bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic recrystallisation (DRX) map of magnesium alloy for texture control with hot processing
Authors: Wang Cong , Luo Tianjiao
Published: April 2024

To control the microstructure of the Mg–5Zn–3Sn–1Mn–0.5Ca–0.5Cu alloy, a dynamic recrystallisation (DRX) mechanism map is constructed to facilitate the selection of deformation conditions to activate certain softening mechanisms. The DRX mechanism of the alloy is determined under different Zener–Hollomon values, where continuous DRX is the restoration mechanism when lnZ is lower than 30.4 and twin DRX and particle stimulated nucleation dominate when lnZ is higher than 34.6. The DRX map is constructed by assigning softening mechanisms to different regions of the deformation temperature-strain rate map. Representative deformation conditions are selected according to the DRX map for extrusion, and the results testify to the validity of the map. The mechanical properties of the alloy with different textures are analysed.
Therapeutic value in the time of digital brainwaves
Authors: Marathe Megh
Published: April 2024

This article examines the value of medical technology through the case of electroencephalograms (EEGs), devices used to visualize brain activity and diagnose seizures. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, the article shows that EEGs are valued differently by patients and medical practitioners. While practitioners value EEGs for their clinical utility, i.e., ability to inform clinical decisions, patients value EEGs even in the absence of clinical utility. Indeed, patients derive long-lasting therapeutic effects from this diagnostic technology. These findings intervene in the utilitarian calculus of therapeutic value—a mode of reasoning that equates value with clinical utility—commonly deployed in biomedicine and engineering and call for a recognition of alternative notions such as the therapeutic value of being witnessed and cared for by medical experts via EEGs and other technologies that require time to work. Expansive notions of therapeutic value are imperative for including marginalized patients—especially low-income, disabled, and women patients—in debates on automation and the future of healthcare. Studying how multiple stakeholders value a medical technology provides insight into valuation, objectification, expertise, and other concerns central to science and technology studies.
Systemic optimal design of wind energy generator based on combined analytical-finite element method using genetic algorithms
Authors: Tounsi Souhir
Published: April 2024

This work deals with optimal systemic design of wind energy generator based on an Integrated Optimal Design (IOD) methodology of a full passive wind turbine system. The originality of the study resides in the use of DC model of wind turbine the make the integration of this model to Genetics Algorithms method possible. The optimization problem concerns the association of the DC model of the wind turbine with a developed Genetics Algorithms to optimize conjointly the global power system mass and total power system energy losses with several constraints. The generator is designed by analytical method validated by finite element method.
Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group/Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists perioperative anaphylaxis management guideline 2022
Authors: Tran Robyn , Pedersen Karen , Kolawole Helen , Roessler Peter , Scolaro Richard
Published: April 2024

Perioperative anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires prompt recognition and institution of life-saving therapy. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group have partnered to develop the anaphylaxis management guideline along with crisis management cards that are recommended for use in suspected anaphylaxis in the perioperative setting. This is the third version of these guidelines with the second version having been published in 2016. This article contains the revised Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group/Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists perioperative anaphylaxis management guideline, with a brief review of the current evidence for the management of anaphylaxis in the perioperative environment.
Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjuvant to Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Reduces the Retear Rate But Does Not Improve Functional Outcomes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rossi Luciano Andres , Gorodischer Tomás David , Camino Pablo , Brandariz Rodrigo Nicolás , Tanoira Ignacio , Piuzzi Nicolás Santiago , Ranalletta Maximiliano
Published: April 2024

Background:

Whether the use of PRP as an adjuvant of rotator cuff repairs leads to improved tendon healing and better functional outcomes remains unclear in clinical evidence.

Purpose:

The main purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) as an adjuvant to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) decreases the rate of retears compared with a control group. The secondary objective was to analyze whether LP-PRP improves patient-reported outcomes.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial at a single center. A consecutive series of 96 patients with rotator cuff tears <3 cm were enrolled and randomly allocated to the control group (double-row suture-bridge ARCR alone [n = 48]) and the PRP group (double-row suture-bridge repair, followed by 1 LP-PRP injection during surgery [n = 48]). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered preoperatively and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate tendon integrity at 6-month follow-up. Both patients and assessors were blinded to the intervention received during surgery.

Results:

The mean patient age was 56.1 ± 2.98 years. Of the 96 patients, 90 had MRI performed at 6 months after surgery (94% radiological follow-up). The retear rate in the PRP group was 15.2% (7/46 [95% CI, 6%-28%]), which was lower than that in the control group of 34.1% (15/44 [95% CI, 20%-49%]) ( P = .037). Therefore, the risk ratio of ruptures in patients exposed to LP-PRP was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .037). Overall, the ASES, VAS, SANE, and PSQI scores showed a statistical improvement after surgery ( P < .001). There were no significant differences in functional scores between the groups. Most of the patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for the ASES, SANE, and VAS without significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion:

In patients with rotator cuff tears <3 cm undergoing double-row suture-bridge repair, a 5-mL dose of LP-PRP injected at the tendon-bone interface significantly reduced the retear rate. However, the use of LP-PRP in terms of postoperative pain and patient-reported outcomes failed to show clinically meaningful effects.

Registration:

NCT04703998 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Valorisation of metallurgical residues via carbothermal reduction: A circular economy approach in the cement and iron and steel industry
Authors: Krammer Anna Christine , Doschek-Held Klaus , Steindl Florian Roman , Weisser Katharina , Gatschlhofer Christoph , Juhart Joachim , Wohlmuth Dominik , Sorger Christoph
Published: April 2024

The decarbonisation of the steel and cement industry is of utmost importance in tackling climate change. Hence, steel production in modern integrated steel mills will be shifted towards electric arc furnaces in the future, in turn causing dwindling supplies of blast furnace slag, which is used as a supplementary cementitious material inter alia to reduce the CO2 emissions of cement production. Achieving a sustainable circular steel and building material economy requires the valorisation of currently landfilled steel slags and investigating utilisation options for electric arc furnace slag, which is increasingly being generated. For this purpose, different metallurgical residues and by-products were treated by carbothermal reduction in an inductively heated graphite crucible and then rapidly cooled by wet granulation, yielding a slag fraction similar to granulated blast furnace slag and a metal fraction valuable as a secondary raw material. A spreadsheet-based model was developed to calculate residue combinations to accomplish target compositions of the slag and metal fractions to fulfil previously identified requirements of the targeted cementitious and ferrous products. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of the model in predicting the properties (e.g. main oxide composition) of the generated slag and metal fraction, which fulfil the needed requirements for their use as (i) a supplementary cementitious material and (ii) a secondary raw material in steel production.
Trait Perfectionism, L2 Anxiety, and Willingness to Communicate Among Adolescents: Evaluating the Roles of Worrying About Mistakes and Mistake Rumination
Authors: Barabadi Elyas , Flett Gordon L. , Hewitt Paul L. , Razmjoo Seyyed Ayatollah , Rahmani Tabar Mohsen , Chasetareh Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

The current study investigated the associations among trait perfectionism, worry about mistakes, mistake rumination, L2 anxiety, and willingness to communicate in adolescents. A key element was examining the psychometric properties of a new measure of worry about mistakes as well as the Mistake Rumination Scale and the short Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and its two dimensions (i.e., self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism). Our participants were 954 Iranian adolescent English learners. Psychometric tests supported the psychometric properties and use of the mistakes and perfectionism measures. Correlation analyses indicated that both trait perfectionism dimensions were associated with mistake rumination and worry about mistakes, and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with L2 anxiety. However, self-oriented perfectionism was associated with greater willingness to communicate. Further analyses showed that worry about mistakes and mistake rumination mediated the association that socially prescribed perfectionism had with L2 anxiety. The vulnerabilities of adolescent perfectionists are discussed in terms of the approach-avoidance conflict as it relates to worry about mistakes and pressures to be perfect. It is evident that adolescents who are vulnerable must learn cognitive and emotional regulation techniques to effectively manage mistakes and the pressure to be perfect.
It’s so meta: Metacommunicative storytelling on news organizations’ Instagram accounts
Authors: Johnson Rich G. , Romney Miles , Wilson Dustin , Gamel Emily , Bohannon Molly
Published: April 2024

News organizations increasingly utilize visual elements to communicate news and information to audiences. Digital editing technology allows producers to enhance visual communication through the addition of supplementary text or filters to photos. Such metacommunication can alter the intrinsic meaning of a photograph while increasing audience engagement. Traditional photojournalism norms state that images should not be altered. This study examines whether metacommunicative news images receive more engagement and whether some outlets are more likely than others to share such images.
Inclusive Education in South Korea
Authors: Kim Uijung , Kim Aehwa , Kim Byeongryong , Baek Jieun
Published: April 2024

Over the past few decades, inclusive education in South Korea has continued to grow both in quantity and quality. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) to report on the legal basis and the current status of inclusive education in South Korea and (b) to synthesize policy tasks and prominent outcomes related to inclusive education in South Korea. The major findings are as follows. First, according to the 2022 Special Education Annual Report provided by the Ministry of Education, approximately 73% of students eligible for special education received either part-time (56% of students) or full-time (17% of students) inclusive education. Second, it was found that there were significant outcomes in the five elements of support (i.e., human support, social climate support, physical environment support, curriculum support, and financial and operational support), which are quality indicators of inclusive education. Based on these findings, we discuss issues of inclusive education, future directions, and suggestions for the further development of inclusive education in South Korea.
Passive observer-based controller design for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear time-varying systems with application to Hepatitis B disease
Authors: Gorji Shaghayegh , Fakharian Ahmad , Abbasi Rezvan
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a novel passive formulation has been developed based on LMI to design passive state-observer for a wide range of Lipschitz nonlinear systems. During this formulation, a stable and strictly passive state-observer is provided in order to have passive closed-loop system. A new interconnection between passivity of subsystems and passivity/stability of the total closed-loop system has been presented. In this regard, some theorems are defined based on virtually Euler-Lagrange form of passivation. Due to using this form and the proposed theorems, the design process will simplify and speed up. A passivity-based control based on passive state-observer has been proposed to control the hepatitis B virus infection disease. The reliability of the proposed controller/observer has been examined using MATLAB/SIMULINK, where the simulation results and the sensitivity analysis demonstrate the capability of this novel approach.
Enrolment of the first paediatric cohort into the Australian lupus registry and biobank: A single-centre experience
Authors: Power Bronwyn D , Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi , Tiller Georgina , Renton William D , Cox Angela , Johnstone Lilian , Hoi Alberta , Gowdie Peter
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We aim to report on the feasibility of establishment of the first paediatric cohort as part of the longitudinal database of the Australian Lupus Registry and Biobank (ALRB) and to describe the enrolment data with a focus on clinical characteristics, serological data, treatment strategies and patient/parent-reported outcome measures.

Methods

All patients under the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) attending the paediatric rheumatology service of a single, tertiary hospital were identified. Patients were enrolled in the ALRB if they met ≥4/11 of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 SLE classification criteria or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 classification criteria. Enrolment data including demographics, clinical characteristics, serological profiles, disease activity and damage assessments were recorded. Peds-QL Rheumatology and General Modules were used to assess patient and parent-reported outcomes.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were eligible for inclusion, with 26 patients (96%) consenting for enrolment. Twenty-five patients (92%) consented for biobanking. Twenty patients (77%) were female. The median age at enrolment was 16 years (interquartile range (IQR) 13.7, 17.4). The median disease duration from diagnosis was 3.2 years (IQR 1.4, 5.3). Sixteen patients (62%) had synovitis, 16 (62%) had cutaneous involvement, 4 (15%) had serositis, 17 (65%) had haematological involvement and 7 (27%) had renal involvement at enrolment. Nineteen patients (73%) were prescribed at least two disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs). Hydroxychloroquine ( n = 22, 85%) and mycophenolate mofetil ( n = 9, 35%) were the most commonly prescribed DMARDs. The median SLEDAI-2K score was 2 (IQR 2, 4). Six patients (23%) had active disease (SLEDAI-2K ≥6) at enrolment. Three patients (11.5%) had reported damage using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index. Twenty-three children (88%) and eighteen parents (69%) completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Quality of life scores reported across domains of physical, emotional, social and school functioning at enrolment were comparable to previously studied paediatric cohorts with SLE and other chronic diseases.

Conclusion

We have established our centre as the first paediatric participating site of the ALRB, providing contemporary data on the clinical characteristics, serological profile and health-related quality of life outcomes of Australian children with SLE. Paediatric involvement with this national registry will provide a unique perspective for future clinical and scientific research. Collection of Australian-specific paediatric longitudinal data will also enable a broader understanding of SLE within a multicultural Australian population.
Timing and Substrate of Enteral Feeding as Risk Factors for Developing Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Anderson-Berry Ann , Yu Yinxi , Thoene Melissa , Ying Gui-Shuang , Tomlinson Lauren A. , Binenbaum Gil ,   on behalf of the G-ROP Study Group
Published: April 2024

Objective

Enteral feeding has advantages over parenteral nutrition, so the objective is to evaluate the effects of timing and substrate of enteral feeding on the risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of 7,483 premature infants undergoing ROP examinations at 29 North American and Canadian hospitals, 2006–2012 (The G-ROP Study). Multivariable regression evaluated associations between enteral feeding by week of life and any or severe ROP, adjusting for birth weight and gestational age.

Results

3,224 (43.1%) had ROP and 931(12.4%) severe ROP. Compared to no enteral feeding, any enteral feeding was independently protective for ROP in all weeks 1–6; odds ratios 0.50–0.74 ( P < .0001 to P < .02) for any ROP and 0.43–0.59 ( P < .02 to P = .0001) for SEVERE ROP.

Conclusion

In this cohort, any substrate of enteral feeding during each of the first SIX weeks of life was associated with lower odds of ROP and severe ROP.
The Sublime Reimagined: Moving Towards Deeper Human–Nature Relations in Outdoor Adventure Education
Authors: Smallwood Amy E.
Published: April 2024

Background: Current research in outdoor adventure education advocates for deeper attention to place and the role that place and the more-than-human world play in pedagogical processes. However, historical and socio-cultural analysis of the roots of OAE reveals an educational approach that encourages adversarial human–nature relations toward the pursuit of anthropocentric outcomes. The use of sublime environments towards these ends does not naturally align with the more recent attempts to foster environmental behaviors through OAE. Purpose: This research addresses the ambiguity between “place” and “pedagogy” to suggest a reimagined role of the sublime that fosters more empathetic human–nature relations. Methodology/Approach: This research utilizes philosophical phenomenology and postqualitative analysis to develop an argument for engaging with sublime environments in ways that cultivate empathetic human–nature relations. Findings/Conclusions: I argue for an awareness of the material aspect of sublime experiences that precedes construction and can inspire empathetic and reciprocal human–nature relations. Implications: Reimagining the sublime as a material phenomenon that is relational and promotes virtues of humility, respect, and care for the more-than-human world.
Complex Trauma Exposure and Placement Stability among Systems-Impacted Black and Latinx Youth: The Mediating Role of Multisystemic Strengths
Authors: Summersett Williams Faith , Goldenthal Hayley , Eihentale Liga , Lakshman Maya , Kisiel Cassandra , Jordan Neil
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of multisystemic strengths in the association between complex trauma (CT) exposure and placement stability among racialized youth using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength (CANS) assessment. Participants were 4022 Black and Latinx youth in the child welfare system in a midwestern state. Negative binomial regressions revealed a significant indirect effect of CT exposure on placement stability through interpersonal strengths ( p < .01), coping skills ( p < .001), optimism ( p < .01), and talents/interests ( p < .05). At the familial level, there was a significant indirect effect of CT exposure on placement stability through family strengths and relationship permanence ( p < .001). At the community level, educational system supports, and community resources indirectly impacted the relationship between CT exposure and placement stability ( p < .01). These findings suggest that early interventions aimed at identifying and developing multisystemic strengths in Black and Latinx youth in the child welfare system can help maximize placement stability.
The Role of Brand Authenticity and Existential Authenticity in Building Brand Loyalty Toward LGBT-Friendly Hotels
Authors: Kang Juhee , Ro Heejung
Published: April 2024

With the concern of rainbow marketing, sexual minority travelers have become highly vigilant when evaluating hotels’ LGBT-friendly marketing with their authenticity. It is important to scrutinize how sexual minority guests interpret brand authenticity toward LGBT-friendly hotels and form personal meanings during their stay. For this reason, this study proposes brand authenticity as a starting point for authenticity formation, which leads to existential authenticity and brand loyalty. Confirmatory factor analysis and PROCESS analysis were used to analyze data collected from sexual minority guests who visited LGBT-friendly hotels within the last 2 years. The findings indicate that (1) brand authenticity is an antecedent to brand loyalty and (2) the relationship between brand authenticity and brand loyalty is mediated by existential (intrapersonal and interpersonal) authenticity. Thus, in building on the multifaceted concept of existential authenticity, this study adds new theoretical insight into hotel marketing and management strategies.
Expanding our understanding of digital mental health interventions for Indigenous youth: An updated systematic review
Authors: Hicks Lydia J , Toombs Elaine , Lund Jessie , Kowatch Kristy R , Hopkins Carol , Mushquash Christopher J
Published: April 2024

Past research has examined available literature on electronic mental health interventions for Indigenous youth with mental health concerns. However, as there have recently been increases in both the number of studies examining electronic mental health interventions and the need for such interventions (i.e. during periods of pandemic isolation), the present systematic review aims to provide an updated summary of the available peer-reviewed and grey literature on electronic mental health interventions applicable to Indigenous youth. The purpose of this review is to better understand the processes used for electronic mental health intervention development. Among the 48 studies discussed, smoking cessation and suicide were the most commonly targeted mental health concerns in interventions. Text message and smartphone application (app) interventions were the most frequently used delivery methods. Qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed outcomes were presented in several studies, while other studies outlined intervention development processes or study protocols, indicating high activity in future electronic mental health intervention research. Among the findings, common facilitators included the use of community-based participatory research approaches, representation of culture, and various methods of motivating participant engagement. Meanwhile, common barriers included the lack of necessary resources and limits on the amount of support that online interventions can provide. Considerations regarding the standards and criteria for the development of future electronic mental health interventions for Indigenous youth are offered and future research directions are discussed.
How dyadic appraisal moderate the association between dyadic coping and diabetes management efficacy
Authors: Zheng Huiqiong , Fan Xinyu , Liu Yuyang , Wu Yanjuan , Liu Yixuan , Xu Yingxin , Zhi Jingyi , Yang Conghui , Liao Jing
Published: April 2024

To explore the moderating role of dyadic appraisal in the association between dyadic coping and diabetes management efficacy. Two hundred seventy six middle-aged and older couple pairs with one spouse who had diabetes were recruited from 14 community healthcare centers across Guangzhou. The moderating role of dyadic appraisal was investigated using the actor–partner interdependence moderation model. When both couples considered diabetes to be a shared condition, statistically-significant associations were found between patients’ negative ( β = −22.7, p = 0.008) and neutral behaviors ( β = 13.6, p = 0.017), plus spouses’ positive behaviors ( β = 22.8, p = 0.009) on their own diabetes management efficacy, respectively (i.e. actor effects); as well as between spouses’ positive ( β = 16.8, p = 0.028), negative ( β = −28.5, p  <  0.001), and neutral behaviors ( β = 16.9, p = 0.006) on patient’s diabetes management efficacy (i.e. partner effects). Dyadic appraisal moderates the association between dyadic coping and diabetes management efficacy.
What motivates information (non-)seeking behaviors about a healthy diet?
Authors: Zhu Yijia , Zeid Nour , Leiner Dominik J , Scherr Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Previous research on health information seeking has primarily focused on individuals’ intentions to seek or avoid information. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the actual behavioral patterns of information-seeking and non-seeking. To address this, we conducted a survey experiment manipulating cognitive load with mostly Belgian participants ( N = 359). By integrating self-report and behavioral data, we investigated motivations and conditions associated with information (non)-seeking behaviors on a healthy diet. Guided by the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, we examined the roles of informational subjective norms and information insufficiency, as well as the moderating role of cognitive capacity. Neither informational subjective norms nor information insufficiency significantly correlated with information-seeking behaviors. However, a significant interaction between the predictors and cognitive capacity in predicting non-seeking behaviors was observed. These findings underscore the intricate nature of individuals’ behavioral patterns in seeking or not seeking information about healthy eating.
Dependency distance reflects L2 processing difficulty: Evidence from the relationship between dependency distance, L2 processing speed, and L2 proficiency
Authors: Gao Jianmin , Sun Peijian Paul
Published: April 2024

Aims and objectives:

This study aims to investigate whether dependency distance (DD) can reflect L2 processing difficulty by exploring the relationship between DD, L2 processing speed, and L2 proficiency.

Methodology:

The sentences in a maze task were annotated based on dependency syntax to indicate L2 processing difficulty. The maze task then was used to capture the word-level and sentence-level processing speed. The task was successfully performed by 62 Chinese learners of English, who were assigned into an intermediate-level group and an advanced-level group according to their scores on an elicited imitation task (EIT) and a vocabulary and grammar test.

Data and analysis:

Reaction time (RT) data of processing word-level and sentence-level items were collected from the maze task. The DD-based estimates of word-level and sentence-level processing difficulty were calculated. Generalized linear regression models (GLMs) were employed to inspect the relationship between the DD-based estimate of processing difficulty, L2 processing speed, and L2 proficiency.

Findings:

Our results showed that DD significantly predicted L2 processing speed at both word and sentence levels, irrespective of participants’ L2 proficiency. As DD increased, advanced learners’ word-level processing time grew significantly slower than that of intermediate learners.

Originality:

Using psycholinguistic experiments, the study is one of the first attempts to empirically validate the effectiveness of DD in capturing L2 processing difficulty.

Significance:

Our findings suggest that DD is useful in predicting L2 processing difficulty, and the extent to which learners are able to efficiently process dependencies with increasing distance can differentiate their L2 proficiency levels.
Group-oriented motivations underlying conspiracy theories
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem
Published: April 2024

By assuming that a group of nefarious actors collude to harm a perceiver’s ingroup, conspiracy theories are an intergroup phenomenon. What are the group-oriented motivations underlying belief in conspiracy theories? This contribution proposes that conspiracy theories are associated with both symbolic, identity-based motivations and realistic, harm-based motivations. As symbolic motivations, conspiracy theories help people develop, maintain, and protect a positive social identity. Conspiracy theories can unite people through a shared belief system, provide a basis for favorable intergroup comparison, and enable perceivers to attribute ingroup status threats to external forces beyond their control. As realistic motivations, conspiracy theories prepare people for conflict with other groups. Conspiracy theories transform an abstract sense of distrust into concrete allegations of misconduct. This provides a signal that an outgroup is threatening, mobilizes the ingroup, and promotes a readiness to fight. I discuss the implications of these processes for theory and practice.
Understanding Hungary’s Support for Persecuted Christians: Scrutinising Religious Motives for Giving Aid
Authors: Paragi Beáta , Szent-Iványi Balázs
Published: April 2024

Religion is increasingly acknowledged as a driving force behind development processes; however, it has received little attention as a motivation for donors to give aid. The article analyses the stated motivations and hidden agendas behind the Hungarian government’s ‘Hungary Helps’ aid programme, aimed at supporting Christian communities in the Global South and reducing migration to Europe. The programme fits with the government’s rhetoric on religion and migration, however, the article reveals inconsistencies that suggest further motivations. While there is little evidence that there was domestic demand for such a programme, it has been used instrumentally to increase Hungary’s influence among Christian interest groups and their political allies in the USA.
Resin infiltration for white spot lesions: An in vitro experimental trial
Authors: Park Hahnnah , Hong Sandy , Chrzan Brian , Al-Talib Tanya , Abubakr Neamat Hassan
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the aesthetic outcome by varying the duration allowed for infiltrant penetration when treating white spot lesions with resin infiltration.

Design:

An in vitro, experimental randomised study.

Methods:

Artificially created white spot lesions (WSLs) were induced on 100 extracted anterior teeth (T1). Teeth were divided into enamel and dentine groups depending on the extent of the lesion and then randomly assigned into different treatment protocol groups: penetration times of 3, 6 and 9 min. Resin infiltration treatment was applied according to the treatment protocol assigned (T2). Samples were thermocycled for 10,000 cycles (1 clinical year) (T3). The samples from the 3-min enamel and dentine groups were then randomly assigned into either a repeat treatment or no additional treatment group (T4). Samples were then thermocycled for an additional 10,000 cycles (T5). Spectrophotometric analysis was measured colour change (ΔE) for all groups.

Results:

Mean ΔE values equal to or greater than the critical value (3.7) indicate a detectable clinical difference in colour of the treated WSL when compared to before WSL formation. Mean ΔE values, for the enamel groups, were slightly above or significantly below the critical value, and for the dentine groups, were significantly above the critical value. Mean ΔE values within the enamel and dentine groups both demonstrated a downward trend with increasing time allowed for resin infiltrant penetration ( P < 0.05). No significant mean ΔE difference ( P = 0.53) was found between groups that received a single or repeat treatment. After the first thermocycling event, no significant difference in colour change was observed in all groups except for the deep dentine lesion treated for 3 min. There was a significant difference in colour change for all groups except the enamel group that received a single treatment following thermocycling after a single or repeat treatment.

Conclusion:

Increasing the resin infiltrant penetration time to at least 9 min is advised as the most optimised treatment protocol. Resin infiltration treatment should be done only once to treat a particular white spot lesion as subsequent treatment for the same lesion results in marginal colour improvement. The colour improvement of WSLs resulting from the resin infiltration treatment can be expected to last for at least 1 year. Resin infiltration treatment of shallow lesions with a single and optimised infiltration technique can be expected to last an additional year.
Distributed bricolage – The affordances of digital technologies towards a collaborative entrepreneurial agency response to COVID-19
Authors: Sarkar Soumodip , Mateus Sara
Published: April 2024

This study explores the human and social dynamics of entrepreneurship in the context of disruptive crises, specifically COVID-19. It reveals how digital technologies enable a form of collaborative agency, which we term distributed bricolage, characterized by the emergent, voluntary collaboration of heterogeneous actors across global networks. These actors, motivated by a shared goal to address urgent needs, engage in designing, hacking, and producing necessary items through agile and responsive collective structures. Analysing the initiatives of six diverse and impactful groups, our research highlights the transition from individual to collective entrepreneurial agency, underscoring the ability of distributed networks to self-organize and implement innovative solutions with available resources. We contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by delving into the ‘make do’ attitude across initiatives, shifting the spotlight from individual agency to a network of distributed actors, who are capable of self-organizing and operating effectively. This study extends the bricolage concept by showcasing the networked, socialized nature of entrepreneurial action, moving beyond the traditional focus on individual agency to a more inclusive understanding of distributed and collaborative efforts afforded by digital technologies.
A pilot study: Exploring suicidal ideation among non-offending adults with sexual attraction to minors, through their online forum posts
Authors: Murphy Rachel
Published: April 2024

An emerging field of research seeks to understand the experiences of non-offending adults who experience sexual attraction towards children. Research indicates that this largely hidden population can experience significant mental ill health and suicidal ideation, yet are reluctant to seek professional mental health support. Furthermore, mental ill health has been identified as a factor that can increase the likelihood of offending. This study, undertaken by a social work practitioner researcher, aimed to assist in understanding suicidality factors within this population, and to identify how statutory mental health services could be developed for this client group, thus contributing to child protection and suicide prevention agendas. A qualitative analysis was undertaken of data gathered from an online forum used by adults who have sexual attraction towards children, and are committed to non-offending. The data related to forum members’ experiences of suicidality, and key themes were identified through thematic analysis.

Findings

The study found that a pattern of suicidal ideation commonly appears to manifest and identified risk and protective factors that can influence suicidality. The benefits of peer support and the strengths and limitations of professional support were also identified.

Applications

The findings from this study contribute to an improved understanding of this client group for mental health practitioners. The findings also lay the foundation for further investigations, to inform the development of mental health services to facilitate improved outcomes for this client group, and for child protection.
Crime Prevention, Support or Punishment? Introducing an Ambiguous System of Youth Justice in Denmark
Authors: Henriksen Ann Karina , Bengtsson Tea Torbenfeldt , Henriksen Theresa Dyrvig
Published: April 2024

International research on youth justice systems has highlighted diversion as a key element in early crime prevention and deterrence. In Denmark, a youth justice reform was introduced in 2019 that restructured how the justice system responds to children and youths who are suspected or convicted of a crime. With the introduction of a Youth Crime Board (YCB) and a Youth Probation Service (YPS), the new reform aims to increase the speed and intensity of system responses to offences committed by children and youths. Based on legislation, policy papers, hearings on the new reform and the first evaluations of the reform, we analyse three key elements: the YCB, the sanctions and the YPS. We find that the 2019 youth justice reform constitutes an ambiguous system of youth justice with elements of diversion and punishment, and we argue that the reform integrates punitive elements into the delivery of treatment and support.
Towards an understanding and explanation for mixed-initiative artificial scientific text detection
Authors: Weng Luoxuan , Liu Shi , Zhu Hang , Sun Jiashun , Kam-Kwai Wong , Han Dongming , Zhu Minfeng , Chen Wei
Published: April 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have gained popularity in various fields for their exceptional capability of generating human-like text. Their potential misuse has raised social concerns about plagiarism in academic contexts. However, effective artificial scientific text detection is a non-trivial task due to several challenges, including (1) the lack of a clear understanding of the differences between machine-generated and human-written scientific text, (2) the poor generalization performance of existing methods caused by out-of-distribution issues, and (3) the limited support for human-machine collaboration with sufficient interpretability during the detection process. In this paper, we first identify the critical distinctions between machine-generated and human-written scientific text through a quantitative experiment. Then, we propose a mixed-initiative workflow that combines human experts’ prior knowledge with machine intelligence, along with a visual analytics system to facilitate efficient and trustworthy scientific text detection. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through two case studies and a controlled user study. We also provide design implications for interactive artificial text detection tools in high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Effect of Cu addition on the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviours of Al–9.2Mg–0.8Mn alloy
Authors: Hao Kaibin , Xia Weijun , Li Qiang , Yan Hongge , Chen Jihua , Su Bin
Published: April 2024

Microalloying is an effective method to improve the properties of Al–Mg alloys. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviours of Al–9.2Mg–0.8Mn– xCu ( x = 0–1.2 wt-%) alloys are studied to promote the application of Al–Mg alloys. The addition of Cu increases the strength of the alloy, where the ultimate tensile strength of 0.6 wt-% Cu alloy is improved by 43 MPa. Moreover, the addition of Cu significantly affects the corrosion behaviours of alloys. For as-sensitised alloys, compared to the matrix, the 0.1 wt-% Cu alloy shows a 28.3% reduction in pitting corrosion mass loss, which is attributed to the Cu element can form a stable passivation film, and the 0.3 wt-% Cu alloy shows a 15% reduction in intergranular corrosion mass loss, which is attributed to the addition of Cu can restrict the β phase precipitation at grain boundaries. The study shows that Cu-alloying can improve the comprehensive properties of Al–9.2Mg–0.8Mn alloys.
Intervention for an Australian carer of a person with dementia: A single case study
Authors: Bell-Weinberg Karen , Kelly Michelle
Published: April 2024

Caring for a person with dementia can negatively impact the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of an informal carer. Providing complex and challenging care often results in carer burden, stress, and distress, which can continue even when the care recipient transitions into an aged care facility. This case study aims to demonstrate that optimising carer support, knowledge, skill acquisition, and promotion of wellbeing benefits carers and those they care for across contexts. It provides a weekly account of an informal Australian carer’s experience with the STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) manualised intervention program. The study used reliable change indices, standardised measures, and carer surveys to provide insights into the carer’s experience of the program and outcomes during and after the therapy. The results showed reliable and clinically significant change, demonstrating an improvement in all measures. The carer’s mood symptoms and their perceived burden of care decreased. The carer also reported decreased dementia symptoms in their care recipient. Both the carer and the care recipient experienced increased quality of life. These findings are consistent with recent literature on the feasibility of the START program and are aligned with the National Dementia Plan.
Assessing the US foreign assistance activities impact on violent conflicts
Authors: Feze Daniel F , Gallagher Mark A
Published: April 2024

The Global Fragility Act, H.R.2116 116th Congress, directs the Department of State to establish an interagency initiative to stabilize conflict-affected areas and prevent violence globally. We propose and demonstrate an approach to evaluate the success of funding these initiatives. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has identified deteriorating economies, weak, or illegitimate political institutions, and competition over natural resources as causes of violence, extremism, and instability. The agency prioritizes mitigating the causes and consequences of violent conflicts, instability, and extremism and funds corresponding programs. Focused on military aid, we quantitatively assess these programs effectiveness at preventing or deescalating conflicts during 2010 to 2020. Our statistical analysis shows the funds during that period did not have an immediate impact on countries prone to violence. However, cumulative long-term relationships exist between some funds and the global conflict levels. As the total amount of 5 years cumulative Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) implemented funds increases, the total number of countries not-in-conflict increases while the total number of the most violent countries decreases. Those funds also correlate to the decline in total conflict levels during that timeframe. This quantitative approach assesses the aggregate effectiveness of aid across various countries.
Valuing Academic Freedom and Advocacy
Authors: Doherty Tanya , Kroon Max , Pereira-Kotze Catherine
Published: April 2024

This is a correspondence letter in response to an article published in the journal: Flaherman VJ, Nankabirwa V, Ginsburg AS. Promoting Transparent and Equitable Discussion of Controversial Research. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics 2023; 18(4): 248–9.
Management of claudicants with low toe-brachial index in a Veteran population
Authors: Bromenshenkel Drew , Quint Clay
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Intermittent claudication includes a wide spectrum of peripheral artery disease ranging from asymptomatic with reduced perfusion to lifestyle-limiting atherosclerotic disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of claudicants with a low toe-brachial index (TBI).

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of consecutive patients that presented in 2015 with claudication and a low TBI (<0.6) monitored over 5 years. The patient demographics, co-morbidities, and vascular-related characteristics (ankle-brachial index, TBI, calcified vessels, and wounds) were collected. The patients were separated into two cohorts: diabetics and non-diabetics. The outcomes included progression to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), interventions (endovascular or open), minor amputations, major amputations, and mortality.

Results

A total of 184 patients with 356 limbs were identified as claudicants with a low TBI, and there were 103 diabetics with 81 non-diabetics. The ABI and TBI were similar between the diabetics and non-diabetics, but the diabetics had a significantly higher number of calcified vessels ( p < .001) and progression to CLTI ( p < .001). The time to revascularization and number of patients that had a revascularization procedure were similar between the two groups, and nearly half of the revascularization procedures were performed within the first 6 months. The major amputation rate trended higher in the diabetic population, and there was a statistically significantly higher rate of minor amputations in the diabetics over the 5 years (Log-rank, p < .001). There was no difference in 5-year survival between diabetics and non-diabetics, and the overall 5-year mortality was 34%.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with claudication and low TBI, especially with diabetes, are at a higher risk to develop chronic limb threatening ischemia. Claudicants with a low TBI should have closer follow-up and more aggressive risk factor modification to reduce long-term mortality.
Synchronization analysis of novel delayed dynamical Clifford-valued neural networks on timescales
Authors: Arbi Adnène , Tahri Najeh
Published: April 2024

The aims of this research, is to examine the qualitative properties and analysis of synchronization of pseudo almost automorphic in Weyl’s sense solution of delayed Clifford-valued cellular neural networks of type shunting inhibitory on timescales. The results achieved are articulated as follows: the notion of pseudo almost automorphic in Weyl’s sense on timescales is suggested, which is a natural generalization of some recently published papers. The qualitative properties of the solution are realized using appropriate inequalities. Therefore, fixed-time synchronization was realized by considering appropriate feedback and Lyapunov functional. Two numerical examples to prove the merits of key results are presented at the end of this work.