bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of N-Acetylcysteine at high doses as an oral treatment for patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Izquierdo José Luis , Soriano Joan B , González Yolanda , Lumbreras Sara , Ancochea Julio , Echeverry Christian , Rodríguez José Miguel
Published: January 2022

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be associated with serious and life-threatening conditions, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Severity and mortality have been related to a cytokine storm, an imbalance of oxidative stress, and a pro-thrombotic state.

We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study from a community-based large population of hospitalized COVID-19 PCR + patients admitted from March 01, 2020, to January 24, 2021, with integrated primary to tertiary care information in Castilla la Mancha, Spain. We explored the potential benefits of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administered orally in high doses (600 mg every 8 h), added to standard of care in COVID-19 patients by using the free text information contained in their electronic health records (EHRs).

Out of 19,208 patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 hospitalized, we studied 2071 (10.8%) users of oral NAC at high doses. COVID-19 patients treated with NAC were older, predominantly male, and with more comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and COPD when compared with those not on NAC (all p < 0.05). Despite greater baseline risk, use of NAC in COVID-19 patients was associated with significantly lower mortality (OR 0.56; 95%CI 0.47–0.67), a finding that remained significant in a multivariate analysis adjusting by baseline characteristics and concomitant use of corticosteroids. There were no significant differences with the use of NAC on the mean duration of hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit or use of invasive mechanical ventilation. The observed association signaling to better relevant outcomes in COVID-19 patients treated with NAC at high doses should be further explored in other settings and populations and in randomized controlled trials.
Factors Related to Exclusion in the U.S. Army
Authors: Kintzle Sara , Alday Eva , Clomax Adrianne , Barak Michàlle Mor , Castro Carl A.
Published: January 2022

The promotion of inclusion in the U.S. Army requires an understanding of how and why exclusion occurs. As exclusion can have deleterious impacts at both and individual and organizational level, reducing exclusive behaviors can have positive effects on Soldiers and the Army. To explore exclusion in the Army, 19 focus groups were conducted with 120 active-duty enlisted Soldiers. Two rounds of thematic analysis revealed four themes related to exclusion. Participants indicated exclusion to be often based on low or bad performance, personality factors that were identified as different or toxic, cliques within the Army unwilling to welcome others, and gender, with both men and women identifying exclusionary behaviors toward women within and outside of the work environment. Research findings offer insight into how and why exclusion occurs and how such behaviors can be addressed in the U.S. Army including training and addressing cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.
The condition of European economic democracy: A comparative analysis of individual and collective employment rights
Authors: Cumbers Andrew , Bilsland Karen , McMaster Robert , Cabaço Susana , White Michael
Published: January 2022

The condition of European economic democracy is generally recognised to be in a fragile state. Recent discussions have centred on pressures to converge towards an Anglo-American model of flexible and deregulated employment relations and systems, consonant with a broader neoliberal economic governance discourse. Existing approaches suggest an uneven experience between countries around a general trend of deterioration. In this article we offer two new contributions to these debates. First, we introduce findings from an Economic Democracy Index (EDI) we have developed. This goes beyond existing indices of employment and industrial democracy to allow us to examine the changing nature of individual employment rights as well as collective bargaining conditions between European countries. Second, we depart from existing studies of European employment relations, which tend to take a comparative national approach, by situating national employment relations and trajectories within a wider set of spatial and social relations. Qualitative analysis of three country cases (Denmark, Portugal and Slovenia) supplements our EDI analysis. Our evidence suggests the importance of multi-scalar relational and institutional dynamics between social actors at the national scale and those at higher scales such as the European Union in understanding variations in country performance on the EDI.
Perceived identity threat and organizational cynicism in the recursive relationship between psychological contract breach and counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Griep Yannick , Hansen Samantha D , Kraak Johannes M
Published: January 2022

Counterproductive work behavior toward the organization (CWB-O) or supervisor (CWB-S) is commonly treated as a consequence of psychological contract breach (PCB). However, drawing from Self-Consistency Theory, the authors in this article argue that the PCB–CWB relationship is recursive through two mediating mechanisms: self-identity threat and organizational cynicism. Furthermore, the authors predict that the relationship between feelings of violation and CWB-O (or CWB-S) would depend on the extent to which the victim attributed blame to the organization (or supervisor). Using weekly and daily survey data, the study found that identity threat was a stronger mediator for recursive CWB–PCB relationships. Moreover, it was found that PCB related positively to violation feelings, which in turn related positively to CWB-O and CWB-S over time. As predicted, the former was moderated by organizational blame attributions, whereas the latter was moderated by supervisor blame attributions. The authors discuss the theoretical implications and propose novel practical implications based on these reciprocal findings.
Nurses’ Quality of Life Scale: Validation and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Sili Alessandro , Maria Maddalena De , Fiorini Jacopo , Zaghini Francesco , Barbarnelli Claudio
Published: January 2022

The Nursing Quality of Life Scale (NQOLS) is a 28-item self-report measure evaluating the four dimensions of nurses’ quality of life, namely, the physical, emotional, working, and social dimensions. The purpose of this study is to assess the psychometric properties, including validity and reliability, of the NQOLS. The study enrolled 1105 nurses who provided direct assistance to patients. The NQOLS factorial structure was tested using a cross-validation approach via Exploratory Structural Equational Modeling, which confirmed the instrument’s four-dimension structure. Reliability was assessed using omega coefficients, proving excellent for all factors. Cluster analysis identified five distinct groups, each composed of participants sharing a substantial similarity with respect to their profile in the NQOLS. These five identifiable clusters presented significant differences not only in the NQOLS but also in the risk of work-related stress, emotional labor, and burnout. The results show that NQOLS is a simple, reliable, lean tool for measuring nurses’ overall QoL, whose various parts can additionally be used to answer specific research questions.
Three forms of philosophical theatre in Kierkegaard’s Journals and Notebooks
Authors: Dalton Stuart
Published: January 2022

I argue that Kierkegaard’s Journals and Notebooks deserve to be read as works of philosophy and not just used as supplements to bring order and respectability to Kierkegaard’s other writings. There are at least three specific philosophical values in Kierkegaard’s journals – three ways in which the journals create philosophy within their own pages and therefore deserve to be read as independent works of philosophy and not just as supplements to Kierkegaard’s other writing: (1) The journals demonstrate what a true work of existential philosophy looks like. (2) The journals contribute to Kierkegaard’s theory of indirect communication. (3) The journals create new philosophical concepts. All three of these are best understood as philosophical performances or a kind of philosophical theatre. The idea that philosophy can be a kind of theatre is inspired by the work of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, particularly their book What is Philosophy? I draw from Deleuze and Guattari especially in section (3) to argue that Kierkegaard’s Journals create new philosophical concepts.
It Shouldn't Happen Here: Colonial and racial discourses of deservingness in UK anti-poverty campaign
Authors: Kelbert Alexandra Wanjiku
Published: January 2022

In September 2012, Save the Children UK launched the It Shouldn't Happen Here campaign, to raise awareness of the incidence of poverty amongst British children, and raise funds for the charity's UK programmes. Shortly after the launch, SCUK experienced severe media and political backlash, as primarily centre and right-wing commentators described the campaign as a political stunt, and sought to discredit, deny and depoliticise the claims that severe child poverty ‘happens here’. Drawing on interviews with former staff, and an analysis of the media response, this article explores the ways in which the campaign and the ensuing backlash were embedded in a set of colonial and racialized discourses around ‘who is poor’ and who is deserving/undeserving both in Britain and globally. Crucially, the findings from this study raise important challenges to the recent reintroduction of questions of race (as whiteness) in populist discussions around class and poverty.
How rural coworking hubs can facilitate well-being through the satisfaction of key psychological needs
Authors: Merrell Ian , Füzi Anita , Russell Emma , Bosworth Gary
Published: January 2022

Once considered an urban phenomenon, rural enterprise hubs (REH) and rural coworking spaces (RCWS) are now increasing in popularity to support entrepreneurial rural communities. Whilst previous research has examined economic and community benefits, a focus on well-being benefits has been overlooked. Framed by self-determination theory, this empirical research investigates whether rural coworking is reported to enhance user’s well-being by fulfilling key psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness. By applying a well-being focus, we found that potential key drivers of rural coworking uptake and durability could be elucidated, in terms of these three needs. In addition, we identified another category of well-being that was fulfilled through engagement with RCWS and REH – namely – ‘communion with nature’. We suggest that considerations of well-being are important to understand how rural coworking can attract and sustain local workers and suggest a future research agenda to further conceptualise well-being effects.
Value of multiphase computed tomography for gastrointestinal bleeding before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable patients
Authors: Lee Hyoung Nam , Cho Youngjong , Lee Sangjoon , Park Sung-Joon
Published: January 2022

Background

There has been no practice-based study regarding the multiphase computed tomography (CT) before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and concerns exist regarding the time delay.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiphase CT before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable GIB and to investigate the predictors of angiographic localization and recurrent bleeding.

Material and Methods

The multicenter retrospective study included 93 consecutive hemodynamically unstable patients who underwent conventional angiography for non-variceal GIB after failed endoscopic localization. Enrolled patients were divided into a CT group (n = 61) and a non-CT group (n = 32).

Results

The clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups except for the time to angiography (CT group, 14.8±15.1 h; non-CT group, 9.2±11.7 h, P = 0.022). The rate of angiographic localization was significantly higher in the CT group than in the non-CT group only for lower GIB ( P = 0.049). Indirect sign was significantly more frequent in the CT group than in the non-CT group ( P = 0.014). CT localization was positive predictor (odd ratio [OR] = 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–27.94; P = 0.002) and prolonged time to angiography was negative predictor (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.9– 0.98; P = 0.001) for angiographic localization. A higher systolic blood pressure until index angiography (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.91–1; P = 0.044) was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent bleeding.

Conclusion

In hemodynamically unstable patients, multiphase CT is particularly useful for angiographic localization of lower GIB. It should be considered immediately after failed endoscopic hemostasis to reduce time to angiography.
Geographies of science and technology II: In the critical zone
Authors: Mahony Martin
Published: January 2022

Amidst an unfolding environmental crisis, suspicion about the totalising and homogenising spatial grammars of the ‘Anthropocene’ has spurred the development of a new spatial concept which, its proponents hope, can better ground the science and politics of environmental change in local geographies. In this second report on science and technology, I use this concept as a lens onto recent work in geography concerned with the space-times of ‘environmental’ sciences and technologies, broadly construed. The notion of the ‘critical zone’, and the practice of ‘critical zone science’, directs our attention to geographical work on situated practices of interdisciplinarity, on new modes of producing and working with ‘big data’, and on the volumetric, vertical and subterranean spaces of technoscientific practice. Emerging research has also engaged with the technologisation of critical zone management, while new insights into ‘lively capital’ and nonhuman labour push us to see the critical zone not just as an increasingly technologised space, but as itself a technology of human autopoiesis. Amidst the febrile politics of sustaining this planetary living-system, new questions are being asked about what it means to be critical in the critical zone.
Medicare Beneficiary Factors Associated with Skilled Nursing Facility Lengths of Stay
Authors: Kummet Colleen , Schneider Kathy , Wang Chong , Longinaker Nyaradzo , Joseph-King Maria , Anderson Karyn , Brecher Andrew , Vitolo Sara
Published: January 2022

The objectives of this study are (1) to identify beneficiary-level characteristics associated with skilled nursing facility (SNF) length of stay (LOS), and (2) to determine if significant differences in LOS exist for vulnerable populations at the individual level or among nursing homes that serve a disproportionate share of vulnerable populations. This study employed 2014–2015 Medicare Long-Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS v3.0) assessment, fee-for-service claims and enrollment, and 2014 Nursing Home Compare data to examine SNF LOS in Medicare beneficiaries. We used a hierarchical linear model to identify which beneficiary-level characteristics are associated with SNF LOS, while controlling for facility-level characteristics. After controlling for beneficiary-and facility-level characteristics, we found dual eligibility, racial or ethnic minority, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease to be associated with longer Medicare covered SNF stays. We found that facilities that served higher proportions of dually eligible individuals tended to have higher average LOS compared to other facilities.
Ingame Worked Examples Support as an Alternative to Textual Instructions in Serious Games About Programming
Authors: Toukiloglou Pavlos , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: January 2022

Serious games are considered an effective method to engage students in programming education and have been increasingly used in classrooms. An important part of the learning process with serious games involves the presentation of the new concepts and the provided support to encounter student difficulties. Although the most common approach is the use of instructional text, it comes with some drawbacks. This paper proposes an alternative method for user support in serious games about programming which mitigates current problems and provides improved learning efficiency. An experiment was conducted ( N = 291) to test textual instructions learning efficiency compared to in-game worked examples. Two randomly assigned groups used different types of support in a block-based game, developed for the study. Our implementation provided support through a non-player character who executed worked examples inside the game world. The analysis showed a significant statistical difference in score performance between the two supports on both novice and experienced students. The results point to increased learning efficiency by students, when in-game worked examples and problem-solving are combined. We further argue that the Cognitive load theory can provide adequate justification for the outcomes.
The Effect of a Tier 2 Multicomponent Fraction Intervention for Fifth Graders Struggling With Fractions
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Bryant Diane Pedrotty , Bryant Brian R.
Published: January 2022

Fraction competence is essential for learning algebra and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, many children have difficulty using fractions, especially those struggling with mathematics. In this study, we examined the effect of a Tier 2 multicomponent fraction intervention for fifth graders, using a multiple-probe design across groups. The intervention included multiple instructional components: (a) explicit instruction; (b) multiple representations; (c) addressing misconceptions; (d) flexibility, reversibility, and generalizations; and (e) self-graphing. The intervention addressed fraction concepts and skills that need to be taught at Grade Levels 3 to 5 based on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics content standards. The researcher provided the intervention in an intervention classroom at a U.S. charter school three times a week. The total session length ranged from 885 to 906 min across the groups. The results of this study indicated a functional relation between the fraction intervention, and all six students’ percentages of correct answers obtained using fraction probes. The results from the fidelity of intervention and assessment and social validity during the intervention were also reported. Limitations and suggestions for future research and implications for practices are discussed.
“Everyone in Our Community Should be Informed About the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine”: Latinx Mothers’ Suggested Strategies to Promote the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Authors: Lindsay Ana Cristina , Delgado Denisse , Valdez Madelyne J. , Restrepo Emily , Granberry Phillip
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Parents play a critical decision-making role in vaccinating their children against human papillomavirus (HPV), and mothers, in particular, are key stakeholders as they are often the parent taking their children to healthcare visits. Given the importance of the HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention strategy, this study was designed to explore Latinx mothers’ suggested strategies to promote vaccine uptake among Latinx parents.

Setting and Participants

Community-based in Massachusetts, United States, and Latinx mothers.

Design and Methods

Descriptive qualitative research employing individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis incorporating deductive and inductive approaches.

Results

Twenty-two, majority foreign-born (91%) Latinx mothers of adolescent girls (∼60%) and boys (∼40%) aged 11–19 years participated. Mothers suggested several strategies to promote uptake of the HPV vaccine among Latinx families including healthcare providers’ increased communication and anticipatory guidance addressing factors influencing parents’ HPV vaccination hesitancy, and improved community-wide dissemination of culturally and linguistically relevant information targeting not only parents of age-eligible participants but the broader community. Finally, mothers suggested the use of social media using personal narratives and an enhanced active role of schools in providing accurate information to raise awareness and educate adolescents and parents about the importance of HPV vaccination.

Conclusion

Findings are relevant to the development of tailored interventions to meet the needs of Latinx populations, and ultimately increase Latinx children’s HPV vaccination rates.
Clarifying Work Values Through Seasonal Employment: An Instrumental Case Study of Summer Camp Employment
Authors: Warner Robert P. , Sibthorp Jim , Povilaitis Victoria , Taylor Jennifer M.
Published: January 2022

Emerging adults need opportunities to clarify their work values. Although researchers have examined how transitions and work experiences influence emerging adults’ work values and job choices, less is known about how seasonal employment shapes work values. Using the theory of work adjustment as a guide, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20–27 year olds ( n = 76; mage = 22.03, SD = 1.82) to understand how their seasonal employment at summer camps influenced their work values. We found that seasonal camp employment aligned with and helped participants clarify their desire for dynamic work that makes a difference and that offers a supportive social environment with adequate work-life balance. Our findings suggest that seasonal employment affords emerging adults important opportunities to discover, reinforce, and prune work values in a temporary employment setting. We conclude by discussing implications for emerging adults’ career development and offer suggestions for career counselors.
The Impact of Perceived Organizational Care on Employee Engagement: A Moderated Mediation Model of Psychological Capital and Managing Boundaries
Authors: Cheng Sheng , Kuo Chien-Chih , Chen Huai-Chieh , Lin Mei-Chi
Published: January 2022

Although the research has demonstrated the crucial effect of perceived organizational care on employees’ interests and development in the workplace, the psychological mechanism by which it affects employees’ attitudes and behaviors at work remains unclear. This three-wave prospective study examined the effects of organizational care on employees’ work outcomes and elucidated the underlying mechanism from the perspective of psychological capital theory. The results obtained from 194 individual employees revealed that positive psychological capital generated a positive correlation between organizational care and work engagement. Furthermore, managing boundaries not only moderated the relationship between organizational care and psychological capital, but also played a notable moderated-mediating role in the indirect relationship between organizational care and work engagement through psychological capital.
Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward Pain Assessment and Management in Assir Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Maribbay Gladys M. L. , Bdair Izzeddin A. , Alalyani Mesheil M. , Al-Shloul Mohammad N.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:This study aims to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitude towards pain assessment and management as an essential component of holistic nursing and patient care. Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design. Methods: A convenient sample of 282 nurses working in four health care institutions in the South region of Saudi Arabia was enrolled. The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain tool was used to collect data from April-July 2021 through a web-based survey. Findings: The knowledge level and attitude of the nurses toward pain assessment and management was inadequate. The participants’ correct mean score was (2.98). Forty percent achieved a passing score of 70%. Female nurses, postgraduate, working in medical-surgical units, had 5 to 10 years of work experience had higher knowledge and attitude levels. The barriers were categorized as patients, nurses, physicians, and system-related barriers. The most perceived barriers were nurses’ shortage (76.2%); restricted opioids regulations (66.7%); and unavailable comfort measures as alternatives (59.9%). Conclusions: Inadequate nurses’ knowledge and negative attitudes toward pain assessment and management is an alarming global concern. Healthcare administrators have to improve nurses’ competencies through continuous education and training programs, adopt updated guidelines and eliminate barriers to achieve holistic patients’ care including optimal pain control.
The Hybridization of Meaningful Nonprofit Work: An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Marketization on Nonprofit Managers’ Sense of Meaningfulness in Work
Authors: Sandberg Billie , Robichau Robbie Waters
Published: January 2022

Nonprofit work is oftentimes viewed as inherently meaningful work, but the world of nonprofit work is changing by becoming increasingly marketized. These changes are impacting nonprofit workers’ conception and experience of meaningful work. Drawing from scholarship on neoliberal marketization, enterprise culture, and meaningful nonprofit work, this exploratory study examines how an increasingly marketized work environment is influencing nonprofit managers’ experience of meaningful work. Findings from interviews demonstrate that nonprofit managers conceive of and experience meaningful work in expected ways (e.g., through serving others). At the same time, findings indicate that their experience of meaningful work evokes elements of enterprise culture. These findings suggest that meaningful nonprofit work is becoming hybridized such that it evokes both prosocial and neoliberal market values. This in turn necessitates a reconsideration of the motivations of nonprofit workers as well as our understanding of the mechanisms by which the nonprofit sector is becoming marketized.
Adoption is not enough: Institutionalization of e-participation initiatives
Authors: Randma-Liiv Tiina
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the institutionalization of e-participation initiatives in six European countries—Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Spain—using a multiple case study. The following research questions are addressed: How have recently established e-participation initiatives been institutionalized in public administrations? What are the formal and informal aspects of their institutionalization? It is concluded that the adoption of a digital solution does not in itself trigger a change in the policy-making process because the institutionalization of e-participation is not a linear process. The formal institutionalization increases the sustainability, transparency, and throughput legitimacy of e-participation and allows citizen proposals to be handled in a standardized way. Although the formal institutionalization of e-participation is key for an institutional change towards deliberative democracy, it needs to be accompanied by informal institutionalization through the supporting ideas, values, and preferences of politicians and public officials who have the power to change public institutions.
Influence of active flow modulation on conjugate mixed convection inside a vented cavity
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Nasim , Saha Sumon , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Barua Sonkolon
Published: January 2022

The current work is an attempt to examine the performance of mixed convection heat transfer within a vented square cavity with dynamic flow modulation via a rotating heat conducting circular cylinder. External cold air is forcibly imposed through an inlet opening located at the bottom of the left wall of the cavity, while an exit port is placed at the top of the right wall. Isoflux heating is applied on the right wall, while the remaining solid wall boundaries are assumed insulated. A solid circular cylinder serving as dynamic flow modulator and rotating in counter-clockwise direction is placed near the bottom portion of the right heated wall. The governing mass, momentum, and energy equations representing the mathematical model of the present problem are solved in non-dimensional form using Galerkin finite element method. Parametric simulation is performed for wide range of governing parameters (Reynolds, Grashof, and Richardson numbers) within mixed convection regime under different dynamic conditions of the rotating cylinder characterized by the ratio of cylinder peripheral speed to mean inflow air velocity. Effects of the above governing parameters are analyzed through the visualization of streamline and isotherm plots, and the distribution of average and normalized Nusselt numbers of the heated wall, average fluid temperature in the cavity and the variation of pumping work required. Findings of the present study reveal that maximum heat transfer can be obtained by simultaneous increase of Reynolds and Grashof numbers, while careful selection of speed ratio of the rotating cylinder is necessary to obtain the optimum results within mixed convection regime. About 5.3% higher heat transfer enhancement is observed at highest speed ratio and higher Reynolds and Grashof numbers compared to the same for having stationary cylinder.
Study of Weibull parameters at different loading rates for 20MnMoNi55 steel using Beremin model
Authors: Paul Swagatam , Bhattacharjee Snehasish , Acharyya Sanjib K , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: January 2022

This work considers the influence of loading rate on the Weibull stress parameters in the Beremin model for 20MnMoNi55 RPV steel using finite element modelling of compact tension specimen. For failure analysis of cleavage fracture at component level, the Beremin model is very useful. To implement the Beremin model, the model parameters needed to be calibrated for this particular material with experimental observation. In the first portion of this study, some fracture experiments are conducted at -100°C for four different loading rates ranging from quasi-static to dynamic rates (0.625–255.8 MPa√m/s) to obtain master curves and reference temperatures. Then calibration of the Weibull stress parameters is done in a specific loading rate by linear regression analysis for different a/W ratios. For the other loading rates, Monte Carlo simulation technique along with respective master curve is used to calibrate the model parameters. Then variation of the Weibull stress parameters with loading rate is studied. This study shows that loading rate has a significant effect on the Weibull stress parameters. Reference temperatures are also determined for different a/W ratios and loading rate by calibrated Weibull stress parameters from experiments as well as Monte-Carlo simulation. Obtained reference temperatures are compared with experimental values for respective loading rates. With the increasing loading rate reference temperature, obtained from the Beremin model is found to be increased and it matches well with the experimental reference temperature values.
Investigation on pressure fluctuations of dual - and analogical single-rotor turbine flowmeters
Authors: Ren Zhipeng , Zhou Weixing , Li Deyou
Published: January 2022

As a cutting-edge technology in the field of flow measurement, a dual-rotor turbine flowmeter (DRT-FM) is introduced into the refined measurement in hypersonic flight. In this study, to assess the characteristics of internal pressure fluctuation in the flowmeter, unsteady numerical calculations were performed using rotor motion programs, and the same method was applied to an analogical single-rotor turbine flowmeter. The frequency content, generation reasons, and propagation laws were analysed and compared. The results showed that the pressure fluctuations were primarily from the rotor–stator interaction, and the downstream rotor had a slight influence on the upstream rotor. For the DRT-FM, the characteristic frequency 12.8 f n, composed of blade-passing frequencies of 6 f n and 6.8 f n, was confirmed. Affected by the reverse rotation of the two rotors, 6 f n, 12.8 f n and 6.8 f n developed into the dominant characteristic frequencies between the two rotors, and the amplitude at the downstream rotor inlet was maximal. In addition, compared with the single rotor, although the second rotor increases the pressure fluctuation around it, a more obvious fluctuation attenuation appeared around the downstream transition and support.
Numerical simulation for a punched impeller in a solid-liquid stirred tank based on the EE-KTGF model
Authors: Zhang Weitao , Zhou Shuiqing , Hu Yinjie , Gao Zengliang , Yang Qizhi
Published: January 2022

The improvement of mixing efficiency in a solid-liquid stirred vessel is one of the important challenges in industrial processes. The present study aims at evaluating the performance of the punched impeller. The mixing process in a stirred tank with the down-pumping pitched blade turbine (PBTD) and down-pumping pitched blade punched turbine (PPBTD) was predicted adopting the Eulerian–Eulerian method combined with kinetic theory of granular flow (EE-KTGF). The flow field and solid particles distribution of two impellers were compared in detail through various parameters. It was found that that the PPBTD impeller has positive significance in improving suspension quality and reducing power consumption. Moreover, the effects of aperture diameter, aperture ratio, and liquid viscosity on mixing characteristics were discussed. It can be observed that the PPBTD impeller can effectively enhance the mixing degree of liquid with different viscosity. The aperture diameter and aperture ratio have great influence on turbulence parameters, solid particles distribution, and power consumption. The better suspension quality can be obtained, and power consumption was dramatically decreased by 7.1% when the aperture diameter and aperture ratio are 8 mm and 13%, respectively. These results can be the significant guidance to the design of the punched impeller in chemical and biochemical engineering applications.
Improved NSGA-II to solve a novel multi-objective task allocation problem with collaborative tasks
Authors: Xu Weiye , Pi Dawei , Wang Hongliang , Xie Boyuan
Published: January 2022

From the perspective of practical application, a novel task allocation problem for multi-vehicle systems is proposed. The goal is to allocate an optimal route for each vehicle to execute tasks. The planning result is a comprehensive decision considering the influence of time windows, collaborative tasks, and recharging. This problem is represented as a new extension of the classical vehicle routing problem and a multi-objective integer programming mathematical model is established. The objective functions are the total completion time and total penalty costs. A solution strategy hybridizing non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II and variable neighborhood search is proposed, and a feasibility recovery strategy and the concept of the immigrant population are introduced. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can solve the problem effectively and is robust to different complexity scenarios. To illustrate concretely the optimization process, an instance is given in the last.
A small-distributed aerodynamic brake prototype and its effects on the vertical dynamics of high-speed electromagnetic suspension maglevs
Authors: Weng Jingjing , Tian Chun , Ma Tianhe , Wu Mengling
Published: January 2022

Aerodynamic braking is a clean and environmentally friendly braking mode, and it does not use mechanical friction as its braking force. In this study, we discuss the development of a small-distributed aerodynamic brake prototype and its structure, working principle, ground test and test results. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is developed to record the aerodynamic forces of the prototype, and the simulation results are validated with the wind tunnel test. On the basis of the CFD simulation, the panel opening and braking processes are modelled to analyse the vertical dynamic characteristics of a high-speed electromagnetic suspension maglev with aerodynamic brakes. In addition, a vehicle, guideway and levitation controller are modelled. Finally, a three-car system dynamic model is used to study the effects of the opening time, initial braking position and feedback gains. The aerodynamic forces of the first car show the most significant changes when the braking panels are opened. The increase in the longitudinal force is 15 461.16 N, and the vertical force varies from a lift force of 35 342.98 N to a downforce of 40 721.35 N. The maximum guideway deflection decreases as the opening time increases. The difference between the deflections recorded at the opening time of 0.064 s and 0.6 s is 1.2 mm. Furthermore, the vertical acceleration decreases as the opening time increases. The condition under which the vehicle brakes when the first car enters the object guideway has the maximum effect on the deflection of the guideway. To ensure levitation stability, influenced by the vertical change of the first car, a high feedback gain for the levitation clearance change is required. However, the levitation stability with aerodynamic brakes has low sensitivity to the feedback gains for the observed velocity and acceleration of the system.
Preliminary design and technology forecast synthesis for solar-powered high altitude aircraft
Authors: Mukhachev Petr , Padalitsa Daniil , Ivanov Anton
Published: January 2022

High altitude long endurance solar aircraft is a very attractive platform for applications ranging from remote sensing to telecommunication. In contrast to conventional aircraft, the operation of solar-powered one is highly dependent on available solar enengy, which imposes strong constraints on total takeoff mass, and, thus, energy balance becomes dependent on the season and latitude of planned operations. Despite tremendous success in many projects from Helios to Zephyr, energy balance at high altitudes is still not favorable in a range of latitudes and seasons. In this study, a design space for a solar-powered aircraft mission, constrained by its energy balance is explored. It is found that the tradeoff that should be made between seasonal and spatial capabilities for continuous flight of a solar-powered aircraft. The influence of key technologies on solar aircraft perpetual flight capabilities in different regions and seasons is identified. To do that, solar cell efficiency and energy storage specific energy are considered as design parameters in range of available forecasts. In the end, available technology forecasts are synthesized on the precision agriculture case to show which technological level is required to make 6 moths mission possible.
Strategies to Help Students Solve Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
Authors: Peltier Corey , VanDerHeyden Amanda M. , Hott Brittany L.
Published: January 2022

Successful math word-problem solving is difficult for some students. Getting the right answer involves students engaging correctly in an amalgamation of actions. Schema instruction is an instructional approach aimed at supporting students in identifying the underlying math problem structure to yield an appropriate solution plan. The focus of this article is on supporting educators in understanding the core ingredients of schema instruction and explaining how to implement it effectively with students with elementary grades emotional and behavioral disorders.
The oppositional affordances of data activism
Authors: Milioni Dimitra L. , Papa Venetia
Published: January 2022

This study draws on several data activism projects and applies discursive interface analysis to understand the material means by which activist software strives to empower users vis-à-vis data power. The analysis uncovers four types of oppositional affordances: (i) enabling the use of hidden affordances (ii) imagining new affordances (iii) creating meta-affordances (resignifying perceptible affordances of corporate platforms and reconstructing their meaning), and (iv) creating anti-affordances (hindering or distorting corporate platforms’ affordances to the extent that they do not perform their intended function). Although not without limitations, oppositional affordances reveal the actual agentic possibilities of data activism for users other than activists to affect the very algorithms that produce them as datafied subjects. The proposed typology provides a means for further empirical analysis of critical software and its subversive potential for users. The article concludes with a critical discussion of data activism as a means of vernacular critical praxis.
How Infrastructures and Practices Shape Each Other: Aggregation, Integration and the Introduction of Gas Central Heating
Authors: Watson Matt , Shove Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

We know that networked infrastructures enable forms of mobility, energy use, and flows of data, and we know that modern life depends on these arrangements. We also know that relations between infrastructures and social practices are recursive, extensive, and multiple. But what of the detail? How do infrastructures shape the many practices to which they relate, and vice versa? The research we describe was designed to address these questions head on. We discuss the arrival and normalisation of gas central heating with reference to householders’ experiences and practices and to the ambitions and decisions of utilities and city authorities. In the process, we identify forms of aggregation and of integration on which infrastructure – practice dynamics depend. In taking this approach, we demonstrate the relevance of practice theory for conceptualising and analysing ‘large’ social phenomena including transitions in energy systems and related patterns of demand.
Transnational Healthcare Preferences Among EU Nationals in the UK: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Moreh Chris , McGhee Derek , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: January 2022

This article explores the motivational factors behind preferences for medical care in the country of residence or the country of origin among EU nationals living in the UK. Undertaking a thematic analysis on a large-N qualitative data set, the article aims to establish a data-driven typology of motivations inductively. This provides an intermediary analysis between qualitative depth and quantitative operationalisability, contributing to the existing literature on healthcare location preferences among transnationally connected social groups. This article finds that preferences for medical care in the country of origin are driven overwhelmingly by quality considerations, while preferences for the UK have more to do with convenience and financing. These perceptions result from negative personal experiences, lack of trust, and often concealed cultural differences, and the analysis identifies various nuances and connections between attitudes that previous in-depth qualitative studies could not systematise.
Developing the Diary-Interview Approach to Study the Embodied, Tacit and Mundane Nutrition Information Behaviours of People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: McClinchy Jane , Dickinson Angela , Wills Wendy
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the development and use of the solicited unstructured diary-interview method to explore the everyday tacit and mundane nutrition information activities (NIA) of people who have type 2 diabetes. Diary completion was followed by individual qualitative interviews with individuals (n = 18) and one couple. Diary entry styles ranged from succinct daily logs of their NIA to extensive prose reflecting on the nutrition information they used and associated practices. Development of the method incorporated piloting and advice from lay groups who checked acceptability and understanding of the research tools, and highlighted the need for regular contact between the researcher and participants throughout the diary completion phase. Participants engaged positively with the diary approach. The findings highlight the extent to which the everyday NIA is mundane and thus unavailable for academic exploration. The diary-interview method exposed these practices to both the researcher and participant, and supported them to reflect on the practices they engage in every day in order to self-manage their type 2 diabetes. Although this article draws on an example from health, the article demonstrates how the diary-interview method has utility for researchers exploring other everyday tacit and mundane experiences.
The labor of search engine evaluation: Making algorithms more human or humans more algorithmic?
Authors: Meisner Colten , Duffy Brooke Erin , Ziewitz Malte
Published: January 2022

While search engines are discursively framed as automated, self-governing machines, they remain dependent on human laborers. This behind-the-screen workforce includes not only programmers and engineers but also categories of workers that have drawn far less attention. The latter include search quality raters, contingent workers tasked with supplying a “human check” on search algorithms. To explore the human–machine entanglements in search engine evaluation, we draw upon 21 in-depth interviews with raters located across the globe; we supplement our interview data with an analysis of worker training documents. Our findings reveal that despite Google’s stated efforts to make algorithmic systems more sensitive to human subtlety, raters experience their work in ways that are—paradoxically—algorithmic. Indeed, workers framed their experiences through regimes of standardization, discipline, and invisibility. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of our analysis, including worker dehumanization and the exacerbation of power hierarchies in the global, on-demand economy.
Rethinking prevention as a reactive force to contain dangerous classes
Authors: Aedo Angel , Faba Paulina
Published: January 2022

The pervasiveness of preventive rationality, which is especially evident in populations caught in the prison-neighbourhood circuit, constitutes a challenging field for anthropological theory because it allows us to rethink the problem of hegemony in the context of the crises of capitalism. Drawing on research conducted in Chile amongst practitioners of crime prevention programmes and prisoners’ families targeted by such initiatives, in this paper, we explore crime prevention as a political concept whose effects are inseparable from the maintenance of class and gender disparities. In conceptualising how petty crime prevention has become a predominant technology of classifying, policing and managing low-income populations, we take Foucault's notion of illegalism – as distinct from illegality – and extend it to dispossessed groups affected by dramatic levels of economic inequality and structural violence. We discuss preventive rationality in relation to the contradictions engendered by an authoritarian form of capitalism protected by constitutional constraints inherited from the Pinochet dictatorship. By connecting the conceptualisation of petty crime prevention to the ongoing contradictions of the society in which we live, we seek to sharpen attention to the ways in which the neoliberal hegemony attempts to contain its decline.
Diffusion of innovations in digital journalism: Technology, roles, and gender in modern newsrooms
Authors: Holman Lynette , Perreault Gregory P.
Published: January 2022

This study examined journalists’ use of technology, their gender identity, and how they rate themselves as adopters of innovations. Through the lens of diffusion of innovations, this study conducted telephone interviews with 68 U.S.-based digital journalists and applied an explanatory mixed-method research design in order to examine journalists’ adoption of digital journalism technologies. Men and women did not significantly differ in their uses of most technologies and shared equivalence in terms of adoption ratings; however, men did use DSLR and video cameras more than women, while women used nonlinear video editing software significantly more than men. In addition, while men felt significantly less supported by their employers to learn new innovations, this did not lessen their self-evaluation as adopters of innovations. Men also showed significantly more personal agency in choosing stories to cover.