bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Frequency Doubling Radio on Fiber System Without Bit Walk-Off Effect by Inserting a Pilot Frequency Signal
Authors: Chen Xin-Qiao , Dou Yu-Fei , Dai Si-Yuan , Wang Jing , Zhao Wei , Chen Xu
Published: April 2024

A novel insertion pilot-frequency signal method for doubling frequency radio on fiber (ROF) system is proposed. At the center station (CS), the carrier emitting from the continuous wave (CW) laser is split into two branches. In one branch, a composite RF drive signal formed by combining
the data modulated by a phased modulator (PM) and the data gained by an electrical gainer (EG) is loaded to the Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) to produce ± 1th order sideband signals. The data signal of down link is modulated only on −1th order sideband. The other branch is used
as the pilot signal. At the base station (BS), the pilot signal is reflected out using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and used as the carrier for the uplink. The signal passing through the FBG is sent into the photodetector, and the twofold millimeter wave signal is generated. The mathematical
analysis and simulated experiment are given. The innovation of this paper is to introduce the pilot optical signal method for carrier reuse in ROF, it can overcome the poor tunability and degraded downlink performance in the conventional carrier reuse in ROF. The effect of bit walk-off is
eliminated due to the data of downlink and uplink being modulated on the −1th and 0th order sideband respectively.
Modeling and Simulation of Power Cell Capacity Configuration and Large-Scale Echelon Utilization in Photovoltaic Energy Storage Power Station
Authors: Yang Aichun , Chen Minghua
Published: April 2024

The muscle element is an part and parcel of the photovoltaic stored energy substation. In an effort to upgrade the availability of the muscle element and the availability of the muscle generation of the photovoltaic stored energy substation, the muscle element volume arrange and large-scale
cascade utilization pattern of the photovoltaic stored energy substation are studied. On the basis of the structure of the photovoltaic stored energy substation, the capabilities exchange policy of the photovoltaic stored capabilities substation is analyzed. Based on the correlation between
the muscle element volume retention proportion and the number of circulates, the Monte Carlo simulation method is selected to calculate the muscle element cascade utilization volume. On the basis of the volume count outcomes, the muscle element volume arrange based on large-scale cascade utilization
is designed. Combined with the muscle element volume arrange based on the enterprise environmental protection index and the muscle element volume arrange based on capabilities loss, the multi-objective function of volume arrange is constructed, and the goal function is solved using the glowworm
algorithm. The experimental outcomes show that the cascade utilization volume of muscle batteries becomes stable with the extension of service years, and some batteries in the stored capabilities system can use degraded muscle batteries, thereby improving the availability of muscle batteries;
The monthly average availability of photovoltaic muscle generation system increased from 55% to more than 85%.
Power Carbon Emission Right Allocation Optimization Model Based on Power Data Mining and BAS-LSTM
Authors: Ning Liang , Zhou Weiqing
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of uneven distribution and uncoordinated distribution amount, the optimization model of power carbon (C) footprint rights distribution based on power data mining and BAS-LSTM. Collect the power generation data and preprocess the data, extract the power C footprints
data through K-means clustering algorithm, use it as the input data to build the power C footprints prediction model based on LSTM (Long term and Short Term Memory Network), optimize the number of hidden layers and threshold of LSTM through BAS algorithm, and use the LSTM C footprints prediction
model with the best parameters; According to the principle right distribution, the thermal power units with the lowest economic cost of comprehensive power generation of each power plant unit and no distinction between the size units are taken right distribution targets of power generation
units and power plant groups, and an optimization model right distribution of power is established right distribution scheme. The experiment shows that the obtained power C footprint right allocation scheme can enable most power plants to obtain satisfactory C footprint quotas. The resource
allocation is very reasonable, and is more harmonious and scientific than the traditional allocation scheme.
Electron Transport in a Fluorine-Based Copolymer: Evidence for the Absence of Correlated Disorder
Authors: Liu J. Y. , Wang L. G. , Zhang L.
Published: April 2024

Spatial correlation between two unordered transmission site energies of semiconducting polymers applied to organic electronic devices can impact the charge carrier mobility (CCM). It has been uncertain if this spatial correlation exists in relevant polymers. This study focuses on electronic
transmission in a fluorene-based copolymer called poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)](F8BT) commonly applied to polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). In terms of the F8BT-based electron-only device (EOD), the layer thickness dependence (Ltd.) of
the current density is analyzed. Two models are adopted, with the intention of depicting the electronic transmission: the improved extended Gaussian disorder model(IEGDM) and extended correlated disorder model (ECDM). The IEGDM considers the dependence of the CCM upon electric field, temperature,
and carrier density, incorporating the influences of Arrhenius and non-Arrhenius temperature dependence. In addition, the ECDM includes or excludes the spatial correlations between two site energies. Current-voltage J – V features are analyzed using IEGDM and ECDM. The
two models provide eminent fits. A contrast between the parameters of the models reveals a more practical intersite distance by IEGDM (1.3 nm) than the value by ECDM (0.4 nm). This suggests that correlations between the site energies may not be significant or may be absent. Therefore, through
the analysis, the evidence is provided for the absence of correlated disorders.
Distributed-Based Rapid Assessment of Carbon Emission Factors for Power Grid
Authors: Zhang Dingqu , Xie Dong , Song Qiang , Wang Yan , Dang Sanlei , Yang Lu
Published: April 2024

As the size of the grid has gradually increased, there is a decentralization among power systems. Traditional carbon flow tracking models based on the principle of proportional sharing, combined with power system networks, are able to analyse the carbon emissions and the direction of
carbon flows at individual nodes. With a multi-node power system network, the data cannot be collected accurately, and the method is calculated over a long period of time, making it hard to address the demands of online analysis. To address the above situation, a rapid assessment of carbon
emission factors was presented for power grid for power system nodes based on distributed approach. Unlike solving a system of equations, the carbon emissions of each node in this method are calculated sequentially according to the carbon flow direction of the node. In addition, each node
only collects information from nodes connected to itself. In this way the computational efficiency is both improved and the stability of the computation is ensured. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the method. The experiments also show the computational advantages and evaluation
accuracy of the method, which can be used for the carbon flow tracking analysis of power system nodes.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Hypermodern Times: How to Identify Socially Responsible Consumers
Authors: Marschlich Sarah , Dhanesh Ganga
Published: April 2024

Organizations have been increasingly paying attention to their myriad economic, ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities, partly driven by consumer pressure. It is imperative for organizations to identify who these socially responsible consumers are so that they can respond appropriately to their demands. Adopting the theoretical lens of hypermodernity, this study sought to develop a measurement to identify socially responsible consumers by their personality traits and behavioral intentions along five dimensions of hypermodernity. The study combined a systematic review of journal articles within business ethics, consumer psychology, and communication studies to propose a measurement, which was subsequently tested and refined. This study first offers a set of theoretically grounded psychographic variables that give robust insights into socially responsible consumers with high corporate social responsibility expectations. Second, the article offers practitioners a toolkit to identify socially responsible consumers.
To Drain or Not: Drainage Procedures Remain a Central Tenet of Management of Infected Collections in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Zhang Ashling L. , How Remealle , Efron David T. , Nigam Rohan , Harfouche Melike N.
Published: April 2024

Recent literature advocates for delayed or avoidance of catheter drainage of infected peri-pancreatic collections (IPCs) in acute pancreatitis (AP). This may not be realistic for patients at academic centers, many of whom are critically ill. We retrospectively reviewed 72 patients admitted to our institution from 2016-2021 with AP and IPCs. 34.7% had a Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score ≥3, and 56.9% had a Balthazar score of E. 65.3% were admitted to the ICU, 51.4% experienced respiratory failure, and 47.2% had acute renal failure. In-hospital mortality was 9.7%. Catheter-based drainage alone was the most frequent intervention. Only 8 individuals did not undergo any drainage. Individuals with severe AP complicated by IPCs are critically ill. Avoidance or delay of source control could lead to significant morbidity. Until further research is done on this population, drainage should remain a central tenet of management of IPCs.
Predictors of Timely Initiation and Completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II/III Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Alnajjar Said , Shoucair Sami , Almanzar Anyelin , Zheng Kan , Lisle David , Gupta Vinay
Published: April 2024

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for colorectal cancer (CRC) has led to substantial improvement in survival. Several clinical trials advocate the initiation of AC within 6-8 weeks of surgical resection based on evidence of improved survival with early initiation of AC. We aim to evaluate factors that predict initiation and completion of AC, subsequently improving survival. Methods: We identified 451 patients who underwent resection for CRC between 2014 and 2022. One hundred ten patients had stage II/III colorectal cancer who underwent resection followed by AC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly predicting delay in AC >8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included chemotherapy completion rate, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival. Results: The final analysis included 110 patients. The median time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (TIAC) was 6.9 weeks (IQR: 5.8-9.5). In total, 36.4% of patients had a delay >8 weeks to initiation of AC, and only 40% completed treatment. The surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic vs robotic) had no effect on the TIAC. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, preoperative albumin ≥3.5 (OR = .31; 95% CI: .12-.80) was an independent predictor of timely initiation of AC. Completion of AC was associated with a higher overall survival. Discussion: Preoperative nutritional status predicted delay in initiation of AC. Patients with a delay in AC beyond eight weeks had a lower rate of AC completions and worse survival. It is imperative to optimize this aspect of treatment as it correlates with survival.
Colorectal Anastomosis Versus Colostomy Creation in High MELD Patients: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis
Authors: Karim S. Ahsan , Turcotte Justin J. , Rehrig Scott T. , Feather Cristina B. , Klune J. Robert
Published: April 2024

Background

Liver failure patients are at increased risk of surgical complications. The decision to perform a colonic anastomosis vs a colostomy in urgent colorectal surgery remains unclear.

Methods

The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2018. MELD score was calculated and stratified into 3 groups. Subgroup analysis of the high-MELD group was performed.

Results

Higher MELD scores were associated with significantly higher mortality. Colostomy formation was consistent between intermediate and high-MELD groups. In high-MELD patients, colonic anastomosis was associated with higher mortality than those receiving colostomy (41.1% vs 28.4%, P < .001). Patients receiving colostomy had higher rates of wound complications, but lower rates of return to OR and non-wound complications. Regression analysis revealed that colostomy formation remained an independent predictor of survival (mortality OR = .594, P < .001).

Discussion

High-MELD patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery have increased risk of complications such as mortality. Patients in this group receiving an anastomosis have increased complications and mortality, and may benefit from colostomy formation.
The Great Debate: Robotic vs Traditional Surgical Approach in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Wu Jessica , Martin Matthew J. , Kirkpatrick Vincent , Cassaro Sebastiano , Pérez Rodríguez Ferdinand
Published: April 2024

Robotic surgery was first introduced in the 1980s as a system to aid patients in the battlefield. Since then, robotic surgery has become an important minimally invasive tool and plays an important role in elective surgery among various surgical specialties. However, the role for robotic surgery in the emergent setting is not well established or studied. Robotic surgery has been shown to be advantageous to both patients and operating surgeons. Though limited, studies have found robotic surgery in the acute setting to be safe for patients. These studies found robotic surgery to have improved perioperative outcomes when compared to an open or laparoscopic approach. Additionally, the robotic platform is thought to be an effective tool to prevent conversion to open procedures in emergent settings. Although some studies demonstrate advantages to robotic acute surgery, others have shown increased complications with robotic acute surgery or no distinct advantage when comparing robotic to laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, some of the published papers supporting the use of robotic surgery in the emergent setting may have a degree of bias favoring the robotic platform. Robotic surgery is a mainstay in minimally invasive elective surgery and gaining popularity among patients and surgeons. There are pros and cons to the adaptation of the robotic platform in the acute care setting. Additional large population studies are indicated to determine the true role of the robotic platform in the emergent setting.
Comparison and Utility of Intravenous Iodinated Contrast in Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Computerized Tomography for Trauma Patients With Blunt Mechanism of Injury Before and After the May 9, 2022 Global Contrast Shortage at a Level II Trauma Center
Authors: Tran James , Park Jasmine , Nguyen Jade , Ruiz Andres , Marty Makenna , Singleton Andrew , Obaid-Schmid Amal
Published: April 2024

Background: Intravenous (IV) contrast improves the sensitivity and specificity of injury detection in computerized tomography (CT). Its use is recommended in the workup of trauma patients by the American College of Surgeons and American College of Radiology. On May 9, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration declared a shortage of iodinated contrast due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the shortage has ended, the temporary lack of IV contrast forced physicians to be prudent in ordering CT scans with IV contrast. We sought to determine if there was a change in the percentage of CT contrast studies performed during the contrast shortage and if this change affected patient outcomes.Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed on all adult tier 2 trauma patients at a 619-bed community-based level II trauma center who received CT chest, abdomen, and pelvis imaging as initial workup for blunt trauma from 5/9/2021-6/30/2021 (pre-shortage) and 5/9/2022-6/30/2022 (during shortage).Results: Patients were predominantly male with median age of 31-52 and of White or Hispanic ethnicity. Before the contrast shortage, all 110 trauma patients were scanned with contrast. During the shortage, 29 of 114 patients were scanned with contrast ( P < 0.001). Injuries were identified in 59% of patients scanned with contrast ( P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in blood transfusion needs, repeat CT, disposition, or mortality when comparing pre-shortage to during shortage or when comparing between non-contrast and contrast studies during the shortage.Discussion: There was a decrease in the percentage of CT contrast studies performed during the shortage. A higher percentage of injuries were identified in the patients scanned with contrast. However, there were no significant differences in patient outcomes. Certain trauma patients may be safely scanned without contrast.
Incorporating Robotic Cholecystectomy in an Acute Care Surgery Practice Model is Feasible
Authors: Shen Aricia , Barmparas Galinos , Melo Nicolas , Chung Rex , Burch Miguel , Bhatti Umar , Margulies Daniel R. , Wang Andrew
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The role of robotic surgery in the nonelective setting remains poorly defined. Accessibility, patient acuity, and high turn-over may limit its applicability and utilization. The goal is to characterize the role of robotic cholecystectomy (CCY) in a busy acute care surgery (ACS) practice at a quaternary medical center, and compare surgical outcomes and resource utilization between robotic and laparoscopic CCY.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent robotic (Da Vinci Xi) or laparoscopic CCY between 01/2021-12/2022 by an ACS attending within 1 week of admission were included. Primary outcomes included time from admission to surgery, off hour (weekend and 6p-6a) cases, operation time, and hospital costs, to reflect “feasibility” of robotic compared to laparoscopic CCY. Secondary outcomes encompassed surgery-related outcomes and complications.

Results

The proportion of robotic CCY increased from 5% to 32% within 2 years. In total 361 laparoscopic and 89 robotic CCY were performed. Demographics and gallbladder disease severity were similar. Feasibility measures—operation time, case start time, time from admission to surgery, proportion of off-hour cases, and cost—were comparable between robotic and laparoscopic CCY. There were no differences in surgical complications, common bile duct injury, readmission, or mortality. Conversion to open surgery occurred more often in laparoscopic cases (5% vs 0%, P = .02, OR = 1.05).

Discussion

Robotic CCY is associated with fewer open conversions and otherwise similar outcomes compared to laparoscopic CCY in the non-elective setting. Incorporation of robotic CCY in a busy ACS practice model is feasible with available resources.
Research on evolutionary game of digital twin data information sharing based on blockchain technology
Authors: Zhu Yuchen
Published: April 2024

Due to the significant characteristics of decentralization and tamper resistance of blockchain technology, it helps to solve the problems of timeliness and slow permission control in traditional information sharing. However, most researchers are committed to exploring how to improve the efficiency, reliability, and privacy security of digital twin data. There is a lack of research on issues such as blockchain participants free-riding and not actively participating in information sharing, and how to promote information sharing through incentives. Therefore, this paper designs a distance grouping based practical byzantine fault tolerance consensus algorithm to address the credibility issue of transmitted data, thereby improving the efficiency of negotiation. The feasibility of the algorithm is verified through cases analysis. In addition, for the problem of low subjective willingness of information sharing, this paper designs an information sharing incentive strategy based on blockchain intelligent contracts, establishes digital twin data sharing evolutionary game models with reputation incentives and non-reputation incentives, so as to explore the impact of reputation incentive on evolutionary stability strategies. Finally, simulation analysis is conducted on the evolutionary game model of digital twin data sharing. The impact of several key indicators such as data complementarity, trust, positive incentive coefficient, and data sharing cost on the evolution process of information sharing are considered, and corresponding management insights are obtained.
Effects of thermo-oxidative aging on progressive bending damages and electromechanical behaviors of carbon fiber/epoxy 3D woven composites
Authors: Li Gen , Wu Tianwei , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong
Published: April 2024

The effect of thermo-oxidative aging on mechanical properties is important to designing carbon fiber-reinforced composites serviced in long-term atmospheric environments. Here, we report the progressive bending damage behaviors of carbon fiber/epoxy 3D angle-interlock woven composites (3DAWCs) after thermo-oxidative aging. Three-point bending tests were conducted to characterize bending damage behaviors after different aging days. The electrical resistance change of 3DAWCs was also simultaneously measured with the two-probe method during three-point bending tests. Combining side image and digital image correlation (DIC) technology, we found that the bending strength and modulus deteriorated rapidly during thermo-oxidative aging. The strain distribution and progressive bending damage modes also changed significantly, i.e., a symmetrical strain distribution for the unaged specimens, while the existing interface cracks of the aged specimen changed this symmetry. The electrical resistance method (ERM) effectively identified the early-stage damages, and the first derivative of the rate of resistance change (FDC) revealed differences in the progressive damage modes of aged and unaged specimens.
Perception of Good Death and Level of Perceived Stress in Relatives of Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Pamuk Cebeci Sevil , Bilgiç Şebnem
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to examine the perception of a good death and the level of perceived stress in relatives of palliative care patients. Relatives of 110 patients hospitalized in a palliative care center constituted the research sample. A personal information form, the “Good Death Scale,” and the “Perceived Stress Scale” were used for data collection. The patients’ relatives defined good death as being with family members and living this process without suffering. The mean total Good Death Scale score of the relatives of palliative care patients was 54.86 ± 7.78, and their mean total Perceived Stress Scale score was 31.11 ± 10.10. These findings showed that patients’ relatives had high perceptions of good death and that their stress levels were above average. To expand the scope of nursing care, it is important to know how patients’ relatives are affected by this process. It is recommended that more studies be conducted on this subject.
An Evaluation of the Reliability of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence and Its Relationship With Actual Water Competence
Authors: Jidovtseff Boris , Morgado Liliane De Sousa , Sääkslahti Arja , Howells Kristy , Barnett Lisa M. , D’Hondt Eva , Costa Aldo M. , De Martelaer Kristine
Published: April 2024

In its recent development, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC) showed good face and construct validity. However, additional reliability and validity research is needed, including test-retest reliability and a demonstration of the relationship between PSPWEC test scores and actual water competence. Toward that aim, we administered the PSPWC to 124 children, aged 5–8 years. We repeated this test administration after one week for a subset of 55 children to determine its test-retest reliability, and the remaining 69 children also performed the fully aligned Actual Aquatic Skills Test (AAST) in an indoor swimming pool to provide data for our investigation of the relationship between PSPWC scores and actual water competence. We found good test-retest reliability, both at the global level (ICC = 0.81, n = 55) and at the level of individual skills (Weighted kappa coefficients from 0.58 to 0.90), with no significant differences between these two test scores. We also found a moderate positive relationship between PSPWC and AAST total scores ( r = .64, n = 69), with no significant difference between total scores of actual and perceived water competencies. Children overestimated their competence in three specific skills: the back star, swimming on the front, and diving in deep water. While these results underline specific situations in which children’s higher self-perceptions of their water competence are a risk factor for their water safety, these data confirm that the PSPWC is reliable for measuring children’s perceived competencies in aquatic education and drowning prevention, and there is further support for its validity through a moderate correlation with actual water competencies.
Characteristic analysis of high-speed steel powder prepared by gas atomisation
Authors: Zhang Deyin , Lu Tianyu , Hao Xu , Tian Jiyang , Yu Ying , Jia Baorui , Wu Haoyang , Qin Mingli , Qu Xuanhui
Published: April 2024

The performance of high-speed steel (HSS) powder is a prerequisite for the preparation of high-performance powder metallurgy HSS. The physical properties, microstructure, and solidification characteristics of HSS powder prepared by nitrogen gas atomisation were systematically studied and analysed in detail. For the atomised TPM558 HSS powder, the morphology is spherical and the particle size distribution is wide. The smooth small particles of satellite powder attach to the surface of large particles. Shrinkage pits caused by solidification shrinkage exist on the surface of large particles. The average cooling rate is between 104 and 106 K·s−1, with the increase of cooling rate, the powder surface tends to be smooth, and the grain structure is transformed in the order of cellular to dendritic to radial. The single powder particle surface shows fine-equiaxed grains, while the internal presents columnar grains. The crystalline phases of the powder are austenite, ferrite, martensite, and carbide, and the carbide includes MC carbide with face-centred structure and M2C carbide with hexagonal structure. The average nano-hardness of the powder is 9.93 GPa, resulting in poor formability, and it can be pressed and formed only after adding binder.
Four Strategies for Supporting Students With Dyslexia in Solving Mathematics Word Problems
Authors: Hardy Alison M. , Clemens Nathan H.
Published: April 2024

Solving mathematics word problems requires skills from multiple domains, including efficient word-decoding skills, text comprehension, problem solving, and arithmetic. Word problems can be especially difficult for students with dyslexia (i.e., word-level reading disability), causing frustration for students and teachers. This article discusses the complex process of solving word problems and outlines four strategies for supporting the co-development of skills in word-problem solving and reading for students with dyslexia: (a) adapt word problems for readability and support word reading; (b) teach students to recognize word-problem types; (c) explicitly teach word-problem specific vocabulary; and (d) integrate writing through student-generated word problems.
Understanding of Psychological Literacy: Comparative Insights From Undergraduates in China and the United Kingdom
Authors: Privitera A. J. , Wang J. , Jiang X.
Published: April 2024

Background

Psychological literacy has attracted considerable attention globally. However, no study has focused on this concept in China, where interest in psychology is growing.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of psychological literacy in a sample of undergraduate psychology majors from Chinese public universities, and compare findings with previously reported data from the United Kingdom.

Method

Participants completed a survey in which they rated eight core attributes of psychological literacy across the dimensions of awareness, development, confidence in explaining, and importance in their future career.

Results

Students gave the highest ratings to the importance of psychological core attributes in their future careers and understanding the application of theory, but the lowest to the development of attributes and understanding the role of theory in research. Comparisons with the United Kingdom sample revealed culturally specific differences of potential interest.

Conclusions

Findings from this work can inform the refinement of undergraduate psychology programs in China, and help calibrate standards in support of international mobility of Chinese students for postgraduate study outside of the home country.

Teaching implications

Psychology educators in China should consider providing more opportunities for students to gain awareness of their own development and engage in research firsthand.
Research on anti-vibration tension control based on self-coupling fractional-order PID
Authors: Liang Jianguo , Duan Yujie , Wen Xinyu , Zhao Yinan , Gao Haifeng , Zhao Xiaodong , Emmanuel Uwayezu
Published: April 2024

Constant tension control is essential for excellent winding quality. However, the system’s nonlinearity and external disturbance make it challenging to guarantee tension control accuracy with conventional control methods. Thus, a self-coupling fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (SC-FOPID) control scheme combined with a disturbance observer is proposed to enhance the system’s anti-vibration performance. The fractional-order dynamic model of the unwinding roller and swing rod is established by analyzing the tension mechanism. Based on deliberate analysis and calculation, the vibration shock signal can be decomposed into periodic sinusoidal disturbance and bounded noise approximately. As such, an output-based anti-vibration method using a fractional-order model can be realized, where a back recursive disturbance observer is designed to estimate the periodic component. Simultaneously, the bounded noise exhibited in vibration can be attenuated by the SC-FOPID controller. The stability is guaranteed using the Lyapunov theorem, and the simulation results show the proposed method’s effectiveness in improving the tension control performance.
Measuring teacher-student relationships among children with emotional and behavioral problems
Authors: Knowles Christen , Murray Christopher , Gau Jeff
Published: April 2024

A rapidly growing body of research indicates that the quality of children's relationships with teachers can affect students’ emotional, behavioral, and school related adjustment. The vast majority of this research has relied on measures that assess teacher—rather than student—perceptions of these relationships. In this study, we administered a student self-report measure of teacher-student relationships (TSR) to 185 children, all of whom had emotional and behavioral problems. Children's special education teachers (N = 76) also completed a validated measure of TSR. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis of child ratings confirmed a model that included three TSR factors: Communication, Trust, and Alienation. Analyses of similarities between student and teacher views of their relationship with one another suggested limited concordance, however, student perceptions of TSR were robust predictors of their emotional, behavioral, and school adjustment even after controlling for teacher perceptions of TSR. These findings provide preliminary support for the importance assessing student perceptions of TSR and initial evidence for the construct validity, reliability and criterion-related validity of a child report measure of teacher-student relationships among students with emotional and behavioral problems.
Differential Behavioral Pathways Linking Personality to Leadership Emergence and Effectiveness in Groups
Authors: Härtel Tobias M. , Hoch Felix , Back Mitja D.
Published: April 2024

This study integrates leadership process models with process models of personality and behavioral personality science to examine the behavioral–perceptual pathways that explain interpersonal personality traits’ divergent relation to group leadership evaluations. We applied data from an online group interaction study ( N = 364) alternately assigning participants as leaders conducting brief tasks. We used four variable types to build the pathways in multiple mediator models: (a) Self-reported personality traits, (b) video recordings of expressed interpersonal behaviors coded by 6 trained raters, (c) interpersonal impressions, and (d) mutual evaluations of leadership emergence/effectiveness. We find interpersonal big five traits to differently relate to the two leadership outcomes via the behavioral-perceptual pathways: Extraversion was more important to leadership emergence due to impressions of assertiveness evoked by task-focused behavior being strongly valued. Agreeableness/emotional stability were more important to leadership effectiveness due to impressions of trustworthiness/calmness evoked by member-focused/calm behavior being stronger valued.
COVID-19 Imposed Closure of Rural Co-Housing and Loneliness in Older Adults Living Alone: Longitudinal Evidence From South Korea
Authors: Park Sojung , Kwak Minyoung , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness among rural older women in senior cohousing in Korea. Using a natural experimental study design, we investigated how the pandemic-induced closure of cohousing affected the former residents' loneliness. The sample comprised 84 cohousing residents and 51 individuals in conventional homes. The dependent variable is loneliness, and the independent variables include housing transition, social contact, and support from neighbors and friends. Our findings from fixed effect regression models showed former cohousing residents were less likely to experience loneliness when they had more contact with their friends and neighbors, while negative relationships exacerbated feelings of loneliness. Sharing meals and participating in activities with friends and neighbors in cohousing helped the residents develop effective coping strategies. Senior cohousing in rural areas has the potential to strengthen social ties and protect the most vulnerable subgroup of older adults from social isolation and loneliness.
Spiritual Support Staff Influence Stress Among Hospital-Based Health Care Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rangel Teresa , Timmerman Rose , Bock Dawn , Keller Marcea , Long JoAnn
Published: April 2024

Background:

Stress negatively affects well-being, relating to poor physical, emotional, and occupational outcomes for health care personnel. Health care professionals faced extreme stressors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, making occupational stress relief a top priority for hospital administrators. Many health systems employ specially trained spiritual support staff as one strategy to alleviate work-related stressors. It is unclear whether health care personnels’ perceptions of the availability of spiritual care staff influence self-reported stress.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between perceived stress and perceptions of availability of spiritual support among acute care health care personnel.

Methods:

This study analyzed cross-sectional, survey-based data collected between February and April 2022 from 1352 interdisciplinary health care staff working in a large, nonprofit Catholic health system in the Western United States. Bivariate tests and multivariate linear regression models were conducted to test for factors influencing perceived stress.

Results:

Results support that high stress was prevalent in the sample. Perceived availability of spiritual support staff in the hospital and seeking coworker and professional support for work-related stress all independently influence stress in this population when controlling for confounders.

Conclusions:

Stress of health care personnel may be influenced by the perceived availability of specially trained spiritual support staff. Hospital administrators should advocate for spiritual support staff availability in all health care settings as one strategy to mitigate occupational stress that health care professionals may experience through providing high-stakes patient care. Further research is warranted to uncover targeted spirituality-related strategies to reduce stress and preserve well-being of health care personnel.
Mixed Method Evaluation of ACTS: Advancing Connection Through Storytelling—A Novel Approach to Improve Older Adult Engagement and Staff Interactions in Korean Nursing Homes
Authors: Chang HeeKyung , Do Youngjoo , Ahn JinYeong
Published: April 2024

Background:

A culture centered on relationships and communication is necessary to improve the quality of life of older adults living in nursing homes.

Objectives:

To examine the effects of a storytelling program by examining the cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial changes in older adults in facilities and explore staff experience of changes in care.

Methods:

This mixed method study delivered a 6-week storytelling program based on relationship-centered care for residents of nursing homes (aged >65 years). Changes in emotional expression, depression, communication skills, social support, interpersonal relationships, nurse-patient interaction, and the person-centered environment as perceived by older adults were quantitatively analyzed using pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys. Qualitative data were collected through weekly stories created by residents, followed by focus group interviews with nursing home staff, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to enhance understanding of the program’s outcomes.

Results:

The 42 residents reported significant changes in their emotional expression, depression, communication skills, social support, interpersonal relationships, nurse-patient interaction, and person-centered environment scores after the 6-week intervention. Analysis of the residents’ stories identified 5 themes. The staff focus group interviews identified 2 themes and 7 subthemes. Intervention group residents were more likely to initiate conversations, express themselves, carefully observe themselves and others, and actively participate in social activities.

Conclusions:

The storytelling program was useful in reducing older adults’ negative emotions by allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings and improve their relationships, creating opportunities for social interaction. These effects could help foster relationship- and communication-centered facility cultures.
Feasibility and Preliminary Impact of a Web-Based Mind Body Intervention for Older Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Kelechi Teresa J. , Layne Diana , Mueller Martina , Madisetti Mohan , Balasubramanian Sundaravadivel
Published: April 2024

Background:

Mind-body interventions focused on intentional breathing and movement have been found to mitigate the negative effects of caregiving such as such as stress, psychosocial distress, and emotional distress associated for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Objective:

The objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability and preliminary impacts of our 12-week mind body intervention “Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing” for caregivers of persons living with dementia on health outcomes including mutuality, depression and anxiety, loneliness and social support, quality of life, and physical function.

Methods:

We conducted a single-group cohort study in which 20 caregivers were enrolled. Data were collected at baseline and at the 12-week post-intervention endpoint.

Results:

The intervention was acceptable; 75% (n = 15/20) completed the study; 16 completed post-study questionnaires. Very few experienced technical issues; 31% (n = 3) most commonly reported as poor internet connectivity, 75% (n = 12/16) perceived a health benefit, 88% (n = 14/16) perceived improved day-to-day mood, and 100% (n = 16/16) would recommend the intervention to other caregivers. Although there was minimal change from baseline to 12 weeks, for health outcomes, there were very small improvements noted in anxiety and overall health. There were no reported adverse events.

Conclusion:

The intervention was well received and is feasible and acceptable for future studies of stress and health management interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia. Registered with https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03853148).
Music teachers’ perceptions of intercultural competence in Spain
Authors: Tomé-Fernández María , Bravo-Yebra Verónica
Published: April 2024

Intercultural competence is essential in schools attended by students of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions. A number of studies have suggested that music facilitates the transmission of values and emotions inherent in intercultural competence. The role of teachers is considered essential as well. Thus, it is important to consider music teachers’ perceptions on intercultural competence. This study drew out the perceptions of 74 teachers delivering music teaching in primary and secondary schools, conservatories, and music schools in Spain. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. A content validity index of 0.92 was obtained after considering the judgments of 19 experts in the fields of research and practice in music education. The teachers’ responses were analyzed using NVivo (11). The findings highlighted the positive perceptions of the benefits of intercultural competence in students. Aspects such as the lack of training, the requirement to teach a planned/structured curriculum and the shortage of advisors on the subject, emerged as negative perceptions communicated by the teachers.
Entrepreneurial finance and institutional logics in an emerging economy
Authors: Worakantak Jirawat , Newbery Robert , Kimmitt Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Entrepreneurs raise money from multiple funding sources over time; however, studies of entrepreneurial finance typically focus on a dyadic view based on Global North institutional scaffolds. Taking a contextualised approach that understands funding as situated in local conditions, this research explores the influence of an emerging economy context on a financing process that incorporates multiple sources. Based on analysis of 36 interviews with entrepreneurs and financiers in Thailand, the research offers a model that identifies emerging entrepreneur–financier relationships and strategies for navigating multiple logics. Accessing funding involves a process of deal-making that requires multiple foci of attention over time. This article advances institutional theory by reclassifying how entrepreneurs interact with heterogeneous resource holders. Divergent logical pathways of relational formation are found among various types of financiers, suggesting an underlying institutional logic is not universal. Instead, it depends on the habitual organising principles of the focal actors and strategies adopted to manage the requirements of multiple funders.
Synthesis and coating properties of (La0.5Eu0.25Y0.25)2Zr2O7 ceramic powder
Authors: Yan Chao , Cui Xiufang , Jing Yongzhi , Chen Zhuo , Wang Rui , Jin Guo , Liu Jinna
Published: April 2024

The (La0.5Eu0.25Y0.25)2Zr2O7 (LEYZ) ceramic powder for spraying was prepared and synthesised by combining spray granulation and solid phase reaction phase, and a double ceramic layer structure with (La0.5Eu0.25Y0.25)2Zr2O7 ceramic surface coating and YSZ intermediate coating was prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. Experimental characterisation revealed that the moulding state of spray granulated powders was significantly influenced by the solid content. When the solid content is small, the viscosity of the slurry is insufficient, and the prepared powder has poor formability and small overall particle size. When the solid content is large, the slurry is too viscous, which easily leads to unfavourable conditions such as sticky walls. The best formability of the pelletised powder was obtained with a solid content of 55 wt-% and a binder content of 2.0 wt-%. Compared with La2Zr2O7 (LZ) ceramics, the fracture toughness of the rare-earth co-doped modified LEYZ ceramic coating was increased by 8.4% and the bond strength was increased by 49.9%, showing good toughness and crack resistance. Moreover, LEYZ coating has significantly better resistance to solid phase particle erosion than LZ coating, with 46.3% and 45.4% reduction in erosion rate at 45° and 90°, respectively.
Construct validity, responsiveness and minimal important difference of the cumulated ambulation score in older adults with hip fracture in sub-acute rehabilitation facility
Authors: Arcolin Ilaria , Giardini Marica , Corna Stefano , Sartorio Francesco , Caligari Marco , Godi Marco
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the construct validity, responsiveness and minimal important difference of the cumulated ambulation score in patients with hip fracture in sub-acute rehabilitation facility.

Design

Observational, prospective, monocenter, cohort study.

Setting

Rehabilitation Institute.

Participants

456 older adults with hip fracture (≥65 years) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation.

Main outcome measures

Cumulated ambulation score, functional independence measure and functional ambulation category were collected at admission and discharge. Construct validity and responsiveness were assessed through hypothesis testing and minimal important difference was determined using the anchor-based method; floor and ceiling effects were also assessed.

Results

The cumulated ambulation score showed strong correlations with the functional independence measure and functional ambulation category scores at both admission and discharge, satisfying all the hypotheses for construct validity. The effect size of cumulated ambulation score was 1.63. Changes in cumulated ambulation score had a moderate-to-strong correlation with changes of other instruments and were able to discriminate patients improved from those not-improved, and patients classified as independent ambulators from those dependent. A ceiling effect was found only at discharge. The estimated minimal important difference was 2 points.

Conclusions

The cumulated ambulation score showed high levels of construct validity and responsiveness according to the hypothesis testing. A two points improvement at the end of rehabilitation was found to be clinically important in people with hip fracture in the sub-acute phase. The ceiling effect found at discharge suggested the limitation of the scale in assessing people with a partially recovered autonomy in performing postural changes and gait.