bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimal Linear-combination-of-unitaries-based Quantum Linear System Solver
Authors: Gribling Sander , Kerenidis Iordanis , Szilágyi Dániel
Published: February 2024

Solving systems of linear equations is one of the most important primitives in many different areas, including in optimization, simulation, and machine learning. Quantum algorithms for solving linear systems have the potential to provide a quantum advantage for these problems.

In this work, we recall the Chebyshev iterative method and the corresponding optimal polynomial approximation of the inverse. We show that the Chebyshev iteration polynomial can be efficiently evaluated both using quantum singular value transformation (QSVT) as well as linear combination of unitaries (LCU). We achieve this by bounding the 1-norm of the coefficients of the polynomial expressed in the Chebyshev basis. This leads to a considerable constant-factor improvement in the runtime of quantum linear system solvers that are based on LCU or QSVT (or, conversely, a several orders of magnitude smaller error with the same runtime/circuit depth).
End-to-End Statistical Model Checking for Parameterization and Stability Analysis of ODE Models
Authors: Julien David , Ardourel Gilles , Cantin Guillaume , Delahaye Benoît
Published: February 2024

We propose a simulation-based technique for the parameterization and the stability analysis of parametric Ordinary Differential Equations. This technique is an adaptation of Statistical Model Checking, often used to verify the validity of biological models, to the setting of Ordinary Differential Equations systems. The aim of our technique is to estimate the probability of satisfying a given property under the variability of the parameter or initial condition of the ODE, with any metrics of choice. To do so, we discretize the values space and use statistical model checking to evaluate each individual value w.r.t. provided data. Contrary to other existing methods, we provide statistical guarantees regarding our results that take into account the unavoidable approximation errors introduced through the numerical integration of the ODE system performed while simulating. In order to show the potential of our technique, we present its application to two case studies taken from the literature, one relative to the growth of a jellyfish population, and the other concerning a well-known oscillator model.
A Hybrid Scene Text Script Identification Network for Regional Indian Languages
Authors: Naosekpam Veronica , Sahu Nilkanta
Published: February 2024

In this work, we introduce WAFFNet, an attention-centric feature fusion architecture tailored for word-level multi-lingual scene text script identification. Motivated by the limitations of traditional approaches that rely exclusively on feature-based methods or deep learning strategies, our approach amalgamates statistical and deep features to bridge the gap. At the core of WAFFNet, we utilized the merits of Local Binary Pattern—a prominent descriptor capturing low-level texture features with high-dimensional, semantically-rich convolutional features. This fusion is judiciously augmented by a spatial attention mechanism, ensuring targeted emphasis on semantically critical regions of the input image. To address the class imbalance problem in multi-class classification scenarios, we employed a weighted objective function. This not only regularizes the learning process but also addresses the class imbalance problem. The architectural integrity of WAFFNet is preserved through an end-to-end training paradigm, leveraging transfer learning to expedite convergence and optimize performance metrics. Considering the under-representation of regional Indian languages in current datasets, we meticulously curated IIITG-STLI2023, a comprehensive dataset encapsulating English alongside six under-represented Indian languages: Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali, and Manipuri. Rigorous evaluation of the IIITG-STLI2023, as well as the established MLe2e and SIW-13 datasets, underscores WAFFNet’s supremacy over both traditional feature-engineering approaches as well as state-of-the-art deep learning frameworks. Thus, the proposed WAFFNet framework offers a robust and effective solution for language identification in scene text images.
Action Segmentation through Self-Supervised Video Features and Positional-Encoded Embeddings
Authors: Marques Guilherme de A. P. , Boaro José Matheus C. , Busson Antonio José G. , Guedes Alan L. V. , Duarte Julio Cesar , Colcher Sérgio
Published: February 2024

Action segmentation consists of temporally segmenting a video and labeling each segmented interval with a specific action label. In this work, we propose a novel action segmentation method that requires no initial video analysis and no annotated data. Our proposal involves extracting features from videos using several pre-trained deep-learning models, including spatiotemporal and self-supervised methods. Data is then transformed using a positional encoder, and finally, a clustering algorithm is applied, where each produced cluster presumably corresponds to a different single and distinguishable action. For self-supervised features, we explored DINO, and for spatiotemporal features, we investigated I3D and SlowFast methods. Moreover, two different clustering algorithms (FINCH and KMeans) were investigated, and we also explored how varying the length of video snippets that generate the feature vectors affected the quality of the segmentation. Experiments show that our method produces competitive results on the
Breakfast
and
INRIA Instructional Videos
dataset benchmarks. Our best result was produced using a composition of self-supervised features generated by DINO, FINCH clustering, and positional encoding.
Determination of Dynamic Mechanical Properties on Addition of Carbon Black‐Nanosilica Hybrid Fillers in NR‐SBR Blends with Special Reference to Power Transmission Belt Applications
Authors: Aswathy Thuruthil Raju , Mohan Seshadri , Kalaivendhan Thangavel , Adhil A. Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Next to tyres, power transmission belts are one of the most complicated rubber products which is having a constant increase for demand in the market. Due to this high demand along with the requirement to meet certain special operating conditions, it is necessary to improve the belt properties continuously. In the last few decades, nanotechnology evolved as a suitable method for enhancing the properties of various rubber products without impacting the environment. Nanofillers which are having unique morphology along with excellent properties help to reduce the dependency in petroleum products and in turn make the products more sustainable. Even though, studies related to the usage of nanotechnology in the power transmission belt division are very limited. So, in this study, the effect of nanosilica on the dynamic mechanical properties of the natural rubber‐ (NR‐) styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends is thoroughly studied with special reference to power transmission belt applications. The developed composites were analysed to ensure the rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties in comparison with the controlled samples. The nanosilica‐based belt properties were analysed in reference with regular carbon black‐filled belts, and a 15% improvement in belt life was obtained for newly developed belts.
Analysis of Characteristics of Endometrial Carcinoma in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Yanli Ye , Mei Wang Tian , Cong Li
Published: February 2024

Objective. To analyze the menstrual characteristics of endometrial carcinoma and investigate whether abnormal uterine bleeding in the perimenopausal period differs from postmenopausal bleeding. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 928 cases of endometrial carcinoma in patients admitted from January 2016 to December 2022. We gathered fundamental clinical data and analyzed distinct clinical risk factors between the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups. Furthermore, we computed the statistical variances in menarche, regular menstrual cycles, and the duration of abnormal uterine bleeding. Results. Perimenopausal patients with endometrial carcinoma exhibit similar factors to postmenopausal patients, especially if they have a history of menstrual cycles lasting more than 30 years, hypertension, abnormal uterine bleeding for over 1 year, and a high risk of endometrial carcinoma. Early intervention for abnormal uterine bleeding during the perimenopausal stage can prevent up to 80% of women from developing endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion. Perimenopause women experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding should be mindful of the risk of endometrial carcinoma, as this awareness can substantially decrease the occurrence of the disease.
New Solutions of Time- and Space-Fractional Black–Scholes European Option Pricing Model via Fractional Extension of He-Aboodh Algorithm
Authors: Qayyum Mubashir , Ahmad Efaza
Published: February 2024

The current study explores the space and time-fractional Black–Scholes European option pricing model that primarily occurs in the financial market. To tackle the complexities associated with solving models in a fractional environment, the Aboodh transform is hybridized with He’s algorithm. This facilitates in improving the efficiency and applicability of the classical homotopy perturbation method (HPM) by ensuring the rapid convergence of the series form solution. Three cases that are time-fractional scenario, space-fractional scenario, and time-space-fractional scenario are observed through graphs and tables. 2D graphical analysis is performed to depict the behaviour of a given option pricing model for varying time, stock price, and fractional parameters. Solutions of the European option pricing model at various fractional orders are also presented as 3D plots. The results obtained through these graphs unfold the interchange between time- and space-fractional derivatives, presenting a comprehensive study of option pricing under fractional dynamics. The competency of the proposed scheme is illustrated via solutions and errors throughout the fractional domain in tabular form. The validity of the He-Aboodh results is exhibited by comparison with existing errors. Analysis shows that the proposed methodology (He-Aboodh algorithm) is a valuable scheme for solving time-space-fractional models arising in business and economics.
Radiative Mixed Convection Flow of Casson Nanofluid through Exponentially Permeable Stretching Sheet with Internal Heat Generation
Authors: Hussain Mazhar , Fatima Shereen , Qayyum Mubashir
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the mixed convection boundary-layer flow of Casson nanofluid with an internal heat source on an exponentially stretched sheet. The Buongiorno model, incorporating thermophoresis and Brownian motion, describes fluid temperature. The modeled system is solved numerically using bvp4c routine to analyze the impact of different fluid parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. The analysis reveals that the suction effect, magnetic field, and Casson parameter reduce momentum boundary layer thickness and hence slow fluid motion. Conversely, buoyancy forces increase mass boundary layer thickness which results in accelerating fluid motion. Temperature and concentration profiles show similar trends for Brownian motion, radiation, and thermophoresis.
Deteksi Kelainan Hemostasis pada Penderita Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 dengan Metode Tromboelastografi
Authors: Firani Novi Khila , Fatonah Siti , Arsana Putu Moda , Waafi Affa Kiysa , Kristyoadi Surya Abadi
Published: February 2024

Buku referensi ini merupakan kumpulan berbagai referensi dan hasil-hasil penelitian kondisi hemostasis pada diabetes melitus tipe 2, serta penggunaan metode tromboelastografi dalam pemeriksaan faal hemostasis. Ada beberapa komponen yang berperan dalam hemostasis, yaitu pembuluh darah, trombosit, faktor-faktor koagulasi darah, dan fibrinolisis. Hemostasis merupakan mekanisme fisiologis di dalam tubuh untuk menghentikan perdarahan melalui proses pembekuan darah, serta menjaga darah supaya tetap cair melalui proses fibrinolisis. Kelainan hemostasis pada proses pembekuan darah dapat menyebabkan perdarahan. Selain itu, kelainan hemostasis pada proses fibrinolisis dapat menyebabkan trombosis. Buku ini didahului dengan Bab 1 yang memaparkan sekilas tentang prevalensi penyakit diabetes melitus tipe 2, kelainan hemostasis, dan pemeriksaan hemostasis yang telah rutin dilakukan. Selanjutnya pada Bab 2 dijelaskan tentang diabetes melitus mulai dari definisi, patofisiologi, manifestasi klinis, kriteria diagnosis, hingga komplikasinya. Bab 3 menjelaskan tentang hemostasis, yang terdiri dari hemostasis primer, sekunder, dan tersier, kemudian dilanjutkan Bab 4 yang memaparkan tentang patofisiologi kelainan-kelainan hemostasis pada diabetes melitus tipe 2. Penjelasan mengenai pemeriksaan faal hemostasis dituliskan pada Bab 5, yang dilanjutkan dengan penjelasan tentang tromboelastografi pada Bab 6. Dalam Bab 7 dikupas tentang hasil-hasil penelitian pemeriksaan tromboelastografi pada diabetes melitus tipe 2 dan ditutup dengan kesimpulan pada Bab 8. Belum banyak dijumpai buku referensi terkait dengan penggunaan metode tromboelastografi pada kondisi diabetes melitus tipe 2, semoga buku ini dapat menambah wawasan bidang ilmu kedokteran mengenai penggunaan tromboelastografi untuk mendeteksi kelainan hemostasis pada diabetes melitus tipe 2.
Pairs show similar risk taking behaviour but only female risk taking behaviour is linked to nest microhabitat choice in the Kentish plover
Authors: Kwanye Bitrus Z. , Barta Zoltán , Rocha Afonso D. , Kosztolányi András
Published: February 2024

Risk taking behaviour — how individuals perceive and respond to threat — varies among individuals. In birds, this behaviour influences the choice of nest microhabitat presumably because exposure to predation depends on the structural composition of the nest microhabitat (i.e., a small area where a bird builds its nest). Thus, a chosen nest microhabitat can indicate an adaptation to predation risk. However, where both parents participate in or share breeding roles, it is unknown whether the chosen nest microhabitat is influenced by risk taking behaviour of the female, the male or both parents. Moreover, risk taking may affect other behaviours during breeding, thus having a partner with similar risk taking behaviour may be important for pair complementarity. We investigated risk taking behaviour of breeding Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) using flight initiation distance (FID) as a proxy. First, we tested whether FID is repeatable. Second, we tested whether members of breeding pairs have similar FID. Third, we investigated whether male and female’s FID is associated with the choice of nest microhabitat. We classified nest microhabitat by two indices: cover directly above the nest scrape (above nest cover) and cover around the nest (around nest coverage). We found that (i) FID was highly repeatable, (ii) FID was correlated within members of breeding pairs and (iii) female’s risk taking behaviour is linked to the use of around nest coverage. Specifically, females with longer FID, (i.e., more risk-averse ones) tended to use less concealed nest microhabitat. We concluded that nest microhabitat choice in the Kentish plovers is likely a reflection of the female’s risk taking behaviour. Breeding partners likely have similar risk taking behaviour, an indication of assortative mating. We advocate partitioning of correlation within breeding pairs to ascertain estimates of within pair correlation attributable to assortative mating.
Nigerian Radicalism: Towards a New Definition via a Historical Survey
Authors: Mayer Adam
Published: February 2024

Recent military coups in West Africa have put the continent’s democratisation itself into question. In some places, for the moment, these coups appear to have popular backing. Nigeria, where radicalism is firmly rooted in democratic values and a human-rights framework, the radical grassroots opposition to the Buhari government’s creeping authoritarianism lies drenched in blood. The roots of this development go back to the history of Nigeria’s radicalism in the twentieth century. Much has appeared on the global 1968 recently, including that of Africa. 1970s/1980s-style radicalism is reappearing today with Omoyele Sowore’s 2018 presidential candidacy, with the African Action Congress party, the #EndSARS protests and the tragic Lekki Toll Gate massacre (2020) in Nigeria. The shift towards radicalism is palpable with protest music such as Falz’s This is Nigeria, and Burna Boy’s Monsters you Made, both explicitly targeting neocolonialism and police brutality. Contrary to Achille Mbembe’s sweeping dismissal of African radicalism, the movement with very deep roots under study is meaningful once again, and is gathering momentum in West Africa’s giant polity. This article applies Walter Benjamin’s and also Nigerian radical thinkers’ conceptualisation of political, social and artistic radicalism, while it frames the Nigerian version via the movement’s history, in which marxisant theory and praxis, feminism, human rights and pro-democracy movements interact with emancipatory strands of Islam, Christianity, Igbo Judaism, and animism. In the context of Nigerian radicalism, even expressly pro-capitalist art theory performs a radical social function by stressing the African’s right to make universal statements (Olu Oguibe) in its de facto defiance of the neo-colony. As these different strands of protest meet, ethnic uprisings (amongst them IPOB) find ways to establish common cause with social radicalism, posing a composite threat to the prebendalist oligarchy that rules and oppresses the country via a militarised neoliberalism.
The Faith Dimension of Traditional Chinese Culture and Its Contemporary Significance
Authors: Chen Baiyu , Zhang Yanlei
Published: February 2024

This article aims to illustrate that one fundamental reason why the Chinese civilization has remained strong and resilient for over five thousand years and why it has even become stronger in recent times, despite facing numerous challenges. This is due to the strong cultural beliefs embedded in the traditional Chinese culture. Through analysis, synthesis, and comparison, this article aims to demonstrate that, unlike Western religious beliefs, the faith embodied in Chinese traditional culture is a typical humanistic faith, including the Chinese people’s beliefs in nature, ancestors, “Tian and Di” (Heaven and Earth), and in the moral nature of human beings. It is precisely this humanistic faith that binds the Chinese nation tightly together. We believe that, in the face of the great challenges and opportunities brought about by the unprecedented transformation of the century, it is especially important for us to continue and develop this dimension of faith. Moreover, this dimension of faith can also provide us with survival wisdom for sustainable development, enabling us to transcend the narrow, individualistic mindset, embrace a broader vision of the world, and realize a universal human love that transcends race and region.
A BIT of Protection for Non-Fungible Tokens: Digital Assets as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Authors: Butler Nicolette , Tarawneh Jasem
Published: February 2024

An inevitable consequence of technological advancement is that it triggers regulatory challenges for law and policymakers. The regulation of digital assets has generated much debate in this regard. The central objective of this article is to examine the regulation of one particular type of digital asset, NFTs, through an international investment law lens. The international investment regime offers investors high levels of protection against breaches of obligations by host states for covered investments. The aim of the article is to determine whether NFTs can be considered as covered investments for the purposes of the application of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and treaties with investment provisions (TIPs), and further to examine whether that regime would provide an appropriate regulatory framework for investment in NFTs.
Connecting Small Peasants with Large Markets: The Need for a New Type of Rural Collective Economy – a Case Study of Zhanqi Village
Authors: Yang Tuan
Published: February 2024

Peasants often face difficulties in accessing markets and require state support and assistance. The rights granted by the state to rural areas and peasants have historically been difficult to implement effectively, leading to a substantial disparity between rural practices and national policies. This paper focuses on the 20-year reform journey of Zhanqi Village in Sichuan Province, showcasing how a new type of collective economy under the market system can serve as a bridge between the state and peasants. This approach addresses crucial issues such as shared prosperity, income, employment, and security for peasants, enhancing their sense of belonging. The study explores the characteristics of this new collective economy, emphasizing the interdependence and coexistence of collective and individual efforts, forming a public-private amalgamation. It delves into various aspects, including its strategic positioning, non-profit attributes, risk absorption, intermediary role, and the holographic organizational traits related to party involvement. The paper advocates for an integrated, multidisciplinary methodology to tackle yet-to-be-resolved practical challenges, contributing to the foundational understanding and development of China’s rural collectives and collective economy.
Dendroarchaeology of Birnirk and Thule Architectural Timbers (10–13th Centuries)
Authors: Taïeb Juliette , Daux Valérie , Alix Claire
Published: February 2024

Along the coast of northwestern Alaska, architectural wood remains are well preserved in the Birnirk and Thule coastal sites of the early 2nd millennium CE. These structural wood elements are unique archives for documenting climatic variations and cultural transformations during this key development period of Inuit culture. Along this treeless Arctic coast, driftwood accumulates from the subarctic forests of interior Alaska. Except for northwestern Alaska, regional tree-ring chronologies are too short (at best 350–400 years) to successfully date archaeological wood remains from Birnirk and Thule coastal sites using conventional dendrochronology. This paper examines the potential of tree-ring derived δ18O signal to annually date eight architectural wood samples from the Rising Whale (KTZ-304) site at Cape Espenberg, northwestern Alaska. We developed a δ18O master chronology, covering the period 935–1157 CE, using five wood samples from the KTZ-304 site. Blind isotope cross-dating of individual series belonging to this δ18O master chronology (one against the other four) showed conclusive dating and a very strong coherence of the isotopic signal. We, then, used the δ18O master chronology to cross-date three other wood samples for which we knew, from previous 14C wiggle-matching procedure, the first measured ring to be in this time interval, within a ± 18 to 30-year precision. Oxygen isotope dendrochronology provided a plausible date for one of the samples (the first measured ring at 1073 CE). This preliminary study encourages us to acquire additional data to extend in time and strengthen the δ18O master chronology of northwestern Alaska (NWAK18O) and help refine our understanding of climate and culture change during the 2nd millennium CE.
Critical Issues Facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Organizations and Society
Authors: Ng Eddy , Shen Winny , Lewis Alexander , Bonner Robert
Published: February 2024

The discussion of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the context of the West is uniquely complex. AAPIs are often held up as “model minorities,” resulting in exclusion from many equity conversations. The lack of attention focusing on the experiences of AAPI communities in organizations and society suggests a need for us to remedy this. In this special issue, we curated a collection of eight papers that tackle a broad range of issues that advance conversations of AAPI communities and diasporas. We contend that it may be particularly beneficial to take a critical perspective (using Asian Critical Theory or AsianCrit) to bring to light and challenge systemic issues faced by AAPI communities in Western workplaces and societies. We also call for a post-model minority narrative, which has the potential to mitigate the adverse impacts that the notion of a model minority has on both intragroup and intergroup relations and well-being.
How to Exploit Market Power: Horizontal Ownership Concentration and Network Access Pricing
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K.
Published: February 2024

This article reports an evaluation of the impact of horizontal ownership concentration on communications sector access pricing outcomes. Detailed historical data of postacquisition impacts on firms’ access revenue outcomes have enabled analysis for the entire local exchange sector of the United States telecommunications industry. The findings are (1) the sector’s horizontal ownership concentration process has caused key access-providing firms’ average access revenue ratios to be over 16 percent higher; (2) access revenue enhancements, through using market power, by entities belonging to larger groupings, have resulted in aggregate annual fiscal windfalls of between $5 and $6 billion; (3) these windfalls have accounted for between 4.5 and 5 percent of provider firms’ total revenues; (4) on average, each entity evaluated has received approximately between $120 and $150 million in incremental annual revenues via potential overcharge of access rates; and (5) United States telecommunications customers have incurred a between 6 and 7 percent overcharge on monthly bills, over several years, because network access charges have been higher, in part due to horizontal ownership concentration. Access charges are regulated, and horizontal ownership concentration-enhancing deals were allowed only after stringent institutional assessments. The resultant market power exploitation has led to the significant exploitation of United States telecommunications customers. Creation of substantial potential, and across-the-board, inflationary pressures and harm to consumers has been immense. Classic topics, such as access regulation and merger control, remain contemporary, demanding detailed attention, if digital technology is to be ubiquitous in humanity’s service. Concomitantly, key contemporary corporate governance concerns, relating to the emergence of horizontal ownership concentration patterns, also become apposite since the associated outcomes have innate major welfare impacts.
L’expérience spirituelle des seniors pendant la pandémie du COVID-19 : Revue intégrative et analyse thématique de données qualitatives
Authors: Sfeir Hanaa , Bélanger-Lévesque Marie-Noëlle , Pasquier Jean-Charles
Published: February 2024

This article studies the ways the coronavirus pandemic impacts on the spirituality of seniors in Quebec. The methodological approach follows two stages: 1- a theoretical and systematized search in databases (integrative review); 2- a field approach, combining a meeting of senior experts, followed by a questionnaire. The results highlighted the recurrence of a feeling of loneliness and confrontation with the unknown, which resulted in a disoriented state of being that challenges the existential meaning. The elders responded to the unknown caused by the pandemic, by regaining control of their disoriented state through awareness-raising work, which led them to discern the importance of reworking in their lives the existential and spiritual level. As a result, a deployment of spiritualities occurs and institutional religion is replaced by intentional spiritualities.
Présentation: La portée transformatrice et politique des rituels autochtones
Authors: Gagné Natacha , Jérôme Laurent
Published: February 2024

This short essay introduces the contributions to this special section of Studies in Religion.
Decision Making in the Real World: Unpacking the Black Box of the Decision Process for Youth Violence
Authors: Gibbs Carole , Cobbina-Dungy Jennifer E. , De Biasi Alaina , Rivers Louie , Light Jessica , Momenee Taylor
Published: February 2024

Criminologists typically test rational choice theory by examining the relationship between one aspect of decision making—the perceived costs and benefits of crime—and the likelihood of crime, primarily using (experimental) surveys that lack consideration of the neighborhood context. Building on decades of research in the risk and decision sciences, the current study utilizes broader models of decision making to qualitatively examine how youth living in concentrated disadvantage make decisions during incidents of violence. Our thematic analysis of 22 in-depth interviews with youth in a midsize midwestern city indicates that the decision process regarding violence is much more complex than previously theorized.
An Analysis of Article 356 in Coalition Era of Indian Politics
Authors: Khuntia Subhasmita , Narasaiah Ravuru
Published: February 2024

Article 356 of the Indian Constitution has often been subjected to the partisan use by the successive Central governments since 1950. However, the shift from a single-party majority government to a multi-party coalition governments in national politics since early 1990s has largely influenced the scope and intent of invoking this Article. The coalition government’s survival with the backing of regional parties has indeed been a major factor in diminishing the incentives for the arbitrary and frequent invocation of Article 356. In this backdrop, the present article explains how the political change brought about by the coalition governments since 1990s has created the conditions for restraining Central transgressions on state governance, and also discusses the prospects of rationally employing this Article in the changing political conditions of the country. The argument of this paper is that—although the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party to national political dominance since the 2014 general elections has raised apprehension about the move towards centralised federalism, it is not likely to upset the current pattern of restrained use of this Article.
Research laser scanning damage detection method in f-k domain for laminate composite material
Authors: Wang Ziping , Cui Hangrui , Fei Yue , Li Bingqian , Gorgin Rahim
Published: February 2024

The use of composite plate structures has become increasingly prevalent in industries such as civil engineering, aerospace, high-speed rail, automotive, and wind power. However, the propagation of ultrasonic Lamb waves in these structures is subject to multi-modal and frequency dispersion effects, which, coupled with the complicated anisotropic propagation mechanism of composite materials, makes it challenging to extract damage scatter signals without a health signal as a reference. In this study, we apply the frequency-wavenumber ( f- k) domain filter wavefront modal method to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials and use a three-dimensional (3D) window function to achieve different modalities and their corresponding damage reflection signals in the absence of a reference dispersion curve. Single modal damage imaging is achieved using a common source method (CSM) by laser vibration scanning experiment. To effectively extract single modalities in laminate material damage detection, a 3D filter window function was constructed. Considering the skew angle correction, it can effectively remove the direct wave signal, so as to realize the imaging of the damage.
Progressive damage analysis of double-layer variable thickness 3D woven composite scaled engine casing
Authors: Wang Kun , Kong Weiyi , Xu Liming , Zhang Nan , Li Chao , Cai Deng’an , Zhou Guangming
Published: February 2024

Due to the excellent mechanical properties and strong design flexibility, the 3D woven composite engine casing shows great potential in high performance fields. This article adopted the method of double-layer weaving and adding yarn to achieve the variable thickness of the 3D woven composite engine casing. The purpose of this article is to study the compression performance and failure mechanism of this variable thickness casing in different thickness zones through experiments and numerical simulations to lay a foundation for future optimization and inclusiveness research on this casing with complex thickness changes. Three types of representative volume cells are established for progressive damage analysis. 3D-Hashin criteria and von-Mises stress criterion are used as damage criteria for yarns and matrix. The progressive damage process and the proportion of damage in the inner and outer layers of three types of 3D woven tubes under axial compression load are analyzed. Results show that the main failure modes of the three types of tubes are yarn-matrix compressive cracking along direction 3 and matrix failure. The damages are mostly concentrated in the warp bending area. The proportions of warp yarn damage in the inner and outer layers of three tubes are different.
“I’ve Sat in Your Seat Before”: A Study of the Experiences of Three Black Women Music Educators
Authors: Regus Marjoris , Fitzpatrick Kate R. , Grier Sean
Published: February 2024

This descriptive collective case study explored the experiences of three Black women music educators through the framework of community cultural wealth. Analysis of data collected through Seidman’s three-stage phenomenological interview model revealed three themes. The first, “path to teaching,” represented the formative experiences that shaped participants’ development, including a deep level of embodied musical knowledge in multiple genres and the development of resilience. The second, “navigating the academy,” represented the experiences of participants during their collegiate programs, including mentorship and support they had received, perseverance through difficult challenges, and intersections of their experience with existing and often problematic structures in music schools. The final theme, “pedagogical approach,” represented the ways that participants wove aspects of their individual capital and experience into their pedagogical approach, including knowledge of families and community, ethnoracial representation for their students, culturally responsive approaches to pedagogy, and passing along tools for navigational success to their students. Alignment of the data with the framework of community cultural wealth is discussed, emphasizing participants’ prominent uses of both navigational and resistant capital and the development of “Black musical capital.” Implications for music education are discussed.
The Demographic Makeup of Congregations and Clergy Mental Health: A Research Note
Authors: Schwadel Philip , Shadoan Katelynn
Published: February 2024

The mental health of religious leaders is a serious concern as the emotional, psychological, and spiritual demands on clergy are incredibly high. These demands, however, are likely to vary by the demographic makeup of the congregation that leaders serve, which leads us to expect that clergy mental health is associated with congregational demographics. In this study, we use recently collected (2020), nationally representative survey data from the primary leaders of religious congregations ( N = 636) to examine the associations between congregational demographics—the social class, gender, racial, age, and political makeup of religious congregations—and leaders’ mental health. The most robust finding from the full model is that political incongruence between leaders and attendees is strongly associated with worse mental health for clergy. We conclude with a discussion of what the results mean for the mental health of religious leaders in a time of declining religion, growing political polarization, and high rates of anxiety.
Forming Consciences into Collective Parish Actions: Catholic Parishioners’ Struggles for Institutional Change
Authors: Sharma Lucas S.
Published: February 2024

This article examines how Catholics form their consciences together in parishes particularly on topics of gender and sexuality. The data for this project stems from ethnographic observations and forty interviews from a 2010 to 2012 study of two Catholic parishes in Chicago. The first is a progressive parish promoting inclusion of gay and lesbians as well as women’s ordination. The second had a small but active Respect Life group attempting to change their parish culture to be more committed to Respect Life issues. The paper suggests that cultural inertia (or lack there of) is one mechanism that drives or halts conscience formation. These collective consciences lead to differing understandings of what it means to be Church and to be a person, and they may motivate actions to change the Catholic Church hierarchy or local parish. Forming consciences together has implications for understanding the role of culture and structure in the Catholic Church. Specifically, these formed consciences, parish cultures, and actions produce different boundaries and partnerships with the Archdiocese which determines what actions are legitimate by setting the conditions for parish actions and constraining parish actions with threats of sanction.
Electrical and electrothermal characterization of silver-coated Vectran and Amberstrand yarns for wearable heating
Authors: Ahmmed Abdella Simegnaw , Gudayu Adane Dagnaw , Tadesse Melkie Getnet
Published: February 2024

The development and manufacturing of conductive fibers, yarns, and fabrics is increasing exponentially due to their multiple applications in wearable electronic textiles in sensors, actuators, data processing, communication, and energy storage. This paper investigated the electrical and electrothermal properties of Liberator 40 yarns and Amberstrand 166 conductive yarns for application in wearable heating textiles. The aim of the study was to find a flexible material for protective wearable resistive heating cloths in cold environments. The analytical results demonstrate that the Liberator 40 conductive yarn gave better heating performance than the Amberstrand 166 conductive yarn due to its electrothermal characteristics. In addition, Liberator 40 conductive yarn had higher long-term durability, washing resistance, and thermal stability than Amberstrand 166 conductive yarn. The average surface temperature of both the Liberator 40 and Amberstrand 166-based wearable heating fabrics was 40°C and 34.5°C at a 9 V DC power supply, respectively. Therefore, both the conductive yarns are suitable to be applied as resistive heating elements for localized wearable heating textiles.
Having Children and Being Married Are Predictors of Burnout and Obesity Among Working Men: Effects of Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Załuski Maciej , Makara-Studzińska Marta
Published: February 2024

Emergency call-takers and dispatchers’ (ECDs) work makes them vulnerable to occupational burnout and health problems. The aim of this research was to apply a Person-Oriented approach in order to examine the relationships between burnout risk factors (having children), personal resources (being married), and health consequences (overweight and obesity) among men working in these positions. The burnout syndrome was assessed among 228 Polish ECDs using The Link Burnout Questionnaire and the method of latent profile analysis (LPA). All ECDs were characterized by high levels of occupational burnout exhibited in 3 out of its 4 dimensions. The LPA allowed us to differentiate 4 patterns of burnout, taking into account socio-demographic variables, the length of employment as ECD and body weight. The need to balance the demands of professional work with having children and marital roles played an important role in predicting the level of professional burnout. There was a relationship between the dimensions of occupational burnout and age, being married, and having children. Being married was associated with a greater intensity of emotional exhaustion, and the level of exhaustion was higher if the employee had children in their care. Health consequences in the form of overweight and obesity can be associated with levels of emotional exhaustion and professional effectiveness. The application of the Person-Oriented approach presents hidden correlations between burnout predictors and health consequences.
Predicting Burnout, Well-Being, and Posttraumatic Growth in Correctional Officers
Authors: Miller Olivia , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , Bruenig Dagmar
Published: February 2024

Correctional officers work in a stressful environment and are exposed to elevated levels of critical incidents. Such exposure can lead to negative psychological outcomes like burnout. However, positive psychological experiences including well-being and posttraumatic growth are also possible under such adverse conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore predictors of burnout, well-being, and posttraumatic growth in a sample of correctional officers ( N = 142). The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that age, workplace adversity, and resilience were significant predictors of correctional officer burnout. A sense of workplace belongingness and the use of adaptive coping strategies were significant positive predictors of well-being and posttraumatic growth. Trait resilience and the receipt of social support were additional significant positive predictors of well-being. These results highlight the importance of individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors in promoting positive health outcomes, preventing negative health outcomes, and providing avenues for staff support.
Tracking control for robotic manipulators with prescribed performance and adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer
Authors: Fang Lijin , Zhang Yue , Song Tangzhong
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the finite-time disturbance estimation and tracking control for robotic manipulators subjected to model perturbation and external disturbance. First, an adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer (ASMDO) is raised to estimate the lumped uncertainties, which does not need to consider the upper boundary prior knowledge of lumped uncertainties’ derivative, and excessive gain coefficients are avoided, meanwhile, which decrease the chattering phenomenon. Next, a finite-time prescribed performance control (FPPC) is established to guarantee the system converges within a finite time and promote transient performance. Then, together with the FPPC, a finite-time nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode variable is established, which handles singularity problem in terminal sliding mode. In the meantime, a finite-time adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller (FANFTSMC) is constructed based on ASMDO and FPPC. The Lyapunov theorem is given to clarify that the system can reach the stable state within a finite time. Theoretical analysis and experiments reveal that FANFTSMC has better tracking performance and stronger robustness.
Fine motor skills and their link to receptive vocabulary, expressive vocabulary, and narrative language skills
Authors: Winter Rebecca E. , Stoeger Heidrun , Suggate Sebastian P.
Published: February 2024

A growing body of research suggests that fine motor skills (FMS) are associated with language development. In this study, we examined 76 children aged 3–6 years assessing the link between language and FMS. Specific measures included receptive and expressive vocabulary, oral narrative skills, and various fine motor tasks. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that FMS predicted receptive and expressive vocabulary as well as oral narrative skills. Overall, FMS were most strongly linked to children’s oral narrative skills. Educational implications, as well as limitations and the need for further studies on the link between language and FMS, are discussed.
Predictive Model for Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss by Nomogram
Authors: Dong Aidan , Peng Jianhua , Lin Renyu
Published: February 2024

Objective: To explore the prognostic factors of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), analyze the possible influencing factors, and construct a nomogram for personalized evaluation of their prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 269 patients with SSNHL. The prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The nomogram was constructed based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the model was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Among the 269 patients hospitalized, 136 cases were improved (44 cases were cured, 28 cases were markedly effective, 64 cases were effective) and 133 cases were ineffective. After univariate analysis, it was found that age, duration from onset to treatment, audiometric configuration, serum albumin (ALB), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with hearing outcomes. Duration from onset to treatment and audiometric configuration were independent risk factors when the treatment outcome was divided into ineffective, effective, significant improvement, and complete recovery groups or divided into improvement and ineffective groups after multivariate logistic regression analysis. The factors according to univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis results were included in the nomogram to construct the prediction models. The area under the ROC curve of model discrimination was 0.752 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.695-0.808] when the treatment outcome was divided into 2 groups. The calibration curve showed the consistency of the results, and the DCA prediction curve showed good clinical efficacy. The C-index was 0.756 (95% CI: 0.710-0.802) when the treatment outcome was divided into 4 groups. Conclusion: Age, duration from onset to treatment, audiometric configuration, ALB, and NLR are influencing factors for SSNHL. Duration from onset to treatment and audiometric configuration are independent risk factors for SSNHL. The nomogram presents the prognosis of patients with SSNHL in an intuitive, visual, and readable graph, providing clinicians with a personalized assessment.
Predictors of Success of Adenoidectomy in the Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kais Amani , Orabi Norman , Cui Ruifeng , Ramadan Hassan H.
Published: February 2024

Objectives: There is consensus for adenoidectomy as treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children younger than 6 years but less consensus for those aged 6 years and older. The present clinical research study investigated predictors of adenoidectomy success for pediatric CRS. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 107 children who presented to an otolaryngology clinic and had an adenoidectomy for CRS after failure of maximal medical therapy. Results: The majority of sample was male (N = 63; 58.9%) with mean age of 4.88 (SD = 2.54) and mean Lund-Mackay score of 7.76 (SD = 3.87). Patients who had success with adenoidectomy were older on average [mean ( M) = 5.46; SD = 2.83] than patients who failed the procedure ( M = 4.36; SD = 2.40; F = 4.06, P = .047). This equated to 67.9% of children aged 6 years and older and 39.2% of children younger than 6 years succeeding with the surgery. Conclusions: Adenoidectomy is a good first-line surgery for children aged 12 years and younger, especially in the 6 to 12 years group which had a high rate of success with 68% experiencing remission of symptoms after surgery.