bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Resolution and Religious Processing in Muslim Bedouin Mothers of Children with Special Needs
Authors: Barak Levy Yael , Paryente Bilha , Kabha Adan
Published: June 2024

This mixed methods research examined three interwoven strands: maternal resolution regarding a child’s special needs diagnosis; mothers’ positive versus negative religious processing; and cultural contextualization, with a focus on Bedouin society in Israel. Forty Bedouin mothers participated in semi-structured interviews that were coded in accordance with the Reaction to the Diagnosis Interview manual. The results underwent careful content analysis. The study combined categorical and qualitative research methods. Findings revealed mothers regarded God as either an empowering or a diminishing entity. Positive sub-themes included: acceptance of divine authority, faith, and privilege. Negative sub-themes included: submission to divine will, punishment, and divine test/trial. The categorical findings found 55 percent of mothers resolved with their child’s diagnosis and 45 percent unresolved. Resolved mothers referred to positive religious processing 20 times and negative religious processing four times. Unresolved mothers referred to positive religious processing 11 times and negative religious processing 13 times. Unresolved mothers exhibited inner conflict that emerged in their parental coping and religious processing, while resolved mothers tended to have a positive perception of religion and accept the challenges of raising children with special needs. The results underscore the need for culturally sensitive inquiry and spiritually informed interventions.
LGBTQ+ Christians in Australia
Authors: EZZY Douglas , FIELDER Bronwyn , MCLEAY Angus
Published: June 2024

This article argues that the focus on the harm and stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ Christians misrepresents the complexity of the experience of many LGBTQ+ Christians, many of whom report affirmation and self-acceptance. A national representative survey indicates 5.5% of all Australians, 2.9% of Christians, and 8.4% of those with no religion identify their sexuality as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or ‘other’. LGB+ Christians appear to be distributed through all large Christian denominations. A second non-random national online survey indicates that many LGBTQ+ Christians report both self-acceptance and acceptance in their Christian community. While many LGBTQ+ Christians experience significant discrimination in Christian contexts, the often reported incompatibility of Christianity with LGBTQ+ sexual and gender identities is only one part of the story. There are significant sectors of Australian Christianity that are welcoming of LGBTQ+ people. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ people who remain Christians are often deeply committed to their faith.
Mussel-inspired fabrication of nonwovens using fluoride-free profiled fibers for directional water transport
Authors: Zhang Yuewen , Ma Yanli , Wu Hailiang , Shen Yanqin , Ma Yanxiao , Yao Yijun , Xue Ying , Zhang Desuo
Published: June 2024

Fabrics with directional water transport performance have attracted considerable attention in daily life. They are in high demand, owing to their ability to transport sweat away from the skin to improve personal comfort. However, the fabrication of such materials has still remained a critical task. This article reports a nonwoven with the directional water transport function, achieved using a synergistic combination of a microstructure and a wettability gradient. The three-step fabrication strategy involves needling bonding of Y cross-section polyamide fiber webs with two needling densities (30 and 190 needle/cm2), followed by single-sided spraying of polydopamine–silicon carbide powder–polyethyleneimine dispersion and a fluoride-free hydrophobic agent. Using fiber webs with different needling densities endows the nonwoven fabric with a differential capillary effect, enhancing the directional water transport property. The unique microstructure achieves the directional water transport property by improving permeability at lower needling densities and hindering transport through a denser needling density in the reverse direction. At the same time, the wetting gradient effect promotes water transfer from the hydrophobic surface to the hydrophilic surface. The successful preparation of these interesting directional water transport materials offers new insights into the role of fibrous materials, the needling density of nonwovens, and the development of highly comfortable moisture-wicking textiles.
Social connection and self-neglect: A case for broader exploration
Authors: Burnett Jason , Hoyumpa Gabrielle M. , Beauchamp Jennifer E. S. , Hernandez-Tejada Melba A. , Acierno Ronald , Perissinotto Carla
Published: June 2024

Objective

Self-neglect (SN) is the most common report to Adult Protective Services (APS) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality risks for older adults. Lack of instrumental support is a well-evidenced etiologic factor in the development and continuation of SN, but little is known about other modifiable social connection characteristics. The social connection framework provides evidence-based characteristics across structure, function, and quality missing from SN studies that could be identified if explored. These factors could provide prevention and intervention targets related to poor health.

Methods

A narrative case study is presented using quantitative and qualitative data to explore social connection across structure, function, and quality in the context of SN.

Results

The findings highlight the complexity of social connection that may be observed in SN cases reported to APS. Strategic utilization of direct and indirect social interventions to support social connection in this case are presented.

Conclusion

The results from this case give rise to considerations that may be generalizable to other SN cases. Recommendations for future research on social connection in this population are provided.
Point-to-point virtual model control of a flexible joint robotic manipulator using trajectories of motion
Authors: Kizir Selcuk , Bingul Zafer , Agee John Terhile
Published: June 2024

This paper considers the use of trajectories of motion as a means of addressing the problem of unwanted oscillations and improving steady-state accuracy in the point-to-point motion of a flexible joint robotic manipulator using a novel third-order Poynting–Thomson virtual model control. A differentially flat model of the manipulator was exploited for classical controller design. The trajectories of motion were generated through a Newton interpolation procedure. The conditions for motion from rest to rest were derived and used to generate the trajectories required to steer the manipulator from one static point to another. Simulation and laboratory experiments confirmed that with the use of the trajectories of motion, rest-to-rest displacement is achieved without the unwanted swings about the final position. A marginal improvement in trajectory tracking performance was also verified by comparing it with the classical controller and state feedback controller. Moreover, the new controller showed better external disturbance rejection than the classical flat controller.
Optimal control of strength allocation strategies generation with complex constraints
Authors: Li Lingwei , Xiao Bing , Wu Xiwei
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the satellite swarm strength allocation strategies generation problem with complex constraints. The satellite swarm confrontation attrition process is described by an improved Lanchester equation and multi-phase confrontation patterns. On the basis of them, a satellite swarm strength allocation strategies generation optimal control model is first presented. Unlike the general optimization model, this model considers three constraints such as sunlight angle, supplement number, and confrontation time to make it suitable for describing the space confrontation process. Then, the multi-interval orthogonal collocation (MIOC) method is proposed to generate the strength allocation strategies from the constructed model. This method not only solves optimal control problems but also solves discontinuities caused by multi-phase confrontation patterns. Finally, a commencement solution exploration approach is proposed to explore the appropriate initial value for the MIOC method. The aim of it is to avoid initial value-sensitive problems and to make convergence fast. The effectiveness of the MIOC method is verified through three numerical examples in comparison with the static optimization methods.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx: A Retrospective Study of 12 Cases
Authors: Chen Yujie , Shi Yuxuan , Yu Hongmeng
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to describe the experience of a single institution in China in treating adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Methods: We reviewed the previous literature and conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 patients who diagnosed with nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (NACC) in clinical data, treatment, and follow-up data during 2019 to 2021. Results: Patients ranged in age from 32 to 68 years (mean 40.7 years, median 48.5 years), with a male to female ratio of 5:7. Most of our patients have T4a and T4b diseases (50% and 25%, respectively). A quarter of patients develop distant metastases. Among the 12 patients, 7 of them have positive margins under the microscope (7/12, 58.3%). The chief clinical manifestations were epistaxis, facial swelling, facial pain, headache ear stuffy, and hearing loss. If the tumors involved with cavernous sinus, brain stem infiltrated, and internal carotid artery circumvented, patients will undertake routine enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with Magnetic Resonance Angiography/Magnetic Resonance Venogram (MRA/MRV) to clearly show the lesion region. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal approach. Fifty percent of patients received radiotherapy and 25% of patients received chemotherapy. None of the patients was lost and the follow-up time ranged from 16 to 45 months. The mean and median follow-up were 2.08 and 1.58 years. Two patients were dead of distant metastasis within 18 and 20 months after the surgery, and another patient with recurrent NACC died of hemorrhage. Conclusion: NACC is a rare malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharynx, which can grow along the nerve, destroy the bone of the skull base, and metastasize to other organs. Up to now, there is no standard treatment. Our results show that endoscopic sinus surgery is a better choice for advanced or recurrent NACC.
Diagnosis and Management of Unexplained Conductive Hearing Loss With Intact Tympanic Membrane: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hao Yuzhe , Yu Xuan , Wang Yi , Hosseini Davood , Zong Shimin , Sun Haiying , Xiao Hongjun
Published: June 2024

Objective: To analyze the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of unexplained conductive hearing loss (UCHL) with intact tympanic membrane. Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 642 articles were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Fifty-four research articles and 21 case reports were screened out according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis of the etiology of UCHL. Seven research articles with UCHL who underwent exploratory tympanotomy were selected for data extraction and analysis of clinical characteristics. Results: UCHL is a common manifestation of various diseases, including congenital ossicular anomalies (COA), otosclerosis (OTS), congenital middle ear cholesteatoma (CMEC), oval window atresia, superior semicircular-canal dehiscence, congenital stapedial footplate fixation, middle ear osteoma or adenoma, congenital ossification of stapedial tendon, and so on. A total of 522 patients were included in the 7 articles; among whom OTS showed a tendency to increase with age. The main symptoms were hearing loss, followed by tinnitus, dizziness, ear fullness, ear pain, facial paralysis. A total of 87.5% to 93.0% patients with COA manifested as nonprogressive deafness that occurred since childhood, with tinnitus incidence of 15.6% to 30.2%, and 86.4% to 96.4% patients with OTS presented with progressive hearing loss, with tinnitus incidence of 60.1% to 90.9%. The diagnosis positive rate of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was 33.8% to 87.1%, and CMEC was higher than that of COA (83.3%-100% vs 28.6%-64%). All the articles reported good hearing recovery. The most common surgical complications included taste abnormalities, tinnitus, and dizziness. Conclusion: UCHL presents with similar clinical manifestations and poses challenges in preoperative diagnosis. Exploratory tympanotomy is the primary method for diagnosis and treatment, with good prognosis after removing the lesion and reconstructing hearing during the operation. Children can also safely undergo the surgery.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Cui Hao , Sun Peng , He Jiqiang , Shi Shutian , Kang Yunpeng , Yu Jianbo , Ren Changwei
Published: June 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction may overlap in symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It has not been clear if coronary revascularization relieves exertional symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We reviewed 156 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at Anzhen Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Improvement in symptoms after the percutaneous coronary intervention was investigated.

Results

The mean age was 60.8 ± 9.8 years, and 116 (74.4%) were men. The main symptoms of the patients were chest tightness in 115 (73.7%), chest pain in 88 (56.4%), dyspnea in 50 (32.1%), palpitation in 22 (14.1%), and presyncope/syncope in 12 (7.7%). At rest, the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve was observed in only 36 patients. Among the 156 patients, 64 had single-vessel disease, 46 had two-vessel diseases, and the other 46 had three-vessel diseases. There was no early mortality in the present cohort. After the coronary intervention, there were significant improvements in symptoms including chest tightness (6.4%), chest pain (1.3%), dyspnea (2.6%), and palpitation (8.3%). In 93 patients with follow-up data, the overall survival was 77% at 10 years and the survival free from intervention was 60% at 10 years.

Conclusions

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease can be an important cause of symptoms and should be screened. Percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and effective for coronary revascularization. Cardiac symptoms can be significantly relieved and long-term outcomes are favorable.
Beyond musical training: Individual influences on the perception of the speech-to-song illusion
Authors: Smit Eline A , Rathcke Tamara V
Published: June 2024

When a spoken phrase is repeated several times, listeners often report a perceptual illusion during which speech is transformed into song. The speech-to-song (STS) illusion is often attributed to prosodic elements of speech, though listeners can vary greatly in their STS experience. While previous research established robust links between music aptitude and STS, the present study asks whether other cognitive traits may also influence STS. Individual (in)sensitivity to nonverbal aspects of speech, specifically speech prosody, has been previously linked to autistic traits and emotional intelligence. We test whether the presence of autistic traits, the level of emotional intelligence and musical training, as well as syntactic complexity influence the likelihood, speed, and strength of STS among native British English listeners. The results provide evidence for the involvement of some but not all studied traits. We found sentence complexity to be interacting with a composite score of musical training, and emotional intelligence for the likelihood of STS, whereas sentence complexity influenced the strength of the transformation. These results suggest that individual listener variability may interact with the linguistic parameters of sentences in STS. Crucially, sensitivity to prosody through emotional intelligence or by the presence of autistic traits does not mediate the transformation.
Analysis of Drivers’ Workload States on Highways in High Elevation Regions
Authors: Wang Chenzhu , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Easa Said M , Chen Fei , Cheng Jianchuan
Published: June 2024

The low-pressure (and low-oxygen) environment in plateau regions affects drivers’ psychophysiological states and, thus, driving behavior and road safety. Six scenarios of expressway exit ramps were constructed based on the UC/win-road simulator to quantitatively analyze the effect of the plateau environment on workload state. A total of 50 participants in Nanjing (altitude 50 m) and 50 participants in Lhasa (altitude 3,650 m) were recruited for the simulation experiments. Based on the principal component analysis, a sample entropy index (SEI) was constructed to reflect the drivers’ psychophysiological levels by combining the sample entropy of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals β%, β/(α+θ), β/α, and heart rate (HR). Meanwhile, the pupil area change rate and the percentage of fixation time and duration within the region of interest were analyzed to characterize the drivers’ visual workload. Based on the psychophysiological and visual load, the differences in workload states among plain and plateau drivers were analyzed using a regression model and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. At the same time, the changing trends of the drivers’ workload states in the curved section of the exit ramp under different scenarios were analyzed. The plateau drivers experienced a higher level of mental stress and greater psychological load. Furthermore, the higher radius of horizontal curves reduced the visual load level for drivers when traveling on the highway exit ramp sections. These findings should serve as a valuable reference for refining the design of plateau expressway exit ramps and providing a theoretical basis for improving driving safety in plateau areas.
Efficient Extraction of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment Information for Roadways Using Public Data and Open Application Programming Interfaces
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Das Jyoti
Published: June 2024

An open-source program was developed to extract horizontal and vertical alignment information from roadways using public data and open application programming interfaces. The program employs unsupervised analysis to detect, segment, classify, and measure curves and tangents along an individual route or a network of connected routes. The algorithms used in the horizontal and vertical alignment analyses were described. For vertical alignment, the route was segmented based on the vertical grade profile using a data structure change method. Erratic vertical grade data points at bridges were detected and replaced with estimated values. Two validation cases are provided to demonstrate the function of the program. The first case is an 11.0 km Interstate highway route. The second case is a network of 13 connected routes at a highway interchange. A visual inspection of the results showed that the program was able to detect and measure horizontal and vertical alignment segments with reasonable accuracy. Occasional inaccuracies in the vertical alignment analysis were observed, mainly at short segments near bridges. The program was developed in the R language. The complete source code of the program is publicly accessible via a dedicated GitHub repository.
Influence of Air Travelers’ Willingness to Pay for Carbon Offset Based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhou Hongwei , Wei Qi , Guo Yan
Published: June 2024

With air passengers as research objects, this study adopted partial least squares structural equation modeling method to build a model and analyzed passengers’ willingness to purchase carbon offsets and its influencing factors. According to the results, the effects of factors such as carbon environment, travel environment, and participation motivation are significantly positive on air passengers’ attitudes toward emission reduction. As a mediating variable, emission reduction attitude has a significant and positive influence on air passengers’ willingness to purchase carbon offsets. Psychological variables have a notable influence on individuals’ willingness to pay for carbon offsets. Besides, socio-economic attributes do not have any significant influence on passengers’ willingness to pay. To build a sustainable and voluntary carbon offset mechanism in the aviation industry, we need to raise air passengers’ low-carbon awareness by launching various carbon offset programs, and expand air passengers’ knowledge about carbon emissions. This study provides valuable insights into the pricing strategy of Chinese airlines.
Review of One Call Operator Membership and Exemptions for State Departments of Transportation
Authors: Sturgill Roy E. , Taylor Timothy R.B. , Dadi Gabriel B. , Al-Bayati Ahmed Jalil , Montes Victorio Shani
Published: June 2024

One Call centers are part of a nationwide system in the U.S. that aims to reduce the probability of excavators causing damage to underground utilities during construction projects. Laws dictating which utility operators must participate in One Call systems differ across states. In some states, certain utility operators have membership exemptions in One Call systems. However, these exemptions have come under scrutiny as they limit grant opportunities available for One Call centers. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are one group of institutions frequently exempted from One Call requirements, though they operate underground utilities as part of their transportation networks. To discern the impacts of exemptions or required membership in state One Call systems, this study involves a comprehensive literature review on One Call legislation, a national survey of state DOT subject-matter experts, and 12 in-depth case studies with DOT personnel. These efforts show that a definitive solution is not apparent. When a state DOT evaluates its One Call operator membership, the DOT must carefully consider many variables and potentially complex interactions. Moreover, quantifying the costs and benefits of operator membership proves challenging, as they vary as a result of the diverse criteria. This study reveals that deciding on One Call memberships or exemptions at a national level is not judicious. In fact, the findings emphasize that the state DOT is the most suitable entity to determine whether the One Call operator membership is warranted. Thus, their voices should be decisive when deliberating over their One Call operator memberships.
Assessing Developments in Play of Young Children
Authors: Mason Emanuel J. , Lifter Karin , Cannarella Amanda , Medeiros Haley
Published: June 2024

This paper follows an earlier report of young children’s object play activities investigated in a cross-sectional sample of 289 typically developing children. Thirty-minute videotaped observations were taken of children at 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months of age in their homes. Forty-nine percent were boys. Children were identified as White (70%); mixed racial/cultural backgrounds (14%); Asian (7%); Black (6%); and Latinx (3%). This study reports patterns of cognitive development based on mastery scores derived from frequency and variety of activities in the 27 categories identified in the earlier study. Mastery scores afforded evaluation of the robustness of certain play categories, and the retention and reduction of others, yielding a final set of 14 to describe and assess developments in play. Discussion centers on the value of differentiated categories along with scores that yield a standard for an assessment of children’s play.
The Role of Complainant/Defendant Gender and Form of Sexual Assault on Jurors’ Perceptions of Prototypicality and Verdicts
Authors: Starosta Cassandra , Maeder Evelyn , Leth-Steenson Craig
Published: June 2024

We sought to test the effects of sexual assault form and complainant/defendant gender on jurors’ perceptions of the prototypicality of a sexual assault case, complainant, and defendant. We examined whether these perceived prototypicality measures predict mock jurors’ complainant/defendant blame and credibility assessments and if these assessments predict verdict decisions in a simulated sexual assault trial. We predicted that the female complainant–male defendant condition, vaginal intercourse condition, and their combination would be perceived as more prototypical than their counterparts, which would predict blame/credibility assessments, ultimately predicting verdict. Mock jurors ( N = 437) recruited via Prolific Academic read a trial transcript involving an alleged sexual assault (oral or vaginal sex forced onto the complainant) with a female complainant–male defendant or a male complainant–female defendant. They provided a verdict and assessed the perceived prototypicality of the case/complainant/defendant, provided blame/credibility assessments for the complainant/defendant, and responded to rape myth questionnaires. Sexual assault form did not significantly affect any of our outcomes. Mock jurors perceived the male complainant–female defendant condition as less prototypical of a sexual assault case/complainant/defendant than the female complainant–male defendant condition, resulting in negative evaluations of the complainant, favorable evaluations of the defendant, and lowered probability of conviction. Simultaneously, for fixed levels of prototypicality, the female complainant received more negative evaluations, and the male defendant received more favorable evaluations, which lowered the probability of conviction; mock jurors’ rape myth acceptance moderated this effect. Rape myths were predictive of decision-making in cases involving a female complainant, and male rape myths were predictive in cases involving a male complainant. Results demonstrate that prototypicality is a mechanism behind mock jurors’ decisions in sexual assault trials and elucidate the distinctive role of prototypes and rape myths on juror decision-making, with practical implications for the field of psychology and the criminal legal system.
Obtaining cellulose nanocrystals by acid hydrolysis procedure; and their use as reinforcement in polylactide biocomposites
Authors: Sarı Burcu , Kaynak Cevdet
Published: June 2024

In the first step of this study, purpose was to obtain and characterize cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles by applying sulfuric acid hydrolysis method to the starting material of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fibrils. After obtaining CNC particles via acid hydrolysis procedure, various analyses (SEM, DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA) conducted revealed that average size of round shaped CNC particles was 38 nm with −30.4 mV Zeta potential value. They had monoclinic Cellulose-I crystal structure with Crystallinity Index of 80.6% and Crystallite Size of 3.39 nm. Their maximum thermal degradation temperature was 307°C with 23 wt% residue at 800°C. In the second step, the main aim was to investigate contribution of these obtained CNC particles when they were used as nano-reinforcement in polylactide (PLA) matrix biocomposites produced by industrially compatible melt mixing and shaping techniques. Mechanical tests revealed that when only 1 wt% CNC particles were incorporated into PLA matrix, increases in flexural strength and modulus were 29% and 51%; while increases in K IC and G IC fracture toughness values were 42% and 105%, respectively. Because, high degree of hydroxyl groups and presence of sulfate half-ester groups on the surfaces of CNC particles improved the interfacial interactions between the matrix and nano-reinforcement phase, leading to efficiency in strengthening and toughening mechanisms.
‘The West Is Trying Too Hard’: Gender and the Right-Wing Critique of Globalization
Authors: Graff Agnieszka , Korolczuk Elżbieta
Published: June 2024

This paper examines how the term ‘gender’ has been re-signified by the right-wing actors in contemporary struggles around globalization. First, we offer a chronology of debates concerning global diffusion of gender norms, tracing the consolidation of various groups into the anti-gender movement. The next section discusses how gender and globalization intersect in discursive strategies of anti-gender actors. We show that they target international institutions and norms portraying them as a western cosmopolitan force, claiming to speak on behalf of local populations and obfuscating their transnational embeddedness. The aim is to moralize and blur the boundaries between the local and the global—a strategy we call chameleon tactics. The final part examines how chameleon tactics unfolded in the specific context of the 2019 ICPD25 Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, and how an anti-globalist frame was used to blur the global identity of anti-gender organizations present there.
Thermal property characterization and modeling of SMAW electrode coating flux using ANN and regression analysis
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Chhibber Rahul
Published: June 2024

The design and development of SMAW electrode coating fluxes, along with their thermal property characterization, are discussed. Using an extreme vertices design approach, 27 flux mixture combinations have been prepared. The TGA-DSC and hot disk analysis are done to quantify the thermal response of the fluxes. Results show that increase in CaF2 and SiO2 reduces weight loss. Increase in CaO increases weight loss, whereas increase in BaO shows minimal effect on weight loss. Enthalpy change of flux was found to influence mainly with CaF2 and CaO. Thermally stable flux has lower volatile compounds such as crystallization water and moisture, which helps to minimize gaseous entrapment in weld pool. An increase in CaF2 shows slight decreases and then increase in thermal diffusivity. The increase in thermal diffusivity leads to instant heat flow in the coating. Regression analysis is done, and the effect of individual and interaction of flux constituents on thermal properties is discussed. The artificial neural network is employed for predictive modeling in the domain of the mixture design approach, its prediction accuracy is compared with regression analysis. Water vapor solubility of slag was estimated between 3.169 and 3.947 and sulfide capacity of slag was − 2.479 to −1.892.
The 4.2 ka event: A review of palaeoclimate literature and directions for future research
Authors: Helama Samuli
Published: June 2024

In recent years, much evidence has been presented on the 4.2 ka event. A review of 317 palaeoclimate papers shows that dry conditions were common during the event, especially from Eastern Mediterranean to India. The 4.2 ka event was not, however, a global drought event. Wet conditions were reported especially for central/northern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The 4.2 ka event is typically characterized either as short (4.2–4.0 ka) or long (4.4–3.8 ka) episode, possibly developing over an extended interval of time, in keeping with the North Atlantic forcing and correlating with the Bond 3 event of ice-rafted debris. This forcing is understood to drive a southward migration of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), resulting in decreased rainfall over most of the Asian monsoon region, with possibility that an interplay of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has modulated the global circulation. Cold conditions were also reported but less frequently, in comparison to other Bond events such as the 8.2 ka event, Dark Ages Cold Period and Little Ice Age. Some high-resolution records show a double peak structure of which two anomalies are tree-ring dated to 4.14–4.05 ka and 3.97 ka. Accurately and precisely dated high-resolution records indicative of various climatic variables, especially outside of the traditional study region (Mediterranean–Middle East–India–China), including reconstructions of the ENSO and NAO histories and ITCZ migrations, are crucially needed for rigorous examination of the global scale characteristics of the 4.2 ka event and its forcings. Such research seems to be just beginning.
Deep-time patterns of sustainability and resilience in socio-ecological systems: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Daems Dries , Cleymans Sam , Vandam Ralf
Published: June 2024

As we stand on the precipice of unprecedented global challenges, understanding the deep-time patterns of sustainability and resilience is no longer just a scholarly endeavour but imperative for the future of our planet and its inhabitants. The collection of papers in this special issue brings together archaeologists, historians, and environmental scientists around four main topics: (1) social-ecological modelling, (2) long-term human-environment interactions, (3) modelling diachronic landscapes and (4) sustainability and resilience from past to future. Our aims are to come to a better understanding of socio-economic resilience and sustainability in past, present and future societies. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to forge new conceptual frameworks for understanding complex, long-term socio-ecological dynamics. Through the case studies, theoretical reflections and methodological innovations presented here, this special issue seeks to advance interdisciplinary scholarship on sustainability and resilience and offer fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in building a sustainable future.
Odour characterisation of high-density polyethylene recycled with sepiolite by sensory evaluation
Authors: Madrigal María Dolores Samper , Rodríguez-Rego Jesús M , Mendoza-Cerezo Laura , Marcos-Romero Alfonso C , Pavón Cristina
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the production and consumption of plastics has increased. This growth in production has resulted in an increasing amount of plastic waste, which is a global problem. Among plastics, high density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most widely used polymers in the packaging industry, so its waste is used in the recycling process. One of the main disadvantages of accepting recycled HDPE in production processes is its odour, which makes it impossible to use in production lines. The aim of this work is to reduce and/or eliminate the odours present in the HDPE samples selected for recycling through the use of sepiolites. FTIR analysis of the HDPE samples sent for recycling showed the presence of small amounts of polypropylene (PP), (PET), flexible polyurethane, dirt and adhesives, which could be the cause of the bad odour. Washing the sample showed a decrease in odour, probably due to the removal of dirt and other products that can lead to the degradation of the plastics responsible for the odour. The characterisation of the mixture of sepiolites and HDPE aims to analyse the mechanical and thermal stability of the sample. Not only can pre-washing lead to odour reduction, but also extrusion and injection processes at elevated temperatures can lead to the removal of volatile or semi-volatile compounds. Sensory analysis showed a reduction in odour in HDPE samples with sepiolites, particularly with 15% Pensil sepiolite, to the detriment of mechanical stability. At lower concentrations of sepiolite, the results are good from a sensory, mechanical and thermal point of view, which could mean an industrial application in the manufacture of benches, flower pots, etc.
India–ASEAN Economic Relations and North-east India: Act East Policy as a New Paradigm
Authors: Ghosh Dipon
Published: June 2024

The article delves into three aspects: (a) India–ASEAN economic relationship since the last three decades of Look East Policy (LEP), (b) the achievements of North-east India (NEI) under LEP and Act East Policy (AEP) and (c) adding a note on AEP as a new ‘development paradigm’ in NEI. The study finds that the India–ASEAN economic relationship deepened in the post-LEP period as merchandise trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased manifold. However, neither LEP nor AEP made any significant impact on NEI in terms of economic growth, exports and FDI inflows. Economic growth stagnated and even decelerated in some states in NEI, while exports and FDI inflows remained abysmally low. LEP was a failed policy instrument for NEI despite many claims and assumptions. The major reason was infrastructure deficits and poor connectivity in the region for a prolonged period. AEP has emerged as a new ‘development paradigm’ with renewed thrust on infrastructure buildup and connectivity constructions. The ongoing and completed connectivity projects in rail, road, air and water, improvement in power and telecom, multimodal logistic park in Assam and improvement of trade infrastructure in NEI under AEP would attract investment from both domestic foreign sources, enhance productive capacity, increase exports and accelerate economic growth. AEP is expected to open new possibilities for trade and investments in NEI through regional economic integration with South Asian and South-east Asian economies given geographical location, ethno-cultural proximity, historical linkages and resource endowments.
Climate-induced Displacement and Migration: A Proposed Framework for the G20 for Collaboration1
Authors: Sarkar Sampurna , Danda Anamitra Anurag
Published: June 2024

The impacts of climate change could displace up to 250 million people by 2050, exacerbating poverty and inequality, and derailing the achievement of SDGs by several decades. The impacts of climate change on countries of the Global South are disproportionate. In these countries, large-scale sudden displacement could lead to violations of people’s rights. These negative consequences could be avoided through policy interventions aimed at empowering and enhancing human capital. In countries of the Global North, population shrinkage and eventual economic dysfunction are inevitable, but these could be addressed through immigration. Collaboration between countries likely to witness climate change-induced displacement at scale, and those that require immigrants to sustain and grow their populations and economies, could result in positive outcomes for both sets of countries. This Policy Brief makes the above argument through illustrative cases.
Efficacy of adding infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) to adductor canal block and local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Li Pengcheng
Published: June 2024

Objective

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA), adductor canal block (ACB), and infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) are popular multimodal analgesia techniques used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to explore the efficacy of adding the IPACK technique to ACB and LIA in patients undergoing TKA.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA were divided into two groups based on their date of admission. Sixty-three patients underwent IPACK, ACB and LIA (IPACK group) during surgery, while 60 patients underwent ACB and LIA (control group). The primary outcome was the postoperative administration of morphine hydrochloride as a rescue analgesic. Secondary outcomes included time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative pain assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), functional recovery assessed by knee range of motion and ambulation distance, time until hospital discharge, and complication rates.

Results

The two groups were similar in average postoperative 0-to-24-h morphine consumption (11.8 mg for the control group vs 12.7 mg for the IPACK group, p = .428) and average total morphine consumption (18.2 mg vs 18.0 mg, p = .983) during hospitalization. There were also no significant differences in the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

The addition of IPACK to ACB and LIA did not provide any clinical analgesic benefits. Orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists are justified in using ACB and LIA without IPACK for TKA.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Virtual Group Advance Care Planning Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yourman Lindsey , Pollner Alina , Khatibi Jasmine , Ramos Vanessa , Melkote Vaishnavi , O’Gorman Aoibhin , Begler Erika , Lum Hillary D.
Published: June 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the transition from in person to virtual advance care planning (ACP) engagement efforts. This pilot initiative evaluated virtual group visits (GVs) and in-person GVs for ACP to determine their feasibility and effectiveness.

Methods

Participants included patients in a Geriatric Medicine clinic who were referred by their primary care physician to an ACP GVs intervention. The ACP GVs had 2 sessions, led by clinicians with ACP expertise who facilitated a discussion on patients’ values, goals, and preferences. Participants were provided with technical assistance to support use of the virtual platform. Evaluation included an ACP readiness survey, post-session feedback, GV observations, and electronic health record review at baseline and a 6 month follow-up for goals of care documentation and advance directives.

Results

Seventy patients attended 46 ACP GVs from August 2019 to February 2022, including 16 in-person GVs and 54 virtual GVs. At a 6 month follow-up, for virtual GVs participants (n = 54), goals of care documentation increased from 31% to 93%, and advance directives increased from 22% to 30%. For in-person GVs participants (n = 16), goals of care documentation increased from 25% to 100%, and advance directives increased from 69% to 75%. All surveyed patients in both formats would recommend ACP GVs.

Conclusion

ACP GVs are feasible and effective for supporting ACP, demonstrating an increase in both goals of care conversations and advance directives completion.
How to Engage Older LGBTQIA+ Patients: Lessons Learned From Mayo Clinic Connect, a 100,000+-Participant Social Media Platform
Authors: Fee-Schroeder Kelli , Young Colleen , Chedid Victor , Jatoi Aminah , Cathcart-Rake Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Background

Older LGBTQIA+ patients face discrimination in healthcare and therefore are sometimes reluctant to engage and interact with healthcare providers. This report explores whether a large medically-based internet platform can be used to engage these patients and describes preferable methods for doing so.

Methods

This study used Mayo Clinic Connect, a continuously monitored, internet-based social media platform of 100,000-plus users. Participants completed a brief on-line survey to ensure their study eligibility. No patient-identifying data was asked. Participants then were to call in by phone during specified day time hours for a 45-minute qualitative interview. Alternatively, as a second subsequent option, they were to complete an on-line typed response to 4 questions about their health and healthcare. No temporal overlap occurred between the availability of the phone interview option and the typed-in response option.

Results

For the phone interviews, 17 of 64 individuals were deemed eligible, but no individual called in to be interviewed. In contrast, for the typed-in response option, 20 of 37 individuals were eligible and provided comments.

Conclusion

A large medically-based internet platform can be used to engage older LGBTQIA+ patients, but the use of typed-in comments appears more successful, presumably because of greater anonymity and convenience.
Environmental Change in Conflict and Post-conflict Northern Uganda: A Geographical Analysis to Understand Prospects for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Region
Authors: Nardi Maria Andrea , Runnström Micael
Published: June 2024

Armed conflicts are acknowledged for their effects on the environment, including ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss, but also ecological restoration. Both processes impact post-conflict opportunities for peace and development. The armed conflict in Northern Uganda (1986–2008) profoundly affected local communities and their natural environment. While some areas suffered environmental degradation others underwent ecological restoration. Understanding this historical pattern is crucial for post-conflict natural resource management and peace and development prospects. This article aims to analyse vegetation changes in Northern Uganda during and after the conflict, exploring potential drivers of such changes and their implications for sustainable peace and development. Utilising remote sensing analysis and literature review, we observe a post-conflict ‘greening’ trend alongside a more equal vegetation deterioration and restoration spatial distribution. We propose that if these trends are driven by agriculture expansion, the way this is organised and articulated with natural vegetation will be central for peace and development.
Adaptive Cancer Therapy in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Derbal Youcef
Published: June 2024

Therapeutic resistance is a major challenge facing the design of effective cancer treatments. Adaptive cancer therapy is in principle the most viable approach to manage cancer’s adaptive dynamics through drug combinations with dose timing and modulation. However, there are numerous open issues facing the clinical success of adaptive therapy. Chief among these issues is the feasibility of real-time predictions of treatment response which represent a bedrock requirement of adaptive therapy. Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to learn prediction models of treatment response from clinical, molecular, and radiomics data about patients and their treatments. The article explores this potential through a proposed integration model of Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPTs) in a closed loop with adaptive treatments to predict the trajectories of disease progression. The conceptual model and the challenges facing its realization are discussed in the broader context of artificial intelligence integration in oncology.
Analytical solution to some boundary value problems of elasticity in bipolar coordinates
Authors: Zirakashvili Natela
Published: June 2024

Analytical solutions of two-dimensional statics problems of elasticity are presented in bipolar coordinates for homogeneous isotropic bodies bounded by the coordinate lines of a bipolar coordinate system. In particular, various boundary problems for an eccentric circular ring, a half-plane with circular holes, and others are considered. The equilibrium equations and Hooke’s law are expressed using bipolar coordinates. This paper does not address the static equilibrium requirement of the external load at each circular boundary of the study area. This requirement, which significantly limits the range of problems that can be solved, typically appears in papers dealing with the aforementioned problems. In addition, the proposed method for obtaining an exact (analytical) solution is much simpler compared to the traditional approach. The exact solutions are derived using the method of separation of variables. By utilizing MATLAB software, the numerical results of some boundary value problems for an eccentric semi-ring are obtained, and the corresponding diagrams are presented.