bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of different kinds of love and their transformation in the interpretative encounter in the group
Authors: Vosmer Susanne
Published: February 2023

Gadamerian concepts are combined with historic and group analytic conceptualizations to understand and modify expressions of different kinds of love in a long-term group. Vignettes are presented. In the interpretative encounter, affective, empathic, cultural and other resonances emerged. Through dialogue, new understanding occurred in the group about dangerous, romantic, unhealthy, narcissistic, intoxicating, unrequited, ecclesial and sexual love, which are influenced by prejudices/prejudgments, language, ideologies, tradition and (historic) horizons. Group love developed. My own positionality contributed to this process. A fusion of horizons was not always possible. Nevertheless, new understanding of sexualities, prostitution, marriage and romantic relationships was achieved in the group. I have introduced a rudimentary hermeneutic framework, which shows how prejudgments and faulty/ negative resonances of love can be modified or transformed. However, this circle is continuously ‘effected by historic un/consciousness’ and therefore never complete.
Introduction to special section: Causes and consequences of the current evaluation regime in (academic) science
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: February 2023

Evaluation is ubiquitous in current (academic) science, to the extent that it is relevant to talk about an evaluation regime. How did it become this way? And what does it mean for scientists, groups, organizations, and fields? Picking up on the inspiring debate in a previous issue of this journal, four articles in this special section go deeper in studying the causes and consequences of the current evaluation regime in (academic) science, contributing with new insight as well as opening important new routes for further investigation. This introductory essay provides a background and framework to the special section and points out some key takeaways from the articles included.
“Older, Entitled, and Extremely Out-of-Touch”: Does “OK, Boomer” Signify the Emergence of a New Older Adult Stereotype?
Authors: Frey Katelyn T. , Bisconti Toni L.
Published: February 2023

“OK, Boomer” is a phrase used to dismiss an older person for their perceived out-of-touch or offensive beliefs. The popularity of this retort suggests the presence of intergenerational tension; this study explores how the use of “OK, Boomer” relates to the current age stereotype literature. Results indicated that this literature base does not adequately capture how younger adults perceived the titular “Boomer,” and therefore, we used interpretive phenomenological analysis to identify seven unique characteristics ascribed to “Boomers”: closed-minded, argumentative, out-of-touch, offensive, critical, nostalgic, and/or conservative. Future work should monitor how derogatory age-based internet jargon influences ageism and intergenerational relations.
Associations Between Peer Victimization and Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescents: Humor Makes a Difference
Authors: Zheng Xintong , Chen Jianwen , Yu Quanlei , Xiong Qing , Zhang Lin , Li Congcong , Shi Shuping
Published: February 2023

With the increasing development of science and technology, the Internet has become an essential part of people’s daily lives providing great convenience. However, the Internet also leads to problematic Internet use (PIU) among adolescents, which has attracted increasing attention from the academic community. Peer victimization is a pervasive stressor among adolescents and has been proven to lead to a series of mental health challenges. Although the association between peer victimization and PIU has been well documented, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to understand how and when peer victimization increases the risk of PIU among adolescents. Building on Agnew’s general strain theory, this study hypothesized that depression mediates the relationship between peer victimization and PIU and humor moderates the mediating model. To examine these hypotheses, 469 middle school students were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires on peer victimization, depression, humor, and PIU. The results showed that depression partially mediated the relationship between peer victimization and PIU. A moderated mediation analysis indicated that humor moderated the indirect pathway, consistent with the reverse stress-buffering model, the relationship between peer victimization and depression was stronger for adolescents with high humor. However, the relationship between depression and PIU was weaker in adolescents with high humor, which is in line with the stress-buffering model. These findings could be of significance in understanding the underlying mechanism of PIU associated with peer victimization and provide a new perspective for preventing PIU among adolescents, especially those experiencing peer victimization. The limitations and considerations for future research are discussed.
Permanent Tooth Eruption Patterns in Nigerian Local Pigs
Authors: Okandeji Michael Efeturi , Lijoka Ayodeji David , Olude Matthew Ayokunle , Atiba Folusho , Olopade James Olukayode
Published: February 2023

Pigs are diphyodonts with heterodont dentition and have been used in studies involving teeth and jawbone regeneration, and dental implants. Patterns of tooth eruption are used to age animals and determine the effects of environmental and genetic influences on occurrence of variations. As with other species, variations exist in the tooth eruption pattern in pigs. The aim of this study was to determine the permanent teeth eruption patterns of Nigerian local pigs. Twenty-six healthy pigs were observed throughout the study period. Pigs were firmly held in dorsal or lateral recumbency and their mouths gently held open to visually examine all quadrants of the dental arches (right and left maxillary, right and left mandibular). Observations were recorded from 16 weeks of age, until the last permanent tooth erupted. Results obtained from the study showed that males had lower mean values for eruption time (54%) of examined teeth in comparison to females. The mean values of eruption time for the maxillary third incisor, the mandibular and maxillary canines, and the mandibular fourth premolar teeth were statistically significant in the males ( P = .0017, P = .0088, P = .0002 and P = .0244, respectively). Sixty-nine percent of the adult pigs did not have eruption of the mandibular first premolar, while polydontia was observed in the maxillary and mandibular incisors. These results show that intra-breed and inter-breed variations exist in the dental eruption pattern in pigs. The data obtained from this study can be used for comparative dental studies and can aid further research on the developmental anatomy of Nigerian local pigs.
Frictional behavior of severe plastic deformed copper sample by using friction calibration curves
Authors: Javdani Akbar , Aghaei Pouya , Parvandar Asadollahi Bahman , Asiabi Javad
Published: February 2023

Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) known as one of the most significant methods involving in severe plastic deformation. There are not many investigations which focus on the design of dies and its analysis by FEM, considering friction coefficients as die geometry parameters; likewise, only few studies have been reported in which the effect of die shape has been analyzed, for example. One of the challenging problems in industrialization of ECAP is designing and manufacturing of die. To avoid trial and error in the next designs, the measurement of right friction coefficient plays a key role, which is used in finite element method to prevent doing experimental test. The main objective of this study was to investigate and find generalized friction calibration curves utilizing the ring compression test. To perform the ring compression test, which is oxygen-free copper with 99.7%, (BS EN 15079 standard) the standard ring specimen ratio of 6:3:2 was used. With use of different lubricants during the ring compression test the relations between friction coefficients and changes of inner and outer diameters was revealed. To solve complicated plasticity equations with complex geometries and boundary conditions with various friction coefficients, finite element method was used. To use more accurate frictional coefficient values with considering different ECAP passes, friction calibration curves were updated.
A new product service system scheme evaluation method based on variable granularity weight and group decision-making
Authors: Duan Ran , Yin Zhen
Published: February 2023

In the evaluation process of product service system (PSS) scheme, different evaluation indexes such as function, cost, quality, and resource guarantee capability need to be comprehensively considered, and there are ambiguities and uncertainties in the evaluation process. How to evaluate and select the PSS alternative schemes objectively and rationally has important practical significance for the subsequent stages and implementation of the PSS schemes. Therefore, a new PSS scheme evaluation method based on variable granularity weight and group decision-making is proposed. First, to solve the fuzziness and uncertainty of information, the interval rough number is adopted in the evaluation of PSS scheme, and the method of obtaining the relative weight and absolute weight of the attribute index is revised. Secondly, an n-additive Choquet integral model is constructed to eliminate the interaction between attribute indexes, a PSS scheme evaluation index system composed of different target variables is proposed, and a PSS scheme evaluation model is established. Then, the generalized evidential reasoning group decision-making method is used to effectively integrate the evaluation opinions of experts, obtain the evaluation results of the PSS scheme, and select the best from them. Finally, the proposed method is verified by taking the PSS scheme evaluation of the NC machine tool as an example.
Effects of single-lap joint at different adhesive thicknesses on fatigue strength of metals with different surface coatings
Authors: Baykara Celalettin
Published: February 2023

Adhesive technology defined as a kind of chemical bonding alternative to thermal and mechanical joints, has attracted the attention of industry people and researchers in various fields, especially in the automobile sector for the last 30 years. Therefore, this research study has aimed to consider the issue in the automotive industry, the adhesion performance was investigated for the cases in which a metal part was joined to a vehicle body both after applying coatings and primer paint respectively. İn this respect, some of the test samples were prepared by being coated with cataphoresis, while some others were produced with primer painting along with the ones that do not have any coating or painting on them. Following this procedure, single lap type joints with different adhesive thicknesses were manufactured and subjected to fatigue tests. To make a comparison of their fatigue endurances, spot welded joints, as an alternative bonding method, were also subjected to the fatigue test. It was clearly observed that the spot welding joints have surpassed their adhesive counterparts in fatigue performance, and the samples coated with cataphoresis have outperformed among the adhesion type bonds.
Determination of engine performance and harmful pollutants of a spark-ignition engine fueled with higher-order alcohol/gasoline blends by engine simulation
Authors: Gholami Ghanati Soroush , Doğan Battal , Yeşilyurt Murat Kadir , Yaman Hayri
Published: February 2023

In this study, the performance and exhaust emissions of a spark-ignition (SI) engine were simulated using AVL program, and the outcomes were compared with the results coming from experiments. The simulated engine was operated at a constant speed (1600 rpm) and various engine powers with gasoline (G100), and it blends with different higher-order alcohols such as 1-hexanol (HEX) and 1-heptanol (HP) as new fuel combinations. The proportions of tests fuel combinations were G100, G100 + HEX (5, 10, 15, and 20%) and G100 + HP (5, 10, 15, and 20%). The experimental study showed that the highest brake-specific fuel consumption was calculated to be 0.625 kg/kWh using HP20 fuel at 1 kW of engine power, while it was found to be 0.598 kg/kWh in the numerical study. The experimental research indicated that the lowest CO emission was emitted to be 0.28% in HEX20 fuel at 5 kW of engine power. Under the same condition, it was found 0.26% in the simulation study. The highest NOx emission was measured to be 1349.8 ppm in HEX20 fuel at 5 kW of the engine power. Meanwhile, 1318.3 ppm was found in the simulation. When the simulation outcomes were compared with the experimental study results, the simulation results were in valid. The difference in brake-specific fuel consumption results between experimental and numerical research ascended as the engine power jumped up. Furthermore, reductions were observed in the amount of difference in the results related to emissions between experimental and simulation studies at higher engine powers.
Robust sliding mode augmenting integral backstepping for lateral-directional control of a highly maneuverable aircraft
Authors: Singh Prabhjeet , Giri Dipak K , Ghosh Ajoy K
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a robust hybrid backstepping and sliding mode control is designed for lateral-directional control of a highly maneuverable aircraft. A systematic approach is implemented in tracking the reference trajectory of a high-fidelity aircraft model, which inculcates non-linear coupled dynamics. A smooth switching function to eliminate the chattering phenomenon is used in the sliding surface and integrated into the backstepping architecture, which guarantees asymptotic stability of the state trajectories. Separate controllers are designed for longitudinal dynamics to address the system in the strict-feedback form, which is an essence of the backstepping methodology. For backstepping control, angular rates are utilized as virtual control inputs in the subsystems considered. Stability analysis is carried out meticulously in the sense of Lyapunov, which guarantees closed-loop system stability. The performance of the considered controllers in the paper is evaluated with the minimum gains by infusing random uncertainties in the aerodynamic model and inertial parameters. Various real-time flight scenarios pertaining to lateral-directional dynamics with and without side-wind are simulated and discussed.
Effect of bend-induced inlet distortion on a centrifugal compressor performance and stall inception
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Ben , Zhao Qingjun , Li Jingtao , Zhan Liming , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2023

Bend pipes are usually installed upstream of a centrifugal compressor because of spatial constraints. With the interaction between radial pressure gradient and centrifugal force in bend pipe, a pair of counter-rotating vortices (Dean vortices) is formed after the fluids passed through the bend, and the shape of Dean vortices keeps changing in the straight pipe between the bend and compressor. The effects of the changed Dean vortices on the aerodynamic performance and stall inception of a centrifugal compressor are investigated with an experimentally validated numerical method based on four models, in which the distance of the straight pipe located between the bend and the compressor varies from 0D to 1D through 1/4D and 1/2D. The results show that as the straight pipe length increases from 0D to 1D, both the total pressure deficit at compressor inlet and the flow separations at inlet pipe symmetry plane are enlarged, and the mass flow rate distribution of full-annulus become more fluctuant. As a consequence, the compressor aerodynamic performance degrades and its maximum flow capacity decreases. More importantly, bend-induced inlet distortion has the effect of inducing/suppressing impeller stall inception, it depends on the location and intensity of swirl distortion and total pressure distortion. The low total pressure region located at impeller tip leads to reversed flow and stall inception, while the positive pre-swirl component in swirl distortion decreases the incidence and suppresses stall inception. These results provide a reference for the design of upstream inlet curved pipes of centrifugal compressors.
Effectiveness of acupuncture for fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khodaie Faezeh , Naser Moghadasi Abdorreza , Kazemi Amir Hooman , Zhao Baixiao
Published: February 2023

Background:

Fatigue is experienced by more than 65% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies have supported the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the symptoms of MS.

Objective:

The present research was intended to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture plus amantadine compared with amantadine alone on fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in the remission stage of the disease.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, 60 participants with RRMS suffering from fatigue were recruited and randomized equally to acupuncture (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The acupuncture group received treatment 2 to 3 times per week for 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Both the acupuncture and control groups received amantadine 100 mg daily and routine treatment with immuno-modulators. The primary outcome was the fatigue severity scale (FSS) score, which was evaluated at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks. The secondary outcome was the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life 54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire score, measured at baseline and the end of the 4-week treatment period.

Results:

The severity of fatigue was reduced in both groups. However, after 4 weeks of treatment, the reduction of fatigue in the acupuncture group was more significant than in the control group ( P < 0.01, mean difference (MD) = −1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.83 to −0.45). Quality of life, including mental and physical status, was significantly improved in the acupuncture group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05, MD = 9.09, 95% CI: 0.46 to 17.73). No adverse events occurred in any of the participants.

Conclusions:

Acupuncture combined with amantadine and routine care compared with amantadine and routine care alone appears to be an effective short-term treatment for reducing fatigue and enhancing quality of life, including physical function and mental status, in patients with RRMS.
Indigenous environmental perspectives: Challenging the oceanic security state
Authors: Na’puti Tiara R , Frain Sylvia C
Published: February 2023

This article centers Indigenous epistemologies to critique the United States oceanic security state, a modality of militarization and blue-washing conservation that extends beyond land borders to encompass federal conceptualizations of national security throughout the Pacific Ocean. Beginning with Indigenous perspectives from Oceania, it provides examples of Indigenous peoples’ continuing connections to ocean spaces and challenges to United States colonial geographic imaginaries and militarized destruction. Then, advancing the concept of the oceanic security state, it examines how United States assertions of sovereignty over Oceania are used to justify hyper-militarization while simultaneously destroying the environment and contributing to the climate crisis. These phenomena occur while the USA remains exempt from federal environmental conservation laws through ‘blue-washing’, and the United States government benefits from the exclusion of military emission data within international climate targets. The findings reveal how militarizing all ocean space in the name of United States national security operates within delineated borders of Exclusive Economic Zones, Marine National Monuments, and Marine Protected Areas. Guided by Indigenous epistemologies, the article concludes with alternative ways of understanding ocean spaces and constructing futures of genuine security.
Community Perceptions on Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Study From Sri Lanka
Authors: Reyal Haizana Parween , Perera Manuja Niranshi , Guruge Duminda
Published: February 2023

Although plenty of research is conducted to explore the causes of intimate partner violence (IPV), findings are inadequate about the community members’ perceptions on IPV. This qualitative study was conducted in a health administrative area of Sri Lanka to explore IPV as perceived by community members in terms of what is IPV, what causes IPV, and what are the responses to prevent IPV. Five focus group discussions and 11 in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 women and eight men. Data were thematically analyzed, and a model on community perception of IPV was developed. It incorporated the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels of the existing ecological framework on causes of interpersonal violence. Perceived apparent and underlying determinants were operating directly and indirectly with complex interactions for the occurrence and continuation of IPV. Pathways of preventing or responding to IPV were identified. Findings on determinants can be incorporated into IPV interventions.
Teacher Burnout and Supporting Teachers of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Granger Kristen L. , Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen A. , Dear Emma , Morse Ashley
Published: February 2023

This article will provide a brief reflection on Garwood’s summary of research on special education teacher burnout and fidelity of implementation in delivery of evidence-based behavioral interventions. Subsequently, we provide a conceptual and empirical summary of key issues for supporting teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs) through the lens of BEST in CLASS (a Tier 2 intervention supporting teacher’s use of evidence-based practices with students with or at risk for EBD). This summary will (a) outline the theoretical structure that supports how BEST in CLASS may improve teacher–student relationships and reduce teacher burnout, (b) demonstrate the influence of BEST in CLASS on teacher burnout in a sample of elementary school teachers and discuss findings, (c) propose that researchers consider burnout within the context of dynamic classroom systems, and (d) link these suggestions to theoretical frameworks. We conclude with a discussion of Garwood’s call to action and implications for future research.
Optimal robust path tracking control for multi-constrained underactuated vehicles based on uncertainty orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Xu Quanning , Gong Xinle , Huang Jin , Zhao Xiaomin , Li Xueyun
Published: February 2023

In this article, an optimal robust constraint-following control is proposed for the underactuated vehicle path tracking problem. First, an underactuated dynamic model is established according to Udwadia–Kalaba (UK) equation, and the system uncertainty is decomposed into matching and mismatching portions based on the system geometric characteristics. The mismatching uncertainty is orthogonal to task space; thus, its influence on system stability is eliminated. Second, the diffeomorphism method is used to creatively set inequality and equality constraints into new equality constraints, and a robust control method for front steering vehicles with parameter-tunable is proposed. Third, an optimal design scheme is proposed for the tunable parameters to minimize the comprehensive index of system performance and control cost. Carsim-Simulink co-simulation shows the effectiveness of the proposed optimal robust control. This article creatively solves the problem of optimal robust control for path tracking of multi-constrained underactuated vehicles.
Bias and Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Parents Accessing Care for Their Children: A Literature Review
Authors: Coulter-Thompson Emilee I.
Published: February 2023

Background

The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) in health and early learning systems are largely understudied. Inclusive, affirming services are critical to timely identification and intervention for DDs. This literature review aimed to establish whether LGBTQ parents experience structural bias and discrimination when accessing care for their children in health and early learning systems.

Methods

PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus were searched for empirical research from 1990 to 2020 on: LGBTQ; parents, children, families; bias, disparities, discrimination; and health and early learning services. Themes were analyzed by conceptual model bias levels, participant type, and setting.

Results

The search yielded 1,872 unduplicated records (three through hand search). Twenty-nine articles representing 26 studies in health and early learning in eight countries met the inclusion criteria. Biases common across sectors included challenges surrounding LGBTQ status disclosures; lack of acknowledgment of non-biological parents; and heterosexist forms. Knowledge gaps and negative attitudes about LGBTQ families were found among some professionals and students.

Conclusion

Some LGBTQ parents experienced bias and discrimination while accessing care for their children in health and early learning systems. Policies and programs to implement and monitor LGBTQ-inclusive health education and evaluate practice changes are recommended to improve professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Multilevel workforce development (e.g., accreditation standards, organizational audits, and training) is needed to create and sustain LGBTQ-affirming health and education environments. Honoring LGBTQ family diversity and reducing health and early learning inequities are critical for improving children’s health and education outcomes.
Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention on Sensory Processing and Motor Function in a Child with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Balikci Aymen , May-Benson Teresa A , Aracikul Balikci Ayse Firdevs , Tarakci Ela , Ikbal Dogan Zeynep , Ilbay Gul
Published: February 2023

The Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS) literature is limited about sensory integration, which is a foundational neurological function of the central nervous system that may affect the development of cognitive, social, and motor skills. The aim of this case report was to investigate the effects of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) intervention on processing and integrating sensations, motor functions and parental goals of 3-year-old child with RSTS. Analysis of assessment data reviewed before and after treatment. Assessment collected by interview, Sensory Profile (SP), Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P) Home, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Progress toward goals and objectives was measured with Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). ASI intervention was implemented 3 times per week for 8 weeks. At pre-intervention, SP and SPM-P Home revealed prominent sensory processing and integration difficulties in this case. PDMS-2 scores indicated the child was far behind his peers in fine and gross motor areas. In addition, systematic observations determined that the child’s GMFCS level was III. After 8 weeks of ASI intervention significant improvements were found in parent reports of sensory processing in the areas of vestibular, tactile, and oral functioning on the Sensory Profile. Gains in functional motor skills were found on the GMFM-88 and the GMFCS. Consistent with these results, significant gains at or above expected levels of performance were found on GAS goals which reflected the family’s main concerns for social participation, feeding, play, and movement. There are limited studies on sensory processing and integration in children with RSTS. This case report identified sensory processing and integration difficulties for the first time in a child with RSTS. Results also provide preliminary support for the positive effects of ASI intervention on sensory processing, functional motor skills, and parental goals of a child with RSTS.
A Retrospective Study of the Effect of Metformin on Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee Chung-Shien , Lam So Yi , Liu Angel , Sison Cristina , Zhu Xin-Hua
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Previous studies demonstrated that metformin could lead to an inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells through a shift from anabolic to catabolic metabolism. In this study, we seek to investigate the effect of metformin in metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods:

Patients followed at Northwell Health Zuckerberg Cancer Center during 2014-2018 were included if they were diagnosed with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with ⩾6 months follow-up with and without metformin treatment. The primary outcomes, 6-month prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, overall survival (OS), and radiographic progression free survival (rPFS), were evaluated.

Results:

There were 267 patients included in the final analysis; 196 patients had mHSPC (73.2%) and 71 had mCRPC (26.8%). Within the mHSPC subjects, there was a significant difference in OS between metformin vs nonmetformin groups (148.5 vs 85.6 months; P < .046) in a univariate analysis; patients who took metformin had a significantly longer OS than subjects who did not (median OS: 148.5 vs 86 months; P < .046). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to either PSA response rate at 6 months or rPFS or OS in patients with mHSPC in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Within the mCRPC subjects, there was no significant difference between metformin and nonmetformin groups with respect to OS (43.3 vs 51.5 months; P < 0.160) or PSA response at 6 months (38.5% vs 57.1%; p < 0.24); however, patients on metformin had a significantly shorter rPFS in both the univariate analysis (7.3 vs 17.4; P < .0002) and in the multivariate analysis (HR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.24m 5.11; P < .0109).

Conclusions:

Among patients with mHSPC, use of metformin was not significantly associated with improved OS in the multivariate analysis.
Assessing Paracetamol Overdose in Children: Acceptability and Potential Market for a Non-Invasive Testing Device
Authors: Freitas Debora , Parry Christopher , Seddon Gabrielle , Lemke Jana , Moss James , Freeman Neville , Grice Julie , Hawcutt Daniel B
Published: February 2023

Background:

Assessment of paracetamol overdose in children and teenagers in the emergency department (ED) requires blood, taken 4 hours post ingestion. A commercial partner developed transdermal paracetamol measuring technology. This work aims to understand the acceptability of such a device, and potential market size.

Methods:

A questionnaire study was undertaken with children and parents attending Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and healthcare professionals (HCP) involved in their care. A retrospective audit of paracetamol ingestion presenting to a paediatric ED was undertaken.

Results:

One hundred forty-three questionnaires were distributed, and 139 returned (response rate 97.2%), comprising 55 children, 52 parents and 32 HCP (recruited between August-October 2019). Overall device acceptability, assessed by favourability of appearance and willingness to wear was high, at 60.0% and 81.5% respectively. Concerns raised included bulky size and weight, and concern regarding the duration younger children would tolerate wearing the device. All groups, including children, ranked accuracy of results as the most important device feature and device comfort the least important. Parents prioritised avoidance of blood tests more than children. One hundred twenty-seven children presented to ED with paracetamol ingestion (September 2017-August 2018), with 57 (44.9%) categorised as accidental overdose. Overall, 106 (83.4%) required paracetamol concentration measuring, and 25 (19.7%) of these required treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Extrapolating nationally, over 7000 children will present with accidental overdose per annum in the UK.

Conclusion:

Acceptability of a non-invasive paracetamol sensor was high in all groups, provided accuracy could be assured.
Emotions and securitisation: a new materialist discourse analysis
Authors: Ganz Aurora
Published: February 2023

In this article, I explore how pride as a collective emotion is ontologically bound to the securitisation of energy and put forward an innovative method that engages materiality and discourse in securitisation theory. I examine the case of energy securitisation in Azerbaijan to show that collective pride is anchored to materialisations and reiterative identity discourses that stick to energy sites and align with the nation in ways that fit with the coercive and controlling nature of securitisation. While the existing literature on emotions and securitisation engages with the process of threat construction and focuses on the audience’s affective experience, I approach securitisation as threat construction and threat management and locate the affective dimension of the process in a transversal space that considers the affective experience of the audience alongside that of the securitising actor. This article pays considerable attention to methods and introduces an experimental new materialist discourse analysis, which accounts for the material, affective and non-human world exerting an agential force on the texts.
From Bitcoin to Farm Bank: An idiotic inquiry into blockchain speculation
Authors: Hoyng Rolien
Published: February 2023

Bitcoin’s uptake in Turkey has ranked among the highest in the world. Meanwhile, moral judgment about cryptocurrency has remained unsure about its comparison to other types of investment: what is a scam and what is a legitimate investment? Who is ‘daringly visionary’ and who is merely ‘gullible’ or ‘blinded’ by illusory promise? Displacing decidedly North American stories of Bitcoin’s origins and ‘Web3’ futures, this article considers the local appeal and sociotechnical potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-centric innovation. I analyze the open-endedness of such potential as well as its foreclosures. The case of Turkey shows that speculation regarding cryptocurrency not only implies wagering on price developments, but it also entails speculating about the possible, plausible or expectable futures of technological innovation. Blockchain-based innovation has elicited myths of the technological sublime and utopian sentiment, as it promises to usher in disruptive futures hardly imaginable from the vantage point of the present. Referencing Simondon’s philosophy of technology, my main question is: how do speculative technologies and discourses shape the present, along with the futures that emerge from it? Drawing on interviews with speculators in combination with a digital methods analysis of Turkish ‘crypto Twitter’, my answer highlights the asymmetries and inequalities of media ecologies as well as discursive contestations over the boundaries between the possible/impossible, realism/utopianism and common sense/idiocy. Moreover, engaging theories of utopia by Srnicek and Williams, Stengers, and Jameson, I ponder, what would a speculative engagement with seemingly ‘implausible’ or ‘impossible’ futures comprise that deserves not to be dismissed as simply gullible or as blinded by the technological sublime?
Can travel apps improve tourists’ intentions? Investigating the drivers of Chinese gen Y users’ experience
Authors: Gao Ziyi , Cheah Jun-Hwa , Lim Xin-Jean , Ng Siew Imm , Cham Tat-Huei , Yee Choy Leong
Published: February 2023

In the age of digitalization, travel applications (or travel apps) are indispensable tools for modern travel activities. During an app's selection and adoption phases, privacy concerns remain a sensitive issue that may demotivate users’ from continuing to use it. This study integrated both the stimulus-organism-response model (S-O-R) and psychological reaction theory (PRT) to explore the factors that influence users’ app usage experiences and behavioral responses. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to Gen Y users in mainland China. The findings of PLS-SEM analysis showed that usage intentions are predicted by the ability of travel apps to engage with users and generate favorable values. Additionally, users with low privacy concerns were shown to have a stronger intention to recommend travel apps to others. All in all, the findings from this study offer valuable insights to tourism providers and app developers.
Whose English should be talked and taught? Views from international English teachers in Thai higher education
Authors: Boonsuk Yusop , Wasoh Fa-ezah , Waelateh Bordin
Published: February 2023

This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of 12 international English teachers (from the UK, the USA, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines at four universities in Thailand) towards World Englishes (WE), Thai English (TE), and the feasibility of incorporating WE into English language teaching (ELT) classrooms. Based on semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis, findings revealed that the participants demonstrated positive views and did not deny the existence of WE and TE, although their rules, vocabularies, pronunciations, and accents diverge from British English (BrE) and American English (AmE). Furthermore, the participants regarded different English varieties as symbols and representations that reflect users’ cultural and national identities. For implementations in ELT, while the majority disapproved, valued unequally, marginalized, and questioned the legitimacy of WE, others viewed that allowing learners to experience English diversity would be a sound preparation for changes in English linguistic landscapes and the realistic use of today’s English.
Evaluation of strategies to optimize engine efficiency and NOx emissions with the synthetic diesel fuel oxymethylene ether
Authors: Pöllmann Simon , Härtl Martin , Jaensch Malte , Wachtmeister Georg
Published: February 2023

The use of CO2-neutral synthetic fuels in internal combustion engines contributes to achieving climate targets. Since their combustion is still associated with pollutant emissions, current research is focusing on minimizing harmful emissions, as well as on improving the efficiency of the combustion. The soot-free combustion of the synthetic diesel fuel oxymethylene ether (OME) opens up new scopes for reducing the remaining pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOX). Catalytic aftertreatment of NOX is costly and may lead to the generation of further emissions such as nitrous oxide, making it necessary to further investigate engine-internal approaches of NOX reduction. This work shows the influence of various in-engine measures on emissions and efficiency for OME and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) as paraffinic diesel fuel, performed on a 1.75 l single-cylinder research engine. An injector variation was carried out for OME to compensate for the reduced lower heating value by a higher nozzle flow rate, which increases efficiency, but also NOX emissions. The examination of the measures of increasing exhaust gas recirculation, lowering rail pressure, Miller valve timing and high compression ratio shows a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions in each case. At the same time, there is an improvement in indicated efficiency for Miller valve timing and high compression ratio, and with OME, in contrast to HVO, also by reducing the rail pressure. With HVO, each measure increases particulate number by up to several orders of magnitude. For OME, none of the measures resulted in a deterioration of the low particulate emissions, which allows an intensified application and combination of the measures. For example, the simultaneous application of higher compression, early intake closing and decreased injection pressure reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by more than two-thirds and improves efficiency by 5% without increasing particulate emissions.
Study of fuel spray characteristics using a high-pressure common rail diesel injection system by the method of Schlieren
Authors: Wang Zhong , Qian Yikai , Li Ruina
Published: February 2023

The supercritical atmosphere created by the increase in temperature and pressure in the diesel engine cylinder is the key factor that causes changes in the fuel atomization process. In this study, the differences in spray morphology of n-heptane under different ambient temperature and pressure conditions were investigated using a constant volume combustion bomb combined with the Schlieren method. Based on the Peng-Robinson equation of state (PR equation), several transport characteristics models are constructed to predict the transport characteristics of n-heptane under different operating conditions. During the experiment, the injection pressure and fuel temperature were kept constant (80 MPa, 300 K), the ambient pressure was varied from 2 to 5 MPa, and the fuel temperature was changed from 400 to 800 K, spanning from subcritical to supercritical state. Three different spray regions have been identified based on the fuel temperature and spray geometry: liquid phase region, gas-liquid interface mixing layer, gas phase region. The results show that in a subcritical environment (400 K, 2 MPa), the fuel injection and atomization process is dominated by evaporation. The degree of heat exchange between the fuel and the medium gas is very low, while a small amount of phase change occurs. When the fuel is in low (600 K, 3 MPa) and medium supercritical (600 K, 4 MPa) ambient atmosphere, turbulence becomes the dominant factor in the fuel atomization process. The mixing layer at the gas-liquid interface at the edge of the liquid jet increases significantly. When the fuel is in a high supercritical (700 K, 4 MPa; 800 K, 5 MPa) atmosphere, the jet takes on a shape similar to that of a gas jet, and the mixing layer at the gas-liquid interface becomes the main part of the spray projection area.
Teacher perspectives and approaches toward promoting inclusion in play-based learning for children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Danniels Erica , Pyle Angela
Published: February 2023

As school authorities strive toward inclusive models of education for children with neurodevelopmental delay and disability (NDD), many kindergarten curricula have mandated pedagogy centered on learning through play. Children with NDD tend to experience greater social isolation and lower rates of social play engagement compared to typically developing peers. Consequently, issues related to social participation and inclusion may be particularly salient in play-based kindergarten classrooms. The current qualitative study explored how eight kindergarten teachers in Ontario, Canada conceptualized and promoted inclusion in play for children with NDD. Classroom observation and teacher interviews were conducted with a focus on the teacher’s role in play. Teachers endorsed the use of several indirect (i.e., environmental) strategies to promote social participation, alongside proactive teacher support in play. Teachers who shared multiple aspects of an interventionist viewpoint toward disability, and identified the social benefits of inclusion in play for children with NDD, tended to provide more proactive support to all children in play. Teachers also provided reactive support in play to address emerging social conflict. Implications for fostering the meaningful inclusion of children with NDD in play-based learning are discussed.
Artistic Research, Healing, and Transformation: Shared Stories of Resilience
Authors: Bourgault Rébecca , Rosamond Catherine
Published: February 2023

Written in narrative format and guided by concepts and methods borrowed from intuitive inquiry, a transpersonal and holistic approach to scholarship, the article offers insights into the research process of art teachers who were completing their graduate studies in art education during the pandemic year of 2020–2021. By engaging in an arts-based inquiry that brought them to explore aspects of their inner life, also shedding light on our shared cultural and social conditions, the student-scholars demonstrated the transformative potential of creative investigations as a vehicle for self-knowledge and healing. The article points to the importance of connecting artistic endeavor with transformative learning as both reach beyond cognitive responses to knowledge. Our findings support the vision that self-discovery processes lead to integration and social awareness which informs teaching.
Disruptive Reparations? Tunisia's Victim Regions and the Collective Reparations Dilemma in Transitional Societies
Authors: Destrooper Tine
Published: February 2023

In the past decade, an encompassing transitional justice process has been developed in Tunisia, which interacts with various other policy domains, including that of development. This article foregrounds three important interrelated innovations of Tunisia's transitional justice process: The explicit attention to economic crimes and violations of economic, social, and cultural rights; the introduction of the notion of victim regions; and the conceptualization of collective reparation programs. I discuss these innovations in light of the ongoing debate about the collective reparations dilemma in transitional societies, and notably about the ideal relation between (collective) reparation programs and development. The article then introduces the notion of disruptive reparations to theorize this relation in a way that foregrounds the need to consider and disrupt the political, socio-economic, and epistemic structures that facilitated the initial harm. This exercise acknowledges the specificity of various policy domains, and approaches them in a way that is fundamentally rooted in victims’ justice needs.
Mortality patterns in a Danish nationwide cohort of persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Thygesen Lau Caspar , Lassen Tina Harmer , Horsbøl Trine Allerslev , Mairey Isabelle Pascale , Juel Knud , Hoei-Hansen Christina Engel , Michelsen Susan Ishøy
Published: February 2023

Mortality disparities among persons with intellectual disability are important to guide health-care practices. The objective was to evaluate mortality patterns of persons with intellectual disability in a nationwide study from 1976 to 2020. This study establishes a Danish nationwide cohort of persons with intellectual disability and age- and sex-matched reference cohort through linkage between several registers. We established a cohort of 79,114 persons with intellectual disability. Standardized mortality ratios were increased for persons with intellectual disability, most pronounced among younger persons and among females. Life expectancies were markedly lower; among persons with intellectual disability 63.6 years among females and 59.8 years among males in 2016-2020 compared to 82.4 and 78.7 years among females and males in the reference cohort. Life expectancies decreased with severity of intellectual disability. This study reports the establishment of a nationwide Danish cohort of persons with intellectual disability.
Indonesia's Relations With China in the Age of COVID-19
Authors: Yu Truston Jianheng , Han Enze
Published: February 2023

Seven decades after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China, the COVID-19 pandemic presents new prospects and challenges for bilateral cooperation. We seek to analyse various traits in China–Indonesia relations since 2020 by examining how Indonesia attempts balancing between such cooperation and maintaining peaceful ethnic relations domestically. By tracking the domestic discourse surrounding COVID-19 and China through Indonesia's domestic news media, the paper analyses the development of the pandemic in Indonesia, its procurement of vaccines, and, most significantly, domestic sentiments concerning Indonesia’s ethnic Chinese Tionghoa citizens, as well as Indonesia's bilateral relations with China in general. The article argues that while the COVID-19 pandemic has created new avenues of cooperation between Indonesia and China, it has also adversely affected the domestic relations between ethnic Chinese citizens and the rest of the population. However, this has not translated into a widespread backlash toward China that might hinder bilateral cooperation.