bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Shelf-Life Extension of Capsicum (Capsicum annum) by Polyvinyl Acetate and Shellac Coating During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Chinchkar Ajay V. , Singh Anurag , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Singh Rakhi , Singh Sukh Veer , Kumar Nishant , Kamble Meenatai G. , Sami Rokayya , Aljahani Amani H. , Helal Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

Edible coatings and films can help to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and last longer after harvesting. Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and shellac coatings had been developed for controlling the postharvest physiological activity of capsicum. Moreover, a comparative effect of polyvinyl acetate
and shellac coatings on capsicum was evaluated at refrigerated temperature (10±2 °C) throughout storage. Both coatings were applied directly to the surface of fruit ‘for the investigation of the crucial parameters, such as weight loss, firmness, color, TSS, titratable acidity,
pH, chlorophyll and others during storage. Results showed that, as compared to the control (uncoated capsicum), 12.5% of shellac-coated capsicum, and 12.5% of PVAc coating significantly increased firmness retention, reduced weight loss, and improved physicochemical properties. Over the storage,
the PVAc coating prevented color change as well as maintained total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH. Results also revealed that the PVAc coating showed a better ability to prevent the deterioration of capsicum as compared to the shellac coating during storage. The present study
illustrated the comparative effect of PVAc coating over shellac coating on capsicum at refrigerated storage.
Exergy Analysis of Biomass-Based Ethyl Levulinate Fuel for Whole Life Cycle
Authors: Qu Jingshen , Lei Tingzhou , Sun Tanglei , Wang Zhiwei , Chen Gaofeng
Published: March 2023

Hydrolysis of agricultural residues into ester fuels is an important way to alleviate energy shortage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is in accord with the major demand of sustainable energy development strategy. Based on the production and application of biomass-based ester
fuel, this paper analyzed the growth, collection, pretreatment, hydrolysis and esterification of bagasse, transportation and distribution of fuel, and the vehicle use of fuel, make clear the exergy efficiency and distribution law of pollutant exergy consumption over the whole life cycle. The
results are as follows: the overall exergy efficiency of the system for preparing ethyl levulinate (EL) by hydrolysis of bagasse is 64%. The exergy consumption proportion of CO2 is the largest (72%), the second is SO2 (7%) in the distribution of exergy consumption of
different emissions in the whole life cycle. The exergy consumption of VOC, CO, NOx and PM10 in gas pollutants is less than 2%, while the exergy consumption of N2O, CH4 and HC is between 2% and 4%. The exergy consumption of industrial sewage
accounted for the lowest of 1%, while the exergy consumption of agricultural sewage accounted for 5%. The exergy consumption of CO2 in the whole system is much higher than that of the sum of other pollutants. Based on the results of exergy analysis, the preparation of biomass-based
EL can be optimized. It is suggested to improve the environmental index of the whole life cycle of the system, reduce the dependence on pesticides and fertilizers in the process of crop planting, reduce the electricity consumption in the process of ester fuel production as much as possible,
and increase the proportion of clean power generation using renewable energy, so as to control the greenhouse gas emissions at the source.
Physicochemical and Microstructural Properties of Gluten-Free Noodles with Dietary Enriched Pumpkin Flour
Authors: Indrianti Novita , Sholichah Enny , Afifah Nok , Sarifudin Achmat , Ratnawati Lia , Desnilasari Dewi , Pareek Sunil , Chavali Murthy , Sami Rokayya , Aljahani Amani H. , Helal Mahmoud , Fikry Mohammad
Published: March 2023

This work was aimed to investigate the physicochemical and microstructural properties of gluten-free noodles with dietary enriched pumpkin flour from canna or arrowroot starch which was enriched with pumpkin flour at different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The results showed
that gluten-free noodles made from arrowroot starch exhibited higher cooking properties than that prepared from canna starch. The addition of pumpkin flour increased the chemical properties values (ash, protein, dietary fiber, beta-carotene) and the cooking properties values (cooking time,
cooking loss, and water absorption). On the other hand, the lightness value, L*, was reduced and a* and b* values are chromaticity coordinates were raised when the percentages of pumpkin flour were increased. The microstructural analysis showed that all noodle samples
exhibited no granular structures indicating fully gelatinized starch occurred during the noodle processing. The addition of pumpkin flour increased the small round rough surface particles that appeared on the noodle micro pictures.
Sodium Alginate Stimulates Growth and Metabolism in Shoots of Corchorus olitorius, Vicia faba, and Zea mays Through the Vegetative Stages
Authors: Gamel R. M. , Elsayed N. , Haroun S. A. , Hegazy A. O. , Khalil R. , El-Desouky Heba S. , Zewail R. M. Y. , Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokayya , Harara Suzan , Albakry A. F.
Published: March 2023

In recent studies, sodium alginate (SA) has mainly been a plant growth promoter for many plants and crops as a novel bio stimulating materials for increasing plant growth under various conditions. Pot testing was done to examine the impacts of various levels of SA (25, 50 and 100 ppm)
on the growth and physiological activities of Corchorus olitorius (molokhya), Vicia faba (faba bean) and Zea mays (corn) plants in two vegetative stages after 10 and 40 days from sowing. Treatment with different SA concentrations improved significantly the physiological
characters of the used plants. The data indicated that the used SA concentrations increased photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate contents, nitrogen contents, antioxidant enzymes and overall protein significantly as compared to control values.
Creating and Capturing Value from Open Innovation: Humans, Firms, Platforms, and Ecosystems
Authors: Majchrzak Ann , Bogers Marcel L. A. M. , Chesbrough Henry , Holgersson Marcus
Published: March 2023

Open innovation rests on the idea that not all the smart people work only for you, and managing human interaction across organizational boundaries is therefore central to open innovation. This article starts with outlining and reviewing research on this human dimension of open innovation. The article develops seven principles of innovation-producing encounters that can guide managers in enabling value creation through open innovation. We continue by introducing the rest of the special section, which expands beyond the human dimension to also include firms, platforms, and ecosystems, with important implications for the creation and capture of value from open innovation.
The effect of lamina configuration on low-velocity impact behaviour for glass fiber/rubber curved composites
Authors: Albayrak Mustafa , Kaman Mete Onur , Bozkurt Ilyas
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to produce curved sandwich composites with different arrays by adding Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber interlayers between glass fiber woven fabrics and to investigate their behaviours under low-velocity impact. For this purpose, sandwich plates were produced through the vacuum infusion method by using glass fiber and rubber layers on the steel mold manufactured in curved form. Impact tests were applied on the plates and the effect of the stacking sequence for glass fibers/rubber layer on the impact energy absorption was examined. The energy absorption property of the composites was improved by a maximum of 45% with a layer epdm used in the midplane of the composite. Also, when rubber layers were used on the outermost surface of the composites, the damage area reduced by 14%. In the numerical part, the tests were modelled using LS-DYNA finite element packaged programme and the Hashin failure criterion-based material model was used in order to view any damages on the composite structure after the tests. The agreement between numerical and experimental results was obtained with a maximum error of 19%
Facemasks, material and metaphors: An analysis of socio-material dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Böhrer Annerose , Döbler Marie-Kristin , Tarkkala Heta
Published: March 2023

In 2020, not only did the Sars-Cov-2 virus become a global pandemic, but public life also changed in the wake of various infection control measures. Increased use of masks was one of the first clearly visible changes. With the masks came stories about masks. Who wore them, where people should wear them, and why? It quickly became clear, however, that stories about ‘the facemask’ also have a metaphorical content, negotiating not only problems of the pandemic as a social crisis, but also other social issues amalgamated through the use of masks and the surrounding narratives. Thus, masks not only prevented infection, but also fed and materialised the public imaginary of the pandemic and its challenges. From this perspective, we explore three exemplary cases from Germany and Finland in 2020 in which the mask played different roles as a socio-material phenomenon, linking theoretical perspectives on materiality and metaphors. Additionally, the analysis presents illustrations done by a visual artist. These illustrations capture the key content of the analysis in the form of drawings.
Rethinking elites in British sociology: Great Britain as a house-society
Authors: Smith Daniel R.
Published: March 2023

This article outlines a novel conceptual framework to examine English society’s ruling institutions. Usually called ‘The Establishment’, the term has been a thorn in the side of analyses of class, status and power in British sociology as it stands between polemic and an explanation for England’s peculiar exaggeration of status over class. Drawing upon Lévi-Strauss’s concept of a ‘house-society’, the article rethinks how England’s ruling institutions are called upon to do two things at once: disguise political-economic interests through the language of kinship and naturalise status and belonging. English society’s ruling institutions are overdetermined in the call to create legitimate and exclusive membership to something, perhaps anachronistically, called ‘ Great Britain’. Tracing this to the origins of English class nomenclature in early modern political thought, the article applies this framework to a discussion of Eton College and the Etonians’ relationship to our present political crisis.
Event-triggered fixed-time distributed output feedback sliding mode cooperative control for multiple surface vessels with input saturation
Authors: Xia Guoqing , Ren Zheda
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the problems of cooperative control for multiple surface vessels (MSVs), such as unknown environmental disturbances, unavailable velocities, model uncertainties, actuator saturation, and limited action times of the actuator, an event-triggered fixed-time distributed output feedback sliding mode cooperative control method with input saturation is proposed. The scheme ensures the practical fixed-time stability of the cooperative control system. First, a fixed-time extended state observer (FxESO) is designed to provide the estimations of velocities and lumped disturbances including unknown environmental disturbances and model uncertainties. Second, to deal with the actuator saturation, a fixed-time auxiliary dynamic system is designed. Third, a fixed-time non-singular terminal sliding mode manifold (FxNTSMM) is introduced to effectively eliminate singularity and improve chattering of the system. Finally, an event-triggered distributed controller based on FxNTSMM and FxESO is proposed. An event-triggered condition can avoid unnecessary actions of the actuator, and Zeno phenomenon is avoided by theoretical proof. In addition, the upper bound of the convergence time is independent of the initial state. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Adaptive slope and CPSO-based energy management strategy of hybrid energy storage system for electric logistics vehicles
Authors: Wu Jingzhi , Yu Fang , Liu Jingwen , Yang Yongsheng
Published: March 2023

Energy management strategy play a crucial role in the optimal control of energy in pure electric logistics vehicles with hybrid energy storage system (HESS). Aiming at the problem that the energy management strategy of HESS cannot be reasonably allocated according to different slope conditions, this paper adds the road slope coefficient to the input of fuzzy control and designs a fuzzy controller that automatically adjusts the output power of ultracapacitor based on different road slope coefficients. Then, a chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) method is used to optimize the designed fuzzy controller. Finally, the simulation test is carried out under urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS) urban road driving cycle by using Matlab/Simulink. The results show that the improved control strategy can increase the energy utilization by 3.63\% and reduce the battery power consumption by 3.97%. Furthermore, the proposed strategy can improve 30.66% energy utilization and 18.70% ultracapacitor power storage at the downhill situation, and can reduce the energy consumption of the whole vehicle by 5.23%, the average current by 6.19%, and the lithium-ion battery power consumption by 2.20% under the actual urban road gradient.
A dynamic event-triggered network control algorithm combined with gradient-sharing asynchronous advantage actor-critic strategy
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Ye Zehua , Zhang Dan , Lu Qun
Published: March 2023

In the existing memory event-triggered control (METC) algorithms, the threshold parameters and memory weights are fixed, reducing the system’s adaptability. In this paper, a new intelligent dynamic METC algorithm is proposed to reduce the amount of transmission data and decrease the communication burden in networked control systems. The proposed dynamic METC mechanism applies the gradient-sharing asynchronous advantage actor-critic (A3C-GS) learning algorithm to optimized memory event-triggered function of memory weights and threshold parameters. A time-varying delay system model for dynamic METC is developed by incorporating the A3C-GS for the networked control system with communication delays. Then, by solving two linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), the controller gain parameters of the networked control systems are derived. Finally, the performance of the proposed new METC algorithm is compared with the current three event-triggered control methods. Simulation results show that the proposed intelligent event-triggered algorithm reduces the number of triggers by about 40% compared with the traditional event-triggered algorithm under the pregiven simulation time. Thus, the effectiveness of the main results is verified.
Parasitic time-grating angular displacement sensor for precision position measurement of turntable bearing
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Qin Yi , Chen Xihou , Peng Donglin , Wu Liang , Zhang Tianheng , Tang Qifu
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a parasitic time-grating angular displacement sensor for detecting the position of the turntable bearing. The sensor is mainly composed of probe, rotor, and supporting signal circuit. The probe consists of two separated measuring units on the left and right, and each measuring unit is composed of four sensing units with iron cores, excitation windings, and induction windings arranged according to specific rules. The rotor is made of sinusoidal isometric grooves based on the bearing end cover of the original turntable bearing. The signal processing circuit is used to filter, amplify, and compare the induction signal; meantime, it can generate the excitation signal. The high-frequency clock pulse signal is used as the measurement benchmark to realize the analysis of the position information of the induction signal. The structure and working principles of the sensor are presented in detail. Through the finite element method simulation, the feasibility of sensor scheme is verified, and the theoretical resolution of the prototype sensor is estimated to be about 1.33e−5. A sensor prototype is designed for testing, and the experimental results show that its accuracy can reach −0.003611° to 0.002583° in the range of [0°, 360°] after compensating the error point-by-point through the look-up table method.
The union participation construct: A mixed-methods assessment
Authors: Duxbury Linda , Smith Christopher , Halinski Michael
Published: March 2023

Using interview and survey data, in this article the authors compare discrepancies between emic (how union members classify their union participation) and etic (how researchers classify union participation) conceptualizations of union participation. Interview data were used to create activity-level profiles that link how study participants labelled their level of union participation to the union activities they participated in. Survey data were used to determine the relationship between type of participation (i.e. active, passive) and generational cohort to how members view their level of union participation. Qualitative and quantitative findings are compared and implications drawn concerning how researchers/practitioners should conceptualize the union participation construct offered.
Workplace regimes in Western Europe, 1995–2015: Implications for intensification, intrusion, income and insecurity
Authors: Ó Riain Seán , Healy Amy Erbe
Published: March 2023

The article investigates the emergence of ‘new’ forms of working such as ‘lean production’ and ‘learning organisations’ in Western Europe, 1995–2015. First, the article identifies the dominant forms of work organisation (‘workplace regimes’) across Western Europe, including new ‘pressure’ and ‘extreme’ varieties of previously identified regimes. Second, the article analyses the implications of these workplace regimes for various important worker outcomes – insecurity, income, intensity of work and intrusion of work into non-working life – and assesses the ‘trade-offs’ of different outcomes across regimes. Third, the article assesses the changing distribution of these regimes, whether certain forms such as Lean Production are coming to dominate the division of labour, and where and for whom. The shape of the ‘new world of work’ is increasingly Lean, but remains open to political contestation – both in how regimes themselves are organised and in the mix of regimes in particular societies and for particular workers.
Enhancing Computerized Adaptive Testing with Batteries of Unidimensional Tests
Authors: Anselmi Pasquale , Robusto Egidio , Cristante Francesca
Published: March 2023

The article presents a new computerized adaptive testing (CAT) procedure for use with batteries of unidimensional tests. At each step of testing, the estimate of a certain ability is updated on the basis of the response to the latest administered item and the current estimates of all other abilities measured by the battery. The information deriving from these abilities is incorporated into an empirical prior that is updated each time that new estimates of the abilities are computed. In two simulation studies, the performance of the proposed procedure is compared with that of a standard procedure for CAT with batteries of unidimensional tests. The proposed procedure yields more accurate ability estimates in fixed-length CATs, and a reduction of test length in variable-length CATs. These gains in accuracy and efficiency increase with the correlation between the abilities measured by the batteries.
Nurses’ Perceptions of Adherence to the Central Line Maintenance Bundle: Linkages to Thoughts, Emotions, and Behavior
Authors: Connor Linda , Zadvinskis Inga M. , Roberts Haley , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: March 2023

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control established the central line maintenance care bundle in 2011, yet nurses’ adherence to all seven components remains challenging. The specific aim of this study was to explore and understand intensive care nurses’ perceptions and beliefs regarding central line maintenance, bundle care elements, and associated adherence. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach. Three main themes emerged as follows: (1) thoughts about the ability to adhere to the central line bundle created feelings about central line maintenance care, (2) feelings about the nurses’ ability to adhere to the central line bundle influenced behaviors, and (3) behaviors for central line bundle adherence reinforced thoughts. Each theme had several subthemes. Organizations must assess and mitigate the unique cognitive and behavioral factors that affect nurses’ adherence to the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) maintenance bundle. In addition, nursing adherence requires knowledge of CLABSI rates and direct care nurse involvement in identifying solutions.
The Influence of Health Care Provider-Initiated HIV Screening on the Rate of HIV Testing among Black and Latinx People in the Midwest
Authors: Carter Gregory , Woodward Brennan , Campbell Jessica , Ohmit Anita
Published: March 2023

HIV continues to impact people of color disproportionately. In 2015, Black Americans accounted for 42% of those living with HIV, and Latinx individuals accounted for 30% of new diagnoses. Using a sample of 364 people of color, demographic data, HIV testing history, and interactions with health care providers were collected. Over half of the participants (59.3%) had never been offered an HIV test, and only 19% reported a provider had offered an HIV test once, followed by 14% who have had a provider offer an HIV test more than once. Participants who were offered an HIV test once were 13.23 times more likely to report a history of HIV screening, and those offered an HIV test more than once were 18.02 times more likely to report a history of HIV testing. Participants who reported feeling a “little” judged were 6.85 times less likely to report being screened for HIV.
New perspectives: Glioma in adult patients
Authors: Silvani Antonio
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this editorial is to consider some of the aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of adult gliomas. These are rare diseases with all their limitations. Innovations in diagnosis and therapy and their constraints are analyzed and compared with the current treatment reality. Aspects affecting these patients’ quality of life are highlighted.
Robust sensor-less sliding mode of second-order control of doubly fed induction generators in variable speed wind turbine systems based on a novel MRAS-ANFIS observer
Authors: Saihi Lakhdar , Berbaoui Brahim , Ferroudji Fateh , Bakou Youcef , Benfriha Elhassen
Published: March 2023

The current study proposed a robust sensor-less sliding mode second-order based on a super twisting algorithm (STA-SMSO) approach using a new observer Model Reference Adaptive System-Adaptative Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (MRAS-ANFIS). This model was applied to a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine running under variable wind speed and DFIG fed with a power voltage source without a speed sensor, while the control objective was used to regulate independently, the active and reactive power DFIG stator were decoupled by using the field-oriented control technique. Additionally, this process reduced the cost of the control scheme and the size of DFIG by eliminating the speed sensor (encoder). In order to improve the traditional MRAS, the MRAS-ANFIS observer was proposed to replace the usual PI controller in the adaptation mechanism of MRAS with an Adaptative Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) controller. The estimation of rotor position was tested and discussed under varying load conditions in low, zero, and high-speed region. The results mentioned that the proposed observer (MRAS-ANFIS) presented an attractive feature, such as guarantees finite time convergence, good response on speed wind variations, high robustness against machine parameter variations, and load variations compared to the conventional MRAS observer and MRAS-Fuzzy. Hence, the estimated rotor speed converged to their actual value has the capacity for estimating position in deferent region (low/zero/high) of speed.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in COVID-19: Results of the Croatian Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Referral Center
Authors: Kutleša Marko , Santini Marija , Krajinović Vladimir , Papić Neven , Gjurašin Branimir , Krznarić Juraj , Kotarski Viktor
Published: March 2023

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was uncertain and the outcomes of ECMO-treated patients were unfavorable. During the pandemic, medical community realized that carefully selected patients may benefit from ECMO support. The goal of the study was to present the outcomes of ECMO-treated patients with severe COVID-19 ARDS referred to the respiratory ECMO hub in Croatia and to determine variables that influenced the outcome. Our study included all adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 ARDS that required ECMO treatment, in the period between February 2020 and April 2022. All ECMO circuits were veno-venous with femoro-jugular configuration, with drainage at the femoral site. A total of 112 adult patients with COVID-19 induced ARDS were included in the study. All patients had veno-venous ECMO treatment and 34 survived. Surviving patients were discharged home either from the hospital or from a designated rehabilitation facility. The mortality was associated with the incidence of nosocomial bacteremia, occurrence of heparin induced thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. In order to reduce the mortality in COVID-19 ECMO patients, the treatment should be started as soon as criteria for ECMO are met. Furthermore, complications of the procedure should be detected as soon as possible. However, despite even the optimal approach, the mortality in COVID-19 ECMO patients will surpass that of non-COVID-19 ARDS ECMO patients, mostly due to poor resolving and long lasting ARDS with longer ECMO runs and ensuing infectious complications.
Application of zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash via wet milling as a sustainable resource on lead(II) removal
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Zheng Zihan , Feng Chao , Gao Xiangpeng , Qiao Yu , Xu Minghou
Published: March 2023

In this work, zeolite based on coal fly ash was firstly synthesized via wet milling for the adsorption of lead (Pb(II)). The effects of contact time, solid-to-liquid ratio and initial pH of solution on Pb(II) removal were investigated in detail. The experimental data showed that synthesized zeolite has high adsorption capacity of 99.082 mg of Pb(II) per gram of adsorbent. Coal fly ash zeolite synthesized by wet milling has good Pb(II) adsorption performance when the initial pH of the solution is above 5. The adsorption kinetic results demonstrated that removal of Pb(II) via the synthesized zeolite followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results directly demonstrated the adsorption between Pb(II) and synthesized zeolite, and a possible reaction pathway was proposed. Specifically, the removing mechanism of Pb(II) from aqueous solution via the synthesized zeolite involves two stages: one is that Pb(II) in aqueous solution is absorbed on the interior of the synthesized zeolite, and the other is chemical precipitation.
Longer-term temporal trends in PFAS concentrations in Midwestern landfill leachate
Authors: Johnson Terry , Obereiner James , Khire Milind V
Published: March 2023

It is well documented that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are routinely detected in leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. PFAS-containing products are ubiquitous in society and in end-of-life discarded materials. While considerable data have been generated in recent years for PFAS concentrations in landfill leachate, little published information exists concerning longer-term trends in leachate concentrations. In this study, we examine a ten-year dataset for three MSW landfills located in the upper Midwestern United States where leachate PFAS testing has been performed on a quarterly basis. The significance of these data are considered in light of phase-out initiatives implemented in the US manufacturing companies for longer-chain PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Findings from this study indicate that the average concentration of longer-chain PFOA in the three landfills decreased from 2400 to 1900 ng/L and the average PFOS concentrations decreased from 1000 to 370 ng/L. This may be indicative of reduced domestic production and use of these compounds. The phase-out of long-chain PFAS has also led to the introduction of shorter-chain replacement compounds such as perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorobutane sulphonate and perfluorohexanoic acid, and this paper also examines long-term trends in leachate concentrations of these compounds.
Being Creative Within (or Outside) the Box: Bridging Occupational Identity Gaps
Authors: Dailey Stephanie L. , Pierce Casey S. , Bailey Diane E. , Leonardi Paul M. , Nardi Bonnie
Published: March 2023

This study advances organizational communication scholarship by introducing the notion of an occupational identity gap as a misalignment among the personal, relational, communal, and enacted frames of identity. Despite knowledge that occupational identity gaps exist, scholars know little about how people manage them. Interviews with 31 graphic designers explain how occupational identity gaps were forged by personal frames (e.g., “I am a creative person”) that contradicted enacted (e.g., “I do boring template work”) and relational frames (e.g., “It’s the client’s decision which [design] he or she will like”). Workers managed this misalignment by employing two novel strategies—reappraising and repositioning—that bridged personal-enacted and personal-relational occupational identity gaps. Our analysis contributes to scholarship by a) theorizing these two occupational identity gap bridging strategies, (b) extending CTI research, and (c) offering a novel conceptualization of occupational identity.
State-Level Efforts to Reform Elementary Science Education
Authors: Lyle Angela M. , Spillane James P. , Haverly Christa
Published: March 2023

This comparative case study explores how 18 state education agencies (SEAs) support school districts in advancing standards-based elementary science reform. We identify how SEAs understand their work in advancing elementary science reform and describe how SEAs sought to engage districts in bridging from standards to classroom practice. Based on our analysis, we argue that the school subject is a critical explanatory variable in understanding SEA efforts to support standards implementation and SEAs lean on a resource-based approach for instructional policy implementation. This study contributes to the growing research base on the role of state policy in supporting standards implementation.
Predicting vehicle trajectory via combination of model-based and data-driven methods using Kalman filter
Authors: Zhang Bowei , Yu Weiguang , Jia Yifan , Huang Jin , Yang Diange , Zhong Zhihua
Published: March 2023

Predicting future trajectories of surrounding vehicles accurately benefits the decision-making and motion-planning of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Physical-model-based prediction methods are generally accurate in short horizon prediction, but often fail in long-horizon prediction owing to the simplicity of the models and the complexity of the environment. Data-driven prediction methods can achieve promising performance in complex traffic scenarios and long-horizon prediction tasks. However, they might not be reliable on some occasions compared with model-based approaches, mainly owing to their uncertainty, poor interpretability and unsatisfying ability to learn the physical constraints of vehicles. In this paper, a novel cooperative vehicle trajectory prediction strategy exploiting the advantages of the two categories of prediction methods is proposed. The prediction results of the data-driven and kinematic models together with their uncertainties are described by the bivariate Gaussian model, and subsequently combined with an innovatively designed Kalman filter. The fusion strategy provides both physical and environmental constraints on the two types of methods for better prediction performance in both short and long horizons. Experiments applying different data-driven methods were carried out on the public BEV High-D dataset, as well as our specially-collected first-point-of-view highway dataset. The results indicate that the proposed method outperforms both the sub-models adopted in terms of prediction accuracy.
Crash topology optimization for front-end safety parts of battery electric vehicle using an improved equivalent static loads method
Authors: Ren Chun , Liu Xusheng , Yang Xuefeng , Ma Tianfei
Published: March 2023

Crash topology optimization is a typical nonlinear dynamic response structural topology optimization problem, which is one of the most difficult problem in the structural design field. The equivalent static load method (ESLM) provides a well-defined pattern to solve such difficult problems, which can convert a nonlinear dynamic response optimization into multi-load steps optimization problem with the equivalent static loads (ESLs). However, due to the large deformation in the crash condition and nodal characteristics of the ESLs, it is hard to solve the crash topology optimization directly using the standard ESLM. To expand the application scope of the ESLM, an improved ESLs calculation method is proposed by using the model order reduction method and energy principle, which only acting on some nodes and can be scaled adaptively. Correspondingly, to enrich the connotation of topology optimization, a crash topology optimization method is proposed by using the improved ESLs, which can solve the numerical problems in the design domain by guaranteeing the topology optimization with the improved ESLs perform in the linear rang. First, the principle of the standard ESLM is introduced, and corresponding problems and deficiencies in solving the crash topology optimization are summarized. Then, to solve the above problems, the improved ESLs calculation method is proposed. Meanwhile, the corresponding crash topology strategy is proposed based on the improved ESLs. Finally, to verify the effectiveness and engineering application value of the proposed crash topology optimization method, a test-verified frontal crash simulation model of the BEV front-end is established, and their safety parts are redesigned by using the proposed method. The results show that, the proposed method can effectively solve the crash topology optimization of thin-walled structures under large deformation crash condition. This method also provides a new idea and practical method for the crashworthiness and lightweight design of automobile structures.
A novel numerical method for quantifying the combined effect of tire on 13-degree impact test of automotive wheels made of lightweight materials
Authors: Zhang Yue , Shan Yingchun , Liu Xiandong , He Tian
Published: March 2023

One of the technical challenges encountered for automobile wheels made of lightweight materials is whether they can successfully pass the 13-degree impact test. When optimizing the wheel impact resistance through finite element method, the combined effect induced by the tire on this performance can be fully included by introducing the tire model, whereas its strong nonlinear characteristics lead to high computational cost and convergence difficulty. Therefore, to introduce the quantification coefficient for combined effect instead of tire model into the impact simulation model can effectively address above problems. However, the inaccurate quantification coefficient leads to the deviation in the evaluation of wheel impact resistance, which may directly affect the optimization design results. Aiming at these problems, a novel numerical method combining the energy reduction and energy-scaling coefficients is proposed. Firstly, an equivalent simulation model of wheel impact test excluding the tire is obtained by calculating and including the energy reduction coefficient. Then, an adaptive energy-scaling coefficient is constructed and introduced to ensure that the wheel strain status remains unchanged. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are demonstrated by investigating two types of wheels. The results show that the proposed method can serve as an efficient tool during optimizing the impact resistance, not only improving the computational efficiency and convergence by excluding the tire model, but also accurately evaluating the wheel impact performance by including the combined effect.
Numerical and experimental investigation of irreversible energy losses in a two-stage radial turbine under asymmetric inflow conditions
Authors: Chen Xuekang , Shi Xin , Hu Chenxing
Published: March 2023

In a two-stage turbocharger, the coupling between stages and the structure of the inter-stage duct may lead to severe flow distortions, which have a destructive impact on turbine performance. In this paper, the aerodynamics and energy loss mechanisms of two-stage turbines matched with a V-6 diesel engine are experimentally and numerically investigated. To reveal the formation mechanism of the asymmetric inter-stage flow, the vortex transportation in the high-pressure turbine is first analyzed. Entropy generation analysis is applied to quantify the irreversible losses while considering the coupling influence of the asymmetric inflow conditions, and two types of curved inter-stage ducts are studied. The sources of the dominant irreversible losses are revealed and origin of the corresponding energy loss is localized. The results show that the entropy generation rates associated with viscous dissipation, turbulent dissipation, and heat conduction account for about 30% each in the low-pressure turbine. Compared to uniform inflow conditions, the entropy generation rates increase by an average of 43.8%, 196.9%, and 19.2%, respectively under asymmetric inflow conditions. The pivotal turbulent dissipation is primarily concentrated in the inter-stage duct, the impeller inlet, and the volute tongue. The peak value for the difference in the cumulative entropy generation rates from turbulent dissipation is mainly caused by the mixing of the leakage vortex and the separation flow. The novelty of the present study lies in revealing the source of irreversible losses in two-stage turbines, which may provide a fundamental basis for the optimal design of a two-stage turbocharger.
Evaluation of autonomous emergency braking by using a theoretical formula and dual cameras
Authors: Kim Bong-Ju , Lee Seon-Bong
Published: March 2023

According to data gathered by the Korean National Police Agency, 1,028,777 vehicle-to-vehicle traffic accidents and 125,597 vehicle-to-pedestrian traffic accidents occurred in 2020. To decrease the occurrence possibility of traffic accidents, advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), which provides assistance in regions that drivers do not recognize, have attracted increasing interest. Among the representative functions of ADAS, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is a valuable system for accident prevention and mitigation. In this study, to evaluate AEB by using dual cameras, actual vehicle tests were conducted. In addition, the theoretically calculated values, results obtained using dual cameras, and results obtained using measuring instruments were compared and analyzed. The result values using the proposed theoretical formula and those of the actual vehicle test using the measurement instruments were compared and analyzed. The minimum and maximum error rates were 0.11% and 4.45%, respectively. For results obtained using dual cameras and measurement instruments, the minimum and maximum error rates were 1.80% and 8.89%, respectively. In the development stage of ADAS especially when developing AEB system, the use of the theoretical formula and dual cameras can decrease the cost burden compared to that associated with testing.
Acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs for sexually transmitted infection testing among youth in a community-based setting in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rochford Helena , Larsson Leyla , Simms Victoria , Mavodza Constancia , Sigwadhi Lovemore , Dauya Ethel , Machiha Anna , Mavhura Mitchell , Bipiti Tatenda , Mangena Chido , Bandason Tsitsi , Ferrand Rashida A , Francis Suzanna C , Chikwari Chido Dziva
Published: March 2023

Background

Youth are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To increase access to STI testing, convenient approaches for sampling and testing are needed. We assessed the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs (SCVS) for STI testing among young women (16–24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe.

Methods

A SCVS was used for point-of-care testing for Trichomonas vaginalis and a urine sample for testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A questionnaire was administered to investigate the acceptability of SCVS versus self-collected urine samples. In-depth interviews (IDIs) explored the experience of SCVS and reasons for sample collection preference. Qualitative analysis was predominantly deductive.

Results

We recruited 129 women who took up STI testing (median age 20 years, IQR 18–22 years) and conducted 12 IDIs. Most participants reported that they understood the instructions (93.0%) and found SCVS easy (90.7%). Many participants felt relaxed (93.0%), in control (88.4%) and that they had enough privacy (90.7%). Pain or discomfort were reported by 16.3% and embarrassment by 15.5%. Among the 92 (71.3%) participants who provided both a SCVS and urine sample, 60.9% preferred SCVS. Sample collection method preferences were similar between 16–19 and 20–24year-olds. In IDIs, clear instructions, privacy, trust in the service and same-day results were perceived as important facilitators to taking up SCVS. Participants frequently described feeling relaxed and confident whilst taking a SCVS. Pain and discomfort were uncommon experiences.

Conclusions

SCVS for STI testing are acceptable to young women and a feasible method of sample collection in community-based settings.
The work of Donald Ewen Cameron: from psychic driving to MK Ultra
Authors: Torbay Jordan
Published: March 2023

Donald Ewen Cameron is known as the Canadian psychiatrist behind the Montreal Experiments, a series of brainwashing experiments. As part of a larger Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) project known as MK Ultra, the CIA regarded these experiments as a potential military weapon during the Cold War. However, a closer look into Cameron’s research and project MK Ultra shows that these experiments began long before Cameron was contacted by the CIA. Additionally, Cameron received funding for his experiments indirectly, so he was probably never aware the money was from the CIA. In this paper, I analyse the published work of Dr Cameron from the beginning of his career to his role in MK Ultra, and evaluate his own possible reasoning behind these experiments.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Windlass Mechanism Using Weightbearing Computed Tomography in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Kihara Takumi , Kimura Tadashi , Saito Mitsuru , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki , Kubota Makoto
Published: March 2023

Background:

The windlass mechanism (WM) increases the longitudinal arch of the foot via tension of the plantar aponeurosis during dorsiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The purpose of this study was to perform a 3-dimensional evaluation of the displacement of each joint and the height of the navicular during dorsiflexion of the first MTP joint by using weightbearing computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

Participants were 6 men and 8 women with 23 healthy feet. CT of the foot with a load equivalent to the participant’s body weight was performed. The first MTP joint was in the neutral position and dorsiflexed 30 degrees. Between the conditions, we measured the (1) rotation of each bone, (2) rotation of the distal bone with respect to the proximal bone at each joint, and (3) height of the navicular.

Results:

With respect to the tibia, the calcaneus was at 0.8 ± 0.7 degrees dorsiflexion and 1.4 ± 0.9 degrees inversion, while the talus was at 2.0 ± 1.2 degrees dorsiflexion and 0.1 ± 0.8 degrees eversion. The navicular was at 1.3 ± 1.2 degrees dorsiflexion and 3.2 ± 2.1 degrees inversion, whereas the medial cuneiform was at 0.3 ± 0.6 degrees plantarflexion and 1.3 ± 1.1 degrees inversion. At the talonavicular joint, the navicular was at 0.7 ± 1.3 degrees plantarflexion, whereas at the cuneonavicular joint, the medial cuneiform bone was at 1.4 ± 1.4 degrees plantarflexion. The height of the navicular increased by 1.1 ± 0.6 mm.

Conclusion:

We 3-dimensionally confirmed the dynamics of WM and found that the calcaneus, navicular, and medial cuneiform moved in all 3 planes. The results suggest that the cuneonavicular joint has the greatest movement among the joints. We believe that these findings will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of WM-related diseases and lead to advances in treatments for pathologies involving the longitudinal arch.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Embodying Affective Intra-Actions Online: Enacting Posthuman Methods in Virtual Spaces
Authors: Perry Shannon A. B.
Published: March 2023

This article explores how the posthuman concepts of affect, intra-action, and diffraction helped me reimagine collaborative inquiry, a traditionally place-based action research method that emphasizes human affect as the root of all personal becoming, for an online context and posthuman world. I begin with a brief introduction to posthuman philosophies and the ways a 21st-century world increasingly mediated by digital technologies may be considered a shared posthuman present reality. Next, I look to the literature to show how scholars in digital contexts have used and created posthuman concepts, exploring some of the methodological implications of emerging posthuman perspectives for qualitative research, particularly in online spaces. Considering the insights various posthuman studies offer my attempts to design a virtual collaborative inquiry, I suggest an artful and embodied heuristic for starting from human experience to better understand and to create digital posthuman worlds.
Policy Justice Through Critical Qualitative Inquiry: Examining the Issue of School Readiness
Authors: Brown Christopher P.
Published: March 2023

Globally, policymakers, researchers, and educational advocates continue to promote normative neoliberal policies that frame the issue of school readiness through financial terms. Such an interpretation appears to require quantitative research to participate in policy and research conversations around this issue. In this article, I seek to disrupt this policy logic by examining how critical qualitative policy research can study the issue of school readiness and generate policy knowledge to address this complex issue. I also discuss how critical qualitative policy researchers can continue to produce useful knowledge and tangible policies through their work to change the current neoliberal policy world.