bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CBCT Imaging for Bracket Positioning with Consideration to Root Axes
Authors: Kalia Ajit , Hegde Ashwith , Bobade Sayali , Khan Azmat Azha
Published: January 2024

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and computer-aided manufacturing were used to produce stereolithographic trays for indirect-direct bonding. The ability to align teeth considering both the crown and the root decreases the chances for post treatment relapse. Three-dimensional (3D) images for separate brackets in a bracket kit were obtained from CBCT scanning in DICOM format and then converted to stereolithography format using Mimics software. Another CBCT image was obtained for the patients’ dentition. The images were saved in DICOM format and then placed into the Mimics image processing software. The images were enhanced, and the teeth were isolated to gain a clear view of their roots. With both images in the Mimics image-processing software, each bracket was placed on its designated tooth and positioned accurately. After the brackets were placed, a 3D image of a U-shaped stent was added to the project. Then, the image of the stent was placed over the teeth and half of the brackets. In the Mimics software, the teeth and brackets were then subtracted from the image of the tray to have a negative replica. The subtracted image of the tray in stereolithography format was printed with a 3D printer to obtain a 3D printed bracket positioning tray with indentations for bracket seating. This allowed brackets to be seated on the tray and bonded using conventional bonding steps.
An analysis of the codes of college governance in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and recommendations for improvement
Authors: Forrest Colin , Hill Ron , James Chris
Published: January 2024

The further education college sectors in each of the four jurisdictions in the UK have a code of governance that is intended to guide governing practice in the institutions in those countries. The paper reviews the governing codes and the governance arrangements of colleges in the four UK nations. We outline the methodology and literature that are used to underpin an analysis the content of the codes, and then draw out significant interlinked areas that emerged from the analysis. We make several recommendations concerning the purposes and processes of governing a college, relating to clarity, scope, expectations, and links to wider regulatory contexts. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for a wide range of audiences involved in the governing of further education colleges in the UK.
Perceived Scarcity of Job Opportunities and Job Search: An Evolutionary Life History Perspective
Authors: Hu Shi , Jin Leili , Hood Michelle , Creed Peter A.
Published: January 2024

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for young people in the labor market. Based on an evolutionary life history perspective, we tested how and when perceived scarcity of job opportunities during the pandemic related to job search outcomes. Using a sample of Master’s student graduates ( N = 1434; 40.2% female; mean age 25.6 years) from one Chinese university, we found that scarcity was related to higher anxiety, which then related to more haphazard job search strategies and, in turn, to fewer job offers and poorer person-job fit. Anxiety also related to more exploratory strategies and then to more offers and better fit. In addition, scarcity related to poorer fit through decreased focused strategies. Finally, the direct relationship between scarcity and anxiety, as well as the indirect relationships with job search outcomes, were amplified for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Findings support life history theory and have implications for career practice.
Exploring the Characteristics of Men Aged 55+ Who Use Mental Health Community Care and Support Services: A Secondary Analysis of the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Study in England
Authors: Vickery Alex
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study is to understand the demographic and situational characteristics of men over 55 who have used a community support service. Method: Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was conducted using anonymised data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Study 2014. Results: Need factors such as having a common mental disorder (CMD), poor general health and having counselling/therapy were the most relevant to use of a community support service. It was more common for older men (85+), single men, and those who reported experiencing several traumatic life events to have used a community support service. Discussion: The results are critically discussed by considering the roles of gender, ageing, and social support, which might influence the use of community support services. There is a need for more awareness of categories such as age and previous service use, and how they might influence community support help seeking.
Design of PEM water electrolysers with low iridium loading
Authors: Wang Cliffton , Lee Keonhag , Liu Christopher Pantayatiwong , Kulkarni Devashish , Atanassov Plamen , Peng Xiong , Zenyuk Iryna V.
Published: January 2024

To enable gigawatt-scale deployment of proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs), drastic reductions from current iridium loadings of 2–3 mgIr cm−2 to less than 0.4 mgIr cm−2 must occur due to iridium's high cost and scarcity. State-of-the-art systems use these high loadings to compensate for degradation experienced over prolonged operation. Thus, to attain low loadings while meeting commercial lifetime targets, factors such as ink formulation, MEA fabrication, catalyst layer–porous transport layer (CL–PTL) contact, and catalyst durability must be optimised. This review paper discusses the fundamentals of PEMWE technology and the modifications/improvements necessary for effective low iridium-loading design. Important milestones for future research include developing durable catalyst layers at low loadings, optimising the CL–PTL interface, and improving roll-to-roll production processes.
Research on the minimum cutting thickness of variable density micro-texture ball-end milling cutter
Authors: Yang Shucai , Xing Shiwen , Yu Yang , He Chunsheng
Published: January 2024

The critical cutting thickness determines the minimum cutting amount of the tool for the workpiece material, which indirectly affects the machined surface quality of the workpiece and the manufacturing accuracy of key components. It is of great significance to study the minimum cutting thickness of a ball-end milling cutter based on a variable distribution density micro-texture model. Therefore, in this paper, the ball-end milling cutter is taken as the research object, and the variable distribution density micro-texture model is established. Based on the stick-slip friction theory, a theoretical prediction model is established for the minimum cutting thickness of titanium alloy. This model considers different forms of friction in the tool-chip contact area and takes into account the influence of the cutting-edge radius and the geometric parameters of the micro-texture. Based on the machined surface quality of the workpiece, an experimental method for solving the minimum cutting thickness is proposed for milling titanium alloy with a variable distribution density micro-texture ball-end milling cutter. The theoretical prediction model of minimum cutting thickness is verified by finite element simulation and milling tests. The results show that the minimum cutting thickness increases with an increase in the radius of the cutting edge. The error between the theoretical value and the experimental results is less than 10%, which fully verifies the accuracy of the theoretical model of the minimum cutting thickness of the variable distribution density micro-texture ball-end milling cutter.
Key dynamic performance analysis of flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire for matched unmanned ground vehicles
Authors: Chen Kai , Fu Hongxun , Xiao Zhen , Yang Bowen , Ni Shanqian , Huo Ruijian
Published: January 2024

To fundamentally improve the lifespan of unmanned ground vehicles and their internal parts, it is urgent to address the problem of tire jumping during driving, steering, or turning. This article proposes the use of flexible spoke non-pneumatic tires instead of pneumatic tires. Therefore, a three-dimensional finite element model of a certain type of pneumatic tire and flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire was constructed and the validity of the model was verified. A simulation scheme was designed to investigate the tire cushioning and lateral performance. In order to explore the degree of influence of the structural parameters of the flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire on its cushioning and lateral performance, an orthogonal experimental simulation scheme based on L9 (33) was developed. The results show that the non-pneumatic tire requires 0.006 s to recover stability after experiencing significant vibration due to passing over a bump, while the pneumatic tire requires 0.028 s. Under rated working conditions, the non-pneumatic tire is subjected to a lateral force of 285.29 N, which is 1.9 times that of the pneumatic tire’s 142.59 N. The cushioning and lateral performance of the non-pneumatic tire is most affected by the element angle α, with an impact level of over 90%. The flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire proposed in this article can effectively solve the tire jumping problem of unmanned ground vehicles during driving, while providing design ideas for improving the cushioning and lateral performance of non-pneumatic tires.
Generation of entropy on blood conveying silver nanoparticles embedded in curved surfaces
Authors: Gangadhar Kotha , Shashidhar Reddy Kasam , Prameela Macharla , Wakif Abderrahim
Published: January 2024

The brain is a complicated system that experiences energy and energy exchange problems. While silver nanoparticles are essential in cancer treatment, entropy analysis can be used to study the brain and its illness. In addition to the nature of the blood's thermophysical properties and the utility of silver nanoparticles over curved stretched surfaces, nothing is known about the dynamics of transient blood carrying silver nanoparticles when entropy generation and Lorentz force are important. So, a transitory irreversibility analysis problem (entropy generation/s law analysis) is studied in this work. As a counter example to Casson fluid, blood is used as the base fluid, which has a suspension of silver nanoparticles on a curved, stretched surface. Convective boundary conditions and thermal radiation are considered. By using the necessary similarity transformations, the governing equations for the current flow are converted into a nonlinear system. The finite element method is employed to obtain multiple results for the condensed system. The significance of various emerging parameters related to current study is stimulated and analyzed thoroughly trough the graphs of profiles of temperature and velocity, moreover, temperature gradient and drag force are also taken into account. The outcomes indicating that radiation and dissipation effects increase entropy As a result, entropy can play a crucial role in the artificial process used to analyze brain activity. Due to the presence of silver nanoparticles in blood flow, the velocity and temperature also increase.
Metachronal wave analysis for magnetized Williamson fluid through a ciliated curved channel
Authors: Arslan Muhammad Shakib , Abbas Zaheer , Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf , Hasnain Jafar
Published: January 2024

Cilia play an important role in many psychological processes such as locomotion, alimentation, circulation, respiration, and reproduction. Therefore, the present investigation is modeled to study the impact of velocity slip on the cilia motion of electrically conducting Williamson fluid in a curved channel. The walls of the channel are carpeted with cilia such that their coordinated beatings produce a metachronal wave. Moreover, the viscous dissipation effect is also observed through the heat transfer mechanism. The governing system of coupled partial differential equations with highly nonlinear terms is simplified using the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The numerical solutions of simplified normalized equations are obtained using the finite difference method with an incorporating relaxation algorithm. The outcomes regarding the influences of several physical parameters on the temperature, velocity, pumping characteristics, and stream function are examined through graphs. Furthermore, the skin friction and Nusselt number at the channel walls are determined for a variety of critical parameter assessments. It is concluded that the fluid velocity is diminished at the lower wall of the channel and enhanced at the upper wall of the channel by enhancing the values of the Weissenberg number. The Brickman number shows a stronger viscous dissipation effect, leading to an increase in the liquid temperature.
Confirming the efficacy of a new arch-firing solution in safely strengthening low-NOx combustion within a large-scale furnace: Impact of the flue gas recirculation position in burners
Authors: Liu Sheng , Kuang Min , Cheng Shuting , Wu Xiaoyang , Ding Guozhu
Published: January 2024

To address the persistently high NO x production and the heightened overheating risk in the hopper of a 600-MWe, deep-air-staging, arch-fired boiler furnace (i.e., the reference furnace), a solution was devised with a staged arch-firing framework (SAF) and flue gas recirculation (FGR). This required establishing an appropriate position for the burner-FGR and confirming the viability of the SAF for the furnace. Comprehensive industrial-scale physical tests and computer simulations were conducted using the reference furnace. Subsequently, the furnace with SAF was examined with FGR introduced sequentially, first using a fuel-rich mixture, then using an inner secondary-air flow, and finally using an outer secondary-air flow (i.e., denoted in turn as FGR-FR, FGR-IS, and FGR-OS). Given this FGR-location order, the FGR’s functions about combustion degradation and NO inhibition weakened, resulting in increased NO x emissions and continuously decreasing burnout loss. Considering the satisfactory burnout levels across all three configurations, the FGR-FR configuration demonstrated the best reduction in NO x emissions, achieving NO x output of about 600 mg/m3 (O2 = 6%) and an unburnt combustible rate in fly ash of about 5%. Comparing the conditions before and after implementing the SAF indicated that the SAF enhanced combustion intensity and improved the utilisation of overfire air and hopper air, resulting in a further 33.3% reduction in NO x emissions without compromising burnout efficiency. Additionally, the SAF effectively mitigated the overheating risk in the hopper by significantly lowering local temperature levels by 400 K.
Human Development Model Based on Yogic Wisdom for Well-being and Self-actualization: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Ranisha K.  , Kumari Sony , Dwivedi Umesh
Published: January 2024

Ancient Indian philosophies consider self-realization as a fundamental concept and aim of human life, which appears theoretically similar to the self-actualization concept of the West. This article compares and contrasts the self-actualization concept with the views of ancient Indian wisdom to create a model. Both ideas strive for a more elevated Self, unleashing our potential or the realization/actualization of the true Self. From the Indian Vedanta philosophy emerged the Panchakosha theory of personality, which provides a structural framework for human states of consciousness leading to higher development and transcendental identity. According to the scriptures, any form of stress is due to an underdeveloped state of consciousness at these levels or due to disconnection from the true Self; once an individual comes in contact with the ‘true Self’, the problems of life are eliminated. Yoga is a systematic process and way of human development, and applying the principles of Yoga philosophy in life will help in transcending one from the lower Self to the higher Self, awakening human potential, and becoming self-actualized. Yogis, who practice Yoga, could be responsible for a positive shift towards sustainable communities or transformative environments through enhanced mindfulness, self-actualization, and social capital demonstrated by enhanced moral values, trust, engagement, and acceptance. This theoretical model from classical Indian thought has the potential to provide the needed guidelines to create more self-actualized people. The dimension of well-being and prescriptions on how to reach this state of highest well-being is the essence of Indian philosophy.
RIBE from Multiple Irradiation and the Protective Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Methylation and Cancer-associated Proteins in BMSCs
Authors: Zhang Liying , Zhou Ting , Zhang Yiming , Wang Lei , Li Yangyang , Zhou Gucheng , Zhou Heng , Niu Fan , Liu Zhiwei , Miao Zhiming , Liu Yongqi
Published: January 2024

Background

Ionizing radiation can induce bystander effects (RIBE), and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have a protective effect against RIBE. It has been proved that RIBE occurred and APS played the inhibitory effects on the RIBE when radiation was carried out only one time. However, whether RIBE happened by multiple irradiations and the effects of APS on the RIBE are unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether APS suppress RIBE damage induced by multiple irradiations.

Materials and Methods

A549 cells were irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays to obtain a conditioned medium. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was incubated with the conditioned medium 5 times every 3 days or APS. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assay, and genomic instability and DNA damages were detected by the micronucleus and immunofluorescence assay. The protein associated with methylation and cancer-associated proteins in BMSCs were detected by western blot.

Results

After five stimulations with a conditioned medium, the proliferative capacity of BMSCs decreased; APS pre-intervention promoted the proliferation of BMSCs. And conditional medium intervention increased the micronucleus rate and a number of 53BP1 foci; APS pre-intervention reduced the micronucleus rate and number of 53BP1 foci. In addition, the conditional medium intervention reduced the expression of methylation-related proteins and increased the expression of cancer-related proteins, while APS pre-intervention reversed this trend.

Conclusion

Irradiated A549 conditioned medium can induce RIBE of BMSCs, which might be related to methylation and cancer-associated proteins and APS may block RIBE by multiple irradiations in BMSCs.
Study of Different Breastfeeding Parameters by Using Breastfeeding Assessment Tools in Urban Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mungala Bhavdeep M. , A Banker Deepa , D Raj Yashica , T Maheshwari Vimal
Published: January 2024

Background:

In India, only 56% of mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, as recommended. Given India’s extraordinarily high rates of preterm births, infant mortality, neonatal deaths and maternal fatalities, exclusive breastfeeding becomes even more crucial. There are many advantages of breastfeeding, but there are lots of barriers that need to be addressed. These problems need a proper objective assessment.

Aims:

To assess optimum positioning and attachment in mother-infant dyads, infant breastfeeding behaviour in the early neonatal period and early breastfeeding skills in mothers.

Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital. In total, 208 full-term neonates (Age - 24 hours to 7 days) who were admitted to a postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital and who were on direct breastfeeding were observed for breastfeeding. Objective assessment of breastfeeding was done by using the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Infant Breast-Feeding Assessment tool and LATCH tool. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 25 with appropriate statistical tests.

Result:

For the BBAT tool, 110 (52.9%) infants were well supported while feeding and 118 (56.7%) had proper latching or attachment. For IBFAT Score Analysis, 109 (52.4%) infants were effective vigorous feeders and 95 (45.7%) and 4 (1.9%) were moderately effective feeders and poor feeders, respectively. For LATCH Score Analysis, 173 (83.2%) mother-infant dyads achieved a high score and 35 (16.8%) achieved moderate score.

Conclusion:

Objective assessment of breastfeeding by using these tools will help to identify the problem related to breastfeeding for both baby and mother. Addressing a particular problem in a timely manner will help the mother and the baby to establish, initiate and sustain exclusive breastfeeding. Caesarean-delivered mothers as well as primiparous mothers both needed more focused counselling for breastfeeding positioning, motivation for early initiation breastfeeding, a strong supportive relationship, adequate assistance during the early neonatal period for breastfeeding and proper guidance to sustain exclusive breastfeeding.
Collaborative Interpretation of Researcher-Generated Photo-Elicitation Findings: Insights From Women With Lived Experience of Homelessness
Authors: Bockgård Gustav , Mattsson Elisabet , von Essen Louise , Klarare Anna
Published: January 2024

Interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness can be challenging for various reasons, including mental and physical health issues, substance use, and negative experiences with authority figures. Researchers have used photos to facilitate communication and empower participants during data collection. We analyzed data from a previous study to explore the use of researcher-generated photos during interviews about health with 13 women experiencing homelessness. Conversation analysis revealed clear patterns regarding the use of the photos during the interviews. The photos were referred to 118 times over the total interview length, 6 hours and 23 minutes, with the interviewer making 62% of the referrals and the women accounting for 38%. Fifty-nine percent of the referrals occurred within the first 5 minutes of the interviews. The women used the photos to trigger associations and emotions, to describe photo content, or in a minor role during the interview. Interpretations from an advisory board of six women with lived experiences of homelessness suggested that the photos did not engage participants as intended, highlighting the importance of considering participants’ perspectives when designing photo-elicitation methods. The feedback also provided valuable insights into interview locations and incentives in research that may have influenced the women’s willingness to use the photos. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of choosing researcher-generated photos in interviews with underserved, hard-to-reach populations.
Bearing (Aguantando) With Intimate Partner Violence: A Grounded Theory Study of Self-Silencing Among Hispanic Women Who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Baeza María José , De Santis Joseph P. , Cianelli Rosina , Metheny Nicholas , Villegas Natalia
Published: January 2024

Hispanic women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) face unique disparities. They have poorer health outcomes and are less likely to seek help than their non-Hispanic counterparts. When women remain in relationships where IPV occurs and refuse to disclose or seek treatment, they may resort to self-silencing, which can also worsen health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop a theory that explains how self-silencing evolves among Hispanic women who experience IPV. Participants were recruited from two research studies focused on Hispanic women’s health, and from snowball sampling, which involved referrals by previously registered participants. Data were collected via Zoom® and included individual interviews. A total of 25 women participated in this study. Analysis followed constructive grounded theory levels of analysis described by Charmaz and constant comparative methods described by Glaser and Strauss. A grounded theory entitled Bearing (Aguantando) With Intimate Partner Violence emerged from the data. The theory explains the main strategy Hispanic women use to deal with violence while remaining in a relationship where IPV occurs. The theory is constructed of four categories with subcategories. The results of this study provide an initial framework to understand the self-silencing process among Hispanic women who experience IPV. In addition, this study identifies different levels of interventions that can be useful for researchers and healthcare providers to promote Hispanic women’s ability to become empowered, use their voices, and seek help.
Sub-harmonic and super-harmonic resonances of spiral stiffened FG cylindrical panels of variable thickness embedded within a nonlinear elastic foundation
Authors: Dai Liming , Foroutan Kamran
Published: January 2024

This research devotes to study the behaviors of sub- and super-harmonic resonances of spiral stiffened functionally graded (SSFG) variable thickness cylindrical panels (VTCP) exposed to external loading. The panel considered is rested on a nonlinear elastic foundation (NEF), which is composed of two linear foundations namely Pasternak and Winkler foundations, and a nonlinear foundation with cubic stiffness. The cylindrical panels of variable thickness are reinforced with internal spiral stiffeners. Both the cylindrical panels and spiral stiffeners are considered to be continuously graded along their thickness direction. To model the spiral stiffeners, the smeared stiffeners technique is utilized, and for deriving the discretized nonlinear governing equation of the SSFG-VTCP, the improved Donnell shell theory, von-Kármán equation, and Galerkin’s method are applied. In continuing, to examine the sub- and super-harmonic resonances, the method of multiple scales is implemented. Also, to validate the present results, in addition to comparing the present results with that of the previous research, the response of super-harmonic resonance, which is obtained theoretically, is compared with the 4th-order P-T method.
Media, Legislation, and the Science of Reading: Understanding Policy Narratives for a Path to Collaboration
Authors: Cox Olivia J. , Johns-O’Leary Emily
Published: January 2024

Using frame analysis, the present study examined the intersections of science of reading research, media coverage, and state literacy policy to explore how Colorado policy and media documents have defined reading achievement. It also analyzed the values, assumptions, and agendas within these definitions. It identified diagnostic frames that defined a state-level problem with reading education and prognostic frames that proposed curriculum and teacher training mandates as solutions. Underlying these frames were assumptions of objectivity, agendas of top-down accountability, and a binary separation between effective and ineffective methods for the teaching of reading. Implications include the development of a critical pragmatism in which researchers, teachers, school leaders, and other practitioners can collaborate to navigate shifts required by legislation while reflecting on the ways in which such shifts are situated in larger narratives. The authors argue that such analyses are essential for implementing reading reform in ways that are equitable and responsive to local contexts.
Learning to Care: Men’s Parental Caregiving for Sons and Daughters in Peru
Authors: Villa-Palomino Julio
Published: January 2024

Research on men performing care has become a critical site to explore changes in masculinities. While studies have focused on caring masculinities, Stay-at-home-fathers, and involved fathers in the Global North, this study explores how Peruvian men conceive and perform care. While gender systems and relations in Latin America are changing, the involvement of men as caregivers has not yet been incorporated in efforts to achieve gender equality. Drawing on fourteen semi-structured interviews with male caregivers of adult children with severe mental illness in Lima, this study examines how local gendered expectations shape how men conceive and perform care. I argue that Peruvian men rework the relationship between care and masculinity by engaging with caregiving as a transformative experience. However, they also reproduce hegemonic masculinity, as caregiving becomes valuable when they share their journeys with peers to be casted in good light and regain status. Findings suggest that the men in this study conceptualize care as a skill to be learned; share their journeys as caregivers both to help other and regain status; and are more involved in caring for adult sons than for adult daughters. By providing evidence of experiences of impoverished men in the Global South, this study nuances and advances the scholarship on caring masculinities.
The Garden of Evaluation Approaches
Authors: Montrosse-Moorhead Bianca , Schröter Daniela , Becho Lyssa Wilson
Published: January 2024

Evaluation competency frameworks across the globe regard evaluation approaches as important to know and use in practice. Prior classifications have been developed to aid in understanding important differences among varying approaches. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity for a new classification of evaluation approaches, in particular one that is practitioner-oriented, intended to guide decision-making in practice, and inclusive of all scholarship. The evaluation garden presented in this article begins to map approaches against eight dimensions of practice and situates them in their philosophical orientations and methodological dispositions. This allows for approach comparison, a more nuanced understanding of where they overlap and differ, and how and where they can be intentionally combined. The goal is to offer a visual classification that addresses prior criticisms, that is of use to a wide range of audiences, and that helps evaluation practitioners be able to more easily integrate evaluation approaches in practice.
‘School is the Foundation of Everything’: Master- and Counter-narratives in Lower Secondary School Pupils’ Stories About the Importance of Schooling and Education
Authors: Hilt Line T. , Søreide Gunn , Riese Hanne , Bjørge Guro
Published: January 2024

Cultural images of the knowledge society and the achievement generation are prevalent in current public and policy narratives about young people’s education. This article investigates how young people themselves give meaning to education, by reconstructing their narratives about the importance of schooling and education in today’s society. We present results from a qualitative in-depth study, consisting of focus group interviews with lower-secondary school pupils in suburban middle-class areas of Norway. From the perspective of narrative methodology, the article identifies how pupils construct, thematize and emplot the role and importance of education in their lives. The article finds that young people navigate a complexity of meaning dimensions in their lives. Although a master narrative of the knowledge society and its inherent achievement imperative certainly dominates the pupils’ accounts, they also present refinements and counter-narratives to these cultural imaginaries.
Vascular access for hemodialysis in Italy: What a national survey reveals
Authors: Napoli Marcello , Guzzi Francesco , Morale Walter , Lomonte Carlo , Galli Franco , Lodi Massimo , Bonforte Giuseppe , Bonucchi Decenzio , Brunori Giuliano , Buzzi Laura , Forneris Giacomo , Gallieni Maurizio , Meola Mario , Pirozzi Nicola , Sessa Concetto , Spina Monica , Tazza Luigi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Since in Italy there are no official data on vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis the Vascular Access Project Group (VAPG) of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) designed a national survey.

Methods:

A 35-question survey was designed and sent it to the Italian facilities through the SIN website. The basic questions were the prevalence, the location, and the surveillance of VA, the bedside use of ultrasound, the use of fluoroscopy for central venous catheter (CVC) placement, and of buttonhole technique, the role of nephrologist in the access creation.

Result:

The questionnaire was completed in June 2022 by 161 facilities. The survey registered 15,499 patients, approximately one-third of the Italian dialysis population. The prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous Graft (AVG), and CVC were 61.8%, 3.7%, and 34.5% respectively. The AVF location was 50% in distal forearm, 20% in meanproximal forearm, 30% in upper arm. For AVF creation, nephrologists were involved in 72% of facilities while for CVC placement in 62%. As regards VA monitoring, 21% of the facilities did not have a surveillance protocol; 60% did not register AVF thrombosis and 53% did not register CVC infections. Most of facilities use the fluoroscope during CVC placement, 37% when needed, and 22% never. Ultrasound-guided puncture of complex AVFs was used by 80% of facilities. Buttonhole puncture was used in 5% of patients.

Conclusions:

Some considerations emerge from the survey data: (1) The increasing CVC prevalence compared to DOPPS 5 study. (2) The low rate of AVG prevalence. (3) The nephrologist is the operator in many VA procedures. (4) The fluoroscopy for CVC placement and the US-guide puncture of the complex AVF are widely used in most facilities. (5) The practice of the buttonhole is not widespread. (6) When the operator is the nephrologist more distal fistulas are performed.
Impact of austenite nanograins induced by sliding friction on interfacial strength during ultrasonic welding
Authors: Chu Hue-En , Sun Yi-Hsuan , Chen Tai-Cheng , Yen Hung-Wei , Lin Jhe-Yu
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the effect of nanograin formation on joint strength through sliding friction during ultrasonic welding (USW). The nanograined austenite phase would induce the surface strengthening effect, potentially impeding the bonding process. A bonding strength exceeded 2000 N within a short welding duration of 2.5 s. Interestingly, the strength was attributed to ultrafine-grained interfacial microstructure resulting from the plastic flow during processing. This unique nanograined microstructure formed from dynamic recrystallisation unexpectedly facilitated the bond formation rather than hindering the bonding process. This study gained insights into the critical interfacial microstructure required for the USW of metals and alloys with high melting temperatures.
Evolution rules for cathode erosion and corresponding arc behaviour in tungsten inert gas welding
Authors: Qu Shenquan , Qin Guoliang , Wang Hao , Gao Yuan
Published: January 2024

Cathode erosion is a serious problem in long hours of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. The evolution of electrode end shape and corresponding arc behaviour was studied at different welding currents and cathode parameters. The results illustrate that slow erosion, shedding, and expansion are three typical erosion modes. Slow erosion is an inevitable mode, causing the arc root width ( Ra) and arc diameter ( Rb) to slowly increase by 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively. With the increasing welding current or the decreasing cone angle and diameter, Ra and Rb are increased in shedding mode by 6.3% and 1.0%, respectively. Expansion appears when the electrode end has a truncated cone shape, causing gradual decrease of 5.7% and 2.3% in Ra and Rb, respectively.
“It will always be Temporary”: A qualitative study of Syrian young adults expressing histories of collective violence and forced displacement in participatory theatre
Authors: de Smet Sofie , Rousseau Cécile , Stalpaert Christel , De Haene Lucia
Published: January 2024

Given the increased prevalence of mental health problems in Syrian refugee communities, there have been efforts to develop adequate mental health care for their well-being. Herein, clinical literature is increasingly emphasizing the importance of locating refugees’ healing at the nexus of personal and social realities, understanding the process of trauma narration within social restorative spaces of witnessing and communal support. Alongside this debate, there is growing interest in the relevance of participatory theatre for refugees. This innovative approach understands how voicing narratives of life histories within a broader social sphere may support personal and socio-political transformation. In this article, we aim to further the understanding of participatory theatre's relevance to these issues, focusing on the reparative dimensions of trauma narration. Based on a case study of a theatre project with Syrian young adults resettled in Belgium, we explore the different ways participants expressed experiences of collective violence and displacement in dialogue with each other, their diasporic and home communities, and their host society, and consider how these processes relate to their construction and meaning and coping with trauma. In a final section, we discuss the implications of our findings, raising questions about the value of participatory theatre as a reparative space and outlining suggestions to introduce and mobilize reparative modes of trauma narration in therapeutic practices in refugee trauma care.
Understanding performance responses: Instructional transitions in musical masterclasses
Authors: Reed Darren J
Published: January 2024

This paper extends analysis of the ‘assessment receipt’ to include talk and embodied interaction during ‘performance responses’ in music masterclass interactions. By grounding the analysis in questions of performance completion and audience applause onset, it details the utility of variously position assessment tokens, during performance, before applause, during applause and after applause. These different verbal assessment positions afford, in different ways, instructional interaction by situating the instructor as next relevant speaker. They also help coordinate performance completions and audience applause onset. The paper also identifies the ‘receipt assessment’, which reverses the component ordering of the earlier phenomenon. The paper is relevant to those studying performance as interaction and extends and deepens the growing insights into musical instructional settings.
Microstructural evaluation and corrosion behaviour of Inconel 82 and Inconel 625 overlays on 304L stainless steel weld used in nuclear fuel reprocessing plant
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Suresh Girija , Krishnamoorthy Muniyan
Published: January 2024

Weld overlays are considered the most cost-effective surface modification technique to mitigate corrosion in the nuclear industry. Considering this, an attempt to overlay the 304L weld metal at some critical weld locations of the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant with Inconel alloy was initiated. The work focuses on the microstructural evaluation and corrosion behaviour of Inconel 82 and Inconel 625 weld overlays on 304L stainless steel (SS) weld metal in a nitric acid and chloride medium. Scanning electron micrographs of the 304L SS weld metal revealed a duplex microstructure containing δ-ferrite as a minor phase in the austenite matrix. The microstructure of the Inconel 82 and Inconel 625 weld overlays was found to be fully austenitic, with Nb-rich laves phases at the inter-dendritic region. The hardness of the Inconel weld overlays was found to be higher than that of the 304L SS weld metal. X-ray diffraction measurements showed austenite and δ-ferrite in the 304L SS weld metal and a single austenite phase in the Inconel weld overlays. Potentiodynamic anodic polarization experiments carried out in 4M and 8M nitric acid indicated superior passive film stability in the Inconel weld overlays when compared to the 304L SS weld metal. Comparatively, Inconel 625 weld overlay was found to be much superior to Inconel 82 weld overlay in nitric acid medium. The 304L SS weld metal exhibited inferior pitting resistance in chloride medium by virtue of the high δ-ferrite present in the weld fusion zone. The pitting resistance of the Inconel 82 weld overlay marginally improved, while a substantial enhancement occurred in the Inconel 625 weld overlay.
Bearing fault damage degree identification method based on SSA-VMD and Shannon entropy–exponential entropy decision
Authors: Luan Xiaochi , Zhong Chenghao , Zhao Fengtong , Sha Yundong , Liu Gongmin
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the problem that the weak fault signal of rolling bearing is affected by background noise and the weak fault signal itself leads to the difficulty in extracting fault features, a weak fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing based on sparrow search algorithm-variational mode decomposition (SSA-VMD) and Shannon entropy–exponential entropy decision is proposed. Firstly, the failure energy ratio of the original signal is acquired to judge the bearing failure. Secondly, the original time-domain signal is decomposed by the VMD optimized by SSA-VMD to obtain the Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) component, and the kurtosis and correlation coefficient are normalized and fused. The fusion parameter ratio ( RV) is used to filter the IMF component, and the filtered component is reconstructed to achieve the noise reduction effect. The reconstructed signal is subjected to Hilbert transform to obtain the envelope spectrum of the vibration signal, and the fault type of the bearing can be judged. Finally, the entropy of the reconstructed signal is input into the model based on entropy-multilayer forward neural network (MFNN) to identify the degree of bearing fault damage. The effectiveness of the method is verified by using the experimental data of different fault types of intermediate shaft bearings in Shenyang Aerospace University and the self-built experimental data of outer ring fault detachment evolution. The results show that the fault energy ratio of the original signal is more conducive to judging whether the bearing has a fault than the reconstructed signal. The bearing fault type diagnosis method based on SSA-VMD and parameter fusion screening can effectively identify fault characteristic frequency and its frequency doubling of the inner and outer rings of rolling bearings. The entropy values of different bearing damage signals have different distribution regions, which verify the effectiveness of the bearing fault damage identification method based on entropy–MLP judgement.
Folic Acid and Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Pyrgioti Elisavet E. , Karakousis Nikolaos D. , Georgakopoulos Petros N. , Karagiannakis Dimitrios S. , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain a major cause of morbidity. This narrative mini-review aimed to investigate the potential role of folic acid (FA) in DFUs. Individuals with DFUs exhibit lower levels of FA and lower daily intake, compared to those without DFUs. There is preliminary evidence that FA administration may contribute to improved DFUs healing. In this context, regular evaluation of dietary FA intake may prove important towards reduction or even prevention of DFUs. However, data are still limited and further research is required to enable definitive conclusions and any recommendations.
War and Esport: The Russian Invasions Impact on the Performance of Ukrainian and Russian Professional Players
Authors: Nesseler Cornel , Shtrum Viktor
Published: January 2024

Understanding and assessing worker performance is of major sociological and economic interest. This importance is mirrored in the extent of research that analyzes incentives and behavioral traits influencing worker performance. Most of this research focuses on workers in a peaceful or stable environment. However, a large share of the global population works in a country that is at war. To examine the situation of workers in such a vulnerable situation, micro-level data is necessary but often unavailable. Esports is an exception as data regarding professional players – workers – is accessible. Here, we examine how Ukrainian and Russian professional players behave before and since the Russian invasion. Contrary to popular thinking, we find a sizable improvement in performance. For Ukrainians, the effect is especially prominent for live events, and for Russians, for online events. Our results demonstrate that the behavior of professional gamers rapidly changed after the occupation.
3D sweater garment style generation based on 3D anthropometric characteristic parameters
Authors: Luo Xuan , Li Duan , Yuan Jianye
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a method for three-dimensional style modeling of loose sweaters. Through the correlation analysis of the three-dimensional human body and the classic sweater style, a style model was built on the three-dimensional human body model to realize efficient personalized sweater design and production. First of all, the design model was extracted from the human body model based on the characteristics of the ring-cutting algorithm. Secondly, the loose model of the sweater was established based on the chest, waist, and hip data of the human body. Subsequently, the feature line between the size information and style features was created, and curve interpolation values were combined with joint smoothing methods to generate a multi-faceted sweater style model. Finally, the mapping function was used to flatten the style model, the related styles were woven by operating the computer, and the suitability of the established sweater fabric was verified. The comparison results showed that the accuracy of the style construction of this model was improved. Through the analysis of experimental data, it can be proven that the method proposed in this paper can quickly and accurately establish a three-dimensional style model of a sweater, without the need for repeated measurements to make templates, thus saving development time.
Volar Wrist Arthroscopy Portals Using the NanoScope Are Safer than Traditional Arthroscopy
Authors: Dittman Lauren E. , Munaretto Nicholas , Hinchcliff Katharine , Dutton Lauren , Kakar Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Background:

The NanoScope, given its smaller size, may be further from critical structures when establishing volar wrist arthroscopy portals compared to the traditional 2.7-mm arthroscope.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen latex-injected cadaver specimens were utilized. The volar radial (VR) and volar ulnar (VU) portals were created using an inside-out approach. The volar radial midcarpal (VR-MC) and volar ulnar midcarpal (VU-MC) portals were created using an inside-out approach. The arm was then dissected under 3.5-mm loupe magnification. Digital calipers were used to measure the distance between the portals and the surrounding anatomic structures by two fellowship-trained hand surgeons.

Results:

The median nerve was on average 1.6, 7.2, 1.8, and 5.6 mm away from the trochar for the VR, VU, VR-MC, and VU-MC, respectively. The median nerve fascia was pierced by the VR portal in one specimen. The radial artery, ulnar artery, and ulnar nerve were not pierced in any specimen. Compared to historical controls, for the VR-MC portal, the NanoScope was further from all critical structures, aside from the radial artery, and did not pierce any neurovascular structures. For the VU-MC portal, the NanoScope was further from the ulnar artery and median nerve and did not pierce any neurovascular structures.

Conclusion:

In developing volar portals, after placing the cannula through the volar capsule from an inside-out approach, we recommend making a volar incision and dissecting the local anatomic structures to guard against injury. Compared to historical controls, the NanoScope was typically further from neurovascular structures.