bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthened by struggle: Homeland attachment in the Karen diaspora after the 2021 Myanmar coup
Authors: Thinh Mai Phuc
Published: November 2024

This study delves into the heightened dynamics of homeland attachment within the Karen diaspora following the 2021 Myanmar military coup. It examines how this critical event has catalyzed a stronger sense of belonging and identity among the displaced Karen people across global diasporic communities. Drawing on qualitative data, this research highlights the intensified connection to their homeland that the Karen diaspora maintains, despite geographical separation and the transformative impact of resettlement. The concept of “homeland” for the Karen goes beyond physical borders, encompassing the shared experiences and narratives fostered within refugee camps and passed down through generations. This paper discusses how post-coup displacement has reshaped identity and how notions of home are re-envisioned within the diaspora’s collective memory and cultural practices. It demonstrates that homeland attachment is a complex mosaic of collective memories, cultural practices and a persistent sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. By exploring the transnational identities of the Karen diaspora post-coup, this work provides insights into the mechanisms by which displaced communities maintain their cultural uniqueness and affirm their belonging in a globalized world. The findings present a nuanced view of the dual challenges of assimilation and cultural retention, offering a deeper understanding of the strategies the Karen diaspora employs to preserve their identity in the face of these forces.
Distributed formation tracking with connectivity preservation and orientation alignment
Authors: Sun Guhao , Zeng Qingshuang , Cai Zhongze
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the formation tracking problem incorporating connectivity preservation and orientation alignment for multi-agent systems. Consider the body-fixed frame of each agent in the multi-agent system is initialized with different orientations. To achieve formation controller design by relative position in the body-fixed frame, the orientation of the frames should be aligned first. A distributed passive-based orientation controller is proposed to ensure convergence of all body-fixed frames toward a unified desired orientation. Once the frames are aligned, a barrier Lyapunov function (BLF)-based formation tracking controller is proposed utilizing the displacement of the agent to ensure the distances between agents always satisfy predefined distance constraints. This strategy guarantees inter-agent collision avoidance and connectivity preservation throughout the formation. Numerical simulations are conducted to validate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Migrant Rights Protections and Their Implementation in 45 Countries
Authors: Gest Justin , Gigante Michael John , Kaptanoğlu Neslihan , Kysel Ian M , Núñez Lucas
Published: November 2024

To what extent do national governments protect the human rights of migrants, and what are the political and economic circumstances associated with more robust protection? To address these questions, we leverage a rigorous, novel database of migrant rights derived from international laws and standards. We evaluate the extent to which 64 indicators—divided into 17 different categories of migrant rights—appear in national statute and case law in 45 of the world's principal destination states. We find that 61% of the indicators of migrant rights in the Migrant Rights Database, derived from the international human rights baseline, are reflected in the letter of national law—nearly two out of every three. However, we also find that national authorities implement these de jure protections 71% of the time. Taken together, about 44% of migrant rights are both protected and implemented in the countries examined. In a correlational analysis, we find that governments tend to protect more rights when their countries are more democratic, maintain more independent judiciaries, protect more rights in their constitutions, ratify more human rights treaties, permit stronger civil society, and are characterized by more political stability. There is also a weak trade-off between de jure migrant rights protections and the number of migrants a country admits.
Bias toward the Accents of Virtual Assistants
Authors: Hercula Sarah E. , Shank Daniel B. , Cundiff Jessica L. , Wright David
Published: November 2024

Language bias, both positive and negative, is a well-documented phenomenon exhibited among human interlocutors. We examine whether this bias is exhibited toward virtual assistants, specifically, Apple's Siri and Google Assistant, with various accents. We conducted three studies with different stimuli and designs to investigate U.S. English speakers’ attitudes toward Google's British, Indian, and American voices and Apple's Irish, Indian, South African, British, Australian, and American voices. Analysis reveals consistently lower fluency ratings for Irish, Indian, and South African voices (compared with American) but no consistent results of bias related to competence, warmth, or willingness to interact. Moreover, participants often misidentified voices’ countries of origin but correctly identified them as artificial. We conclude that this overall lack of bias may be due to two possibilities: lack of humanlikeness of the voices and lack of availability of nonstandardized voices and voices from countries toward which those in the United States typically show bias.
Preparation of hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion on 316L stainless steel
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Haidou , Di Yuelan , Jin Guo
Published: November 2024

The traditional hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion methods have the disadvantages of the introduction elements, long time, and complex operation. In this paper, the hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion was achieved on the surface of 316L stainless steel using electron beam irradiation (EBI) combined with low-temperature oxidation. The results demonstrated that EBI improved the contact angle from 89° to 135°. The contents of C-C/C-H hydrophobic functional groups were found to be notably increased by low electron doses in the experiments. The contents of C-O-C, O-C = O, and -OH hydrophilic functional groups decreased. The interaction of excited secondary electrons with precursor molecules generated free radical fragments that adsorbed onto surfaces and formed new chemical bonds, changing the content of the functional groups. After low-temperature oxidation, the contact angle decreased to 76°. Following a second EBI, the contact angle increased to 144°. Due to the reversible changes in the C-C/C-H, C-O-C, and O-C = O group contents, the hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion was achieved without introducing new elements during the whole process.
Visual assessment of cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics using 3D T2-weighted SPACE sequence-based classification system
Authors: Naldemir İbrahim Feyyaz , Karaman Ahmet Kursat , Ogul Hayri , Onbas Omer
Published: November 2024

Background

Flow-related signal void artifacts can be visualized on the T2-weighted (T2W) three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrast (3D-SPACE) sequence. Flow void artifacts in the cerebral aqueduct and the fourth ventricle can provide information about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to test the performance of the T2W 3D-SPACE sequence in assessing the CSF flow in the aqueduct and/or fourth ventricle.

Material and Methods

A total of 137 patients (age range = 3–89 years) who underwent CSF flow study were included. The amount of signal loss on T2W 3D-SPACE due to flow in the aqueduct and fourth ventricle was assessed and graded using a 4-point scale of 0 (absence of flow void) to 3 (signal void filling the aqueduct and entire fourth ventricle). A correlation was then sought between the quantitative values obtained by phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) and the amount of signal void in the 3D-SPACE sequence.

Results

At the aqueduct level, there was a statistically significant difference in the forward flow velocity and the flow volume among different grades (all P < 0.001). In the grade 3 group, CSF peak systolic flow velocity and mean flow volume were found to be significantly higher than in the other grades ( P < 0.001). The mean aqueduct area in the grade 0 group was found to be significantly different from that in the other classes ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The amount of signal loss in the fourth ventricle observed on T2W 3D-SPACE is correlated with the peak systolic velocity and flow volume measured quantitatively in PC-MRI.
Understanding occupational therapy perinatal mental health practice in mothers from ethnic minorities: A qualitative study of practitioner perceived barriers and enablers
Authors: Halsall Kathryn , Ward Kath , Jarvis Kathryn
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

In the United Kingdom, ethnic minority mothers experience increased risk of mental illness compared to white women of British heritage. However, there is insufficient research to guide perinatal mental health occupational therapists to develop services that are accessible and meet the diverse needs of service users. This study explored perinatal mental health occupational therapists’ perceptions of the barriers and enablers to an inclusive service provision for ethnic minority mothers.

Methods:

A qualitative study was undertaken. Recruitment via social media used non-probability sampling. Semi-structured interviews collected data which were then analysed thematically.

Results:

Eight occupational therapist participated in the study. Three main themes were identified: observation of caseloads; experience of providing occupational therapy; influence of the therapist’s culture. Participants perceived stigma, fear, language and cultural perceptions created barriers for ethnic minority mothers.

Discussion:

Limited workforce diversity, ineffective mandatory training and insufficient referral to occupational therapy by other healthcare professionals were believed to negatively impact service delivery. Cultural experience and reflective practice were felt to enable inclusive practice. Recommendations to inform perinatal mental health occupational therapy practice in the United Kingdom and internationally include collaborations to gain a more diverse workforce, improved mandatory training and strategies to increase cultural sensitivity and competence.
Crashworthiness design and enhanced energy absorption of multi-cell thin-walled circular tubes
Authors: Wang Kai , Cao Lu , Guo Peng-yu , Fan Guang-teng , Huang Zi-xuan , Bai Jiang-pan , Zhang Xin-chun
Published: November 2024

In order to improve the crashworthiness and enhance the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled structures, a new multi-cell thin-walled circular tube was established by combining the advantages of type I (bending-dominant) and type II (tension-dominant) structures in this paper. The crush resistance and specific energy absorption (SEA) of multi-cell empty and multi-cell foam-filled tubes (MFTs) subjected to axial crushing loads were experimentally investigated. It was shown that due to the introduction of ribbed structures, the crush resistance and energy absorption efficiency of multi-cell empty tubes can be obviously enhanced. Filling the empty tube with foam, the peak force of foam filled thin-walled circular tube structure is improved distinctly. The MFTs have a higher crushing load efficiency and lower average loading fluctuation than the corresponding multi-cell empty tubes, which are mainly affected by the ribbed angles. With the increase in ribbed angles, the load-carrying capacity and the SEA of the MFTs can also be enhanced, but the undulation of the load-carrying capacity is simultaneously reduced. When the ribbed angle is more than 45°, the MFTs have better energy absorption and crushing load efficiency. Compared with a multi-cell empty tube, the SEA of the MFT increased by about 19%.
Appealing for Local Control and Spatial Inequality: Reforming Governance and Development Rationalities in Southern California
Authors: Reyes Alejandra
Published: November 2024

Several limitations have thwarted the implementation of California housing law for over fifty years. This paper sheds light on the evolution of municipal-state relations at a period of reform by analyzing the contentious implementation of state housing law in Orange County, California, a region of concentrated affluence. Systemic privilege has historically allowed some jurisdictions to influence decision-making at higher levels, skewing housing policy and planning outcomes. Nonetheless, and despite contention between different government levels and localities, the leverage of reactionary local politics is weakening.
Exploring the impact of a clinical extern program on readiness to practice
Authors: Cordon Charissa , Norman Dianne , Fox‐Robichaud Alison , Pierazzo Joanna , Marzilli Natasha , Alvi Marium , Blakely Charlotte , Aliazon Mary Anne
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic created an increased demand for healthcare professionals across all healthcare sectors globally. Attrition, retirement, delayed graduations, and sick leaves resulted in an inadequate supply of knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced nurses to care for hospitalized patients and help address hospital capacity pressures. In response to this health human resource crisis in Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health offered hospitals funding to support the employment of Clinical Externs (CEs), that is, students in nursing, respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy medicine, and paramedicine, hired to work as unregulated staff, alongside an inter-professional team. This mixed-methods study evaluated the CE program that was implemented in one large academic hospital. The primary aim was to identify the outcomes of the clinical extern program from the perspectives of CEs, CE coordinators, and clinical leaders. Findings indicate the clinical extern program reinforces student confidence and supports their transition to formal nursing and respiratory therapy roles.
Rostral Mandibular Fracture and Dentoalveolar Trauma Secondary to Climbing Stairs With a Foreign Object in the Mouth in Four Dogs
Authors: Cantin Gerad , Pegg Jane
Published: November 2024

Rostral mandibular injuries present unique challenges for repair. The presence of strategically important teeth which occupy a large volume of the mandible, multiple tooth roots and the mental neurovascular bundle all combine to limit treatment options that serve to preserve the form and function of the involved structures. This case series describes the approach to treatment for rostral mandibular trauma seen in four dogs with a unique etiology that has not been previously described.
Understanding an emerging maker community in India: Socio-demographic traits, motivations, and satisfaction factors
Authors: Sharma Gautam , Kaur Nishtha
Published: November 2024

Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular due to their capacity for hands-on learning, innovation, collaboration, and the democratisation of technology. While numerous studies have explored makerspace users, they have largely focused on contexts within the Global North or China, leaving a significant gap in understanding the demographics and experiences of individuals who frequent these spaces in the Global South. The paper addresses this gap by understanding the factors influencing the motivations and satisfaction levels of an emerging community of makerspace users in India. Employing a cross-sectional survey methodology, data from 51 participants were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression. Key findings indicate that access to specialised tools, expert guidance, and opportunities for personal and professional development are significant motivators for makerspace usage. Users expressed high satisfaction with the learning opportunities and resources provided. The study concludes that makerspaces play a crucial role in supporting innovation and professional growth in the Indian context, suggesting that policymakers and educators should consider these insights to enhance the effectiveness and reach of makerspaces, thus promoting broader innovation ecosystems. Future research should aim to include a more diverse participant pool to validate and expand upon these findings.
An adaptive robust sliding mode control strategy based on radial basis function neural networks for the magnetorheological semi-active suspension
Authors: Xiong Xin , Pan Zeyu , Yang Gang , Chen Changzhuang , Xu Fei , Zhu Bing
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes an adaptive robust sliding mode control (SMC) strategy based on radial basis function neural networks (RBF-NNs) to address nonlinear issues in semi-active suspension system (SASS), such as external disturbances and uncertain parameters. Firstly, the Dahl model is selected for the parameters identification of the magnetorheological (MR) damper, followed by the establishment of a model for the SASS. Secondly, this paper proposes a control strategy that integrates robust control with SMC. The RBF-NNs are utilized to estimate the system’s uncertain parameters, thereby enhancing the robustness of the suspension system against external disturbances and ensuring its stability. The stability and controllability of the closed-loop SASS are rigorously verified through the application of Lyapunov theory.1 Under the road excitations of B-Class and speed bump, the dynamic characteristics of the passive control, the robust SMC, and the adaptive robust SMC based on RBF-NNs applied to the MR-SASS are analyzed. The vertical acceleration of the automobile body, the suspension working space and the tire dynamic load are selected as the evaluation indices. The results demonstrate that the adaptive robust SMC significantly improves the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle.
A high-precision two-parameter road roughness grading and identification methodology across multiple frequency intervals
Authors: Xin Wang , Kang Wang , YongBao Yang , Tariq Noman , YinTao Wei
Published: November 2024

Based on a dual track road shape meter, various road roughness was measured. It was discovered that the road grading method in ISO 8608 assumes a constant waviness value of W = 2 with a one-straight line approximation, but it could not accurately fit and grade the measured road roughness. A high-precision piecewise fitting function for the low-frequency and high-frequency parts of the road roughness power spectral density (PSD) is established. A high-precision two-parameter grade method in multiple frequency bands for road roughness is proposed ( G q( n0), the geometric average of the road roughness index at n0, W, the waviness, is the slope of the road roughness PSD fitting expression in the double logarithmic coordinate system). According to the vehicle driving performance obtained by simulation, the grading method is verified. For Paved and Undulating roads, compared to the road roughness classification method in ISO 8608, the performance simulated based on the grade results of the two parameters grading method are closer to the performance simulated based on the measured road roughness. The grading method proposed in this paper can more accurately fit and classify the measured road roughness. The influence of these parameters at each frequency interval on vehicle driving performance is studied. A two-parameter identification method for road roughness PSD at variable intervals over a large frequency range is proposed. In the double logarithmic coordinate system, this method divides the selected spatial frequency into three sub-intervals along the abscissa, in each sub-interval, the parameters G q( n0) and W are identified separately. This method can provide effective control inputs for the vehicle’s active or semi-active suspension system.
A hybrid GRA-PCA-TOPSIS Technique Optimization of EDD Process Parameter on Drilling of AL8011/B4C/aloevera composites
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pradhan Mohan Kumar , Kumar Sudhanshu
Published: November 2024

A class of cutting-edge materials called hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites has been produced for applications such as the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industry and where weight and strengths are crucial factors. In the present research work, AA8011 composite reinforced with boron carbide particles and green aloevera has been fabricated using an economical stir casting process. In this 1% to 3% of boron carbide and 1% to 2% aloevera were used to fabricate the three different combinations of composites. The electrical discharge drilling process variables such as discharge current, pulse-on time, pulse-off time, and dielectric fluid pressure are investigated using the tubular copper electrode on drilling of hybrid composites. Performance aspects including drilling rate, roundness error, taper angle, and electrode wear rate have been analyzed, and the effect of process variables with the response surface methodology–central composite experimental design. The process parameters during the drilling of composites were optimized using a novel multi-criteria decision-making technique called the hybrid grey relational analysis–pulse component analysis–technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method in order to maximize the drilling rate while concurrently minimizing other aspects. The optimum conditions were reached using the hybrid optimization method and a 1.5 mm tubular copper electrode with an input current of 9 Ampere , pulse on time 25 [Formula: see text]s, pulse off time 12 [Formula: see text]s, and pressure 60 kg/cm2. In comparison to the initial settings, the optimal condition shows a 25% faster drilling rate, with a 23% better roundness value, 14% lesser taper angle, and 7% lesser electrode wear rate.
Microstructural analysis of AA8079 alloy sheets formed by friction stir incremental forming
Authors: Ravichandran Saravanan , Duraiswamy Rajenthirakumar , Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , Muthukali Vimal Raja
Published: November 2024

Friction Stir Incremental Forming (FSIF) is an innovative solid-state metal-forming technique that uses frictional heat and mechanical deformation to create complex shapes without dyes. It has found applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. In this study, FSIF was applied to AA8079 alloy sheets to form cone and pyramid geometries. A detailed investigation of process parameters such as spindle speed, table feed, step size, and coatings was conducted to assess their effects on surface roughness and forming forces. Optimal parameters were identified using the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array and the TOPSIS method, which determined the best settings as a wall angle of 20°, a step size of 1 mm, a spindle speed of 1500 rpm, and a table feed of 2400 mm/min. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to study surface roughness, texture, and defects, revealing the influence of these parameters on surface quality. Additionally, Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, performed using ABAQUS software, was used to predict formability and stress distribution during the forming process. Key results showed successful formation of cone and triangular pyramid shapes on AA8079 sheets, with FEM accurately predicting stress levels. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into optimizing FSIF for improved material performance and structural integrity. The findings emphasize the importance of fine-tuning FSIF parameters to enhance surface finish and reduce defects, offering potential improvements for various industrial applications.
An evaluation of a visual interface for supporting query formulation in scholarly searching
Authors: Svarre Tanja , Russell-Rose Tony
Published: November 2024

Performing an effective literature review is a fundamental academic skill. Whether writing up a final project, preparing a research proposal, or simply finding answers to complex questions, students need to be able to systematically gather and analyse evidence from a variety of sources. However, many students have difficulty formulating effective search queries and understanding how to optimise their search strategy. This paper evaluates a novel approach to query formulation based on an alternative, visual interface. The approach is evaluated alongside a conventional, form-based interface in a comparative, controlled setting. The study finds that overall, participants considered the visual interface to be more complex and difficult to use. However, at the same time they used significantly more terms, facets and reformulations in the visual interface, and gave more attention to creating and refining more complex queries. In addition, the majority considered the visual interface to have greater transparency, with a clearer overview of the search tasks that encouraged them to invest greater effort in completing them successfully. The results demonstrate that visual approaches can offer tangible benefits in developing and improving students’ competence in exploratory search tasks.
Sociotechnical imaginaries of gene editing in food and agriculture: A comparative content analysis of mass media in the United States, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada
Authors: Das Ashmita , Cordoba Diana , Kristiansen Silje , Velardi Sara , Wonneberger Anke , Yamaguchi Tomiko , Selfa Theresa
Published: November 2024

Sociotechnical imaginaries of gene editing in food and agriculture reflect and shape culturally particular understandings of what role technology should play in an ideal agrifood future. This study employs a comparative media content analysis to identify sociotechnical imaginaries of agricultural gene editing and the actors who perform them in five countries with contrasting regulatory and cultural contexts: Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United States. We find that news media in these countries reinforce a predominantly positive portrayal of the technology’s future, although variations in which imaginaries are most mobilized exist based on the regulatory status of gene editing and unique histories of civil society engagement around biotechnology in each country. We argue that by granting legitimacy to some narratives over others, the media supports gene editing as a desirable and necessary component of future agrifood systems, thereby limiting consideration of broader issues related to the technology’s development and application.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Healthcare  Provider’s Acceptance of Electronic Health  Record in Jordanian Hospitals
Authors: Tamadur Shudayfat , Akyürek Çag˘daş E. , Al-Shdayfat Noha M , Alsaqqa Hatem H.
Published: November 2024

Acceptance of electronic health record systems is considered an essential factor for effective implementation among healthcare providers. In an attempt to understand healthcare providers’ perceptions of electronic health record systems implementation and evaluate the factors influencing healthcare providers’ acceptance of electronic health record systems, the current research examines the effects of individual (user) context factors and organisational context factors using the technology acceptance model. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, in which 319 healthcare providers from five public hospitals participated in the present study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was based on the technology acceptance model. Jordanian healthcare providers demonstrated positive perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of the electronic health record systems and subsequently accepted the technology. The results indicated that they had a significant effect on the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the electronic health record, which in turn was related to positive attitudes towards the electronic health record systems as well as the intention to use them. User attributes, organisational competency, management support and training and education are essential variables in predicting healthcare providers’ acceptance towards electronic health records. These findings should be considered by healthcare organisations’ administration to introduce an effective system to other healthcare organisations.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Study on Offenders
Authors: Saxena Khyati , Sahai Anjali
Published: November 2024

Background

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is well known for its effectiveness in addressing psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder, often used alongside medication.

CBT is used more often in the criminal justice system to help rehabilitate offenders by targeting cognitive distortions affecting their social and decision-making abilities. These maladaptive behaviours and sense of entitlement can result from distortions, which CBT works to address by restructuring thought patterns and encouraging adaptive behaviours. In general, CBT is a crucial method for decreasing repeat offences and dealing with mental health problems within the legal system.

Key message

CBT has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in decreasing reoffending rates in both youths and adults, aiding criminals in acquiring abilities to successfully re-enter society. Although it has replaced traditional rehabilitative services such as education and occupational therapy, its success highlights its importance in offender rehabilitation programmes. Nevertheless, inmates are frequently required to participate, causing doubts about their willingness to engage voluntarily.
Concomitant Factors Associated With Tillaux-Chaput Fractures in Adults: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Massri-Pugin Jafet , Matamoros Gabriel , Morales Sergio , Urrutia Tomás , Lira María Jesús , Filippi Jorge
Published: November 2024

Background:

Tillaux-Chaput fractures (TCFs) consist of fractures of the anterolateral distal tibia. They rarely occur in isolation in adults. When TCFs are missed, there is a risk of chronic pain, instability, and ankle osteoarthritis. This study aimed to identify which factors are related to the presence of TCFs in ankle injuries.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 1134 ankle fractures evaluated between 2013 and 2023 at a level 1 trauma center was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥18 years, ankle radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) scan evaluation, and the presence of a TCF confirmed by CT scan. Exclusion criteria were prior ankle surgery, pilon, or distal tibial fractures. A musculoskeletal radiologist and a foot and ankle–trained orthopaedic surgeon classified the TCFs into type 1, an extraarticular avulsion; type 2, a fracture involving the incisura fibularis; and type 3, a fracture with impaction of the anterolateral tibial plafond. A matching control group of ankle fractures without TCF was created with a 1:2 ratio. The following variables were collected: sex, age (<50 vs >50 years), ankle dislocation or subluxation, Weber classification, Maisonneuve fracture, type of medial and posterior malleolar fracture, Lauge-Hansen classification, malleoli involved, and osteochondral lesion of the talus. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to detect which variables had an association with the TCF and their subtypes. P value <.05 was considered significant.

Results:

A total of 481 ankle fractures had radiographs and CT scans available for evaluation, of which 83 (17.3%) had a TCF. Of these, 44.6% were type 1, 44.6% type 2, and 9.6% type 3. The mean age was 52.2 years; 66.3% were women. Six patients (7.2%) had an isolated TCF. Fifty-eight (69.9%), 50 (60.2%), and 62 (74.7%) ankles had involvement of the lateral, medial, and posterior malleolus, respectively. Age ≥50 years (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.45-5.14) and pronation external rotation injuries (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.43-6.06) had a significant association with TCF. Moreover, ankle dislocation or subluxation (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.11-8.96) and the absence of posterior malleolar fracture (OR 5.97, 95% CI 1.65-21.6) were significantly associated with TCF type 2 and 3.

Conclusion:

In this study, age ≥50 years and pronation external rotation injuries were the unique independent risk factors for TCF. Furthermore, ankle dislocation or subluxation and the absence of posterior malleolar fractures increased the odds of having a more severe TCF. This study provides insights into the factors associated with TCF and its subtypes during adulthood.
De-normalizing Obstetric Violence in Italy: Digital Storytelling as Source of Information and Identification
Authors: Cersosimo Giuseppina , Landolfi Lucia
Published: November 2024

A #MeToo movement (“# ancheame” in Italian) gained momentum in Italy in January 2023 in the wake of a newborn's death resulting peak in women's online discussion about obstetric violence. This research explored women's perceptions of obstetric violence as shared online. The ultimate goal was to gain insight and information for improving obstetrical training and help health personnel recognize and reduce obstetric violence. Through the method of digital storytelling the results indicate that medical procedures done without consent, pressure to breastfeed, verbal aggression, and a lack of respect, information, and attention to women's needs may constitute perceived aspects of obstetric violence.
Optic disc pit maculopathy: Covering or filling technique with human amniotic membrane patch to treat the optic disc pit maculopathy?
Authors: Fiore Tito , Tucci Davide , Santi Nicola De , Lupidi Marco , Cagini Carlo , Mariotti Cesare
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To describe two patients affected by optic disk pit-maculopathy ODP-M surgically treated with pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) and the apposition of a human Amniotic Membrane (hAM) patch.

Methods

Patients underwent a PPV with the apposition of a hAM patch to cover the ODP. In case 1, a 2nd surgery was necessary to push the hAM patch inside the pit, whereas in case 2 the patch was pulled inside the pit following the pressure gradient when infusion was turned on.

Results

After surgery the hAM patch filled the ODP and in both cases, during follow-up, there was a progressive reduction of macular OCT changes and a concomitant BCVA improvement.

Conclusion

Our experience seems to support the idea that the dynamic fluctuation of pressure between intra-ocular and intra-cranial spaces can direct the movement of fluid through the anomalous communication created by the ODP. In this perspective, our cases seem to support the idea that the primary goal of any surgery should be to create a permanent barrier to fluid migration through the ODP to the intra-ocular space, and that hAM can be successfully used to fill the OPD and to create that permanent barrier to achieve the resolution of ODP-M.
Negative changes in emotional well-being and motivation in Russian adolescents between 1999 and 2020 / Cambios negativos en el bienestar emocional y la motivación en adolescentes rusos entre 1999 y 2020
Authors: Gordeeva Tamara O. , Sychev Oleg A. , Sheldon Kennon M.
Published: November 2024

Studies in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia show cohort increases in ill-being among adolescents in recent decades, and this is especially true for girls. The present study compared two Russian adolescent samples on both positive and negative emotions, via data collected in 1999 and in January 2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic). The results show that joy was much lower and anger and anxiety were much higher in the 2020 cohort. Corresponding declines in autonomous motivation, perceived academic control and positive relationships partly explained the decreases in adolescent emotional well-being. Girls were most negatively impacted across the two decades. Discussion speculates on possible educational explanations for the motivational and thus emotional declines.
Dry sliding wear behaviour of AA6082/BN/Mos2 hybrid metal matrix composites synthesized using stir casting process
Authors: D Jafrey Daniel James , G Karthik Pandiyan , M Thanga Aruna , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: November 2024

This study examines the wear behaviour of AA6082/x Boron Nitride (BN) (x = 1, 2, 3 wt.%)/1 wt.% of Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2), a novel hybrid metal matrix composite (MMC), under dry sliding conditions. The composite was fabricated through liquid-state processing, i.e., stir casting. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to estimate the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate by varying tribological process parameters under dry sliding conditions. The results show that at the maximum load of 40 N, the wear rate of the unreinforced alloy is observed 4.077 × 10−2 mm3/m, while at the AA6082/3 wt. of %, BN/1 wt. % of the MoS2 composite's wear rate is reduced to 2.162 × 10−2 mm3/m. Further, the wear rate increases as the sliding distance increases from 500 m to 2000 m. Moreover, the friction coefficient of the unreinforced alloy is observed 0.37, whereas the AA6082/3 wt.% of BN/1 wt.% of MoS2 composites is observed 0.31 under reduced loads. It might be due to the presence of hard ceramic BN and MoS2 reinforcements enhancing the developed composite's resistance to wear by forming a mechanically mixed layer (Fe2O3) on the sliding contact surface. Moreover, the novel hybrid composite materials exhibit a lower coefficient of friction at higher sliding velocities, sliding distances, and applied loads. However, minimal fine grooves with limited abrasion are observed on the worn surface, which was examined through a scanning electron microscope.
Modelling and theoretical research on transient lubrication and wear coupling behavior of main bearing during start-up of low-speed diesel engine
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhao Bin , Tu Liyue , Xie Zhongliang , Lu Xiqun , Zou Dequan
Published: November 2024

This study endeavors to establish a transient mixed lubrication model for time-varying wear of main bearings under dynamic loading conditions during the startup process. This model accounts for variations in oil film thickness attributable to deformation, wear profiles, and journal misalignment throughout the operational cycle. The evolution of main bearing lubrication characteristics during the startup process was analyzed, as well as the evolution of wear profiles and their effects on lubricating properties under different numbers of startups. The results indicate that as the number of startup cycles increases, the wear rate gradually levels off. With increasing startup times, there is a decrease in contact pressure and a slight reduction in oil film pressure, resulting in enhanced lubricating performance. Furthermore, the influence of startup duration on wear is significantly greater than that of radial clearance.
Usability and user experience impressions of older adults with cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia towards GRADIOR, a cognitive rehabilitation program: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Contreras-Somoza Leslie María , Toribio-Guzmán José Miguel , Irazoki Eider , Viñas-Rodríguez María José , Gil-Martínez Susana , Castaño-Aguado María , Lucas-Cardoso Elisabeth , Parra-Vidales Esther , Perea-Bartolomé María Victoria , Franco-Martín Manuel Ángel
Published: November 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the impressions of older adults with mild dementia/MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and people with schizophrenia towards the usability of GRADIOR (version 4.5) and their user experience (UX) with this computerized cognitive rehabilitation program. Methods: The impressions towards the usability of GRADIOR and the UX of 41 older adults with mild dementia/MCI and 41 people with schizophrenia were obtained using the User Experience Questionnaire. Results: Older adults with dementia/MCI had more positive impressions than people with schizophrenia. Both agreed that its quality was lower in Dependability. Conclusion: GRADIOR meets users’ needs and preferences but needs improvements to ensure they feel more in control when interacting with it. For people with schizophrenia, other aspects of usability and UX need improvement. Usability and UX evaluation allow the verification of technological acceptability and functionality, and to identifying specific improvements for each user group.
The use of TikTok by the police
Authors: Babic Juliana Kata Pereira , Simpson Rylan
Published: November 2024

Police agencies continue to use social media platforms as part of their operations. Although previous research has explored the police's use of Twitter (now referred to as X), Facebook, and other platforms, no known research has explored the police's use of TikTok. As part of the present research, we conducted a content analysis of all TikTok videos posted by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) between January 2022 and June 2023 ( N = 96 videos). Our findings reveal that the VPD focused more on community-oriented content than law enforcement-oriented content in their videos. Our findings also reveal that many videos emphasized a networking strategy. Our research provides an empirical snapshot of how one police agency with a particularly popular TikTok account uses the platform. We highlight the relevance of our findings for research regarding policing and social media as well as policing practice.
Communitas revisited: Victor Turner and the transformation of a concept
Authors: Haggar Sarah
Published: November 2024

Victor Turner's concept of communitas has been used in and beyond anthropology for years in a variety of ways. It is an effective concept for understanding one form of collective human experience, particularly the transcendent emotional experiences in liminal contexts that may stimulate the emergence of a sense of connection and co-humanity. There is immense contemporary value in the concept, however, many key elements are often overlooked and the complexities of ‘communitas’ ignored. This can lead to surface-level or misleading applications which threaten to undermine the utility of the concept. As such, I explore Turner's theoretical understandings and reflections, before considering the diverse ways other scholars have used communitas. I advocate a more nuanced understanding of communitas and investigate how this would benefit our understandings of communitas in contemporary social contexts. I engage with the work of Turner and others to contribute to theoretical discussions of communitas, while also reflecting on the value of concepts and the benefits of both ambiguity and clarity in communicating anthropological knowledge through such concepts.
#Protecttranskids?” The (Im)possibilities of advocating for trans-inclusive policies and practices while protecting children
Authors: Snaider Carolina
Published: November 2024

Contemporary battles over transgender rights reinvigorate the figure of the innocent, ignorant, and vulnerable child at risk and in need of protection. However, critical childhood scholars have shown that not all children are deemed innocent, but rather innocence has always been raced White. Given this, I ask: What does the innocent child rhetoric do to trans activism and trans (early childhood) pedagogies? I unpack how the premise of innocent children pervades responses to anti-trans backlash. Likewise, childhood innocence also thwarts early childhood teachers’ pedagogical efforts to disrupt gender stereotypes. I argue that the mobilization of childhood innocence whitewashes our policy and practice efforts toward trans justice; and call for more promising, intersectional avenues toward gender justice.
Representation and Its Historical Antecedents in New Media: The Queer-ious Case of Assassin's Creed
Authors: Root-Williams Jess , Kessner Taylor M. , Bernier Jeremy
Published: November 2024

Videogames, like other new media, reflect and shape culture and are influenced by societal attitude shifts. We conducted a qualitative close-reading analysis of queer representation in the AAA historical-fiction series Assassin's Creed and the historical antecedents thereof to explore (a) the traditional marginalization of queer-identifying folks in (b) the context of growing societal acceptance within the (inter)national zeitgeist. In our examination of the developer's reaction operationalized as observable shifts in developers’ design choices, we observed an increase in representation that aligns with the shift in social attitudes toward queer folks over the last 15 years. With respect to the historical antecedents, we discovered a misalignment between the in-game portrayal of queer folks and acceptance thereof vis a vis the available historical record.
Dungeons, Dragons, and Rogues: How Picaresque Literature Shaped the Thief Class in Dungeons & Dragons
Authors: Matencio Durán David , Apperley Thomas
Published: November 2024

This article advocates for a reevaluation of the thief class as a bridge linking literary narratives and tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs). It traces the roots of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) thief class in Picaresque Literature against the wider importance of literature in the early TRGP scene, by comparing the thief class to the Picaresque rogue. Through a thematic analysis of articles from eight key TRPG periodicals published between 1975 and 1986, the article illustrates how “extensibility mechanisms” facilitated creative exchanges between hobbyist game designers, Fantasy fiction, and Picaresque Literature via the rogue archetype. These exchanges demonstrate a turn towards nuanced narrative-supporting mechanics, complex player character development, and including vibrant fantasy cities as settings for adventures in D&D, and TRPGs more broadly, influenced by Picaresque Literature.
Curating conflict-related sexual violence: Museological visibilities at the Imperial War Museum
Authors: O’Mahony Megan
Published: November 2024

While often under-researched, mis-catalogued, and obscured from public display, conflict-related sexual violence is acutely entangled in the story of conflict that the Imperial War Museum tells its visitors, beyond the dichotomous characterisation of present/absent, hidden/revealed or remembered/forgotten. This article outlines and characterises ways in which the Imperial War Museum curates conflict-related sexual violence, illustrating how this equates to gendered and gendering arbitrations on what is appropriate, representative, and moreover what counts as conflict-related sexual violence and as the material and visual culture of war. Curatorial practices are found to both reflect and actively (re)produce patterns of representation in sexual violence discourse, through a prism of visual hierarchies inherent to modern museumification and the Museum’s titular imperial legacy. Insights from this case can help guide ambitions of a more activist, feminist curatorial practice, one invested in disrupting harmful patterns and centring what is marginal.
Forensic, clinical and everyday remembering: Exploring the role of perceived audience in changes across autobiographical memory recollections
Authors: Mahony Isabel S , Temler Misia , Paterson Helen M
Published: November 2024

Contradictions and other changes across recollections are interpreted negatively in some settings. This may be problematic because who we share our memories with may affect what we recollect. In our research, we used a retelling paradigm for autobiographical memory to investigate how perceived audience influences consistency of repeated personal memory accounts. Participants free-recalled memories of four autobiographical events either to an imagined police officer, psychologist or friend. One week later, they recalled the same events again to the same imagined audience. Memory accounts changed across recollections, with most participants making omissions, additions and contradictions. Some changes varied across conditions. Participants in the friend condition were least consistent in amount of information provided. Participants in the police officer condition contradicted themselves on details about people present. However, overall audience context did not reliably influence consistency of accounts, rather changes were common. Findings broaden our understanding of social influence on autobiographical memory.