bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Evaluation of Locally Manufactured Paracetamol Tablets in East Africa
Authors: Marisa Gerald , Kapala James , Mafuru Tanga , Matinde Raphael , Kimaro Emmanuel , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: September 2024

Background: Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is categorized as an analgesic and antipyretic medication and is available as over the counter (OTC) medication. It is commonly used in conditions associated with pain and fever. There is a tendency for community to prefer using imported paracetamol tablets from Europe and United States than from Asia and Africa worrying of the quality of the products. Safety, effectiveness, and efficacy of a medicine can be guaranteed when its quality is reliable; however, there is limited data on the quality of locally manufactured paracetamol tablets, thus necessitating this study.

Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the quality of paracetamol tablets 500 mg manufactured by local companies by evaluating their physical parameters, assay results, and dissolution profiles. The compliance of these tablets with the specifications outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) was analyzed. Additionally, a comparative dissolution test was conducted to assess dissolution profile for innovator product and generics.

Method: Five different brands from East African countries with 76 tablets from each brand were compared with the innovator product regarding weight variation, hardness, friability, assay, and dissolution test based on the BP specifications.

Results and discussion: All samples of paracetamol tablets 500 mg from the local manufacturers in this study met the specifications set by the BP for physical parameters, including weight variation, friability, hardness, and disintegration tests. The weight variation test, directly related to drug content variation, demonstrated compliance within the acceptable deviation of 5%. Similarly, the assay test, which determines the concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), confirmed that all samples complied with the acceptable concentration range of 90%–110% for paracetamol. The dissolution test, assessing the percentage release of the API within a specified time, demonstrated that at 15 min, two samples (diodol and enamol) exhibited lower concentration releases than the required 80%, indicating potential delays in their bioavailability and onset of action.

Conclusion: To conclude, all samples had good quality and they can be used for their therapeutic purposes.
Evaluating the Influence of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Clinico‐Pathological Characteristics and Prognostic Outcomes of Middle Eastern Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Siraj Abdul K. , Siraj Nabil , Ahmed Saeeda O. , Al-Sobhi Saif S. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: September 2024

Objective. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, represents the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder globally. The potential influence of HT on the clinical and pathological attributes, as well as the clinical outcomes of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), remains a point of ongoing debate within the medical community. The central focus of this study was to analyze the influence of HT on clinico‐pathological characteristics and its prognostic impact in a large cohort of DTC from Middle Eastern ethnicity. Design, Patients, Measurements. An extensive analysis involving 1822 DTC patients was conducted to determine the association with clinico‐pathological characteristics as well as prognosis, using Chi‐square tests and Kaplan‐Meier curves. Results. 23.9% (435/1822) of DTC patients were diagnosed with HT. Univariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between presence of HT and clinico‐pathological factors such as female gender, younger age, and early stage tumor. In contrast, HT demonstrated a negative association with several aggressive clinical features, including extrathyroidal extension, distant metastasis, recurrent/persistent disease and high‐risk categorization by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. Despite HT being associated with favorable clinico‐pathological features in Middle Eastern DTC patient, our study found no significant influence on overall survival or recurrence‐free survival. Conclusion. The finding of an association between HT and favorable clinico‐pathological characteristics, but lack of impact on prognosis, underscores the complexity of HT‐DTC relationship, necessitating further comprehensive research to fully understand these interactions.
The Nature of Community Empowerment in Local Governance: The Case of Selected Amhara Regional State Zones
Authors: Mengistu Ebabu Chekole , Belay Degwale Gebeyehu , Engdaw Besfat Dejen , Abitew Endalsasa Belay , Megbaru Abeje Tafere , Wondim Yetimwork Anteneh
Published: September 2024

The study sought to explore the nature of community empowerment in holding local councils accountable. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Three Zones, namely Central Gondar, Wag Hemra, and South Wollo, were selected as study areas. From these three Zones, five woredas were selected. Two kebeles were selected purposively from each sample Woreda. Accordingly, 10 study kebeles were selected. A total of 269 samples from the community have been incorporated into the survey. Primary data were collected through survey, key informant interview, fgd, and in-depth interview techniques. The study used thematic analysis technique for the qualitative data and descriptive analysis for the quantitative data. The results show that the level of community empowerment in holding council members accountable for their needs and priorities is low. Local people have little say in their local affairs. Currently, the council members are serving their second term without local elections. Hence, Some Kebeles and Woredas do not have representatives in the local councils.
Elchasai
Authors: Han Jae Hee
Published: September 2024

Since the publication of the Cologne Mani Codex, scholars have tended to think about the figure of Elchasai as the “Jewish Christian” past to Mani’s “Christian” future. This article contends that one can also frame Elchasai as the “Jewish Christian” past to a rabbinic future. To make this argument, it focuses on four main points: (1) the concept of piquach nefesh, or the legality of saving a life, (2) prayer toward Jerusalem, (3) the temporality of work in relation to Shabbat, and (4) Gentile ritual impurity. By contextualizing the commandments attributed to Elchasai in relation to early rabbinic law, especially as discussed in the Tosefta, this article suggests that Elchasaites were closer to the rabbis in matters of law than they were with the early followers of Mani.
“And the Earth Spoke to Him”
Authors: Townsend Philippa
Published: September 2024

This article explores the relationships between the various locations in which divine revelation takes place in the Cologne Mani Codex, employing insights from spatial theory and ecocriticism. It argues that the text emphasizes the possibility of revelation from multiple sources, both worldly and otherworldly, and that the accounts of revelation throughout the text can be understood within ongoing apocalyptic discourses in antiquity about natural revelation, raptures, otherworldly journeys, and worldly missions.
Could Manichaeans Be Happy?
Authors: Williams Michael A.
Published: September 2024

There has been an increasing appreciation of Manichaeans’ capability for certain optimistic expressions about the created cosmos, in spite of their reputation for obsessing about the evil agents of darkness. This present study reviews some of the supporting evidence and explores possible implications for day-to-day life experience among Manichaeans. In spite of a cosmology conveying an ostensibly very dark worldview, could a Manichaean ever have enjoyed life in this world? The second part of the essay turns to implications for mythologies such as those represented among Nag Hammadi tractates and some related cosmologies. In spite of some similarities in mythology, Manichaean tradition is often distinguished from these other cosmologies as a tradition with greater potential for reconciling the role of dark forces in the cosmogony with rather ordinary social and even political life. This essay questions why the same must be denied the authors and ancient fans of cosmogonies like those among Nag Hammadi writings.
On Art and the Limits of Dissent: Climate Activism at Museums and Galleries
Authors: Araya López Alexander , Davis Colin J.
Published: September 2024

Since June 2022, activists have been targeting renowned museums and galleries to draw attention to the climate crisis, with protests that often involve the apparent destruction of artworks. These actions have been condemned in global media outlets and are frequently represented as counterproductive and lacking in logic. We contend there is a logic in the actions of these political dissenters that goes beyond a simple attempt to secure media and political attention. The symbolic destruction of famous artworks represents a threat to deep psychological needs to transcend death through the protection of common heritage, which is discursively linked to climate and ecological destruction. Furthermore, considering the current literature on the physical spaces of democratic practices, we highlight the risks of demarcating museums and galleries as “off-limits” for political action and contend that these are legitimate sites for protest and acts of civil disobedience.

Desde junio del 2022, los y las activistas han utilizado museos y galerías de renombre para llamar la atención sobre la crisis climática, con protestas que a menudo implican la aparente destrucción de obras de arte. Estas acciones han sido condenadas en medios de comunicación globales y son frecuentemente representadas como contraproducentes y carentes de lógica. En este artículo argumentamos que hay una lógica en las acciones de estos disidentes políticos que va más allá de la simple intención de capturar la atención política y mediática. La destrucción simbólica de obras de arte famosas representa una amenaza contra necesidades psicológicas profundas de trascender la muerte a través de la protección del patrimonio común, la cual está ligada discursivamente a la degradación climática y ecológica. Además, según la literatura actual sobre los espacios físicos de las prácticas democráticas, subrayamos los riesgos de demarcar los museos y las galerías como “restringidos” para la acción política, y sostenemos que son sitios legítimos para la protesta y la desobediencia civil.
Conversation with Prof. Lee Artz, Purdue University Northwest
Authors: Sadiki Larbi , Saleh Layla , Artz Lee , K Lillian
Published: September 2024

Since Israel’s war on Gaza in the aftermath of the October 2023 attacks, protests have virtually exploded across the world. We see them in Western countries as much as in the ‘Global South’ and the Arab world. In the US, university campuses have become one site of intense protest activity. For this issue’s Protest Voices section, editors Larbi Sadiki and Layla Saleh interviewed Professor Artz about his reflections on the pro-Palestine campus encampments at his university, and how his own research, teaching, and activism feed into one another. The interview with Professor Artz is followed by a short (anonymized) essay by a student protestor offering a first-hand account about why she protests.
Protest Interview with Prof. Keiko Sakai, Chiba University
Authors: Sadiki Larbi , Saleh Layla , SAKAI Keiko
Published: September 2024

This past spring, Protest editors Larbi Sadiki and Layla Saleh interviewed Prof. Sakai about how she came to research the politics of the Middle East and Iraq, as well as the changes she has observed in the modes and content of Iraqi protests over the past decades. Prof. Sakai also shared some suggestions for young scholars embarking on the study of the Middle East region and told us a bit about her latest projects on comparative studies and the International Relations (ir) of protest. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Rule of Law v. Balancing Test: The Admissibility of Illegally Obtained Evidence in Civil Procedure
Authors: Bartkus Jurgis
Published: September 2024

The article aims to reveal, explain and critically assess the balancing test as a legal tool to decide on the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence in civil procedure. The main part of the article is divided into four sections. First of all, the article provides a general overview of the concept of illegally obtained evidence. In other words, the research tries to outline how the concept of illegally obtained evidence should be understood. Secondly, the article provides an overview of one of the most common ways of resolving the issue of the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence – the balancing test. Thirdly, the article assesses the balancing test while employing two requirements derived from the rule of law. The research shows that, in the context of the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence, the balancing test does not meet 1) the requirement of legal certainty and 2) the requirement that civil procedure must be based on the rule of law and not on the rule of men. Lastly, the article concludes that in order to avoid identified shortcomings, the balancing tests should be characterised by a predefined exhaustive list of criteria that should be balanced when deciding on the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence and should not contain too broad, vague balancing criteria.
Sex and Age Influence the Relationship Between Serum Creatinine/Cystatin C and Carotid Plaque in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Dan , Li Kexin , Zhang Qiujuan , Yu Tian , Liu Ling , Wang You , Kang Shuyuan , Song Shumiao , Xu Baofeng , Liu Rui
Published: September 2024

We investigated the effect of sex and age on the association between serum creatinine/cystatin C (CCR) ratio and carotid plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The carotid plaque group and the non-plaque group were divided according to cervical vascular ultrasound; the general and biochemical data of the two groups were compared according to CCR, gender, and age. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing carotid plaque. A total of 1429 patients with T2DM were included in this study. On multivariate analysis, CCR was an independent predictor of carotid plaque with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.681 [1.250–2.260]. The risk of carotid plaque in men with T2DM increased significantly ( P < .05) with decreasing levels of CCR. In addition, an association between CCR and carotid plaque was found in individuals with T2DM <65 years of age ( P < .05). CCR is strongly associated with the risk of carotid plaques in persons with T2DM and are an independent risk factor for carotid plaques in men and people aged <65 years with T2DM.
Blurring the Boundaries of Governance: China’s Work Teams in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Perry Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2024

A notable feature of Chinese Communist rule, from revolutionary days on, has been the blurred boundaries of its governance mechanisms. The lines separating formal from informal, legal from illegal, and state from societal have – at least until quite recently – proven exceptionally permeable. This paper focuses on an especially fluid and flexible means of Chinese Communist governance: the deployment of mobile task forces, or “work teams,” for both routine and crisis policy implementation. Directed by higher-levels of the party-state to advance a specific mission at the grassroots, work teams mobilize society in a manner that reflects the continuing influence of China’s revolutionary experience. The paper assesses the contributions and costs of this “campaign-style” of governance in comparison to the practices of other Communist and non-Communist systems, past and present.
Family Attachment and Delinquency Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Adolescent Self-Disclosure and Parental Knowledge
Authors: Jiang Xin , Chen Xiaojin , Liang Bin , Liu Jianhong
Published: September 2024

As a crucial factor in the personal development, social interaction, and emotional maturation of children, family attachment plays a prominent role in the social control theory of delinquency. However, limited attention has been paid to the disentanglement and causal ordering of the elements of family attachment. This study utilizes data drawn from a sample of youth in China aged twelve to seventeen to examine path models that specify the interrelationships among the elements of family attachment that contribute to delinquency and assess their relative strength. In addition, this study incorporates both parent-driven efforts and child-driven efforts into the path model. The results of this study provide a richer understanding of the causal mechanisms linking family attachment to delinquency.
Trading in Turbulent Times: Unravelling the Interplay between Trade Policy Uncertainty and Geopolitics in Russian Mineral Resource Supply
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Sohag Kazi
Published: September 2024

Trade policy plays a pivotal role in shaping import and export volumes within the global economy. However, the escalation of geopolitical tensions has posed significant challenges to the smooth flow of mineral resource trade. This study aims to analyse the consequences of global trade policy uncertainty (TPU) and various measures of geopolitical risk (GPR), including terror threats, war threats and nuclear threats (NCT), on Russian mineral exports (MEX). The analysis covers the period from January 2013 to December 2021. By employing sophisticated quantile regression methodologies, such as the cross-quantilogram (CQ) and cross-spectral quantile coherency (CQC) techniques, this study uncovers a compelling interaction between TPU and Russian MEX across different market conditions. Interestingly, TPU exerts a significantly positive impact on the export volumes of Russian mineral resources. In contrast, the presence of GPRs, particularly warfare and terrorism, proves to be detrimental to MEX during bullish market phases across various memory horizons. Surprisingly, NCT stimulates mineral trade during bearish market conditions, both in monthly and annual timeframes. These findings remain robust and consistent even when the CQC technique is employed. In light of these pressing geopolitical challenges, this study underscores the importance of developing sustainable mineral trade policies that foster enhanced global cohesion. It is crucial to address these challenges effectively to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of mineral resources in the international trade landscape.

JEL Codes: C22, F13, F14, P28, Q21, Q27
The hazards of performance management: An investigation into its effects on employee absenteeism and presenteeism
Authors: Miraglia Mariella , Russo Silvia Dello , Bouville Gregor
Published: September 2024

Performance management (PM) practices were conceived to improve employees’ performance. However, one may ask: do they also have unintended and accompanying consequences on employee well-being? In this study, we set out to answer this question, and examined the influence of three PM practices, namely goal setting, monitoring, and performance evaluation, on two behavioral indicators of employee well-being: sickness absenteeism (not working owing to illness) and presenteeism (working despite illness). Our assumption, based on labor process theory, is that PM practices are an instrument of managerial control that would intensify employees’ work and, via this process, lead to more absenteeism and presenteeism. Drawing on two matched waves of the French National Working Conditions survey ( N = 17,081), we found that goal setting and monitoring are associated with more absenteeism and presenteeism indirectly via work intensification. By contrast, performance evaluation reported negative, albeit weak, indirect associations with both behaviors. These results show that PM can take a toll on employees’ well-being and that the organizational and social context of attendance behaviors matters. They also hold clear practical implications for designing managerial practices that minimize their negative impact on well-being.
Nigeria’s Border Diplomacy in Africa: A Contraption of ‘Security Realism’ and Pan-Africanism
Authors: Awosusi Oladotun E. , Ferim Valery
Published: September 2024

Following the adoption of the Organisation of African Unity -OAU (now African Union -AU) led African-wide border arrangement, which provides for the ‘sacredness’ of the inherited colonial borders in 1964, Nigeria deployed its geographical advantage as an instrument of diplomatic relations in the continent. Drawing from field observation and data collected through key informant interviews with Nigerian border enforcement officials, the study contends that in the quest to explore the inherent benefits of the borders, Nigeria’s border diplomacy has taken two opposing outlooks of nationalism and ‘Pan-Africanism’. It argues that, albeit contradictory, the two border postures follow the same pattern of a state-centric ‘top-down’ approach, which has proven ineffective in arresting the border situation. Thus, in addressing the border challenges to salvage its national security debacle, the study submits that Nigeria must understand its borders’ dynamics while deploying a practicable border diplomatic approach from the ‘below’ that factors the dynamics of its border regions and other non-state/sub-national transborder actors in the country.
The Roles of Riddles, Puzzles, and Narratives as Pedagogy in Video Games: A Case of African-Themed Video Games
Authors: Randle Oluwarotimi
Published: September 2024

Critical thinking can be promoted through narratives, puzzles, and riddles. Literature has indicated a need to reactivate African narratives to preserve African legacies for future generations. This study argues that African riddles, puzzles, and narratives should be used in African-themed video games to promote critical thinking and awareness of African culture. It emphasizes the importance of African-centered puzzles as a culturally relevant pedagogy that fosters students’ understanding of African cultural values. The study used a participatory culture framework to bring students together to develop an African-themed video game. The game, called Nolwazi, was investigated ethnographically to highlight critical aspects. The study presents the findings of the investigation and analysis. It concludes with a discussion of the importance of using African riddles, puzzles, and narratives in video games.
Apoptotic Vesicles: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Critical Issues
Authors: Ou Q. , Huang W. , Wang B. , Niu L. , Li Z. , Mao X. , Shi S.
Published: September 2024

Apoptosis is the most prominent mode of programmed cell death and is necessary for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. During cell apoptosis, a distinctive population of extracellular vesicles is generated, termed apoptotic vesicles (apoVs). ApoVs inherit a variety of biological molecules such as proteins, RNAs, nuclear components, lipids, and gasotransmitters from their parent cells. ApoVs have shown promising therapeutic potential for inflammation, tumors, immune disorders, and tissue regeneration. In addition, apoVs can be used as drug carriers, vaccine development, and disease diagnosis. Recently, apoVs have been used in clinical trials to treat a variety of diseases, such as temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and the regeneration of functional alveolar bone. Here, we review the history of apoV research, current preclinical and clinical studies, and the potential issues of apoV application.
Effects and Toxicity of Hallucinogenic New Psychoactive Substances From the Perspectives of e-Psychonauts
Authors: Al Hamid Abdullah , McGuinness Rebecca , Al-Jumeily OBE Dhiya , Assi Sulaf
Published: September 2024

Hallucinogenic new psychoactive substances have been rapidly emerging due to the increasing use of the Internet as a marketplace and source of information. This study explores hallucinogenic new psychoactive substances’ profile, effects and toxicity from the perspectives of e-psychonauts by conducting content analysis of online discussion forums. Qualitative content analysis was applied to threads extracted from online discussion forums. Each thread was coded carefully, and similar codes were grouped into sub-themes and themes respectively. The results showed four main themes related to users’ characteristics, hallucinogenic new psychoactive substances profile, effects and toxicity. The majority of users in this study were men in the age range of 18–25 years old. The main effects sought were stimulant/hallucinogenic effects; yet neurological and cardiovascular toxicity were frequently reported. The research found that online discussion forums offered a rich source of information as they provided a safe space for truthful experience reports without fear of legal consequence for e-psychonauts.
Cremation in Interwar Romania: The Case of the Potter’s Field
Authors: Rotar Marius , Stoian Grapă Timotei
Published: September 2024

This article aims to analyse the activities of Potter’s Field practice in Romania as part of the Patriarch Miron Orthodox Association. From its very beginning it was orientated against the apparition of cremation in Romania, realized in the first cremation at the Cenușa Crematorium in Bucharest (1928). The target was to ‘save’ poor people from cremation, considering that the cremation aimed to remove from the local authorities the pressure of supporting the costs of burials for unidentified bodies and bodies that were unclaimed by families (‘the social cremations’). Therefore, the Potter’s Field practice developed in Romania in an original way in comparison to other countries. This situation indicated a way of translating cremation into reality in Romania and expressed some of its particularities in this country (the implication of the authorities, cremation as a personal choice or the forms of criticism by the religious environments).
Innocent Bystanders or the Forgotten Actors? The Role of Parties and Candidates in Building Electoral Campaign Momentum
Authors: Fisher Justin , Fieldhouse Edward , Cutts David
Published: September 2024

Do party or candidate campaigns boost momentum? Momentum in election campaigns is significant because it indicates a greater perception of the likelihood that a party or candidate will perform well, and also because that brings with it an improvement in credibility as a viable contender. Existing explanations of changes in the perception of popularity of candidates and parties over an election campaign relate largely to the impact of media coverage and opinion polls. What is frequently absent is any discussion of the impact of party and candidate campaigns. This is a curious omission since it effectively ignores the central actors in electoral contests – the parties and the candidates. This article seeks to address this lacuna by assessing whether campaign efforts deliver electoral momentum. Using data from three British general elections, we find strong evidence to indicate that campaign efforts at the constituency-level play a key role in delivering momentum.
The Government Financial Advantage of Early Elections: Evidence from UK MP Candidate Spending
Authors: Aaskoven Lasse
Published: September 2024

In many parliamentary democracies, incumbents retain the right to call early elections. This is thought to provide incumbent governments with an advantage due to the ability to time elections to favorable economic conditions. This article explores an additional incumbency advantage of early elections. Due to information asymmetry about election timing, government parties can better plan fundraising in early elections years compared to non-government parties, which gives government parties a relative financial advantage. This proposition is tested on campaign spending data from over 50,000 British parliamentary candidates 1945–2019. The results support the argument. Government party candidates gain a relative financial advantage in early elections years compared to scheduled election years. The effect is found only for non-incumbent candidates and was eliminated by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011, which removed government early election calling. The results suggest that government election calling power provides incumbent government parties with a relative financial advantage.
Exploring the Mechanisms that Allow Incompatible Beliefs to Coexist in the Cognitive System
Authors: Petrović Marija B. , Žeželj Iris
Published: September 2024

Despite assumptions that people strive for consistency between their beliefs, endorsement of mutually incompatible ones is not rare - a tendency we have previously labelled doublethink, by borrowing from Orwell. In an attempt to understand the nature of doublethink and the underlying mechanism that enables incompatible beliefs to coexist, we conducted two preregistered studies (total N = 691). To do so, in Study 1, we first explored how doublethink relates to (1) thinking styles (rational/intuitive, actively open-minded thinking, and need for cognitive closure), (2) a set of irrational beliefs (magical health, conspiratorial, superstitious, and paranormal beliefs) and (3) its predictiveness for questionable health practices (non-adherence to medical recommendations and use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine). We then additionally expanded the set of health behaviors in Study 2, and related doublethink to trust in two epistemic authorities - science and the wisdom of the common man. Finally, in both studies, we explored whether those prone to inconsistent beliefs are also more likely to simultaneously rely on conventional and alternative medicine, despite their apparent incompatibility. While doublethink was positively related to need for cognitive closure and different irrational beliefs that easily incorporate contradictions, as well as negatively to actively open-minded thinking, we did not find it to be predictive of the use of non-evidence-based medicine nor of its simultaneous use with official medicine. It seems that this novel construct can be best understood as a feature of the cognitive system that allows incompatible claims to enter it. However, once beliefs are within the system, they are compartmentalized, without any cross-referencing between them. This is further reflected in non-evidence-based beliefs persisting within the belief system, irrespective of their content.
A ‘Problematic’ Pattern of Power-system Functioning and its Association with psychopathological Symptoms
Authors: Salzano Sara , Zappullo Isa , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Conson Massimiliano , Citro Anna , Cecere Roberta , Mikulincer Mario , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: September 2024

Following the well-researched two-dimensional model of attachment-system functioning, based on the concepts of hyperactivation and deactivation, a two-dimensional model of the power behavioral system has recently been proposed. The power system is aimed at activating, organizing, and implementing action patterns that protect or restore a sense of power or dominance. Here, we tested predictions derived from the two-dimensional model of power-system functioning regarding the contribution of a ‘problematic’ high-high pattern, characterized by the coexistence of both hyperactivating and deactivating strategies, to psychopathological symptoms. A non-clinical sample of Italian adults ( N = 385) completed the Power Behavioral System Scale together with self-report measures of anxiety and depression symptoms and difficulties in executive control. Multiple regression analyses showed that higher deactivation and hyperactivation scores, characteristic of the ‘problematic’ pattern, significantly predicted anxiety and depression symptoms as well as executive function difficulties. These results provide initial support for the pathogenic implications of the ‘problematic’ high-high pattern of power-system functioning.
Optimization of battery charging and discharging strategies in substation DC systems using the dual self-attention network-N-BEATS model
Authors: Tu Yuehai , Tu Feng , Yang Yun , Qian Jiaqi , Wu Xi , Yang Sian
Published: September 2024

With the rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization, the demand for electricity has surged, placing immense pressure on power management systems. Substation DC systems play a crucial role in managing these fluctuations to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. However, existing battery charging and discharging strategies often suffer from inefficiencies, which can negatively impact overall system performance and sustainability. In this study, we introduce a novel approach that leverages artificial intelligence and time series predictive analytics through the dual self-attention network-neural basis expansion analysis for time series (DSAN-N-BEATS) model. This model integrates the self-attention network with the neural basis expansion analysis for time series (N-BEATS) model to accurately capture time-series data and optimize battery management. Our experimental results demonstrate that the DSAN-N-BEATS model significantly enhances battery state prediction accuracy, achieving a 95.84% accuracy rate, and improves charging and discharging efficiency by 20% compared to traditional methods. These improvements contribute to the overall reliability and sustainability of power systems. This research provides innovative methods for optimizing battery strategies, supporting sustainable development in the power industry, and enhancing system stability and reliability.
TVGCN: Time-varying graph convolutional networks for multivariate and multifeature spatiotemporal series prediction
Authors: Sun Feiyan , Hao Wenning , Zou Ao , Cheng Kai
Published: September 2024

Spatiotemporal (ST) graph modeling has garnered increasing attention recently. Most existing methods rely on a predefined graph structure or construct a single learnable graph throughout training. However, it is challenging to use a predefined graph structure to capture dynamic ST changes effectively due to evolving node relationships over time. Furthermore, these methods typically utilize only the original data, neglecting external temporal factors. Therefore, we put forward a novel time-varying graph convolutional network model that integrates external factors for multifeature ST series prediction. Firstly, we construct a time-varying adjacency matrix using attention to capture dynamic spatial relationships among nodes. The graph structure adapts over time during training, validation, and testing phases. Then, we model temporal dependence by dilated causal convolution, leveraging gated activation unit and residual connection. Notably, the prediction accuracy is enhanced through the incorporation of embedding absolute time and the fusion of multifeature. This model has been applied to three real-world multifeature datasets, achieving state-of-the-art performance in all cases. Experiments show that the method has high accuracy and robustness when applied to multifeature and multivariate ST series problems.
Reconstructing hyperspectral images of textiles from a single RGB image utilizing the multihead self-attention mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Ma Jin , Qian Miao , Wang Ming
Published: September 2024

Hyperspectral images possess abundant information and play a pivotal role in enhancing the accuracy of color difference detection in textiles. However, traditional hyperspectral imaging methods necessitate costly equipment and intricate operational procedures. A novel deep learning model based on a multihead attention mechanism was proposed in this article to facilitate the extensive application of hyperspectral imaging technology in textile quality inspection. This model enabled the reconstruction of the hyperspectral information of plain weave textiles from a single RGB image. In this model, encoder-decoder architecture and pyramid pooling convolutional operations were employed to integrate multiscale features of plain weave cotton-linen textiles. This could capture details and contextual information in textile images more precisely, enhancing the accuracy of hyperspectral image reconstruction. Simultaneously, an attention mechanism was introduced to increase the model’s receptive field and improve its focus on key regions in the input image and feature maps. This resulted in a reduced weighting of redundant information during network learning, leading to an improved feature extraction capability of the network. Through these methods, successful reconstructions of plain weave textiles hyperspectral information from a single RGB image was achieved. Quantitative and qualitative tests were conducted on two datasets, namely, the NTIRE 2020 dataset and a self-made textile dataset, to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The approach proposed in this article exhibited promising results on both datasets. Specifically, the reconstructed textile hyperspectral images achieved a root mean square error of 0.0344, a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 29.945, a spectral angle mapper of 3.753, and a structural similarity index measure of 0.955 on the textile dataset. In the reconstructed hyperspectral colorimetric experiment, the maximum value of average color difference was 2.641. These results demonstrate that the method can meet the requirements for textile color measurement applications.
Yarn-level numerical simulation based on micro-CT reconstruction for the stentering process of warp-knitted three-dimensional mesh fabric
Authors: Zheng Fei , Liu Yanping
Published: September 2024

Three-dimensional mesh fabrics of one-piece spacer structure are an essential component of automotive seat ventilation systems due to their excellent cushion and ventilation performance. The mesh structure is manufactured by stretching across the width of as-knitted structure with closed surfaces in a coupled thermo-mechanical stentering and heat-setting process. This paper presents a numerical study to examine the effect of stentering on the mesh structure and yarn architecture of a typical three-dimensional mesh fabric by establishing a finite element model based on micro X-ray computed tomography reconstruction at the yarn level. The finite element model is verified with the global and local deformation of the mesh during the stentering process. The evolution of the yarn architecture in the stentering process is demonstrated and quantitatively analyzed in terms of curvature and torsion. Three-dimensional mesh fabrics of different mesh sizes and thicknesses after stentering at different ratios are also simulated to study their compression properties. The numerical and experimental results showed that stentering opens the meshes and simultaneously shortens, widens and thins the fabric. The meshes are unevenly distributed across the width, and the intermediate meshes are more open and uniform than the two selvage meshes. To obtain a three-dimensional mesh fabric with uniform and symmetrical meshes, the as-knitted fabric should be stretched coursewise to be wider than 2 times and narrower than 2.6 times its initial width. Stentering disperses, lengthens, tilts, bends and twists the spacer monofilaments, thereby broadening the compression plateau stage and decreasing the compression resistance.
Principals’ Use of Leadership Metaphors in Three Urban Junior High Schools in Taiwan
Authors: Whang Nai-Ying
Published: September 2024

Principals utilize leadership metaphors to guide teachers in implementing educational, curriculum, and institutional/structural change. This study explores how principals employ metaphors to drive school change and presents a two-year qualitative case study of three urban junior high schools in Taiwan. During the first year, the researcher observed and participated in school meetings, collecting documents and data from the perspectives of principals, teachers, and parents. In the subsequent year, in-depth interviews were conducted with three principals. The findings demonstrate that principals who incorporate metaphors into their collective sense-making processes in leadership can facilitate social change and foster innovation in education.
Restaurant survival during the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining operational, demographic and land use predictors in London, Canada
Authors: Wray Alexander , Arku Godwin , Long Jed , Minaker Leia , Seabrook Jamie , Doherty Sean , Gilliland Jason
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable stress on restaurants from restrictions placed on their operations, shifting consumer confidence, rapid expansion of remote work arrangements and aggressive uptake of third-party delivery services. Industry reports suggest that restaurants are experiencing a much higher rate of failure in comparison to other sectors of the economy. Restaurant survival was assessed in the Middlesex–London region of Ontario, Canada as of December 2020 using a novel dataset constructed from public health inspection permits, business listings and social media. Binomial logistic regression models were used to determine the association of operational, demographic and land use factors with restaurant survival during the pandemic. Operations-related factors were considerably more predictive of restaurant survival, though some demographic and land use factors suggest that urban processes continued to play a role in restaurant survival. Restaurants that offered in-house delivery and phone-based ordering methods were considerably less likely to close. Restaurants with a table-based service model, drive-through or an alcohol licence were also less likely to close. Restaurants proximal to a concentration of entertainment land uses were more likely to be closed in December 2020. Closed restaurants were not spatially clustered as compared to open restaurants. The pandemic appears to have disrupted established theoretical relationships between people, place, and restaurant success.
Assessing downtown recovery rates and determinants in North American cities after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Forouhar Amir , Chapple Karen , Allen Jeff , Jeong Byeonghwa , Greenberg Julia
Published: September 2024

North American downtowns are struggling to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the varying rates of recovery experienced by downtown areas in the 66 largest cities of the United States and Canada. Leveraging Location-Based Services data extracted from mobile phone location trajectories, we assess the recovery rates in the 2023 post-pandemic period, juxtaposed against pre-pandemic 2019 levels. We find significant disparities in downtown recovery rates. Economic factors emerge as crucial determinants, where downtowns hosting a concentration of sectors with remote/hybrid work options – such as information, finance, professional services and management – displayed sluggish recovery. Conversely, downtowns with a focus on industries like accommodation, manufacturing, education, retail, construction, entertainment and healthcare exhibited greater resilience post pandemic. Furthermore, higher density, crime rates and education levels were correlated with slower recovery rates, as were harsher weather conditions and longer commuting times. Lower-density and auto-orientated downtowns demonstrated a swift rebound, even surpassing pre-pandemic activity levels. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored policies to bolster the revival of North American downtown areas.
Provider’s Individual and Network Attributes in the Selection Process of a Predominant Antenatal Care Provider in South Carolina: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Deng Songyuan , Bennett Kevin
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

This study aims to examine the association between provider attributes, including network (patient panel size, degree-number of peer connections, and community size- number of a closely connected group of peers) and individual attributes (travel distance, specialties, and rural practice), and a predominant (most visited) provider.

Methods:

This study utilized South Carolina’s Medicaid claims data during 2014 to 2018, focusing on live births in hospitals. Samples were limited to pregnant women continuously enrolled in Medicaid throughout pregnancy. Predominant providers (total = 2153) were identified for 29 569 pregnancies. Network analyses involved 5520 providers, comprising 3667 antenatal care (ANC) providers and 1853 non-ANC providers. A Cartesian product (n = 45 929 845) combined five annual provider lists with all included pregnancies. Logistic regressions with repeated measures were applied to this retrospective case-control study.

Results:

The results demonstrated that a medium or large degree were associated with being a predominant provider if the community size was medium or large. A predominant provider was more likely to be located near, rather than far from, the served woman, and in rural areas rather than urban ones. They were also more likely to be specialists, midwives, and nurse practitioners than primary care physicians.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that both individual and network attributes were significantly associated with being a predominant provider. Policies aimed at addressing access issues for antenatal care should consider both the individual and network attributes of providers, as providers may not be able to alter their individual attributes but can always optimize their social network.
Basal Metabolic Rate Versus Dietary Vitamin D and Calcium Intakes and the Association With Body Composition and Bone Health After Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Dora Ifon E. , Khalil Refka E. , Adler Robert A. , Gorgey Ashraf S.
Published: September 2024

We examined the association among basal metabolic rate (BMR) as well as dietary intakes of vitamin D (Vit D) and calcium on body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) after spinal cord injury (SCI). Cross-sectional design. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA. About 33 individuals with chronic SCI who recorded their food consumption 3 days per week for 2 weeks. BMR was measured after 10 to 12 h of overnight fast. Average daily vit D and calcium intakes, and total caloric intake were recorded and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) software. Fasting blood analysis for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) status and Triiodothyronine (T3) status was performed (n = 10). Total and regional BMD, % fat mass (FM), and % lean mass (LM) were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry scans. Participants consumed less than the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended daily allowances (RDA) for vit D (600-800 IU) and calcium (1000-1200 mg) for adults. BMR was positively related to total-lean mass ( r = .62, P = .0001; n = 32) and leg-lean mass ( r = .51, P = .003; n = 32). Adjusted BMR was negatively related to BMD of the left (r = −.38, P = .047; n = 28) and the right (r = −.41, P = .032; n = 28) proximal tibia. Vit D intake was negatively related to percentage total-FM ( r = −.33, P = .07; n = 29) and legs-%FM ( r = −.37, P = .047; n = 29). Multivariate regression models indicated that adjusted BMR explained the variance in leg fat mass (34%; P = .002) and percentage fat mass (44%; P < .0001). Persons with SCI are likely to consume less than the RDAs for vit D and calcium. BMR may explain the changes in body composition and bone metabolism. Dietary vit D should be considered as a prophylactic intervention in maintenance of bone health after SCI.
Return reimagined: Diaspora interactions with protracted internal displacement in post-war Sri Lanka
Authors: Munas Mohamed , Lokuge Gayathri
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to study transnational diasporic interactions with the internal return of protracted displaces, using two cases from directly war-affected regions of Sri Lanka. This paper contributes to the conceptualization of return by analyzing the complexities arising through diaspora engagement in post-war return and recovery of internally displaced people. Split returns—of near and far diasporas in the form of short-term, temporary family visits—shape protracted returns in post-war situations. Diaspora’s collective memory that results in diaspora transnationalism requires an engagement in rights-based issues such as access to and ownership of land in which the diasporas directly or indirectly intervene.