bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of charge motion on knock and thermal efficiency under high load condition of a heavy-duty natural gas engine
Authors: Wei Zhangning , Yue Zongyu , Ning Dezhong , Qin Yufeng , Sheng Li , Zheng Zunqing , Yao Mingfa
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, the carbon-neutral trend and the crude oil crisis have brought natural gas into increasing focus. However, heavy-duty engines fueled by natural gas have been plagued by thermal efficiency and knocking limitation problems. Well-structured charge motions can enhance thermal efficiency and concurrently mitigate knock, however, there is a lack of comprehensive work involving charge motions. In this paper, numerical simulation is employed to investigate the impact of charge motion on knock and thermal efficiency under high load conditions for a heavy-duty spark-ignition natural gas engine. The findings indicate that in the configuration with intense swirl, the diminished turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) at the combustion chamber’s base lessens the convective heat exchange between the fresh charge and the heated exhaust gases, resulting in a noticeable high-temperature zone and triggering hot spots. In configurations with inclined swirl and strong tumble motion, the extensive tumble motion near the spark plug region close to top dead center leads to an asymmetric flame front shape, determining the location of hotspots. The research also revealed that excessive tumbling motion and TKE can increase the likelihood of engine knock, while appropriate cylinder charge motion can improve the knock resistance of the engine to some extent, the maximum reduction in knocking intensity can reach 92.5%. The optimized combustion systems can significantly improve the initial combustion rate, shorten the ignition delay period, and advance the combustion center. With the combined effects of ignition timing and charge motion, the total indicated specific power per unit of fuel mass is increased in the optimized systems. Compared to the original combustion system, the indicated thermal efficiency within the knocking boundary can be improved by 1.11%.
Application of multi draw radius deep draw die for increase in formability of redrawn cylindrical cups
Authors: Thipprakmas Sutasn , Jankree Rudeemas , Rojananan Siriporn
Published: October 2024

Currently, deep drawing and redrawing are the primary methods used to create beverage cans. Research to increase the efficiency of this procedure is ongoing. This study aimed to improve the formability of redrawn cups by proposing a new technique, wherein a multi-die radius (MDR) die was used as a deep drawing die for producing deep-drawn cups and then redrawn once more to create the redrawn cup. It was found that a more uniformly deformed grain microstructure evolutions and cup wall thickness around the cup were achieved in the case of the MDR deep-drawing process compared with the conventional deep-drawing process. However, using the MDR deep-drawn cups to fabricate redrawn cup, the formability in terms of LDR could not be increased. However the formability in terms of cup wall thickness can be significantly increased by approximately 7% thicker.
The view from ‘My Pitch’: Homeless voices in The Big Issue during the cost-of-living crisis
Authors: Harkins Steven , Lugo-Ocando Jairo
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a framing analysis of 12 editions of The Big Issue published in the last 3 months of 2023. The study employs framing analysis to investigate the language used by the magazine to report on poverty and homelessness. The paper analyses the ‘My Pitch’ column which represents the voice of the often-homeless vendors who sell the magazine. Using Entman’s approach to framing we analyse how individuals with lived experience of poverty and homelessness define the causes and solutions to poverty and homelessness. Furthermore, the paper offers a critical examination of the claims of the magazine to provide a platform for marginalised voices. We find that the magazine offers a platform for people with lived experience of poverty and/or homelessness to have their voices heard, although the My Pitch column offers limited space to inform the magazine’s readers of the wider context of homelessness. It also reinforces social enterprise solutions to poverty and homelessness. This framing avoids discussing shortfalls in the UK welfare system although the narrative logic of these profiles offers latent evidence of welfare dysfunction.
Joint modeling of zero-inflated longitudinal measurements and time-to-event outcomes with applications to dynamic prediction
Authors: Ganjali Mojtaba , Baghfalaki Taban , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: October 2024

In this article, we present a joint modeling approach for zero-inflated longitudinal count measurements and time-to-event outcomes. For the longitudinal sub-model, a mixed effects Hurdle model is utilized, incorporating various distributional assumptions such as zero-inflated Poisson, zero-inflated negative binomial, or zero-inflated generalized Poisson. For the time-to-event sub-model, a Cox proportional hazard model is applied. For the functional form linking the longitudinal outcome history to the hazard of the event, a linear combination is used. This combination is derived from the current values of the linear predictors of Hurdle mixed effects. Some other forms are also considered, including a linear combination of the current slopes of the linear predictors of Hurdle mixed effects as well as the shared random effects. A Markov chain Monte Carlo method is implemented for Bayesian parameter estimation. Dynamic prediction using joint modeling is highly valuable in personalized medicine, as discussed here for joint modeling of zero-inflated longitudinal count measurements and time-to-event outcomes. We assess and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint models through extensive simulation studies, with a specific emphasis on parameter estimation and dynamic predictions for both over-dispersed and under-dispersed data. We finally apply the joint model to longitudinal microbiome pregnancy and HIV data sets.
A Bayesian beta-binomial piecewise growth mixture model for longitudinal overdispersed binomial data
Authors: Wen Chun-Che , Baker Nathaniel , Paul Rajib , Hill Elizabeth , Hunt Kelly , Li Hong , Gray Kevin , Neelon Brian
Published: October 2024

In a recent 12-week smoking cessation trial, varenicline tartrate failed to show significant improvements in enhancing end-of-treatment abstinence when compared with placebo among adolescents and young adults. The original analysis aimed to assess the average effect across the entire population using timeline followback methods, which typically involve overdispersed binomial counts. We instead propose to investigate treatment effect heterogeneity among latent classes of participants using a Bayesian beta-binomial piecewise linear growth mixture model specifically designed to address longitudinal overdispersed binomial responses. Within each class, we fit a piecewise linear beta-binomial mixed model with random changepoints for each study group to detect critical windows of treatment efficacy. Using this model, we can cluster subjects who share similar characteristics, estimate the class-specific mean abstinence trends for each study group, and quantify the treatment effect over time within each class. Our analysis identified two classes of subjects: one comprising high-abstinent individuals, typically young adults and light smokers, in which varenicline led to improved abstinence; and another comprising low-abstinent individuals for whom varenicline showed no discernible effect. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring varenicline to specific participant subgroups, thereby advancing precision medicine in smoking cessation studies.
Sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding in estimating the difference in restricted mean survival time
Authors: Lee Seungjae , Park Ji Hoon , Lee Woojoo
Published: October 2024

The difference in restricted mean survival time has been increasingly used as an alternative measure to the hazard ratio in survival analysis. Although some statistical methods have been developed for estimating the difference in restricted mean survival time adjusted for measured confounders in observational studies, the impact of unmeasured confounding on the estimate has rarely been assessed. We develop a novel sensitivity analysis for the estimate of the difference in restricted mean survival time with respect to unmeasured confounding. After formulating the sensitivity analysis problem as an optimization problem, we explain how to obtain the sensitivity range of the difference in restricted mean survival time efficiently and assess its uncertainty using the percentile bootstrap confidence interval. Analytic results are provided for some important survival settings. Simulation studies show that the proposed methods perform well in various settings. We illustrate the proposed sensitivity analysis method by analyzing data from the German Breast Cancer Study Group study.
Optimisation of bonded and hybrid step lap joints of thick carbon fibre/epoxy panels used in aircraft structures
Authors: Chowdhury Nabil M , Wang John , Chiu Wing Kong , Chang Paul
Published: October 2024

The use of composite materials is widely spread across the Aerospace sector. Scarf and step lap joints are amongst the most commonly used methods for flush joint repairs; they restore original stiffness and nearly original strength. Prior investigations conducted by the authors have shown that bonded and hybrid step lap joints have superior static strength capabilities than bolted joints. Hybrid step lap joints have shown the highest fatigue resistance than its bolted and bonded counterparts. This investigation aims at optimising the previous step lap joint design containing five steps with a 90 mm long overlap length in order to improve joint efficiency. Four new step lap joint configurations are considered based on a parametric study conducted using Abaqus; two of which contain seven steps and a 130 mm long overlap (bonded and hybrid) whilst the other two contain six steps and a 105 mm long overlap (bonded and hybrid) with a tapered outer step region. Experimental tests right through to numerical modelling using three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models have been investigated. Adhesive non-linear material properties, fastener contacts and friction forces were all included in the 3D FE models. The Multicontinuum Theory (MCT) is used to simulate the progressive failure process and determine the stress states in the four configurations. Overall the FE models are able to accurately predict the bonded and hybrid joint strengths and highlights the importance of not only optimising the number of steps and their lengths but also the individual step heights. This is a parameter which has often been overlooked by fellow researchers. Experimental results showed that all four step lap joint configurations have significant improvement under static and fatigue load cases; the greatest improvement is seen in the two bonded step lap joint configurations. Overall the hybrid joint configuration consistently outperformed the bonded joint configurations. The presence of fasteners supress crack propagation, minimise peak peeling stresses at the ends of the overlap and increase the durability of the joint. This enables early crack detection which can assist composite joint repair certification.
Mechanisation and Coir Industry in Kerala: Channels of State Interventions
Authors: K. K. Raseena
Published: October 2024

The present article is an attempt to explore the role of government in mechanising the coir industry of Kerala, which is expected to yield wider policy implications regarding the channels of state interventions in the coir industry for its betterment. The analysis of the government support received by the private sector coir manufacturers reveals that the financial support aims to develop the infrastructure of the firm. However, non-financial assistance like government procurement and participation in government-sponsored trade fairs positively influence the mechanisation index (MI), whereas the provision of subsidised raw materials has a negative influence on MI. In this respect, ‘Coir Kerala’ is a good initiative by the government to mechanise and thus improve the coir industry of Kerala. The study concludes that proper market interventions are required for efficient utilisation of the production capacity of the firms and thus to improve the performance of the traditional coir industry of Kerala. This, in turn, will boost the mechanisation and thus the performance again. This chain of actions and reactions will help the industry to overcome all its vulnerabilities and will lead it to prosperity.
Reclaiming Calcicoles: New Insights into Lime Lovers
Authors: Parmar Ranjeet Kaur , Arya Vikrant , Gill Amandeep Kaur , Thakur Vinay
Published: October 2024

Calcicoles are never new to the evolutionary life forms in the ecological world. The ramifications of environmental extremes always facilitate the emergence of the functional and structural integrity of plants and calcicoles, which have been exuding through this. The word “calcicole” finds its roots in the writings of Nathaniel Colgan, “The Orchids of Country Dublin,” published in August 1895 in “The Irish Naturalist.” Calcicoles are likely to flourish under calcium-rich soil having a pH of more than five, which otherwise hinders the growth of plant species, causing detrimental effects on their physiology. They are often regarded as lime lovers or acidofuges and are classified based on Ca2+ stress resistance, soluble and insoluble Ca2+ and Mg2+, pH conditions of soil, occurrence, and habitat. There are various variables used to evaluate the calcicoles described in this review, such as the Index of calcifugy, Ellenberg’s indicator values, and Landolt indicator values to predict the influence of environmental factors in determining flora along with changes in vegetation in a particular area considering the ecophysiological or morphological features. Calcicoles have specific in-built mechanisms to cope with stress conditions by producing phytosiderophores (PS) and by involving ecto and ericoid mycorrhizal associations for the absorption of iron and phosphorus, and high control over cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Calcicoles are markedly distributed in various plant families like Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Primulaceae, Fabaceae, Gentianaceae, Rubiaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Saxifragaceae, etc. The current review focuses on the ecological perspectives, special adaptive features, and phytopharmacological aspects of calcicoles.
Benign Tumors and Tumor-Like Conditions of Ampulla and Small Intestine: The PathologyOutlines.com Review
Authors: Luchini Claudio ,   PathologyOutlines.com Review Committee,   PathologyOutlines.com Contributors, Pernick Nat
Published: October 2024

Small intestine and ampulla can be involved in a heterogeneous group of benign tumors and tumor-like diseases, potentially mimicking malignant neoplasms. In-depth knowledge of them is critical for practicing pathologists since they represent potential pitfalls in routine diagnostic activity. Such conditions include the following: (1) Brunner gland lesions, including Brunner gland hyperplasia and hamartoma; (2) polyps, such as adenoma, hyperplastic, hamartomatous, and inflammatory; (3) mesenchymal proliferations encompassing inflammatory fibroid polyp, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, leiomyomas, lipomas, and lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve; (4) fibrosis-associated diseases, such as idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, reactive nodular fibrous pseudotumor, and sclerosing peritonitis; (5) disorders of lymphatic vessels, including lymphangiectasia and lymphangiomas; and (6) other rare conditions/miscellanea, such as enteritis cystica profunda, intussusception, ischemia, and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. This review, inspired by the content of the PathologyOutlines website ( https://www.pathologyoutlines.com ), aims to provide a reference point in this complex scenario, summarizing the essential histopathological features of all these entities for better addressing routine practice and differential diagnoses.
Passive control and damage assessment with a pendulum tuned mass damper using mean square equations and second-order eigen-perturbation techniques
Authors: Mucchielli Paul , Hazra Budhaditya , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a novel framework for damage detection and retuning of a Pendulum Tuned Mass Damper (PTMD) addressing effects of stochasticity via mean-square equations and establishing rapid change detection. The framework was made possible via a Stochastic Differential Equation (SDE) formulation of the equations of motion considering a two degree of freedom base and structure system equipped with a PTMD. The system was assumed to be excited at the base with Gaussian white noise and the solutions were computed using a stochastic integration scheme. A Second Order Eigen-Perturbation (SOPS) estimate is used to carry out detection of sudden stiffness reduction in the base floor of the structure. Once damage is detected, mean square equations on monitored displacements were used to retune the PTMD by adapting the length of the pendulum. It was found that damage could be detected rapidly and successive retunings were able to minimize the mean square displacement of the damaged structure and stabilise it over time.
Study on plastic yield surfaces of pyramidal lattice materials with circular and rectangular cross-sections
Authors: Liu Hui , Long Lianchun
Published: October 2024

The yield surfaces and the evolution of yield surfaces of a bending-dominated pyramidal lattice material under complex stress states considering the coupling effect of axial force and bending moment of a strut are studied theoretically. The two-dimensional primary yield surfaces, secondary yield surfaces, and complete yield surfaces of pyramidal lattice materials of two kinds of cross-section struts are obtained, and the analytical expressions of yield surfaces are established. The effects of the inclination angle and diameter-to-length ratio of the struts on the yield surfaces of pyramidal lattice materials with circular cross-sections are discussed. The results provide a basis for analyzing homogenized plastic properties of complex lattice material structures.
“Everything’s a Challenge”: An Interview Study of ADHD Individuals in the Midst of the Prescription Stimulant Shortage
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Stjepanovic Daniel , Leung Janni , Chan Gary C. K.
Published: October 2024

Background:

The shortage of prescription stimulants is an ongoing issue that is impacting the ability of individuals with ADHD to access their medication. Amidst concerns that this shortage may have a substantial impact on individuals’ ability to manage their symptoms effectively, this research seeks to understand the experiences and consequences for those affected.

Methods:

In this study, we interviewed individuals with ADHD who have been directly impacted by the stimulant shortage. Thematic analysis focused on identifying common themes related to challenges with medication access and the resulting effects on daily living.

Results:

The study uncovered significant difficulties in accessing ADHD medication due to current shortages, leading to disruptions in the management of ADHD symptoms and subsequent detriments to individuals’ professional, educational, and personal lives. Systematic controls aimed at reducing non-medical use were found to exacerbate these access issues, inadvertently compounding the challenges faced by those using medication for legitimate medical needs. Individuals also described ways they coped with the shortage, with some seeking ADHD medication via unofficial channels.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight the urgency of addressing stimulant shortages to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals with ADHD. This study also calls for a critical review of policy measures regulating stimulant medication access, and their effectiveness at reducing non-medical use given the unintended consequences these regulations appear to have on individuals prescribed these medications for therapeutic purposes.
Gender Fluidity Versus Homohysteria: How Young Chinese Male Fans Consume Athletic Bromance
Authors: Peng Altman Yuzhu , Liu Fengshu , Wu Chunyan
Published: October 2024

This article investigates how young Chinese male fans interpret and engage with mediated athletic bromances, drawing from interviews with university students who follow sports games closely. The research uncovers complex dynamics wherein these fans contextually embrace and delegitimise the homoerotic aspects of mediated athletic bromances as they navigate their sports consumption. This phenomenon reflects the multifaceted experiences of young men in contemporary China, where the market and the party-state co-create a tapestry of overlapping, yet conflicting gender expectations. The findings illuminate the intricate relations between consumer culture and nationalist politics crafted in present-day China, as well as their specific manifestations within sports fandom.
Dietary phosphorus and renal disease in cats: where are we?
Authors: Stockman Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Practical relevance:

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for the normal function of every cell in the body and a deficiency in dietary phosphorus may lead to adverse effects. Conversely, high dietary phosphorus may cause kidney damage in otherwise healthy adult cats, particularly when provided in highly bioavailable forms and when the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is low. For cats that have chronic kidney disease (CKD), phosphorus is the most important mineral in its pathogenesis and morbidity. As the disease progresses, elevated phosphorus may increase the risk of complications such as soft tissue mineralization, which can lead to a further decrease in renal function. Additionally, the hormones secreted in response to increased circulating phosphorus have harmful effects, such as bone resorption, and can cause cardiovascular pathology. Very low phosphorus diets can also be problematic in cats with early CKD, potentially leading to hypercalcemia.

Clinical challenges:

There is currently a lack of maximum safety limits for dietary phosphorus in accepted nutritional guidelines in North American and Europe, which makes it difficult to assess the safety of some higher phosphorus cat foods. Additionally, information regarding phosphorus bioavailability is unknown for many diets and there are no commercially available tests. Similarly, there is no consensus regarding phosphorus requirement and recommended intake in cats with International Renal Interest Society stage 1-4 CKD despite there being targets for serum phosphorus.

Aims:

This review evaluates dietary phosphorus in healthy cats and cats with renal disease, and describes how newer research is informing evolving clinical approaches in feline nutrition.

Audience:

The article is aimed at general practitioners, internal medicine specialists and veterinary nutritionists.

Evidence base:

Information provided in this article is drawn from the published literature.
Quality of Life in Female Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors in a South African Municipality
Authors: Wilkinson Rebecca , Smith Lynn
Published: October 2024

Background:

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment processes affect patients physically and mentally, and have an impact on their quality of life, even years after receiving treatment.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life in female breast cancer patients and survivors in a South African context. The municipality within which participants were recruited for this study was Ekurhuleni, based in the Gauteng province, South Africa.

Design:

This study followed a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data was collected.

Methods:

The Quality-of-Life Patient/Cancer Survivor Version (2012) was used to determine participants’ quality of life in 4 subscales, namely, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. The questionnaire was accessible to participants via the online Google Forms platform as well as in hard-copy format at local medical facilities. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to compute statistics, and the level of significance was set at 95% ( P < .05).

Results:

One hundred female breast cancer patients and survivors from the region of Ekurhuleni, South Africa, took part in this study. The findings demonstrate that the quality-of-life subscale with the highest score was spiritual well-being (6.66 ± 2.07) and the lowest was psychological well-being (4.91 ± 1.93). No significant difference was found between quality of life and type of facility attended. Significant differences were found in quality-of-life ratings between breast cancer patient and breast cancer survivor populations.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer can result in a compromised quality of life, and with the increased prevalence and survival rate of breast cancer patients, both the short- and long-term effects of the condition and its treatments are heightened.
Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens in Animal, Food, and Environmental Samples Collected From the Physical Exposure of Children With Diarrhea in Ethiopia: A One Health Approach
Authors: Gobena Tesfaye , Belina Dinaol , Kebede Ameha , Chimdessa Meseret , Jemal Abduleziz , Husen Chafe , Hald Tine
Published: October 2024

Foodborne pathogens (FBPs) are transmitted principally through the consumption of contaminated food or drinking water and pose a remarkable public health risk, particularly in low-income countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2023 to estimate the prevalence, co-occurrence, and monthly patterns of FBPs in the physical exposures of children with diarrhea in Harar town and Kersa district, Ethiopia. Animal, food, and environmental samples were collected from direct or indirect contact sites of children with diarrhea. The isolation and identification of FBPs, including nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS), diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC), and Shigella, was performed using selective and deferential culture media and a series of biochemical tests. Among the 438 analyzed samples, the overall prevalence of these pathogens was 18.3%, with 3.9% co-occurrence and 14.4% single pathogen occurrence rates. The highest prevalence was observed in wastewater (40.9%; AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.1-10.1). The pathogen detection rate in food was 17.9% (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.4-3.6), with no significant difference between animal-sourced and other food categories. The occurrence rates of NTS, DEC, and Shigella in the meat samples were 13.9%, 5.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. Interestingly, DEC and Shigella were detected in cooked food. Moreover, Shigella was detected in drinking water (5%) and other water sources (10%). A significantly higher prevalence of FBPs was detected in poultry than in cattle and camel feces. This study revealed fluctuations in the monthly occurrence patterns of FBPs, with a peak of 37.1% during the dry season. In conclusion, the study revealed a high prevalence of FBPs, with no significant differences between rural and urban areas or food and water sources, highlighting the need for food safety measures in both settings. Further studies with larger sample sizes and advanced diagnostics are recommended to determine the relative contribution of each source.
Patterns of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Use and Spending in 14 European Countries (2012-2021): A Comprehensive Time Series Analysis
Authors: Martella Manuela , Minutiello Ettore , Gianino Maria Michela
Published: October 2024

Background:

The assessment of antidepressant and anxiolytic consumption and expenditures represents a reliable barometer of the burden of such mental health disorders and the effectiveness of relative healthcare services.

Objectives:

The current analysis aims to evaluate trajectories of consumption and expenditures of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs to define patterns of usage and spending across 14 European countries between 2012 and 2021.

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal study was performed based on pooled time series secondary data analysis over 2012/2021. Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants and health expenditure per capita were analysed. Linear and quadratic trends were computed to determine relationships between the variables of interest.

Results:

Only 2 patterns of consumption/expenditure of antidepressants can be identified: consumption and expenditure both grow; consumption grows, and spending decreases. Consumption and expenditures registered 2 main patterns, decreasing in most European countries and increasing only in 2 cases.

Conclusion:

Prevailing patterns of consumption and spending show an increase in antidepressants and a decrease in anxiolytics. The variation in consumption of such drugs during this timeframe is attributable to several reasons, such as the epidemiological characteristics of mental disease, for instance, the prevalence and incidence of disorders, the accessibility of drugs and alternative treatments, like psychotherapy, different clinical practices and national guidelines. However, such analyses deserve attention for targeted policies and strategies for promoting mental health.
Impact sound insulation performance measurements on CLT floors – Effect of excitation source type: Tapping machine and rubber ball
Authors: Guigou-Carter Catherine , Balanant Nicolas , Kouyoumji Jean-Luc
Published: October 2024

Laboratory and field measurements of the impact sound acoustic performance of a CLT wood-based floors have been performed. French national regulation requires the use of the standardized tapping machine for impact sound performance measurements. Since the early 2000s, rubber ball impact source has been standardized in some Asian countries to measure and evaluate the low frequency impact sound performance of floors; this excitation source is now part of international standards concerning building acoustic measurement in laboratories and in-situ. Indeed, the impact sound level associated to this soft impact source is supposed to provide a better correlation with annoyance from jumping and/or running children in buildings. The paper reviews the measurements performed using the standard tapping machine and the rubber ball as impact source, on CLT based floors in a laboratory, as well as those on the CLT based experimental building. Impact sound improvements are presented and discussed. The necessity of measuring with both impact sources, rather than only with the tapping machine is examined.
Whiteness construction in South Korean digital spaces: Oliver-ssaem’s strategic identity-distancing for visibility on YouTube
Authors: Kim Dasol , Kim Seonah
Published: October 2024

Oliver-ssaem, a White American and former English teacher in South Korea, has risen to prominence as a YouTube content creator exploring both Korean and American cultures. His intentional role as a cultural intermediary between Korea and the U.S. highlights how he strategically employs his Whiteness to enhance visibility. When targeting Korean viewers, Oliver-ssaem not only praises and endorses the excellence of Korean culture and products but also highlights negative aspects of U.S. culture. The perceived value of his endorsement and mediation of U.S. culture is rooted in Oliver-ssaem’s embodiment of a desirable, objective, and progressive Whiteness, inadvertently perpetuating global White hegemony. By examining his visibility strategy through the lens of the historical and cultural relationship between the U.S. and Korea, we argue for a localized and contextualized analysis of the commodification of Whiteness, particularly in Asian digital spaces.
Association between telehealth use in oncology and downstream utilization at a large academic health system
Authors: Kakani Preeti , Singer Adam E , Cui Manying , Villaflores Chad W , Vangala Sitaram , Cuevas Miguel A , Han Maria , Damberg Cheryl L , Mafi John N , Sarkisian Catherine A
Published: October 2024

Background

While telemedicine has been beneficial in oncology by reducing infectious exposure and improving access for patients with poor functional status, it also has intrinsic limitations, including the inability to perform a physical exam, which could lead to increased downstream utilization in this population at high risk of medical decompensation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating the relationship between telemedicine use in oncology and subsequent outpatient oncology encounters, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations.

Methods

We included outpatient oncology encounters, including telemedicine and in-person visits, occurring between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022 at a large academic health system. Unadjusted descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to estimate subsequent outpatient oncology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations within 30 days of an index visit based on modality (telemedicine versus in-person). The multiple regressions were adjusted for various demographic and clinical characteristics, including palliative care visits, baseline utilization, recent chemotherapy, and comorbidities.

Results

Our cohort included 63,722 patients with 689,356 outpatient encounters, of which 639,217 (92.7%) were in-person and 50,139 (7.3%) were telemedicine visits. Patients on average had 0.91 outpatient oncology visits, 0.04 ED visits, and 0.05 hospitalizations within 30 days following an index encounter. In our adjusted analyses, telemedicine was associated with 13.7 fewer downstream outpatient oncology visits (95% CI 12.5–14.9; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters, 0.7 fewer ED visits (95% CI 0.4–1.0; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters and 0.9 fewer hospitalizations (95% CI 0.6–1.3; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters compared to in-person visits.

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, oncology patients who had a telemedicine visit had fewer follow-up outpatient oncology encounters, ED visits and hospitalizations after 30 days than those with in-person visits. Future studies should further investigate the efficacy of telemedicine in oncology and outline specific scenarios for appropriate use in this and other populations.
Conceptualising wellbeing among health-care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: McHugh Judith , Trotman Paul , Nicholson Helen D. , Smith-Han Kelby
Published: October 2024

Since 2020 health workers everywhere have been challenged by the ongoing ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. This virus impacted all aspects of life but health-related workplaces particularly, were transformed virtually overnight. Demands were heightened and customary supports came under pressure presenting a huge crisis for health systems. The goal of this study was to explore how this catastrophic pandemic event impacted the wellbeing of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working through this time. Interviews with 57 HCPs from multiple countries and specialty areas were explored utilising inductive content analysis (ICA). Resulting data were then categorised into themes and deductively analysed utilising a method informed by Capability Theory. These were secondary data as the interviews were part of a larger set collected primarily for the purpose of a documentary being made about this experience. This study found that illbeing experiences were prevalent among HCPs. However, significant sources of wellbeing were also evident, and were instrumental in maintaining HCP resilience. Wellbeing was enhanced when HCPs experienced a small number of key capabilities that enabled a broad range of functionings. The capabilities were for (a) participation in positive relationships, (b) a sense of identity, purpose, meaning and value in relation to one’s work and (c) ability to provide an appropriate level of medical treatment, care and other role related support. These c apabilities were central to HCP wellbeing irrespective of the individual’s location and specialty area, however the ability to realise these capabilities in desired functionings was differentially impacted by each individual’s unique circumstances.
Oscillatory features of German–English sentence processing: Evidence from an EEG study
Authors: Zheng Yuxuan , Kirk Ian , Waldie Karen
Published: October 2024

Aims and objectives:

In this study, we investigated the neural oscillatory patterns occurring during sentence-level overt bilingual processing tasks on 46 German–English bilinguals with the intention of finding out if there were task-specific oscillations for this language pair.

Methodology:

Four tasks, including Language 2 (L2) listening, Language 1 (L1) speaking, L2 shadowing (i.e., repeating a segment of an utterance), and backward interpreting (i.e., orally translating L2 sentences to L1), were implemented with the technique of electroencephalography (EEG).

Data and analysis:

Data included demographic indices, neural oscillation metrics, and oral production scores from participants. Static spectral analysis, time–frequency analysis, principal components analysis, cross-frequency coupling, and inferential statistics were applied to the data.

Findings:

The sensory task and articulatory tasks differed greatly in the delta–theta band and the beta–gamma band in terms of time–frequency dynamics. Analyses also revealed variations in a frontal/prefrontal theta component and a distinct gamma component across the four tasks. Moreover, we found a right fronto-temporal theta–gamma coupling unique to backward interpreting.

Originality:

The task-wise comparison experiment paradigm has rarely been implemented in neuroimaging research on language, especially so in EEG research on bilingualism.

Significance:

The findings provide novel insights for the understanding of language conversion mechanism and may benefit the training of professional interpreters.
The politics of journal content: Breadth, depth, flexibility and reflexivity in 25 years of BJPIR
Authors: Flinders Matthew
Published: October 2024

This article reflects on the past, present and future of the BJPIR through a content analysis of all 999 articles that have been published in the journal between its launch in April 1999 and the latest issue in May 2024. By charting ‘core’, ‘secondary’ and ‘peripheral’ pools of scholarship, this reveals a politics of journal content which, in turn, can be used to raise critical questions concerning shifting intellectual boundaries and a changing socio-political context. More specifically, the results of the content analysis focus attention on the twin-themes of flexibility and reflexivity in journal publishing. The central argument emerging from this analysis is that if the BJPIR is to continue along its highly successful trajectory, then it may well need to embrace greater flexibility in terms of reaching beyond political science and international relations, while engaging with greater reflexivity as to societal linkage and relevance.
Dynamic characteristics of high-speed angular contact ball bearings considering the coupling of outer race waviness and local defects
Authors: Lei Chunli , Wang Yi , Wang Feng , Fan Angran , Feng Ruicheng , Li Jianhua
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a novel four degrees of freedom model of angular contact ball bearings (ACBBs) under high-speed effect, in order to characterize the dynamic behavior of rolling bearings with coupling waviness and local defects on the outer race in detail. Firstly, based on bearing quasi-static model, considering centrifugal force, gyroscope moment, the bearing contact stiffness is calculated. Then, the representation model of outer race waviness and the time-varying displacement excitation expression of the bearing with local defects are put forward respectively. On the basis, a dynamic model of ACBBs with coupling factors is built. Finally, the vibration characteristics of the bearing with faults are investigated, the model is verified by the existing experimental results and the influence of different parameters on the bearing dynamics is analyzed. The results show that the bearing fault characteristic frequency is unchanged when the high-speed effect is considered, but the vibration amplitude is smaller than that without the high-speed effect. With the increase of speed, the bearing fault characteristic frequency and vibration amplitude increase. When considering the coupling of outer race waviness and local defects, with the increase of the two factors, the bearing fault characteristic frequency remains unchanged but the vibration amplitude increase.
How humanized birth practice became an experience connected to neoliberal philosophy
Authors: Scussel Fernanda Bueno Cardoso , Costa do Nascimento Thaysa
Published: October 2024

Humanized childbirth is a practice that began to be disseminated in Brazil about 20 years ago, seeking to promote natural birth, reduce unnecessary clinical interventions, and establish a more human model of childbirth. Although humanized childbirth in Brazil is an act of rescuing women’s autonomy and an act of resistance against the technological and capitalist perspective of birth, this philosophy harbors tensions and contradictions involving women as consumers, showing connections to a neoliberal idea of consumer empowerment. Considering this scenario, the present research intends to explore how the diffusion of the humanized birth practice was co-opted by the neoliberal philosophy. Conducting a 2-year netnographic study, we observe and analyze online traits on Instagram and YouTube about humanized childbirth. We shed light on social media as an important mechanism in facilitating practice engagement and practice reproduction, by presenting a framework about the practice diffusion process.
The Psychosocial Consequences of Sexual Violence Stigma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mellen Emily J. , Kim Do Yeon , Edenbaum Emma R. , Cellini Jacqueline
Published: October 2024

Over the past decade, scholars have explored whether the stigma associated with sexual violence (SV) represents a risk factor for psychopathology and related comorbidities following SV. We conducted a scoping review to summarize and evaluate the state of this burgeoning literature. We included studies from Pubmed, APA PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Social Science Premium, and Web of Science that quantified stigma related to SV. Studies were screened and abstracted in accordance with the PRISMA-SCR guidelines for scoping reviews. Our final sample contained 62 studies. We address two key questions about SV stigma. First, is SV a stigmatized status? Articles ( n = 14) provided evidence for SV stigma among potential stigmatizers (e.g., individuals who may perpetuate stigma) across a range of methods (e.g., vignettes) and outcomes (e.g., desire for social distance). Additional work ( n = 20) corroborates perceptions of SV stigma among targets (i.e., SV survivors). Second, what are the psychosocial consequences of SV stigma? We reviewed studies ( n = 28) demonstrating that SV stigma is correlated with a range of adverse psychosocial outcomes—including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, problematic drinking, and somatic symptoms—among individuals experiencing multiple types of SV (e.g., childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault). Thus, emerging evidence suggests that SV stigma may be a critical determinant of risk and recovery following SV exposure. However, a number of limitations were observed, including that SV stigma has not been consistently measured and that the literature has not fully incorporated stigma constructs, such as concealment and structural stigma. We offer several recommendations to advance this line of work.
The Fundamentals of Antiseizure Medications: A Through Z
Authors: Welty Timothy E. , Conway Jeannine M. , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Park Kristen , Vossler David G. , Patel Archana A. , Goldman Alica
Published: October 2024

Since bromides were first used in 1857 to treat epilepsy, numerous antiseizure medications (ASM) have been developed. Many of these are available for the treatment of epilepsy and status epilepticus today. With so many ASM available, questions arise as to whether all of these medications are needed and when should they be used. As precision medicine begins to play a larger role in determining targeted treatments for specific types of epilepsy, a complete understanding of various medications is needed. Additionally, access to several of these medications can be limited in the United States and are especially limited globally. All these factors can make proper selection of ASM challenging and difficult for clinicians. This review highlights important aspects of older and newer medications, developments in precision medicine for epilepsy, increasing understanding of effective treatments for status epileptics, and a global perspective on ASM availability.
Female Directors and Technological Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Dong Zhengying , Shahzad Umeair , Awais Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Research on strategic leadership's role in achieving superior performance in technological innovation is still evolving, particularly regarding the effects of female directors and the contextual factors that enhance their effectiveness. This study provides a comprehensive view of female directors’ influence on R&D initiatives, innovation outputs, and innovation efficiency. Using Upper Echelons Theory and Agency Theory as the theoretical framework, the study employs fixed-effect regression for baseline outcomes, addressing endogeneity with prediction modeling, propensity score matching, and an instrumental variable approach on panel data from Chinese listed firms (2008–2021). Findings indicate that female directors not only enhance R&D investment but their presence on the board achieves higher innovation outcomes and ensures innovation efficiency. Findings also reveal that the interaction with CEOs is crucial, as newly appointed CEOs moderate the advisory role of female directors, while CEO power influences their monitoring role. The study also shows that female directors are more effective when they constitute a critical mass on the board rather than merely having token representation. These findings suggest that including women on the board is essential for superior innovation outcomes, especially when resource efficiency is a firm's priority.
Knowledge Sabotage Behavior: Examining Detrimental Dual-Mechanism of Amoral Leadership
Authors: Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Anita Rizqa , Wu Weishen , Rahmat Adi
Published: October 2024

The study aims to examine the detrimental effect of amoral leadership on subordinates’ knowledge sabotage behavior. Particularly, this study explains the detrimental dual-mechanism of such a relationship. Data collection was administered to 288 full-time academics working at universities in a region of Indonesia by utilizing structural equation modeling to analyze data. The study findings indicated that amoral leadership is an essential factor in driving subordinates’ knowledge sabotage behavior. Particularly, amoral leadership may create a subordinates’ moral deficit (manifested as a subordinates’ low moral identity), and increase subordinates’ norm violation acceptability, which in turn increases subordinates’ involvement in knowledge sabotage behavior.
Dynamic Music Video: Categorizing the Convergence of Video Games and Music Videos
Authors: López Gómez Lidia
Published: October 2024

The present article examines how the aesthetics of a specific format can be applied to another, thus creating a new autonomous product. This is the case of a distinctive point in video games wherein the playthrough is imbued with music video aesthetics, and the player interacts with the music, camera movements and landscape, becoming the protagonist and architect of what I propose to define as a “Dynamic Music Video”—following Collins’ definition of “dynamic music” (2008, 139). This study analyzes the musical transmedia narratives created from Death Stranding and other contemporary games, both regarding the gameplay experience and the User-Generated Content, focusing on their bidirectional motion: one that converts the players’ experience into a music video inserted into a video game, and one that converts the video game into an autonomous music video.