proposed to improve the position tracking accuracy of the DEHPV. Furthermore, a co-simulation model of the DEHPV considering the multi-field coupling law is established to study the dynamic characteristics. Extensive experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed structure as well as its good dynamic performance and control accuracy.
Research on robustness of intelligent vehicle longitudinal active collision avoidance system based on equivalent external interference
Authors: Yuan Chaochun , Xiao Yang , Shen Jie , Chen Long , Cai Yingfeng , He Youguo , Weng Shuofeng , Yuan Yuqi , Gong Yuxuan , Yu Qiuye
Published: February 2024

The rate of fatal traffic accidents caused by sudden risks such as pedestrians crossing the road in violation of regulations and goods falling in front of the vehicles has remained high under the complex dynamic environment. The appearance of sudden obstacles/pedestrians will indirectly trigger sudden changes in sensor signals and control signals, and cause the drivers’ improper driving behaviors. At the same time, the parameter perturbation of the vehicle itself and the sensor noise and other direct disturbances will also put forward high requirements for the robust performance of the vehicle braking system controller. Traditional control methods are difficult to ensure the robust stability required by the vehicle braking system in the actual driving process under sudden emergency conditions. In order to improve the braking control performance and robust performance of the active collision avoidance system under sudden emergency conditions under the influence of its own parameter perturbation, sensor perturbation and other perturbations, this manuscript analyzes the accident risk characteristics of sudden emergency conditions, and establishes an equivalent virtual external force interference model [Formula: see text]. Considering the virtual external force interference model, self-driving parameter perturbation and sensor perturbation, we adopt the [Formula: see text] control theory-design brake controller. Under different perturbation conditions the [Formula: see text] controller, PID controller, and [Formula: see text] controller are simulated and compared. The results show that the [Formula: see text] controller can effectively suppress sudden emergency conditions under parameter uncertainty and external sensor noise interference compared with the PID controller and the [Formula: see text] controller, realizing emergency braking and collision avoidance, and having better closed-loop robustness.
Research on collision warning strategy considering characteristics of drivers and road conditions
Authors: Bai Shuo , Yan Yongjun , Hu Jingyu , Ding Haonan , Shen Lilin , Wu Zhongtao , Yin Guodong
Published: February 2024

Collision warning strategy considering different characteristics of drivers and complex road conditions is of great importance for active safety control of autonomous vehicles. However,existing estimation methods for Tire-road friction coefficient (TRFC) cannot deal with the problem of estimation accuracy degradation caused by state mutation. Therefore, an adaptive cascaded strong tracking unscented Kalman filter (ACSTUKF) is proposed to estimate TRFC. The proposed algorithm consists of two strong tracking filters, which are connected in series with each other. Fuzzy control is introduced to estimate the reaction time of different drivers. Simulation experiments and real vehicle tests are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Results show that the proposed ACSTUKF has a more excellent performance for TRFC than EKF and UKF, which greatly reduces the impact of state mutation. Moreover, ACSTUKF shows a strong robustness to driving conditions and road conditions. The established collision warning strategy is consistent with the actual situation, which realizes the adaptation of human and road.
Integrating deep reinforcement learning and social-behavioral cues: A new human-centric cyber-physical approach in automated vehicle decision-making
Authors: Taghavifar Hamid , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a novel human-centric approach to enhance decision-making for autonomous vehicles in complex urban driving situations by integrating Deep Q-Network (DQN) reinforcement learning and social value orientation. In the proposed method, a deep neural network (DNN) is employed to approximate the optimal Q-values for various states and actions in the space of possible actions and reachable states. In order to improve the optimization convergence, an Adam optimization is proposed by combining the advantages of adaptive learning rates and momentum methods. The proposed framework also incorporates a collision avoidance component that allows vehicles to navigate safely through pedestrian crossings. The proposed method is validated through simulation experiments, which show that the proposed approach outperforms traditional decision-making and RL methods in terms of safety and efficiency. Finally, the results demonstrate that integrating social value orientation and DQN-RL can lead to more human-like and socially compliant decision-making frameworks for automated vehicles. This research contributes to developing a new human-centric cyber-physical approach for automated vehicle decision-making and has significant implications for designing future intelligent transportation systems.
H∞ control of switched Lurie systems with dwell time
Authors: Zhao Wenxiu , Sun Yuangong
Published: February 2024

This article deals with the [Formula: see text] control problems of switched Lurie systems. Our purpose is to design switching signals and state feedback controllers with time-varying control gains that make the closed-loop switched Lurie systems absolutely stable. Based on switched time-varying Lyapunov–Lurie function, time-varying controllers corresponding to two kinds of switching signals are proposed. On this basis, the control synthesis conditions are given. It is worth mentioning that our results can deal with the situation that all subsystems are not stabilizable. Finally, the obtained results are applied to a flexible joint robotic arm model with switchings of parameter values. Another simulation example of switched Lurie systems is considered to illustrate the validity of the presented approaches.
The Sinking of HBOS: An Invaluable Lesson to the Contemporary Banking and Finance Sector
Authors: Chebolu Radhamohan , Perepu Indu , Kumar K. B. S. , Ramaiah T. Sita
Published: February 2024

HBOS plc, a UK-based financial institution, initially appeared as a remarkable success story in the banking industry. 2001 marked a pivotal moment when Halifax and Bank of Scotland joined forces to create HBOS. For the subsequent six years, it achieved substantial double-digit profits, solidifying its position. In 2007, the bank’s market capitalization soared to an impressive £40 billion.

While HBOS garnered accolades from analysts and brokers for its apparent success, beneath the surface, its business model proved susceptible to economic fluctuations due to what was identified as a flawed strategy and inadequate risk management practices. These critical shortcomings left the bank ill-prepared to navigate the global financial crisis. In October 2008, HBOS faced a severe crisis and ultimately merged with Lloyds Banking Group.

This case delves into the intricacies of HBOS’s strategy, internal and external governance issues and the changing business environment. It serves as an invaluable tool for students seeking to comprehend the factors that led to the company’s downfall. Several pressing questions are raised, including the role of accounting improprieties, the effectiveness of the risk management system, internal governance and the inability of the board and auditors to foresee the impending challenges within the company.
Dismal Management of the Sales and Distribution System at GEM Food Products
Authors: Chintaluri Manoj Gour , Bala Subramanian R  , Mehta Sunita
Published: February 2024

The case illustrates the challenges a newcomer faces in a regional leadership role within an already well-established framework. His struggles in managing growth and market shares bring to light the vulnerabilities in the organization’s existing practices. Participants gain insights into management concepts such as review mechanisms, gaps in the recruitment process, mentorship of new recruits and the resilience of systems even amid a change in leadership. The path to recovery involves delving into the comprehension of various indicators within the context of sales and distribution.
Book review: Lakhwinder Singh and K. J. Joseph (Eds), 2024. Reimagining Innovation Systems In The COVID And Post-COVID World
Authors: Sikka Pooja
Published: February 2024

Lakhwinder Singh and K. J. Joseph (Eds), 2024. Reimagining Innovation Systems In The COVID And Post-COVID World. Routledge, xxii+278 pp., £104 (hardback), £28.79 (paperback and e-book).
Point-of-care and traditional erythrocyte sedimentation rate, point-of-care rheometry, and cell-free DNA concentration in dogs with or without systemic inflammation
Authors: Clarkin-Breslin Rachel C. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: February 2024

RBC aggregation and deformability characteristics are altered by inflammatory, microcirculatory, and hemorheologic disease. These changes can be indirectly evaluated using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Newer point-of-care devices employ syllectometry to evaluate RBC rheology, which can give information beyond the ESR. We evaluated 2 point-of-care rheometers (iSED and MIZAR; Alcor Scientific) in 52 dogs presented to a university teaching hospital. Whole blood samples were analyzed for correlation between the ESR using the Westergren (ESRw) method (measured at 1 h and 24 h) and the predicted ESR using iSED. Plasma fibrinogen and cell-free DNA concentrations were also measured as probable markers of inflammation. The iSED-predicted ESR was positively correlated to the ESRw method at 1 h ( r = 0.74; p < 0.001) and 24 h ( r = 0.62; p < 0.001). Comparing dogs with or without inflammation (defined as plasma fibrinogen concentration >3.5 g/L [350 mg/dL]), significant differences were seen in the MIZAR parameters of base point, amplitude, integral, and half-time. Median cell-free DNA concentrations were higher in the group of dogs with inflammation (117 [range: 51–266] ng/mL vs. 82.7 [range: 19–206] ng/mL; p  = 0.024). The iSED-predicted ESR is a good predictor of the ESRw and was obtained more rapidly. Rheometric parameters measured by MIZAR may be useful in detecting inflammation and monitoring secondary morphologic and functional changes in canine RBCs.
Parasitism and branchitis in various fish species from 4 Cook County, Illinois inland freshwater lakes, 5-year survey, 2017–2021
Authors: Landolfi Jennifer A. , Kinsel Michael J. , Anchor Gretchen , Feldmann Michael , Anchor Chris
Published: February 2024

We investigated disease trends of concern for fish or public health in a 5-y (2017–2021) prospective survey of fish in Cook County, IL, inland lakes. Lesions were assessed in relation to fish species, lake type and location, season and collection year, and lake water chemistry parameters. Fish included bullheads ( n = 98), common carp ( n = 99), bluegill ( n = 114), and largemouth bass ( n = 118). Annually, fish collection and point-source water sampling were conducted in spring, summer, and fall from both seepage and impoundment lakes. Examinations included autopsy, wet-mount cytologic assessment for ectoparasites, and histopathology. No lesions of public health concern were detected. The most common abnormalities were branchitis (261 of 429; 60.8%) and endoparasitism (312 of 429; 72.7%). Branchitis was mild in most cases (189 of 261; 72.4%) and concurrent with branchial parasitism in 175 of 261 (67%) cases. Monogeneans were the most common gill parasites but did not influence branchitis severity (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.484). Using generalized ordered logistic regression, predictors of branchitis severity included fish species ( p < 0.001), the interaction of lake or location and alkalinity ( p < 0.001), and water temperature or season ( p < 0.001). Endoparasites included tissue larval trematodes (metacercaria), nematodes, and cestodes (plerocercoids), enteric acanthocephalans, gastric trematodes, renal myxosporidia, biliary and gall bladder myxosporidia, enteric cestodes, and tissue microsporidia. Using generalized ordered logistic regression, variables influencing endoparasitism severity included species ( p < 0.001), year ( p < 0.001), chloride level ( p = 0.009), and the interaction of year and chloride level ( p < 0.001). Our results suggested overall good health of fish in sampled Cook County inland lakes and provide a foundation for continued monitoring of ecosystem and public health in the urban environment.