bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidental Learning of Collocations Under Different Input Modes and the Mediating Role of Perceptual Learning Style
Authors: Yuan Xin , Tang Jing
Published: July 2024

This study investigated how input modes (reading vs. listening) and learners’ perceptual learning style (visual vs. auditory) affected the incidental learning of collocations. A total of 182 college students were first assigned to either a visual or auditory group based on their performance on a perceptual learning style questionnaire. Each style group was subsequently subdivided into three groups who were exposed to a series of texts containing unfamiliar collocation items under one of the input conditions: written input, aural input, or no input. Results of the study indicated that both written and aural input led to gains in collocational knowledge, and aural input was more effective than written input. Furthermore, the study provided empirical evidence that there was a moderating role of perceptual learning style on incidental collocation learning. The auditory learners under aural input showed the highest rate of collocation learning among all treatment subgroups.
Sticks and Stones May Break Bones, But Racism Breaks Spirits: Discrimination and BIPOC Adolescent Mental Health
Authors: Archibald Corinne , Takamasa Emily J. , Fraser Ashley M. , Metcalf Maihcen Ware , Rogers Adam A. , Bean Roy A.
Published: July 2024

BIPOC adolescent mental health is essential to a healthy, equitable society. Negative associations between discrimination and mental health may be ameliorated by affirmed ethnic-racial identity (ERI). We examined relations between racial discrimination and depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, chronic pain and subjective happiness moderated by ERI affirmation (353 U.S. BIPOC youth, Mage = 15.28, 48% female). Racial discrimination negatively, and ERI affirmation positively, related to mental health. Interactions were not significant. Exploratory follow-up analyses showed for BIPOC adolescents with moderate to highly affirmed ERI, racial discrimination related to increases in chronic pain and decreases in subjective happiness. Although affirmed ERI is positive for mental health, anti-racist involvement at community/structural levels are necessary to reduce discrimination’s consequences on BIPOC mental health.
Group Package Tour Playfulness Climate: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Cheng Tien-Ming , Lien Wei-Hsiang
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to establish the constructs and scale of Group Package Tour Playfulness Climate (GPT-PC). Study 1, in-depth interviews of 25 tour conductors and tour members in overseas GPTs were conducted. The initial items were determined by content analysis at this stage. Study 2, involved scale development based on a sample of 350 tour members experienced in short-term GPTs. Five factors were extracted through exploratory factor analysis, including: information sharing, group travel interest, perception of consonance, group climate, and group cooperation. Study 3, 369 tour members who had long-distance GPTs experience were used as a sample to re-test the reliability and validity of the scale. The research results can fill in the gaps in GPTs academic research, and it can provide tour conductors as a reference for mastering the quality of tour groups, and as a reference index for travel agencies to train tour conductors.
Building a National Army: The Paradoxes of Civil–Military Relations in Ethiopia
Authors: Tariku Yonas , Kefale Asnake
Published: July 2024

The nature of civil–military relations in postconflict states where rebel groups won a civil war and built the national army anew is underappreciated and undertheorized. Drawing from a comprehensive analysis of Ethiopia’s experience of building a national army from 1991 to 2018 as a case study, this article attempts to fill this gap. The article argues that the rebel-origin of the regime and the army, the ideology underpinning the regime, and its aspiration to emerge as a hegemonic political force determine the nature of civil–military relations in a postconflict state where the rebel won the war. The article adopts a qualitative case study methodology and relies on data collected through key-informant interviews, government archives, and extensive survey of the state-owned daily newspaper, Addis Zemen. The article contributes to the body of knowledge on civil–military relations in postconflict states in general, and the study of civil–military relations in Africa in particular.
Morality, Social Inclusion, and In-Group Superiority: The Differential Role of Individualizing and Binding Foundations in Perceptions of the Social Identity of In-Group and Out-Group Members
Authors: Amit Adi , Venzhik Eitan
Published: July 2024

Research into social identity and morality judgments typically focuses on how the former influences the latter. We approach this theme from the opposite direction, establishing the influence of morality on perceptions of social identity. In three studies, conducted in two cultures, we show that in-group members acting immorally are excluded from the group. Extending this investigation to the overlooked study of out-group-on-out-group behavior, in Studies 2 and 3, we compare perceptions of social inclusion for in-group members following (im)moral behavior toward the in-group with perceptions of out-group members following (im)moral behavior toward the out-group. We show that people treat in-group and out-group members alike with respect to binding morals, which concern preservation and protection of the group, but not individualizing morals, which concern preservation and protection of individual rights. Finally, in Study 3, we confirm the underlying motivating mechanism of reasserting in-group superiority by affirming the positive distinctiveness of one’s own group.
Positive Feedback as a Lever to Boost Students’ STEM Outcomes
Authors: Park Lora E. , Ward Deborah E. , Moore-Russo Deborah , Rickard Brian , Vessels Valerie , Hundley Joseph
Published: July 2024

Although many college students intend to major in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), dropout from these fields is high, especially among members of historically underrepresented groups, such as women and racial-ethnic minorities. We propose a minimal, yet potentially powerful intervention to broaden participation in STEM: giving positive feedback to students in STEM. Studies 1 and 2 found that giving positive feedback is less normative in math (vs. English) courses, and instructors’ feedback-giving practices and students’ experiences mirror these norms. However, students who received positive (vs. only objective) feedback on introductory-level college calculus exams showed greater belonging and self-efficacy in math, which predicted better STEM outcomes (i.e., increased interest in STEM and higher final math course grades, respectively, Study 3). These findings were especially strong for racial-ethnic minority students. Giving positive (vs. only objective) feedback is thus a potentially transformative tool that boosts student outcomes, especially for underrepresented groups.
Methodologic and Data-Analysis Triangulation in Case Studies: A Scoping Review
Authors: Schlunegger Margarithe Charlotte , Zumstein-Shaha Maya , Palm Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Aim:

We sought to explore the processes of methodologic and data-analysis triangulation in case studies using the example of research on nurse practitioners in primary health care.

Design and methods:

We conducted a scoping review within Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, considering studies that defined a case study design and used 2 or more data sources, published in English or German before August 2023.

Data sources:

The databases searched were MEDLINE and CINAHL, supplemented with hand searching of relevant nursing journals. We also examined the reference list of all the included studies.

Results:

In total, 63 reports were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, we included 8 articles. Five studies described within-method triangulation, whereas 3 provided information on between/across-method triangulation. No study reported within-method triangulation of 2 or more quantitative data-collection procedures. The data-collection procedures were interviews, observation, documentation/documents, service records, and questionnaires/assessments. The data-analysis triangulation involved various qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Details about comparing or contrasting results from different qualitative and mixed-methods data were lacking.

Conclusions:

Various processes for methodologic and data-analysis triangulation are described in this scoping review but lack detail, thus hampering standardization in case study research, potentially affecting research traceability. Triangulation is complicated by terminological confusion. To advance case study research in nursing, authors should reflect critically on the processes of triangulation and employ existing tools, like a protocol or mixed-methods matrix, for transparent reporting. The only existing reporting guideline should be complemented with directions on methodologic and data-analysis triangulation.
Understanding graphic representations of interaction at universities: selection, interpretation and graphic format / Comprensión de la representación gráfica de la interacción en universitarios: selección, interpretación y formato gráfico
Authors: Postigo Yolanda , Pérez Echeverría Maria Puy
Published: July 2024

The study examined psychology students’ understanding of interaction graphs. The sample was divided into two groups based on the students’ level of instruction. In an interview, each student solved an interaction problem with graphic representations taken from their textbooks. There were two different types of task: a selection task and an interpretation task. The understanding and assessment of the adequacy of the graphic format were analysed categorically, and the differences between groups were studied. The data generally showed a low level of understanding of interaction graphs, although there were differences that revealed better results in the group with more instruction. Likewise, students generally preferred bar graphs over line graphs to represent interaction. However, students who clearly perceived the interaction chose line graphs to represent it. These data point to the need for statistical instruction based not only on the construction of graphs but also on their interpretation aimed at detecting conceptual relationships.
Developing the music listening skills test (MLST) for pre-school and elementary school teacher candidates
Authors: Şen Ebru
Published: July 2024

In this study, it was aimed to develop a music listening skill test for primary school teacher candidates to determine their levels of perception of basic musical structures through listening. A total of 260 teacher candidates studying in the department of primary education (early childhood and elementary education) of a public university in Türkiye formed the study group of the research. KR-20 internal consistency coefficient of the Music Listening Skills Test (MLST) was determined as 0.731. The mean of the item difficulty index of the test is 0.60, and the mean of the item distinctiveness index is 0.38. The MLST consists of a total of 27 questions with 53 listening contents converted into audio files in MP3 format to be played by the practitioner. The MLST can be used as a preliminary assessment tool in studies on the development of musical competencies. In addition, the musical structures in the test content can be handled in the music education processes of teacher candidates. Assessing music listening skills can also make it easier to follow the steps to be followed in the education of teacher candidates. In this way, educational contents can be developed and music education programs can be updated.
Different modes of ankle pump exercise to prevent PICC-related thrombosis through femoral vein
Authors: Liao Jianyu , Wu Zhoupeng
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the preventive effect of different modes of ankle pump exercise on femoral vein PICC catheter-related thrombosis.

Method

Convenient sampling method was used to select 172 patients with lung cancer with PICC catheterization through femoral vein admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University as the observation group and control group. Comfort angle ankle pump exercise mode and maximum angle ankle pump exercise mode were adopted. We have compared the differences in the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, unplanned catheter removal, fatigue score, and catheter retention time between two groups of patients.

Results

The incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, unplanned catheter removal, fatigue score, and catheter retention time were statistically significant ( p < .05) in both groups of patients.

Conclusion

The maximum angle ankle pump exercise mode can reduce the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis and unplanned catheter removal in patients with lung cancer with PICC catheterization through femoral vein, increase catheter retention time, but it can easily cause patient fatigue. In clinical practice, patient tolerance should be considered.
The therapeutic effect of levosimendan in patients with prolonged ventilator weaning and cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Xiong Fang , Hu Zongjun , Liu Chao , Zhang Kexiang , Zhou Qilong , Chen Jianguo , Lu Hua , Yue Xi , Zhao Jianxin , Pan Pengfei
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the therapeutic effect of levosimendan in patients with prolonged ventilator weaning and cardiac dysfunction.

Method

Patients with prolonged ventilator weaning and cardiac dysfunction were randomly allocated to receive conventional treatment (control group) or intravenous infusion of levosimendan for 24 h based on conventional treatment (levosimendan group). Weaning success rates were then compared between the two groups. The study was retrospectively registered with Research Registry (ID No. researchregistry10304).

Results

A total of 40 patients were included (20 per group). Within 3 days after initiation of treatment, significantly more cases were successfully weaned in the levosimendan group versus control group (eight versus four cases, respectively). Among the eight patients who underwent pulse indicator continuous cardiac output monitoring in the levosimendan group, the global ejection fraction increased 24 h after treatment, and the cardiac function index and cardiac index increased 72 h after treatment.

Conclusion

For patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation who have concomitant cardiac dysfunction, levosimendan may be considered to increase the probability of weaning success.
Suicide risks among caregivers of patients with depressive disorders
Authors: Lin Chia-Chi , Huang Yu-Chi , Lee Yu , Lin Pao-Yen , Chiu Nien-Mu , Hung Chi-Fa , Wang Liang-Jen
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the suicide risk factors among caregivers of individuals with depression who may develop suicidal ideation due to the ongoing challenges of managing the patient's mood fluctuations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled dyads of patients with depression and their caregivers from a medical centre. The assessment included a psychiatric diagnostic interview, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the List of Threatening Experiences, Benefit Finding Scale, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Stigma Subscale of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue, Big Five Inventory-10, the Family APGAR Index and the Suicide Assessment Scale. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the interrelationship between the mental health of patients and caregivers.

Results

Among the 125 caregivers, 60.0% ( n = 75) were females. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were depressive disorders (33 of 125; 26.4%), followed by anxiety disorders (21 of 125; 16.8%) and insomnia disorder (19 of 125; 15.2%). There was a significant association between the stressful life events of depressive patients and the suicide risk of their caregivers. The severity of anxiety and depression in caregivers was significantly associated with the suicide risk among the caregivers.

Conclusion

A relationship may exist between the psychological well-being of patients with depression and their caregivers.
Italian translation, cultural adaptation and pilot testing of Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT 3.1) in pediatric cancer
Authors: Battaglini Chiara , Giordano Mario , Quarello Paola , Bertorello Nicoletta , Zucchetti Giulia , Fagioli Franca
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Experiences related to pediatric oncology diagnosis cause great imbalances within the family structure. Assessing the frailties and needs of families and children with cancer from a psychosocial perspective is an important step in providing appropriate pediatric psychology care.

Methods:

The aim of this study was to develop an Italian translation of the last version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool questionnaire (PAT 3.1) and to pilot-test it among pediatric oncological families. The guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality of life measures were followed. Specifically, two independent forward translations were produced, followed by a reconciliation step by a multidisciplinary expert committee and back-translation. Revision of the original text and all translations were performed by the expert committee leading to a final version, which was pilot-tested by cognitive debriefing on five families. Subsequently, the final Italian PAT 3.1 version was approved.

Results:

The Italian version of the PAT 3.1 generated in the present study is a useful instrument to examine the psychosocial risk of the families with a child with cancer.

Conclusions:

This instrument will be a valuable tool for future clinical trials and it will help clinicians to target specific pediatric psychology support intervention. The questionnaire will be further validated through a multicenter Italian study on psychosocial screening of pediatric oncology and pediatric general diseases.
Numbers and emotions in the governance of the Covid-19 datademic
Authors: Didier Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

There is a rich body of literature on numbers as tools of governance. But the attention of the corpus in question is almost entirely on the rational properties of quantification. This article shows that government by numbers is also, and inseparably, a government by feelings. The Covid-19 pandemic was also a datademic in the sense that numbers populated and spread through the public sphere. We focus on three cases. Death tolls were associated with fear, immunization rates were linked to hope, and the threshold of 100,000 deaths was credited with symbolic significance. This article, based on the French case, examines how data like these, frequently perceived as objective evidence, can at the same time be a source of emotional engagement and, as such, be used to inform modes of public governance in times of crises.
Effect of High Polymer, Crumb Rubber, and Epoxy-Modified Asphalt Binders on Laboratory Performance of Open-Graded Friction Course Mixtures
Authors: Abualia Anas , Liu Jun , Mohammad Louay N. , Cooper Samuel B. , Cooper Samuel B.
Published: July 2024

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) is a thin asphalt mixture surface layer. It is gap-graded with a high percentage of coarse aggregates that are nearly uniform in size, resulting in a high percentage of interconnected air voids and asphalt binder, which provides improved skid resistance, visibility, and decreased pavement–tire noise. However, construction personnel at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that conventional OGFC mixtures have durability issues and shorter service life, compared with thin asphalt mixture lifts. Hence, effects of different asphalt binder types on the performance of OGFC mixtures were evaluated. Five types of asphalt binder were utilized: conventional styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) asphalt binder PG 76-22M; high SBS content asphalt binder PG 88-28; diluted epoxy asphalt (EA) binder with two different dosages (25% and 50%); and a hybrid modified asphalt binder prepared with SBS and crumb rubber modifier PG 76-22G. The optimal aggregate structures were determined based on minimum required air voids and voids in coarse aggregate. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to assess the performance of OGFC mixtures, including draindown, permeability, loaded wheel track, and Cantabro abrasion loss. Results indicate that OGFC mixtures incorporating diluted EA binder exhibited lower draindown values than mixtures containing PG 76-22M and PG 88-28. Moreover, mixtures with PG 88-28 and 50% EA binders demonstrated improved resistance to rutting. Mixtures with 50% EA and PG 88-28 binders demonstrated improved durability, compared with mixtures with PG 76-22M for unaged and aged conditioning, as measured by Cantabro abrasion loss values.
Retroreflectivity-Based Service Life and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Airfield Pavement Markings
Authors: Wan Zhe , Wang Hao
Published: July 2024

Airfield pavement marking plays a critical role in the efficient and safe operation of airport. Glass beads are embedded in the paints to refract and reflect light and enhance brightness and contrast for improving the visibility of markings. This study aims to investigate service life and cost-effectiveness of airfield pavement markings using Type I and Type III glass beads based on measured retroreflectivity data. The study employs a three-step approach: descriptive statistical analysis, survival analysis of service life, and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). The results show that the painting material is the most influential factor affecting marking performance, followed by the type of glass bead. Among markings with Type I glass beads, those using waterborne Type III and waterborne Type II painting materials show substantial survival time, followed by structural methyl methacrylate (SMMA), while methyl methacrylate (MMA) and waterborne Type I show shortest survival time. For markings with Type III glass beads, SMMA shows the longest lifetime, followed by waterborne Type III, MMA waterborne Type II, and waterborne Type I. With respect to LCCA, waterborne Type III and SMMA with Type III glass beads is found to be the most cost-effective option, while waterborne Type I and MMA with Type I glass beads is identified as the least cost-effective choice.
Human Trafficking Awareness Training and Response Procedure Template for Transit Agencies
Authors: Godfrey Jodi , Staes Lisa
Published: July 2024

As the frontline eyes on communities, transit operators are uniquely positioned to recognize suspicious activities and report them to authorities. Training is necessary to inform and empower transit agencies in the fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking is modern day slavery, which the U.S. Department of Justice defines as a crime that involves the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex. Human trafficking is a worldwide criminal industry that the denies freedom of 25 million people around the world. This heinous crime often targets the most vulnerable populations and preys on their needs, weaknesses, and insecurities as a strategy to control their victims through force, fraud, and coercion. This paper reviews the resources available for transit agencies to train their employees on the signs of human trafficking that they should be on the lookout for. Truckers Against Trafficking’s Busing on the Lookout program has shared success stories related to transit employees recognizing situations and saving human trafficking victims. However, the existence of transit agency policies and associated procedures is a recognized resource gap in the transit industry. The available training materials direct trainees to refer to their agency policy on how to report suspicious activity. However, as noted, many transit agencies do not have a formalized policy or procedures in place to dictate how to report suspected human trafficking activity. This paper provides agencies with valuable human trafficking awareness training resources and a response procedure template as tools to improve the awareness and reporting procedures in their agency.
Feasibility of Sprayable Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Natural Sand and Low Fiber Content: Effect of Hybrid Fiber System, Silica Fume, and Air-Entraining and Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures
Authors: Arce Gabriel , Sharifi Mary
Published: July 2024

Deterioration of corrugated steel culverts (CSCs) is a significant problem for the Virginia Department of Transportation and other U.S. transportation agencies. Spray-on lining using shotcrete engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) is a promising structural repair strategy for deteriorated CSCs. This study evaluates the feasibility of practical sprayable ECCs using natural silica sand and low fiber content, while forgoing the use of commonly utilized calcium sulfoaluminate cement to allow for delivery of the materials via ready-mixed concrete trucks. Aspects of the compositional space evaluated include the effect of a hybrid polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene fiber system, silica fume (SF), shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA), and air-entraining admixture (AEA) on the properties of the composites. Experimental results suggested that the development of the proposed materials is feasible, because flow characteristics associated with shotcrete ECCs and ECC-like tensile ductility were achieved in the fresh and hardened state, respectively. Notwithstanding, further mixture optimization may be required for satisfactory field performance, which should be assessed through field testing. Generally, the use of the hybrid fiber system tended to improve the strength and ductility of the composites, especially when coupled with the use of SF. Furthermore, SF was effective at mitigating the strength loss associated with the incorporation of AEA and SRA, and meaningfully improved surface resistivity. SF also tended to reduce the mixture’s flow, whereas the contrary occurred with the use of SRA and AEA. SRA contributed to the reduction in drying shrinkage at early ages. However, the effect of SRA in reducing shrinkage was negligible at later ages.
Development and Acceptability of Shelf-Stable Microbiota Directed Complementary Food Formulations
Authors: Mostafa Ishita , Lamiya Umme Habiba , Rasul Md. Golam , Naila Nurun Nahar , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Barratt Michael J. , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: July 2024

Background:

A randomized controlled trial in Bangladeshi children aged 12 to 18 months with moderate acute malnutrition found that dietary supplementation with the microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF-2) significantly improved weight gain and repaired gut microbiota compared to the ready-to-use supplementary food. However, the MDCF-2 formulation was made daily from locally available ingredients and the need for a packaged, nutritionally compliant, and organoleptically acceptable MDCF-2 prototype was essential for future large-scale clinical studies.

Objective:

The study aimed to develop and assess the acceptability of 3 alternative foil-packaged formulations of MDCF-2 in comparison to current MDCF-2.

Methods:

Of the 3 packaged formulations, the Jumpstart version was provided in 2 sachets, the other 2 formulations were provided in a retort-stable foil pouch extended by sterilization, and microbiological growth was monitored over 10 months. The acceptability study included 40 children aged 8 to 12 months living in an urban slum in Dhaka, and the organoleptic properties were assessed using a 7-point hedonic scale.

Results:

In the 100 g distributed over the 2 sessions, children consumed 82.5 ± 7.84 g (mean ± SD) of kitchen-prepared MDCF-2, 85.4 ± 7.15 g of the “Jumpstart” MDCF-2 formulation, 85.4 ± 8.70 g of the MDCF-2 with green banana powder, and 86.2 ± 4.26 g of the MDCF-2 with sweet potato formulation. The “Jumpstart” MDCF-2 and MDCF-2 with sweet potato achieved the highest overall acceptability scores on the hedonic scale; although none of the shelf-stable formulations were significantly different from the kitchen-prepared MDCF-2.

Conclusions:

Packaged, shelf-stable prototypes of MDCF-2 exhibited comparable acceptability among Bangladeshi children aged 8 to 12 months to the original freshly prepared formulation.

Plain language title

Development and Acceptability of Shelf-Stable Microbiota-Directed Complementary Foods
Soft sensing of NOx emission from waste incineration process based on data de-noising and bidirectional long short-term memory neural networks
Authors: Li Zhenghui , Yu Zhuliang , Chen Da , Li Longqian , Lu Zhimin , Yao Shunchun
Published: July 2024

Continuous emission monitoring system is commonly employed to monitor NOx emissions in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) processes. However, it still encounters the challenges of regular maintenance and measurement lag. These issues significantly impact the accurate and stable control of NOx emissions. Therefore, developing a soft NOx emission sensor to complement hardware monitoring becomes imperative. Considering data noise, dynamic nonlinearity, time series characteristics and volatility in the MSWI process, this article introduces a soft sensor model for NOx emission prediction utilizing the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)-wavelet threshold (WT) method and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM). Firstly, the original data signal is decomposed into a group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using the CEEMDAN. Subsequently, the WT processes the high-frequency IMFs that are noise-dominant. Then, all IMFs are reconstructed to obtain the denoized signal. Finally, the Bi-LSTM model is employed to predict NOx emissions. Compared to conventional modelling approaches, the model proposed in this article demonstrates the best predictive performance. The mean absolute percentage error, root-mean-squared error and average absolute error on the test set of the proposed model are 3.75%, 5.34 mg m−3 and 4.34 mg m−3, respectively. The proposed model provides a new method to soft sensing NOx emissions. It holds significant practical value for precise and stable monitoring of NOx emissions in MSWI processes and provides a reference for research on modelling key process parameters.
Improving urban waste management: A comprehensive study on household waste generation and spatial patterns in the Grand Guayaquil Metropolitan Area
Authors: Hidalgo-Crespo Jose Armando , Velastegui-Montoya Andrés , Soto Manuel , Amaya Rivas Jorge Luis , Zwolinski Peggy , Riel Andreas , Rivas-García Pasiano
Published: July 2024

This study tackles the growing global concern about municipal waste management, particularly in cities like the Grand Guayaquil Metropolitan Area (GGA). Through realistic field studies on in situ household waste generation and geographic information system (GIS) tools, this work offers a framework to predict the quantities and types of recyclable household waste for any metropolitan area in Latin America. Over 4 weeks, students collected, sorted and weighed recyclable waste types, including plastic, paper, metal, glass and fabric, from 776 sampled household of the GGA. ArcGIS survey tool identified household locations and allowed to survey different socio-demographic features. With the help of ArcGIS interpolation method, the total household waste generation for GGA was predicted, and the classification of the different types of recyclable waste was also spatially distributed for the study area. The report identified notable trends in plastic waste, specifically polyethylene terephthalate waste’s steady prevalence and 42% growth rate, emphasizing the importance of enhanced recycling techniques. Spatial density maps showed a heterogeneous waste distribution across the GGA, emphasizing locations with higher waste output. This study demonstrates that improving recyclable waste collection can be accomplished with a moderately cheap expenditure by collaborating with academia to overcome knowledge gaps. This strategy provides opportunities to mitigate the environmental impacts of poor waste management.
A novel polymer based on ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer/chloroprene rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates with rapid thermo-responsive shape memory property
Authors: Zhu Dazhi , Ma Wanwu , Chu Jianqiang , Gong Zhiyuan , Wang Zhaobo
Published: July 2024

A simple and effective strategy for preparing thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (TSMPs) can be designed where the novel TSMPs based on ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) and chlorinated polyethylene rubber (CR) thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared using dynamic vulcanization. The morphology of the EMA/CR TPVs exhibited a sea-island structure obviously; moreover, the EMA served as the continuous phase and mainly provided the shape fixation (SF) capability of the blend, while the highly elastic CR was acted as the dispersed phase and provided the primary driving force during the shape recovery (SR) process. The SF and SR behaviors of the EMA/CR TPVs can be effectively controlled by varying the weight ratio of EMA/CR blends. Increasing the weight ratio of EMA/CR, the SF% of the EMA/CR TPVs was enhanced while the SR% was decreased remarkably. The shape memory behaviors of EMA/CR TPVs were significantly influenced by temperature. Notably, when the fixation and recovery temperatures were all set at 95°C, both the SF% and SR% of the EMA/CR TPVs with a weight ratio of 80/20 exceeded 95%, and the SR time was 15∼20s, demonstrating the excellent shape memory property.
MPC-based motion control of AGV with improved A* and artificial potential field
Authors: Li Shaosong , Zhou Qingbin , Jiang Junchen , Lu Xiaohui , Yu Zhixin
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, automatic guided vehicles (AGV) are extensively utilized for transportation and inspection tasks in workshops. The A* and artificial potential field (APF) are classic algorithms employed for path planning of AGVs. However, these algorithms still fail to meet the actual production needs and cannot avoid stuttering while encountering obstacles, leading to excessive energy consumption and unnecessary pause. In the paper, an improved A* algorithm is proposed to reduce route length and improving efficiency. On this basis, an integrated fusion strategy consisting of improved APF and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is designed for collision avoidance and path tracking control. The proposed algorithm is tested both on simulation and a laser-guided real automatic guided vehicle experimental platform. Experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm has a great tracking performance under complex workplace.
Linguistic encoding of women’s agency in the German political discourse on abortion: A diachronic Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Irmer Marie , Mortelmans Tanja , Vandekerckhove Reinhild
Published: July 2024

This research, rooted in the Critical Discourse Analysis framework, employs a mixed-methods approach to examine debates on abortion legislation in the German Bundestag. Focusing on the attribution of agency to women through semantic role assignment in the context of abortion procedures, the study utilises both qualitative analysis and quantitative data analysis techniques. Five debates spanning the 1970s, 1990s and 2010s were examined using the qualitative analysis tool MAXQDA. Results consistently indicate that arguments referring to women are predominantly assigned semantic roles associated with passivity and relatively low agency. This pattern persists regardless of the ideological stance, transcending divides between pro-life and pro-choice advocates. This perpetuates and reinforces the societal perception of women as passive, upholding a traditional gender stereotype within the discourse. A larger number of arguments referring to women were found in the pro-choice data compared to the pro-life data, indicating a greater emphasis on women within the argumentation of pro-choice speakers. The study underscores the enduring impact of language on shaping perceptions of women’s agency in the context of abortion legislation debates.
Self-serving beliefs about science: Science justifies my weaknesses (but not other people’s)
Authors: Cruz Francisco , Mata André
Published: July 2024

This research explored the strategic beliefs that people have about science and the extent to which it can explain moral and immoral behaviors. Although people do not believe that science is able to explain certain aspects of their mind, they might nevertheless accept a scientific explanation for their immoral behaviors if that explanation is exculpatory. In a first study, participants reflected on moral and immoral deeds that they performed or that other people performed. Participants were somewhat skeptic that science can account for people’s behavior— except for when they reflected on the wrongdoings that they committed. Two further studies suggest that strategic belief in science arises because it enables external attributions for the behavior, outside of the wrongdoers’ control. Implications are discussed for science understanding and communication.
Effects of FGF2 Priming and Nrf2 Activation on the Antioxidant Activity of Several Human Dental Pulp Cell Clones Derived From Distinct Donors, and Therapeutic Effects of Transplantation on Rodents With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Soumiya Hitomi , Nakamura Kaito , Nagashima Kosuke , Yamada Makoto , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Miwa Takahiro , Tsunoda Atsuki , Takeda-Kawaguchi Tomoko , Tezuka Ken-ichi , Furukawa Shoei
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the interest in cell transplantation therapy using human dental pulp cells (DPCs) has been increasing. However, significant differences exist in the individual cellular characteristics of human DPC clones and in their therapeutic efficacy in rodent models of spinal cord injury (SCI); moreover, the cellular properties associated with their therapeutic efficacy for SCI remain unclear. Here, using DPC clones from seven different donors, we found that most of the clones were highly resistant to H2O2 cytotoxicity if, after transplantation, they significantly improved the locomotor function of rats with complete SCI. Therefore, we examined the effects of the basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and bardoxolone methyl (RTA402), which is a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) chemical activator, on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the resistance to H2O2 cytotoxicity. FGF2 treatment enhanced the resistance of a subset of clones to H2O2 cytotoxicity. Regardless of FGF2 priming, RTA402 markedly enhanced the resistance of many DPC clones to H2O2 cytotoxicity, concomitant with the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H-quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). With the exception of a subset of clones, the TAC was not increased by either FGF2 priming or RTA402 treatment alone, whereas it was significantly upregulated by both treatments in each clone, or among all seven DPC clones together. Thus, the TAC and resistance to H2O2 cytotoxicity were, to some extent, independently regulated and were strongly enhanced by both FGF2 priming and RTA402 treatment. Moreover, even a DPC clone that originally exhibited no therapeutic effect on SCI improved the locomotor function of mice with SCI after transplantation under both treatment regimens. Thus, combined with FGF2, RTA402 may increase the number of transplanted DPCs that migrate into and secrete neurotrophic factors at the lesion epicenter, where reactive oxygen species are produced at a high level.
A Difficult Case of Calcineurin Inhibitor Neurotoxicity Post-Haploidentical HCT With a Successful Novel Solution: Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4-Immunoglobulin Blockade for GVHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Dykes Kaitlyn , Tzachanis Dimitrios , Koura Divya
Published: July 2024

Post–allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) immunosuppression regimens are given as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Most GVHD prophylaxis regimens are based on calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Unfortunately, CNIs are associated with significant associated morbidity, frequently cannot be tolerated, and often need to be discontinued. There is no consensus as to which alternative immunosuppression should be used in cases where CNIs have to be permanently discontinued. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) blocking agents are well tolerated and have been used extensively in patients with autoimmune disease and as post-transplant immunosuppression. There are two CTLA4-Ig agents: belatacept and abatacept. Belatacept is routinely used in adult kidney transplantation to prevent rejection and abatacept has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for GVHD prophylaxis in patients undergoing a matched or one allele-mismatched unrelated allogenic HCT. Herein, we describe a case in which abatacept was given off-label to replace tacrolimus GVHD prophylaxis in a patient with neurotoxicity undergoing haploidentical HCT. This case suggests that CTLA4-Ig blockade may be a good alternative to a CNI in cases where the CNI needs to be discontinued and warrants further investigation.
Bringing English Back in School Education: English in Government Schools of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2024

In the immediate aftermath of Indian Independence in 1947, there was a palpable attempt to replace English with Hindi and other Indian languages to unleash the processes of decolonisation. English was castigated as the language of the British Empire and was seen to be the basis of power and privilege for a handful of English-educated elites. A new nation-state thought it imperative to replace English with other languages which ultimately led to language-based reorganisation of Indian states. Subsequently, there was the replacement of English with Indian languages as mediums of instruction at different levels of education. Such a demand was hugely supported by a large number of Indian intelligentsia. However, six to seven decades down the line, there appears to be a reversal of earlier language politics as governments in various states of India are bringing English back as an aspirational language. This article attempts to understand the context of such a reversal. It also analyses ideological constructions of linguistic reality and its hold on popular perception. Ideologically constructed realities of language become a concrete, tangible force to reckon with. The article explores the renewed interest and urgency in learning English, using the frameworks of language ideology and the Bourdieusian framework of ‘language as a praxis’. Following Hilary Janks, the article underlines the significance of providing critical access to English by historicising and denaturalising its prevalence as one of the major contact languages at the international level.
Identifying Prevalence and Potential Predictors of Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation Orders to Facilitate Preoperative Discussions on Code Status
Authors: Cheung Kelly , Saffran Alex , Engdahl Ashton , Chiang Benjamin , Boyle Joseph , Taylor Perry , Murphy Paul
Published: July 2024

Background

Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) orders allow patients with life-threatening conditions to decline resuscitation efforts should the need arise. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends discussions with patients on their code status to clarify and honor their goals of care perioperatively. This project sought to determine the prevalence of DNAR orders and to identify the demographics and potential clinical predictors of DNAR status at the beginning and end of admission, which would help anesthesiologists at our center facilitate these discussions.

Methods

Factors associated with DNAR status at beginning and at end of hospital stay were determined through univariate logistic regressions. For DNAR status at beginning and end of hospital admission, variables assessed were age at arrival, race, sex, palliative consult, use of palliative care service, length of stay in days, presence of surgery, presence of emergent surgery, care level, and medical service.

Results

Approximately 2.4 percent of the sample had an active DNAR order at the beginning of their hospital admission compared to 7.4 percent at the end of hospital admission. Factors significantly associated with DNAR status at the beginning of the hospital stay were consistent with prior literature (age, palliative care consult or service). However, factors significantly associated with DNAR status at the end of hospital stay that were notable included length of stay, undergoing emergent surgery, higher level of care, and being on the oncology service and medical respiratory intensive care unit.

Conclusions

This retrospective study allows anesthesiologists at our institution to identify patients who may benefit from a more comprehensive perioperative discussion about code status based on certain clinical characteristics, which may improve quality of care by preventing unwanted resuscitative measures that do not align with a patient’s goals of care.
Machine Learning Predicts Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis Using Patient Features and Catheterization Technology Features
Authors: Sheng Yuan , Gao Wei
Published: July 2024

This study aims to use patient feature and catheterization technology feature variables to train the corresponding machine learning (ML) models to predict peripherally inserted central catheters-deep vein thrombosis (PICCs-DVT) and analyze the importance of the two types of features to PICCs-DVT from the aspect of “input-output” correlation. To comprehensively and systematically summarize the variables used to describe patient features and catheterization technical features, this study combined 18 literature involving the two types of features in predicting PICCs-DVT. A total of 21 variables used to describe the two types of features were summarized, and feature values were extracted from the data of 1,065 PICCs patients from January 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, to construct a data sample set. Then, 70% of the sample set is used for model training and hyperparameter optimization, and 30% of the sample set is used for PICCs-DVT prediction and feature importance analysis of three common ML classification models (i.e. support vector classifier [SVC], random forest [RF], and artificial neural network [ANN]). In terms of prediction performance, this study selected four metrics to evaluate the prediction performance of the model: precision ( P), recall ( R), accuracy ( ACC), and area under the curve ( AUC). In terms of feature importance analysis, this study chooses a single feature analysis method based on the “input-output” sensitivity principle—Permutation Importance. For the mean model performance, the three ML models on the test set are P = 0.92, R = 0.95, ACC = 0.88, and AUC = 0.81. Specifically, the RF model is P = 0.95, R = 0.96, ACC = 0.92, AUC = 0.86; the ANN model is P = 0.92, R = 0.95, ACC = 0.88, AUC = 0.81; the SVC model is P = 0.88, R = 0.94, ACC = 0.85, AUC = 0.77. For feature importance analysis, Catheter-to-vein rate (RF: 91.55%, ANN: 82.25%, SVC: 87.71%), Zubrod-ECOG-WHO score (RF: 66.35%, ANN: 82.25%, SVC: 44.35%), and insertion attempt (RF: 44.35%, ANN: 37.65%, SVC: 65.80%) all occupy the top three in the ML models prediction task of PICCs-DVT, showing relatively consistent ranking results. The ML models show good performance in predicting PICCs-DVT and reveal a relatively consistent ranking of feature importance from the data. The important features revealed might help clinical medical staff to better understand and analyze the formation mechanism of PICCs-DVT from a data-driven perspective.