bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to Understanding Decadal and Long-Term Shifts in Observed Precipitation Distributions in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Tolhurst Gen , Hope Pandora , Osburn Luke , Rauniyar Surendra
Published: November 2022

Over the past century, precipitation totals in Australia’s southeastern state of Victoria have shown multidecadal variability without clear trends. This has impacted agriculture, water security, ecosystem services, and flood hazards. Hydrological and meteorological evidence suggests that Victorian precipitation regimes have changed since the beginning of the Millennium Drought in 1997. Until now, Victorian precipitation intensity distributions have not been assessed in detail. We assess the time-varying aspect of observed precipitation intensity distributions by identifying temporal shifts in Victorian precipitation and using those different epochs to assess multidecadal changes in precipitation characteristics. We used 788 manual rain gauges and 49 automatic weather stations to analyze subdaily-to-multiday precipitation distributions from 1900 to 2020 for three Victorian regions and four seasons. Distributions are significantly different for the three epochs (1900–45, 1946–96, and 1997–2020). We summarized precipitation distributions by categorizing precipitation intensities, calculating histograms, and fitting gamma distributions. This study provides evidence that Victorian precipitation distributions have shifted over decades and that distributions depend on regional and seasonal differences. Recent precipitation declines are mostly due to decreasing light and moderate precipitation, despite increasing heavy precipitation. Heavy precipitation has shown a tendency to increase in frequency since 1997. Increases were greatest for 6-h springtime and summertime precipitation in northern Victoria and wintertime precipitation in southern and eastern Victoria. Observed precipitation distributions show changes that are consistent with climate projections. To better understand processes driving observed and projected changes to precipitation distributions globally, interdecadal shifts, seasonal variations, and regional climates need to be considered.

Significance Statement

Our research investigated how different rainfall intensities have contributed to changing rainfall totals over the last century in Victoria, Australia. This is important because different rainfall intensities have various impacts on farms, rivers, catchments, and infrastructure. In Victoria, we found three multidecade periods with different average rainfall intensity distributions. Early-twentieth-century rainfall is close to the observed average, 1946–96 was very wet, and 1997–2020 was drier. Recent years were drier because of fewer light and moderate rainfall events. Changes in heavy rainfall depend on the season and subregional factors. This may indicate that weather processes have changed. Decreasing light-to-moderate rainfall intensities will affect stakeholders by decreasing soil moisture, runoff, and streamflow.
Development of a measuring system for the diameter of a smooth plug gauge based on machine vision technology
Authors: Feng Laijian , Tang Diankui , Chen Manlong
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the problems of low efficiency of the traditional method for detecting smooth plug gauges and poor repeat accuracy of measurement parameters, a measuring system for the diameter of a smooth plug gauge based on machine vision technology is designed. This system drives the work-piece to move by two-dimensional work platform and collects image data through CCD, and the diameter parameters of the smooth plug gauge are obtained by processing the image which uses the threshold neighborhood location and segmentation method. In this paper, the mechanical structure and control structure of the measuring system are designed, the measurement principle and calibration method are explained, the relationship between the diaphragm and the threshold value under a fixed light intensity, and the relationship between the light intensity and the threshold value under a fixed diaphragm are studied. Finally, experiments have verified that the measuring system can complete the measurement efficiently, automatically, and with high precision within 20 s, and the repeatability of the measurement does not exceed 1 μm.
Association Rules on Attributes of Illicit Drugs, Suspect’s Demographics and Offence Categories
Authors: Atsa’am Donald Douglas , Gbaden Terlumun , Wario Ruth
Published: November 2022

Association rules mining technique was employed to extract 6 rules that show the co-occurrences of the attributes on illicit drug types, suspects’ demographics, and categories of drug offences. A dataset on 262 arrestees of various drug offences was utilized for rules extraction using the apriori algorithm. The rules reveal the different levels of involvement with various illicit drugs by suspects of varying ages. The established rules provide a form of drug suspects segmentation which could guide how drug control and intervention programs are designed and deployed. Further, the rules could serve as a reference tool for security agents when dealing with drug suspects and offenders.
Investigating parenting factors, traumatic brain injury and callous and unemotional traits among high school students in a South African setting
Authors: Tredoux Aimee , Phillander Nathan , Williams Huw , Ward Catherine L. , Schrieff-Brown Leigh
Published: November 2022

Aggressogenic parenting styles are associated with increased rates of callous and unemotional traits, and in turn, with antisocial behaviours. Traumatic brain injury is also associated with antisocial behaviour, but not callous and unemotional traits specifically. No study has previously investigated these three variables, aggressogenic parenting, traumatic brain injury, and callous and unemotional traits, in a single study. The study setting was Cape Town, South Africa. The sample included high school boys ( N = 54), aged 13–21 years in an observational, descriptive study. We hypothesised that boys who reported that they had sustained a traumatic brain injury and who had been exposed to aggressogenic parenting would display increased levels of callous and unemotional traits, and that those with traumatic brain injury but had experienced positive parenting would display lower levels of such traits. The main measures included the Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool, the Inventory of Callous/Unemotional traits, and the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire. Results show that almost 41% (22/54) of participants reported sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Aggressogenic parenting significantly moderated callous and unemotional traits only in participants with traumatic brain injury, F(1.46) = 4.76, p = .03, while positive parenting and substance use did not. In conclusion, traumatic brain injury in the presence of aggressogenic parenting is associated with greater callous and unemotional traits in this sample of adolescent boys.
Epilepsy and religiosity: A historical overview
Authors: Gyimesi Júlia
Published: November 2022

This article aims to provide a historical overview of the relationship between epilepsy and religiosity. Although the link between epilepsy and religiosity has been observed since ancient times, empirical research has not supported the direct relationship between epilepsy and religiosity in any unequivocal way. The rich reference to the historical relationship between epilepsy and religiosity often served as a kind of evidence in itself, even though observations of epileptic religiosity were far less detailed as modern scholars referred to them. A detailed analysis of the connection between epilepsy and religiosity only emerged in the 20th century. By introducing a symbolic level of interpretation, psychoanalysis significantly contributed to the psychological theory of the epileptic personality in general and epileptic religiosity in particular. The older concept of the epileptic personality (and religiosity) mixed with psychoanalytic interpretation was preserved in the Szondi Test. Based on the present historical analysis, the author concludes that the connection between epilepsy and increased religiosity was overstated in the 20th century.
Putting on the Blitz: Urgency and Department of Defense Communications in Times of Budget Shortfall
Authors: Matchett Leah
Published: November 2022

The existing theories of interaction between Congress and the Department of Defense (DOD) focus on elite-level principle-actor problems. However, the Department, as one of the most popular institutions in the United States, also has significant public appeal and maintains an active public affairs arm. This article builds on theories of bureaucratic reputation to argue that the DOD uses its public communications to advocate for its own budget. I leverage computerized text analysis to examine over 40,000 public facing documents published by the DOD since 2005. I find evidence that the DOD changed both the timing and the content of its public-facing communications to strategically argue for its budget. This is true during large budgetary shifts (like the U.S. budget sequester) and during the period of the year that the budget is under debate.
Justice for Whom? Redressing the “1975 Shadian Incident” in the Post-Mao Era, 1978–2019
Authors: Wang Xian
Published: November 2022

The “Shadian conflict,” which erupted in 1964 and continued until at least 1975, was the largest religious resistance of the Cultural Revolution, but its local dynamics and sociopolitical impacts are significantly understudied. This article sheds light on how Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities have dealt with Shadian Muslims’ petitions and requests for religious freedom from 1979 until 2019. It argues that the post–Mao Zedong CCP leadership has continued to implement the same mentality and methods as in the Mao period to deal with ethno-religious conflicts. At the center of this process lies the events of 1975 that have come to be known as the “Shadian incident” or “Shadian massacre,” in which around 1,600 Shadian Muslims were killed. The party’s approaches to redressing the events of 1975 have secularized and simplified the causes of the Shadian massacre and the religious requests of Muslim villagers by attributing the tragedy and villagers’ protests to factional struggles launched by “followers of Lin Biao and the Gang of Four” and “a handful of chaos-making figures.” Embedded in ongoing struggles between vernacular and official narratives of the 1975 tragedy, the Shadian problem has resulted in unreconciled discord between the CCP, which prioritizes the Maoist class-struggle mentality, and villagers, who emphasize Islamic religiosity.
Social Justice Pedagogy: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Teaching of Psychology
Authors: Mena Jasmine A.
Published: November 2022

Social justice pedagogy in psychology requires keen attention to diversity, equity and inclusion in the content and process of teaching and learning. The contributions to this special issue address both ‘what we teach' and ‘how we teach’ psychology through recommendations for instructor preparation and practices, an expansion of concepts and methods, practical projects and activities, and curricular modifications. Importantly, the contributions raise our consciousness about the harms of oppression and marginalization in the field of psychology and offer us a path toward liberatory pedagogy.
The use of solar water heaters in Jordan and its impact on human development index
Authors: Awad Ahmad S , Alsaqoor S , Anwar AL-Mofleh , Abu-Dayyeh A , Badran Omar O
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This paper aims to estimate the use of solar water heaters in Jordanian households and their impact on improving quality of life as well as the Human Development Index (HDI) using data of Jordan. Also to estimate the impact of the rise in electricity prices and power consumption intensity on the installing capacity. Then to predict the solar water heaters characteristics using analytical equations for comparison with the statistical data. Methodology: The study was conducted through a survey covered an area of ​​10 km in diameter from Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan. The area sampling method was implemented. The number of flats studied by the survey was 1033, with a total of 5597 occupants. The survey included questions dealing with the number of households, number of occupants in a given household, area of each flat, and the type and number of solar water heaters installed. Findings: The results obtained showed that the overall number of households who enjoyed solar water heaters was 33%. The Jordanian average solar water heaters area reached 0.22 m2/capita. The increase in the use of solar energy led to an increase in the per capita share of electrical energy, which pushup Jordan's classification from medium class (0.622) to high class (0.729) on the global human development index. Originality: For the first time, a study has been conducted to study the effect of installing solar water heaters on the human development index (HDI). Practical value: Jordan Energy Strategy “2020–2030” aims to equip 30% of the households with a SWH system by 2030. More use of renewable energy in solar water heaters means less dependence on conventional power and more reduction in CO2 emissions, which means more developments in human quality of life and high HDI.
Use machine learning algorithms to predict turbine power generation to replace renewable energy with fossil fuels
Authors: Malakouti Seyed Matin
Published: November 2022

Recently, power systems have faced the challenges of growing electricity demand, reducing fossil fuels, and exacerbating environmental pollution due to carbon emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation. Integrating low-carbon alternative energy, renewable energy sources (RES), is becoming very important for energy systems. Effective management of the integration of the production capacity of RES is as important as the production capacity of wind farms with the production capacity of fossil fuel power plants. This article analyzed 850,660 data recorded by a wind farm from March 01, 2020, 00:00:00 to December 31, t2020, 23:50:00 were analyzed. And by using machine learning and extra tree, light gradient boosting machine, gradient boosting regressor, decision tree, Ada Boost, and ridge algorithms, the production power of the wind farm was predicted. The best performance predicting the turbine production power was assigned to extra tree, and the worst performance was related to the Ridge algorithm.
Orientation and Mobility Assessments for Children and Youths With Visual Impairments: How, Why, When, and Where?
Authors: Kaiser Justin T. , Herzberg Tina S.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: This study analyzed survey responses from 114 orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists regarding the content and procedures they used in completing O&M assessments. Methods: O&M specialists completed an online survey in 2020 on their assessment practices for children and youths who are visually impaired. Results: Over 85% of participants identified that they interview the student, parent, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with visual impairments as part of the assessment. The only visual skills addressed by at least 80% of participants were depth perception, distance acuity, scanning, and peripheral visual fields. Students without additional disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade were more likely to be taught the two-point touch cane technique when compared to students with additional disabilities, who were more likely to be taught constant contact. Discussion: Participants identified that O&M assessments for students in 9th–12th grade were more likely to focus on skills that would be needed for employment or post-secondary education or both, such as the use of public transportation. For students with additional disabilities or children under the age of five years, participants were more likely to conduct assessments focused on safety and immediate needs and environments. Implications for Practitioners: Appropriate O&M assessments need to be conducted in natural environments that provide equal challenges to the environments where students need to travel. O&M specialists must adapt the assessment content and procedures to address the current and future travel needs of all students with visual impairments.
The Experiences of Parents of and Students With Visual Impairments With 4to24, a Transition Application
Authors: Steverson Anne , Cmar Jennifer L. , Antonelli Karla
Published: November 2022

Introduction: This article describes the field test of 4to24, a transition application (app) for parents of and students with visual impairments. In this stage of the development process, researchers evaluated the app's usability and gained feedback on app use and experience from end users. Methods: Participants, including 27 parents of and 19 students with visual impairments, used 4to24 for 6 months. They completed a baseline survey, a survey about the account setup process, and three additional surveys at 2-month intervals (i.e., 2, 4, and 6 months). Results: Participants found the app account setup process quick and easy to complete. Parents and students used the app more frequently during the first 2 months, and then app usage decreased over time. Participants’ average ratings for app enjoyability, ease of use, understandability of information, and relevance of information were generally high and consistent across time points. Participants found 4to24 useful to track activities to help students prepare for college and work, and most planned to continue using it after the study. Discussion: Findings indicate that the app was usable, enjoyable, easy to use, and helpful. The decline in app usage over the 6 months may signify that participants lost interest, were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, or spent more time working on activities within the modules. Students rated app enjoyability and relevance higher than parents, which may relate to the language and tone of the student-focused modules. Introductory topics may have been unnecessary for some parents, which could have contributed to their lower relevance ratings. Implications for Practitioners: Service providers can inform parents and students about 4to24 and its potential benefits. 4to24 can encourage conversations about college and work, provide resources and activity suggestions, and serve as a resource for parents who are not connected or knowledgeable about services.
The contextual role of privacy concerns in online political participation
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Pieter , Lutz Christoph
Published: November 2022

Research on online political participation highlights how online platforms may facilitate or encumber political participation. In this contribution, we add to existing research on digital inequalities in online political participation by focusing on privacy concerns as a critical construct. We follow a contextual understanding of online privacy and examine a variety of online political behaviours to differentiate the distinctive roles privacy concerns play in higher- and lower-threshold forms of participation. Based on a survey of German Internet users, we find that social media use exerts a strong positive effect on political participation, especially lower-threshold forms of participation. As privacy concerns are spread quite evenly throughout the population, they contribute little to the socioeconomic stratification of online political participation. Privacy concerns relate positively to higher-threshold forms of political participation. We discuss how higher- and lower-threshold participation constitute distinct contexts for users’ considerations of privacy risks.
Changes in insulin resistance following antidepressant treatment mediate response in major depressive disorder
Authors: Rashidian Houman , Subramaniapillai Mehala , Park Caroline , Lipsitz Orly , Zuckerman Hannah , Cao Bing , Lee Yena , Gill Hartej , Rodrigues Roger Nelson , Di Vincenzo Joshua D. , Iacobucci Michelle , Jaberi Saja , Rosenblat Joshua D. , McIntyre Roger S. , Mansur Rodrigo B.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Insulin resistance (IR) is a potential predictor of antidepressant treatment response.

Aims:

We assess changes in IR after antidepressant treatment and whether these changes have any effect on treatment response. Also, to see whether changes in IR mediates relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and antidepressant efficacy.

Methods:

This is a secondary analysis of an 8-week, open-label clinical trial with 95 adults experiencing a major depressive episode. Response to vortioxetine was measured using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Generalized estimating equation models were utilized for this intent-to-treat analysis.

Results:

When adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, there was a significant increase in IR following treatment in the overall sample (p = 0.035). This finding was detected in treatment non-responders (p = 0.019), whereas it was not observed in responders (p = 0.329). Mediation analysis revealed that change in IR during treatment was responsible for change in MADRS as well as the relationship between baseline CRP and treatment response.

Conclusions:

Exacerbation of IR during antidepressant treatment mediated non-response. Conversely in treatment responders IR reduced. Like previous studies, baseline CRP moderated treatment response. This relationship was also mediated by changes in IR. These findings further elucidate the role of IR in terms of antidepressant response as well as potentially explain inflammation’s relationship with the latter.
Should we be leery of being Leary? Concerns about psychedelic use by psychedelic researchers
Authors: Kious Brent , Schwartz Zach , Lewis Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Psychedelic research is proceeding rapidly, despite ongoing legal and regulatory barriers and lingering questions about study design, such as the difficulty of ensuring adequate blinding, the relative overrepresentation in studies of participants who have previously used psychedelics, and the importance of personal experience with psychedelics for those who provide psychedelic-assisted therapy. Here we wish to explore a distinct concern: whether personal use of psychedelics by researchers could threaten the objectivity and ethical conduct of psychedelic research itself. In 2020, Anderson et al. suggested that psychedelic use could lead even “conservative individuals to become wildly enthusiastic about the potentials of psychedelics to heal and transform”. Recent popular press criticisms of psychedelic science, in particular critiques of the MAPS Phase II and Phase III MDMA-Assisted Therapy trials for PTSD, have also raised questions about whether personal use of psychedelic drugs by psychedelic therapists could compromise scientific objectivity, lead to the exploitation of research subjects, or promote biased reporting of results. Here, we elaborate on and attempt to delimit these concerns, with the goal of informing policy related to psychedelic research and the eventual clinical use of psychedelics. In particular, we explore whether the possibility that psychedelic use can directly and positively affect investigators’ enthusiasm about psychedelics themselves raises concerns about bias and scientific integrity. We then discuss several practical strategies to reduce perceived conflict of interest.
Race, Religion, and the Echoes of Status Insecurity in US Foreign Policy
Authors: Turner Charles , Steele Brent
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the racial and religious historical influences on US ontological insecurity in a time of perceived hegemonic decline. It explores the role of particular Protestant theologies from the time of slavery up through the present, and how views on white superiority shaped such thought even after abolition, through Reconstruction, and especially animating the rise of the US as a world power in the 20th Century.
Assessment of the Health Status of Women in Prison: A Comparison between Drug Users versus Non-users
Authors: Alves Joana , Martinho Gabriela , Gonçalves Mariana , Maia Ângela
Published: November 2022

This study aims to analyze the history of substances use, clinical diagnoses, contacts with healthcare, and health complaints. Also, it aims to compare the health status of substance users versus non-users. Health records of 93 detained women from a prison in northern Portugal, with a mean age of 38.02 years old, were reviewed and coded using both International Classification of Primary Care—2 and International Classification of Diseases—10th. Data revealed high percentages of detainees with a history of substance use and pre-existing clinical diagnosis. During the first month of imprisonment, on average, participants had complained to a health professional 14.63 times. Substance users were younger and presented more mental health problems and health complaints. Health policies and professional practices in prison must include immediate assessment of a woman’s health concerns and foster the development of efficient protocols to address those problems, especially substance use disorder treatment.
Sadistic Sexual Crimes Against Children: Comparing the Manifestation of Sexual Sadism and Crime-Commission Process
Authors: Reale Kylie S. , Chopin Julien , Gauthier Alexandre , Beauregard Eric
Published: November 2022

Individuals who commit sexual offenses against children have been shown to be distinctive from adult offenders across both individual and crime characteristics. However, an examination of the literature shows that there are gaps in the research related to whether sadism manifests differently between those who target child compared to adult victims. The current study therefore aimed to explore the differences in the characteristics, crime-commission process, and the dimensions of sadism between sadistic crimes of children ( n = 101) compared to those of adults ( n = 433). Sexual sadism was assessed with the Sexual Sadism Scale (SeSaS) and binary logistic regression analysis and multidimensional scale analysis (MDS) were performed to examine differences between these two groups. Our results showed that sadistic fantasies manifested into four dimensions for both adult and child victims. In terms of differences, sadistic sexual offenses involving children appear to be reflective of deviant fantasies related to overlapping paraphilias (e.g., sadism and pedophilia). Conversely, sadistic crimes involving adult victims involve a crime-commission process that involves a greater degree of structure to control their adult victim and decrease their risk of identification. Implications for clinical assessment and police investigations are discussed.
Investigation into the Abnormal Phenomenon of Rail Corrugation Superposition in Small-Radius Curve Section of Intercity Railway
Authors: Cui Xiaolu , Li Jingchen , Bao Pengyu , Yang Zongchao , Ren Zhaohong , Xu Xiangyang
Published: November 2022

Focusing on the mechanism of the abnormal phenomenon of rail corrugation on the low rail of small-radius curve section of Guangzhou–Zhuhai intercity railway, the distribution regularities and the track irregularities are studied through the overall and local field surveys. Then, the dynamic model of vehicle-track system on the section is established to explore the wheel-rail dynamic characteristics. Next, the relevant finite element model of the wheel-rail system and the wear model of rail corrugation are established. The friction self-excited vibration analysis and feedback vibration analysis are carried out to investigate the dynamic causes of such abnormal rail corrugation. Field survey proposes that the dominant wavelength of the abnormal rail corrugation is 200–300 mm and the sub-wavelength is 70–100 mm. Analyses show that the friction self-excited vibration of the multi-wheelset-track system caused by the saturated creep force on the guide wheelset in the small-radius section may induce the rail corrugations with these two wavelengths. The possibility of inducing the rail corrugation with 200–300 mm wavelength is greater. On the other hand, the feedback vibration of corrugated wear will aggravate the development of the two corrugated wears. Overall, the generation and development of the abnormal rail corrugations are affected by the self-excited vibration of the wheel-rail system and the feedback vibration of track irregularity.
Closing the ranks: Bondedness, sense of self and moral injury during legacy case prosecutions
Authors: Hearty Kevin
Published: November 2022

This article represents an entry point for the sociological study of protests by British Army veterans opposed to legacy case prosecutions arsing out of the conflict in the North of Ireland. Acknowledging the lack of sociological analysis when compared with recent legal, criminological and political studies, it uses insights from military sociology, the sociology of emotions, and the social movement literature to understand how and why veterans have mobilised against these prosecutions. It argues that veterans have resorted to taking collective action for three reasons: out of loyalty to the handful of veterans currently facing prosecution; because these prosecutions challenge their self-image as peacekeepers; and because of their sense of betrayal by the British government. In making this argument, the article highlights how political and moral contestation over past political violence touches on collective and individual identities constructed during that violence, social solidarity within groups impacted by that violence, and different expectations of post-conflict justice in its aftermath.
Path tracking of autonomous tractor based on model-free adaptive control
Authors: Zhang Bingli , Cheng Jin , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Chengbiao , Shen Gan
Published: November 2022

Autonomous tractors, with path tracking as one of the key technologies, have become a research hotspot in recent years. However, the nonlinearity of and uncertainties in the autonomous tractor path tracking process can lead to challenges in terms of control. Although the model-based control method has been widely used in path tracking and achieved good results, only a limited number of model-free adaptive control (MFAC) methods have been developed for path tracking. This paper proposes an MFAC path tracking controller for autonomous tractors based on the use of a preview heading deviation method in which the preview heading angle is used as an input to control the steering, enabling the controller to achieve a small lateral error and stable control. In the simulation, the tracking effects of the designed controller, proportional integral differential (PID) and pure pursuit controllers at different speeds were compared. The results show that the proposed controller has good tracking ability and adaptability and can achieve high tracking accuracy. Finally, the tracking errors of the designed and PID controllers were compared in a real vehicle test, with the results verifying the effectiveness and practicality of the designed controller.
Effect of modifications to island shape and geometrical configuration on the external aerodynamics of a generic aircraft carrier
Authors: Mathew Marthamootil Philipose , Singh Sidh Nath , Sinha Sawan Suman , Vijayakumar Rajgopalan
Published: November 2022

The external aerodynamics of an aircraft carrier plays a vital role in the safe landing of aircraft during take-off and recovery. The hull, flight deck, and the island create a turbulent disturbance behind the aircraft carrier, leading to a simultaneous reduction in forward velocity and a downwash, which together create a sinking effect on the aircraft along its glideslope path. This phenomenon is known as the burble effect. It could potentially increase the pilot’s workload and strain their mental and physical faculties. Any design change that obviates or reduces the burble effect would potentially increase the probability of safely landing the aircraft on an aircraft carrier. There are only a few studies on the external aerodynamics of an aircraft carrier. The primary motivation of this study is to evaluate the effect of modifications to the island structure on the external aerodynamics of a generic aircraft carrier, especially the burble behind the carrier. The first part of the study pertains to the parametric changes to the aspect ratio of the island, that is, its length to width ratio and the consequent impact on the aerodynamics behind the carrier along the flight glide path. The second part of the study focuses on changing the geometry of the island by rounding the assumed cuboid island’s sharp corners, and evaluating its effect on the burble along the glideslope path of the aircraft. For the study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on a generic aircraft carrier model has been carried out using the commercially available CFD solver Ansys FLUENT. The CFD studies have been validated by results of experiments conducted in a wind tunnel on the same generic aircraft carrier model. From the studies, it is seen that the aspect ratio of the island greater than one and rounding the sharp edges of the island have beneficial effects in reducing the impact of the burble behind the carrier.
Engineering functional and anthropomorphic models for surgical training in interventional radiology: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Zhao Zhuo , Ma Yangmyung , Mushtaq Adeel , Radhakrishnan Vignesh , Hu Yihua , Ren Hongliang , Song Wenzhan , Tse Zion Tsz Ho
Published: November 2022

Training medical students in surgical procedures and evaluating their performance are both necessary steps to ensure the safety and efficacy of surgeries. Traditionally, trainees practiced on live patients, cadavers or animals under the supervision of skilled physicians, but realistic anatomical phantom models have provided a low-cost alternative because of the advance of material technology that mimics multi-layer tissue structures. This setup provides safer and more efficient training. Many research prototypes of phantom models allow rapid in-house prototyping for specific geometries and tissue properties. The gel-based method and 3D printing-based method are two major methods for developing phantom prototypes. This study excluded virtual reality based technologies and focused on physical phantoms, total 189 works published between 2015 and 2020 on anatomical phantom prototypes made for interventional radiology were reviewed in terms of their functions and applications. The phantom prototypes were first categorized based on fabrication methods and then subcategorized based on the organ or body part they simulated; the paper is organized accordingly. Engineering specifications and applications were analyzed and summarized for each study. Finally, current challenges in the development of phantom models and directions for future work were discussed.
Virological outcomes and metabolic effects after switching from ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors to a dolutegravir-based regimen in virologically suppressed patients living with HIV
Authors: Sribenjalux Wantin , Nuntawit Tharatorn , Meesing Atibordee , Chetchotisakd Ploenchan
Published: November 2022

Background

A ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen can cause abnormal lipid levels and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Switching to a dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen has been shown to improve blood lipid levels, but data in the Thai population are limited.

Method

A prospective cohort study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital between April 28, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Patients were eligible if they (1) were over 18 years of age, 2) had received a ritonavir-boosted PI-based regimen for at least three months, and 3) had documented plasma HIV RNA levels below 50 copies/mL within six months before the enrollment. All eligible patients included in the study switched from a ritonavir-boosted PI-based ART regimen to a DTG-based regimen. The primary outcome was changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from baseline to week 24.

Results

Forty-six eligible patients were enrolled, 71.7% of whom were male, with a mean age of 49.4 years. Mean body weight was 62.7 kg and body mass index (BMI) was 22.86 kg/m2. The majority of patients had been on a regimen of boosted atazanavir (ATV/r; 60.9%), followed by boosted lopinavir (LPV/r; 37.0%). Six patients were withdrawn from the study. At week 24 after switching to DTG, LDL-C was significantly lower than at baseline, with a difference of −15.1 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI; −23.3 to −6.8]; p-value < 0.001), as were total cholesterol and triglycerides, with differences of −22.1 mg/dL (95% CI [−33.3 to −10.8]; p-value <0.001) and −67.7 mg/dL, (95% CI [−88.3 to −47.0]; p-value 0.001), respectively. There were no significant changes in body weight (0.51 kg; 95% CI [−0.37 to 1.38]; p-value 0.251) or BMI (0.17 kg/m2; 95% CI [−0.14 to 0.48]; p-value 0.284) from baseline to week 24. In addition, 39 of 40 patients (97.5%) maintained virological suppression (HIV RNA <50 copies/mL), with only one patient (2.5%) developing virological failure. Three grade 3 adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Switching from a boosted PI-based ART regimen to a DTG-based regimen in people living with HIV/AIDS who had attained prior virological suppression resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, but did not increase the patient’s body weight at 24 weeks of follow-up. Furthermore, the DTG-based regimen was also highly effective in maintaining virological suppression.

Trial Registration

Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20210625004.
The nexus of financialization and circularity: Evidence from European economies
Authors: Ha Le Thanh
Published: November 2022

This article is the first to study a nexus between financialization and circularity performance in the European region. To reflect the circularity performance, we use six different measures, including the amount of municipal waste, the number of circularity patents, the amount of circular material used, the rate of recycling waste, the rate of recycling biowaste, and the rate of recycling e-waste. By using various econometric techniques (namely a panel-corrected standard errors [PCSE] model, a feasible generalized least square estimates [FGLS] model, and the two-step General Method of Moment [the two-step GMM), our study indicates that financialization is an enabler for circularity. However, these results are only statistically significant for the financial institution's development, while the financial market has a positive yet insignificant impact on circularity performance. The development of the financial institution is reported to increase municipal waste and the amount of recycling biowaste and e-waste, thus promoting the path toward the circular economy. To shed light on the financialization-circularity nexus, we use the different dimensions of financialization dynamics and report heterogeneous influences on the different issues of circularity performance. Furthermore, the results from the dynamic fixed effects (DFE) in the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method suggest that the impact of financial development only becomes apparent in the long term.
Temperature drift mechanism of deflector jet servo valve under temperature shock
Authors: Ma Li , Yan Hao , Cai Cunkun , Ren Yukai
Published: November 2022

To study the mechanism of the deflector jet servo valve under temperature shock, a complete temperature theoretical model is proposed in this article. The temperature change affects the performance change of the torque motor by affecting the drift of the air gaps’ thickness, the permanent magnets’ reluctance, and the magnetomotive polarization force. Moreover, the temperature variation will act on the flow coefficient of the pilot stage, the size of the deflector, and jet pan, which influences the performance of the pilot stage hydraulic amplifier. Furthermore, the armature components, including the stiffness of the spring tube, the stiffness of the feedback rod, and the armature’s arm of force, are also related to the temperature variation. Comprehensively, considering the interaction influence of these factors, by analyzing the electromagnetic characteristics of the torque motor, the fluid mechanics’ characteristics of the pilot stage hydraulic amplifier, and the temperature performance of the armature assembly, the temperature drift model of deflector jet servo valve is constructed, which is represented as a ninth-order nonlinear equation. Based on the equation, the influence of temperature on the control precision of the servo valve is analyzed. The calculation results show that in the range of 20°C–250°C, the impact of temperature on the control accuracy will exceed 30%, the flow coefficient is the most significant affecting on the control accuracy, followed by the structural deformation of the pilot stage is the second factor affecting the temperature drift, and other factors have little effect. Comparison with the experimental results, the temperature drift model of the deflector jet servo valve can predict the control accuracy caused by temperature and provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization of the deflector jet servo valve.
Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragment protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells from radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Kang S , Guo Z , Zhao F , Song L , Lu L , Wang C , Liu Z , Zhao J
Published: November 2022

Background

Radiotherapy is widely used in the treatment of tumors. However, while killing tumor cells, radiation may also cause damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Therefore, it is very important to find safe and effective radiation protection agents.

Purpose

To investgate the radiation protection effect of Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragments (LLP). Methods: The crude polysaccharides of Lanzhou Lily were extracted from the dried bulb powder of Lilium lilium by ultrasonic-assisted hot water method, and then five different fragments were separated from the polysaccharides by DEAE-52-cellulose column. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, neutral comet and immunofluorescent staining were used to investigate the effect of LPe fragment on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) survival and the possible radioprotective mechanism.

Results

The LPe fragment (composing of mannose and glucose, with a ratio of 5.5:2.9, and the average molecular weight is 8629.8 Da), significantly promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and protected cells from X-ray-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, in which pretreatment with the LPe fragment at 100 μg/mL showed the most pronounced protection. In addition, the occurrence of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci was significantly reduced by treatment with the LPe fragment at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, caffeine or wortmannin in combination with the LPe fragment at 25 μg/mL significantly reduced the number of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci, indicating phosphoinositide-3 kinases (PI3K) is involved in H2AX phosphorylation in HUVECs.

Conclusion

These results indicate the LPe fragment has a protective effect against radiation-induced DSBs and may be used as a natural antioxidant agent.
Estimating the Time to Do Nothing: Toward Next-Generation Models of Response Inhibition
Authors: Bissett Patrick G. , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: November 2022

Controlled behavior requires response inhibition, which is a cognitive function that involves withholding action as goals change. Response inhibition is often assessed using the stop-signal paradigm, in which participants respond to most stimuli but periodically withhold their response when a subsequent stop signal occurs. The stop-signal paradigm rests on the theoretical foundation of the independent race model, which assumes a stop racer that races independently against a go racer; behavior is determined by which racer finishes first. We highlight work showing violations of the keystone independence assumption of existing stop models and discuss promising new models of response inhibition.
Racism Through the Lens of Stand-up Comedy: Digital Ethnography of Netflix Specials
Authors: Bihari Isha , Yeldho Joe Varghese
Published: November 2022

Comedy scripts the monotony of life in a language that humours all and mirrors the disruptive social reality of private life. Today, stand-up comedy is a multibillion-dollar entertainment business, and its practitioners are revered figures in popular culture. The article compares the performances of two American celebrity stand-up comedians, D. L. Hughley and Kevin Hart, through their respective Netflix specials. Their content is drawn from the lived experience of growing up Black in America, yet they differ in comic style. While D. L. Hughley traverses the highs and lows of African-American lives in the States, presenting a satirical take on social issues, Kevin Hart paints a self-deprecating portrait of his personal life. He is animated and free-spirited and exaggerates anecdotal familial episodes to humour the audience. Their performance sheds light on the significance of humour in Black lives and highlights the importance of comedy beyond the realm of amusement as a public communication tool.
High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland in a bull
Authors: Alexander Kayla , Beam Jennifer , Baughman Brittany , Morgan Timothy W.
Published: November 2022

Salivary gland neoplasia is uncommon in veterinary species and has rarely been reported in cattle. Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and pleomorphic carcinoma have been described in the parotid gland of dairy cows. Here we describe a case of high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a bull. The bull had a chronic history of caudal mandibular soft tissue swelling. Postmortem examination revealed a 30 × 30-cm mass with a caseonecrotic center, hemorrhage and necrosis of the ipsilateral cervical musculature, osteolysis of the right paracondylar process of the skull and right horn base, pulmonary nodules, and enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Histology of the mass, lungs, and lymph nodes revealed an invasive neoplasm composed of epithelial cells arranged in nests and ductular structures supported by a spindle cell stroma, with frequent central necrosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed that epithelial cells were diffusely positive for pancytokeratin and p63 with multifocal vimentin positivity; stromal cells were diffusely positive for vimentin and α-SMA. A salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma was diagnosed based on these findings. Although rare, salivary gland neoplasia should be considered a differential diagnosis for mandibular masses in cattle.
“Real Students Helping Others”: Student Reflections on a Research-Based Service-Learning Project in a Gender and Victimization Course
Authors: Boppre Breanna , Reed Shon M. , Belisle Linsey A.
Published: November 2022

Background: Service-learning is a high-impact teaching technique that aligns with feminist pedagogy to engage students in influencing social change. Nonetheless, barriers exist to implementing direct service-learning, particularly from a trauma-informed lens as volunteer work could be triggering for students who experienced victimization first-hand. Purpose: This article examines a research-based service-learning project that utilized feminist and trauma-informed pedagogy. Methodology/Approach: Students participated in a student-led survey of their college campus which assessed student experiences of victimization, perceptions of safety, and university service availability. This study analyzed student reflections’ on the research-based service-learning project. Findings/Conclusions: A thematic analysis of students’ reflection responses to the service-learning project revealed four major themes: Enjoyment and Ease in the Process, Research Skills for Advocacy, Validation of Students’ Concerns, and Need for Social Change. Implications: The findings support research-based service-learning projects as an alternative to direct volunteer work. Research-based service-learning still provides students with high-impact learning that can increase students’ collaboration, skills, empowerment, and engagement.