bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the characteristics of noise from substations in buildings
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Liu Junjie , He Junyi , Zhang Jinxian
Published: August 2021

The urbanization has resulted in an increasing number of transformer stations, which has resulted insignificant building noise problems. However, noise problems persist because of inadequate noise characterization and the use of imperfect noise evaluation indexes for centralized substations. Based on this problem, a transformer vibration noise coupling analysis method based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and spectrum analysis is proposed in this study. The proposed method accurately and effectively screens and characterizes transformer noise and provides a theoretical basis for transformer noise reduction. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a transformer was reconstructed as an example. It was found that the low-frequency noise from the transformer was mainly caused by vibrations with a frequency below 500 Hz, particularly frequencies of 300 Hz and 100 Hz and 50 Hz. Through the calculation and analysis of eigenvalues, the noise reduction measures focusing on vibration reduction were proposed. In the end, a noise reduction of 10 dB was achieved, which meets the comfort requirements. This method can accurately and effectively identify the characteristics of transformer noise, which makes up for the insufficiency of transformer characteristics analysis in the past. Provide guidance for perfecting transformer noise evaluation index.

Practical implication: The noise problem caused by substations is getting more and more serious. Conventional noise detection and noise reduction methods can no longer meet people’s requirements for sound comfort. The coupling analysis method of vibration and noise based on EMD and spectrum analysis proposed in this study can effectively extract the characteristics of transformer noise. It provides theoretical support for the noise reduction transformation of transformers, and solves the problem that the current engineering noise reduction transformation has no theoretical basis. Noise characteristic analysis can make up for the shortcomings of existing acoustic comfort indicators that only use sound pressure level as the evaluation indicator.
The influences of sedimentary environments on organic matter enrichment in fine-grained rocks of the Paleogene Shahejie formation in Nanpu Sag, Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Li Min , Pang Xiongqi , Liu Guoyong , Chen Di , Meng Lingjian , Pang Hong , Pang Bo , Guo Fangxin , Xu Zhi
Published: August 2021

The fine-grained rocks in the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Nanpu Sag, Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, are extremely important source rocks. These Paleogene rocks are mainly subdivided into organic-rich black shale and gray mudstone. The average total organic carbon contents of the shale and mudstone are 11.5 wt.% and 8.4 wt.%, respectively. The average hydrocarbon (HC)-generating potentials (which is equal to the sum of free hydrocarbons (S1) and potential hydrocarbons (S2)) of the shale and mudstone are 39.3 mg HC/g rock and 28.5 mg HC/g rock, respectively, with mean vitrinite reflectance values of 0.82% and 0.81%, respectively. The higher abundance of organic matter in the shale than in the mudstone is due mainly to paleoenvironmental differences. The chemical index of alteration values and Na/Al ratios reveal a warm and humid climate during shale deposition and a cold and dry climate during mudstone deposition. The biologically derived Ba and Ba/Al ratios indicate high productivity in both the shale and mudstone, with relatively low productivity in the shale. The shale formed in fresh to brackish water, whereas the mudstone was deposited in fresh water, with the former having a higher salinity. Compared with the shale, the mudstone underwent higher detrital input, exhibiting higher Si/Al and Ti/Al ratios. Shale deposition was more dysoxic than mudstone deposition. The organic matter enrichment of the shale sediments was controlled mainly by reducing conditions followed by moderate-to-high productivity, which was promoted by a warm and humid climate and salinity stratification. The organic matter enrichment of the mudstone was less than that of the shale and was controlled by relatively oxic conditions.
A case study of the periodic fracture control of a thick-hard roof based on deep-hole pre-splitting blasting
Authors: Chen Baobao , Liu Changyou , Wang Bing
Published: August 2021

A thick-hard roof implies a large hanging-roof and high-frequency dynamic strata behaviour during mining, which may jeopardise personnel safety and equipment. To alleviate these hazards, deep-hole pre-splitting blasting is employed to control periodic fractures in thick-hard roof seams in Datong mining area. Based on loading and instability characteristics, a mechanical model of thick-hard roof periodic collapse is established to investigate the relationships and optimal parameters among the collapse interval, fracturing angle and support working resistance. LS-DYNA was employed to analyse the fracture evolution to determine the optimal charge parameters. The minimum weakening width and average fragmentation of the pre-split roof are obtained. Universal distinct element code simulations were used to determine the thick-hard roof collapse morphology and strata behaviour to confirm the optimal pre-splitting parameters. The deep-hole pre-splitting blasting on-site implementation reduces thick-hard roof collapse intervals, and the supports loading is verified to be safe with sufficient allowance, which show a good control effect on thick-hard roof seams.
Clinical Observations of a Surgical Method Comprising a Combination of Cross Flap and Autologous Auricular Cartilage Transplantation in the Treatment of Type I to III Congenital Concha-Type Microtia
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Lu Meng , Wang Changchen , Pan Bo , Jiang Haiyue
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

The present study attempted to investigate the clinical efficacy of a surgical method involving a combination of cross flap with autologous auricular cartilage transplantation in the treatment of type I to III congenital concha-type microtia.

Methods:

The present retrospective study was conducted on the clinical and postoperative data of 50 patients with unilateral type I to III concha-type microtia treated with a combination of cross flap and autologous auricular cartilage transplantation at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2018 to December 2021.

Results:

The postoperative perimeters of malformed ears were significantly larger than the preoperative perimeters ( P < .05). Of the total, 2 patients exhibited incision dehiscence, 3 patients exhibited incision infection, 2 patients exhibited flap hematoma, and 1 patient exhibited ischemic necrosis at the flap tip. The satisfaction rate of the patients and their families was 100%.

Conclusions:

The surgical method involving a combination of cross flap and autogenous auricular cartilage transplantation was effective in treating patients with type I to III congenital concha-type microtia, and therefore, this surgical approach can be applied widely to correct this deformity.
Longitudinal Associations Between Early Risk, Father Engagement, and Coparenting and Low-Income Fathers’ Engagement With Children in Middle Childhood
Authors: Fagan Jay
Published: August 2021

The current investigation examined the longitudinal associations among low-income, urban fathers’ risk factors, engagement with children, and coparenting support during early childhood and paternal engagement with children at age 9 years. Using Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing data ( N = 2104), the results showed that additive individual and family risk when children were infants and preschool-age negatively predicted father engagement at age 9. Father engagement with toddlers and preschoolers positively predicted later paternal involvement with children, but coparenting support during early childhood did not predict father engagement at age 9. There was one significant moderation effect: fathers who were highly engaged with toddlers reported lower levels of engagement during middle childhood when they experienced a higher level of risk factors at age 5. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers are discussed.
Exploring Sleep Health in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Griggs Stephanie , Grey Margaret , Toly Valerie Boebel , Hickman Ronald L.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the sleep health goals in 35 young adults age 18–30 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We reviewed clinician sleep reports generated from wrist-worn actigraphs with participants during an in-depth semistructured telephone interview. Interviews were audio-recorded then transcribed verbatim. We performed a constant comparison method for content analysis using NVivoTM. The following two overarching health goals are identified: (a) promoting sleep (quantity, quality, hygiene, bedtime/waketime) and (b) improving diabetes self-management (time in range, sleep and glucose monitoring, and diet). Young adults in the study readily generated goals after visualizing their sleep reports. Sleep data visualization and debriefing is an effective strategy to elicit health goals for young adults with T1D. Supporting young adults with T1D to achieve their health goals for sleep promotion and diabetes self-management is a promising direction for improved sleep and consequently the attainment of glycemic targets.
The Map and the Territory: The Use of Country Information in Asylum Assessments
Authors: Liodden Tone Maia
Published: August 2021

When determining who should be accepted as a refugee, decision-makers use information about asylum-seekers’ home countries to assess the credibility of the claim and the risk of future persecution. As such, country information plays a decisive role in the outcome of asylum claims. Based on asylum case files and interviews with decision-makers in Norway, I investigate the use of country information in the refugee status determination process and compare the specific pieces of country information that decision-makers used in their assessments to landmarks on maps. Landmarks here are understood as decision-makers’ interpretations about places, customs, and political and social conditions in asylum-seekers’ home countries. To come across as credible, applicants had to demonstrate knowledge of landmarks familiar to decision-makers, but they also needed to present a story that testified to their personal experience with the landscape in their home countries. Minor deviations from the landmarks could undermine a claim’s credibility. The metaphor of the map as a seemingly objective representation of reality illustrates the authority of country information in the refugee status determination process. As I demonstrate, however, decision-makers based their knowledge of such landmarks not only on formal sources of information, but also on the narratives of other applicants, assumptions about rational behavior, and their own everyday experience with places. In line with the legal mandate to produce a binary decision, decision-makers had to consolidate uncertain information into solid landmarks that enabled them to clearly distinguish between refugees and non-refugees. Because of their important role in enabling such distinctions, landmarks are key in refugee protection on the one hand and migration control on the other.
Psychic geographies of queer multiculturalism: Reading Fanon, settler colonialism and race in queer space
Authors: Rosenberg Rae
Published: August 2021

Utilizing Fanon’s theories of psychic, social and embodied processes of racialization and racism, this article examines Toronto’s gay village as a site of queer settler multiculturalism and its impacts on Black and Indigenous lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit and additional (LGBTQ2+) youth experiencing homelessness. I build on Fanon’s arguments of cultural alienation, the collective unconscious and white colonial anxiety and desire to analyze current iterations of queer settler colonialism and anti-Black racism within the village. Specifically, I argue that the village maintains a collective queer multicultural unconscious through social interactions and forms of representation that seek to tightly control Blackness and Indigeneity within queer space. By placing Fanon in dialogue with Black and Indigenous Studies scholarship, and interviews with Black and Indigenous LGBTQ2+ youth, I present how youth encounter and, to some extent, refuse the white and settler colonial queer multiculturalism in Toronto’s village.
Magnitude of spontaneous preterm birth and its associated factors among preterm birth in NICU wards in Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Asella, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tuji Techane Sisay , Wake Addisu Dabi , Adere Gezahegn Badeg , Wedajo Aselefu Beka , Obole Batu Dekeba , Jenka Derartu Tesfaye , Gebriye Selamawit T/Birehan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the prevalence of spontaneous preterm births and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

This single-centre cross-sectional study enrolled women that experienced a preterm birth as registered on the neonatal log-book between 30 December 2019 and 30 December 2020. A pre-tested structured checklist was used to collect data (sociodemographic characteristics; obstetric-related factors; medical history; and pregnancy-related factors). Bivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. A multivariate model identified significant independent risk factors.

Results

A total of 310 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth in this population was 67.1% (208 of 310; 95% confidence interval [CI] 61.5, 71.9). Patients without a partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.470, 95% CI 1.23, 4.42), patients residing in a rural area (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.123, 5.513) and those with a history of PIH during their current pregnancy (AOR = 0.104, 95% CI 0.053, 0.014) were significantly more likely to have a spontaneous preterm birth.

Conclusion

The prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth in in this study was high. Healthcare providers and all stakeholders should focus on screening pregnant women at the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
Participation experience for persons with oculomotor impairments after acquired brain injury
Authors: Wagener Sharon G
Published: August 2021

Introduction

While individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) often receive occupational therapy, relatively little is known about how those with related oculomotor problems characterize their ability to participate in everyday activities and life roles. This study describes the difficulties experienced by this population.

Method

This study is a thematic analysis of qualitative responses to open-ended questions based on answers to a standardized assessment. Thirty rehabilitation outpatients with ABI-related oculomotor impairments participated in semi-structured interviews to describe their experiences of difficulties in everyday activities.

Results

Difficulties were associated with three themes: challenges of the activities and environments (activity requirements, physical and socioeconomic environments, and time), self-identified personal difficulties (physical, cognitive, and socioemotional), and changes in habits/roles/priorities (modifications to activities and environments, loss and negative consequences, and life management changes).

Conclusion

How people with ABI-related oculomotor impairments experience difficulties while participating in activities is dynamic and complex. Challenging activity requirements and environments often led to personal difficulties, which limited participation. Activity modifications, changes in priorities, and managing energy budget enhanced participation. A model of the experience is proposed. Findings suggest using activity analysis and teaching compensatory methods and life management strategies with individuals may assist in ability to participate.
Southern actors and the governance of labour standards in global production networks: The case of South African fruit and wine
Authors: Alford Matthew , Visser Margareet , Barrientos Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Recent studies highlight the emergence of standards, including multi-stakeholder initiatives developed and applied within the global South where supplier firms are usually based. This trend has created a complex ethical terrain whereby transnational standards flow through global production networks and intersect with domestic initiatives at places of production. The paper complements global production network analysis with the concepts of ‘space of flows’ and ‘space of places’ and insights from relational economic geography, to examine how some multi-stakeholder initiatives in the global South can shape the broader governance of labour standards in global production networks. The following questions are addressed: How is the governance of labour standards in global production networks shaped by dynamic spatial interactions between actors? What role have diverse Southern multi-stakeholder initiatives played in influencing the governance of South African fruit and wine? We draw on research conducted over seven years into two standards in South Africa, the Wine and Agriculture Ethical Trade Association and Sustainability Initiative of South Africa. Our analysis shows that these two Southern-based multi-stakeholder initiatives contributed to shaping the broader governance of labour standards through dynamic non-linear waves of interaction over time, involving both collaborative and contested exchanges between actors across space of flows and places. We further argue that despite the development of multi-stakeholder initiatives by Southern actors, commercial power asymmetries in global production networks limit their ability to promote significant improvements for producers and workers.
Effect of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on Crash Occurrence
Authors: Sagar Shraddha , Stamatiadis Nikiforos , Stromberg Arnold
Published: August 2021

The number of crashes and fatalities rate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, U.S., have been higher than the national average for the past decades. It has been hypothesized that the distinct socioeconomic conditions of the state could be contributing to and explaining these trends. This study investigated the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on highway safety in Kentucky and attempted to identify the high-risk driver groups, based on crash data and the socioeconomic and demographic features of their residence zip codes. The quasi-induced exposure technique and binary logistic regression were employed to develop a predictive modeling approach for determining the probability of being the at-fault driver in a single- and two-unit crashes, based on socioeconomic characteristics of the driver residence zip code. The study identified that socioeconomic features such as income, poverty level, employment, age, gender, rurality, and number of traffic-related convictions of a driver’s zip code influence their likelihood to be at fault in a two-unit crash, while for single-unit crashes, in addition to these variables, educational attainment had also an impact. Younger and older drivers living in zip codes with low socioeconomic conditions have a higher probability to be the at-fault driver in both single- and two-unit crashes. The conclusions of the study can be used to determine the regions (zip codes) and driver groups with higher likelihood to be the at-fault driver in a crash and develop effective safety programs for the target groups.
Testing the Robustness of Commercial Lane Departure Warning Systems
Authors: Re Fabrizio , Kriston Akos , Broggi Dalia , Minarini Fabrizio
Published: August 2021

Assessment methods are needed to rate the performances of advanced driver assistance systems in a range of real-world conditions, enabling the possibility of mandating minimum performance requirements beyond standardized, regulatory pass-or-fail tests, and ultimately ensuring a real and objectively measurable safety benefit. To bridge the gap between regulatory and real-world performance, this work presents a novel robustness assessment methodology and defines a robustness index determined from regulatory tests to analyze the real-world performance of lane departure warning (LDW) systems. In this context, a robust system means that it is insensitive to changes in driving conditions or environmental conditions. Distance to line (DTL) and time to line crossing (TTLC) were calculated for a light truck and a passenger car, and a black box model of the LDW systems was developed to predict their performance over different lane markings, drifting directions, and vehicle lateral and longitudinal speeds. During the test, neither of the vehicles triggered warning in around 10% of the trials despite the perfect condition of the markings painted on the proving ground. The type of lane marking significantly influenced DTL for both vehicles. For the light truck, the drifting direction, marking type, and their interaction were found to be statistically significant, which resulted in a lower robustness index than that of the passenger car. For both vehicles, TTLC was inversely proportional to the lateral speed, which greatly influences crash avoidance.
Predicted Effects and Cost-Effectiveness of Wheat Flour Fortification for Reducing Micronutrient Deficiencies, Maternal Anemia, and Neural Tube Defects in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Noshirvan Arram , Wu Brenda , Luo Hanqi , Kagin Justin , Vosti Stephen A. , Ndjebayi Alex , Assiene Jules Guintang , Teta Ismael , Nankap Martin , Engle-Stone Reina
Published: August 2021

Background:

Policy makers aiming to reduce micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) and their health effects must choose among alternative definitions of impact when evaluating cost-effectiveness.

Objective:

Estimate the cost-effectiveness of a mandatory wheat flour fortification program for reducing cases of MNDs (iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B12), anemia and neural tube defects (NTDs) averted, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted in urban Cameroon.

Methods:

A 13-year predictive model was developed, including a 3-year start-up period and 10 years of program activity. Costs were estimated using historical program budgets. Effects were calculated based on observed changes in prevalence of MND and anemia 1 year postfortification and predicted reductions in NTDs based on NTD burden and wheat flour intake. Total DALYs averted were estimated for anemia and NTDs.

Results:

The program cost ∼$2.4 million over 13 years and averted an estimated ∼95 000 cases of maternal anemia and ∼83 500 cases of iron deficiency among children after 1 year. Cost/case-year averted for MNDs ranged from $0.50 for low plasma folate to $3.30 for iron deficiency and was $2.20 for maternal anemia. The program was predicted to avert 1600 cases of NTDs over 10 years at ∼$1500 per case averted. Estimated cost/DALY averted was $50 for NTDs and $115 for anemia.

Conclusions:

In Cameroon, cost-effectiveness of wheat flour fortification varied by the measure of impact employed, but was classified as “very cost-effective” for all outcomes using World Health Organization criteria. Policy makers and their advisors must determine how best to use information on program costs and benefits to inform their decisions.
An algorithm mimicking pancreas pulsatile behavior improves artificial pancreas performance
Authors: Cocha Guillermo , Tedesco Victor , D’Attellis Carlos , Amorena Carlos
Published: August 2021

Background:

Artificial pancreas design using subcutaneous insulin infusion without pre-meal feed-forward boluses often induces an over-response leading to hypoglycemia due to the increase of blood insulin concentration sustained in time. The objective of this work was to create an algorithm for controlling the function of insulin pumps in closed-loop systems to improve blood glucose management in type 1 diabetic patients by mimicking the pulsatile behaviour of the pancreas.

Methods:

A controller tuned in a pulsatile way promotes damped oscillations of blood insulin concentration injected through an insulin pump. We tested it in a simulated environment, using nine ‘in silica’ subjects. The control algorithm is founded on feedback linearization where through a change of variables, the nonlinear system turns into an equivalent linear system, suitable for implementing through a PID controller. We compared the results obtained ‘in silica’ with the volume injected by an insulin pump controlled by this algorithm.

Results:

The use of this algorithm resulted in a pulsatile control of postprandial blood glucose concentration, avoiding hypoglycaemic episodes. The results obtained ‘in silica’ were replicated in a real pump ‘in vitro’.

Conclusions:

With this proposed linear system, an appropriate control input can be designed. The controller works with a damped pulsatile pattern making the insulin infusion from the pump and blood insulin concentration pulsatile. This operational would improve the performance of an artificial pancreas.
A comparison of DAP and RENAL scoring systems in the achievement of trifecta in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Mishra Sumanta Kumar , Boaz Ranil Johann , Jayasimha Sudhindra , Mukha Rajiv Paul , Kekre Nitin Sudhakar , Singh Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The concept of ‘trifecta’ outcome postulated for radical prostatectomy has been adopted for partial nephrectomy, the gold standard for management of small renal masses. We sought to evaluate the role of nephrometry scores in predicting outcomes in terms of the trifecta. We compared two scoring systems for renal tumour complexity (RENAL and DAP) in the prediction of trifecta outcomes.

Materials and methods:

Sixty-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic PN (LPN) were evaluated in a single-centre retrospective study (2010–2017). RENAL and DAP scores were measured. Parameters relevant to the trifecta were tabulated.

Results:

When comparing the two scoring systems in terms of warm ischaemia time (WIT), the DAP score could predict with statistically significant accuracy the completion of resection within 25 mins of WIT. Tumours were more evenly distributed according to anatomical characteristics with the DAP scoring system than with the RENAL scoring system. When comparing these systems in terms of complications, neither predicted complications based on complexity with significant accuracy. A low RENAL score predicted trifecta achievement in three-fourth (71.4%) of patients, while a medium RENAL score predicted trifecta achievement in half (54%) of patients. DAP score predicted trifecta achievement in all tumours with a low score, two-third (66%) in medium and less than half (42%) with a high score. Predictions based on DAP were accurate and significantly so ( p = 0.024).

Conclusions:

DAP score predicted the outcomes of LPN in terms of trifecta significantly better than the RENAL score. In our experience, the DAP score was able to distribute tumour complexity among its groups more effectively than the RENAL score. There is early evidence that the DAP score may be more useful than the RENAL score for decision-making in nephron sparing surgery. This is especially pertinent for small renal masses at the upper limits of tumour complexity for which minimally invasive techniques can be safely applied.
Food waste bioconversion into new food: A mini-review on nutrients circularity in the production of mushrooms, microalgae and insects
Authors: Girotto Francesca , Piazza Laura
Published: August 2021

The global challenge of feeding an ever-increasing world population is leading scientists’ attention towards nutritious and sustainable foods whose production should have low impacts on environment, economy and society. In case the input feedstock can be waste nutrients, the label of such productions becomes even greener. Nutrients circularity is nowadays an important circular economy practice. This mini-review focuses on the valorisation of food waste as precious biomass to grow new food and feed. In particular, three functional edibles are discussed in the present paper: mushrooms, microalgae and insects. These foods are part of people diets since ages in certain areas of the world and the original aspect of their cultivation and breeding found on waste nutrients recovery is here reviewed. Proofs of such food waste biorefinery viability are already given by several researches featuring the main traits of a suitable growing medium: optimal pool of nutrients and optimal pH. However, lot of work still needs to be done in order to assess the optimal growth and cultivation conditions and the health security of the harvested/bred edibles. A SWOT factors analysis was performed.
Exploring the Relationship Between Social Interaction, Cognitive Processing and Learning Achievements in a MOOC Discussion Forum
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhang Ning , Peng Xian , Liu Sannyuya , Yang Zongkai , Peng Jiyi , Su Zhu , Chen Jia
Published: August 2021

In the field of learning analytics, mining the regularities of social interaction and cognitive processing have drawn increasing attention. Nevertheless, in MOOCs, there is a lack of investigations on the combination of social and cognitive behavioral patterns. To fill in this gap, this study aimed to uncover the relationship between social interaction, cognitive processing, and learning achievements in a MOOC discussion forum. Specifically, we collected the 3925 participants’ forum data throughout 16 weeks. Social network analysis and epistemic network analysis were jointly adopted to investigate differences in social interaction, cognitive processing between two achievement groups, and the differences in cognitive processing networks between two types of communities. Finally, moderation analysis was employed to examine the moderating effect of community types between cognitive processing and learning achievements. Results indicated that: (1) the high- and low-achieving groups presented significant differences in terms of degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality; (2) the stronger cognitive connections were found within the high-achieving group and the instructor-led community; (3) the cognitive processing indicators including insight, discrepancy, and tentative were significantly negative predictors of learning achievements, whereas inhibition and exclusive were significantly positive predictors; (4) the community type moderated the relationship between cognitive processing and learning achievements.
Augmented Reality in Science Laboratories: Investigating High School Students’ Navigation Patterns and Their Effects on Learning Performance
Authors: Jiang Shiyan , Tatar Cansu , Huang Xudong , Sung Shannon H. , Xie Charles
Published: August 2021

Augmented reality (AR) has the potential to fundamentally transform science education by making learning of abstract science ideas tangible and engaging. However, little is known about how students interacted with AR technologies and how these interactions may affect learning performance in science laboratories. This study examined high school students’ navigation patterns and science learning with a mobile AR technology, developed by the research team, in laboratory settings. The AR technology allows students to conduct hands-on laboratory experiments and interactively explore various science phenomena covering biology, chemistry, and physics concepts. In this study, seventy ninth-grade students carried out science laboratory experiments in pairs to learn thermodynamics. Our cluster analysis identified two groups of students, which differed significantly in navigation length and breadth. The two groups demonstrated unique navigation patterns that revealed students’ various ways of observing, describing, exploring, and evaluating science phenomena. These navigation patterns were associated with learning performance as measured by scores on lab reports. The results suggested the need for providing access to multiple representations and different types of interactions with these representations to support effective science learning as well as designing representations and connections between representations to cultivate scientific reasoning skills and nuanced understanding of scientific processes.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Bhutan: Understanding Women’s Responses to IPV Using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change
Authors: Choden Phuntsho , Armstrong Kerry , Sendall Marguerite C.
Published: August 2021

Intimate partner violence is highly prevalent in Asian region. It is largely committed by male against their female intimate partner. This is often associated with the region’s unique social and cultural norms which subordinate women throughout their lives. IPV is an ongoing concern in Bhutan. The country’s age-old traditions and customs are closely related to culture of silence among women experiencing IPV. This study examined women’s responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Bhutan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore sensitising concepts such as how and when women recognised IPV and how they responded to it. Fifteen women who had sought supportive services at the institution `RENEW’ (Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women) as a result of IPV participated in the interview. The Trans-theoretical model of behaviour change (TTM) was used as a theoretical framework to understand women’s cognitive, affective and behavioural change processes. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify the patterns of women’s responses. From the analysis, women’s experiences of IPV and their responses were located within the four stages of change, including contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Women used nine traditional processes of change among which consciousness raising and helping relationships were critical and appeared across all four stages of change. This study provides important insights of Bhutanese women’s cognitive and behavioural responses to IPV. The appearance of consciousness raising and helping relationships across all the stages of change represents a potential opportunity for intervention to initiate and promote changes in women’s response to IPV in the early stages.
Examining Race and Gender Differences in Associations Among Body Appreciation, Eudaimonic Psychological Well-Being, and Intuitive Eating and Exercising
Authors: Romano Kelly A. , Heron Kristin E.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The present study examined race and gender differences among positive psychological constructs, and adaptive eating and exercise behaviors.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Online.

Sample:

College students ( N = 1,228; Mage = 22.27, SD = 5.83).

Measures:

Participants completed measures assessing positive body image, eudaimonic psychological well-being, and health behaviors.

Analyses:

Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to examine whether White versus Black race and, separately, woman versus man gender identity moderated associations among body appreciation, eudaimonic psychological well-being, and intuitive eating and intuitive exercising.

Results:

Results generally indicated that greater body appreciation was associated with greater eudaimonic psychological well-being (βs = 0.48, 0.56) and, in turn, intuitive eating (βs = −0.20, 0.25) and intuitive exercising (βs = −0.06, 0.23). However, notable variations in this pattern of results were identified based on the facet of intuitive eating and exercising under investigation, and participants’ racial identities. For example, greater eudaimonic psychological well-being strictly mediated a positive association between body appreciation and reliance on hunger and satiety cues intuitive eating behaviors among participants who identified as Black (95%CI: 0.01, 0.12), but not White (95%CI: −0.08, 0.04).

Conclusions:

Although the present findings warrant replication using longitudinal designs due to the cross-sectional nature of the present study, these findings suggest that increasing adults’ eudaimonic psychological well-being may help improve health-promoting eating and exercise behaviors, and should be assessed as a mechanism of change in future clinical research.
Factors of Dementia Caregiver Burden Differentially Contribute to Desire to Institutionalize
Authors: Martin John T. , Chapman Kimberly R. , Was Christopher , Spitznagel Mary Beth
Published: August 2021

The experience of dementia caregiver burden is multidimensional. Little is known about how different aspects of burden contribute to the consideration of moving a loved one to a structured living facility. In the present study, caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview; ZBI) and consideration of structured living arrangements (Desire to Institutionalize Scale; DIS) were self-reported by 339 caregivers. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the ZBI factor structure; these factors were then examined via hierarchical linear regression for prediction of DIS. Factor analysis indicated a 4-factor ZBI solution: Impact on Life, Guilt, Embarrassment/Frustration, and Escape/Uncertainty. Regression analyses indicated that only Escape/Uncertainty ( p < .001) was associated with DIS. Of the 4 identified factors of caregiver burden, desire to escape the caregiving role was most related to consideration of structured living arrangements. Future work should explore longitudinal contribution of this factor to determine its role in actual changes made in living arrangements.
A Cross-Level Examination of the Relationship of Strengths-Based Human Resource System With Employee Performance
Authors: Ding He , Yu Enhai
Published: August 2021

Given the great significance of employees’ strengths to employees’ optimal functioning, strengths-based human resource (HR) system has gradually reaped HR researchers’ attention. However, to date, there remains a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of strengths-based HR system. Therefore, this article aimed to bridge the gap in the literature by empirically testing the cross-level relationships between strengths-based HR system, employee strengths use, and supervisor-rated employee performance (i.e., task performance and innovative behavior). Data from 205 employees working in 56 organizations in China were collected at three points in time from different sources. The results of multilevel path analysis showed that strengths-based HR system has a positive relationship with employee strengths use, and employee strengths use is positively related to supervisor-rated employee task performance and innovative behavior. More importantly, strengths-based HR system had a positive relationship with employee task performance and innovative behavior via employee strengths use.
A pilot project evaluating a fixed drainage system (U-Drain) for automated peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Poulikakos Dimitrios , Martin Joanne , Collier Joanne , Lewis David
Published: August 2021

U-Drain is a fixed drainage system for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) connecting the dialysis effluent outflow directly to the household drainage system thus avoiding the need for drain bags, with considerable potential advantages for patient convenience and reduction of plastic clinical waste. Here we present a pilot project reporting on U-Drain patient and staff experience based on questionnaires and on the safety of the technology derived from analysis of characteristics of peritonitis episodes. Overall, 15 patients were included in the pilot project and were followed up over 3 years; 11 patients completed a questionnaire exploring their experiences of APD and U-Drain. A family member 55%, carer 10%, healthcare assistant 10% and patient themselves 25% would normally carry the full drainage bags for disposal. Following the installation of U-Drain, 90% of patients reported that the system saved them time setting up and clearing the machine after dialysis, 80% noted a reduction in storage space required for consumables and all patients noted a reduction in non-recyclable waste requiring disposal. All patients who completed the questionnaire were very satisfied with the installation. All staff members who completed the questionnaire reported that their role was easier and the system was time saving. In total, there were 8 peritonitis episodes, including 2 recurrent infections due to biofilm, over 313 patient months follow up. There was no increase in incidence of peritonitis infection (0.3 episodes per year at risk) compared to that in the unit’s population (0.64, 0.42 and 0.5 episodes per year at risk for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively) or delays in diagnosis. Approximately 0.8 kg of non-recyclable clinical waste was saved per treatment day from domestic waste by avoiding the use of PD drain bags. This pilot demonstrates increased patient satisfaction and acceptable safety profile of U-Drain technology.
The impact of amino acid dialysate on anthropometric measures in adult patients on peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iyasere Osasuyi , Nagar Ravi , Jesus-Silva Jorge Antonio , Pepereke Shingai , MacConaill Kateryna , Eid Ahmed , Major Rupert W
Published: August 2021

Background:

Glucose-containing dialysate underpins peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. However, its use is associated with amino acid loss in the dialysis effluent, a risk factor for protein-energy wasting (PEW) in PD patients. Amino acid-based dialysis solutions (AAD) may ameliorate this loss. However, the evidence of clinical benefit in preventing PEW is unclear. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of AAD versus standard dialysis solutions (STD) on anthropometric measures and serum albumin.

Methods:

Studies up until 30 September 2020 were identified from databases including MEDLINE and Embase, using a prespecified protocol (PROSPERO – CRD42020209581). Studies evaluating adults on PD were included. Data pertaining to muscle mass (primary outcome), other anthropometric measures and serum albumin were extracted. A meta-analysis of the eligible studies was conducted.

Results:

A total of 6945 abstracts were reviewed, from which 14 studies (9 randomised and 5 non-randomised) were included. There was no significant difference in any of the anthropometric measures, between AAD and STD during follow-up. Serum albumin at 6 months was statistically lower with AAD compared to STD [mean difference = −0.89 (95%CI −1.77 to −0.01, p = 0.046)]. The quality of evidence was graded low for each outcome.

Conclusions:

AAD may not alter anthropometric measures when compared to STD. The impact on serum albumin is uncertain, with an estimated difference that is unlikely to be of clinical value. These findings should be cautiously interpreted due to low quality of the evidence. Robust studies are needed to address the limitations in evidence.
Social Integrative Enterprises and the Construction of an Impaired Lumpenproletariat – a Swedish Case Study
Authors: Maravelias Christian
Published: August 2021

This paper accounts for a study of the joint ambitions of the Swedish Public employment office and social enterprises to integrate jobseekers with impairments in the labor market. The number of jobseekers with impairments has increased in western labor markets. The Swedish labor market is a particular case in point. Why? I use critical disability studies in combination with Marxist studies on immaterial labor to develop the following answer: An increasing number of jobseekers are diagnosed as impaired, not because their bodily constitution makes them unfit to handle manual labor, but because their socio-cultural characteristics make them unfit to handle immaterial forms of labor. Furthermore, I show how the diagnosis of these jobseekers as impaired does not lead to that they are also considered disabled. On the contrary, they are considered to have a particular, bio-medically defined fit and ability when it comes to handling simple, manual and low paid forms of work. Hereby, I argue that they are made up as a bio-medically defined “lumpenproletariat”.
COVID-19 nationalism and the visual construction of sovereignty during China’s coronavirus crisis
Authors: Schneider Florian
Published: August 2021

This article explores how competing actors established, spread, and challenged visual representations of the Chinese nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It asks: how do official gatekeepers of meaning in China imbue their visual construction of a crisis-hit nation with pathos?; and what happens when their critics utilize the resulting repertoire of visual cues for their own ends? To answer these questions, the article first examines the visual libraries of nationalism and national crisis from which Chinese propaganda drew during the COVID-19 outbreak. It then analyses the struggles that ensued over such representations, specifically the use of national flags and the sentiments they elicit. The analysis traces representations of the flag of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from an initial satirical portrayal in a Danish broadsheet to the angry Chinese backlashes that followed on social media, and it shows how the tensions over such portrayals became part of a meme war over the sovereignty of Hong Kong. The analysis shows how representations of the nation can become a matter of existential anxieties during a time of crisis, especially in highly networked communication environments where authoritative official actors and their supporters are no longer in control of the symbols they established as part of their ‘emotional governance’.
Heat and mass transfer investigation of a chemically reactive Burgers nanofluid with an induced magnetic field over an exponentially stretching surface
Authors: Khan Muhammad N , Nadeem Sohail , Abbas Nadeem , Zidan AM
Published: August 2021

The flow of a chemically reactive Burgers nanofluid with an induced magnetic field over an exponentially stretching surface is considered in this analysis. The thermal slip and concentration slip boundary conditions are considered to analyze the flow at the exponentially stretching surface in the current analysis. Furthermore, a heat transfer analysis is presented with the influence of heat generation/absorption and a variable thermal conductivity effect. Appropriate similarity variables are used to transfer the flow model into the coupled ordinary differential equations. These coupled equations are computed numerically by using the Boundary value problem (BVP) midrich technique. The impact of emerging parameters is examined graphically. It is found that the fluid velocity augments for the several values of relaxation parameters, while it shows the opposite trend for the retardation parameter. Further, it is found that the transfer rate of heat and mass boosted by increasing the values of relaxation and retardation parameters. A comparative investigation of the present article with the prevailing literature shows a remarkable agreement.