bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prayojana and Phala: Reception of the Mahābhārata Through Its Commentaries
Authors: Bidnur Jahnavi , Dharurkar Chinmay
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to explicate the hermeneutic engagement of the commentators with the epic. The engagement is better revealed in the opening of the commentaries, particularly while commenting upon the maṅgala of the epic. This paper offers a comparison of insights on maṅgala and anubandhacatuṣṭaya in the three commentaries: Devabodha (11 ce), Vādirāja (16 ce) and Nīlakaṇṭha (17 ce). The singularity of this engagement is that it deals with the text as one meaningful whole. While doing so they not only analyse the text, but also renew the text by offering it its own due textuality. The due textuality is understood in contrast to the view of modern scholars who have dealt with the epic text as a conglomerate of several parts. The contexts and departures that commentators have with the text of the epic are obviously different from ours and are therefore of significance to us. The antiquity, grandeur and complexity of the epic are the obvious challenges before us as we attempt to comprehend the text. The commentaries come through as a resource as they offer their reading and comprehension of the epic. The very names of the commentaries illuminate the specific hermeneutic engagement of the commentators with the epic. Thus, Devabodha’s commentary is called Jñānadīpikā or the Lamp of Knowledge, whereas Nīlakaṇṭha’s commentary has been named as Bhāratabhāvadīpa, or the Lamp Illuminating Inner Meaning (of the Mahābhārata).
Comparing Rhetoric in Antiquity: The Greek and Indian Cases in Perspective
Authors: Leite Priscilla Gontijo
Published: September 2024

The understanding of rhetoric has been heavily influenced by the Western tradition, particularly the Greco-Latin tradition. Rhetoric was traditionally considered a creation of the Greeks and a unique feature of the West. However, theoretical perspectives such as Axial Age, Comparative History, Global History, and Comparative World Rhetoric offer new insights into the relationship between communication and persuasion. This paper aims to compare certain characteristics of Greek rhetoric and Indian rhetoric using the perspective of Comparative World Rhetoric. To do this, I analysed the Vedic texts, Aristotle’s Rhetoric, and the Nyāya Sūtra. I concluded that the comparison was a fundamental aspect of the rhetorical exercise in antiquity, as it allowed the speaker to better connect with the audience.
Applying an Integrated Indigenist Ecological Systems Model to Research on Justice-Involved Indigenous Youth in Canada
Authors: Busch Louis , Smith Holly , Simpson Alexander
Published: September 2024

Indigenous youth in Canada face disproportionately high rates of criminal justice involvement, rooted in colonial history. This paper uses the Integrated Indigenist Ecological Systems Model (IIESM) for a scoping review of literature on Indigenous youth justice involvement. By mapping studies onto the IIESM framework, this review identifies gaps and provides insights into often-overlooked socio-ecological and historical contexts. Findings show most research focuses on individual-level risk factors, neglecting broader ecological and historical dimensions. The review suggests a wholistic approach which integrates Indigenous knowledge systems and emphasizes culturally relevant research and interventions. The IIESM offers a valuable framework for future studies addressing the multifaceted nature of Indigenous youth criminal involvement, promoting more effective, culturally sensitive policy and practice.
Investigating the Social Correlates Associated With Getting Help After a Suicide or Not: An Important Unexamined Bereavement Question
Authors: Feigelman William , Cerel Julie , Gutin Nina , McIntosh John L. , Gorman Bernard S. , Bottomley Jamison S. , Edwards Alice
Published: September 2024

Seeking to provide more systematic information on treatment-seeking and those not seeking help after a suicide, we investigated demographic, experiential and grief problems related correlates among recently suicide bereaved adults, conducting an on-line survey of a sample of U.S. 1,132 adults who lost a loved one to suicide during the last six years. Focusing upon first-degree relative loss survivors ( n = 222) we hypothesized those not seeking help would be more likely to report conventional religiosity, greater social support and more use of alternative treatment modalities. Instead, we found those not seeking help were almost twice as likely to not attend religious services, compared to help seekers. Social support enhanced the bereaved individuals’ pursuit of treatments and those who did not obtain help appeared reluctant to getting non-traditional treatment support. Help seekers were more likely to experience post-traumatic growth and less likely to see suicide loss survivorship as stigmatizing.
Identifying High-Priority Populations for Dietary Salt Reduction Using the TARPARE Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abe Takafumi , Kitayuguchi Jun , Hamano Tsuyoshi , Yamasaki Masayuki , Yano Shozo , Isomura Minoru
Published: September 2024

The application of social marketing to public health activities has recently garnered attention. This study aimed to identify high-priority segments for salt reduction interventions using the TARPARE model in a rural Japanese city. This cross-sectional study used convenient sampling. Scored indicators of the TARPARE model were used, and data was collected from 1874 adults to establish the priority order of target segments for promoting salt reduction. The model considers the total number of individuals (T), at-risk persons (AR), persuasibility (P), accessibility (A), resources required (R), and equity (E). For T, the salt content was evaluated using spot urine, and the salt check sheet was scored for each segment according to sex and age in the city’s population. AR was the individuals who were overweight. P was determined by the behavior modification stage of salt reduction, unknown recommended salt reduction goals, and lack of knowledge in at least one aspect of salt reduction. A and R were characterized by communication with family or friends and family support, respectively. E was considered an education up to high school. The average aggregated score was 19.9 (standard deviation = 14.0), with higher scores in segments that consistently subjectively restrict salt intake but have a high objective salt intake. The highest priority was given to women in their 60s (49.3 points) and 70s (54.4 points). This study identified high-priority populations for salt reduction in a rural city in Japan. Our priority segments offer guidance for efficient and targeted interventions for salt reduction initiatives.
Interrelationship between depression and low back pain-related disability among patients seen at orthopedic clinics in Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, severity, and determinants
Authors: Alsughier Naif Abdullah
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread health problem that poses a severe economic burden on both affected patients and the societies in which they live. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between depression and low back pain among patients seen at an orthopedic clinic and determine the association with physical disability.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the orthopedic clinics of Al-Badaya General Hospital in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. All patients with LBP seen in the clinic between April and June 2024 were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered that collected demographic information, asked about medical history and behaviors, and included the Arabic-validated version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; depression). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of depression.

Results

A total of 365 patients were included in the study. Age ranged between 18 and 85 years, with a mean of 47.9 years (55.6% female). The overall prevalence of depression was 56.2%; 40.3% was mild, 13.2% moderate, and 2.7% moderately severe or severe based on PHQ-9 cutoff scores. Patients with moderately severe/severe depression had the highest disability score, while those with no depression had the lowest disability score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that with each unit increase in disability score, there was a 20% increase in depression (adjusted odds ratio = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.14-1.26, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Depression, although mostly mild, was common in this clinic sample of orthopedic patients with chronic LBP and was frequently associated with disability. Disability can be a serious complication of chronic LBP and is often closely linked with depression. As a result, patients with chronic LBP seen at orthopedic clinics in Saudi Arabia (and likely other Middle Eastern countries) should be screened for depression and managed accordingly.
Latina/o Transfer Students: Using Their Community Cultural Wealth to Negotiate the Pre-Transfer Process
Authors: Del Real Viramontes José
Published: September 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study is to highlight the type of community cultural wealth developed and used by Latina/o community college transfer students who encountered limited pre-transfer assistance and unreceptive cultures at their transfer institutions. Method: This study took place at Southwest State University (SSU), a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) in Texas. This study focuses on semi-structured interviews with 10 Latina/o community college transfer students who transferred to SSU. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach combined with the theoretical frameworks of the receptive transfer culture and the community cultural wealth model. Results: Students shared how they developed and used their aspirational, familial, navigational, resistant, and social capitals to gain the knowledge, skills, and contacts to make up for the lack of transfer information and resources needed to transfer to their 4-year university. Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, this study calls for 4-year institutions to enhance or develop their pre-transfer receptive culture for Latinx students. Specifically, transfer policies, programming, and practices should be developed with Latinx students in mind in order to ensure increased completion rates for Latinx community college students who transfer.
Interpreting Capital Punishment in Mark 7.10 in its First Century Context(s)
Authors: Robinson Will , Llewelyn Stephen
Published: September 2024

This article examines the reference to capital punishment in Mark 7.10. We ask if it was more likely to have been intended and received in a literal or a hyperbolic sense within the first century.1 We conclude that a literal sense is more probable.
The Tricellufuse Technique for Closing Nasal Septal Perforations
Authors: Hanci Deniz , Onaran Öykü İzel , Altun Huseyin , Uyar Yavuz
Published: September 2024

Objective: Nasal septal perforation (NSP) is a structural anomaly that affects the mucosa, cartilage, and bone of the nasal septum, often stemming from septoplasty as the primary cause. Spontaneous healing of a perforated septum is rare, and typically the healing process is observed until it is determined that the condition is stable and no longer deteriorating, at which point surgical intervention is considered. Numerous surgical techniques have been proposed for NSP repair. This study introduces a novel approach incorporating a fascia lata graft with fat tissue and diced septal cartilage to reconstruct medium-sized NSP. Methods: The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis involving 22 patients who underwent repair for NSP from January 2021 to January 2023. Grafts were obtained, and the perforation was addressed using an open rhinoplasty technique, followed by the insertion and suturing of the graft. Results: The mean size of the septal perforations was 12 mm horizontally and 13 mm vertically. All patients with NSPs were chosen as medium size (within 0.5-2 cm). The mean follow-up period was 12 months. Complete closure of NSP was achieved in 19 out of 22 patients (86.3%). Among the cases, 15 were male (68%), and the ages ranged from 25 to 45 years with a mean of 35. Eight cases (36%) were smokers. After 12 months postoperatively, closure was not achieved in 3 medium-sized NSPs due to smoking. . The analysis revealed that the failure rate in the smoker group was statistically significant ( P = .036). Conclusion: The TriCelluFuse technique, combining fascia lata, fat tissue, and diced septal cartilage, is a secure and reliable method for closing NSPs. It has a significant success rate and should be considered a viable option for individuals with NSPs.
Do Female CEOs Manage Costs Differently? Evidence From Asymmetric Cost Behavior
Authors: Teng Haimeng , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the gender effect on asymmetric cost behavior. We find that firms with female chief executive officers (CEOs) exhibit less cost asymmetry than firms with male CEOs. This finding holds in a range of robustness tests including those that address omitted variable bias and self-selection bias. Cross-sectional tests show that this gender effect is concentrated in the economic downturn period, firms with higher business risk, CEOs with higher personal career concerns, and firms in more competitive product markets, corroborating that females’ risk aversion and competitive preference are underlying mechanisms through which female CEOs manage costs differently compared to male CEOs. We also find supportive evidence of pessimism as an underlying mechanism. Further analysis shows that female CEOs tend to use more flexible costs to adjust resources in response to sales change.
The Role of Psychosocial and Contextual Factors in Academic Talent Development: In Search of General and Specific Developmental Processes
Authors: Verschueren Karine , Rinn Anne N.
Published: September 2024

Empirical testing of talent development models or contextual developmental models of giftedness is enhanced by longitudinal research that considers contextual factors as well as individual/psychological factors. Relying on findings from the longitudinal TALENT project in Flanders, we aimed to shed light on the role of social-contextual factors (i.e., relationships with teachers, peers, and parents) and psychological (i.e., motivational) factors in the developmental process of transforming high cognitive ability into high achievement levels. Also, we aimed to gain insight into which developmental processes are specific to high-ability students and which are generalizable across ability levels. The findings provided longitudinal evidence for the key role of social-contextual and motivational resources in the process of academic talent development. Overall, they call for further integration of giftedness models with general developmental theories and elaboration of the role of social-contextual factors.
Arendt, free will, and action
Authors: Rae Gavin
Published: September 2024

Although it is well-known that Hannah Arendt gives a privileged role to action, her comments on the relationship between action and will(ing) have caused much confusion in the literature: commentators are split on whether her analysis of willing in The Human Condition (from 1958) and the essay “What is Freedom?” (from 1960) contradict or are complemented by her later analysis in The Life of the Mind (from 1978). I defend the latter position, but in contrast to others who have affirmed the same argument but focus on other themes to show it, I actually set out to show that Arendt offers a remarkably consistent analysis of the relationship between action and will(ing) throughout her work. To do so, I adopt a somewhat counterintuitive hermeneutical strategy by starting with her late analysis of will(ing) in The Life of the Mind (from 1978) where she most explicitly distinguishes between the historically dominant form of will(ing) of the liberium arbitrium and what I call natal-will(ing), before reading that distinction back into her earlier analyses of freedom in “What is Freedom?” (published in 1960), and action in The Human Condition (published in 1958). This hermeneutical strategy is underpinned by the claim that the distinction between two forms of will(ing) made explicit in The Life of the Mind is implicit to those earlier works. This shows that Arendt’s critique of will(ing) in her earlier works is a critique of the free will tradition, not willing per se, while her affirmation of action in those texts, implies the affirmation of the other form of willing, tied to natality and the power to begin anew, that she subsequently explicitly identifies in The Life of the Mind.
An Integrative Approach for Endometriosis-Related Pain
Authors: Zubedat Ayat , Liebergall-Wischnitzer Michal , Solnica Amy , Zusman Nurit , Dior Uri
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pain is a common, severe symptom related to endometriosis. Despite this prominent feature, there is limited literature regarding its description and use of integrative treatment methods.

Objective:

We aimed to describe endometriosis-related pain characteristics, severity, and association with an integrative approach encompassing pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted using convenience sampling of adult women with endometriosis-related pain. Three questionnaires were utilized: a demographic and general health questionnaire, a visual analog pain scale (VAS), and the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ).

Results:

Participants included 93 women with a mean general pain level of 6.2/10 (SD = 2.7) on the VAS. The total mean pain score on the SF-MPQ was 26.25/45 (SD = 10.1). Sixty-four women (68.8%) reported experiencing pain at the time of completion of the questionnaire (mean: 1.6/4, SD = 1.3). All participants utilized analgesia; those who used opioids reported a higher overall mean pain score of 2.3 (SD = 1.3) than patients who did not use opioids reported a mean of 1.4 (SD = 1.2; z = 9.59; P < .001). Present pain intensity was significantly higher for women using opioids than those not using opioids. In all, 77 women (82.8%) used integrative methods to alleviate the pain symptoms. Women who utilized nutritional therapy as part of the non-pharmacological method experienced lower mean (SD) overall pain (4.4 [2.5]) compared with patients who did not utilize nutritional therapy (6.75 [2.5]; P < .01).

Conclusions:

More studies are needed to find evidence-based treatment options for women for integrative pain relief for endometriosis-related pain.
Incorporating Social Determinants of Health in Infectious Disease Models: A Systematic Review of Guidelines
Authors: Ali Shehzad , Li Zhe , Moqueet Nasheed , Moghadas Seyed M. , Galvani Alison P. , Cooper Lisa A. , Stranges Saverio , Haworth-Brockman Margaret , Pinto Andrew D. , Asaria Miqdad , Champredon David , Hamilton Darren , Moulin Marc , John-Baptiste Ava A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Infectious disease (ID) models have been the backbone of policy decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, models often overlook variation in disease risk, health burden, and policy impact across social groups. Nonetheless, social determinants are becoming increasingly recognized as fundamental to the success of control strategies overall and to the mitigation of disparities.

Methods

To underscore the importance of considering social heterogeneity in epidemiological modeling, we systematically reviewed ID modeling guidelines to identify reasons and recommendations for incorporating social determinants of health into models in relation to the conceptualization, implementation, and interpretations of models.

Results

After identifying 1,372 citations, we found 19 guidelines, of which 14 directly referenced at least 1 social determinant. Age ( n = 11), sex and gender ( n = 5), and socioeconomic status ( n = 5) were the most commonly discussed social determinants. Specific recommendations were identified to consider social determinants to 1) improve the predictive accuracy of models, 2) understand heterogeneity of disease burden and policy impact, 3) contextualize decision making, 4) address inequalities, and 5) assess implementation challenges.

Conclusion

This study can support modelers and policy makers in taking into account social heterogeneity, to consider the distributional impact of infectious disease outbreaks across social groups as well as to tailor approaches to improve equitable access to prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Highlights

Infectious disease (ID) models often overlook the role of social determinants of health (SDH) in understanding variation in disease risk, health burden, and policy impact across social groups. In this study, we systematically review ID guidelines and identify key areas to consider SDH in relation to the conceptualization, implementation, and interpretations of models. We identify specific recommendations to consider SDH to improve model accuracy, understand heterogeneity, estimate policy impact, address inequalities, and assess implementation challenges.
Generalizable whole-body global manipulation of deformable linear objects by dual-arm robot in 3-D constrained environments
Authors: Yu Mingrui , Lv Kangchen , Wang Changhao , Jiang Yongpeng , Tomizuka Masayoshi , Li Xiang
Published: September 2024

Constrained environments, compared with open spaces without other objects, are more common in practical applications of manipulating deformable linear objects (DLOs) by robots, where movements of both DLOs and robot manipulators should be constrained and unintended collision should be avoided. Such a task is high-dimensional and highly constrained owing to the highly deformable DLOs, dual-arm robots with high degrees of freedom, and 3-D complex environments, which render global planning extremely challenging. Furthermore, accurate DLO models needed by planning are often unavailable owing to their strong nonlinearity and diversity, resulting in unreliable planned paths. This article focuses on the global moving and shaping of DLOs in constrained environments by dual-arm robots. The main objectives are (1) to efficiently and accurately accomplish this task and (2) to achieve generalizable and robust manipulation of various DLOs. To this end, we propose a complementary framework with whole-body planning and control using appropriate DLO model representations. First, a global planner is proposed to efficiently find feasible solutions based on a simplified DLO energy model, which considers the full system states and all constraints to plan more reliable paths. Then, a closed-loop manipulation scheme is proposed to compensate for the modeling errors and enhance the robustness and accuracy, which incorporates a constrained model predictive controller to track the planned path as guidance while real-time adjusting the robot motion based on an adaptive DLO motion model. This framework systematically considers multiple constraints for this problem, including stable deformation, overstretch prevention, closed-chain movements, and collision avoidance. The key novelty is that it can efficiently solve the high-dimensional problem subject to all those constraints and generalize to various DLOs without elaborate model identifications. Experiments demonstrate that our framework can accomplish considerably more complicated tasks than existing works. It achieves a 100% planning success rate among thousands of trials with an average time cost of less than 15 seconds, and a 100% manipulation success rate among 135 real-world tests on five different DLOs.
Rebound characteristics of flexible and stiff jute rubber/epoxy hybrid composite under low-velocity impact
Authors: Iftekhar Hassan , Nazir Muhammad Shahid , Mehboob Ali , Majeed Khaliq , Nawab Yasir , Ali Zulfiqar
Published: September 2024

This present work aims to assess the low-velocity impact response of novel configuration based on jute/rubber/epoxy flexible and stiff composites having varying layup sequences using an experimental study. The Charpy and drop weight impact tests are done according to the standards. Drop weight low-velocity impact test at an energy level of 15J was performed using a conical shape impactor. Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR) containing carbon fillers ( N330 and N550) consisting 35 phr concentration each is used in the stacking sequence of the composite due to its high toughness and energy dissipation property. During drop weight tests conducted at a 15J energy level, the flexible RJRJR composite exhibited a peak force of 486  N, whereas the stiffer RJEJR composite demonstrated a peak force of 1075  N. The flexible composite shows no damage for the energy level tested. However, the stiff composite made using epoxy in between jute layers fails due to the matrix cracking in the composite. The peak force and specific energy absorption is dependent on stacking configuration and increases with the addition of rubber interface in the stiff composite. The energy absorption of stiff composite is higher as compared to flexible composite as indicated by the peak force.
Childhood Maltreatment and Physical Health in College Students: Physical Activity and Binge Eating as Moderators
Authors: Moore Susannah M. , Peterson Eric , Welsh Marilyn C.
Published: September 2024

Child maltreatment leads to pervasive physical health problems. For individuals with a child maltreatment history, physiological risk factors for future disease are apparent by young adulthood. The current study explored the role that physical activity and binge eating may have in the trajectory from child maltreatment to poor adult health. We administered the following measures to 100 female and male college students: resting heart rate assessment, symptoms of illness, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) to assess maltreatment history. After this session, participants wore a Fitbit that provided physical activity data (low, moderate, and vigorous activity, and total steps) in a free-living environment for a period of 10 days. Physical activity moderated the pathway between maltreatment history and both resting heart rate and symptoms of illness. In individuals with higher CTQ scores, more low-intensity physical activity and total steps were related to fewer symptoms of illness and lower resting heart rate, respectively. Binge-eating behavior moderated the pathway between maltreatment and symptoms of illness, such that greater binge-eating behavior was associated with more self-reported illness symptoms in participants with higher CTQ scores. These findings suggest that on-campus interventions targeting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors will improve the long-term health of young adults with maltreatment history.
Beliefs About Donating Human Milk to a Milk Bank: A Theory-Based Salient Belief Elicitation
Authors: Hamilton Lydia J. , Middlestadt Susan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pasteurized donor human milk provides a safe and desirable alternative when a parent’s own milk is insufficient or unavailable. Currently, the demand for donor human milk exceeds the available supply. Little is known about the beliefs breastfeeding individuals have about milk bank donation.

Research Aims:

The aims of this exploratory study were to (a) provide a preliminary estimate of how well intention can be predicted, and to suggest which of the global constructs of the Reasoned Action Approach has the most influence on intention; and (b) identify the salient, top-of-the-mind beliefs underlying the intention to donate some of the milk an individual is currently producing to a milk bank.

Methods:

An exploratory, cross-sectional study design, based on the Reasoned Action Approach, was used to measure the theory’s global constructs and elicit beliefs underlying the intention to donate milk of lactating individuals ( N = 118) living in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. Thematic and frequency analyses and multiple regression were performed.

Results:

Quantitative analyses found that injunctive norm and the autonomy component of perceived behavioral control were independently associated with intention. Qualitative analyses identified the advantages (e.g., help and save babies, won’t waste milk), referents who support (e.g., husband, family), and facilitators (e.g., having a convenient, close location, having more knowledge and information) of donating milk.

Conclusions:

This research provides insight into how milk banks might recruit and retain donors. Additional quantitative research with a larger sample is necessary to confirm the preliminary findings of this study.
Complex Technologies and Ignorant Expertise: The Communicative Value of Not Knowing but Figuring it Out
Authors: Sharma Nandini , Treem Jeffrey W. , Feister Megan Kenny , Barley William C.
Published: September 2024

Workplaces are increasingly full of complex technologies embedded in dynamic infrastructures demanding workers to assess and understand unanticipated problems. In order to comprehensively appraise the role of technological complexity and the uncertainties it affords in a complex, high-stakes setting, we interviewed and observed members of three interdisciplinary STEM laboratories. Findings revealed that organizational members navigated uncertainty by cultivating ignorant expertise (i.e., not knowing but figuring it out). This form of expertise emerged as a combination of two practices: the practice of emergent troubleshooting and the practice of negotiating new practices. In discussing these findings, we offer three key takeaways. We demonstrate that ignorant expertise: (a) operates as a dialectic of hesitancy and boldness and is mobilized through ignorant yet knowledgeable actions; (b) is communicatively performed through think-out-loud and storytelling techniques, and developing interpersonal rapport with organizational members; and (c) establishes technological complexity as a catalyst for organizing processes.
Researching Care Platforms: Methodological and Ethical Considerations in the Broad Field of Domestic Platform Labour
Authors: Orth Barbara , Baum Franziska
Published: September 2024

This article presents a methodological reflection on the challenges of researching domestic and care work mediated by digital labour platforms. While knowledge production on gig work in the logistics sector has soared, research on care platforms is slow to catch up, especially in very relational forms of home-based work, such as eldercare. We take this uneven development in the literature as a starting point to unpack the empirical conundrums in this field. Drawing on our own experience with trying to recruit care platform workers in Germany between 2019 and 2024, we shed light on the ethical dilemmas we encountered and offer some lessons learnt. The article calls for long-term commitments, multi-sited ethnographies, longitudinal perspectives and mixed-methods designs to study care platforms in the future. Finally, we advocate for researching platform labour beyond the gig.
Changing, But Not in Decline: Globalization From a Sociometabolic Perspective
Authors: Schaffartzik Anke
Published: September 2024

From the climate crisis to biodiversity loss, interrelated crises of society–nature relations are linked to global growth in resource use, extractive expansion, and unequal distribution. Next to critical research on the socioeconomic issues of (de)globalization, a sociometabolic perspective on the extraction and trade of material and energy resources is therefore needed. Material extraction has surged dramatically since 1970, tripling from 31 Gigatons (Gt) to 96 Gt by 2019. The share of that extraction destined for trade has also increased. Fossil fuel usage in the global energy system has continued to rise, reaching a staggering 490 Exajoules in 2019. Because fossil fuels are not ubiquitously available, maintaining the fossil energy system requires trade. From a sociometabolic perspective, globalization is not in decline. Recently, however, global growth has coincided with new patterns in income-based country groupings, which this article details. But even as these patterns change, material and energy use remain globalized.
What Do American Socialists Really Believe? Polarization, Ideology, and the Problem of Socialist Identifiers
Authors: Melcher Cody R. , Lindsay Spencer C.
Published: September 2024

A growing body of evidence suggests an increase in ideological and partisan polarization among Americans. At the same time, public opinion polls have found increasing support for socialism and anti-capitalist attitudes. The polarization literature, however, has not evolved to take these latter findings into account. Polarization is assumed to occur within the context of the classic liberal—conservative/Democrat—Republican dualities. Since socialist identifiers fit uneasily in these dualities, the existing literature is likely glossing over important ideological differences among Americans. In this article, we present the results of the first large-scale survey of socialist identifiers in the United States. We find that socialist identifiers differ not only from all non-socialists in terms of their redistributive, class, and racial attitudes, but their attitudes also differ significantly from non-socialist liberals. These findings suggest that the ideology and partisanship scales used throughout the social sciences obscure important ideological differences, rendering conclusions based on their use suspect.
Vehicle trajectory prediction based on cross-attention and multilevel spatio-temporal features
Authors: Sang Haifeng , Li Siyu , Wang Jinyu , Chen Wangxing , Zhao Zishan
Published: September 2024

Accurately predicting vehicle trajectories is crucial for motion planning in autonomous driving. Some existing trajectory prediction models employ Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to encode trajectory information, but this approach may lead to information loss. Additionally, the sparsity of the grid representation may limit the model’s ability to extract vehicle interaction features. To address these issues, this paper proposes a vehicle trajectory prediction model based on cross-attention and multilevel spatio-temporal features. The proposed model incorporates a spatio-temporal feature extraction module designed to capture the dynamic evolution of vehicle states across both time and space. Furthermore, it employs a temporal cross-attention module that reuses hidden states to select spatio-temporal features closely related to the target vehicle’s historical state, thus compensating for the temporal information loss during the encoding process. Additionally, a spatial cross-attention module, informed by social context, is deployed to analyze the dynamic interactions among vehicles. This module filters spatio-temporal interaction features with a significant impact on the target vehicle’s trajectory. The model is trained and tested using the NGSIM dataset and the highD dataset. Compared with other models, the model presented in this paper shows higher prediction accuracy in long-term trajectory prediction.
An adaptive multi-objective optimization method for structure-connection-performance design of commercial vehicle cab
Authors: Du Changqing , Kong Sijun , Zhang Hongwei , Xie Chong , Zhao Feng , Xiang Yong
Published: September 2024

A variable screening-approximate model-adaptive multi-optimization algorithm integrated method is proposed to solve the high-dimensional nonlinear problems for lightweight optimization of cabs. Firstly, a full-parametric body-in-white model of the cab is established using implicit parameterization technology, and the simulation analysis of the bending and torsional stiffness, natural modal characteristics, and passive safety are established. Then, considering the structure and connection process parameters, the design variables are screened based on a gray relational analysis-TOPSIS (GRA-TOPSIS). Finally, integrated multi-objective optimization of cab structure-connection-performance is carried out by an adaptive RBF neural network optimization method, and the optimal solution is determined by the GRA-TOPSIS method. Compared with the initial model, the mass of cab is reduced by 3.28% after optimization design. It provides guidance for the lightweight design of body.
Finite-time convergent control for spacecraft attitude stabilization based on the adding power integrator technique
Authors: Jiang Boyan , Feng Yingchen , Su Qiuhan , Huang Xiaoyong , Li Chuanjiang
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the control of attitude stabilization for a rigid spacecraft using non-singular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC). A new problem with the traditional NTSMC has been pointed out. This issue is that the mathematical expression of the upper bound of convergence time will approach infinity as the angular velocity approaches zero. In order to address this issue in the traditional NTSMC, a new control method is proposed. This method utilizes the technique of “adding a power integrator” (AAPI), and provides a bounded expression for convergence time. When considering external disturbances, control input limitations, and actuator faults, the attitude and angular velocity can eventually stabilize to a residual set of equilibrium within a finite time. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controllers achieve highly accurate and resilient attitude control performance.
Extending sexual scripting theory through critical discursive psychology: An analytical approach to explore the performance of sexual identities
Authors: Healy-Cullen Siobhán , Morison Tracy
Published: September 2024

Sexual scripting theory, a widely used tool in sexuality research, was originally developed by Gagnon and Simon to illuminate the social nature of sexual practices and identity construction. Later, they sought to develop the theory further to align with a social constructionist perspective. However, vestiges of individualism and cognitivism haunt sexual scripting theory largely due to the use of the symbolic interactionist concept of performance. To address this, we draw on the performance–performativity approach in critical discursive psychology that develops the notion of performance from a discursive perspective and offers a way of extending sexual scripting theory that offers a truly social explication of sexual identity construction. We provide a practical illustration of this extended theorising, drawing on data from a project about young people’s online engagement with pornography. We demonstrate how developing the notion of sexual scripts as discursive resources that enable the performance of sexual identities allows us to illuminate the social and situated nature of identity construction. This framework enhances understanding of the process of sexual identity construction and provides a valuable tool for studying how broader sexual scripts that are sociohistorically specific provide a scaffolding for the ways an individual can construct sexual identities. Overall, this paper offers a valuable contribution to discursive scholarship in psychology by presenting a nuanced analytical framework that coheres with a constructionist, performative view of identity.
Needs for discharge planning and facilitators-barriers to implementing discharge plans for patients with SLE: A qualitative study
Authors: Liu Shu-Ting , Xia Xue-Ying , Song Zi-Cheng , Hu Jia-Jia , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the needs of patients with SLE in terms of discharge planning, to outline the practical perspectives of clinical healthcare professionals regarding the enablers and impediments to SLE patients’ discharge planning, and to establish a basis for the creation of SLE discharge plans for subsequently diagnosed patients.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative research methodology was used in this study, with the researcher herself as the research instrument. Healthcare professionals formally employed in the rheumatology and immunology department, as well as SLE patients admitted to a tertiary-level hospital in Anhui Province between August and December 2023, were chosen for the study using a purposeful sample technique. In-person, semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out, and used thematic analysis to analyze the interview data and distil themes.

Result

A total of 17 patients and 13 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Five themes and sixteen sub-themes in all were extracted: ①the needs of SLE patients for discharge planning; ②the present state of discharge planning implementation; ③factors conducive to the implementation of discharge planning; ④factors hindering the implementation of discharge planning; ⑤recommendations for implementing of discharge planning.

Conclusion

Planning for the discharge of SLE patients is essential, and in order to support patients’ successful discharge, management should strengthen training, thoroughly evaluate the needs of SLE patients, and create customized discharge plans.
History of Ultrasonic Duplex Scanning
Authors: Strandness D. E.
Published: September 2024

Ultrasonic duplex scanning was developed and introduced into clinical practice by the combined efforts of engineers and physicians. The instrumentation represents a marriage of B-mode imaging and Doppler technology. Since its introduction in 1974, numerous modifications and upgrading of the technology have taken place. The modern duplex scanner can be used to study vascular disease wherever it is found in the body. Copyright © 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Clinical Experience with the First 100 ATS Heart Valve Implants
Authors: Van Nooten G. , Caes F. , François K. , Missault L. , Van Belleghem Y.
Published: September 2024

Between May 1992 and March 1994, 100 consecutive patients had 119 new ATS mechanical bileaflet valves inserted (61 aortic, 50 mitral, eight tricuspid). The mean age of the patients was 63.7 (range 13–82) years. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 27 months and was complete in all cases. Before surgery. 53 aortic valve patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or higher. This improved to a mean of 1.3 postoperatively, all patients being in classes I or II. One patient died in hospital, and another 3 months after implantation (actuarial survival rate 98%). One patient had an embolic event 9 days after an aortic valve reoperation which caused a parietal infarction. One tricuspid valve blocked in the open position 6 weeks after implantation as a result of inadequate anticoagulation and was successfully unblocked after 2 days of intensive thrombolytic therapy. Patients were treated by mild anticoagulation without developing bleeding complications. Echocardiographic, transoesophageal and transthoracic valvular gradients compared favourably with the gradients reported in other mechanical valves (including small aortic valves). The haemodynamics were excellent without evidence of significant regurgitation. This was confirmed by an in vitro hydrodynamic evaluation of the valve using a pulse duplicator system. The valve closure caused little noise and was as a result well tolerated. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Surgical Management of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Associated with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Bertolini A. , Dalmonte P. , Bava G. L. , Calza G. , Lerzo F. , Zannini L. , Pongiglionet G. , Moretti R.
Published: September 2024

Between 1984 and 1993, 12 children with an atrioventricular canal and tetralogy of Fallot underwent surgical repair. The mean(s.d.) age at operation was 58(18) months, and the mean(s.d.) body weight 15(4) kg. Nine patients underwent 11 palliative procedures. The ventricular septal defect was closed through a combined (right atrial and right ventricular) approach in nine cases, and through a right atrial approach in three, using a prosthetic patch with a wide anterior extension, secured with a running suture. The ‘ostium primum’ defect was closed with a separate prosthetic patch in 11 cases (double-patch technique). Right ventricular outflow obstruction was relieved by a composite infundibular patch (seven cases) or a transanular patch (five). There were four hospital deaths (33%). These were caused by low cardiac output in three cases and infection in one (three deaths occurred in patients with a transanular patch). One patient has so far died during follow-up. Assessment at 50(36) months by echo-Doppler showed moderate-to-severe ‘mitral’ regurgitation in three cases, and moderate ‘tricuspid’ regurgitation with right ventricular dysfunction in one case. Two patients have required further surgery. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Effects of Cardiac Surgery on Intellectual Function in Infants and Children
Authors: Haneda K. , Itoh T. , Togo T. , Ohmi M. , Mohri H.
Published: September 2024

Intellectual function was evaluated by Gesell's developmental quotient (DQ) and Binet's intelligence quotient (IQ) in 161 infants and children (61 ventricular septal defects, 49 tetralogies of Fallot, 15 transpositions of the great arteries, seven atrial septal defects, five complete atrioventricular canals, five double outlet right ventricles and 19 shunt cases; average age 3.6 years) before and after cardiac surgery. There were no significant differences in preoperative DQs and IQs among the patient groups. Although average DQ scores in 21 infants with hypothermic (13–24°C) total circulatory arrest (36-70min) were not significantly different from the preoperative values, 13 patients with an arrest time >50 min showed a significant decrease in DQ scores. The postoperative DQ and IQ scores in patients without circulatory arrest or in shunt cases were not significantly impaired after surgery. It was concluded that cardiac surgery did not impair intellectual function in infants and children. although cerebral dysfunction might occur if circulatory arrest was >50 min. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Gastric Intramucosal pH and Hepatic Venous Oximetry after Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Valve Replacement Patients
Authors: Takahashi T. , Kunimoto F. , Ichikawa H. , Ishikawa S. , Sato Y. , Hasegawa Y. , Morishita Y.
Published: September 2024

To determine splanchnic perfusion after cardiopulmonary bypass, gastric intramucosal pH (pH1) and hepatic venous oxygen saturation (SHVO2) were measured in 14 patients with cardiac valve replacement. Blood samples were analysed at 6, 12 and 24 h after admission to an intensive care unit. Gastric pH1 increased significantly (P <0.01) from 7.21 at 6h to 7.31 at 12 h and increased to 7.37 at 24 h while SHVO2 increased significantly (P <0.05) from 48% at 6 h to 57% at 12 h and 24 h. Cardiac index was >41/min per m2 and mixed venous oxygen saturation >70%. Despite sufficient cardiac output, splanchnic perfusion decreased after cardiopulmonary bypass and recovered within 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit. It is concluded that gastric pH1 and SHVO2 are useful parameters for monitoring postoperative splanchnic perfusion in patients with open-heart surgery. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.