bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of early-stage dementia on everyday activities
Authors: Edwards Bethan M , Busse Monica , Clouston Teena J , Hannigan Ben
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

This paper explores the impact that early-stage dementia has on everyday activities from the perspective of people living with dementia, their supporters and occupational therapy practitioners.

Method:

People living with dementia and their supporters ( n = 10), and occupational therapy practitioners ( n = 21) took part in semi-structured interviews, with transcripts analysed thematically.

Findings:

Six primary themes were identified across participants, namely: (1) ‘Everybody seems to be different, [but] they are similar’; (2) An awareness of change: ‘Something’s not quite right’; (3) ‘ Changes’ and ‘ difficulties’ associated with complex and unfamiliar activities; (4) Social withdrawal and exclusion: ‘I’ve felt like I was a leper’; (5) Post-diagnostic mental health: ‘. . . a dark place’; and (6) A process of adaptation: ‘I’m still who I am, I can still do things. . .’

Conclusion:

Findings indicate that occupational therapy intervention programmes for people living with early-stage dementia should target difficulties associated with a broad range of activity types, and include components that target mental health and motivational needs. The study adds to existing knowledge about the need to personally tailor interventions to ensure that they meet individual needs, experiences, and circumstances. Findings will inform the development of an occupational therapy intervention programme theory (theory of change) for early-stage dementia.
Research on the Method and Application of Truck Type Recognition Based on Deep Learning from the Perspective of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Sun Wencai , Jiang Wei , Liu Hanwu , Han Lihong , Liu Yang , Li Shuzhao
Published: July 2024

A lightweight detection model for truck models based on improved YOLOv5s (MobileNetV3-YOLOv5s) is proposed to meet the requirement for real-time detection under the limited embedded device resources carried by drones. Firstly, we use MobileNetV3 to replace the backbone feature extraction network and use deep separable convolution to replace traditional convolution to reduce the model’s parameter count. Secondly, we use DIOU loss as the regression loss of the bounding box to enhance the convergence speed of the model and improve the ability to fit data. Finally, we use the K-means clustering method to reset the prior box. The experimental results show that the mAP value of the improved model is 89.6%, which is 0.2 percentage points lower than before, but the volume is only 3.98MB, which is about half of the original model. The detection speed is also significantly improved compared with before the improvement. Therefore, the lightweight model based on improved YOLOv5s improves detection speed and significantly reduces model volume while ensuring detection accuracy. It enables efficient, real-time recognition of truck models under complex road conditions on embedded devices.
Peer Exchange for Improving Accuracy of the Engineer’s Estimate for Highway Improvement Projects
Authors: Whited Gary C. , Abdellatif Sarah , Krebs Steve W. , Hanna Awad S.
Published: July 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation hosted a peer exchange in 2021 to discuss topics related to improving procedures for developing the engineer’s estimate. The goal was to improve accuracy of engineers’ estimates by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, lessons learned, and opportunities for the development of state-to-state relationships for continued improvements. Before the peer exchange, invited State Highway Agencies (SHAs) were asked to fill out an online survey to obtain preliminary information about their estimating procedures and practices, organizational approach, measurements of estimating accuracy and bidding history. Representatives from 16 SHAs responded to the survey and representatives from 11 SHAs and the Federal Highway Agency participated in the peer exchange. This article presents the results of the survey and a summary of the discussions during the peer exchange so that other SHAs can learn from them. The peer exchange provided a summary of the state of practice of the SHAs in preparing the engineer’s estimate and identified the following list of most impactful factors for differences between the engineer’s estimate and bidding results: low bid competition, geographic location, outdated data used in historical bid-based estimating, shortage of skilled workers and time, and market volatility. Discussions during the peer exchange uncovered how individual SHAs are approaching and dealing with these factors and those results are presented in the article. Other SHAs will benefit from the summaries of other SHAs’ current practices and the action items Wisconsin Department of Transportation identified resulting from the peer exchange.
Passenger Route and Departure Time Guidance Under Disruptions in Oversaturated Urban Rail Transit Networks
Authors: Zhuo Siyu , Zhu Xiaoning , Shang Pan , Liu Zhengke
Published: July 2024

The urban rail transit (URT) system attracts many commuters with its punctuality and convenience. However, it is vulnerable to disruptions caused by factors such as extreme weather and temporary equipment failures, which greatly affect passengers’ journeys and diminish the system’s service quality. In this study, we propose targeted travel guidance for passengers at different space–time locations by devising passenger rescheduling strategies during disruptions. This guidance not only offers insights into route changes but also provides practical recommendations for delaying departure times when required. We present a novel three-feature four-group passenger classification principle, integrating temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal features to classify passengers in disrupted URT networks. This approach results in the creation of four distinct solution spaces based on passenger groups. A mixed integer programming model is built based on individual level considering the first-in-first-out rule in oversaturated networks. In addition, we present a two-stage solution approach for handling the complex issues in large-scale networks. Experimental results from both small-scale artificial networks and the real-world Beijing URT network validate the efficacy of our proposed passenger rescheduling strategies in mitigating disruptions. Specifically, when compared to scenarios with no travel guidance during disruptions, our strategies achieve a substantial reduction in total passenger travel times by 29.7% and 50.9%, respectively, underscoring the effectiveness in managing unexpected disruptions.
Downward trend in male reproductive health and fertility in Eastern Iran
Authors: Pakmanesh Hamid , Nazarirobati Nasrin , Dabiri Shahriar , Mirshekari Tooraj Reza , Momeni Hamidreza , Jadidi Sajedeh , Rouientan Hamidreza , Hanafi Bojd Hamideh , Torabinavid Parham , Narouie Behzad
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess the ten-year trend in semen quality among couples referred to the Infertility Center in Kerman between 2008 and 2017. The study included 2952 semen samples from men 18 to 60 years old referred to the infertility center as infertile couples living in Kerman province, Iran, whether they had normal or abnormal semen analysis. A total of 2952 sperm samples were included. Statistically significant changes were observed in semen parameters. Particularly, significant changes were observed for volume (−0.08 mL/year), sperm concentration (−2.34 (mio/mL)/year), total sperm count (−13.17 (mio/ejaculate)/year), progressive motility (−2.62%/year), non-progressive motility (−0.59%/year), immotile sperm (2.49%/year), and normal morphology (−0.134%/year). In bivariate analysis, the prevalence of oligozoospermia in this study showed a statistically significant association with age (OR = 1.019; 95% CI = 1.007−1.032; p = 0.003). Likewise, there was a statistically significant association with the year (OR = 1.087; 95% CI = 1.050−1.125; p = 0.000). Semen quality parameters showed a downtrend during the last 10 years in this study, emphasizing the importance of male reproductive health monitoring and warning public health coordinators to pay more attention to this important issue.
Gemcitabine and synthesized silver nanoparticles impact on chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male rats
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed R , Osman Soheir A , Hassan Asmaa A , Raafat Amany I , Refaat Mahmoud M , Fathy Shadia A
Published: July 2024

Objective: Gemcitabine (GEM) is a deoxycytidine analog chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat many cancers. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important nanomaterials used to treat many diseases. Using gamma radiation in nanoparticle preparation is a new eco-friendly method. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of co-treating gemcitabine and silver nanoparticles in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Method: The AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and EDX. The MTT cytotoxicity in vitro assay of gemcitabine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide was assessed against Wi38 normal fibroblast and HepG2 HCC cell lines. After HCC development, rats received (10 µg/g b.wt.) of AgNPs three times a week for 4 weeks and/or GEM (5 mg/kg b.wt.) twice weekly for 4 weeks. Liver function enzymes were investigated. Cytochrome P450 and miR-21 genes were studied. Apoptosis was determined by using flow cytometry, and apoptotic modifications in signaling pathways were evaluated via Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-9, and SMAD-4. Results: The co-treatment of GEM and AgNPs increased apoptosis by upregulating Bax and caspase 9 while diminishing Bcl2 and SMAD4. It also improved cytochrome P450 m-RNA relative expression. The results also proved the cooperation between GEM and AgNPs in deactivating miR21. The impact of AgNPs as an adjuvant treatment with GEM was recognized. Conclusions: The study showed that co-treating AgNPs and GEM can improve the efficiency of GEM alone in treating HCC. This is achieved by enhancing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways while diminishing some drawbacks of using GEM alone.
A 3-D nanostructure polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as a (co)-crosslinker of an epoxy resin
Authors: Farhadinejad Zeinab , Karimi Majid , Ehsani Morteza
Published: July 2024

Epoxy resins have outstanding properties with variety uses especially in high performance engineering applications. However, high degree of crosslinking density makes them rigid and brittle. Many attempts have been used to improve mechanical properties, especially toughness. In the current work, synergistic properties of using the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanostructure (POSS) and polyether amine chains has been used to improve toughness and mechanical properties especially modulus by using the synthesized structure as co-curing agent in epoxy resin. The characteristic analysis showed that the structure of the synthesized molecule is a POSS core with four polyether amine chains and four glycidyloxy propyl chains attached to the siloxane cage. The results indicated that using the synthesized structure (GA-POSS) as co-curing agent has two effects: it acted like a reinforcing agent and improve glass transition temperature, toughness and Young’s modulus. Also, it increased distance between crosslinks which led to increase of tan δ and elongation at break. However, these effects did not observed when this nano-molecule worked as cross linker or when the POSS structure doesn’t have soft long chains because just in the case of using GA-POSS as co-curing agent hard-soft-hard state is formed which leads to high mechanical and toughness properties, simultaneously.
Perspectives of Nursing Home Staff: Application of Dementia Training Approaches
Authors: Como Dominique H. , Lekovitch Cara , Wong Carin M. , Chew Felicia , Bieber Dawn Clayton , Leland Natalie E.
Published: July 2024

Non-pharmacological strategies are prioritized to manage dementia-related symptoms in nursing homes (NHs). A multiple-case study design, embedded within a pragmatic trial, examined NH staff perspectives of applying a team-based (TB) or problem-based dementia training program to resident care. A purposive sample of staff was recruited from 23 NHs to participate in one-on-one interviews, which were analyzed using a rapid qualitative approach. Both approaches yielded staff who were able to apply their training to resident care. Staff described similarities in communication strategies, family interactions, recognizing sources of behaviors, providing comfort, and ensuring resident safety. In addition, staff demonstrated increased self-efficacy when caring for residents. Differences emerged for team collaboration, engaging residents, and managing behaviors. Among TB staff, training impacted how staff cared for residents and increased teamwork. Leaders may want to consider the benefits of each approach as they deliberate on which dementia care training to provide to their staff.
“How do You Take that Much Time for One Person’s Life?” Experiences of Dementia Caregivers Who are Not Immediate Family
Authors: Lowers Jane , Brus Kaitlyn , Smith Colby , Kavalieratos Dio , Hepburn Kenneth , Perkins Molly M.
Published: July 2024

One in three people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias lives alone, without a spouse/partner or nearby children (i.e., is aging solo), yet most dementia caregiving research has focused solely on spouses or children. This study examined the experiences of friends, neighbors, siblings, and others providing unpaid care for someone with dementia. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 caregivers (100% female; age 54–85, mean 71; 93% white, 7% black; 29% friend, 29% sibling or in-law, 21% neighbor, 21% church congregant). Participants balanced three priorities: the person living with dementia’s quality of life, the person’s safety and well-being, and the caregiver’s resources. Caregivers described tensions when these priorities conflicted, such as the person with dementia’s goal to live alone versus risks to their physical safety. These findings and future research can inform policies and programs to support non-family dementia caregiving.
Exploring the household food-wasting behaviour: A bibliometric review
Authors: Liu Yang , Minamikawa Kazumitsu
Published: July 2024

Despite plenty of research recently conducted, household food waste still has not been comprehensively investigated. In view of this, we systematically reviewed the literature on this topic (using VOSviewer), made content analyses and identified several issues in these studies. This study aims to provide an in-depth review on household food waste research by highlighting the research gaps. Our findings indicate that the recent studies on household food waste can be broadly categorised into three interconnected segments: definition of food waste, cause analysis of household food waste and strategies for reducing household food waste. It was found that targeted strategies could reduce food waste by up to 27.85% in some regions. In addition, intervention strategies reduced total household food waste and avoidable food waste by 31% and 30%, respectively, showing excellent performance. This review highlights the importance of targeted research on consumer behaviour and regional conditions in reducing household food waste, as well as the necessity of working out solutions to household food waste within a common interest community.
Nordic biogas model in international contexts: Early-stage decision support for adaptation
Authors: Feiz Roozbeh , Kanda Wisdom
Published: July 2024

Global waste management challenges demand innovative and multi-functional solutions. The Nordic Biogas Model (NBM) based on anaerobic digestion of organic waste and valorization of its outputs provides several benefits beyond waste treatment such as energy recovery, nutrient recycling and climate impact mitigation. Despite these benefits, its international adoption remains limited, revealing an implementation gap. One way to address this gap is to adapt technology and knowledge from the provider to each specific context. This involves the embedding of the technology into the local context and the development of conditions such as formal and informal institutions over time. Based on decade-long interactions with Nordic companies and municipal decision-makers, we highlight the importance of communication between the technology provider and potential adopter, to ensure that the diverse sustainability benefits of NBM are acknowledged. Furthermore, most provider companies can benefit from a systematic guideline that supports early-stage decision-making as an essential component of the adaptation and implementation of the NBM in diverse international contexts. In this article, we offer suggestions for both: (1) how to better communicate the sustainability benefits of the NBM, and (2) how to assess the risk and opportunities of entering new markets at the early stages of decision-making.
“Imagine Growing Up Thinking the US is the Best Opportunity”: Immigrant Origin Youth of Color Supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement on Twitter
Authors: Quiles-Kwock Taina B. , Castro Elena Maker , Wilf Sara , Rudra Aditi , Bryant Lamont Stanley , Mathews Channing , Wray-Lake Laura
Published: July 2024

Immigrant origin youth are among the largest growing population in the United States of America (U.S.), and are important political agents for social change. This study examines how these youth engage in interracial solidarity, particularly in digital spaces. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the Twitter posts of 36 immigrant origin youth (ages 18–23; 62.5% women) from African/Afro-Latine, Latine, and Asian origins. We examined their posts about the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and racial justice for Black Americans in 2020. We found that immigrant origin youths’ identities as racial-ethnic minorities informed their support of BLM. Further, we found racial differences in digital action such that African-origin youth focused on celebrating Blackness and calling in peers of all races, while non-African origin youth strategically amplified the work of U.S.-origin Black Americans and called in allyship in their racial-ethnic communities. Lastly, we found that African-origin youth viewed their positionality within the BLM movement differently compared to their U.S.-born Black peers due to their different relationship to chattel slavery and anti-Blackness. This study suggests that scholars and practitioners can support immigrant origin youths’ sociopolitical development by incorporating an intersectional analysis of inequities to promote collective identification and mass mobilization.
Advancing equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in primary care: The development of an integrated educational experience model
Authors: Barber Cassandra , Beselt L. Jayne , Alcantara Jade , Jaffer Bizav , Bute-Seaton Kelly , Chong Wendy , Carver Tamara , MacNeill Heather , Salami Bukola , Sonnenberg Lyn K. , Rangel J. Cristian , LeBlanc Constance , Osei-Tutu Kannin , Bouka Aimée , Radhakrishnan Arun , Maniate Jerry M.
Published: July 2024

This article presents the development of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility (EDIA) Cross-Cutting Theme Project within the Team Primary Care (TPC) initiative, aimed at addressing systemic inequities through innovative educational strategies. Grounded in the social accountability of health professions framework, this project aims to equip primary care teams with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to promote health equity. The EDIA Integrated Educational Experience (IEE) model includes a self-assessment tool, digital learning space, and national mentorship network, providing a comprehensive approach for primary care teams to promote health equity. The IEE model utilizes a layered micro, meso, and macro approach to support cultural transformation within highly complex healthcare environments. Key lessons learned involve trust- and relationship-building processes to help dismantle historical silos and encourage open dialogue. Future efforts focus on implementation, ensuring adaptability, scalability, and sustainability, positioning the model as a catalyst for equitable primary care delivery.
Developing a system response to health and homelessness: The important role of health leaders
Authors: Graham Kate , Meyer Matthew
Published: July 2024

This article examines the role of health leaders in the early stages of a community response to address health and homelessness in London, Ontario. Specifically, we explore how leaders from large healthcare-providing organizations have influenced the dynamics of the entire community response. We argue that the high level of engagement from health leaders has been a key ingredient in the early successes of the new approach in London, in part because it validated the reframing of homelessness as a healthcare issue—importantly, changing perceptions about who shares the responsibility to address it.
Typical and Emerging Diagnostic MRI Features in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rovira Àlex , Auger Cristina , Sceppacuercia Sofía , Torres Carlos
Published: July 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands as the most sensitive paraclinical technique for detecting the demyelinating lesions characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, MRI plays a pivotal role in establishing an accurate and timely diagnosis of the disease, ultimately based on the application of the McDonald criteria. Early diagnosis is particularly important as it facilitates the prompt initiation of disease-modifying treatments, deemed most effective during the initial phases of MS. This review article examines the recommended standardized MRI protocol, as well as the classic imaging features of MS in the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord, capable of discriminating, in most cases, MS from other disorders that can mimic this disease. Additionally, novel MR imaging findings, such as the central vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesion, which have been proposed as new imaging biomarkers to enhance diagnostic specificity for MS, are also discussed. These emerging features are likely to be incorporated in the future iterations of the McDonald criteria, and therefore, radiologists should be familiar with their appearance and with the optimal MRI protocols required for their detection.
Dementia Specialty Care Clinicians’ Perspectives on Their Role in the Dementia Diagnostic Process and Diagnostic Disclosure
Authors: Sideman Alissa B. , Harrison Krista L. , Garrett Sarah B. , Paladino Joanna , Naasan Georges , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Delivering a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) can be challenging not just for patients and families, but also for clinicians. Our objective was to understand dementia specialty care clinicians’ perspectives on their role in diagnosis and diagnostic disclosure in dementia.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with clinicians from a specialty tertiary dementia care center focused on practices, challenges, and opportunities addressing patient and caregiver needs in dementia. Data was analyzed by an interdisciplinary team using thematic analysis.

Results

The 16 participants included behavioral neurologists, social workers, neuropsychologists, and nurses. Themes included the value of providing an accurate diagnosis, the timing and challenges of delivering a diagnosis, the central focus on diagnosis alongside the need for more education on care management, and the role of the interdisciplinary team.

Discussion

We identified areas for improvement and strengths that can be built upon or adapted to other settings, including providing clinicians in specialty and primary care settings more guidance and support when diagnostic challenges arise, strengthening interdisciplinary teamwork, and making dementia diagnosis and care more accessible.
(Re-)Vitalizing the Concept of Organization: Inspirations From Recent Social Theory
Authors: Jungmann Robert , Grothe-Hammer Michael , Andersen Niels Åkerstrøm
Published: July 2024

In this essay, we introduce recent debates on both concepts of organization and organization’s future. Since Max Weber’s ideas gained acceptance, there has been a strong link between social theory (rationalized modernity) and a concept of organization (bureaucracy) in organization theory as well as organizational sociology. Today, organizational scholarship challenges, but at the same time defends, this classical link. We argue that both positions can be substantiated empirically. This situation motivates a debate on updating and revitalizing the link between organizational concepts and social theories that we aim to put forward with this special issue of Critical Sociology. We discuss the assembled contributions in relation to this fundamental conceptual debate of organization research and conclude that the richness of social theories can still serve as an inspiration to explain recent organizational phenomena.
Measuring Consumer-Reported Quality of Life Among Recipients of Publicly Funded Home- and Community-Based Services: Implications for Health Equity
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P. , Duan Yinfei , Baker Zachary G. , Parikh Romil , Bucy Taylor , Jutkowitz Eric
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Despite an increased policy focused on home- and community-based services (HCBS), little is known about their quality of life (QoL)—a key measure of person-centered care. This paper addresses this gap by measuring consumers’ self-reported QoL and identifying factors associated with disparities in QoL.

Methods

We analyzed the 2015–2016 National Core Indicators–Aging and Disability survey for 3426 respondents in Minnesota, using factor analyses to identify latent QoL domains. Multivariable regression models identified predictors of QoL domains.

Results

Factor analyses identified three valid and reliable latent QoL domains: security, self-determination, and care experiences. Younger consumers with disabilities (versus consumers ≥65 years of age), minoritized racial/ethnic groups, consumers with hearing loss, without a spouse/domestic partner, and not living in consumer’s own/family home reported significantly lower QoL in various domains ( p < .001).

Discussion

Disparities in HCBS consumer-reported QoL exist, necessitating equitable reforms to improve HCBS quality for its increasingly diversified consumer base.
A quadrilateral non-classical microplate element considering the voltage effect
Authors: Korayem Moharam Habibnejad , Hefzabad Rouzbeh Nouhi
Published: July 2024

A quadrilateral non-classical Mindlin element that incorporates voltage effects was introduced for examining the bending and free vibration of piezoelectric multilayer plates. The model was developed to examine multilayer plates in the presence of voltage effects. Hamilton’s principle was initially employed to formulate the equation of motion for a multilayer Mindlin plate, considering both size and voltage effects. The equations of motion were resolved through the Galerkin’s method. The suggested element is a rectangular element featuring four-nodes, each possessing 15 degrees of freedom, accounting for both bending and stretching deformations. This element meets the requirements for C0 continuity and C1 weak continuity, and incorporates size and voltage effects. The results were examined with both experimental and analytical data. Upon investigating the voltage effect, it was found that the stiffness matrix depends on both the magnitude and sign of the voltage. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the natural frequencies of higher modes are less affected by voltage variations compared to lower modes. In the end, the model was compared to experimental results obtained from a multilayer microcantilever.
Optimization of twin grooved two-lobe textured hydrodynamic journal bearing design by using genetic algorithm
Authors: Yadav Saurabh K. , Khatri Chandra B. , Kumar Abhishek , Chaturvedi Sumita
Published: July 2024

Surface texture plays a role in enhancing the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings by reducing friction coefficients and increasing load-carrying capacity. However, its impact on the dynamic performance of the bearings remains largely unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the optimized surface texture of twin-grooved two-lobe hydrodynamic journal bearings using genetic algorithms. Through the optimization of surface texture, significant enhancements in the dynamic performance of the bearings, including improvements in fluid film damping, stiffness, and omega threshold speed, are achieved. Utilizing GA optimization, textured bearings demonstrate a remarkable enhancement in dynamic performance, with an impressive increase of 195.55% in omega threshold speed. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing bearing designs and stability, thereby contributing to advancements in tribological engineering.
Transverse vibration of laminated-composite-plates with fillers under moving mass rested on elastic foundation using higher order shear deformation theory
Authors: Parida Sarada Prasad , Jena Pankaj Charan , Das Sudhansu Ranjan , Basem Ali , Khatua Ajit Kumar , Elsheikh Ammar H
Published: July 2024

Usually, the laminated-composite-plates (LCPs) are strengthened by altering the constituents. The use of nano-particles as filler is a new approach in this regard. Here, flyash and graphene are used as fillers in epoxy-based woven E-glass fabric-reinforced LCPs. The LCPs are often subjected to moving mass/load in use and it becomes necessary to study their stability. Further, foundation support has an important role in structural stability. Here, the response of LCPs resting on elastic foundations to a moving load is studied. A fifth-order plate-theory based on Eringen’s non-local model for LCPS with filler is followed and validated with finite-element-analysis (FEA) and other literature. The effect of the intensity of moving mass, its position on LCP, speed, the material variant, foundation constant, and damping ratio on the dynamicity of LCPs is then reported. It is observed that masses moving on the LCP induce instability with frequency loss (FL) and increased dynamic amplitude ratio (DAR) in vibration. LCPs with the least FL and maximum DAR are more stable. Further, LCP with flyash (FLCP) is highly unstable with 18.5% FL for 10% moving load and GLCP (LCP with graphene) is the most stable (6% loss). Meanwhile, the DAR for GLCP is maximum (16.13%) at 140 m/s critical velocity of moving mass. Increasing the Pasternak co-efficient increases foundation stiffness and frequency whereas Winkler’s parameter has a negligible effect. The foundation without damping oscillates more critically (with a maximized DAR of 1.92) in comparison to the foundation with a damping ratio of 0.1 (DAR of 1.17).
Microstructural evolution of CrCuFeNiZn nanocrystalline high entropy alloy prepared by mechanical alloying
Authors: Rao K Raja , Soni Vinay Kumar , Seikh Asiful Hossain , Ghosh A , Sinha Sudip Kumar
Published: July 2024

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) have become the most researched structural materials in the scientific community during the last decade due to their attributes like excellent strength and wear resistance. In this research, CrCuFeNiZn HEA was prepared using mechanical alloying technique. Further, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of prepared HEA were carried out at various milling time intervals (10 min, 5 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, and 25 h) to determine solid solution formation. Results manifest that CrCuFeNiZn HEA exhibited BCC + FCC (dual phase) structure after 25 h of milling. Moreover, the crystallite size as measured from the XRD analysis for the 25 h milled powder was found to be 32.8 nm and lattice strain at the end of milling is calculated to be 0.428%. SEM-EDS analysis further confirms the homogeneous distribution of the constituting elements in the as-fabricated alloy aggregate.
Tightening performance analysis of bolted connection considering non-parallel contact
Authors: Li Ming , Yan Xing , Zheng Mingpo , Liu Zhifeng , Li Fuping , Li Ying
Published: July 2024

Bolted connection is one of the most widely used connection forms in various mechanical structures. However, the discretization of preload during tightening will be aggravated by the presence of geometric error caused by manufacturing. In this work, the geometric error transmitted by all parts of the bolted joint is equated to the existence of a certain wedge angle between the nut and the bearing surface of the connected part, that is, the nut and the bearing surface are in non-parallel contact. A torque-preload mathematical equation is theoretically established to account for non-parallel contact. On this basis, the relation between torque and preload deviation is considered to analyze the formation mechanism of preload deviation according to non-parallel contact. Subsequently, the influence of non-parallel contact on tightening performance was quantitatively analyzed by experiments and finite element. The analysis results showed that the tightening process under non-parallel contact can be divided into two stages: nonlinear increase stage and linear increase stage. Among them, the deviation mainly appears in the first stage. Tightening performance analysis herein is helpful to reduce the influence of geometric error on the preload control and further improve its reliability.
Vehicle adaptive cruise control strategy based on improved safe distance model for off-roads with changeable pavement and slope
Authors: Liu Hui , Guo Congshuai , Han Lijin , Nie Shida
Published: July 2024

Compared with the structured environment, off-road environment has complex and ever-changing road conditions. This paper is focused on the vehicle adaptive cruise task for vehicles driving on complex off-road terrain. Traditional ACC strategies do not take the complex road conditions into consideration, thus easily make the relative distance between vehicles unreasonable. To solve this problem, an off-road adaptive cruise control (OACC) strategy is proposed for off-roads with changeable pavement and slope. Firstly, the influence of road conditions and vehicle relative motion states on safe distance between vehicles have analyzed with the aim of developing a more reasonable space strategy for off-road conditions. Then, based on the analysis results, an improved safe distance model (ISDM) is proposed which take the influence factors into account comprehensively. The concept of road impact factor is proposed to prevent model degradation and effectively balance the influence of single road conditions and comprehensive factors on safe distance. Besides, target to improve the adaptability of ACC, a novel state space model has developed which can handle not only the change of vehicle motion states but also road conditions. In addition, the MPC-based OACC for off-road environment is proposed, which can enable the vehicle to better adapt to relative motion states and road conditions based on the novel state space model. Finally, the performance of OACC is verified by co-simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and Carsim, and a hardware-in-the-loop simulation system. Furthermore, the analysis of ISDM has conducted to illustrate the differences and similarities compared with the traditional safe distance models and to verify the effectiveness of ISDM. Simulation results show that the OACC and ISDM proposed in this paper have great performance in different off-road working conditions.
On the experimental results of functionally graded materials with computational mechanics approach: Review
Authors: Heidari Farshad , Taheri Keyvan , Janghorban Maziar
Published: July 2024

Functionally graded materials have been of great interest to researchers for the past two decades. The reason for this is that these materials have outstanding and special material properties compared to many other materials. One of the branches of engineering sciences that has studied these materials in particular during these years is computational mechanics. With this approach, especially static, vibration and buckling analysis, thousands of studies have been done on functionally graded materials. One drawback of these studies is that they are mostly done theoretically and the results of their modeling are not compared with laboratory results although one can find some experimental results in the literature. One reason for not comparing with experimental results could be that these experimental results are buried under tons of theoretical results and do not appear to researchers at all. Our aim in this mini-review is to bring some of these experimental results on functionally graded materials to the showcase for the attention of researchers. The experimental results presented in this article are categorized as follow: a) axially layered FG structure b) axially continuous FG structure c) layered FG structure with variation of properties in the thickness direction d) continuous FG structure with variation of properties in the thickness direction e) FG nanocomposite.
Microwave ablation on ex vivo porcine pancreas: The influence of ablation parameters on ablation results and fat liquefaction
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Gao Hongjian , He Huijing , Liu Ju , Xu Fan , Wu Shuicai , Zhou Jie , Cheng Zhigang
Published: July 2024

The pancreas is adjacent to critical organs; excessive microwave ablation (MWA) can result in serious complications. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reference data of pancreas MWA for clinicians, analyze the ablation outcomes under different ablation parameters, and determine the critical temperature of pancreatic surface fat liquefaction outflow. Combinations of two power levels (30 W and 55 W), three antenna diameters (1.3 mm, 1.6 mm, and 1.9 mm), and three ablation times (1 min, 1.5 min, and 2 min) were applied to an ex vivo pig pancreas. Temperature measurements were taken at four thermocouple points. The center point is located 5 mm horizontally from the antenna slot, with a temperature measurement point located 5 mm above, below, and to the right of the center point. Main effect analysis and variance analysis were used to quantify the influences of each factor on the ablation outcomes. At 30 W, the antenna diameter contributing the most at 48.5%. At 30 W–1.3 mm–1 min, the spherical index (1.41) is closest to 1. At 55 W, the coagulation zone size was almost only affected by the ablation time, with a contribution rate of 28.7%, the temperature at point C exceeds point B. On the surface of the ex vivo porcine pancreas, the fat outflow temperature was 54ã. Ablation combinations with low power, short duration, and small antenna diameter results in a more nearly spherical coagulation zone. When performing MWA on the pancreas, it is advisable to avoid areas with higher fat content, while keeping the pancreatic surface temperature below 54°C.
Rollet’s mixed chancre in an adult woman diagnosed in the state of Amazonas, Brazil: A case report
Authors: Maciel Marcel G , Andefiki Ubandoma , Fasogbon Ilemobayo V , Awache Ibrahim , Yakubu Michael N
Published: July 2024

Rollet’s Mixed Chancre is a clinical presentation of sexually transmitted infections (STI), involving the coexistence of Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum at the same site of infection. Here, we report a case of Rollet’s Mixed Chancre in a 32-year-old Brazilian woman. On physical examination she presented with a unilateral bubo measuring approximately 5 × 3 centimeters in diameter, in association with an ulcerated lesion that evolved for 10 days at the inguinal region. She was successfully treated at a health unit with antibiotics. Rollet’s Mixed Chancre, though uncommon, poses diagnostic challenges. This case highlights the importance of considering rare STI manifestations. Moreover, comprehensive STI screening and adherence to treatment guidelines are essential for effective management and prevention of further transmission.
Design, modelling and evaluation of a variable inertance bypass fluid inerter
Authors: Tran Kim Thach , Deng Lei , Jin Shida , Du Haiping , Quoc Nguyen Hung , Li Weihua
Published: July 2024

The inerter emerged as a mechanical analogy to the electrical capacitor, completing the force-current analogy. It operates as a one-port, two terminal device, where the equal and opposite forces at its terminals correlate with the relative acceleration between them. This relationship is governed by ‘inertance’, a quantity that bears the unit of mass, allowing inerters to exert inertial forces. Inerters have gained considerable traction, particularly in vibration control applications. Derived from their passive counterparts, variable inertance inerters enable active control of their inertance through integrated control mechanisms. This work presents the design, modelling and evaluation of a variable inertance inerter prototype dubbed the ‘Variable Inertance Bypass Fluid Inerter’ (VIBFI). An experimental prototype of the concept was designed, constructed and tested. Simultaneously, an effort to develop and validate a mathematical model of the VIBFI is thoroughly documented. Experimental results demonstrate the controllability of performance parameters of the device, including inertance and damping coefficients, through modulating the flow restriction of the bypass channel. The mathematical models derived for the device can serve as an estimate for its performance parameters, though further refinement is required.
Thermo-aeroelastic analysis of triangular composite plate with embedded shape memory alloy at supersonic flow
Authors: Zabihi Zabihulah , Dardel Morteza , Fathi Alireza
Published: July 2024

This work investigates the effectiveness of a shape-memory alloy (SMA) in controlling the instabilities of triangular composite plates under supersonic flow. Lagoudas’ quadratic polynomial hardening theory models the SMA effect. First-order piston theory was used for the aerodynamic modeling, and the reference-temperature method was used for modeling the thermal heating. The buckling and post-buckling behaviors were studied for different boundary conditions with four different layups. In addition, buckling and post-buckling of the composite plate, with and without shape memory alloy wire, has been studied. The effect of SMA wire on aeroelastic instabilities is accurately studied. The embedded SMA wire significantly increased the stability region (postpone divergence and flutter velocities) and buckling temperature. Also, the time responses of the triangular composite plate are determined at different Mach numbers, showing that by increasing the Mach number, the SMA wire can control or decrease the vibration amplitudes.
Forced to Choose Silence: Social Gaming with Disabilities
Authors: Baltzar Pauliina , Hassan Lobna , Turunen Markku
Published: July 2024

Background

Socialization during gaming is an important aspect of gaming for people with and without disabilities. However, we know little about how gamers with disabilities play with others.

Aim

This study investigated the social gaming experiences of individuals with disabilities focusing on research questions 1) Who do people with disabilities play with?, and 2) How do people with disabilities communicate while gaming?

Method

We conducted a survey study which focused on experiences of gaming with disabilities. In total 92 responses were analyzed.

Results

The results suggest that gamers with disabilities play digital multiplayer games locally and online with friends, family, strangers, and people they know. The most used communication methods were speech, text, and built-in features. However, some were not communicating at all due to a lack of suitable communication methods. Furthermore, communication varied depending on if the gaming was happening online or locally, and depending on the gaming companions.

Discussion

The results align with previous research indicating that people with disabilities engage in gaming with friends, family, and strangers similar to any other gamer. However, there is a lack of studies on how people generally communicate in games, nonetheless, as speech and text communication methods are most commonly seen in games, we can assume that they are the most used communication methods for all gamers.

Limitations and Future Research

This study has limitations both related to the survey questions and the survey participants. We cannot be sure if all understood the questions in the same way, furthermore, most of the participants were experienced Finnish gamers with physical disabilities which could have skewed the results. Further research is necessary to address these limitations and broaden the scope of the study's findings.

Conclusions

Based on the results, we argue that games should provide multiple means of communication to make social gaming more accessible.
Congruence Between Older Chinese Immigrants and Their Adult Children on Hospice Attitudes and Preferences: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Berkman Cathy
Published: July 2024

Objectives: This study investigates the alignment of awareness, attitudes, and preferences regarding hospice care between older Chinese immigrants and their adult children. Methods: Forty older Chinese immigrants and their adult children in New York City were assessed for their awareness, attitudes, and preferences for hospice care. McNemar’s and Cohen’s Kappa tests examined differences and congruence within parent-child dyads. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was employed for dyadic analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Discrepancies were observed between older parents and adult children, with the latter showing higher awareness and more positive attitudes toward hospice care compared to their parents. While 84.2% of older parents expressed willingness to accept hospice care, only 65.7% of their children believed their parents would desire hospice, and only 39.5% of children expressed a preference for hospice care for their parents. Kappa coefficients indicated poor-to-slight agreement within parent-child dyads, but there was a fair level of agreement in children’s perceptions of their parents’ preferences and their own preferences for parents. APIM revealed significant actor effects but nonsignificant partner effects, suggesting that parents’ and children’s preferences are influenced by their own attitudes, but not by those of other family members within the parent-child dyads. Conclusion: The incongruence in attitudes and preferences for hospice care between Chinese immigrant older adults and their children emphasizes the need for culturally-informed education and interventions to facilitate open conversations and ensure patient-centered end-of-life care for older Chinese immigrants.
Dos & Don’ts in Measuring Illuminance With Smartphones
Authors: Rodriguez Roberto Germán , Paviglianiti Valeria , Dumit Clarisa , Pattini Andrea
Published: July 2024

We explored the reliability of smartphones for measuring illuminance and discussed their use on occupational lighting assessments. In a 20–1000 lux range, we compared the illuminance readings from three Android applications on two smartphones versus a calibrated illuminance meter, and proposed seven calibration criteria. Mean non-calibrated smartphone measurements ranged between 28.36% and 37.58% above the reference illuminance. Two calibration criteria stood out: (i) single correction factor at the mean illuminance level (relative difference = 0.84%); (ii) power function (relative difference = −0.17%). We can state that properly calibrated smartphones might replace a low-end illuminance meter, and provide practical tips for measuring illuminance with smartphones.