bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart portable system for monitoring vibration based on the Raspberry Pi microcomputer and the MEMS accelerometer
Authors: Baghdadi Hajar , Rhofir Karim , Lamhamdi Mohamed
Published: July 2023

In this work, an internet of things (IoT) sensing and monitoring box has been developed. The proposed low-cost system is a portable device for smart buildings to measure vibrations, monitor, and control noise caused by the industrial machines. We will present an instrument and a method to measure the vibration and tilt of a mechanical system (air conditioner). The primary goal is to create a signal acquisition and monitoring system that is both user-friendly and affordable, while also delivering exceptional precision. The key concept is centered around acquiring and processing signals through the Raspberry Pi. We will use for the first time as an application, which does not exist before, a conversion method to control and monitor remotely the noise generated by the machines. Once the noise reaches a high value or the air conditioner is too much tilted, the system sends an alert in the form of an email. We will use the Python language to acquire and process the signal and send the alerts. The proposed approach is straightforward to implement, and the obtained results demonstrate a high level of accuracy that is consistent with the existing literature.
Realization of an intelligent evaluation system
Authors: Maarouf Otman , El Ayachi Rachid , Biniz Mohamed
Published: July 2023

A number of benefits have been reported for computer-based assessments over traditional paper-based exams, both in terms of IT support for question development, reduced distribution and test administration costs, and automated support. Possible for the ranking. However, existing computerized assessment systems do not provide all kinds of questions, namely open questions that require writing solutions. To overcome the challenges of the existing, the objective of this work is to achieve an intelligent evaluation system (IES) responding to the problems identified, and which adapts to the different types of questions, especially open-ended questions of which the answer requires sentence writing or programming.
Lev Vigotski e Pierre Bourdieu: o poder da linguagem
Authors: Setton Maria da Graça Jacintho , Rego Teresa Cristina , Pereira Wellington de Carvalho
Published: July 2023

Este artigo analisa algumas convergências teóricas entre dois autores que se destacam no campo das ciências humanas. Trata-se de estabelecer uma tentativa de diálogo entre as teorias desenvolvidas por Lev Vigotski e Pierre Bourdieu, em torno do papel da mediação social da linguagem na construção da pessoa. Parte-se do pressuposto de que, ainda que tenham se destacado em campos disciplinares distintos, em configurações históricas específicas e com propósitos teóricos diferentes, ambos teceram um edifício conceitual capaz de auxiliar no entendimento da construção da objetividade e subjetividade humanas a partir da linguagem. De início apresentaremos uma breve biografia dos autores e suas especificidades de pensamento para, na parte final, sustentar a hipótese de que os autores podem ser complementares.
Labour Rights as Human Rights: Advancing the Positivists’ Argument
Authors: Emudainohwo Emuobo
Published: July 2023

The question whether labour rights are human rights has provoked a lot of debate among scholars. Surveying the literature, three different approaches are identified namely, Instrumental Approach, Normative Approach and Positive Approach. These approaches are outlined to navigate the discussion herein. The paper supports, explores and develops the Positive Approach with reference to the principle of ‘indivisibility of rights. It used Amartya Sen’s view on indivisibility of rights as a framework and argues that some human rights instruments not only contain labour rights, but also propagate the indivisibility of rights. If rights are indivisible as expressed in such human rights treaties, then labour rights can be enforced as human rights. Regarding the indivisibility of rights, the African (Banjul) Charter is used to project the argument and to set the limit of the paper.
Fingerprinting Low-Frequency Last Millennium Temperature Variability in Forced and Unforced Climate Models
Authors: Cleveland Stout Rebecca , Proistosescu Cristian , Roe Gerard
Published: July 2023

Constraining unforced and forced climate variability impacts interpretations of past climate variations and predictions of future warming. However, comparing general circulation models (GCMs) and last millennium Holocene hydroclimate proxies reveals significant mismatches between simulated and reconstructed low-frequency variability at multidecadal and longer time scales. This mismatch suggests that existing simulations underestimate either external or internal drivers of climate variability. In addition, large differences arise across GCMs in both the magnitude and spatial pattern of low-frequency climate variability. Dynamical understanding of forced and unforced variability is expected to contribute to improved interpretations of paleoclimate variability. To that end, we develop a framework for fingerprinting spatiotemporal patterns of temperature variability in forced and unforced simulations. This framework relies on two frequency-dependent metrics: 1) degrees of freedom (≡N) and 2) spatial coherence. First, we use N and spatial coherence to characterize variability across a suite of both preindustrial control (unforced) and last-millennium (forced) GCM simulations. Overall, we find that, at low frequencies and when forcings are added, regional independence in the climate system decreases, reflected in fewer N and higher coherence between local and global mean surface temperature. We then present a simple three-box moist-static-energy-balance model for temperature variability, which is able to emulate key frequency-dependent behavior in the GCMs. This suggests that temperature variability in the GCM ensemble can be understood through Earth’s energy budget and downgradient energy transport, and allows us to identify sources of polar-amplified variability. Finally, we discuss insights the three-box model can provide into model-to-model GCM differences.

Significance Statement

Forced and unforced temperature variability are poorly constrained and understood, particularly that at time scales longer than a decade. Here, we identify key differences in the time scale–dependent behavior of forced and unforced temperature variability using a combination of numerical climate models and principles of downgradient energy transport. This work, and the spatiotemporal characterizations of forced and unforced temperature variability that we generate, will aid in interpretations of proxy-based paleoclimate reconstructions and improve mechanistic understanding of variability.
Rethinking marine plastics pollution: Science diplomacy and multi-level governance
Authors: Beltran Macarena , Tjahjono Benny , Suoneto Thomas Noto , Tanjung Rakyan , Julião Jorge
Published: July 2023

Although science diplomacy has been gaining relevance in foreign policy to solve environmental challenges, critical questions concerning what different instruments mean under the term ‘science diplomacy’ and whether science diplomacy does contribute to the progress in solving environmental issues remain unanswered. We explore those questions by linking science diplomacy salient features through documentary analysis of international instruments addressing the plastics pollution in the ocean. We find that from a science diplomacy and multi-level governance perspective, the responsibilities and capabilities of emergent actors of cross-level governance are also important, leading to more attention being paid to changes in the role of national authorities, away from passive leadership to cross-cutting coalitions supported by the salient features of science diplomacy, and redefining dominant discursive approaches that have framed plastics waste.

Points for practitioners

As a result of the cost and limitations of the current international mechanisms, there is currently no incentive for individual countries to take action against marine plastic pollution. Science diplomacy and multi-level governance can contribute to international cooperation, foreign policy and national strategies. Leading efforts to engage countries with fewer scientific and technological capabilities could benefit countries’ foreign policy.
Bilingual Children Shift and Relax Second-Language Phoneme Categorization in Response to Accented L2 and Native L1 Speech Exposure
Authors: McDonald Margarethe , Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: July 2023

Listeners adjust their perception to match that of presented speech through shifting and relaxation of categorical boundaries. This allows for processing of speech variation, but may be detrimental to processing efficiency. Bilingual children are exposed to many types of speech in their linguistic environment, including native and non-native speech. This study examined how first language (L1) Spanish/second language (L2) English bilingual children shifted and relaxed phoneme categorization along the cue of voice onset time (VOT) during English speech processing after three types of language exposure: native English exposure, native Spanish exposure, and Spanish-accented English exposure. After exposure to Spanish-accented English speech, bilingual children shifted categorical boundaries in the direction of native English speech boundaries. After exposure to native Spanish speech, children shifted to a smaller extent in the same direction and relaxed boundaries leading to weaker differentiation between categories. These results suggest that prior exposure can affect processing of a second language in bilingual children, but different mechanisms are used when adapting to different types of speech variation.
Making Meaningful Connections: Facilitating Schoolwide Family Engagement With Culturally Diverse Families
Authors: Banks Joy , Kea Cathy , Coleman Mary Ruth
Published: July 2023

The importance of strong family partnerships has long been considered essential to supporting the success of student with exceptionalities. Research indicates that building school-wide relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse families continues to prove challenges for administrators and other school personnel (Fowler, Coleman, Bogdan, 2019). The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) both emphasize the critical importance of family engagement. Due to the national professional standards which undergird special education teacher preparation programs, special educators are uniquely positioned to enhance school-wide family engagement strategies. The focus of this practitioner-based manuscript is to provide building-level school administrators with planning tools to implement culturally responsive family-engagement for families of children with disabilities.
Exploring mismatch in within-metropolitan affordable housing in the United States
Authors: Kang Seungbeom , Jeon Jae Sik , Airgood-Obrycki Whitney
Published: July 2023

Despite numerous studies and measures that quantify the extent of the shortage in affordable housing for low-income renter households, few studies address potential neighbourhood-level mismatch between affordable housing supply and demand. To fill this research gap, this study investigates whether neighbourhood-level imbalance exists between the number of low-income renters and the number of rental units that are affordable and available to them within the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the USA. It also explores under which metropolitan-level conditions, such an imbalance (measured using the dissimilarity index between low-income renters and rental units affordable to them) is likely to be most severe. The study found that certain neighbourhoods within each metropolitan area contain rental unit surpluses affordable to a particular low-income group and such units substantially decline as the study considers the availability of these affordable stocks. Multivariate analyses reveal that certain metropolitan-level contexts contribute to the imbalance in affordable rental units across low-income groups. These findings imply that various efforts, such as reducing the mismatch between low-wage jobs and workers, providing affordable housing in suburban areas or relaxing local regulatory environments for residential development, may be effective in improving housing affordability imbalance across low-income groups at the local level.
Chai Pride: Using LGBTQIA+ Jewish Identities to Understand Intersectionality in Public Administration
Authors: Meyer Seth J. , Benenson Jodi
Published: July 2023

Research on intersectionality in public administration reveals the diversity of marginalized groups and provides greater understanding of the ways intersecting identities influence inter- and intra-communal relationships. This article highlights the nuances that exist at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Jewish identities and how intersectionality can inform public service and engagement with minoritized populations in public and nonprofit organizations. The authors use LGBTQIA+ Jewish communities to construct four tenets of intersectionality—multiple and mutually constitutive identities, dynamic processes in managing multiple identities, discrimination within identities, and intersectional organizations—and discuss their relevance to public administration.
How Culture Shapes the Influence of Work Design Characteristics: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Carter Kameron M. , Hetrick Andrea L. , Chen Meng , Humphrey Stephen E. , Morgeson Frederick P. , Hoffman Brian J.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the literature on the influence of cultural dimensions on work design characteristics. With our proposed work design universals typology as a framework, we provide a narrative review and analyze the influence of six cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism–collectivism, masculinity–femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence–restraint) on work design characteristics’ effects on job satisfaction and performance. In addition to running meta-analytic regressions examining the role of cultural characteristics as individual moderators of the relationship between work design characteristics’ and job satisfaction and performance, we further utilize qualitative comparative analysis to move beyond treating each cultural dimension as an independent predictor and, instead, investigate configurations of cultural dimensions as moderating variables of the relationships between work design characteristics and workplace outcomes. The present effort, therefore, serves as a test of a complex universal approach when examining the influence of culture on the relationship between work design characteristics and outcomes. Collectively, this study provides a systematic narrative and quantitative review of the work design literature to assess how cultural dimensions (both individually and through complex configurations) may affect the impact of work design characteristics on job satisfaction and performance. Based on our review, we offer recommendations for future research and continued calls for more systematic and integrative cross-cultural work design research.
Sparks from the friction of terrain: Transport animals, borderlands, and the territorial imagination in China
Authors: White Thomas
Published: July 2023

Representations of the friction of terrain play a significant role in the production of the territorial imagination in contemporary China. As infrastructure and its attendant promises are rolled out to once-remote corners of the nation, the state has sought to memorialize the heroic experience of the friction of terrain during the Chinese Revolution and subsequent projects of territorial incorporation in Inner Asia, before the proliferation of durable infrastructure. At the same time, even as the Chinese state deploys increasingly high-tech, disembodied means to police its borders, representations of charismatic transport animals used to patrol select sections of these borders have circulated in various media. This article argues that the mobility of animal bodies is deployed to produce a distinctive form of territorial imagination in China, one which foregrounds the friction of terrain at certain sites, and conjures up state fantasies of interspecies relations as/and interethnic friendship. While much recent scholarly literature focusses on the collocation of infrastructure and state power, this article calls for attention to the ways in which states can also mobilize representations of selected sites of roadlessness, and concomitant animal-based mobilities.
Oral sodium oxybate does not alter plasma kisspeptin levels in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Bavato Francesco , Schnider Laura K , Dornbierer Dario A , Seifritz Erich
Published: July 2023

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB, clinically administrated as sodium oxybate) is a GABA-B/GHB receptor agonist inducing prosexual effects and progesterone secretion in humans. As the neuropeptide kisspeptin has well-established roles in regulating sexual behavior and as it was also associated with GABA-B receptor and progesterone function, we investigated the effect of two GHB doses (20 and 35 mg/kg p.o.) on plasma kisspeptin levels in 30 healthy male volunteers, using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design. We found no significant alterations of kisspeptin levels after GHB administration compared to placebo. In conclusion, plasma kisspeptin levels are not related to the prosexual effects of GHB.
MRI characteristics predict BRAF V600E status in gangliogliomas and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas and provide survival prognostication
Authors: Jiang Bingqing , Zheng Yingyan , She Dejun , Xing Zhen , Cao Dairong
Published: July 2023

Background

BRAF V600E mutation is a common genomic alteration in gangliogliomas (GGs) and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) with prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Purpose

To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to predict BRAF V600E status in GGs and PXAs and their prognostic values.

Material and Methods

A cohort of 44 patients with histologically confirmed GGs and PXAs was reviewed retrospectively. BRAF V600E status was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographics and MRI characteristics of the two groups were evaluated and compared. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify MRI features that were prognostic for progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

T1/FLAIR ratio, enhancing margin, and mean relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADCmea) value showed significant differences between the BRAF V600E-mutant and BRAF V600E-wild groups (all P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed only rADCmea value was the independent predictive factor for BRAF V600E status ( P  = 0.027). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed age at diagnosis ( P = 0.032), WHO grade ( P = 0.020), enhancing margin ( P = 0.029), and rADCmea value ( P = 0.005) were significant prognostic factors for PFS. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, increasing age ( P = 0.040, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.079) and lower rADCmea values ( P = 0.021, HR = 0.036, 95% CI = 0.002–0.602) were associated with poor PFS in GGs and PXAs.

Conclusion

Imaging features are potentially predictive of BRAF V600E status in GGs and PXAs. Furthermore, rADCmea value is a valuable prognostic factor for patients with GGs or PXAs.
Histologic lesions of giant African millipedes (Archispirostreptus gigas) from a zoological institution
Authors: Delaney Martha A. , Pushinsky Alisha D. , Cook Kirstin A. , Fox Kami
Published: July 2023

Histopathologic data of millipedes are scarce. Little is known about health and disease of these invertebrates despite their exhibition at zoological institutions and use in ecotoxicological studies. In a retrospective study of 69 zoo-housed giant African millipedes ( Archispirostreptus gigas) submitted between 2018 and 2021, most deaths occurred during midwinter and in 2021. The most common lesion was inflammation ( n = 55; 80%). Necrosis was seen concurrently in 31 (45%) millipedes and of these, bacteria (20; 29%) and fungi (7; 10%) were detected in lesions. Inflammation was seen in the head/collum (20; 29%), hemocoel (16; 23%), and appendages (9; 13%), specifically in perivisceral fat body (42; 61%), gut (16; 23%), tracheae (26; 38%), skeletal muscle (24; 35%), and ventral nerve (17; 25%). Inflammatory cell types and patterns included agranular hemocytes (61; 88%), granular hemocytes (39; 57%), and nodulation/encapsulation (47; 68%) often accompanied by melanization. The oral cavity or gut (ingestion), spiracles (inhalation), or cuticular defects were considered plausible routes of bacterial entry. Metazoan parasites (adult nematodes: 2, 3%; trematode ova: 2, 3%; and arthropods: 1, 1%) were associated with gut necrosis and inflammation in 5 millipedes. In addition, adult nematodes were noted in the gut of 4 millipedes without lesions. Neoplasia was not detected in any millipedes. Speculatively, environmental factors may have predisposed to disease, as most deaths occurred during winter months. Disease surveillance of millipedes is critical to optimize husbandry practices in zoo populations and investigate potential impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on wild millipedes.
IRR50 and the revolutionary act: ‘We are here to recommit’
Authors: Bourne Jenny , Prescod Colin
Published: July 2023

To open the IRR50 ‘New Circuits of Anti-racism Conference’ held at King’s College London in October 2022, Jenny Bourne, staff member, and Colin Prescod, IRR Chair, describe in their short speeches what the changing of the orientation of the Institute of Race Relations at its 1972 Extraordinary General Meeting had meant and how the organisation had changed its role and focused its commitment over fifty years. Their introduction includes description of the films for IRR directed by Prescod, Struggles for Black Community.
Modified Geometric Design Consistency Criteria for Two-Lane Rural Highways Based On Crash Severity
Authors: Goyani Jaydip , Arkatkar Shriniwas , Joshi Gaurang , Easa Said
Published: July 2023

The present study focuses on analyzing geometric design consistency (GDC) and modifying GDC criteria and correlating them to the field-reported crash severity, specifically for heterogeneous traffic conditions on two-lane rural highways. Two National Highway (NH) sites—NH-953 (S-1, hilly terrain) and NH-56 (S-2, rolling terrain) with varying roadway conditions—were selected to achieve the study objectives. The vehicle speed data for cars and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) were collected using the performance box (P-Box) for the 57 curves. For the selected study curves, firstly, the GDC was analyzed using the available design consistency criteria as the difference between operating and design speed. The results indicate that the proportion of good, fair, and poor GDC for the S-1 study section are 45%, 35%, and 20% and for the S-2 study section, they are 80%, 20%, and 0%, respectively. In addition, in the S-1 study section, the vehicles (64% of cars and 40% of HCVs) and the S-2 study section (65% of cars and 0% of HCVs) moved higher than the design speed. Afterward, some modifications are made to the available design consistency criteria to establish an accurate relationship between GDC results and crash severity. The modified results revealed that fatal, grievous, and minor-injury crashes correlate well with poor, fair, and good design consistency criteria. The study results would be helpful for highway authorities to evaluate a highway’s alignment consistency for its operational and safety aspects, thereby aiding some surrogate safety measures to reduce the crash probability.
Internal Migration and Cohabitation in China: A Mixed-method Study
Authors: Mu Zheng , Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: July 2023

Migration occurs at earlier ages, lasts for long periods, and profoundly shapes migrants’ experiences of cohabitation. We use a mixed-method approach based on the 2012 China Family Panel Studies and 127 in-depth interviews. To address potential selection bias, we estimated the treatment effects of migration based on propensity score matching. Results show that migrants, particularly rural-origin migrants with longer migration duration, are more likely to cohabit than their non-migrant counterparts. Qualitative interviews reveal the main underlying mechanisms: more liberal attitudes and less parental supervision in the receiving communities, a desire to vet potential partners in the absence of background knowledge, and economic barriers to marriage that make cohabitation an attractive buffer. Although migrants may cohabit as a sub-optimal option due to life instabilities and financial pressures, cohabitation also reflects a newly gained autonomy in their private lives, attributable to the liberal mindsets toward nonconventional family behaviors in the receiving communities.
MRI-Based End-To-End Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Vafaeikia Partoo , Wagner Matthias W. , Hawkins Cynthia , Tabori Uri , Ertl-Wagner Birgit B. , Khalvati Farzad
Published: July 2023

Purpose: MRI-based radiomics models can predict genetic markers in pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG). These models usually require tumour segmentation, which is tedious and time consuming if done manually. We propose a deep learning (DL) model to automate tumour segmentation and build an end-to-end radiomics-based pipeline for pLGG classification. Methods: The proposed architecture is a 2-step U-Net based DL network. The first U-Net is trained on downsampled images to locate the tumour. The second U-Net is trained using image patches centred around the located tumour to produce more refined segmentations. The segmented tumour is then fed into a radiomics-based model to predict the genetic marker of the tumour. Results: Our segmentation model achieved a correlation value of over 80% for all volume-related radiomic features and an average Dice score of .795 in test cases. Feeding the auto-segmentation results into a radiomics model resulted in a mean area under the ROC curve (AUC) of .843, with 95% confidence interval (CI) [.78-.906] and .730, with 95% CI [.671-.789] on the test set for 2-class (BRAF V600E mutation BRAF fusion) and 3-class (BRAF V600E mutation BRAF fusion and Other) classification, respectively. This result was comparable to the AUC of .874, 95% CI [.829-.919] and .758, 95% CI [.724-.792] for the radiomics model trained and tested on the manual segmentations in 2-class and 3-class classification scenarios, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed end-to-end pipeline for pLGG segmentation and classification produced results comparable to manual segmentation when it was used for a radiomics-based genetic marker prediction model.
Exploring the Association of State Policies and the Trajectories of Buprenorphine Prescriber Patient Caseloads
Authors: Griffin Beth Ann , Cabreros Irineo , Saloner Brendan , Gordon Adam J. , Kerber Rose , Stein Bradley D.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Increasing buprenorphine access is critical to facilitating effective opioid use disorder treatment. Buprenorphine prescriber numbers have increased substantially, but most clinicians who start prescribing buprenorphine stop within a year, and most active prescribers treat very few individuals. Little research has examined state policies’ association with the evolution of buprenorphine prescribing clinicians’ patient caseloads.

Methods:

Our retrospective cohort study design derived from 2006 to 2018 national pharmacy claims identifying buprenorphine prescribers and the number of patients treated monthly. We defined persistent prescribers based on results from a k-clustering approach and were characterized by clinicians who did not quickly stop prescribing and had average monthly caseloads greater than 5 patients for much of the first 6 years after their first dispensed prescription. We examined the association between persistent prescribers (dependent variable) and Medicaid coverage of buprenorphine, prior authorization requirements, and mandated counseling policies (key predictors) that were active within the first 2 years after a prescriber’s first observed dispensed buprenorphine prescription. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses and entropy balancing weights to ensure better comparability of prescribers in states that did and did not implement policies.

Results:

Medicaid coverage of buprenorphine was associated with a smaller percentage of new prescribers becoming persistent prescribers (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.97). There was no evidence that either mandatory counseling or prior authorization was associated with the odds of a clinician being a persistent prescriber with estimated ORs equal to 0.85 (95% CI = 0.63, 1.16) and 1.13 (95% CI = 0.83, 1.55), respectively.

Conclusions:

Compared to states without coverage, states with Medicaid coverage for buprenorphine had a smaller percentage of new prescribers become persistent prescribers; there was no evidence that the other state policies were associated with changes in the rate of clinicians becoming persistent prescribers. Because buprenorphine treatment is highly concentrated among a small group of clinicians, it is imperative to increase the pool of clinicians providing care to larger numbers of patients for longer periods. Greater efforts are needed to identify and support factors associated with successful persistent prescribing.
Research on stability control strategy of adjustable pressure wall-climbing robot based on adsorption identification
Authors: Cheng Hao , Wang Xuejun
Published: July 2023

In order to solve the problem that it is difficult to accurately model the complex fluid domain in the negative pressure chamber of the robot in the process of wall climbing, and thus cannot quickly and steadily adsorb, a double closed-loop control strategy based on parameter identification and particle swarm optimization is proposed in this paper to improve the speed and stability of the adsorption response of the robot in the process of wall climbing. Firstly, a vacuum negative pressure wall climbing robot with a spring pressure regulating structure is developed, and the critical conditions of the robot’s instability are solved by mechanical analysis. Then, the rigid-flexible coupling model of the whole machine was established based on mass, spring and Maxwell viscoelastic elements. The model parameters of the adsorption system were identified by vacuum adsorption test. Compared with the experimental data, the accuracy of the model was more than 80%. On this basis, PID controller is used to adjust the adsorption response speed of the robot, a double closed-loop stable adsorption control strategy is designed, and the control parameters of the adsorption system are adjusted by using the dynamic weight standard particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, simulation and prototype tests show that, the proposed control strategy can shorten the static and dynamic response time of the adsorption system by about 3.5 s and 1.4 s, the flow response time by about 1.15s, the maneuvering performance of the whole system is improved by about 26%, and the parameter overshoot and steady-state error are lower, which provides a theoretical reference for the stability control and engineering application of the wall-climbing robot.
Erectile dysfunction prevalence and associated factors in men living with HIV from Western Turkey: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Atalay Sabri , Ucak Hazal Albayrak , Caglayan Derya , Arkali Eren , Abakay Hilal , Koc Gokhan
Published: July 2023

Background

The majority of people living with HIV in our country are younger men. However, limited data exist for the sexual health of these patients. Knowledge of the epidemiology in this population may improve health outcomes across the continuum of HIV care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its association with some clinical and laboratory factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using random sampling in men living with HIV (MLWH) at a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Patients were asked to fill out the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and blood was collected for HIV viral load, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, lipids and hormone levels to assess biological aspects at the same clinical visit.

Results

A total of 107 MLWH were recruited. Mean age was 40.4 ± 12.4 years. ED was found in 73.8% ( n = 79) of the participants. Severe ED was found in 6.3%, moderate in 5.1%, mild-moderate 35.4%, mild 53.2% of the participants, respectively. The mean age of men with erectile dysfunction was 42.5 ± 12.5 years, while those without erectile dysfunction were 34.5 ± 10 years (p:0.00). ED was detected more frequently in cases with high Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels (p:0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between ED presence and having hormone abnormality. There was a moderate, negative correlation between age and ED score (r: −0.440, p < 0.001). A negative and low correlation was found between triglyceride level and ED score (r: −0.233, p:0.02). The only predictive variable was age in the multivariate analysis [B: −0.155 (95% CI -0.232 to −0.078), p: <0.001].

Conclusions

Our study revealed a high prevalence of ED in the MLWH cohort. Age was found to be the only factor associated with ED. HIV clinicians should consider routine ED screening with validated measures as a part of the follow-up scheme to improve integrated wellbeing in MLWH.
Does renewable energy consumption improve carbon efficiency? Evidence from 116 countries
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Chen , Li Rongrong
Published: July 2023

A more comprehensive understanding of the impact of renewable energy on carbon efficiency could serve to achieve the win-win goal of carbon reduction and economic growth. This paper develops a data envelopment analysis model to measure carbon efficiency, analyses the non-linear, mediating and heterogeneous effects of renewable energy on carbon efficiency using panel data for 116 countries over the period 2005 to 2020. The results show that: (i) there is a certain difference in carbon efficiency among countries in different income groups. Specifically, the carbon efficiency of low-income and low-middle-income countries is generally in a low-efficiency state. (ii) There is an intermediary effect between renewable energy and carbon efficiency, which means that carbon efficiency can be indirectly improved by promoting technological innovation. (3) With the increase of income level, the positive effect of renewable energy on carbon efficiency is more effective. Finally, targeted policy recommendations are proposed.
Does improving economic efficiency reduce ecological footprint? The role of financial development, renewable energy, and industrialization
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ge Yunfei , Li Rongrong
Published: July 2023

With the ongoing expansion of global economic activities, environmental degradation has emerged as a progressively severe challenge. The Sustainable Development Goals are significantly impacted by this issue, making it essential to establish a symbiotic relationship between economic development and environmental protection. In this context, an investigation into the efforts of the OECD to promote ecological protection assumes a critical role, given its prominent position as a leading economic cooperation organization. Therefore, we examine the relationship between economic efficiency, financial development, renewable energy, industrialization, and ecological footprint in 36 OECD countries from 1995 to 2018. An empirical analysis employing the fully modified Ordinary Least Square technique reveals an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between economic efficiency and ecological footprint, supporting the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in OECD countries. Moreover, the research reveals that financial development and industrialization exacerbate environmental damage, while the advancement of renewable energy plays a pivotal role in controlling the ecological footprint and fostering environmental conservation. Furthermore, by introducing interaction terms, we find that financial development and renewable energy weaken the positive effect of economic efficiency on the ecological footprint, while industrialization reinforces it. Finally, the findings of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis show that the causal relationship between all three variables, namely economic efficiency, financial development and renewable energy consumption, and ecological footprint is bidirectional. In contrast, the causal relationship between the degree of industrialization and ecological footprint is unidirectional. These empirical findings provide practical policy recommendations for fostering sustainable development in OECD countries and offers valuable insights and lessons that can inform the formulation of relevant policies in other countries and regions. Overall, this study not only innovatively enriches the theoretical content of the EKC hypothesis from the perspective of the relationship between economic efficiency and ecological footprint, but also has important practical guidance significance.
Doing things when others do: Temporal synchrony and subjective wellbeing
Authors: Kim Sangmoon
Published: July 2023

Proposing a measure of synchrony, the level of accordance between individual and collective schedules, we examined the effects of synchrony on the two indicators of subjective wellbeing, daily mood, and life satisfaction. We argue that temporal norms underlying collective schedules are a part of social norms, the deviation from which influences an individual's wellbeing via external and internal sanctions. Analyses of time-use data showed that synchrony was effective in improving evaluative wellbeing (life satisfaction) but not affective wellbeing (daily mood). More specifically, synchrony did not predict well who was satisfied with life but did fairly well predict who was not, which implies that compliance with temporal norms is a necessary but not sufficient condition of life satisfaction.
“On Suggestion” by John Bostock, 1923: A comparison with twenty-first century understandings of the placebo effect
Authors: Clayton Alison
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This paper describes Australian psychiatrist John Bostock’s 1923 concept of suggestion and compares it to our understandings, in 2023, of the placebo effect.

Conclusions

Bostock’s 1923 article on “suggestion” gives us a glimpse of the history of Australian psychiatry. It also stimulates thought about the current understandings of the placebo effect. Now, as then, placebo effects can play a critical role in patient outcomes. However, careful consideration is required to ensure contemporary ethical standards are met and harm is not done.
Exploring Stigma, Resilience, and Alternative HIV Preventive Service Delivery Among Young Men who Have Sex with Men of Color
Authors: Maragh-Bass Allysha C. , Williams Tia , Agarwal Harsh , Dulin Akilah K. , Sales Jessica , Mayer Kenneth H. , Siegler Aaron J.
Published: July 2023

Stigmatization on the basis of race, sexuality, gender identity, and/or use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) exacerbates HIV disparities for young men who have sex with men of color (YMSM). We explored resilience, healthcare experiences, stigma, and impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on PrEP care needs among YMSM of color through virtual in-depth interviews. Analyses used adapted grounded theory/constant comparison. Regarding healthcare-based stigma, participants enacted multilevel resilience which was critical to their care retention during COVID-19 (Themes 1 and 2). Some participants noted that remote care could minimize healthcare stigma and promote retention in care and/or on PrEP (Theme 3). Participants were interested in long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP but expressed concerns about cost, effectiveness, and side effects (Theme 4). Community-based venues like pharmacies were preferred spaces for getting LAI PrEP injections (Theme 4). Although expansion of telehealth that helped mitigate care retention challenges during COVID-19 was temporary, continued telehealth use may reduce stigmatization and promote long-term retention and PrEP persistence.
Modeling of the shear thickening fluid damper and vibration control for stay-cable
Authors: Wei Minghai , Lin Kun , Bu Fanrui
Published: July 2023

Based on the arctangent function, this work proposes a parametric model to predict the mechanical behavior of a shear thickening fluid damper. The parameters of this model are a function of the maximum operating velocity of the damper. The validity and accuracy of the model's damping force and displacement relationship under different sinusoidal loads and various seismic wave excitations are verified based on experimental data. On this basis, compared to a viscous damper, the finite element models of a stay-cable and shear thickening fluid damper system are established to evaluate the vibration reduction performance and mechanical advantages of the shear thickening fluid damper. The research shows that a shear thickening fluid damper can significantly reduce the amplitude of the stay-cable's primary resonance and main parametric vibration, with displacement reduction rates of 72.5 and 81.9%, respectively. Importantly, compared to viscous dampers, under the premise that both have the same damping force, the vibration reduction effect of shear thickening fluid dampers is more significant, 1.3 times and 1.15 times that of viscous dampers, and the stroke is only 55.2 and 59.7% of that of viscous dampers. These data indicate that shear thickening fluid dampers can provide a more significant damping force for stay-cable in limited space.
Nivolumab-induced immune-related neutropenia in a renal cell carcinoma patient
Authors: Kalaci Ender , Ürün Yüksel
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have considerably improved the prognosis of solid tumors. However, this class of medications can cause immune-related adverse events, which represent a distinct spectrum of adverse events in cancer treatment.

Case Report

Here we present a case of immune-related neutropenia (irN) that occurred in a 47-year-old man with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). During the 18 months of nivolumab monotherapy, severe neutropenia occurred. Buccal mucosal aphthous ulcers and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity concurrently emerged with neutropenia. The patient was diagnosed with irN after a comprehensive evaluation ruled out all other likely causes.

Management and outcome

Neutropenia improved with corticosteroids, but reoccurred with the introduction of nivolumab. During the approximately nine-month follow-up period after nivolumab treatment was permanently discontinued due to neutropenia, there was no disease progression.

Discussion

IrN associated with nivolumab treatment for metastatic ccRCC is uncommon. The pathophysiology of irN is not entirely understood. Corticosteroids are one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of irN. As ICIs become more widely used, medical oncologists will encounter this side effect more frequently.
An inconvenient dissident: Human rights activism in the case of Julian Assange
Authors: Driver Deepa Govindarajan , Andenæs Mads , Munro Iain
Published: July 2023

The article is based on investigations by two branches of the United Nations Human Rights Council into the treatment of the whistleblower journalist, Julian Assange – the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The UN investigations analysed for this ‘Acting Up’ article show that Julian Assange is an inconvenient dissident, who has been subjected to persecution by liberal democracies rather than authoritarian regimes. Previous research into whistleblowing has highlighted the courage and risks taken by individual whistleblowers in speaking truth to power however, this case highlights a different facet of speaking truth to power which shows how lawyers, activists and other professionals often refuse to do this because of the professional costs of speaking up for an apparently toxic individual. This article argues that the UN investigations have built a ‘counter-archive’ of suppressed facts about the case, which challenges the ‘collective amnesia’ of the public discourse. This case demonstrates that speaking truth to power requires not only individual courage but the active support of inconvenient dissidents, who lack other civil society support.
Exploring tourist shopping from the perspective of duty-free shopping: An analysis of online reviews
Authors: Hu Tao , Zhang Yangyan
Published: July 2023

As an important part of tourist shopping, the study of duty-free shopping experiences is of great value for enhancing economic growth in the travel retail market and improving the image of tourist destinations. However, current research on duty-free shopping has failed to meet these practical requirements. To effectively identify tourists’ shopping needs and develop effective shopping strategies, we conducted a study from the perspective of destination marketing organizations. For comments on duty-free shopping, we used thematic modeling and sentiment analysis. The thematic analysis showed five themes based on the duty-free shopping experience: perceived variety and function, perceived online process, perceived service, perceived environment, and perceived cost. Our study begins with a duty-free shopping tourism experience and expands on relevant research findings to enrich the tourist shopping knowledge system. Through this study, we hope to provide appropriate and targeted recommendations for marketing shopping tourist destinations.
Supporting tamariki takiwātanga Māori (autistic Māori children): Exploring the experience of early childhood educators
Authors: Tupou Jessica , Ataera Chevelle , Wallace-Watkin Carla , Waddington Hannah
Published: July 2023

The experience of the many autistic children who attend inclusive early childhood education settings is largely shaped by the knowledge and attitudes of the educators who support them. Autistic children from under-represented ethnic groups, such as autistic Māori, are likely to face additional challenges and educators need to consider strategies to support their cultural development. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 educators with recent experience supporting tamariki takiwātanga Māori (autistic Māori children) in inclusive early childhood settings. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis resulting in three themes and seven subthemes. Overall, participants’ understandings of autism aligned with the neurodiversity perspective, and there were similarities between neurodiversity and Māori perspectives. Participants wanted more training and resources drawn from a Māori worldview and available in te reo Māori (the Māori language). These findings have important implications for practice and future research.

Lay Abstract

The knowledge and attitudes of educators can have a strong influence on the experiences of autistic children who attend inclusive early childhood settings. Autistic children from under-represented ethnic groups, for example, tamariki takiwātanga Māori (autistic Māori children), are likely to face extra challenges and educators need to consider ways to support their cultural development. For this study, we interviewed 12 educators with recent experience supporting tamariki takiwātanga Māori in inclusive early childhood settings. We constructed three themes and seven subthemes from the interview data. We found that educators’ understandings of autism were mostly in line with the neurodiversity perspective, which views autism as a difference, not a disorder. We also found similarities between the neurodiversity perspective and Māori perspectives of autism and a need for more training and resources based upon a Māori world view and available in te reo Māori (the Māori language).