bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Temperature Organic Nucleating Agents for Polyetheretherketone/Glass Fibre Composites
Authors: Chou Shen , Chen Shuh-Heng
Published: September 2024

Hightemperature organic nucleating agents were prepared by plasma polymerization inorder to improve the interfacial shear strength of the bond betweenpolyetheretherketone (PEEK) and glass fibres through the formation of a transcrystallinelayer. Four organosilicon monomers were used to treat the glass fibres. Theplasma polymers may have altered the surface morphology and free energy of thefibres, and they were durable in molten PEEK (400°C). Experimental resultsindicate that those glass fibre surfaces treated with plasma polymers having agrain-like morphology, namely hexamethyldisilazane, hexamethyldisiloxane andtetramethylsilane, allowed a transcrystalline layer to form. This increased theinterfacial shear strength by 152%, 143% and 133%, respectively. The shearstrength was also 143%, 133% and 125% higher than when treated with couplingagent only.
Tensile and Flexural Behaviour of Sugar Cane Bagasse Waste Reinforced EVA Matrix Composites
Authors: Stael G.C. , Tavares M.I.B. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2024

Themechanical behaviour of chopped bagasse-EVA matrix composites is evaluated andcompared with the behaviour of more common thermoplastic matrix composites andwood based materials. The results show that for bagasse particle sizes rangingfrom less than 3 mm to 30 mm the tensile and flexural properties areindependent of the bagasse size. The incorporation of chopped bagasse producesa strong increase in the stiffness of the EVA matrix and it is shown that thedeformability of the composites can be tailored by varying the volume fractionof bagasse, without a big decrease in mechanical strength. The results alsoshow that EVA composites could compete with low density wood based materials.
New Processing Stabilizers for Polypropylene
Authors: McGowan James G. , Zingde Dr. Guru
Published: September 2024

The choice of additive is determined by several factors including availability, regulatory position and the type of stabilization required. For general purpose stabilization this can be approached by using traditional general purpose stabilizers at a given loading level or by using high performance stabilizers at a lower loading level. However, there are certain applications and levels of performance that can only be attained using high performance stabilizer systems.
Benzoate Plasticizers for Reducing Plastisol Viscosity and Fusion Temperature
Authors: Bohnert T. , Stanhope B. , Gruszecki K. , Pitman S. , Elsworth V.
Published: September 2024

Viscosity control of plastisols is a major consideration in the formulation of a vinyl product produced by methods such as spread or reverse roll coating. The application conditions often dictate the addition of a diluent in the formulation to lower the rheology of the plastisol for successful processing. A benzoate plasticizer has been introduced that has the capability of lowering plastisol viscosity while also performing as a highly solvating plasticizer. This unique combination is illustrated in both phthalate and benzoate containing plastisols and the properties of both the plastisol and the final sheet are presented.
A Multiblock Copolymer Compatibilizer for PVC/Polyolefin Blends
Authors: Pourahmady Naser , Lepilleur Carole , Detterman Robert , Backman Arthur
Published: September 2024

Multiblock polyethylene-chlorinated polyethylene (PE-b-CPE) copolymers were prepared by partial chlorination of various polyethylenes. The resulting copolymers have partial miscibility with polyolefins, PVC, and chlorinated PVC (CPVC). These copolymers can be used as compatibilizers for blends of PVC with polyolefin elastomers (POE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and butadiene copolymers (ABS/MBS). The efficiency of PE-b-CPE in compatibilizing several olefin-based polymers and copolymers with PVC were studied. A polyolefin elastomer impact-modifier system for rigid PVC compounds was developed using PE-b-CPE as compatibilizer. The properties of the impact modifier blend and the advantages over conventional modifiers are shown. Improvement of interfacial adhesion between ABS/MBS modifiers with PVC and the effect of PE-b-CPE addition on the impact properties of PVC compounds are discussed.
The Role of Market Research in the Additives Business - Researching in a Derived Demand Sector
Authors: Beswick Richard
Published: September 2024

The subject of market research is defined and explained and its application to the polymer, chemical and plastics additives industries is discussed. Examples are given of how market research has helped companies in the chemical industry in the recent past. Future growth of the industry is predicted.
Nurses’ justifications for morally courageous acts in ethical conflicts: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Pajakoski Elina , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Stolt Minna , Čartolovni Anto , Suhonen Riitta
Published: September 2024

Background: Moral courage is defined as the courage to act in ethical conflicts based on individual or professional values despite the personal risks involved. Nurses justify their decisions to act morally courageously as part of their ethical decision-making. Objective: To describe registered nurses’ justifications for acting morally courageously, or not, in ethical conflicts where they needed moral courage. Research design: A narrative inquiry with a holistic content approach was used. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted in January–February 2023. The data were analysed using holistic content analysis. Participants and research context: Fourteen registered nurses with experience in situations where they needed moral courage participated. The nurses came from the somatic, palliative, mental health, and substance abuse care fields in Finland. Ethical considerations: Good scientific practice was followed. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection from the university’s ethics committee. Findings: The nurses needed moral courage in ethical conflicts with patients present and between professionals. Individual responsibility, professional ethics, and emotions were identified as bases of nurses’ justifications for morally courageous acts. The justifications for acting morally courageously, or not, had individual, contextual, and organisational perspectives. Morally courageous acts included starting a discussion about the conflict with other professionals and reporting the situation in writing within one’s organisation. Discussion and conclusions: The identified bases and perspectives of justifications illustrate the complexity of nurses’ decision-making in ethical conflicts, either leading to morally courageous acts or not. These results can inform nursing practice and research in developing processes to strengthen nurses’ moral courage and examining relationships between moral courage and other concepts, such as moral resilience.
Effect of HRM Practices on Textile Industry Performance through HR Outcomes and Job Satisfaction as Mediator
Authors: Mansi  , Pandey Shubham , Goyal Arpita
Published: September 2024

This study examines the relationship between work satisfaction and human resources (HR) results, as well as the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices (career planning, job security, technical training, decentralised decision-making and internal promotion) on business success. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical regression analysis are used on a sample of 250 workers in Rajasthan, India’s textile sector. The study’s results indicate that company performance and the recently developed construct of HRM practices are positively correlated. Moreover, the relationship between HRM practices and company performance is somewhat mediated by HR outcomes and job satisfaction. The study highlights how crucial employee satisfaction is to improving organisational results. The study has substantially contributed to our comprehension of HRM procedures in the Indian textile sector. Companies should monitor and raise employee job satisfaction levels and put appropriate HRM practices in place.
Women: Autonomous Bodies, Are They? Understanding Autonomy and Well-being
Authors: Kumar Vipul , Maral Priyaranjan , Upadhyay Anurag , Azam Seemi
Published: September 2024

Autonomy for women and their well-being are significant issues to understand because the development of society depends heavily on women’s participation. Autonomy for women is conceptualized as one of the essential components of well-being. The research aimed to explore the meaning of autonomy for women, the changes in their lives through autonomy, and its impact on their well-being. Thirty-eight married women (18 working women and 20 non-working women), whose ages ranged from 28 to 40 years, were selected through purposive sampling. Participants were selected from Allahabad City and belonged to middle-class socio-economic status. Thematic analysis was done to analyze the data. The dialogue between the researcher and the respondents evolved around the themes that emerged from the data extraction. Three main themes, namely the sense of autonomy, the changes in the lives of women through autonomy, and psychological well-being, developed from examining the meaning of autonomy, its impact, and its consequences. A sense of autonomy was found to be understood by women as a sense of liberty and uninterrupted personal and professional life. Changes in life through autonomy were found to include inner satisfaction or gratification and self-identity. At the same time, psychosocial well-being was found to include self-efficacy, self-concept or self-esteem, and social well-being. The themes and subthemes were further discussed in the article.
Experimental analysis of extrusion-based additive manufacturing process of bio-composite NiTi alloy
Authors: Cherouat Abel , Barriere Thierry , Wang Hong
Published: September 2024

In this study, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to explore the material extrusion process of NiTi shape-memory alloy-based bio-composite polymeric matrix. Polylactic acid PLA+ Stearic Acid polymeric matrix are performed in order to develop an environmentally friendly process for manufacturing feedstocks with [Formula: see text] nickel-titanium powders for employed in the 3D printing process. The additive manufacturing process based on the extrusion of materials will be studied at all stages (feedstock manufacturing with nickel-titanium powders, 3D printing of bio-composite green part, thermal debinding, and densification by solid-state diffusion) using experimental approaches, analytical approaches to predict printability index and thermo-physical analyses for the formulation of NiTi and biocomposite binders. Printing parameters were optimized by analysing the microstructure, rheological, mechanical properties of feedstock and 3D printed parts. Static mechanical tests will be performed in association with numerical modelling to study the evolution of damage for fully densified SMA specimens in order to describe the ductile failure of 3D printed specimens. Micromechanical phenomenological constitutive models are used in Finite Element software and which can account for the damage localization, initiation and damage growth based on continuum damage mechanics. The results of this study can be used to optimize the extrusion process parameters for different materials and can be helpful for researchers and industrialists to further explore and develop sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Does Augmenting Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training with Longitudinal, Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improve Visual Search Performance? A Neurobehavioral Evaluation
Authors: Rao Akash K. , Bhat K Raghav , Negi Ramsingh , Bhavsar Arnav , Dutt Varun
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of combining Virtual Reality (VR)-based cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in enhancing visual processing. Eighty participants undertook a 20-day, single-blind, placebo-controlled study across pre-intervention (Day 1), intervention (Day 2–Day 9), and post-intervention phases (Day 10 and Day 20). Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: tDCS + VR, VR + placebo tDCS, tDCS + placebo VR, and placebo tDCS + placebo VR. After undertaking three visual processing tasks on Day 1, participants underwent intervention from Day 2 to Day 9 and followed up with post-intervention testing on Days 10 and 20. Results revealed that the tDCS + VR condition showed significantly improved sensitivity in visual search on Day 10. EEG results indicated that anodal tDCS coupled with VR training enhanced cortical activation in the tDCS + VR condition. This study underscores the potential of cognitive training programs integrating VR and tDCS.
The Impact of Extensive Surgical Resection of Butterfly Glioblastomas on Outcomes in the Presence of TERT Mutation and EGFR Amplification: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hekimoglu Mehdi , Basak Ahmet Tulgar , Akgun Mehmet Yigit , Ozer Hıdır , Ozgen Utku , Maleki Raha , Saban Dina , Oktenoğlu Tunc , Ozer Ali Fahir , Sasani Mehdi
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to assess if extensive surgical resection enhances outcomes in wild-type Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH) butterfly glioblastoma (B-GBM) patients, despite the presence of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) mutation and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) amplification.

Methods

The study, retrospectively conducted from 2014 to 2022, involved 723 GBM patients, 41 of whom met the criteria for IDH wild-type B-GBM. Exclusion criteria comprised prior diagnoses or treatments for low-grade glial tumors. Surgeons, employing two approaches—partial and extensive surgery—categorized patients based on age, sex, tumor location, corpus callosum involvement, and genetic characteristics. The interval between initial surgery and tumor recurrence/tumor-free period (TR/TFP) and overall survival (OS) were recorded and compared between the partial and extensive resection groups, analyzing the impact of resection width on TR/TFP and OS. Preoperative assessments utilized thin-section cranial computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intraoperatively, tumor excision was guided by sodium fluorescein, and margins were delineated via neuronavigation. Genetic alterations (TERT mutations and EGFR amplifications) were correlated with surgical type, TR/TFP, and OS. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) evaluations were performed pre- and post-operatively and at key intervals, comparing outcomes between surgical groups. Standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens were administered to all patients.

Results

Extensive resection yielded significantly longer TR/TFP compared to partial resection, despite TERT gene mutation and EGFR amplification being linked to shorter TR/TFP and OS. Its impact on OS, however, was not significant. KPS scores indicated a superior quality of life after extensive resection, with sustained improvement upon recurrence.

Conclusions

Extensive resection of B-GBM, even in the presence of adverse genetic alterations, may prolong TR/TFP, offering patients a period of improved comfort with minimal distress.
Elevating Voice and Opportunity Through Culturally Sustainable Practices
Authors: Brulles Dina , West Keur Rebekah A. , Johnson Alisa
Published: September 2024

As gifted educators, we must create spaces that welcome and empower our students to contribute to our diverse communities and elevate their voices and opportunities. Through culturally responsive and sustainable teaching practices, we can develop cultural awareness and holistically embrace our gifted children—how they think, feel, and learn. We can also understand who they are and where they come from: their backgrounds, cultures, families, and communities, and then foster cultures of belonging. We can facilitate real growth change for all our gifted students by expanding our classroom perspectives and exploring culturally sustainable instructional approaches. This article provides practical strategies for integrating this mindset and adopting inclusive practices into the gifted classroom. We share tools and frameworks needed to promote and develop cultural awareness to facilitate real change, embrace equity and celebrate diversity in the classroom.
Examining Disengagement and Fostering Creativity: A Relational Perspective on High-Ability Students in Formal Education
Authors: Camilleri Dave , Munro John , Glăveanu Vlad Petre
Published: September 2024

Disengagement by high-ability students from general educational programs has traditionally been examined from a student-centered perspective. This article examines this phenomenon through a relational lens. It focuses on understanding the interactions of these students with the classroom culture and the consequent impact on their creativity. The range of student interactions implicated in creative activity in classroom culture are analyzed using the Five A’s framework. This framework combines psychological and socio-cultural paradigms. It is used to analyze the characteristics of engaged and disengaged high-ability students and to identify strategies that support student engagement and creativity in formal education. The analysis shows the limitations of formal education in catering to students who are unable to show their knowledge in culturally acceptable ways. It provides insights for educators and policymakers to better understand and support the learning profiles of high-ability students in formal education.
Technical Adequacy—Normative Scores
Authors: Johnsen Susan K.
Published: September 2024

The author provides information about normative scores and areas that educators should examine in determining if the test is appropriate for the group that will be administered the test. These areas include demographic characteristics, numbers tested at each grade and age level, and recency of standardization.
A Comparative Study of the Help-Seeking Behavior of Victims of Contact Sexual Violence and Image-Based Sexual Harassment and Abuse
Authors: Pijlman Valérie , Boertien Erin
Published: September 2024

Sexual victimization may have serious consequences for victims’ well-being. Thus, seeking support is encouraged and associated with positive outcomes. However, no research has compared the help-seeking behavior of victims of contact and image-based (i.e., noncontact) sexual violence. This study explores the differences in help-seeking behavior, and barriers to help-seeking, by comparing datasets from two online survey studies. The findings highlight that victims of contact sexual violence appear more likely to seek help, but also experience the barriers to help-seeking as greater. An exception is the minimization of the incident, which is experienced similarly by both. Future longitudinal research is recommended.
What Drives Adaptation? Evidence from Sea Level Rise Planning in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Grandage Andrew J. , Hines Robert E. , Willoughby Katherine G. , Hauer Mathew E.
Published: September 2024

Sea level rise (SLR) is anticipated to be one of the most disruptive impacts of climate change for coastal communities if adaptive measures are not taken. Conceptualizing adaptation to SLR as a staged process whereby governments first choose whether to address SLR and then determine how much to address it, we use a hurdle model to examine what drives local governments to plan for SLR. Results from eighty-five coastal counties in the southeastern United States indicate that financial resources, population size, and future risk exposure increase the likelihood of addressing SLR. However, among counties addressing SLR, those with larger shares of left-leaning votes engage in more comprehensive SLR planning. Our findings align with previous research on barriers to addressing climate change and add to the growing knowledge on SLR planning.
Emergency Medical Care Provided by North Shore Rescue Advanced Medical Providers
Authors: Wynne Foster T. , Turnock Matthew , Crickmer Michael , Ritchie Alec H.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The North Shore Rescue (NSR) Advanced Medical Provider (AMP) program is composed of physicians and nurses based in North Vancouver who attend high acuity medical search and rescue (SAR) callouts in British Columbia, Canada. This study aimed to analyze the medical care provided by AMPs with appropriate comparisons to non-AMP callouts.

Methods

A retrospective review of all NSR callouts from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, was conducted. The analysis included AMP involvement, rescue logistics, subject demographics, activity, primary cause, provisional diagnosis, treatments, medical decision-making, and extraction means. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scores were assigned by physicians to evaluate medical acuity as well as under-triage and over-triage.

Results

Of the 767 NSR callouts over the 5-year span, 283 (37%) were medical, and of these, 35% ( n = 99) involved AMPs. Seventy-five percent of AMP rescues involved traumatic injuries, and 31% involved nontraumatic medical illnesses. The mean NACA score for AMP callouts was significantly higher than non-AMP callouts (3.1 ± 1.3 vs 1.9 ± 1.3, p < .00001). Medications were administered in 40% of AMP rescues, procedures were performed in 54%, and 37% involved advanced medical decision-making. Over-triage occurred in 33% of AMP callouts, with under-triage in 10%.

Conclusions

The AMP program provides a useful service when advanced medical care in wilderness environments is needed. AMPs coordinate appropriate medical response and ensure safe, comfortable, and efficient transport to definitive care. The NSR AMP program may act as a model for the development of similar programs by other SAR teams.
Full thickness macular hole after intravitreal brolucizumab injection in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Lee Sang Hyeok , Lee Mee Yon
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To describe a case of full thickness macular hole after intravitreal brolucizumab injection in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, which has not been reported to date.

Case description

A 65-year-old male patient received brolucizumab intravitreal injection therapy for neovascular macular degeneration of the right eye. He received multiple intravitreal anti-VEGF injections on a pro re nata regimen and developed a full thickness macular hole.

Outcome

Surgical treatment was performed with pars plana vitrectomy of the right eye. Full thickness macular hole was successfully treated.

Conclusion

Although a full thickness macular hole following intravitreal brolucizumab injection is an uncommon complication, it requires caution.
Transcutaneous parallel suture plication to fixate a difficult-to-cannulate brachiobasilic fistula: A case presentation
Authors: Van der Bogt Koen EA , Rotmans Joris I
Published: September 2024

We describe a patient with a matured transposed brachiobasilic fistula that was difficult to cannulate due to “rolling” and the inability to fixate. After placing multiple parallel transcutaneous sutures close to the fistula, there were no difficulties with needling. Even after removing the sutures, cannulation went uneventful.
Feasibility of totally implantable venous access ports in the upper arm for patients with head and neck cancer in the modern era of chemotherapy
Authors: Ikeda Masakazu , Matsuzuka Takashi , Kakamu Takeyasu , Nakaegawa Yuta , Kawase Tomotaka , Saito Yukiko , Kubota Satoshi , Imaizumi Mitsuyoshi , Murono Shigeyuki
Published: September 2024

Backgrounds:

With recent developments in chemotherapy, the prognosis of head and neck cancer patients has been prolonged, and it is expected that totally implantable venous access devices will be developed for use as feasible and safe chemotherapy routes. We investigated the feasibility of implanting totally implantable venous access ports in the upper arms of head and neck cancer patients in this modern era of chemotherapy.

Methods:

Relevant data of a cohort of 210 patients with head and neck cancer who had had totally implantable venous access devices implanted between January 2013 and December 2022 were investigated retrospectively. The totally implantable venous access ports were used for chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative treatment. Adverse events related to totally implantable venous access devices were investigated and the associated variables subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:

There were 22 (10.5%) adverse events, representing 0.201 adverse events per 1000 catheter days. Non-ultrasound-guided puncture ( p = 0.015) and forearm implantation ( p = 0.005) were associated with higher risk of adverse events according to univariate analysis. According to multiple logistic analysis, non-ultrasound-guided puncture was significantly associated with age and sex (OR = 2.89; 95% CI, 1.14, 7.36; p = 0.026).

Conclusion:

Peripherally implanted totally implantable venous access devices in the upper arm are feasible and safe for head and neck cancer patients. Ultrasound-guided implantation of totally implantable venous access ports into the upper arms of head and neck cancer patients may reduce the adverse event rate.
Identification of Potential Key Genes for the Comorbidity of Myasthenia Gravis With Thymoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Geyu , Guo Rongjing , Li Shuang , Chang Ting
Published: September 2024

Background:

Thymoma is a key risk factor for myasthenia gravis (MG). The purpose of our study was to investigate the potential key genes responsible for MG patients with thymoma.

Methods:

We obtained MG and thymoma dataset from GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined and functional enrichment analyses were conducted by R packages. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen out the crucial module genes related to thymoma. Candidate genes were obtained by integrating DEGs of MG and module genes. Subsequently, we identified several candidate key genes by machine learning for diagnosing MG patients with thymoma. The nomogram and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were applied to assess the diagnostic value of candidate key genes. Finally, we investigated the infiltration of immunocytes and analyzed the relationship among key genes and immune cells.

Results:

We obtained 337 DEGs in MG dataset and 2150 DEGs in thymoma dataset. Biological function analyses indicated that DEGs of MG and thymoma were enriched in many common pathways. Black module (containing 207 genes) analyzed by WGCNA was considered as the most correlated with thymoma. Then, 12 candidate genes were identified by intersecting with MG DEGs and thymoma module genes as potential causes of thymoma-associated MG pathogenesis. Furthermore, five candidate key genes ( JAM3, MS4A4A, MS4A6A, EGR1, and FOS) were screened out through integrating least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Random forest (RF). The nomogram and ROC curves (area under the curve from 0.833 to 0.929) suggested all five candidate key genes had high diagnostic values. Finally, we found that five key genes and immune cell infiltrations presented varying degrees of correlation.

Conclusions:

Our study identified five key potential pathogenic genes that predisposed thymoma to the development of MG, which provided potential diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for MG patients with thymoma.
Evaluating Soil-Vegetable Contamination with Heavy Metals in Bogura, Bangladesh: A Risk Assessment Approach
Authors: Samma Sadia , Khan Md. Sirajul Islam , Chowdhury Md. Tazul Islam , Islam Mohammed Ariful , Fick Jerker , Kaium Abdul
Published: September 2024

This study quantified hazardous heavy metals (Cu, Cr, and Pb) in soil and vegetables (potato, tomato, pepper, cauliflower, and cabbage) across six upazilas (Kahaloo, Bogura Sadar, Shajahanpur, Shibganj, Nandigram, and Dupchanchia) in Bogura district, Bangladesh, assessing their health and environmental impacts. The detection method was validated for its accuracy and precision with QC samples. Results indicated that Cu levels in all samples were within safe limits set by BFSA and FAO/WHO, whereas Cr and Pb in vegetables exceeded permissible levels, though soil concentrations remained within limits. Pb contamination was particularly severe in vegetables (CF > 6), and all vegetables showed significant contamination degrees (CD), highlighting extensive heavy metal pollution. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) identified Kahaloo and Bogura Sadar as the most polluted, whereas Nandigram and Dupchanchia were the least. Bioaccumulation factors (BF) for all metals were <1, suggesting minimal transfer to edible parts. However, the ecological risk index (ERi) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) suggested low ecological risks, but health risk assessments indicated that vegetable consumption poses significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks (CHR > 10−4, HI > 1) across all upazilas. The findings underscore the urgent need for measures to mitigate heavy metal pollution in these areas to safeguard environmental and public health.
Tobacco in hotels: A study of smoke exposure and resident risk
Authors: Lewinson Terri , Dasgupta Abhirupa , Murphey James M. , Onsando W. Moraa , Nagovich Justice
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Extended-stay hotels (ESH) are a reliable and accessible housing option for low-income, minoritized renters, who are disproportionately exposed to secondhand and thirdhand cigarette smoke (SHS and THS). This study explores ESH residents’ perceptions of their SHS and THS exposure, harms related to this exposure, their willingness to mitigate these harms, and the contextual factors associated with smoking in hotels.

Methods

Eighty ESH renters from the metropolitan Atlanta region were recruited to complete a survey about the perceived harm and persistence of tobacco smoke, exposure experiences, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to protect oneself. Eleven of these participants completed semi-structured interviews, during which they discussed their daily SHS and THS exposure at their ESHs in greater detail.

Results

Of the survey respondents, 62% reported being bothered by their level of smoke exposure, and 77% said they believed smoke particulates remained in their rooms even after housekeeping cleaned them. Approximately half of survey respondents had attempted to stop smoking in the 3 months prior to the study, and 29 of these individuals were still on their smoking cessation journeys. Most interview participants agreed that SHS and THS exposure exacerbated their existing chronic illnesses and could possibly result in death in the long term. Participants agreed with the benefits of smoke-free policies, but also acknowledged other priorities for ESH living—affordability, safety, and proximity to the workplace—that overshadowed their desires for such policies.

Conclusion

Overall, study findings suggest that ESH renters understand the dangers of smoking and SHS/THS and want to decrease their exposure, but the persistence of cultural and contextual factors prevents them from fully engaging with 100% smoke-free policies.
Drawing as collective self-care: Leeds animation workshop’s collaborative practices during the pandemic
Authors: Maule Rosanna
Published: September 2024

Studies and debates about the impact of the Covid-19 (Covid-19 is the term widely used to denote the SARS-CoV-2 virus and adopted by the World Health Organization when communicating with the public) pandemic on the film and moving image industry have emphasized the economic and cultural consequences of lockdowns and social restrictions on cinematic productions and theatrical and festival circuits, leading to the rise of streaming platforms and services. Within this discussion, little attention has been drawn to the independent sector of non-profit cooperatives or collectives, grassroots distribution companies and community archives involved in feminist and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual+ activism. This essay examines this area of post-pandemic cinema through the example of Leeds Animation Workshop, a women-run, feminist collective. Since its establishment in the eponymous West-Yorkshire city in 1978, the collective has been producing and distributing gender-focused animation films about social and educational issues worldwide. My argument is that Leeds Animation Workshop’s online media activities during the pandemic signal less an adjustment to a new media environment in response to social restrictions than a repurposing of their gendered and participatory media practices for social change and critical intervention.
Invisible No More: Unmasking the Underestimated Female Labour Market Work
Authors: Malhi Fareena Noor
Published: September 2024

This article utilizes a rare Time Use Survey (TUS), focusing on Pakistan, to uncover productive labour market activities that often go unnoticed in mainstream labour force surveys (LFS). Leveraging rich time use data along with labour force classification question, we identify and analyse the invisible workforce. Moreover, employing the multinomial logit model, I examine the determinants—such as human capital accumulation (or lack thereof), mobility constraints and financial well-being—of the invisible labour force among women and men aged 10–74 years in Pakistan. The findings reveal significant gender disparities within the invisible workforce, with women constituting a staggering 88% of its members. These women predominantly engage in part-time work concurrently with other activities within their own dwellings, particularly in sectors such as textiles, crafts and animal husbandry. Furthermore, I uncover that the lack of human capital and mobility constraints significantly increase the probability of participation in the invisible workforce. This article tackles the challenge of accurately measuring women’s engagement in productive work by identifying and examining the ‘invisible workforce’ through a unique survey method. Notably, this TUS stands out as the only one available in the South Asian context that integrates LFS questions to identify and study the invisible workforce. The implications of these findings extend to the development of more inclusive measurement frameworks and the promotion of gender equality in labour force participation.

JEL Codes: J21, J24, J16, D13
Food insecurity in Norway: A cross-sectional study among patients visiting their general practitioner
Authors: Cioffi Noemi , Diaz Esperanza , Strømme Elisabeth M. , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Mildestvedt Thomas , Fadnes Lars T.
Published: September 2024

Aims:

We aim to address the knowledge gap surrounding food insecurity in general practice in Norway, focusing on its prevalence among patients, sociodemographic correlates and its relationship with chronic diseases across different age groups.

Methods:

This study is cross-sectional, collecting data through 69 general practice clinics in 2022 from patients >18 years old visiting their general practitioner. They answered an anonymous questionnaire with the Cornell–Radimer hunger scale. Questions addressed hunger, concerns about food access, financial difficulties purchasing food, impact on children, patient demographics, children, and use of medications for chronic disease. We present logistic regression models with odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals to examine associations between food insecurity and patient characteristics.

Results:

Among 2571 invited patients, 81.2% ( n=2089) participated in the study. Of the participants, 40.1% were considered food insecure. The questions in the Cornell–Radimer hunger scale indicated that most had a mild degree of food insecurity. Food insecurity ranged from 28.9% among those >70 years old to 68.0% among those <30 years old. Food insecurity was associated with age <30 years, being migrant, inversely associated with higher educational levels (OR 0.60, 0.41–0.87) or having own children (OR 0.24, 0.18–0.31). Food insecurity was higher among participants using medications for chronic disease (OR 1.33, 1.05–1.68).

Conclusions:

This study underscores the presence of food insecurity in high-income countries like Norway, particularly among specific groups such as young adults, migrants and patients with chronic diseases. These categories of patient could benefit from screening of food insecurity during medical contact.
Navigating dual stigmas on social media: How self-disclosure strategies influence public attitudes toward sexual minorities with mental disorders
Authors: Lu Hang , Li Minjie
Published: September 2024

In light of the rising trend of self-disclosing stigmatized identities on social media and the insufficient understanding of its repercussions on societal attitudes, this study employs an intersectional framework to examine the impact of revealing dual stigmas related to sexual identities and health conditions on destigmatization. Drawing upon the intergroup contact hypothesis and social penetration theory, a national sample of U.S. adults ( N = 1,596) participated in a 3 (sexual identity cue: explicit-cue vs implicit-cue vs no-cue) × 5 (coping with mental disorders: good-coping vs balanced-coping vs poor-coping vs no-coping vs control) between-subjects experiment. Results revealed that while dual stigma disclosure occasionally showed enhanced positive impacts, it never exacerbated stigmatized attitudes compared to single stigma disclosure. In addition, the two self-disclosure strategies interacted to influence destigmatization, mediated by perceived competence rather than perceived authenticity. Implications from the findings are provided.
Critical reflections of emerging farmers’ individual perspective towards assessments in recognition of prior learning for unit standards credit of agricultural courses
Authors: Teele Tshepo , Nkoane Molebatsi M
Published: September 2024

Interventions to redress the apartheid education’s negative impact on the education and training systems of the previously disadvantaged groups in South Africa include the implementation of recognition of prior learning (RPL). The paper attempts to qualitatively assess emerging farmers’ individual perspectives by analysing their cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics during RPL credit assessment sessions. A total of 200 Free State province emerging farmers participated in an RPL credit assessment session of the unit standards to be recognised for two agricultural qualifications. The RPL unit standards credit assessment sessions for two agricultural courses were conducted in a classroom for 3 months. The data generated from text, video, and voice recordings was processed and analysed using critical discourse analysis. What emerged from the discussions was that emerging farmers were appreciative of the opportunity to embrace spontaneity during training. The study found that embracing adult learning principles had a positive effect on the cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics of emerging farmers during training. The findings of this paper will help strengthen the understanding of how RPL is implemented in the context of emerging farmers and further development of what needs to be done to further improve RPL procedure.
Aspiring to shape education policy for equity: Lessons from graduate education
Authors: Garcia David , O’Connor Brendan H
Published: September 2024

Many educational researchers discuss policy implications of their work and aspire to have an impact on policy. However, shaping policy requires academics to step away from the “comfort zone” of critique in the academy and into the world of politics, where they must act in unfamiliar ways and understand their role and positioning as academics relative to other policy actors. Drawing on three years’ experience team-teaching an interdisciplinary seminar and the first author’s extensive background in state-level education policy and political circles, we present challenges and lessons learned from training graduate students to engage directly in policy and share recommendations for faculty who want to foster political engagement among their own students. Specifically, we argue that faculty should: nurture aspirational thinking about policy; demystify policymakers to empower students as policy actors; cultivate unexpected allies; encourage students to see themselves as “expert enough” in contrast to politicians; and get comfortable thinking like lobbyists. We assert the advantages of an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates students from different graduate programs with different definitions of equity and share ideas for class activities that are intended to get graduate students thinking about policy aspirations and outcomes beyond the classroom.
Passive film properties and corrosion resistance of AISI 304L stainless steel
Authors: Radojković Bojana , Jegdić Bore , Pejić Jovanka , Eraković Pantović Sanja , Marunkić Dunja , Simović Anđela , Milošević Milena , Alić Behar
Published: September 2024

The passive film properties and resistance to general and different types of localised corrosion of the AISI 304L stainless steel were analysed. The properties and behaviour of two microstructural states, the as-received and sensitisation-annealed, are comparatively analysed by electrochemical methods (linear sweep voltammetry-LSV, Mott–Schottky, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-EIS and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method with double loop-DL-EPR) and surface analytical techniques (scanning electron microscope-SEM/EDS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy-XPS). XPS analysis showed the presence of Fe2+, Fe3+ and Cr3+ oxides and hydroxides, and a higher Cr:Fe ratio in the passive layer for the sensitised than as-received specimens. Sensitised stainless steel shows a lower defect density and higher protective stability of the passive layer, and a higher resistance to general corrosion, than the as-received one. However, during LSV measurements, at higher electrode potentials, sensitised stainless steel showed lower passive film stability, due to the metastable pits formation and transformation in the stable pits.
In the Midst of the Collective: The Experience and Influence of African American Peer Groups in Graduate School at Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Dortch Deniece , Chen Qi
Published: September 2024

This phenomenological study explores how 10 African American doctoral students experience their same-race peers at a predominantly white institution in the Midwest United States. The study utilized collectivism as a conceptual framework to understand how intra-racial peer groups contribute to African American doctoral students’ success during their academic journey. Applying Seidman's three-step interview process, each participant engaged in three semi-structured 90-minute sessions spread over an academic year. The study found the role of African American intra-racial peers as instrumental in several areas: acting as role models, serving as a means to combat isolation, fostering academic achievement, and emphasizing communal needs over individual desires. The study provides implications for understanding the importance of collectivism in the retention and success of African American doctoral students in today's sociopolitical climate and underscores the necessity to cultivate more collectivist approaches to creating inclusive and supportive academic environments for African American graduate students.
Pay for Performance in the Pool: Sink or Swim?
Authors: Harris Jill S. , Dulin Johnathan
Published: September 2024

In the shadow of Title IX's 50th anniversary in 2022, it is fitting to investigate whether female elite swimmers are rewarded the same way male swimmers are. This article thus contributes to the growing literature on gender differences in performance and pay in sport. Our article frames this question in a unique way, as we compare the extent of economic exploitation of women and men in elite swimming. Are female swimmers “underpaid” relative to their marginal revenue products at the same level as their male counterparts?
Development of user interaction(UI)-based electrical heated clothing incorporating knitted jacquard pattern for the elderly
Authors: Liu Su , Wu Jun
Published: September 2024

Electrical heated clothing (EHC) is a revolutionary concept that combines garment with electrical technology to create garments capable of actively regulating and providing warmth to the wearer, especially for the elderly. To develop an EHC for the elderly with both aesthetics and functionality, the technique of knitted Jacquard is employed for fabrics and Bluetooth module is applied to realize user interaction (UI) design. Firstly, 16 different heated fabrics were fabricated by choosing different silver-coated yarns and knitted Jacquard patterns. The heating temperatures of the fabrics were simulated, and the actual heating performance was observed through infrared thermal image. Suitable materials and patterns were selected to produce the EHC. Secondly, in order to meet the demands for the elderly, a prototype was developed by combining the characteristics of the elderly clothing design and UI design. After the design of a Bluetooth module with a PCBA, the heating temperature and heating time of the clothing can be adjusted through the WeChat mini-program on the mobile phone. It has been verified that the developed prototype meets the heating requirements. This study can serve as an excellent guide for the advancement of EHC and electrical wearables.
A meta-analysis and modeling study for green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles effect on UV-protection for cotton fabrics
Authors: Nasirzadeh Nafiseh , Golbabaei Farideh , Monazzam Esmaielpour Mohammad Reza , Omari Shekaftik Soqrat
Published: September 2024

Despite enormous benefits of UV radiation, exposure to it stimulates skin and eye damages. In occupational health sciences, modification of cotton fabrics by biodegradable nanomaterials is a new approach to overcome this problem. So, the aim of this study is to investigate green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles effect on UV-protection for nano-cotton fabrics using meta-analysis, computational method and simulation. This study was conducted based on Cochrane systematic review guideline. Meta-analysis was provided by CMA Software. Regression Model was applied to describe the relationship between the size of nanoparticles and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Also, Crystal Ball software was used for simulation. After screening, 15 studies were regarded as appropriate, until Jun 2023. Pearson’s coefficient confirmed a good correlation between UPF and size of nanoparticles ( p = 0.013). The results of meta-analysis showed that odd ratio (UPF) was 11.29 (confidence interval 95%) for treated cotton fabrics. Regression model for nanoparticles whose size ranges from 3.98 to 107 nm was predicted with UPF between 52.76 and 53.17 (Excellent protection), with a certainty of 78.015%. Estimations show that the nano-cotton fabrics have an excellent UPF value, and by optimizing the particle size in the synthesis process, the highest level of UPF can be achieved.