bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence in the Indian Press, 1964–1970
Authors: Pattenden Hugh
Published: April 2024

This article considers the ways in which three important Indian newspapers reported on Rhodesia during the early years of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) crisis (1965–1970). It investigates how Indian commentators viewed the actions of not only the Rhodesian state, but also key international actors such as Britain, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity. It offers the chance to see how an important state of the Global South viewed UDI. It argues that, despite India’s limited involvement in events there, Rhodesia was of considerable interest to Indian journalists, and that they formed strong views about how the situation could be resolved.
What Environments Support Reading Growth Among Current Compared With Former Reading Intervention Recipients? A Multilevel Analysis of Students and Their Schools
Authors: Hall Garret J. , Nelson Peter M. , Parker David C.
Published: April 2024

School context can shape relative intervention response in myriad ways due to factors, such as instructional quality, resource allocation, peer effects, and correlations between the school context and characteristics of enrolled students (e.g., higher-poverty students attending higher-poverty schools). In the current study, we used data from 16,000 U.S. Grade 3 students in a community-based supplemental reading intervention program to investigate the degree to which school context factors (percentage eligible for free/reduced-price lunch [FRPL], school-level achievement) relate to the differences in triannual reading fluency growth rates between students actively receiving supplemental intervention (active recipients) and those that formerly received intervention (and therefore only received general class instruction at this time; former recipients). Using Bayesian multilevel modeling, our findings indicate that school-level FRPL eligibility played a more prominent factor in growth rate differences between these two groups than school-level reading achievement. However, school-level reading achievement was much more strongly related to reading fluency differences between active and former intervention recipients at the beginning of the school year (when controlling for FRPL). Implications for investigating school-level heterogeneity in intervention response and sustainability are discussed.
How Does Increasing Contextual Interference in a Musical Practice Session Affect Acquisition and Retention?
Authors: Mathias Thomas , Goldman Andrew
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three schedules of practice on high-level violinists’ learning. The contextual interference (CI) effect occurs when two or more tasks are practiced in an interleaved manner, which has been shown to impair initial learning but improve retention. How a musician alternates between tasks during practice can have a great impact on learning. This study was designed to explore how an increasing schedule of CI within a practice session would compare to the traditional blocked and random schedules. Sport research has shown a dynamically adaptive schedule to be advantageous, yet this area is relatively unexplored in music. Twenty advanced violinists at a music school practiced three sets of musical excerpts under three practice schedule conditions: blocked (pieces practiced one at a time), increasing contextual interference (blocked and then random), and interleaved (pieces randomly alternating). Recordings were taken at the stages of sight-reading, acquisition (immediately after practice sessions), and retention (24 hours later). Expert ratings of each musician’s recordings revealed no effect at the acquisition stage. However, at the delayed retention test, the blocked condition proved to be most effective. Fifty percent of participants perceived blocked practice to be the most effective.
Feasibility and Usefulness of Repetitions-In-Reserve Scales for Selecting Exercise Intensity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bastos Vasco , Machado Sérgio , Teixeira Diogo S.
Published: April 2024

The intensity of resistance training (RT) exercise is an important consideration for determining relevant health and performance-related outcomes. Yet, current objective exercise intensity measures present concerns in terms of viability or cost. In response to these concerns, repetition-in-reserve (RIR) scales may represent an adequate method of measuring and regulating intensity. However, no recent review has focused on how RIR scales have been used for this purpose in prior research. We prepared the present scoping review to analyze the feasibility and usefulness of RIR scales in selecting RT intensity. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases (last search date April 2023) for experimental and non-experimental studies that utilized an RIR scale to measure proximity to failure in RT activities with apparently healthy individuals of any age. We qualitatively analyzed 31 studies (N = 855 mostly male adult participants) published between 2012-2023. RIR scales appeared to be contextually feasible and useful in prescribing and adjusting RT intensity. The most common trend in this research was to prescribe a target RIR and adjust the exercise load for a desired proximity to muscle failure. Additionally, when measuring proximity to failure as an outcome of interest, the literature suggests that the RIR prediction should be made close to task failure to increase its accuracy. Future research should further explore the impact of sex, RT experience, exercise selection, and muscle conditioning on the overall RIR approach.
Examining the Role of Fan Support on Home Advantage and Home Win Percentage in Professional Women’s Basketball
Authors: Alonso-Pérez-Chao Enrique , Martín-Castellanos Adrián , Nieto-Acevedo Raúl , Lopez-García Adrián , Portes Rubén , Gómez Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

Our main aim in this study was to analyze any differences in Win Percentages at Home (HW) that might represent a Home-Court Advantage (HA) in women’s professional basketball. A secondary objective was to analyze how team ability might modify the HA effect by comparing any interaction effect between HW and team ability in games played with and without fans. We collected data from first Spanish female basketball divisions, using a linear mixed model (LMM) for repeated measures to identify differences between time periods (games with fans vs. games without fans) for HA and HW. When comparing games with and without fans, we found no significant HA and HW differences ( p = .283 and p = .872, respectively). In fact, interestingly, we observed higher win values when fans were absent. Additionally, during the COVID-19 shut down stage, HA increased; but it returned to pre-pandemic levels afterward, with no significant differences between these periods ( p = .482). Similarly, while HW seemed to increase during the COVID-19 shut down period and continued improving in the post-pandemic phase, there were actually no statistically significant differences ( p = .772). Higher HA and HW were evident without fans during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period when fans were present in women’s professional basketball. During the post-pandemic period, HA decreased upon fans’ return, while HW continued increasing. We discuss possible bases for these unexpected findings.
Binge drinking, job stressors, and resilience in a nationally representative sample of law enforcement officers
Authors: Dougherty Michelle , O’Leary Meghan , Mumford Elizabeth A
Published: April 2024

Law enforcement officers experience high rates of stress associated with their work, potentially leading to alcohol use as a means of coping. Using data from a nationally representative survey of law enforcement officers in the U.S., we found that adjusted odds of binge drinking monthly or more frequently increased significantly with higher levels of administrative stress and each additional type of critical incident reported. Increased officer resilience had a significant association with decreased adjusted odds of binge drinking monthly or more frequently. Strategies for reducing stressors and building resiliency are important for reducing binge drinking and improving wellness among officers.
Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking Screening and Services in Primary Care Across Underserved Communities in the United States—Initial Examination of Trends, 2020-2021
Authors: Lin Sue C. , Chang Kimberly S.G. , Marjavi Anna , Chon Katherine Y. , Dichter Melissa E. , DuBois Palardy Jessica
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) began collecting data on intimate partner violence (IPV) and human trafficking (HT) in the 2020 Uniform Data System (UDS). We examined patients affected by IPV and HT served by HRSA-funded health centers in medically underserved US communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We established a baseline and measured trends in patient care by analyzing data from the 2020 (N = 28 590 897) and 2021 (N = 30 193 278) UDS. We conducted longitudinal ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of care trends and organization–level and patient characteristics using proportional odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs.

Results:

The number of clinical visits for patients affected by IPV and HT decreased by 29.4% and 88.3%, respectively, from 2020 to 2021. Health centers serving a higher (vs lower) percentage of pediatric patients were more likely to continuously serve patients affected by IPV (POR = 2.58; 95% CI, 1.01-6.61) and HT (POR = 6.14; 95% CI, 2.06-18.29). Health centers serving (vs not serving) patients affected by IPV were associated with a higher percentage of patients who had limited English proficiency (POR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.05) and Medicaid beneficiaries (POR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.48-5.62), whereas health centers serving (vs not serving) patients affected by HT were associated with a higher percentage of female patients of reproductive age (POR = 15.89; 95% CI, 1.61-157.38) and urban settings (POR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.26-2.37).

Conclusions:

The number of clinical visits for patients affected by IPV and HT during the COVID-19 pandemic declined. Delayed care will pose challenges for future health care needs of these populations.
International Students Tackling Linguistic Challenges in Cross-Border English-medium Instruction: The Perspective of Migration Infrastructures
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Qiu Yixi , Zheng Yongyan
Published: April 2024

Drawing on Xiang and Lindquist’s notion of migration infrastructure, this study investigates how international students utilize contextual resources to enhance learning in English-medium instruction (EMI) degree programs in the Japanese context. We recruited 13 Chinese students enrolled in EMI postgraduate degree programs at four Japanese universities and collected data from semi-structured interviews and the participants’ reading/lecture notes. Qualitative content analysis revealed that despite the constraints of regulatory infrastructure (monolingual orientation at the institutional level), Chinese students utilized various resources offered by technological, social, and commercial infrastructures to facilitate their academic communication and foster their academic learning. The findings revealed that despite facing linguistic difficulties in their EMI program, the students used technological, social, and commercial infrastructural resources to access knowledge, developed multilingual habitus both in and outside their classrooms, and ultimately enhanced the quality of their cross-border education. This study provides migration infrastructure as a useful framework to examine international students’ challenges and adjustments in their cross-border education. In doing so, this study extends our understanding of international students’ experiences by going beyond a linguistic-centered perspective to encompass their language use as embodied socio-material processes. This paper concludes with implications for the implementation of English-medium higher education.
Development of virtual reality training system for combat musculoskeletal trauma care
Authors: Qin Lincan , You Zhiwei , Liu Bo , Luo Chunmei
Published: April 2024

Objective:

A virtual reality (VR)-based training system for combat musculoskeletal trauma care (CMTC) was meticulously crafted to enhance trainees’ theoretical understanding, familiarity with care processes, and decision-making abilities in the realm of combat musculoskeletal trauma management.

Method:

Scenario scripts, descriptions of injuries, and foundational management plans for care under fire and tactical field care were constructed. Subsequently, the CMTC system was developed employing tools, such as Maya, Photoshop, Unity, SQLite, and Visual Studio. Finally, the system was tested by 30 civilian nurses. The trainees’ knowledge, satisfaction, and system usability were evaluated using the theoretical question bank module, questionnaire, and system usability scale (SUS).

Results:

This research resulted in the establishment of five types of processes for CMTC in the contexts of care under fire and tactical field care. The study indicated that the trainees’ scores after training (75.67 ± 6.91) was higher than before training (69.17 ± 10.91), p < 0.001, the t-statistic was −5.022. The resultant SUS score was 70.4 ± 9.40. An overwhelming 96.67% of the trainees expressed satisfaction with the teaching quality.

Conclusion:

The CMTC system, developed in alignment with Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines and infused with cutting-edge equipment and technologies, provides an interactive and modular simulation training experience. Its strengths include higher reality, enhanced safety, repeatability, cost-effectiveness, and the provision for performance analysis. Besides, it has good accessibility and reliability, and can cultivate students’ autonomous learning ability and deepen their understanding.
Defunctioning ileostomy for typhoid ileal perforations: Out of the frying pan into the fire?
Authors: Verma Amrendra , Kothari Reena , Mishra Arpan , Agrawal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya
Published: April 2024

Typhoid ileal perforation (TIP) is a common surgical emergency in low-middle income countries (LMICs). Its high surgical morbidity and mortality is due to its often late presentation or diagnosis, the patient's malnutrition, severe peritoneal contamination and unavailability of intensive care in most peripheral hospitals. This prompted the philosophy of minimizing the crisis by avoiding any repair or anastomosis, limiting the surgery in these physiologically compromised patients and performing only a temporary defunctioning ileostomy (DI) which could then be closed 10–12 weeks later.
Oesophageal perforation by migrated Ryles tube
Authors: Vadgaonkar Amol , Kamat Nagesh , Parekh Sanil , Patil Gaurav , Dalal Ankit , Maydeo Amit
Published: April 2024

A 72-year woman with a history of multiple cerebrovascular accidents presented with severe epigastric pain. An oesophageal perforation by the tip of a Ryles tube, which had migrated into the mediastinum, was diagnosed by radiography. An attempt at pushing the nasogastric tube into the stomach resulted in increasing the rupture to about 6 cm in size. Replacement by a triple-lumen nasojejunal feeding tube and subsequent feeding with c.1,400 calories per day enabled the perforation to close without further intervention.
Built on Women’s Bodies: An Author’s Response
Authors: Gray Fischer Anne
Published: April 2024

Across the twentieth century, police were the enforcers of public space, determining which women would be targeted as problems to solve. Sexual policing—the targeting and legal control of people’s bodies and their presumed sexual activities—was considered a marginal and degraded use of public resources, maligned by officers and residents alike. And yet, amid the recurring crises of legitimacy for police during the scandalous enforcement of Prohibition and the social uprisings of the 1960s, the contested practice of sexual policing was also central to the legitimization and legalization of police power. The Streets Belong to Us is a spatial history of the development of urban police regimes as embattled authorities fought to seize and consolidate power. But embedded in that work is an argument that the formation of police power—like the formation of cities themselves—cannot be understood without accounting for gender and the interlocking hierarchies of race, class, and sexuality that make gender meaningful. Focusing on sexual policing, the most historically gendered arena of law enforcement, from Prohibition in segregated Jim Crow to the rise of broken windows policing in the gentrifying 1980s, I argue that police power and the modern city were built on women’s bodies.
Sampled-data observer-based nonlinear control for coupled semilinear fractional-order partial differential equation systems with time-varying delays
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhuang Bo
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider observer-based sampled-data in space output feedback stabilization of coupled time-delayed systems governed by semilinear time fractional-order partial differential equations (TFPDEs) with spatially varying parameters. For such systems, the output feedback controller is sampled-data in space and continuous in time. Here, we suppose that the sampled-in-space intervals are bounded. Under point measurements (PMs) or averaged measurements (AMs), the sampled-data observation problem is first considered. With the designed nonlinear observer, the sampled-data observer-based controller is then proposed to asymptotically stabilize the resulting closed-loop system in terms of the fractional Halanay inequality and the fractional Lyapunov method. Numerical examples are provided to valid the efficiency of the suggested synthesis.
Can ChatGPT Replace an Otolaryngologist in Guiding Parents on Tonsillectomy?
Authors: Moise Alexander , Centomo-Bozzo Adam , Orishchak Ostap , Alnoury Mohammed K. , Daniel Sam J.
Published: April 2024

Background: ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool, which utilizes machine learning to analyze and generate human-like text. The user-friendly accessibility of this tool enables patients conveniently access medical information without intricate terminology challenges. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of ChatGPT in providing insights into indications and management of complications after tonsillectomy, a common pediatric otolaryngology procedure. Methods: The responses generated by ChatGPT were compared to the “Clinical practice guidelines: tonsillectomy in children—executive summary” developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF). An assessment was carried out by presenting predetermined questions regarding indications and complications post tonsillectomy to ChatGPT, followed by a comparison of its responses with the established guideline by 2 otolaryngology experts. The responses of both parties were reviewed by the senior author. Results: A total of 16 responses generated by ChatGPT were assessed. After a comprehensive review, it was concluded that 15 out of 16 (93.8%) responses demonstrated a high degree of reliability and accuracy, closely adhering to the standard established by the AAO-HNSF guideline. Conclusion: The results validate the potential of using ChatGPT to enhance healthcare delivery making guidelines more accessible to patients while also emphasizing the importance of ensuring the provision of accurate and reliable medical advice to patients.
Marketing Efficiency of Autarkic Systems: The Case of North Korea
Authors: Stoyanov Dobromir Kirilov , Stoyanova Rumyana Dobreva , Stoyanov Kiril Stoyanov
Published: April 2024

The issue of marketing efficiency, or how to better transform inputs into outputs within a marketing system, has always occupied a special place in the macromarketing literature. The concept of marketing efficiency has not been studied in closed and isolated systems that exhibit distinctive behavioral patterns compared to conventional open systems and can explain important and understudied marketing phenomena, including autarky. This study challenges some of the conventional premises of marketing systems by defining autarky as a closed marketing system that 1) operates with the specific purpose of propaganda in a relatively predictable and efficient manner; 2) has minimal, though not entirely absent, interaction with the international environment; and 3) involves participants (actors) who do not engage in voluntary exchanges with one another but rather collectively, as well as individually, adhere consistently to the self-reliance ideology. We demonstrate how a classical thermodynamic model (i.e., the Carnot cycle for maximum energy efficiency) can be metaphorically associated with the behavior of the North Korean autarkic system to better understand the long-term efficiency of its propaganda machine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop a holistic metaphorical framework for exploring the efficiency of an autarkic system and to establish common criteria for measuring relationships between autarkic properties and autarkic processes.
Does native vitamin D, or active vitamin D modulate the neutralising antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination in haemodialysis patients?
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Several studies have reported that patients with low levels of Vitamin D3 have impaired responses to vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccines, so we reviewed the response to COVID-19 vaccination in haemodialysis patients, who typically have reduced Vitamin D3 levels.

Methods:

The inhibitory antibody (IC50) responses to several COVID-19 variants following vaccination in a cohort of United Kingdom haemodialysis patients receiving two vaccinations between March 2021 and May 2021 were reviewed.

Results:

A total of 183 haemodialysis patients, 65.5% male, mean age 65.6 ± 14.1 years, 46.4% diabetic, 42.1% white ethnicity, body mass index 26.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2 dialysis vintage 36.2 (18.3–69.3) months were studied. Following the first vaccination, the median IgG microneutralisation IC50 response was undetectable for all variants (wild-type, alpha, beta and delta). Follow-up after the second vaccination showed that the microneutralisation response to all variants increased and was greater for the wild-type variant compared to alpha, beta and delta, all p < 0.001, There were no differences comparing the IC50 responses according to 25-Vitamin D3 levels, and the prescription of activated Vitamin D. Although patients who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 prescribed higher doses of alfacalcidol had higher seroprotection responses to the alpha (χ2 = 15, p = 0.002) and beta variants. (χ2 = 13, p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

The response to COVID-19 vaccination was reduced in our elderly haemodialysis patients compared to younger less frail patients, however there was no overall demonstrable effect of either 25-Vitamin D3 levels or the prescription of activated forms of Vitamin D on the immune response following vaccination against COVID-19, unless patients had previously tested positive for COVID-19.
Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Indonesian Version of VISA: An Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Muttaqin Darmawan
Published: April 2024

The Vocational Identity Status Assessment (VISA) is one of the instruments that can be used to assess vocational identity. Conceptually, VISA consists of six sub-dimensions and has been validated using factor analysis. This study provides a factor structure test of the Indonesian version of VISA using the exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) approach, which integrates both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) approaches. Consequently, this research aims to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Indonesian version of VISA using the ESEM approach. The research findings indicate that the Indonesian version of VISA has a robust factor structure consisting of six sub-dimensions as tested by the ESEM approach. Furthermore, all items of the Indonesian version of VISA have higher factor loadings on their respective sub-dimensions compared to the cross-loadings. Another finding is that the Indonesian version of VISA only satisfies measurement invariance across gender, while it does not satisfy measurement invariance across educational levels. Overall, these findings suggest that the Indonesian version of the VISA can be used to assess the six sub-dimensions of vocational identity in Indonesian samples.
Playing up Difference
Authors: Laryea Krystal
Published: April 2024

How do groups reckon with differences in members’ identities and beliefs? A tension exists between groups, whose identities are singular and stably positioned, and their members, whose identities are intertwined and constituted in interaction. Existing work shows how this tension is addressed through downplaying difference, but we know less about how differences are played up in group life. Drawing on two years of ethnographic fieldwork and 56 interviews with a racially and politically diverse religious group, I examine how members play up identities and beliefs that are not shared by all and how comembers respond. This analysis reveals two pathways that playing up difference takes: an engagement pathway and an avoidance pathway. The engagement pathway depends on the activation of shared structural, relational, and epistemic foundations. I conclude with a broader consideration of how playing up difference relates to the pursuit of plurality and wholeness in contemporary organizations and communities.
From Blocks to Text: Bridging Programming Misconceptions
Authors: Mladenović Monika , Žanko Žana , Zaharija Goran
Published: April 2024

The use of a pedagogical approach mediated transfer with the bridging method has been successful in facilitating the transitions from block-based to text-based programming languages. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research addressing the impact of this transfer on programming misconceptions during the transition. The way programming concepts are taught to K-12 learners can later result in misconceptions for adult learners. The main objective was to examine the impact of mediated transfer using the bridging method pedagogical approach on the prevalence of programming misconceptions. We conducted a quasi-experimental study in school settings during informatics (computer science) classes among 163 sixth-grade students. The control group received traditional programming lectures using the text-based programming language, Python. Conversely, the experimental group utilized a mediated transfer pedagogical approach by starting with the block-based programming language MakeCode for micro:bit before transitioning to the text-based Python. Our findings indicate that the experimental group significantly reduced programming misconceptions in fundamental programming concepts: variables, sequencing, selection, and loops - compared to the control group. This suggests that the use of block-based programming language as an initial step in programming education, followed by a structured transition to text-based programming language, can effectively mitigate common misconceptions among K-12 learners.
Reproductive Choices and Climate Change in a Pronatalist Context
Authors: Szalma Ivett , Júlia Szczuka Borbála
Published: April 2024

This study contributes to a better understanding of how individuals make decisions about childbearing according to their views on climate change and how they rationalize their reproductive choices in a pronatalist country, Hungary. Using forty-four semi-structured interviews conducted between September 2020 and March 2022 in Hungary, we found that women are more concerned with the future of their children than the carbon footprint of their (potential) children. Most interviewees consider having children to be an important part of a woman’s life, and some even regard it as a duty not only to maintain the population size but also because they believe future generations will be more environmentally aware and provide solutions for the climate crisis. In addition, there are condemnatory attitudes towards those who do not want children because of the consequences of climate change. We also found a pattern of planning to have fewer children or planning alternative routes to parenthood (adoption) due to climate change–related concerns. While climate change was acknowledged as a relevant issue, overpopulation was considered less concerning, and there is a prevailing belief that efforts to decrease fertility rates should primarily target developing countries. Generally, interviewees support the Hungarian government’s pronatalist family policy; nevertheless, some feel that the state degrades women by treating them only according to their roles as mothers.
Improving the material extrusion processing of thermoplastic olefin/graphene nanoplatelet composites through control of the morphology
Authors: Ho Quang Binh , Abdi Roxana , Kontopoulou Marianna , Leelapornpisit Weawkamol
Published: April 2024

The aim of this research is to develop thermoplastic olefin (TPO) composites containing polypropylene (PP), an elastomeric ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), suitable for material extrusion (MEX). A PP functionalized with amino-pyridine (PP-g-Py) was used as a compatibilizer. The composite blends had droplet-matrix morphology at compositions as high as 40 wt% EOC. Imaging by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed that the GNPs resided at the interface between the blend components. This microstructure promoted higher thermal conductivity of the TPO/GNP composite blends, as compared to the PP/GNP composite (1.54 W/m K, vs 1.3 W/m K respectively). PP/GNP composites processed by MEX exhibited inadequate interfacial fusion between the deposited strands, which resulted in severe delamination during tensile and flexural testing, and consequently poor mechanical properties. In the TPO/GNP composites containing 40 wt% EOC, the slower crystallization of the elongated EOC domains promoted interfacial adhesion between the strands, resulting in better part consolidation, more consistent mechanical properties and improved ductility compared to the PP/GNP composites.
Investigation on multi-objective following control algorithm for vehicle adaptive cruise control under cruise state
Authors: Yuan Hong , Liu Rui , Zhong Lingfeng , Zhang Yourong , Lin Li , Huang Kaisheng
Published: April 2024

The following control problem is a challenging issue in vehicle adaptive cruise control. In the control process, multiple objectives need to be considered while ensuring safety. To comprehensively study and evaluate the following control algorithms, this paper establishes a following model, vehicle model, and energy consumption model. After verifying the accuracy of the models, corresponding proportion-integral-derivative (PID), model predictive control (MPC), and adaptive dynamic programing (ADP) algorithms are proposed based on the models. The three algorithms are integrated into a vehicle using Simulink, and real vehicle experiments are conducted. The results show that the MPC algorithm achieves the best control performance and exhibits superior disturbance rejection capabilities. The control performance of the ADP and PID algorithms is ranked second. However, the MPC algorithm has very limited computational margin, which may restrict the use of additional computational resources. Therefore, in situations where computational resources are relatively scarce and strict control performance requirements are not imposed, the ADP algorithm can be used as a substitute for the MPC algorithm. The traditional PID algorithm exhibits the best real-time performance but significantly weaker control performance and disturbance rejection capabilities compared to the other two algorithms.
Lane-changing decision and planning under humanized games for intelligent vehicles
Authors: Dong Xin , Zhao Qinghai , Wang Jirong , Shi Gaosong
Published: April 2024

Although autonomous driving vehicles have seen rapid development, their decision-making and planning technologies still fall short of meeting human-centric requirements. To address the issue of personalized driving within autonomous vehicles, a human-like autonomous driving framework is proposed. This framework divides the autonomous driving process into task decision-making and path planning. Firstly, during the modeling phase, a combined model of the driver and vehicle is integrated to form an integrated model for designing decision-making algorithms. Subsequently, a decision cost function is constructed during the decision phase to reflect driving safety, passenger comfort, and travel efficiency. Adjustments are made for different driving styles, employing non-cooperative game theory methods to resolve decision cost issues. Finally, an improved algorithm based on quintic polynomials is designed for trajectory planning to meet vehicle safety, comfort, and rapid operation requirements. Test results indicate that different driving styles lead to varying decision outcomes, yet the algorithms employed consistently provide reasonable decisions for autonomous driving vehicles, thereby enhancing road efficiency and safety.
Minimum decision of collision injury based on drivable area in unavoidable scene
Authors: Liu Quankai , Zhou Bing , Wu Xiaojian , Wang He , Cui Qingjia
Published: April 2024

The existing technology for assisted driving collision avoidance has improved the active safety of vehicles, but it is primarily designed for scenarios where collisions can be avoided. It is not suitable for situations where pedestrians suddenly intrude. Therefore, there is a need to develop a control strategy that can minimize collision injuries in unavoidable situations. This study focuses on typical collision scenarios where pedestrians suddenly intrude. It proposes a real-time online double-layer optimal pre-collision control strategy based on drivable area, using the Head Injury Criteria ( HIC) as a quantifiable measure of collision injury. The upper-layer controller designs a cost function based on a three Degrees of Freedom (DOF) collision solving model to minimize collision injuries. It takes the constraints of vehicle dynamics, maximum front wheel steering angle, pedestrian avoidance into account, and the optimal pre-impact state point with the minimum HIC value is calculated in real-time. Meanwhile, the lower-layer controller is designed to track the optimal pre-impact state point using Model Predict Control (MPC) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified through Simulink simulation, achieving the dual objectives of avoiding pedestrians suddenly intruding and minimizing passenger collision injuries.
Assessing patient transport conditions during ambulance transit
Authors: Uchima Pedro Vitor , Idehara Sérgio Junichi
Published: April 2024

Emergency ambulances play a vital role in medical rescue and patient transportation, but their transit can impact patient health due to vehicle dynamic forces and vibrations. This study evaluates patient transport conditions on a stretcher subjected to vertical vibration excitation from road unevenness. Using an eight-degree-of-freedom numerical model, we analyze the construction parameters of a medical stretcher’s support and vehicle suspension. Actual experimental data from an emergency vehicle were utilized to assess the vibration conditions experienced by both the stretcher and the ambulance floor. The model is adjusted based on measurements, specifically targeting the main vibration modes. The investigation involves determining temporal responses for vertical accelerations and characterizing vibration modal parameters under various transportation conditions. Notably, several system natural frequencies fall within the range of human body frequencies, making them susceptible to mechanical excitation, particularly in the human neck, abdomen, and spine. A sensitivity analysis underscores the influence of medical stretcher support structure parameters on patient comfort. Increasing support stiffness, which alters the stretcher’s natural frequency, and damping coefficient reduce vibration propagation between the vehicle and the patient. Additionally, the research predicts the model’s dynamic behavior on roads with low-quality pavement, indicating vibrational amplitudes that could potentially be discomforting and unhealthy for individuals. The study illustrates a vibration exposure period on a class E road, revealing that transportation longer than 25 min may cause damage to patient health.
Physics-based in silico modelling of microvascular pulmonary perfusion in COVID-19
Authors: Dimbath Elizabeth , Middleton Shea , Peach Matthew Sean , Ju Andrew W. , George Stephanie , de Castro Brás Lisandra , Vadati Alex
Published: April 2024

Due to its ability to induce heterogenous, patient-specific damage in pulmonary alveoli and capillaries, COVID-19 poses challenges in defining a uniform profile to elucidate infection across all patients. Computational models that integrate changes in ventilation and perfusion with heterogeneous damage profiles offer valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on pulmonary health. This study aims to develop an in silico hypothesis-testing platform specifically focused on studying microvascular pulmonary perfusion in COVID-19-infected lungs. Through this platform, we explore the effects of various acinar-level pulmonary perfusion abnormalities on global lung function. Our modelling approach simulates changes in pulmonary perfusion and the resulting mismatch of ventilation and perfusion in COVID-19-afflicted lungs. Using this coupled modelling platform, we conducted multiple simulations to assess different scenarios of perfusion abnormalities in COVID-19-infected lungs. The simulation results showed an overall decrease in ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) ratio with inclusion of various types of perfusion abnormalities such as hypoperfusion with and without microangiopathy. This model serves as a foundation for comprehending and comparing the spectrum of findings associated with COVID-19 in the lung, paving the way for patient-specific modelling of microscale lung damage in emerging pulmonary pathologies like COVID-19.
Effect of polydimethylsiloxane surface morphology on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through SIRT1 signalling pathway
Authors: Hu Zezun , Yang Fanlei , Xiang Pan , Luo Zongping , Liang Ting , Xu Hao
Published: April 2024

Constructing surface topography with a certain roughness is a widely used, non-toxic, cost-effective and effective method for improving the microenvironment of cells, promoting the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and promoting the osseointegration of grafts and further improving their biocompatibility under clinical environmental conditions. SIRT1 plays an important regulatory role in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). However, it remains unknown whether SIRT1 plays an important regulatory role in the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs with regard to surface morphology. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with different surface morphologies were prepared using different grits of sandpaper. The value for BMSCs added on different surfaces was detected by cell proliferation assays. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect SIRT1 activation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Osteogenesis of MSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S staining. SIRT1 inhibition experiments were performed to investigate the role of SIRT1 in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs induced by surface morphology. We found that BM-MSCs have better value and osteogenic differentiation ability on a surface with roughness of PDMS-1000M. SIRT1 showed higher gene and protein expression on a PDMS-1000M surface with a roughness of 13.741 ± 1.388 µm. The promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs on the PDMS-1000M surface was significantly decreased after inhibiting SIRT1 expression. Our study demonstrated that a surface morphology with certain roughness can activate the SIRT1 pathway of MSCs and promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the SIRT1 pathway.
Dynamic behavior of three-wheel vehicle with inerter-based dynamic absorber suspension system
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Sharma Neeraj , Palli Srihari , Sharma Sunil Kumar , Joshi Sudhir , Rallabandi Sivasankara Raju , Sharma Ashwini
Published: April 2024

Three-wheeled vehicles may be a better choice as compared with four-wheeler cars provided they are properly designed to improve the rollover stabilities and ride comfort. The design modifications need improvement in geometry and suspension. This article presents the dynamic behavior of three-wheeled vehicle equipped with an inerter-based dynamic absorber and compares the same with the conventional suspension system. The performance parameters analyzed are vertical-lateral acceleration, front & rear suspension deflection, and front & rear dynamic tyre loads. The analytical rigid body model is formulated by assigning 9 degrees of freedom to the system for the evaluation of performance parameters to compare the inerter-based absorber suspension with the conventional passive suspension system.
Microfinance in Afghanistan: Trends, Impacts, and Challenges
Authors: Hemat Mohammad Walid , Rahman Md. Shahinur
Published: April 2024

Microfinance is important in a country’s rural development and poverty alleviation. In underdeveloped countries where a substantial fraction of the labour force is not gainfully employed, and the poverty rate rises over time, microfinance development is needed. In Afghanistan, the formal microfinance channels became active in 2003, and so far, they have provided considerable financing services to individuals and businesses. This article attempts to draw a clear picture of the impact of this sector on income, employment, women empowerment, and poverty. The article also attempts to highlight the prevailing challenges hampering the development of microfinance in Afghanistan. The findings of this article show that the microfinance sector has seen dramatic development over the past 20 years, and many microfinance institutions that provide financial services for thousands of households have been established. It further finds that there are cases of positive impacts from microfinance on income and employment. The effect of microfinance on women’s empowerment is less than expected; however, there is evidence of a positive effect for some women. The impact of microfinance on poverty is hard to conclude. In rural areas, impoverished people have not been targeted by microfinance because they might be unable to repay their debts.
Canine glioma in the first year of life: 5 cases
Authors: dos Santos Esdras C. , Summers Brian A. , Elbert Jessica A. , Miller Doris M. , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: April 2024

Most canine gliomas occur in adult and aged dogs, and reports in puppies < 12-mo-old are exceedingly rare. Here we describe the occurrence of gliomas in 5 dogs ≤ 12-mo-old. The affected patients (4 males, 1 female) were 3–12-mo-old (x̄ = 6.6-mo-old). None of the dogs were brachycephalic. Clinical signs consisted of dullness (2 cases), seizures (2 cases), vestibular signs, and deafness (1 case each). All patients were euthanized. Grossly, neoplasms were pale-tan or red, soft masses in the telencephalon (4 cases) or gelatinous leptomeningeal thickening in the brain and spinal cord (1 case). Neoplasms were classified as astrocytomas (3 cases) and oligodendrogliomas (2 cases) based on histology or histology and IHC. Our findings confirm that, while exceptionally rare, canine gliomas occur in the first year of life, and are clinically, morphologically, and immunohistochemically similar to gliomas in adult and aged dogs.
Innovative precast prestressed concrete truss system using shape memory alloys and conventional steel
Authors: Sung Minsoo , Andrawes Bassem
Published: April 2024

Truss systems are mainly made with steel due to their lightweight, high strength in both compression and tension, and ease of manufacture. Concrete truss systems on the other hand have not been widely used in the construction industry because of its weak strength in tension. In this study, a concrete truss system prestressed with a conventional prestressing system and shape memory alloy (SMA) is proposed, and its sustainability is evaluated by estimating the embodied carbon footprint of the proposed system. The bottom concrete chord of the Howe truss is prestressed with conventional high-strength steel (HSS) reinforcement using mechanical tensioning, and the vertical elements are prestressed with SMA bars. The embodied carbon footprint of the FeMnSi SMA bar is evaluated by comparing it with the HSS reinforcements in chemical components and manufacturing processes. The concrete truss is designed and numerically validated for the concrete bridge girder application to satisfy the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) service and strength limit states. The designed concrete truss satisfies the AASHTO service and strength limit states with 37.3% less total weight and 25.9% less carbon emissions than the reference model, which is as per the AASHTO type 2 I-girder.
Beyond Plagiarism: ChatGPT as the Vanguard of Technological Revolution in Research and Citation
Authors: Flaherty Hanni B. , Yurch Jackson
Published: April 2024

In the landscape of academic research and citation practices, the emergence of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI, represents a transformative leap forward. This paper delves into the multifaceted role of ChatGPT in revolutionizing scholarly endeavors beyond mere plagiarism detection. We explore how ChatGPT facilitates research collaboration, streamlines literature reviews, and assists in proper citation practices. By harnessing ChatGPT's contextual understanding and vast knowledge repository, social work researchers can unlock new avenues of creativity and efficiency in knowledge acquisition and dissemination. Moreover, this paper discusses the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of AI in academia and underscores the need for guidelines and education to ensure responsible usage. Ultimately, ChatGPT stands at the forefront of a technological revolution, empowering social work researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge acquisition and dissemination in unprecedented ways.