bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards sustainable composites: Evaluation of mechanical properties, erosion behavior and applications of natural fiber-epoxy composites
Authors: Zolfakkar Mohamed , El-Tayeb Nabil , Halawa Taher
Published: June 2024

Sustainable production and consumption, carried to materials and engineering applications, translates to a need for recyclable, reusable, and/or biodegradable materials. With its lower cost, lighter weight, and less carbon footprint compared to traditional glass and carbon fiber composites, natural fiber-reinforced composites are drawing more attention from the scientific community and the industrial sector. The natural fiber’s high variability and relatively inferior mechanical properties necessitate comprehensive characterization for accurate evaluation of their properties and fitness for different applications. In this research, various locally grown natural fibers (Flax, Jute, and Luffa) were sourced, characterized, and used to synthesize natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The tensile, flexural, impact properties, and erosion resistance of the composites was evaluated. Compared to the other natural fiber composites, the Jute-Epoxy composite achieved the highest tensile strength and tensile modulus with 31 MPa and 4.8 GPa respectively; Jute-Epoxy also achieved the highest flexural strength and flexural modulus, with and 60 MPa and 2.4 GPa respectively. This superior mechanical performance is due to the relatively high strength of the Jute fiber and its high adhesion to the matrix, which is supported by fractographic evidence. Luffa-Epoxy composites in general had the lowest properties of all the tested materials. The erosion test results showed that the Jute-Epoxy composites had the highest erosion resistance of all the tested materials; with 30% more erosion resistance compared to glass-fiber epoxy composites. Based on the experimental results of the investigation and similar previous research, the current and potential applications of natural fiber composites were discussed.
Thickening effect of shear thickening fluid under normal loading to improve stab resistance of shear thickening fluid–fabric composite
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Zhao Qi , Hu Xingxing , Liu Qingping , Yu Kejing
Published: June 2024

Shear thickening fluid (STF) for personal stab-resistant clothing has been consistently discussed. However, it is not clear whether STF in STF–fabric composite materials undergoes thickening under normal loads, and to what extent. In this study, the yarn pullout test and the knife-stab test in the quasistatic mode were used to establish the enhancement effect of STF, owing to the dominant thickening mechanism. The results of pullout–in tests for STF show that the thickening effort of STF becomes stronger with increasing speed. There is an observable increase for the pullout–in force. The addition of STF can slightly improve the yarn pullout force and peak stab force for STF-treated fabric at low velocities, owing to friction enhancement. More importantly, at higher speeds, the peak pullout force of yarn was increased to 28.9 N, which increased by about 140% compared with low velocities. The peak stab forces increased by about 80% compared with low stab speeds. It is affirmed that the thickening effect of STF under normal loads plays a dominant role in enhancing STF–fabric composite materials.
Psychology of mysticism: Toward a layered hierarchy model
Authors: Chen Zhuo Job
Published: June 2024

The studies of mysticism have traditionally emphasized a common core centered around experiences of ego dissolution and unity. However, this focus on a central set of experiences tends to downplay the non-central aspects, resulting in a limited understanding that may not encompass many other types of extraordinary experiences. This article proposes a layered hierarchy model of mysticism, which reverts to the fundamental definition of mysticism and resonates with the Jamesian characteristics of mysticism as noetic and ineffable. Consequently, an extended definition is put forth to characterize mysticism as the transcendence of perceived reality and the transformation of the perceiver. Within this proposed model, four layers of mysticism are delineated. Monistic Mysticism is characterized by the perception of oneness in all existence and the dissolution of selfhood, exemplified by perennialist mystical unity. Nondualistic Mysticism involves the recognition of a higher reality beyond the mundane world and the subjugation of the ego to an idealized divine, exemplified by religious experiences. Dualistic Mysticism encompasses a world of spirits in contrast to human reality, where the self detaches from and interacts with spiritual beings, exemplified by psychedelic experiences and spiritism. Pluralistic Mysticism entails numerous coexisting realities, and the self is understood to have many facets and boundless potentials, exemplified by psychic phenomena and non-physicalism. This expanded framework broadens the scope of mysticism and makes it a versatile tool for studying a wide range of human experiences under a unified framework.
Sliding mode control of a pumping system supplied by photovoltaic generator
Authors: Grissa Haytham , Farhani Slah , Bacha Faouzi
Published: June 2024

This work deals with an efficient control of the photovoltaic water pumping system. The suggested method is designed by an indirect field-oriented control based on sliding mode control. The sliding mode control is chosen thanks to its various advantages like robustness versus perturbations and uncertainties as well as high accuracy tracking. The contribution is to attest its good performance with the application of a 1-day irradiation profile to achieve a pumping rate with the same variation to prove the control robustness to variation system parameter such as resistor and inductor rotor variation. The least-squares method algorithm is used for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) adopted to calculate the speed reference of the induction motor drive of the pumping system from the value of illumination. Finally, to improve sliding mode control efficiency with simulation in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment and experimental results, obtained by real-time implementation in a dSPACE 1104 board.
Adaptive PID controller using deep deterministic policy gradient for a 6D hyperchaotic system
Authors: Labbaf Khaniki Mohammad Ali , Samii Amirhossein , Tavakoli-Kakhki Mahsan
Published: June 2024

This article introduces a method for the adaptive control of a six-dimensional (6D) hyperchaotic system using a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) approach, leveraging the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm. The states and tracking errors of the hyperchaotic system are amalgamated to form an input image signal. This signal is then processed by a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract profound features. Subsequently, the DDPG determines the coefficients of the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller based on the features discerned from the CNN. The proposed approach exhibits robustness to uncertainties and varying initial conditions, attributed to the DDPG’s ability to learn from the input image signal and adaptively adjust control policies and PID coefficients. The results demonstrate that the proposed adaptive PID controller, integrated with DDPG and CNN, surpasses conventional controllers in terms of synchronization accuracy and response speed. The paper presents the following: a 6D hyperchaotic system’s dynamic model, a CNN-based DDPG’s structure, and how it performs and compares to traditional methods. Then, it summarizes the main findings.
Optimal bounded policy for nonlinear tracking control of unknown constrained-input systems
Authors: Sabahi Farnaz
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a novel algorithm that seamlessly integrates type-2 fuzzy systems with a sliding mode controller, aiming to create an optimal bounded control policy for tracking nonlinear problems that are plagued with uncertain or incomplete system dynamics and control input constraints. Proving its efficacy in navigating uncertainties, the proposed approach maintains effectiveness even when such encounters are sporadic or infrequent. The algorithm tactically employs three type-2 fuzzy systems. Among these, the actor and critic fuzzy systems are specifically tasked to resolve the optimal control tracking problem, while the third fuzzy system is designated to approximate the system’s unknown dynamics. The sliding mode controller’s role is instrumental in this setup. It dynamically adjusts to ensure the system’s convergence, enabling precise tracking of the desired trajectory, undeterred by the prevalent uncertainties. We validate the stability of the entire amalgamation, consisting of the actor, critic, identifier and controller. The robustness and efficiency of this innovative method are confirmed through rigorous simulation testing on a nonlinear system. Our results substantiate that the proposed solution excels in optimal tracking control, particularly in situations where system dynamics are uncertain or incomplete and where control input constraints are a critical factor.
Do Small Audit Clients “Pay the Price” for Audit Partner Busyness Caused by Acquisitions of Large and New Clients?
Authors: Jääskö Jenni , Sahlström Petri
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the importance of client size and new clients for audit partner busyness. Because auditing large and new clients requires more time and effort than auditing smaller and familiar clients, we predict that an audit partner with considerable proportions of large and new clients will be too busy to ensure high earnings quality for all clients. Moreover, because audit partners have greater incentive to focus on large clients, we expect that busy partners will be more willing to compromise the earnings quality of smaller clients to maintain high earnings quality of large clients. Using the complete client portfolios of Big 4 and non-Big 4 audit partners, we find evidence suggesting that auditing greater proportions of large and new clients decreases an audit partner’s constraint of earnings management. The negative effect on earnings quality is most prominent among smaller clients of Big 4 partners. These findings indicate that even when audit partner busyness is driven by acquisitions of large and new clients, the consequences of the busyness are more severe for smaller clients. Our results have important implications for regulators, practitioners, and investors because they provide archival evidence that the earnings quality of an audit client is affected not only by the characteristics of the client and the audit partner but also by the characteristics of the audit partner’s other clients.
Erasing Race and Disability from Educational Policies of a Chinese–English Dual Language Charter School
Authors: Li Lingyu
Published: June 2024

Background or Context:

There is increasing research focusing on dual language (DL) education program policies and practices regarding who has access to bilingualism and whose bilingualism is valued and represented. However, limited research is situated in the context of Chinese–English DL education and its service of emergent bilingual learners with disabilities (EBLWDs).

Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study:

The current study examines DL policy documents from one Chinese–English DL charter school to answer the following research question: How do a Chinese–English DL charter school’s policies and practices address racial and disability injustice?

Research Design:

Textual analysis is conducted to examine publicly available educational policy documents from school, district, and parent-hosted websites; photos from school Facebook pages; and meeting minutes from the school principal, with permission.

Conclusions or Recommendations:

Drawing from a Disability Critical Race (DisCrit) stance, this study reveals textual silences on disability and race and the exclusion of EBLWDs through no-excuses accountability policies. Discourses of elite bilingualism and neoliberalism are perpetuated and reproduced by White, nondisabled, middle-class, English-speaking families who control the right to make policy decisions. These discourses shape the lived experiences of EBLWDs, who are deemed as deviant for their racial/ethnic identities and deficient for disability and linguistic status, and are thus denied access to bilingual DL education.
Construction and validation of the Chinese Preschool Classroom Walkthrough Scale / Elaboración y validación de la Escala de Visitas al Aula CPCWS en la Educación Infantil en China
Authors: Xie Sha , Li Jing , He Mengyun , Yin Hong
Published: June 2024

Classroom walkthrough is a form of instructional supervision that supports quality enhancement. The current study developed and validated a measure of classroom walkthrough in the early childhood education (ECE) setting in China. Results indicated that the Chinese Preschool Classroom Walkthrough Scale (CPCWS) included five domains, namely, the content of classroom walkthrough, pedagogical skills, professional growth, culture of community, and challenges. The CPCWS showed good model fit and demonstrated concurrent validity by correlating with teacher burnout, well-being and teaching efficacy. These findings also shed light on the current state of classroom walkthrough practices in China and advocate for further development and use of the CPCWS to improve preschool quality. The study underscores the necessity for additional research on classroom walkthrough in ECE settings.
Characterisation of laser-cladded 410 stainless steel for in situ repair of turbine blade
Authors: Raj Dhiraj , Maity Saikat Ranjan , Das Bipul
Published: June 2024

Laser cladding was employed to apply a pure nickel powder coating onto 410 stainless steel turbine blade material, utilising a 50 W pulsed diode fibre laser system. Various process parameters were explored, including average laser power (20 W, 30 W, 40 W) and scanning speeds (SSs) (0.5 mm/s, 1 mm/s, 1.5 mm/s). The pulse width and frequency were fixed to 110 ns and 50 kHz, respectively. Successful deposition of nickel powder was accomplished at an average power of 40 W at various SSs. The microstructure, phase components, clad geometry, tensile properties, and microhardness of cladded specimens were examined. The experimental results show that the cladding layer has a metallurgical bonding with the substrate, having a visual interface with no cracks or defects. The clad layer's height peaked at 1 mm/s (175.889 μm), while the maximum clad depth occurred at 0.5 mm/s (367.797 μm). Predominant intermetallic phases observed included FeNi3, Cr1.36Fe0.52, along with fine carbides (M3C, M7C3, M23C6 where M – Fe, Ni). Enhanced mechanical properties were observed in the cladded samples compared to the substrate. At 1 mm/s SS, the clad zone exhibited the highest microhardness (221.4 HV), tensile strength (482.03 MPa), and Young's modulus (17.97 GPa).
Thromboprophylaxis in varicose veins surgery: The everyday concern
Authors: García Vélez John F , Correa Posada Martha O
Published: June 2024

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) occupies an important place as a cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients in all specialties. Despite the existence of guidelines for thrombo prophylaxis in surgery, it is not clear due to the lack of current evidence, how to develop antithrombotic prophylaxis in varicose vein surgery and many questions arise when the surgeon is faced with a patient to be operated on. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to examine the evidence about the prevention of the venous thromboembolism in varicose veins surgery patients, and aims to guide the reader through questions that arise in daily practice, discussing the different scenarios presented in the literature for the choice of the most appropriate prophylaxis for each case. The lack of conclusive literature determines that risk should be individualized using available scales and other procedure-related factors, so that the type and duration of prophylaxis can be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Single-port versus traditional three-port laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A single-centre, prospective, randomised study
Authors: Li Xuen , Hu Xufeng , Hu Yue , Jie Yuan
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the efficacy and safety of single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) technique compared with the traditional three-port total extraperitoneal (TEP) technique for inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

This prospective, randomised study involved patients who underwent surgery for inguinal hernia at our hospital from December 2021 to July 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to SIL-TEP or TEP groups based on a computer-generated random number table. Perioperative clinical indicators for the surgical approaches were evaluated.

Results

Of the 127 patients eligible for study, 66 were randomised to the SIL-TEP group and 61 to the TEP group. The operation time for SIL-TEP was significantly longer than for TEP but the time to return to normal activities was significantly shorter and short-term pain score was significantly lower. There were no differences between groups in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stays, pain relief time, hospitalization costs or cosmetic satisfaction scores.

Conclusion

While SIL-TEP is more challenging than TEP for hernia repair, we found that at our centre it is comparable with regard to overall safety and feasibility. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
The centrality of individual petitions in temple rituals: Hannah, Solomon, and first-person psalms
Authors: Charney Davida
Published: June 2024

The centrality of individual petition in ritual practice in the Hebrew Bible is rarely recognized. This article draws connections between legislation for the well-being sacrifice (זבח שלמים‎; Lev. 3; 7.11–36) and individual petitions as presented in biblical narratives and psalms. Hannah’s successful petition for a son (1 Sam. 1.1–2.10) illustrates the petition process and the stakes. Solomon’s dedication of the Temple (1 Kgs. 8) further details the process and authorizes seven types of petitions with equal provision for individuals vs. the nation and for sin-based vs. inexplicable crises. Of these, inexplicable crises faced by individuals are literally the most central. Hannah’s crisis is of this type. The types authorized for individuals are reflected in numerous first-person psalms, which also make frequent use of the terminology of well-being offerings. Individual petition provides for an ongoing oral interaction with a God who is perceived as open to persuasion in a public space where an individual’s social status may also be negotiated.
Biological Sex Influences Daily Locomotor Rhythms in Mice Held Under Different Housing Conditions
Authors: Pastrick Amanda , Diaz Matthew , Adaya Griffin , Montinola Victoria , Arzbecker Madeline , Joye Deborah A. M. , Evans Jennifer A.
Published: June 2024

Daily rhythms are programmed by a central circadian clock that is modulated by photoperiod. Here, we recorded locomotor activity rhythms in C57Bl/6 or mPer2Luc mice of both sexes held under different housing conditions. First, we confirm that the structure of locomotor activity rhythms differs between male and female mice in both genetic backgrounds. Male mice exhibit a nightly “siesta,” whereas female mice fluctuate between nights with and without a nightly siesta, which corresponds with changes in locomotor activity levels, circadian period, and vaginal cytology. The nightly siesta is modulated by the presence of a running wheel in both sexes but is not required for the infradian patterning of locomotor rhythms in females. Finally, photoperiodic changes in locomotor rhythms differed by sex, and females displayed phase-jumping responses earlier than males under a parametric photoentrainment assay simulating increasing day length. Collectively, these results highlight that sex and sex hormones influence daily locomotor rhythms under a variety of different environmental conditions.
Social accountability and improving care for sexual and gender diverse patients
Authors: Bolderston Amanda
Published: June 2024

Social Accountability (SA) in healthcare includes understanding and responding to how social determinants affect patient health. Altruistic healthcare professionals can improve socially accountable patient care at the individual patient or family level (micro), the population or community level (meso), and/or provincial, federal, or international levels (macro). There is a well-established healthcare equity gap for Sexual and Gender Diverse (SGD) people affected by cancer. In this article, I discuss how SA has played a role in my career. As a SGD healthcare professional, I offer some personal examples of SA in action that have made a difference. For socially accountable healthcare professionals, there is almost always something to contribute to improve care, from the patient to the policy level.
Association Between Dyscapnia, Ventilatory Variables, and Mortality in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Braunsteiner Josephine , Castro Liesa , Wiessner Christian , Grensemann Jörn , Schroeder Maria , Burdelski Christoph , Sensen Barbara , Kluge Stefan , Fischer Marlene
Published: June 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations between dyscapnia, ventilatory variables, and mortality. We hypothesized that the association between mechanical power or ventilatory ratio and survival is mediated by dyscapnia. Methods: Patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), who received mechanical ventilation within the first 48 h after admission to the intensive care unit for at least 48 h, were included in this retrospective single-center study. Values of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were categorized into “hypercapnia” (PaCO2 ≥ 50 mm Hg), “normocapnia” (PaCO2 36-49 mmHg), and “hypocapnia” (PaCO2 ≤ 35 mm Hg). We used path analyses to assess the associations between ventilatory variables (mechanical power and ventilatory ratio) and mortality, where hypocapnia or hypercapnia were included as mediating variables. Results: Between December 2017 and April 2021, 435 patients were included. While there was a significant association between mechanical power and hypercapnia (BEM = 0.24 [95% CI: 0.15; 0.34], P < .01), there was no significant association between mechanical power or hypercapnia and ICU mortality. The association between mechanical power and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality was fully mediated by hypocapnia (BEM = −0.10 [95% CI: −0.19; 0.00], P = .05; BMO = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.13; 0.63], P < .01). Ventilatory ratio was significantly associated with hypercapnia (B = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.14; 0.32], P < .01). There was no significant association between ventilatory ratio, hypercapnia, and mortality. There was a significant effect of ventilatory ratio on mortality, which was fully mediated by hypocapnia (BEM = −0.14 [95% CI: −0.24; −0.05], P < .01; BMO = 0.37 [95% CI: 0.12; 0.62], P < .01). Conclusion: In mechanically ventilated patients with moderate or severe ARDS, the association between mechanical power and mortality was fully mediated by hypocapnia. Likewise, there was a mediating effect of hypocapnia on the association between ventilatory ratio and ICU mortality. Our results indicate that the debate on dyscapnia and outcome after ARDS should consider the impact of ventilatory variables.
Verbal Abuse in Schools: Analyzing the Features of Teachers’ Verbal Abuse From the Linguistic Perspective
Authors: Yusri  , R. Mantasiah , Aryani Farida , Hasmawati
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the forms of verbal abuse by teachers toward students during the teaching and learning process, the prototype of verbal abuse recognized by teachers, and the specific features of verbal abuse of students by teachers. This study used mixed methods that combine qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative method focused on investigating the frequency of verbal abuse by teachers using the Korean Verbal Abuse Questionnaire. Meanwhile, the qualitative method examined the prototype of verbal abuse recognized by teachers and the features of verbal abuse that teachers use toward students. This study recruited 204 students from the fourth to the sixth grades of elementary school and 30 teacher representatives from five elementary schools in Indonesia. The data were collected through online surveys and interviews. The data on the frequency of verbal abuse by teachers during the teaching and learning process were analyzed using descriptive statistics. In contrast, the data from the open-ended questionnaire for teachers and the interviews with students and teachers were analyzed using content analysis. This study found that there are four types of verbal abuse by teachers. These are raising their voices, telling students that they are acting stupid or like brats, scolding, and calling names that make students feel inadequate. Teachers tend to define abuse as something that is physically aggressive, suggesting that teachers often categorize abuse within the realm of physical violence. There are four types of verbal abuse features found in teachers’ utterances; these are labeling students’ cognitive ability, labeling students’ behaviors, shaming students’ physiques, and raising their voices. The results of this study can be employed to develop communication strategies for teachers to lessen verbal abuse during the teaching and learning process.
Renewing the Challenge of Peace through the Promise of Active Nonviolence
Authors: Scheid Anna Floerke
Published: June 2024

In 1983 the US bishops issued a deeply influential pastoral letter, The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response, which addressed moral questions of warfare, particularly in the context of the Cold War. Four decades later, it is clear that the challenge to build just and peaceful societies is still with us in the US and throughout the world. This article supports the development of new documents—whether episcopal or papal—to center nonviolence in Catholic teaching, to demonstrate the value and efficacy of active nonviolence in working toward a just peace, and to clarify the relationship between nonviolence and the just war tradition. It makes suggestions as to how such a document might be rooted in the Christian tradition and discipleship, and what issues must urgently be addressed.
Analysis of carbon nanotubes-based nanofluid with paraffin oil in 3D MHD Darcy-Forchheimer flow through a bi-directional stretchable surface: Application to heat exchanger systems
Authors: Dhanraj Thenmozhi , Eswara Rao Manneri , Vajravelu Kuppalapalle , Lakshminarayana Pallavarapu
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a three-dimensional Darcy-Forchheimer flow model is considered to investigate the flow behavior of conducting paraffin oil with carbon nanotubes. The governing partial differential equations of the model are converted into a system of ordinary differential equations by using a similarity transformation. Then, a conversion numerical method along with a shooting technique is used to obtain the solutions to the governing ordinary differential equations. The study reveals significant effects of the porosity, radiation, thermophoresis and the Brownian motion on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. Also, the influences of the physical parameters on the bi-directional velocity, temperature and fluid concentration are discussed in detail. Since carbon nanotubes have high thermal conductivity, it has a high impact on the temperature profiles. Furthermore, as the paraffin oil has well-defined thermal properties, it can be used as a fluid to augment the heat transfer. The presence of carbon nanotubes in the fluid enhanced the thermal conductivity which in turn increased the temperature of the fluid. The magnetic field reduced the bi-directional velocity of the fluid but increased the temperature due to the stimulating effect of the Lorentz force. Hence, this heat transfer study of paraffin oil with carbon nanotubes has a wide range of industrial applications to steam generation, thermal management, heat-treated material and engine cooling.
Reporting and managing ethical issues in intensive care using the critical incident reporting system
Authors: Hiltunen Tina , Suhonen Riitta , Inkilä Jaana , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: June 2024

Background

Intensive care nurses frequently encounter ethical issues with potentially severe consequences for nurses, patients, and next of kin. Therefore, ethical issues in intensive care units (ICU) should be recognized and managed.

Research objectives

To analyze ethical issues reported by intensive care nurses and how reported issues were managed within the organization using register data from the HaiPro critical incident reporting system (CIRS), and to explore the suitability of this system for reporting and managing ethical issues.

Research design

This was a retrospective descriptive register study. CIRS reports on ethical issues in adult ICUs ( n = 12) in one hospital district in Finland over 25 months (2019–2021) were analyzed through inductive content analysis and descriptive quantification. The CIRS’s suitability for reporting and managing ethical issues was evaluated through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the University Ethics Committee, and permission to conduct the research was granted before data collection within the organization.

Results

CIRS reports on ethical issues ( n = 35) made by nurses were found in seven of the 12 ICUs. The CIRS managers of these units managed these reports. The ethical issues described by the nurses were divided into four main categories: nature, situational information, consequences, and contributing factors. Management of reported ethical issues was divided into three main categories: preventive actions proposed by nurses, proposals for actions by CIRS managers, and actions taken by CIRS managers.

Conclusions

Systematic register data broadly describe ethical issues and their management, indicating that the CIRS could be suitable for reporting and managing ethical issues, thereby enabling the monitoring and development of ethical quality at the unit and organizational levels.
Addressing Discrimination and Healthcare Disparities for Sexual and Gender Minorities in South Africa: A Human Rights-Based Perspective
Authors: Scherf Erick da Luz
Published: June 2024

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations—including, but not limited to, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual—have been, under different contexts, historically discriminated against in housing, healthcare and social security, not to mention the daily acts of macro- and micro-aggressions they often face. Discriminatory practices against SGM individuals, who might be already experiencing positions of rightlessness and vulnerability, further increase health inequities and might have larger implications for the protection of human rights and the reproduction of social injustice. In the African continent more specifically, many countries have a poor record when it comes to protecting and enforcing LGBT rights. In South Africa, on the other hand, despite relatively strong legislation on the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, violence and discrimination against SGM individuals still is a huge challenge. On that account, this research article aims to describe and analyse discriminatory practices in healthcare affecting SGMs in South Africa in relation to access to and quality of care, alongside the implications for health management and human rights in particular. This is an exploratory research article that addresses the situation of healthcare access and delivery to SGM populations in South Africa from a human rights-based and intersectional approach. The study challenges ongoing bias-motivated and discriminatory practices in healthcare settings and pinpoints how these practices can negatively affect the health and well-being of diverse populations, with a focus on sexual and gender diversity.
Productivity Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment to Ethiopian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Wajebo Temesgen Woldamanuel
Published: June 2024

The study investigates productivity spillover from foreign direct investment (FDI) to domestic firms in the Ethiopian manufacturing industries. The system generalised method of moments (SYS-GMM) estimator using panel data of manufacturing firms for the years 2011–2016 with 12,006 observations grouped under 102 industries was employed. The results show a coexistence of both negative and positive productivity spillover effects from FDI to domestically owned firms at a moderate level of absorptive capacity. Specifically, foreign presence in the industries contributed to a positive and significant horizontal and backward productivity spillover effect on domestic firms on an average level. The horizontal productivity spillover is transmitted to local firms through demonstration and competition effects at a moderate level. Likewise, vertical productivity spillover occurred through the channel of sales of intermediate goods and services to foreign firms. We have observed that the technology gap is a critical factor among those factors that determine the productivity spillover occurrence. Finally, policy measures aimed at minimising the technology gap between foreign and domestic firms to maximise the productivity spillover effect are suggested. Since the result shows that the spillover effects in all firms are not equal, prioritisation as per their promise is recommendable in an FDI-attracting framework.

JEL: C33, D29
Outcomes Following Surgical Correction of Talocalcalcaneal Joint Dislocation in Diabetes Associated Charcot Foot Arthropathy
Authors: Cho Elizabeth , Pinzur Michael S. , Schiff Adam P. , Hamid Kamran
Published: June 2024

Background:

Growing clinical interest in the treatment of acquired foot deformity due to diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy has led to multiple reports of favorable clinical outcomes in patients when their acquired deformity is at the midfoot level. Clinical failures and less than optimal clinical outcomes are achieved when the deformity is at the hindfoot or ankle levels.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent surgical correction of diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy with talocalcaneal dislocation over an 18-year period. Reduction of the talocalcaneal dislocation, and maintenance of the correction with percutaneous pins and circular external fixation after subtalar joint preparation for fusion, was used as the method of surgically achieving a clinically plantigrade foot. Clinical outcomes were based on resolution of infection, limb salvage, and the ability to ambulate with commercially available therapeutic footwear.

Results:

Forty-three feet in 39 patients were included. A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 32 of 43 feet (74%) with 26 (60%) considered to have an “excellent” result with minimal shoeing issues and 6 (14%) considered to have a “good” outcome based on their need for a custom shoe modification and/or some form of short ankle-foot orthosis. Eleven feet (26%) were judged to have a “poor” clinical outcome and among those 11 feet, 6 underwent partial, or whole-foot amputation, 2 had persistent wounds, and 5 required the use of a standard ankle foot orthosis or Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW).

Conclusion:

Subtalar dislocation in Charcot arthropathy is a complex clinical problem. In our series, reduction and maintenance of the reduction after subtalar dislocation was essential for a favorable clinical outcome.
Wheel-rail adhesion control model by integrating neural network and direct torque control during traction under low adhesion
Authors: Zhangpeng Ni , Bing Wu , Guangwen Xiao , Quan Shen , Linquan Yao
Published: June 2024

In the realm of train traction, achieving optimal utilization of wheel-rail adhesion is of utmost importance. The motor’s efficiency plays a significant role in this process. However, there has been limited research on adhesion optimization for motor control in recent years. Therefore, this paper proposes a neural network controller based on the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm to improve adaptive regulation ability. This approach integrates the direct torque control (DTC) method, which utilizes a three-phase asynchronous motor to output torque and speed. By integrating these techniques, we mitigate the significant slip occurrence during complex low-adhesion scenarios. MATLAB/Simulink simulations are conducted using three different rails: dry, greasy, and wet, each with distinct characteristics. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed strategy optimizes adhesion utilization while mitigating excessive slip, and exhibits excellent robustness and self-regulation capabilities throughout the adhesion optimization process.
Condition monitoring of impact vibrations using observed signals and estimated principal Lyapunov exponents
Authors: Lee June-Yule
Published: June 2024

An efficient algorithm for the condition monitoring of a system experiencing impact vibrations is proposed. The condition monitoring of the system is achieved using only observed signals. Delay embedding techniques are used to construct an equivalent system. The Jacobian matrix is approximated using different neighbourhood matrices, and principal Lyapunov exponents are calculated using the QR decomposition method (where Q represents an orthogonal matrix and R represents an upper triangular matrix). The proposed algorithm is then validated using impact velocity series and displacement data. Numerical bifurcation diagrams and the corresponding principal Lyapunov exponents are plotted with respect to various control parameters. The results indicate that sudden changes in impact vibrations can be detected successfully. The principal Lyapunov exponents align with the bifurcation diagram across the entire region. To assess the robustness of the proposed algorithm, the numerical bifurcation diagram is masked by transient noise or noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB. Furthermore, the results indicate that the primary regions of stable and unstable impact vibrations can still be detected successfully.
Men's Economic Abuse Toward Women in Sweden: Findings From a National Survey
Authors: Bruno Linnéa , Strid Sofia , Ekbrand Hans
Published: June 2024

Drawing from a nationally representative survey ( n = 6,611), this article analyses the prevalence of men's economic abuse toward women in Sweden. Economic abuse is still a relatively marginalized area of research but is increasingly recognized as a distinct type of intimate partner violence. A few Swedish studies have specifically focused on economic abuse, yet none of which with a quantitative approach. A main finding is that motherhood significantly increases the risk of exposure. Furthermore, women report economic abuse from expartners (25%) to a much greater extent than from current partners (8%).
Gender Division of Housework and Intimate Partner Violence Among Mothers of Toddlers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the 2019 Rio Grande (Brazil) Birth Cohort
Authors: Loret de Mola Christian , Coll Carolina , Meireles Denise Lima , Camuno Douglas , Castro Yasmin , Martins-Silva Thais , Carpena Marina Xavier , Blumenberg Cauane , Martins Rafaela Costa , Costa Francine , Goicochea Alejandra , Meucci Rodrigo , Cesar Juraci , Murray Joseph
Published: June 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated the association between gender division of housework and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in a population-based cohort of mothers. We collected data on psychological, physical, and sexual IPV using an adapted version of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women instrument and division of housework using a validated questionnaire. We used logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios. We found that in mothers who reported an unequal gender division of housework (higher load), the odds of suffering psychological, physical, or sexual IPV were higher during the first and second years of the pandemic.
A Case Study of New Nurses’ Transition from Education to Rural Practice in Times of Adversity
Authors: Herron Rachel , Waddell-Henowitch Candice , Smith Nadine , Pylypowich Ashley , Lawrence Breanna , Pellerin Shelby
Published: June 2024

The transition of new nurses from training to employment in rural practice can be difficult in the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified challenges in supporting new nurses transitioning from education to employment. Drawing together Benner's novice-to-expert model and the concept of human flourishing, this article reports on research that explored new nurses’ experiences transitioning from training to employment in rural nursing during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic, using case study methodology combining an online recruitment survey and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants identified a lack of on-the-job training and mentorship, feeling unprepared for the acuity of patients and concerns about patient safety, feeling unprepared for leadership roles, feeling unsupported by management, feeling fatigued and anxious, and a lack of optimism about the future of rural health care. On the positive side, participants reported valuing social connections and teamwork, gratitude from patients, and a sense of community, as well as increasing competency at work. Their stories and self-rated flourishing revealed both strengths and challenges in transitioning to practice in rural settings during times of adversity. This research can inform theories of nursing development as well as policies and practices that support new nurses to thrive in rural contexts.
Orbital cavernous venous malformation shrinkage during fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy contributing to the development of radiation retinopathy
Authors: Hughes Laura , Cohn Amy C , Haghighi Neda , McNab Alan A
Published: June 2024

Background

Posterior movement of ocular tissue secondary to orbital cavernous venous malformation shrinkage from fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy can allow healthy structures to move into the radiation field during treatment. This may carry an increased risk of radiation-induced retinopathy.

Methods

We present a case of a young female whose radiotherapy treatment for an orbital cavernous venous malformation resulted in a 3 mm reduction in proptosis and subsequent retinopathy.

Results

The severity of the patient's radiation-induced radiotherapy exceeded expectations. The venous malformation shrinkage during treatment and ensuing posterior movement of the globe suggested an increased involvement of ocular tissue in the radiation field, prompting consideration of interval neuroimaging and tumour mapping.

Conclusions

We describe and suggest a protocol of onboard neuroimaging during the radiation therapy course to better target tumour volumes and minimise collateral tissue damage. To our knowledge, this has not been previously described in the ophthalmic literature.
A new thermal management method for reducing thermoelastic growth of an air foil bearing
Authors: Samanta Pranab , Murmu Naresh C , Khonsari Michael M
Published: June 2024

Foil bearings are considered to be an excellent fit for a range of high-temperature applications. However, they are susceptible to collapse as a result of thermoelastic instability (TEI). This study introduces a novel approach to enhance passive cooling by adding fins to the surface of the hollow journal cylinder. The effect of enhanced heat transport on the thermoelastic evolution of the bearing surface is thoroughly explored. Furthermore, the critical speed of a foil bearing is derived after taking into account the effect of fins. This affordable method enables the designer to increase the threshold speed of TEI and guard against foil-bearing failure.
A model for play in the preschool curriculum: A phenomenological study
Authors: Abdolmalaki Saber , Khosravi Mahboubeh , Nouri Noushin , Ghaderi Mostafa
Published: June 2024

This phenomenological study aimed to develop a framework integrating play into preschool curriculum based on educators’ lived experiences using play-based methods. Fifteen educators from 12 centers were interviewed using theoretical sampling. Data analysis revealed nine pathways linking play types, educator roles, and learning objectives. Results culminated in a comprehensive framework elucidating how educators actualize educational goals through play.
Systematic Characterization of DNA Methyltransferases Family in Tumor Progression and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Huang Fengru , Wu Xinyi , Du Qiong , Lin Jianghua , Ma Wencong , Liu Jiyong
Published: June 2024

Objective: DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic marker governed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which can influence cancer onset and progression. However, few studies have provided an integrated analysis of the relevance of DNMT family genes to cell stemness, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunotherapy biomarkers across diverse cancers. Methods: This study investigated the impact of five DNMTs on transcriptional profiles, prognosis, and their association with Ki67 expression, epithelial–mesenchymal transition signatures, stemness scores, the TME, and immunological markers across 31 cancer types from recognized public databases. Results: The results indicated that DNMT1/DNMT3B/DNMT3A expression increased, whereas TRDMT1/DNMT3L expression decreased in most cancer types. DNMT family genes were identified as prognostic risk factors for numerous cancers, as well as being prominently associated with immune, stromal, and ESTIMATE scores, as well as with immune-infiltrating cell levels. Expression of the well-known immune checkpoints, PDCD1 and CILA4, was noticeably related to DNMT1/DNMT3A/DNMT3B expression. Finally, we validated the role of DNMT1 in MCF-7 and HepG2-C3A cell lines through its knockdown, whereafter a decrease in cell proliferation and migration ability in vitro was observed. Conclusion: Our study comprehensively expounded that DNMT family genes not only behave as promising prognostic factors but also have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy for various types of cancer.
Group Conferencing is Associated with Lower Rates of Repeated Recidivism Among Higher-Risk Youth and There are Enhanced Effects Based on Who Attended the Conference
Authors: Bonett Robert , Lloyd Caleb D. , Stone Ariel G. , Ogloff James R. P.
Published: June 2024

We examined criminal records across adolescence for a sample of young people processed through a statewide Children’s Court ( N = 2366) between 2012 and 2018, some of who were referred to a group conferencing program ( n = 836). We also examined associations between different program elements and subsequent rates of recidivism, including victim, police, and family participation in the conference process. Recurrent-event survival analysis indicated group conferencing was associated with substantive reductions in the likelihood of recurrent recidivism (26–40% reduced likelihood), controlling for individual propensity for recidivism and both static and time-varying predictors. Within conference completers, binary logistic and negative binomial regression indicated conferences attended by secondary victims and primary police members were associated with larger reductions in post-conference recidivism, compared to conferences with primary victim participation only. Importantly, recidivism likelihood and rates did not differ between those attended by no victim or those attended by a primary victim.