bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conclusion
Authors: Mehl Margaret
Published: May 2024

The Conclusion, after briefly outlining how the changes in musical culture in the 1920s made themselves felt in Sendai, returns to the larger framework, placing emergence of a new musical culture in Sendai into the context of national consolidation, as well as Japan growing importance on the international stage after the First World War. This leads back to the question posed in this introduction: what can music contribute to our understanding of history?

The case of Japan demonstrates that music and musical modernization were an integral part of Japan’s transformation towards a modern nation. As in other areas, the transformation was motivated by the need to respond to Western dominance, and inspired by Western models. Traditional genres of Japanese music flourished in the period examined, although they were, ultimately, relegated to a niche existence. Arguably, this ensured their preservation as (supposedly) unadulterated tradition. In this way, Western and indigenous music each played – and still play – their part in defining modern Japan.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Ben-Yaacov Almog , Elbaz Nadav , Schtrechman Gal , Adileh Mohammad , Levine Olivia , Goldstein Adam , Beller Tamar , Halpern Naama , Margalit Ofer , Ben-Yacov Gil , Nissan Aviram , Laks Shachar
Published: May 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) pose an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer with especially worse prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) improves outcomes in selected patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases. Little published data describes the outcomes of CRS/HIPEC in IBD patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained CRS/HIPEC database. Outcomes in patients with and without IBD were compared for short-term outcomes such as hospital/intensive care unit stay, blood loss/transfusions, complications, and reoperations. We also examined oncological outcomes including recurrence, overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

We identified 232 patients that underwent CRS/HIPEC for colorectal or small bowel adenocarcinoma, of which 10 were with IBD. Patients with IBD had lower ASA ( p=0.005), less hypertension ( p=0.033), and 30% small bowel primary compared to none in the non-IBD cohort ( p<0.001). Otherwise, demographic and perioperative characteristics were similar between the groups. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 7 and similar between the cohorts ( p=0.422). Extent of organ resections and peritonectomies performed were similar. Complications occurred in 60.3% of patients (21.2% major), similar between the groups ( p=0.744 and p=0.444, respectively). Reoperation rate of 27% was similar between groups ( p=0.097). The median OS in the IBD cohort was 19.6 vs 53.2 months in the non-IBD cohort ( p = 0.056). The median DFS in the IBD cohort was 4.9 vs 9.4 months in the non-IBD cohort ( p=0.174).

Discussion

Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with IBD has similar complication profile and trended towards poorer oncological outcomes as CRS/HIPEC in non-IBD patients.
A Letter from the White Highlands
Authors: Nixon David
Published: May 2024

This article responds to a challenge to examine my own position as a White theologian, firstly by waking up to its reality, and then by asking what comes afterwards. Two themes are examined: the role and the priority of experience in how we ‘do’ theology; and more broadly, how theological knowledge is constructed. From the elevation of my ‘White Highlands’, I ponder a suitable response.
Increased Fluorohydroxyapatite across Dentin after Fluoride Iontophoresis
Authors: Ajcharanukul O. , Kosakarn P. , Sujjapong M. , Berkbandee S. , Bussabong P.
Published: May 2024

Due to the multiple factors contributing to dentin demineralization and hypersensitivity among individuals, the effectiveness of the available treatments in the long term remains unclear. A recent study reported a simple strategy to potentially mimic natural remineralization with increased crystallization on the enamel caries using fluoride iontophoresis. Such an effect is also ideal for accomplishing dentin biomineralization and structural strength. This study aimed to investigate structural and compositional characteristics and permeability changes after fluoride iontophoresis with different polarities, cathodal iontophoresis (CIP), anodal iontophoresis (AIP), and the control without iontophoresis for the treatment of etched dentin under simulated pulpal pressure. The 24 premolars were divided into 3 groups: CIP, AIP, and topical application of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) for 40 s. Relative to before treatment, iontophoresis with both polarities significantly decreased the permeability with a visible increase in occluding tubules containing crystal formation and growth throughout the dentin structure and depth. The CIP not only restored the etched dentin surface into a sound condition but also reinforced the dentin across the structure and depth by the synergistic effects of remineralization, increasing crystal formation and transformation toward the more crystalline structure of fluorohydroxyapatite. Following topical treatment, X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectra revealed a significant reduction in the crystal size and crystallinity associated with the raised B-type carbonate substitution into the hydroxyapatite compared with that in the sound dentin. The result was the first to reveal the ideal strategy to rapidly restore the etched dentin surface into a sound condition, including reinforcing the dentin across the structure and depth by the synergistic effects of decreasing permeability, increasing crystal formation, and transformation toward the more crystalline structure of fluorohydroxyapatite using the 5% NaF applied with the DC cathode iontophoresis. The technique is noninvasive and simple and deserves further development for clinical application.
Confessions of racism in anti-racist education: Political, affective and pedagogical concerns
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: May 2024

This theoretical paper proposes to expand our understanding of ‘confessions of racism’ in the context of anti-racist education through the lens of ‘affective governmentality’. Confessions of racism are admissions of racism or declarations of privilege that foreground self-criticism and self-purification. The notion of affective governmentality turns attention to how confessions of racism function to normalize psychologized, individualized and depoliticized understandings of racism. Rather than outrightly dismissing confessions of racism though, given their probable persistence in popular and education discourses, an attempt is made here to re-frame them in order to highlight structural racism and inspire transformative action. It is argued that this re-framing could provide students and educators engaged in anti-racist education with a more effective path ahead. The paper concludes by suggesting that confessions of racism are used pedagogically in the classroom to revitalize attention to structural racism and transformative action rather than to foreground self-criticism and self-purification.
Textile Recycling and Recovery: An Eco-friendly Perspective on Textile and Garment Industries Challenges
Authors: Abrishami Shayan , Shirali Armineh , Sharples Nicole , Kartal Gulsah Ekin , Macintyre Lisa , Doustdar Omid
Published: May 2024

The world has been facing a growing crisis in textile waste due to global population growth and improved living conditions, combined with a decrease in the life cycles of textile products. Textile recycling is one of the key aspects for reducing the massive waste problem generated by the fashion and textile industries. Despite the need to develop textile waste recycling industries, acceptable practical interim measures still need to be taken. Textile waste can affect people’s lives economically and environmentally. Producing apparel from natural or synthetic origin can produce pollutants and waste at each stage. In this review article, the effects of the fashion and textile industry have been studied from economic and environmental perspectives. The available technologies and methods for waste recovery and recycling at each stage have been studied, and the uses of products after recycling have been systematically investigated. Despite all the progress made in the waste recycling processes of the fashion industry, many deficiencies and challenges still need to be addressed. Among the most critical challenges are the large scale of industries, the problems of collecting and classifying waste materials, and the presence of contaminants including blends and chemicals. There is also need for more awareness among consumers about the importance of fiber-to-fiber recycling processes, because to date the progress in this field is out of proportion to its necessity. Overall, this article is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the current state of recycling and recovery in the textiles, garment, and fashion industries.
Exploring self-care tools for Christian social workers to prevent burnout
Authors: Ratcliff Michelle
Published: May 2024

Christian social workers have a dual role providing social services with compassion, love, and a higher calling. However, due to these dual roles, many have endured burnout at some level in their careers. The consequences of burnout can be harmful to workers, the people whom they service, their families and their careers. The goal in exploring this topic is to assist helpers, social workers and leaders in ministries with identifying the stressors that lead to burnout and with formulating plans to alleviate stress by using self-care tools. They will use these tools to help prevent future stressors from involvement in ministry, family or employment. This article reviews literature that explores the impact of burnout on helping professionals, Christian social workers and clergy and provides self-care tools to utilize in preventing burnout.
James Gray (?1770–1830): East India Company chaplain
Authors: Jasper David
Published: May 2024

James Gray was for most of his professional life a school master in Dumfries and Edinburgh. He was also a poet in touch with the major talents of his day. Of humble Scottish origins, in later life he was ordained as an Anglican priest and was for three years a chaplain in the East India Company, serving in the remote post of Bhuj in Cutch. His short ministry was remarkable as he translated the Gospels into Hindustani and the local language of Kachchi, founded a school, and was private tutor to the local ruler or Rao. In many ways he was far ahead of his time. He died in Bhuj after only three years of service there.
Numerical study on the dynamic pressure control for self-forming roadways using CHRCT in thin coal seams with thick and hard roofs
Authors: Hu Bosheng , Wu Yongping , Yu Yang , Xie Panshi , Wen Hu , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2024

Close-hole roof-cutting technology (CHRCT, also called “dense drilling”) has been widely applied in coal mines due to its economic and safety benefits. Inappropriate cutting parameters and support schemes can lead to dynamic pressure disturbances in self-forming roadways with thick and hard roofs. Moreover, fully characterizing the procedure and process of self-forming roadways using CHRCT in the field is difficult, resulting in unconvincing results. Therefore, this study aims to fill the gaps in theoretical knowledge and methodology. First, the dynamic pressure characteristics of the self-forming roadway using CHRCT were investigated, and the dynamic pressure types of the roadway were classified. There are three main types: roof cut off along the coal wall side of, severe deformation, and overhanging roof of a roadway after the second working face mining. The effects of different hole parameters (inclination angle, depth and spacing) on the roof cutting to form a roadway were also investigated. The optimal hole inclination, depth and spacing of 15°, 8 m, and 200 mm were determined through a series of experiments. Then, three support schemes embedded in the roadway were compared in terms of stress evolution, bolt and cable axial forces, roof displacement, and structure. Finally, this study proposes a dynamic pressure mitigation strategy through the optimization of parameters for close-hole roof-cutting and support schemes, monitoring and controlling ground pressure in roadways, and taking auxiliary measures for pressure relief. The results show that this strategy can effectively eliminate the dynamic pressure of the roadway and meet the stability requirements of the full mining cycle. This paper presents a methodology for analysing CHRCT via numerical simulation. Moreover, this approach is of great theoretical and practical importance for dynamic pressure control for self-forming roadways using CHRCT in thin coal seams with thick and hard roofs.
Malignant Melanoma of the Sphenoid Sinus: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Pan , Wang Junwei , Zhang Gang , Jiang Haotian , Tan Xiaorong , Wu Nan
Published: May 2024

Malignant melanoma originating from the sphenoid sinus is an extremely rare but aggressive tumor of the head and neck. A 57-year-old man had a 1 month history of headache, right trigeminal paresthesias, and upper lid ptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass in the right sphenoid sinus and an invasion of the right cavernous sinus and clivus. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, and pathologically revealed malignant melanoma. One month after the operation, the patient was treated with radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the patient died of distant metastasis 2 years later. Due to its rarity, there is still no effective treatment strategy and no way to assess the progression of malignant melanoma.
Information technology integration implementation in public sector organizations: Exploring challenges, opportunities, and future trends
Authors: Madaki Adamu Sa’ad , Ahmad Kamsuriah , Singh Dalbir
Published: May 2024

This paper provides an overview of challenges, opportunities, and future trends in implementing IT integration within public sector organizations. Employing an exploratory research approach, the study conducts a case study and reviews pertinent literature (2019–2023) on IT integration implementation. Following the PRISMA flow chart, electronic searches in various databases used keywords related to IT integration. The study identifies inadequate technical facilities, insufficient technology, infrastructure, and unsupportive policies as primary barriers. Conversely, the digital era prompts opportunities, compelling organizations to adopt innovative technologies for enhanced productivity and quality service delivery. The paper's uniqueness lies in developing a framework assessing the success of technology integration, allowing for the incorporation of remote and hybrid work models. Future trends in IT integration implementation focus on remote and hybrid work solutions. Contributing to existing literature, the framework emphasizes that failure to extend IT integration implementation to include remote and hybrid work solutions may lead to additional constraints, creating gaps in organizational operation. The review analyzes research gaps and suggests future directions, ensuring effective IT integration implementation, especially in developing countries with significant gaps. This review is particularly relevant given the global surge in technology use over the past two years. Fueled by rapid technological advancements and the constraints of COVID-19, a systematic literature review (SLR) is imperative to demonstrate how IT integration implementation helps public sector organizations improve employee performance, financial outcomes, productivity, and service delivery.
Microstructure and corrosion behaviour of Mg-1Sc alloy with different processing conditions
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jialin , Yang Qingshan , Peng Peng , Long Shuai , Li Xianzheng , Tan Bochuan , Zhang Zhengyao , Dai Qingwei
Published: May 2024

The microstructure and corrosion resistance of Mg-1Sc alloys in different processing conditions were investigated. The composition was examined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer, the microstructure was analyzed by metallographic microscope. The corrosion behaviour of the alloy was investigated by hydrogen evolution tests and electrochemical tests. The results showed that as-cast and rolled Mg-1Sc possess better corrosion resistance compared with extruded Mg-1Sc alloys, which is due to the fact that the extrusion flow lines and residual stresses caused by machining in extruded Mg-1Sc alloys can lead to easier corrosion. In addition, rolled Mg-1Sc alloy shows better corrosion resistance than as-cast alloy, which is attributed to the finer grain sizes and a denser corrosion product film.
Novel weaning assessment for veno-arteriovenous to veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using pump-controlled retrograde trial off
Authors: Matsumura Kazuki , Shimizu Keiki , Horikoshi Yuichi , Hamaguchi Jun , Matsuyoshi Takeo , Sasaki Junichi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Pump-controlled retrograde trial off (PCRTO) is described as an effective weaning strategy for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the guidelines. Contrastingly, there is no established weaning strategy for veno-arteriovenous (V-AV) ECMO. We report a novel application of PCRTO in a patient undergoing V-AV ECMO.

Case report

A 49-year-old man had pneumonia and a history of kidney transplantation. Two days after intubation, respiratory failure progressed and veno-venous (V-V) ECMO was introduced. On day 7 after ECMO, the configuration was changed to V-AV ECMO owing to septic cardiomyopathy due to suspected cholangitis. On day 15, with partial haemodynamic improvement and persistent respiratory failure, PCRTO was performed; the patient was safely returned to V-V ECMO.

Discussion

In patients undergoing V-AV ECMO, PCRTO could have the potential to accurately simulate decannulation of the arterial cannula.

Conclusion

This novel weaning strategy could be considered in patients undergoing V-AV ECMO.
Social Statuses, Quality of Social Relationships, and Self-Esteem Among Older Adults in Canada: Resource Multiplication or Substitution?
Authors: Harmon Megan , Bierman Alex , Lee Yeonjung
Published: May 2024

This research examines how older adults’ self-esteem is shaped by core social statuses and ongoing social relationships. Based on a national survey of Canadian older adults ( N = 4010), analyses show that men have greater self-esteem than women, as do people with higher quality of social relationships and a high degree of educational attainment. Neither gender nor quality of social relationships intersect with education to shape self-esteem, but quality of social relationships is more strongly associated with self-esteem for women. Consequently, strong gender differences are observed at low levels of relationship quality, but these gender differences are negated at high levels of relationship quality. This research shows that social statuses and relationships cohere to shape self-esteem in later-life, but gender differences are not evident in the context of high-quality social relationships. Conversely, educational attainment appears to be a key determinant of high self-esteem, irrespective of gender or quality of social relationships.
Toward Ending Violence Against Women: The Association of Intimate Partner Violence With Food Security Status Among Ever-Married Women in Cameroon
Authors: Amoak Daniel , Antabe Roger , Sano Yujiro
Published: May 2024

Despite an extensive body of literature that explores potential mechanisms explaining the factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women, very few studies have studied the association of food security status with women’s experience of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa countries, including Cameroon. Using data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey ( n = 4,690), we explore the association between food security status and three distinct forms of IPV (i.e., emotional, sexual, and physical IPV) among ever-married women in Cameroon. Adjusting for socioeconomic, demographic, and attitudinal and behavioral characteristics, we found that women with severe (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.09, p < .01), moderate ( OR = 1.88, p < .05), and mild ( OR = 1.76, p < .05) food insecurity were more likely to experience sexual IPV, compared to those without any food insecurity, whereas women with severe food insecurity were more likely to experience physical IPV ( OR = 1.89, p < .001). Although women with severe ( OR = 1.51, p < .01) and moderate ( OR = 1.67, p < .001) food insecurity had a higher likelihood of experiencing emotional IPV at a bivariate level, we found that these associations became no longer significant in our adjusted model. These findings suggest that food insecurity is a critical risk factor for IPV among ever-married women in Cameroon. Addressing IPV requires a comprehensive strategy that places special emphasis on households experiencing food insecurity. There is also an urgent need to implement educational programs to increase awareness of the interconnection between food insecurity and IPV and to allocate resources to community-based initiatives that empower women both economically and socially.
Developing an Instrument to Measure Public Health Nurses’ Competence Related to Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months
Authors: Pöyhönen Niina , Ojantausta Oona , Kaunonen Marja , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri , Ikonen Riikka
Published: May 2024

Background:

Health professionals need adequate competence to support breastfeeding beyond infancy. There is no established instrument to measure health professionals’ competence regarding long-term breastfeeding. To respond to this shortcoming, the Long-Term Breastfeeding Competence Scale (LBCS) was developed.

Research Aim:

To develop and pilot an instrument that measures public health nurses’ competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months in order to provide adequate breastfeeding counseling for families.

Methods:

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey on public health nurses working in maternity and/or child health clinics. The relevance and clarity of the LBCS were assessed by an expert panel ( N = 6). Public health nurses ( N = 197) completed the LBCS, which consisted of a knowledge and skills dimension and an attitude dimension. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study sample. The conceptual validity of the knowledge and skills dimension was assessed using the dichotomous Rasch analysis, and attitude dimension using the exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The distribution of the items was summarized by descriptive statistics.

Results:

According to expert panel evaluations, the LBCS was found to meet the requirements for relevance and clarity (S-CVI 0.90). The internal consistency of the instrument was at a good level ( α = 0.796) and met the requirements set for a new instrument.

Conclusion:

The LBCS is appropriate to determine public health nurses’ competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The LBCS can be used to identify the need for education concerning breastfeeding beyond 12 months.
In situ interlaminar shear behavior of carbon fibers reinforced polymer composites exposed to severe thermal aggressions: PPS versus epoxy laminates
Authors: Vieille B , Coppalle A
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the influence of a combined thermal heat flux and a flexural loading on the interlaminar shear behavior of quasi-isotropic carbon fibers reinforced PPS and Epoxy laminates. Regardless the intensity of the heat flux (ranging from 20 to 50 kW/m2), the maximum surface temperature is higher than the onset of thermal decomposition [Formula: see text] in C/Epoxy laminates ([Formula: see text]) whereas the thermal decomposition is reached only for 40-50 kW/m2 heat fluxes in C/PPS laminates ([Formula: see text]). A mechanical bench was specifically designed to study the interlaminar shear behavior of polymer-based laminates during the thermal aggression (imposed by a cone calorimeter). In C/PPS laminates, with respect to the reference values (as received state), the flexural modulus and the apparent ILSS (under 50 kW/m2) decreases by about 80%. In C/Epoxy laminates, with respect to the reference values (as received or virgin state), the flexural modulus and the apparent ILSS (under 50 kW/m2) decreases by about 20% and 50%, respectively. In carbon fiber-reinforced polymer materials, the matrix state is crucial for preserving the cohesion of the fibers network and the bonding of the plies together, a role that seems compromised in C/Epoxy and C/PPS laminates under high heat flux conditions, once the pyrolysis of the matrix has severely degraded the interlaminar properties of the material.
Empyema associated with peritoneal dialysis peritonitis
Authors: Wen Yao-Ko
Published: May 2024

A 65-year-old woman on peritoneal dialysis (PD) was admitted due to abdominal pain with cloudy PD effluent. The white blood cell count in PD effluent was 5860/µL with 85% polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Therefore, she was clinically diagnosed with peritonitis. The cultures of PD effluent were negative. Initial abdominal computed tomography did not find suggest any intraabdominal pathology. The patient was treated with empirical intraperitoneal antibiotics. Because abdominal pain with cloudy PD effluent persisted, the PD catheter was removed eventually. The culture of the removed PD catheter grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, intermittent fever was noted over the following days and empyema developed approximately 2 weeks after PD catheter removal. The culture of pleural fluid also grew K. pneumoniae. Another computed tomography revealed multiple intraabdominal abscesses that was assumed to come from a complication of PD-associated peritonitis. We postulate that the empyema might be caused by transdiaphragmatic extension of the intraabdominal abscesses into the pleural space.
Mapping method for complex mechatronic equipment relationship data to contextual semantic-constrained knowledge graphs
Authors: Zeng Wenqu , Ding Guofu , Li Zhongyang , Wang Shuying
Published: May 2024

Complex mechatronic equipment’s complete life cycle information model includes multidimensional data on structure, qualities, behavior, and limitations. The data are diverse, derived from multiple sources, and include both streaming and non-streaming cyber-physical data. The product data system’s structured relational model, which is represented by the XBOM (X Bill of Material), is primarily where this data is stored. However, with the growing amount of equipment information, this relatively isolated and redundant architecture poses challenges. Within relational models, the growing intricacy of inner-outer key joins impedes effective data mining and retrieval for dynamic digital twin business applications. In response, this study proposes a knowledge graph transformation method that takes into account the semantic restrictions of the business application context to translate relational data to entities and semantic expressions. The method builds a knowledge context constraint meta-model by classifying data according to context semantics into one-hop entities, multi-hop entities, and abstract classes. Additionally, an ontology-based data extraction transformation method and an ontology-based mapping algorithm based on relational schema transformation are introduced in this article. This strategy significantly minimizes knowledge redundancy and enhances retrieval performance, as demonstrated by experimental verification through the development of a relational data mapping tool software.
An SMA-actuated soft robot with encircling gripping by adjustable grasping span
Authors: Dai Chu Yan , Sun Ya Zhou , Sun Yu Xin , Zhang BoHan , Guo Zi Xiao , Liu Hai Tao
Published: May 2024

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators are used in the soft robots, which were used to crawl objects with fragile surfaces due to the ﬂexibility and small volume of the SMA. However, the actuator is disadvantaged in providing output force due to the SMA material’s own property, like high power-to-weight ratio. In this article, a novel SMA-driven soft gripper structure is designed and validated, which realizes the adjustment of the initial angle of the actuator and the positioning distance through an adjustment mechanism. The gripper encircles gripping with a 100/% success rate achieved for (20–70 mm) objects, with a maximum gripping span of 150 mm. In addition, combined with the FEM (finite element method) to capture the best parameters for the device, many design details are considered, like the drive model and the gripper structure. Finally, a validation test for the device to achieve a 100/% success rate in grasping targets in the shape of a sphere and cone, and grasp a maximum of 670 g of a bottle of water. The results show that the gripper can reliably grasp the object, and has the potential to grab uneven and fragile objects by adjusting the mechanism.
Erosion model of silicon carbide ceramics and YW3
Authors: Feng Chunyu , Wang Zhen , Liu Yuelong , Deng Xuefeng , Xiong Pei
Published: May 2024

In this study, an erosion model of silicon carbide ceramics and YW3 was established by combining experimental and numerical simulation data. This model can be applied for the prediction of erosion in natural gas equipment and transportation systems and also provides ideas for the establishment of erosion models. The erosion model was established by using quartz sand, brown corundum, and glass beads as abrasive materials, and then the accuracy of the erosion model was confirmed by numerical simulations. The results showed that when the abrasive was quartz sand, brown corundum, or glass beads, the erosion angle at which the maximum erosion of silicon carbide and YW3 occurred was related to the type of abrasive. When the abrasive was quartz sand, brown corundum, and glass beads, the velocity index n of silicon carbide was 3.24, 3.66, and 3.32, respectively, and the model constant k was 4.1959 × 10−11, 3.6436 × 10−11, and 4.1838 × 10−11, respectively. The velocity index n of YW3 was 2.29, 2.41, and 1.87, respectively, and the model constant k was 2.6176 × 10−7, 3.0017 × 10−7, and 3.1040 × 10−7, respectively. When the test results were compared with the numerical simulation results, the maximum error for silicon carbide was 6.59%, 7.71%, and 9.25%, respectively, and the maximum error for YW3 was 8.78%, 9.51%, and 5.97%, respectively. Finally, the erosion model of silicon carbide ceramics and YW3 was established via a large number of experiments and numerical simulations. When the target material and abrasive material are the same, it can be directly used for erosion prediction and structure optimization of natural gas equipment. Meanwhile, this paper provides a new idea for the establishment of gas–solid two-phase erosion model, and when the abrasive material and target material change, a new erosion model can be established according to the idea of this paper.
Effects of solution temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloy fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Zhang Zhanwei , Zhao Yuanzheng , Guo Xuming
Published: May 2024

Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloys exhibit excellent machinability as heat-treatable strengthened aluminum alloys. Heat treatment has a great influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloys. In this study, the ZL114A aluminum alloy wire was used to fabricate the Al-Si-Mg thin-walled component based on the wire-arc additive manufacturing process of metal inert-gas welding. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the ZL114A aluminum alloy components were investigated in both the as-deposited and heat treated at different solution temperatures. The results indicated that the microstructure of as-deposited ZL114A aluminum alloys consisted mainly of dendrites. The dendritic morphology disappeared after solid solution treatment (ST) at different temperatures, and the eutectic Si phase appeared coarsened and spheroidized. Numerous β″ phases were observed to have precipitated within the grains by transmission electron microscopy. The tensile properties of the alloy were improved due to precipitation strengthening of the β″ phase and spheroidization of the eutectic silicon phase. After the solid ST at 540 °C for 9 h and artificial aging treatment at 170 °C for 8 h, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the alloy reached the maximum values of 344 and 377 MPa, respectively.
Learning from audiobook usage in public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Casselden Biddy , Paxton Emma
Published: May 2024

The year 2020 saw the COVID-19 pandemic have a dramatic impact on life across the globe with all institutions having to react to changing circumstances. Public libraries were not exempt from this and found themselves needing to reconsider how they provided services during this time. A growing body of literature suggests that previous behaviour patterns were interrupted during the pandemic, with changes seen in the use of public library resources, and particularly greater use of digital. Although the publishing industry indicates an increase in audiobook use, there is limited research focussed specifically on library settings. This article investigates the provision and promotion of audiobooks in public libraries in England and Wales during the pandemic with a view to understanding both the changes seen in this area and to identify any learnings from this time that can be of benefit to public libraries in the future. A mixed methods research approach explored the views of public librarians on a variety of topics associated with audiobook usage, as well as investigating the impact and style of promotion activities on social media. Some surprising findings arose, including how limitations related to social media promotion of audiobooks were indicative of wider issues, and how questions around the future of audiobooks can shed light on what may be needed in the public library of tomorrow.
Formulating the Primacies of Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among Individuals Utilising the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Saxena Ansh , Singhi Rushina
Published: May 2024

Early detection of any disease is half cured but the vaccination process is likewise vital for the control of spread of diseases. Great efforts and initiatives are being made by researchers for the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Looking at the current scenario, the demand of COVID-19 vaccine surpasses the supply. It is very important to formulate the priorities of individuals for the vaccination drive at various stages. In this article, analytic hierarchy process is applied to develop a decision-making system to decide the priority of an individual to be vaccinated depending upon the unique features they might possess. The various characteristics are decided based on research and consultation from academicians, peer researchers and medical professionals. This study supports the prioritisation of vaccination to individuals with low immunity levels, which is followed by the presence of comorbidity, then followed by occupation, age and then area of their stay. This article may help countries to set up the priorities during their various stages’ vaccination drive. Countries that have not yet started with the vaccination process may follow the mentioned priorities in various stages.
Antidiabetic Phytoconstituents: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery
Authors: Albratty Mohammed , Halawi Maryam
Published: May 2024

Background

The simplest form of carbohydrate that the human body can utilize efficiently to fuel various functions in our body is glucose. The food that is consumed by us in any form is acted upon by pancreatic juices, bile, and several other digestive enzymes and is converted into its simplest form, which is absorbed by the small intestine and is diffused into the circulatory system; from there, it is transported to other organs via GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 transporters. This process is very important, and so are the hormones involved in it. One such major hormone responsible for glucose homeostasis in the body is insulin. Its malfunction or that of either of its signaling components leads to a metabolic disorder termed “diabetes.” Hyperglycemia is a grave condition associated with this complex disease and is of global concern. The impact of this disease can be life threatening if adequate precaution, medication, and therapy are overlooked. A plethora of synthetic drugs are available in the market, and the main goals of these antidiabetic medicines are to improve insulin sensitivity and/or production as well as to lower blood glucose levels. In all cases, frequent use of antidiabetic medication causes several after-effects.

Results

Numerous studies in this field demonstrate that antidiabetic phytomolecules are highly effective against diabetes patients and are almost completely without side effects. Almost all classes of phytomolecules have been thoroughly evaluated to develop the noble plant-based drug.

Conclusion

The current review discusses diabetes, its classification and management, worldwide occurrence, and the most crucial class of antidiabetic phytomolecules, for example, alkaloids, and terpenenoids as well as the parent molecule responsible for the bioactivity, subclasses, their mechanisms of action, plant sources and part, their superiority over synthetic drug, and new advances in this area.
Women's Use of Intimate Partner Aggression: Associations With Sexist Experiences
Authors: Miles-McLean Haley A. , Murphy Christopher M. , Maldonado Ana I.
Published: May 2024

Identity-based discrimination experiences have been associated with intimate partner aggression (IPA) use, yet very little research has examined sexist discrimination. This study explored whether women's experiences of sexist discrimination are associated with their IPA use. Participants were 626 predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual women who completed self-report measures online. Women's sexist experiences were significantly and positively correlated with their IPA use, even after controlling for recent stressful experiences and gender-based violence exposures. Psychological distress symptoms significantly mediated the relation between sexist experiences and IPA use. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of sexism in women's IPA.
Teledermatology Versus In-Person Visits for the Follow-Up of Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: Odeshi Oluwatosin , Turk Tarek , Fiorillo Loretta , Lowe Samuel , Dytoc Marlene
Published: May 2024

Background:

In recent years, teledermatology has rapidly emerged as a healthcare delivery method with potential implications for managing chronic inflammatory dermatoses like atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives:

This study assesses the utility of telemedicine in the management of AD by comparing virtual care with traditional in-office visits with the aim of identifying differences in clinical outcomes between these 2 healthcare delivery modalities.

Methods:

Patients of all ages with AD were recruited from 2 dermatology practices. Consecutive patients presenting to the clinics who met the inclusion criteria were invited to enrol in the study. Those who consented to participate were randomly assigned to the virtual or in-person arm of the study, with the opportunity to decline care in either study arm. The inclusion criteria required participants to have a confirmed diagnosis of AD. Exclusion criteria included significant comorbidity that might affect the course of treatment, inaccessibility to teleconsults such as not having a camera for video conferences, and self-declared limitations in operating Zoom. Patients were assessed at baseline (week 0), 4 to 6 weeks, and 8 to 12 weeks using 6 efficacy parameters.

Results:

In the virtual group, all 6 dermatological measures suggested improved outcomes. Average Body Surface Area scores decreased (β = −.07, 95% CI = −0.1, −0.3) over the course of follow-up. Virtual care patients had 80% lower odds of moderate-to-severe uncontrolled disease (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.5) and pruritus (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.7) over time.

Conclusions:

This study supports teledermatology as a feasible and effective option for providing follow-up care for atopic dermatitis patients of various demographic standings.
Inclusivity and sustainability in language practitioner researcher development: A sociocultural ecological framework
Authors: Edwards Emily , Burns Anne
Published: May 2024

Transformative practitioner research enables teachers to create or contribute to their own knowledge base. Recently, this research field has flourished, with numerous studies exploring how practitioner researchers develop knowledge, agency and identities, particularly through action research (AR) and exploratory practice (EP). Despite important work on the content or outcomes of language practitioner researcher development (LPRD), there is less conceptualization of how LPRD is manifested in relation to environments where language practitioners work. In this contribution to the special issue on inclusive practitioner research, we draw on sociocultural and ecological systems theories to present a framework for understanding what enables LPRD to flourish in terms of sustainability and inclusivity. Our framework considers how sustainability through inclusion can be achieved within micro, meso and macro ecological systems, and how these systems interrelate. We exemplify our framework using illustrations of individual teachers and their interactions with a specific AR program and their institutions. While we focus on AR, this framework may apply to EP and other forms of practitioner research which strive for inclusive LPRD. We conclude with practical implications for teacher educators and professional development coordinators about fostering inclusive LPRD within institutional environments.
Predicting autism traits from baby wellness records: A machine learning approach
Authors: Ben-Sasson Ayelet , Guedalia Joshua , Ilan Keren , Shaham Meirav , Shefer Galit , Cohen Roe , Tamir Yuval , Gabis Lidia V.
Published: May 2024

Early detection of autism spectrum condition is crucial for children to maximally benefit from early intervention. The study examined a machine learning model predicting the increased likelihood for autism from wellness records from 0 to 24 months. The study included 591,989 non-autistic and 12,846 autistic children. A gradient boosting model with a threefold cross-validation and SHAPley additive explanation tool quantified feature importance. The model had an average area under the curve of 0.81 ( SD = 0.004). The high-likelihood group detected by the model had a 0.073 autism spectrum condition incidence rate; 3.42-fold more than in the entire cohort (0.02). Sex-specific models had higher specificity (0.81 boys and 0.79 girls) than sensitivity (0.64 boys and 0.66 girls). The common predictors were more parental concerns, older mothers, never nursing, lower initial and higher last weight percentiles, and several delayed milestones. SHAPley additive explanation tool results show common, important predictors in the full sample and separate boys’ and girls’ models. These included birth, growth, familial, postnatal parameters and delayed language, fine motor, and social milestones from 12 to 24 months. Machine learning algorithms can help detect increased autism signs by relying on the multidimensional data routinely recorded during the first 2 years.

Lay abstract

Timely identification of autism spectrum conditions is a necessity to enable children to receive the most benefit from early interventions. Emerging technological advancements provide avenues for detecting subtle, early indicators of autism from routinely collected health information. This study tested a model that provides a likelihood score for autism diagnosis from baby wellness visit records collected during the first 2 years of life. It included records of 591,989 non-autistic children and 12,846 children with autism. The model identified two-thirds of the autism spectrum condition group (boys 63% and girls 66%). Sex-specific models had several predictive features in common. These included language development, fine motor skills, and social milestones from visits at 12–24 months, mother’s age, and lower initial growth but higher last growth measurements. Parental concerns about development or hearing impairment were other predictors. The models differed in other growth measurements and birth parameters. These models can support the detection of early signs of autism in girls and boys by using information routinely recorded during the first 2 years of life.
The effects of language switching experience and acute stress on bilingual advantages in cognitive flexibility
Authors: Yao Zhao , Chai Yu , Zhao Rong , Wang Fei
Published: May 2024

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate how bilingual advantages in cognitive flexibility were modulated by language-use parameters (e.g., language switching experience) and psychological factors (e.g., acute stress).

Design/methodology:

Chinese-English unbalanced bilinguals with a high or low amount of language switching experience (HLS or LLS bilinguals) performed a cued color-shape switching task in stress-free condition (Experiment 1) or in acute stress condition induced by the Trier Social Stress Test (Experiment 2). Switching and mixing costs were calculated to denote two aspects of cognitive flexibility: transient and sustained switching abilities, respectively.

Data and analysis:

Differences in switching and mixing costs between HLS and LLS bilinguals were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The predictive relationship between language switching experience and cognitive flexibility was examined using hierarchical regression models. The role of acute stress in the dynamics was tested by means of independent samples t-tests in a cross-analysis of Experiments 1 and 2.

Findings/conclusions:

HLS and LLS bilinguals showed similar switching and mixing costs in the stress-free condition, but in the acute stress condition, HLS bilinguals showed lower switching costs than LLS bilinguals. The result of cross-experimental analysis further revealed that higher switching costs were demanded in LLS bilinguals under acute stress. These findings suggest that language switching experience specifically influences transient switching ability under acute stress.

Originality:

This study was a first attempt to provide evidence that psychological stress may be a crucial determinant in exploring the theoretical implications of cognitive control in bilingualism.

Significance:

Our findings suggest that bilingual advantages in cognitive flexibility are conditional, shedding light on the ongoing debate about the ambiguous relationship between language experience and cognitive control in bilinguals.
‘Normal news is boring’: How young adults encounter and experience news on Instagram and TikTok
Authors: Hendrickx Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Instagram and TikTok constitute the fastest rising social media apps for news consumption. However, very little remains known on how young people encounter and experience news content on these platforms. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with young adult Belgians, including operationalising the walkthrough method, this qualitative research article fills this existing gap in scholarship. I contextualise but also nuance how younger users are accustomed to relying on third-party social media apps as the primary location to encounter news rather than news outlets’ own offline and online platforms. The study results also shine light on intriguing perception differences in young adults’ varying news expectations of Instagram and TikTok, based on which ramifications and recommendations are discussed. Conceptually, I propose adopting the terms encountering and experiencing news rather than being exposed to or trusting it, in order to highlight the acknowledged (radical) audience turn in journalism studies and practice.