bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Red Tape on Employability Competences of Teachers
Authors: Muylaert Jolien , Decramer Adelien , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Audenaert Mieke
Published: November 2024

Red tape forms a major threat to many public organizations around the world. Building on the Job Demands–Resources model, supplemented by arguments from the psychological process theory of red tape, this study explores how and when red tape affects teachers’ employability competences (i.e., balance, anticipation and optimization, and personal flexibility). Analyses ( N = 908 teachers; 92 school leaders) revealed a negative relationship between red tape, on one hand, and balance and personal flexibility, on the other hand, through perceived impact on work outcomes. Interestingly, the analyses also revealed that when organizations provide sufficient developmental rewards to their employees, the negative consequences of red tape on perceived impact are buffered, which indirectly also benefits employees’ balance and personal flexibility.
Type-2 fuzzy adaptive robust fault-tolerant control for manipulators with disturbance observer
Authors: Fan Yongqing , Zhang Yanlong , Li Zhen
Published: November 2024

A configuration of interval type-2 (IT2) fuzzy adaptive fault-tolerant control strategy is designed for the position trajectory tracking of cooperated robot manipulators carrying a common object. First, a non-zero time-varying parameter is installed in IT2 FLS, then a property of universal approximation of IT2 fuzzy logic system (FLS) is proposed, where the non-zero time-varying parameter has the relation with the approximation precision of IT2 FLS. Second, for the unknown compounded disturbance, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate it and is integrated into the IT2 adaptive control. To improve the approximation accuracies, the novel IT2 FLSs with non-zero parameter are utilized to compensate for the uncertain nonlinear terms with including the uncertainties and fault components in the system, the fault-tolerant control with some adaptive laws are established using the stability theory of barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), where the approximation accuracies can be modified online using the provided adaptive laws with neglecting the number of fuzzy rules, the computation burden of the proposed control is greatly reduced because of a small number of updated laws. Finally, the simulation results are compared with those of several existing control methods, which confirms the validity of the designed control approach.
Low Vision Among Students Attending Schools for Blind Students in Two States of North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Alfin Ruth Jeneral , Umar Fatima Hudu , Guar Fwangshak , Eseigbe Patricia , Lengmang Sunday
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Surveys conducted in schools for blind students have become useful alternatives to population-based surveys in generating data on childhood blindness and low vision. This survey determined the prevalence of low vision, causes of visual impairment, and the proportion of students requiring low vision devices and provided the low vision devices required. Methods: The study was conducted in three schools for blind students in two states of north-central Nigeria. The standard examination protocol of the World Health Organization’s Prevention of Blindness and Low Vision for Children (WHO, 2005) was used to interview and assess participants. The causes of visual impairment were categorized using the definitions in the coding instruments (WHO, 1988). Results: The study examined 170 eyes of 85 students between 7 and 49 years of age with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. Of the 83 (97.6%) students with visual impairments, 59 (69.4%) of them had low vision. The major anatomical sites of vision loss by eyes were the whole globe ( n = 84, 55.3%), followed by the lens ( n = 23, 15.1%) and the retina ( n = 21, 13.8%). Overall, the leading causes of visual impairment in eyes were glaucoma ( n = 52, 34.2%), retinitis pigmentosa ( n = 21, 13.8%), phthisis bulbi ( n = 16, 10.5%), cataract ( n = 14, 9.2%), and keratoconus ( n = 10, 6.6%). A total of 37 (43.5%) students were prescribed optical low vision devices, and 28 (32.9%) received nonoptical low vision devices. Discussion: A large number of the students in this study had low vision. They were prescribed and provided the low vision devices required. The causes of visual impairment were a mix of the patterns seen in both developing and developed countries. The finding of glaucoma as a more important cause of vision loss calls for improved efforts in screening, early detection, and treatment of glaucoma among children. Implications for Practitioners: Routine comprehensive visual assessment, refraction, and low vision assessment before enrollment will guard against improper school placements and enhance optimization of vision for those with low vision.
Angiofibrolipoma in the Head and Neck Region: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alkheder Ahmad , Azar Adel , Mustafa Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Angiofibrolipomas are rare, benign soft tissue tumors composed of mature fat cells, blood vessels, and fibrous connective tissue. Typically occurring in subcutaneous locations, this case report presents a unique instance of an angiofibrolipoma arising in the pharynx. According to our review of the literature, it is the second reported case in the pharynx and the sixth in the head and neck region. A 58-year-old woman presented with a 1 year history of globus sensation and an incidentally-discovered extra-oral polyp. Endoscopic examination revealed the polyp originating from the upper esophagus and extending into the pharynx. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the nature and extent of the lesion. The polyp was successfully removed via endoscopic resection, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of angiofibrolipoma. This case highlights the rarity of pharyngeal angiofibrolipomas and underscores the importance of endoscopic evaluation for patients presenting with ambiguous pharyngeal symptoms. While surgical resection is generally recommended for such tumors, endoscopic removal can be a safe and effective option for smaller pedunculated lesions.
South Korea’s Megacorp and super app: Kakao’s paths to market dominance
Authors: Kim Bohyeong
Published: November 2024

This paper traces Kakao’s corporate strategies—with a focus on conglomeration and valuation—in order to trace how the company’s trajectory led to its current status as a near-monopoly. Starting as a chat app which now has 43 million active users in South Korea, Kakao became a conglomerate by expanding its operations across different business sectors such as transportation, entertainment, fintech, etc. Kakao’s diversification of businesses and conglomeration should be understood in relation to its corporate strategies and forms, not as the natural outcome of technological innovation. Aspiring to become an entertainment conglomerate, not just a platform company, Kakao has expanded the scope of its business by acquiring start-ups and competitors, spinning off in-house startups as subsidiaries, and making strategic mergers between subsidiaries. Kakao has also placed greater focus on boosting valuation rather than profitability, a crucial strategy for leveraging high valuations to consolidate its market dominance. Tracing Kakao’s affinities to chaebol, I further propose a framework for thinking about the relationship between the state, tech, and finance. Collusion between the state and tech has occurred through deregulation, which has allowed tech companies to become financial capital.
A multilayer network-based framework for handling and comparing user histories in X
Authors: Bonifazi Gianluca , Cauteruccio Francesco , Corradini Enrico , Marchetti Michele , Ursino Domenico , Virgili Luca
Published: November 2024

In this article, we propose a framework that uses a multimodal multilayer network to build, manage and compare User Histories in X. A User History not only considers the contents of interest to the user, as is generally the case with a User Profile. In fact, it also records the set of interactions she has made with contents, the timestamps when they happened, and, ultimately, the history of her actions and behaviour. This provides a more comprehensive view of the user, her preferences and needs and paves the way to a number of additional applications. Most of them need to compare two User Histories to calculate their similarity degree. Our framework proposes two approaches, one naive and one refined, to perform this task. We also mention an application that, along with others already proposed in the literature, can greatly benefit from User Histories with the aim of fostering people inclusiveness. Finally, we describe a set of experiments we conducted to evaluate the goodness of the proposed framework.
Research perspectives of supply chain knowledge management: A bibliometrics study
Authors: Khanmirzaee Sama , Jafari Mostafa , Makui Ahmad , Teimoury Ebrahim
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this article is to present a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on knowledge management (KM) and supply chain (SC), provide an overview of research activities in this field and recognise its most substantial and fundamental aspects. In addition, this study aims to quantitatively analyse KM in SC in other words supply chain knowledge management (SCKM) research trends, forecasts and citations from 1999 to 2021 in Web of Science (WOS). A total of 499 documents related to SCKM research were collected from the following databases: SCI-EXPAND, SSCI, AHCI and ESCI. These documents were carefully reviewed and subjected to bibliometric data analysis techniques. We map the time trend, disciplinary distribution, high-frequency keywords and topics, major authors and influential publications to show emerging topics. Based on the findings of other researchers, many implications emerged that improve one’s understanding of the identity of SCKM as a distinct multi-discipline scientific field, and its publication has grown significantly since 2018. SC papers were published in engineering and Operations Research and Management Science journals, while the coverage of research topics related to KM and SCKM is broader and more interdisciplinary than those of SC papers. High-frequency keywords associated with SCKM research are listed. From the citation of 499 papers with both KM and SC as keywords, we find the most popular one.
Improving Persuasive Writing Outcomes With Technology for Students in an Alternative Special Education Program
Authors: Mergen Reagan L. , Evmenova Anya S. , Regan Kelley S. , Gafurov Boris , Hutchison Amy
Published: November 2024

A study using a multiple-baseline across participants design was conducted in an alternative education setting to examine the functional relation between students’ use of a technology-based graphic organizer (TBGO) with embedded self-regulated learning strategies on the quantity and quality of their persuasive essay writing. Three third- to fifth-grade students with writing difficulties and complex behavioral needs receiving services in an alternative special education program participated in the study. The dependent variables included the number of words, number of transition words, and writing quality scores across (a) baseline (writing on the computer without the TBGO), (b) TBGO-use phase (writing on a computer with the TBGO), and (c) maintenance (writing on the computer without the TBGO). The visual and statistical analyses of data indicated all participants improved the quality of their writing, and two students also increased the quantity of their writing across phases. Students’ self-efficacy for self-regulated learning in writing ratings were also monitored throughout the study. Results indicated an overall increase in their perceived self-efficacy for writing.
Extension of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model to university concert band performance
Authors: Rossin Emily G
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the 3 × 2 achievement goal model describes the goal orientations of university band students in two performance contexts. Students ( N = 183) enrolled in four concert band ensembles at two universities completed a goal orientation questionnaire, once in reference to personal music performance goals and once in reference to music performance goals as members of their university concert bands. The questionnaire, translated from the sports domain for use with musicians, measured the six goal orientations of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model: task-approach, task-avoidance, self-approach, self-avoidance, other-approach, other-avoidance. Results of confirmatory factor analyses indicate satisfactory fit of the six-factor model in the personal and ensemble contexts. In both contexts, the 3 × 2 model demonstrates better fit to the university band student data than ten alternative models. The model also demonstrates construct reliability and validity. Discussion includes evaluation of model fit differences between performance contexts. Future study of musician’s goal orientations could benefit from participant-level analysis and further examination of performance context differences. Continued development of a 3 × 2 achievement goal model scale for musicians could further bolster goal orientation research in the music domain.
A study of chemical composition and physical-mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate foams changes under conditions of extreme heating
Authors: Vlasov Ruslan R.
Published: November 2024

Polyurethane-polyisocyanurate rigid (PIR) foams are used as thermal insulation materials in a wide range of applications such as construction and pipe insulation. Some of the utilizations require the maximum operating temperature of these materials to reach extremely high temperatures. This work is devoted to the study of changes in the chemical composition and the main physical-mechanical and thermophysical characteristics of PIR foams subjected to prolonged extreme heating in the presence of the material direct contact with air and in its absence. Based on the results obtained, prolonged extreme heating of such materials leads to a significant change in their chemical composition, mainly due to the thermal decomposition of allophanate, urethane and urea linkages, as well as the gradual formation of uretidione, linear carbodiimide polymer and the oxidation of ethers to esters. The relative compressive strength of these materials changes only to a small extent, while the thermal conductivity of these materials increases significantly during heating.
Alternative archives: Researching politics with chunks of reality
Authors: Cheikhali Sarah , Higazy Ingy , Howard Mark , McLaughlin Henry , Segura-Ballar Gabriela , Sparke Matthew , Vitale Lucia
Published: November 2024

The challenges and opportunities of accessing empirical material present a puzzle insofar as they index simultaneously the politics of research archives and the positionality of researchers. Today, amid increasing authoritarianism, disinformation, and the obstacles created by the securitisation and privatisation of data, access to reliable information is frequently blocked or complicated by the interests of political management, corporate monopoly, and surveillance capitalism, as well as by institutional and personal constraints on researchers. At the same time, digital archives, social media, blogs, diverse global communications, and even the information management tools of authoritarian and corporate control, create innumerable alternative access points for research. In this article, we describe all of these other access points as ‘alternative archives’, and, in doing so, we also seek to highlight three overlapping definitions of their alternative status in terms of (1) empirical, (2) counter-hegemonic, and (3) epistemic meanings. We next provide five state-of-the-art examples of overcoming research obstacles due to state-of-the-world developments in surveillance capitalism, securitisation, authoritarianism, information control, and human insecurity, suggesting that we can learn from obstacles to research as well as the alternatives.
The early decline in platelet count is associated with increased adverse outcomes in non heparin-induced thrombocytopenia pediatric patients undergoing VA-ECMO
Authors: Jin Yu , Wang He , Zhou Chun , Zhang Peiyao , Lin Zhangyu , Wang Wenting , Gao Peng , Liu Jia , Liu Jinping
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The impact of non heparin-induced thrombocytopenia on the clinical outcomes for pediatric cardiac surgery patients who required veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane support (VA-ECMO) for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between thrombocytopenia and prognosis in these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 96 pediatric patients (age < 18) who received VA-ECMO directly transitioned from CPB at Fuwai Hospital from January 2010 to June 2020. The association between relative decrease in platelet count (△PLT) post-ECMO 24 h and clinical outcomes was explored.

Results

There were significant differences in Post-ECMO 24 h platelet counts, platelet count nadir, and duration of platelet decline between the survivors and non-survivors in CPB-ECMO groups. A positive correlation was found between △PLT post-ECMO 24 h and plasma-free hemoglobin (pFHb) ( p = .014, r = 0.305), peak serum creatinine ( p = .016, r = 0.299), peak AST ( p = .014, r = 0.302), duration of platelet transfusion ( p = .032, r = 0.270),The △PLT post-ECMO 24 h had predictive value on in-hospital mortality [( p < .001, AUROC = 0.781 (95% CI: 0.670–0.892)], massive bleeding ( p = .001, AUROC 95% CI: 0.627–0.870), hemolysis ( p = .046, AUROC 95% CI: 0.510–0.780), and nosocomial infection ( p = .020, AUROC 95% CI: 0.536–0.801). Multivariate logistic regression showed that △PLT post-ECMO 24 h was associated with in-hospital mortality and hemolysis.

Conclusions

The relative early decrease in platelet count 24 h following transition to ECMO is associated with increased patient mortality, and is positively associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery patients transferred from CPB to ECMO. Moreover, this decline rate can predict in-hospital survival, major bleeding, hemolysis, and hospital-acquired infections.
The COVID-19 Shock Through the Lens of the Spanish Sales Daily Data: Modeling and Seasonal Adjustment Challenges
Authors: Cuevas Ángel , Quilis Enrique M.
Published: November 2024

We explore the impact of the COVID-19 shock on a very high frequency indicator: the Spanish daily sales data compiled by the Tax Agency. Firstly, we present a detailed list of the issues related to its modeling, its decomposition (trend, seasonality, and irregularity) and its final seasonal adjustment, which requires a set of deterministic factors linked mostly to calendar effects. Then, we assess the impact of the COVID-19 shock on these tasks. This assessment provides a timely perspective on the evolution of the shock and the challenges that it posed for modeling and seasonal adjustment, clearly related to its unusual and extreme features. The aim of the paper is eminently empirical and dominated by the need to square the unprecedented shock with the available methods and software in a computing environment centered on the R programming language. The methodology draws heavily on a structural approach and it is currently in use by the Tax Agency to compile and disseminate its daily sales data.
Implementing Reform: Approaches to Alter the Use of Local Jail for People with Behavioral Health Conditions
Authors: Mackey Benjamin J. , Ramezani Niloofar , Viglione Jill , Thurman Teneshia , Johnson Jennifer E. , Taxman Faye S.
Published: November 2024

To reduce the overrepresentation of people with behavioral health conditions in jails, jurisdictions have implemented evidence-based programs/policies (EBPPs) and treatments (EBTs). Using survey data from 519 U.S. counties, the present study classifies and evaluates the impact of strategies used to implement EBPPs and EBTs. Exploratory factor analysis identified four implementation approaches (i.e., clusters of strategies) which counties utilize to different extents depending on their population size: Relationship-Building among agencies (α = .911), infrastructural Capacity-Building (.788), developing Quality Programming (.880), and establishing Shared Definitions of key terms (.913). Relationship-Building and Shared Definitions were significant predictors of increased county-level availability of EBPPs and EBTs. These findings indicate that approaches focusing on interagency collaboration appear especially impactful. However, strategies that require more resources (viz. Capacity-Building) are underutilized. For smaller and/or rural counties with limited resources, an initial emphasis on interagency collaboration approaches can yield positive outcomes, as these require less initial investment and appear especially versatile.
Technical Properties of the ClassMaps Survey
Authors: Doll Beth , Haider Farya , Jeffries Jay
Published: November 2024

More than a decade after two comprehensive examinations of the technical properties of the ClassMaps Survey (CMS), this study reexamined the structure and internal consistency of the scale and, for the first time, examined its measurement invariance across gender and school levels. Participants were 1,083 elementary and middle level students from a diverse northeastern school district. Students had completed the CMS as part of their district’s evaluation of its bullying prevention program; the deidentified results were shared with researchers with approval of the district school board. Results of a seven-factor confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items loaded on their respective subscale, exhibited adequate model fit (CFI = 0.91; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .07), and communicated good internal consistency (α = .78 to .92). Partial strong invariance was demonstrated across gender groups and school level groups. Gender effects, school level effects, and gender by school level interactions were demonstrated for some subscales. The collective results support the use of the CMS to support planning and refining classroom routines and practices that promote students’ classroom autonomy and effective relationships.
The Impact of Violent Media Content and Knowledge of Viable Responses to Cyberviolence on Good Citizenship Behavior Among South Korean Adolescents
Authors: Lee Eugene , Schulz Peter , Lee Hye Eun
Published: November 2024

Exposure to cyberviolence among adolescents has become a societal issue in the media-saturated world. In this study, we examine whether or not exposure to violent media content, victimization or perpetration experiences, parental and teacher intervention, susceptibility, knowledge of viable responses when exposed to cyberviolence, and awareness of legal consequences influence the witnessing of cyberviolence among adolescents. Additionally, we investigate the characteristics that lead to good citizenship behavior when adolescents witness cyberviolence. We analyzed annual national survey data from 2018 to 2022 among adolescents in South Korea, including data collected from students ranging from grades 4 to 12. There were patterns that existed across five survey years; adolescents who were more exposed to violent media content, who were younger, and who experienced being perpetrators were more likely to be in an environment where they witnessed cyberviolence. The results also showed that less exposure to violent media content and knowing viable responses when witnessing cyberviolence increased the likelihood of adolescents adopting good citizenship behaviors. Educating adolescents about viable actions they can take when witnessing cyberviolence can lead to good citizenship. Making the online ecosystem a safe space for adolescents requires the attention of several parties: adolescents, parents, teachers, and online platforms.
Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Mental Distress According to Caregiver Status: Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022
Authors: Ogunjesa Babatope Ayokunle , de Andrade Leão Otávio Amaral , Aguiñaga Susan , Schwingel Andiara , Raj Minakshi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To (1) examine how physical activity and sedentary behavior are related to mental distress and (2) identify and compare how various levels of sedentary behaviors may differentially predict mental distress after accounting for physical activity, among caregivers vs non-caregivers.

Design

Cross-sectional secondary data.

Setting

National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey Cycle 6 fielded online from March-November 2022.

Participants

U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Measures

The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 was administered along with caregiving status, moderate weekly physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Analysis

After applying population weights, we conducted multiple adjusted logistic regression models and estimated predictive margins to understand whether a specific dose of sedentary behavior (hours/day) is associated with risk of mental distress, at different levels of physical activity.

Results

Caregivers (15.41% of sample) reporting 10-hour of daily sedentary behavior were significantly more likely to experience mental distress, than those reporting lower amounts of sedentary behavior (OR = 3.372, 95%CI = 1.968, 5.776, P < 0.001). Regardless of physical activity amount, 10 hours of sedentary behavior may be a risk factor for mental distress among non-caregivers. Just 6 hours of sedentary behavior may be related to mental distress among caregivers.

Conclusion

Physical activity interventions tailored to caregivers’ needs, responsibilities, and circumstances are required. Innovative methodologies are needed to understand caregivers’ daily behaviors and the intensity of their caregiving activities.
Hype in the Public Communication of Science-Intensive Entrepreneurship: An Analysis of the Spanish Radio Show ‘Los Revolucionarios’
Authors: Arboledas-Lérida Luis
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the phenomenon of hype in the public communication of science-intensive entrepreneurship. It analyses 70 episodes of the Spanish radio show ‘Los Revolucionarios’, encompassing the two complete seasons of emissions (2022–2024). It conducts a content analysis that aims to determine the main features of the companies whose technologies are showcased in ‘Los Revolucionarios’, to elucidate whether ‘Los Revolucionarios’ conveys a hyped representation of science-intensive entrepreneurship, and, finally, to disclose whether nationalist ideologies may underpin the content of the show. The main conclusion is that science-intensive entrepreneurship has been greatly ‘hyped’ in ‘Los Revolucionarios’. The primary indicator in this respect is that the frequency of mentions to benefits or advantages of the technologies showcased trebles the number of references to risks, threats or limitations. Results from other analytic categories lend further support to this conclusion. In turn, the analysis refutes our preliminary hypothesis that there might be a nationalist component underpinning the content of ‘Los Revolucionarios’, thus nuancing and qualifying the findings made in previous studies. The ultimate aim of this paper is to lay the groundwork for more theoretically and empirically oriented research that addresses the public communication of science and technology from a critical perspective.
Influence of dynamic complexity on serial robots with joint clearance based on a nonlinearity measure
Authors: Yang Mingjian , Jiang Mian , Xie Lingbo , Chen Yong
Published: November 2024

Conditional monitoring and diagnosis of serial robots depend not only on the method used but also on the dynamic complexity of the robotic system itself. Previously, researchers have focused mainly on the analysis of dynamic behaviors with different parameters of a mechanical system with clearance. Although the indicators such as Root Mean Square (RMS), spectrum kurtosis (SK), Entropy have the potentiality to express the specific trend by different parameters, it can be noticed that they mainly depend on the values of the dynamic responses and neglect the information of the nonlinear characteristics in the responses of mechanical systems. In this paper, a nonlinearity measure-based method is proposed to analyze the impact of dynamic complexity on serial robots with joint clearance. The kinetic equations of a serial robot with joint clearance are established by considering the contact forces in the joint. The dynamic model of the robotic system is validated by experiments. A quantization method for dynamic complexity analysis is established based on the nonlinearity measure, and the influences of parameters on the dynamic complexity are analyzed via numerical computations for the validated dynamical models of the robotic system. A relationship is developed among the clearance radius, friction coefficient, and dynamic complexity. This shows that a larger clearance radius will lead to a more complex system and that friction coefficients within a certain range can reduce the dynamic complexity of the system. These results can guide methodological choices for condition monitoring and diagnosis of serial robotic systems.
Research on the effect of grinding force on the axial ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding of Ti-6Al-4V with multi-grain conical grinding head
Authors: Li Yuqin , Son Hosung
Published: November 2024

A multi-grain conical grinding head capable of performing both peripheral and end-face grinding was created in Abaqus to simulate conventional grinding (CG) and axial ultrasonic-assisted vibration grinding (AUVAG) on Ti-6Al-4V alloy. A comparative analysis was conducted to examine the effects of key grinding parameters on the fluctuation amplitude and mean value of grinding forces in CG and AUVAG. The mechanism of ultrasonic vibration’s influence on grinding forces was analyzed, and a theoretical model for normal and tangential grinding forces in peripheral grinding of Ti-6Al-4V was established. Additionally, the surface morphology of CG and AUVAG was analyzed. The study found that the fluctuation amplitude of grinding forces in both AUVAG and CG increases with the axial grinding depth, feed rate, ultrasonic amplitude, and ultrasonic frequency, while it decreases with increasing spindle speed. However, the fluctuation amplitude in AUVAG is greater than that in CG. The average grinding forces in both CG and AUVAG increase with the grinding depth and feed rate, and decrease with the spindle speed. Compared to CG, the mean F x ([Formula: see text]) and F y ([Formula: see text]) are lower in AUVAG, while the mean F z ([Formula: see text]) is higher. Under different axial grinding depths, the maximum reduction in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for AUVAG is 4.70% and 5.18%, respectively, while the maximum increase in [Formula: see text] is 77.48%. At different feed rates, the maximum reduction in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for AUVAG is 3.02% and 21.01%, respectively, while the maximum increase in [Formula: see text] is 81.67%. Under different spindle speeds, the maximum reduction in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is 7.20% and 17.82%, respectively, and the maximum increase in [Formula: see text] is 281%. As the ultrasonic amplitude and frequency increase, [Formula: see text] significantly rises, but the effect on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is weak. AUVAG improves the surface quality of the specimen.
A method to optimal design the geometric parameters of a foldable flapping wing based on quasi-steady aerodynamics
Authors: Jingjing Zhang , Jinglin Luo , Xuhang Wu
Published: November 2024

Compared to rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, foldable flapping wing aircraft have more significant advantages. Most foldable flapping wing aircraft (FFWA) are designed based on bionics of birds directly. However, the geometric parameters of these aircraft have been analyzed or optimized to improve a FFWA’s flight performance rarely. To improve FFWA’s flight performance and reduce the dependence on the thrust, a method to optimal design a foldable flapping wing geometric parameters based on aerodynamics has been proposed in this paper. First, a quasi-steady lifting line theory of foldable flapping wings was derived, and the expression of its lift in the vertical direction was obtained based on aerodynamics. Then, a typical FFWA model was taken as the studied object and an objective function to obtain the maximum lift in the vertical direction of a cycle was put forward. Third, we analyzed the relationship of some key geometrical parameters of the inner and outer wings of the FFWA model in terms of the requirements and capabilities of the objective function. Finally, we optimized the key geometrical parameters by using genetic algorithm. The angle between inner wings decreased from 132.58° to 16.59° and the angle between the inner wing and the outer wing decreased from 105.60° to 29.56° at the highest position, which were more similar to the flight status of birds. The outer wings were expanded more rapidly and the movement range of the outer wing tip was wider after optimization. The lift of the optimized aircraft increased with 110% by calculation.
Experimental measurement of track irregularities in EMS maglev systems using the mid-chord offset method and inverse filtering technology
Authors: Zong Lingxiao , Hu Junxiong , Pan Mengchun , Zhang Qi , Ma Weihua
Published: November 2024

Track irregularities are the main factors causing changes in suspension stability and vibrations in EMS (Electro-magnetic Suspension) maglev trains. Due to the scarcity of actual measurement data on EMS maglev track irregularities, this paper utilizes the principles of the mid-chord offset method to develop a track irregularity detector with a 1-m test chord length. Tests were conducted on the maglev line in Qingyuan, Guangdong. Based on the “using small to predict large” algorithm, data simulating a 3-m test chord length were output. The experimental data were processed to remove trend items and outliers, and an inverse filter was designed to counteract the amplitude gain error of the mid-chord offset method, obtaining accurate data on vertical and lateral track irregularities. The results show that the amplitude and power spectral density (PSD) fluctuations of track irregularities on the left and right rails of the measured line section are similar, with height irregularities of 2.5–3 mm and alignment irregularities of 1–1.5 mm. Periodic wavelength components related to the longitudinal spacing of sleepers, rail length, and beam span, such as 1.2 m, 6.5 m, 12.5 m, and 25 m, are evident, highlighting the need for enhanced inspection and maintenance of these structural components in engineering projects.
Numerical investigation on the impact of injection rates on cooling performance in a rotor-stator cavity with liquid nitrogen spraying
Authors: Yang Xuesen , Zhao Wei , Ren Sanqun , Zhang Binglong , Hu Bin , Zhao Qingjun
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the steady-state cooling performance in a rotor-stator cavity with liquid nitrogen spraying under dimensionless mass flow rate ( C ω) ranging from 1760 to 7040. The disc temperatures are set at 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C, respectively. For all the cases, the rotational speed of the rotor is consistently set at 1000 revolutions per minute. A validated numerical method based on the Volume of Fluid (VOF) technique for simulating two-phase flows, incorporating evaporation-condensation effects, is established and verified using transient test data. The study investigated the influence of injection rates and heating temperatures on heat transfer coefficient distributions. It was found that the peak heat transfer can reach up to 4015.1 W/(m2·K). Higher injection rates lead to an increase in the spray cone angle, aiding in enhancing temperature uniformity. A comparison of liquid nitrogen discharge coefficients under superheated and subcooled conditions highlights the significant impact of flash evaporation within the nozzle on the spray cone angle and flow rate stability. In instances where liquid nitrogen is highly subcooled, the discharge coefficient closely resembles that of water. Furthermore, a new correlation for the local Nusselt number is established as a function of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] using an exponential relationship, with a relative error not exceeding ±10%.
Legal dissemination protections in community-based participatory health equity research
Authors: Boutain Doris M , Sanon Rosemberg Marie-Anne , Kim Eunjung , Evans-Agnew Robin A
Published: November 2024

Background

There are legal protections for nurse researchers at public universities who employ community-based participatory research (CBPR) in research about social or health inequities. Dissemination of CBPR research data by researchers or participants may divulge unjust laws and create an imperative for university involvement.

Research Question

What are United States-based legal dissemination protections for CBPR health equity nurse researchers?

Research Design

Three case examples employing CBPR are examined: 1) a mixed methods study with participants reporting illegal discrimination in a municipal initiative about capacity building in community-based organizations serving children; 2) a visual methods study exposing potential clean air law violations in environmental justice research; and 3) a study examining workload violations and illegal discrimination among hotel workers.

Participants and Research Context

The cases involved participants from protected social class backgrounds. The research is described with respect to: background, funding, research purpose, and research team; research participants’ power and legal vulnerability; dissemination of relevant research information balancing vulnerability and power; research dissemination issues; potential legal issues involved; and laws researchers may use.

Ethical Considerations

IRB approval was obtained for the studies. Using a social justice ethical framework, studies highlight actual or potential legal aspects of data dissemination in the context of gathering data about injustice.

Findings

Legal protections for research data dissemination, whistleblower protection, research advancement protection, anti-harassment protection, false claims, defamation, and visual data liabilities are described.

Conclusion

Knowledge of legal research data dissemination protections is an essential competency for nurse researchers invested in uplifting social justice.
Predicting THE Determinants of Mobile TV Adoption in an Emerging Market: Moderating Effect of Gender and Age
Authors: Madan Khushbu , Yadav Rajan , Sachar Dimpy
Published: November 2024

This article focuses on the impact of consumer-centric factors on the adoption of mobile TV in an emerging market, considering the widespread use of mobile technologies worldwide. It aims to explore the motivations behind users’ utilization of mobile TV and over-the-top platforms in the era of digitalization. The study identifies eight independent factors affecting mobile TV adoption intention, grouped using a three-dimensional THE (technology, human, and environment) framework. Data was collected from 324 smartphone users to test the hypothesized relationships using covariance based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) analysis. Further, moderating effect of gender and age was studied on the proposed relationships. The findings revealed that factors such as cost, content, perceived enjoyment, individual viewing experience, social influence, and convenience play a significant role in the successful adoption of mobile TV. On the other hand, app switching and technology readiness were found to be statistically insignificant. The results offer valuable insights to industry players regarding consumers’ adoption behaviour of mobile TV, helping them minimize business risks and focus their efforts, resources, and investments on profitable innovations. The study is first of its kind in India and adds two relatively new factors, that is individual viewing experience and app-switching, to the existing literature on technology adoption theories.
Generation Z: Navigating Conflict Resolution Strategies at the Workplace Through Their Intimacy Styles
Authors: Singh Ramini , Kurian Shaji , Sivagnanasundaram M.
Published: November 2024

Drawing on the interpersonal model of intimacy and the dual concern model, this study utilizes structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the relationships between workplace intimacy and conflict management styles, with a particular focus on Generation Z. The research examines how different levels of intimacy influence employees’ approaches to conflict resolution, including compromising, negotiating and avoidance strategies. A survey of 203 individuals with less than three years of workplace experience examines the hypothesis that conflict management styles (CMSs) are shaped by the ability to establish intimate relationships, incorporating self-disclosure, responsiveness and feelings of validation. Findings indicate that individuals with high levels of intimacy are more likely to adopt compromise and negotiation styles in conflict management, suggesting that employees who cultivate close, trusting relationships are more likely to engage in collaborative problem-solving. Conversely, the study found no significant correlation between intimacy and avoidance-based CMS, such as withdrawal and resignation. This suggests that while intimacy fosters constructive conflict resolution, it does not necessarily influence an individual’s tendency to avoid conflicts. The results highlight the importance of fostering workplace intimacy to enhance effective conflict resolution and suggest areas for further research, particularly in understanding the unique conflict management behaviours of Generation Z. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical implications of these findings, their practical applications in organizational settings, and recommendations for future research on workplace intimacy and conflict management.
Fraudulent Participation in Online Qualitative Studies: Practical Recommendations on an Emerging Phenomenon
Authors: Mistry Khaylen , Merrick Sophie , Cabecinha Melissa , Daniels Susanna , Ragan John , Epstein Miran , Lever Louisa , Venables Zoe C. , Levell Nick J.
Published: November 2024

Fraudulent participation is defined in the following as participation in research by individuals who, for one reason or another, intentionally provide false responses. Qualitative studies are at an increased risk of fraudulent participation when online recruitment and participation are used, and monetary incentives offered. Fraudulent participation threatens data quality and subsequent evidence-based practice, yet validated guidance on how to tackle it is lacking. This paper offers a critical reflection thereon by three separate qualitative research groups that experienced fraudulent participation in collaboration with a patient representative, a bioethicist, a legal expert, a journal deputy editor, and a chief executive of a national charity. The Prevent FRaudulent Online STudy participation (P-FROST) recommendations provide advice on (1) Study set-up (including team members and study design), (2) Monetary incentives and recruitment, (3) Data collection (screening and interview considerations), and (4) Analysis, reporting, and support. The reflection which balances the diverse perspectives of patients, researchers, funders, ethics boards, and legal teams puts forward the P-FROST recommendations to identify and prevent fraudulent participation throughout the design, ethical approval, and implementation of online qualitative research.
Early Palliative Care in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jie , Cheng Wei , Du Jie , Li Yamin
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the efficacy of Early Palliative Care (EPC) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a meta-analysis approach.

Methods

A computerized search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the application of EPC in advanced NSCLC. Outcome measures including Overall Survival (OS), quality of life, and psychological status were extracted and subjected to pooled analysis.

Results

After the computerized search, a total of 7 studies comprising 1185 participants were included, with 597 patients receiving EPC intervention and 588 patients receiving Standard Care (SC) intervention. Three studies reported OS after the intervention, demonstrating a significant improvement in OS for patients receiving EPC (pooled HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.98). Five studies analyzed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scores after the intervention, revealing a significant improvement in FACT scores for patients receiving EPC (pooled SMD = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.31). No significant differences were found in anxiety and depression scores between the 2 interventions in the 5 studies.

Conclusion

In advanced NSCLC, EPC provides benefits in terms of increased survival rates and improved quality of life. EPC should be considered as part of multidisciplinary treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC.
From Social to Purchase: Customer Selection in Social Group Buying
Authors: Cheng Yan , Lin Shaochong , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: November 2024

Social scope group buying has emerged as an increasingly popular promotional strategy and has served as a new customer acquisition tool. In the service industry, companies use social group buying (SGB) to recruit new customers and promote full-price products. Through SGB activities, customers can trade their social capital to form buying groups, experience SGB-offered sample products, and further alleviate uncertainty regarding expensive full-price products before making a final purchase. We investigate this novel SGB phenomenon by examining customers’ decisions throughout the “experience-conversion” process. In collaboration with a leading online educational platform, we examine customers’ grouping behavior during SGB activities and analyze their subsequent purchases. Our analysis reveals an interesting pattern in which non-grouped customers have a higher proportion of full-price product purchases than grouped customers. We postulate that, in addition to observations from operational data, unobserved social information is important for gaining a deeper understanding of the customer behaviors underlying this pattern. Employing a Bayesian learning framework, we model customers’ three-stage discrete-choice decision-making processes and quantify two influential social information factors: social cost and social learning. By incorporating social information, our Bayesian learning model demonstrates improved effectiveness in assisting companies with accurately predicting final purchases in the conversion process. We provide actionable insights into how companies can employ our model to strategically tailor SGB designs by customer segments to increase overall purchase rates. Our study sheds light on the significance of social information in enhancing customer management and refining SGB design.