bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characteristics and biological evaluation of copper coating cotton material obtained by chemical reduction method
Authors: Świerczyńska Małgorzata , Kudzin Marcin H.
Published: October 2024

The article describes the preparation of new cotton materials obtained by chemical deposition of copper sulfide. This two-stage process consists of chelation of copper sulfate on cellulose chains of cotton (COT → COT-CuSO4) with subsequent precipitation of copper in the form of copper sulfide (COT-CuSO4 → COT-CuS) using sodium sulfide. The obtained COT-CuS composites were characterized physicobiologically. Thus, the structural characteristic of the Cotton-CuS material was determined by microscopy analysis (SEM), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Flame Excitation (FAAS), specific surface area and total pore volume analysis (BET). The copper functionalized cotton fabric was subjected to microbial activity tests against colonies of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niger fungal molds species. Biochemical evaluation includes hematological tests of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The substantial antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized COT-CuS material with the lack of influence on blood coagulation processes offer prospects of a potential use as applications as an antibacterial/antifungal material.
Development and evaluation of cable-less heating mats utilizing low-power carbon nanotube planar heaters
Authors: Yoon Jeong Eun , Chung Jiwon , Lee Jeongpyo , Jee Seung Hyun , Koo Sumin Helen
Published: October 2024

We aimed to develop a low-power heating mat based on a carbon nanotube (CNT) planar heater and verify its performance by utilizing the heating element. The cell samples were manufactured, and their electrical and thermal properties were evaluated to conduct heating tests. The developed CNT planar heater was tested in four ways, namely heating one cell individually and heating two/three/four cells simultaneously. When operating multiple cells, the resistance decreased, and the power increased. The temperature averaged 37°C even when multiple cells were operating, and the power consumption per unit area was at a similar level. In addition, a prototype heating vest was fabricated using the cells, and a performance comparison was conducted with a third-party heating vest product. The heating efficiency was more than twice as high as that of the third-party product, and the heating area was more than twice as large. Prototype heating pads were made using the cells and compared with two other third-party samples that are heated by thermal wires, and the developed prototype was found to have a heating efficiency more than 20% higher than the other samples, with the lowest temperature deviation. The CNT planar heater developed in this study can be realized in various shapes without wires and can be used safely. It is economical because it can be set to the appropriate temperature in the desired area with a controller, and it is eco-friendly because it prevents mold growth by emitting far-infrared radiation.
Revisiting 30 years of advances in firefighter protective clothing: a quantitative assessment and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Jian , Dai Yanyang , Li Jun
Published: October 2024

Firefighter protective clothing research has undergone rapid development and garnered extensive attention over the past three decades. However, its trajectory lacks quantitative evaluation due to the complex relationship among humans, clothing, and the environment. Here, we aimed to (1) develop an objective and reproducible evaluation index system for the quantitative assessment of firefighter protective clothing research, (2) delineate the developmental stages and their analytical characteristics over the past three decades through bibliometric analysis, and (3) scrutinize the current status, research hotspots, gaps, and future concerns. Our review of 314 publications from the Web of Science Core database (1994–2023) led to the creation of an evaluation index system that integrates the catastrophe progression method with bibliometric analysis, incorporating 10 indicators across 4 dimensions: productivity, influence, development, and innovation. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Bibliometrix R package. The results reveal a rapid increase in firefighter protective clothing studies from 1994 to 2023, comprising two stages: the start-up phase (1994–2009) and the rapid development phase (2010–2023). Thematic evolution over three decades indicates a shift from single specific to composite domains, with emerging themes such as achieving a balance in the interaction between the human body, clothing, and environment signaling future research directions. In addition, we visualized the most relevant countries, institutions, journals, authors, articles, and potential challenges during the last 30 years. This review provides an overview of current evidence and minimizes subjectivity bias compared to traditional manual reviews, thus presenting specific future research questions advancing firefighter protective clothing research.
Hierarchies of Elitism among Urban and Rural Palestinian Students in Israel
Authors: Halabi Dalia , Shoshana Avihu
Published: October 2024

This research investigates Palestinian students residing in both urban and rural areas who are enrolled in an elite high school located in a mixed Arab-Jewish city in northern Israel. We investigate how these divergent backgrounds influence their experiences and perceptions of their elite identities and how elite identities within national minority sub-groups (urban and rural) impact the formation and perpetuation of intra-group hierarchies. We find that elite identities are influenced by geographic positionality, that hierarchies exist within the same minority elite and that these factors shape both personal and collective identities.
Dynamic and Daily Partner-Specific Processes of Relationship Uncertainty and Enacted Relationship Talk
Authors: Bolkan San , Goodboy Alan K. , Dillow Megan R. , Chiasson Rebekah M. , Vendemia Megan A.
Published: October 2024

Guided by relational turbulence theory (RTT), this intensive longitudinal study examined how within-person daily fluctuations in relationship uncertainty corresponded with individuals’ decisions to engage in daily enacted relationship talk. Using a person-specific approach, this study also examined how individuals’ attachment insecurity predicted within-person differences in month-long processes predicted by RTT. College-aged dating partners ( N = 202, between-person) reported their attachment proclivities in a pre-test survey and subsequently reported on their relationship uncertainty and enacted relationship talk once per day over a period of 30 consecutive days ( N = 5,240, within-person). Results indicated that on days when individuals experienced elevated relationship uncertainty, they engaged in less relationship talk than they typically did. Additionally, we found that individuals with more volatility (intraindividual variability) and inertia (day-to-day carryover) in relationship uncertainty throughout the month enacted less relationship talk on average. Finally, results indicated that attachment insecurity predicted person-specific month-long processes consistent with RTT.
Night cooling by hybrid supply ventilation – analytical predictions of airflow rates and the ‘hybrid ventilation triangles’
Authors: Waterson Matthew , Hunt Gary R
Published: October 2024

Overheating in buildings can be mitigated during periods of excessively warm weather through the application of a night purge ventilation strategy. Building on the mathematical model of Waterson and Hunt (2024), we investigate the emerging field of hybrid ventilation – specifically the rates of airflow achieved by the simultaneous combination of ‘stack-driven’ natural displacement ventilation and a mechanical supply. Whilst the focus of Waterson and Hunt (2024) was specifically on predicting the time taken to complete a purge, herein we focus on airflow rates and in doing so elucidate the somewhat counter intuitive role that the mechanical supply has on the natural ventilation flow rates. Our results challenge the perception that a hybrid approach must be superior to both solely natural and mechanical strategies. Focusing on the variation in airflow rates during a hybrid purge, our model reveals: (i) a hybrid purge offers an improvement over a solely mechanical purge only during one of the two distinct flow regimes identified; and (ii) the manner in which the stack-driven and mechanical components combine is highly nuanced and cannot be predicted by the linear superposition of the constituent stack-driven and mechanical contributions.
Economic shocks and employment shifts across industrial sectors in English regions
Authors: Begley Jason , De Vita Glauco , Jarvis David , Jones Andrew
Published: October 2024

This paper examines changes in employment and job allocation across various industrial sectors in English regions over the years 2009–2021. The aim is to investigate regional resilience by analysing the impact of economic shocks on the make-up and productivity of English regions via dynamic shift-share analysis. The evidence reveals that employment in key industries across English regions remained largely unaffected by economic shocks, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic which prevented occupational shifts through furloughing and essential worker selection. But we also find that while comparative lack of specialisation insulated many English regions from the more damaging aspects of exogenous shocks, the resulting economic turmoil in these regions impacted key sectors differently. The findings contribute to our understanding of regional economic resilience and how it is influenced by industrial diversity, productivity, and economic policy.
Associative memory in alcohol-related contexts: An fMRI study with young binge drinkers
Authors: Rodrigues Rui Pedro Serafim , Sousa Sónia Silva , López-Caneda Eduardo , Almeida-Antunes Natália , González‑Villar Alberto Jacobo , Sampaio Adriana , Crego Alberto
Published: October 2024

Background:

Alcohol-related cues are known to influence craving levels, a hallmark of alcohol misuse. Binge drinking (BD), a pattern of heavy alcohol use, has been associated with cognitive and neurofunctional alterations, including alcohol attentional bias, memory impairments, as well as disrupted activity in prefrontal- and reward-related regions. However, literature is yet to explore how memories associated with alcohol-related cues are processed by BDs, and how the recall of this information may influence their reward processing.

Aims:

The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study aimed to investigate the neurofunctional signatures of BD during an associative memory task.

Method:

In all, 36 university students, 20 BDs and 16 alcohol abstainers, were asked to memorize neutral objects paired with either alcohol or non-alcohol-related contexts. Subsequently, neutral stimuli were presented, and participants were asked to classify them as being previously paired with alcohol- or non-alcohol-related contexts.

Results:

While behavioral performance was similar in both groups, during the recall of alcohol-related cues, BDs showed increased brain activation in two clusters including the thalamus, globus pallidus and dorsal striatum, and cerebellum and occipital fusiform gyrus, respectively.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that BDs display augmented brain activity in areas responsible for mental imagery and reward processing when trying to recall alcohol-related cues, which might ultimately contribute to alcohol craving, even without being directly exposed to an alcohol-related context. These results highlight the importance of considering how alcohol-related contexts may influence alcohol-seeking behavior and, consequently, the maintenance or increase in alcohol use.
CEO performance targets: The impact of Big 4 accounting firms versus other compensation consultants
Authors: Bachmann Rebecca L , Rasool Sameera , Spiropoulos Helen
Published: October 2024

Using a sample of ASX 500 firms over the 2005–2019 period, we document substantial variation in the use of performance targets within Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation contracts, contrasting firms advised by Big 4 accounting entities with other compensation consulting firms. Firms that engage a Big 4 accounting firm are more likely to implement explicit non-financial performance targets within the short-term incentive plan, effectively minimising opportunities for post hoc justification. They also favour the incorporation of relative performance targets that mitigate pay for luck in the long-term incentive plan. Firms that engage a Big 4 accounting firm demonstrate a similar pay-for-performance relation to firms that do not engage a compensation consultant, while firms engaging non-Big 4 consultants exhibit a lower pay-for-performance relation. Our findings suggest that Big 4 accounting firms provide compensation recommendations that encourage the alignment of interests between managers and shareholders.

JEL Classification: J33, M12, M52, L25
Exploring the Differences in Types of Commodities and Delivery Methods among Online Shoppers during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Magdalena Silaen Maria , Crowley Duncan , Lee Yongsung , Jaller Miguel A. , Circella Giovanni
Published: October 2024

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary limitations to in-store shopping during the lockdown period generated a significant increase in online shopping. During that period, the total spending amount and the number of online purchases increased across the whole population, although with rather heterogeneous patterns among various groups of consumers. This research examines the factors that can help explain the differences between users and non-users of online shopping in the U.S.A. during April and May 2020 to help understand the barriers to home-based shopping accessibility. The study uses data collected in the first survey wave of a longitudinal mobility study to analyze individual commodities and delivery options chosen for goods purchased online. Binomial logistic regression and Poisson regression models reveal differences in adopting e-shopping across various delivery channels, the frequency of purchase, and shipping used across commodities. In addition, a latent class cluster analysis identifies three heterogeneous groups of shoppers whose members differ mainly in income, age, education, neighborhood type, and technology attitudes. The results also highlight several differences in usage across crowdshipping markets and novel delivery options, such as in-store or locker pickup. The results also show variation in home-based accessibility across numerous factors during the pandemic.
Path-Based Progression Model for Long Arterial Signal Coordination Considering Partition Cost
Authors: Wu Changjian , Cao Qi , Ren Gang , Chen Weihan , Zhang Zhe
Published: October 2024

As one of the most important traffic signal coordination models, the multi-path progression model can provide dedicated green bands for multiple critical path-flows in an artery. However, as the number of intersections and critical paths in the system increases, the bandwidth often becomes narrower or even ineffective. In this paper, a multi-path progression model for long arterial signal coordination is proposed. The proposed method permits the progression bands to be broken if necessary and optimizes system partition and signal coordination within a unified framework. To ensure the continuity of the progression band, the bandwidth loss caused by partitioning is taken into consideration. Furthermore, to obtain a more feasible solution, we optimize offsets and phase sequences at each intersection simultaneously. The proposed model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program, which can be precisely solved by the standard branch-and-bound technique. A case study was conducted to prove the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model can generate more ideal green bandwidths for critical paths compared with the benchmark. Further simulation demonstrates that the proposed model can outperform the benchmark model in reducing average path-flow delay and average number of stops, and improving average travel speed.
The Reindeer Circadian Clock Is Rhythmic and Temperature-compensated But Shows Evidence of Weak Coupling Between the Secondary and Core Molecular Clock Loops
Authors: Appenroth Daniel , Ravuri Chandra S. , Torppa Sara K. , Wood Shona H. , Hazlerigg David G. , West Alexander C.
Published: October 2024

Circadian rhythms synchronize the internal physiology of animals allowing them to anticipate daily changes in their environment. Arctic habitats may diminish the selective advantages of circadian rhythmicity by relaxing daily rhythmic environmental constraints, presenting a valuable opportunity to study the evolution of circadian rhythms. In reindeer, circadian control of locomotor activity and melatonin release is weak or absent, and the molecular clockwork is reportedly non-functional. Here we present new evidence that the circadian clock in cultured reindeer fibroblasts is rhythmic and temperature-compensated. Compared with mouse fibroblasts, however, reindeer fibroblasts have a short free-running period, and temperature cycles have an atypical impact on clock gene regulation. In reindeer cells, Per2 and Bmal1 reporters show rapid responses to temperature cycles, with a disintegration of their normal antiphasic relationship. The antiphasic Per2-Bmal1 relationship re-emerges immediately after release from temperature cycles, but without complete temperature entrainment and with a marked decline in circadian amplitude. Experiments using Bmal1 promoter reporters with mutated RORE sites showed that a reindeer-like response to temperature cycles can be mimicked in mouse or human cell lines by decoupling Bmal1 reporter activity from ROR/REV-ERB-dependent transcriptional regulation. We suggest that weak coupling between core and secondary circadian feedback loops accounts for the observed behavior of reindeer fibroblasts in vitro. Our findings highlight diversity in how the thermal environment affects the temporal organization of mammals living under different thermoenergetic constraints.
Using Restorative Justice to Respond to and Prevent Sexual Harm: A Qualitative Study of Formal Practices in Six Countries
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Hopkins C. Quince , Cavaletto April , Aggarwal Nikita
Published: October 2024

Sexual violence (SV), which causes sexual harm, is a significant public health issue globally. In many nations, conventional legal remedies are the prevailing responses to SV. Restorative justice (RJ) shows promise as a potential alternative way to address sexual harm, given evidence that RJ better aligns with expressed needs and safety concerns of those directly impacted by SV. However, few empirical studies exist concerning best practices for and the effectiveness of using RJ for this purpose. This study helped address this research gap by conducting in-depth interviews to understand how organizations choose to use RJ to address sexual harm; how RJ is being operationalized to address sexual harm; how those involved in offering RJ to address sexual harm define success or positive outcomes; and factors that present challenges for or contribute to the success of RJ processes addressing sexual harm. We conducted 24 semi-structured key informant interviews with RJ practitioners and researchers in six countries. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and emergent themes were identified through a rigorous, iterative coding process. Informants discussed using formal RJ practices with a subset of sexual harm cases, typically instances of adult sexual assault or to resolve sexual harm adults experienced as children. These responses generally adhered to this sequence: referral, assessing appropriateness for participation, preparing participants, and conducting the process. Informants shared anecdotal examples of RJ benefits and measurable indicators of program success like participant satisfaction, increased coping skills, and signs that harm will not recur, although, most were not formally evaluating their programs. Challenges included limited resources, unsupportive RJ-related beliefs, and COVID-19. Factors that aid success include funding, partnerships, and positive RJ-related views. Study findings underscore the need for more research on using RJ to address sexual harm with exploration of best practices for delivering such services to diverse communities.
Achieving performance and functionality in PLA-based packaging: Insights from hybrid composites with false banana (Enset) fiber and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Dejene Bekinew Kitaw , Gudayu Adane Dagnaw
Published: October 2024

The use of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites reinforced with natural fibers is becoming increasingly popular in sustainable packaging. However, these materials often lack adequate barriers and desirable functional properties. Concurrently, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been incorporated into PLA-based composites to develop functional packaging films. Despite this progress, there is a gap in the literature regarding packaging materials that require both functional and performance properties, specifically those that combine natural fibers and ZnO NPs within the PLA matrix. This study aims to develop and optimize the effects of ZnO nanofillers and false banana, also called Enset fibers (EFs) as hybrid reinforcements in PLA matrices. A central composite design (CCD) approach was used to evaluate the effects of EFs at three levels (5 %, 15 %, and 25 % w/w) and ZnO NPs at three levels (0 %, 5 %, and 10 % w/w) on the performance (tensile and flexural strength) and functional properties (water and antibacterial activity) of the resulting nanocomposite materials. The findings indicate that the inclusion of ZnO NPs significantly enhanced both the performance and functional properties of the nanocomposites, whereas the inclusion of EFs improved the performance properties but reduced the functional properties of the nanocomposites. Ultimately, this study identified an optimal formulation for producing durable and functional composites for various packaging applications.
Ever-Evolving Nursing Science in a Unitary Universe
Authors: Doe Mi Jin
Published: October 2024

This article is an introduction to the review of Evolving Rogerian Nursing Science: John R. Phillips’ Unique Contributions, published by the Society of Rogerian Scholars in 2023. This reviewed book compiles John R. Phillips’ publications spanning 1990 to 2023, cherishing his dedication and commitment to the science of unitary human beings. It also portrays ever-evolving changes in nursing as a never-ending mutual process in the pandimensional universe, reflecting the beauty of Martha E. Rogers’ vision as illustrated by Dr. Phillips.
Work Perceptions by Italian Nurses: Implications for Managers at the Point of Care
Authors: Vitale Elsa , Baumann Steven L.
Published: October 2024

The aim of this article is to report on Italian nurses’ perceptions of their performance and work-related behaviors. The data for the study were derived from a questionnaire that included the items from the Individual Workplace Performance Scale, which was distributed via the internet during March 2021. The analysis of the responses found that women complained more about their work than men. Older nurses reported concerns about keeping up-to-date; they also thought that they carried out their work more efficiently than younger nurses and that they were better able to come up with creative solutions for new problems. The nurses who had been working for 6 to 10 years reported feeling more vulnerable in their positions. Further research is needed to help nurse managers manage their staff and reach their organizational goals.
Analysis and Evaluation of Situation-Specific Theories: Proposed Modifications in Existing Criteria for Analysis and Evaluation of Theories
Authors: Provencher Helene , Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: October 2024

Although many situation-specific theories have been developed during the past several years, few of them have been analyzed and evaluated using criteria that are relevant for this type of theory. The purpose of this paper is to propose modifications in Fawcett’s analysis and evaluation criteria of theories for application to situation-specific theories. The position taken is that important but minor adjustments are required to make these criteria suitable for the analysis and evaluation of situation-specific theories, taking the similarities and differences between middle-range theories and situation-specific theories into account.
Karen J. Foli: A Nurse Scholar With an Unconventional Trajectory
Authors: Morrow Mary R. , Foli Karen J.
Published: October 2024

Nurse scholar Karen J. Foli has had an unconventional trajectory. She has written everything from mysteries to thrillers to peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and Food and Drug Administration documents. She conceptualized and disseminated two middle-range theories, one surrounding parental postadoption depression and one surrounding nurses’ psychological trauma. Foli’s research has revealed a new type of nurse-specific trauma, insufficient resource trauma, which calls for efforts at the organizational level. Winner of several book of the year awards, she is now working on a third middle-range theory. Dr. Foli shares her journey and encourages nurses to give theory a shot.
The Humanbecoming Concept Inventing Model: Another Exploration of Hope
Authors: Hamilton Teresa , Thompson Terri , Meyer Rebecca , Anozie Melissa , Dunkerley Marion , Jetton Susan , Toro Stacey , Bradley Karen
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a community of eight aspiring Parse scholars presents experiences with a scholarly investigation using Parse’s humanbecoming concept inventing model to discover the meaning of the nursing phenomenon hope as a universal humanuniverse living experience. The now-truth of the universal humanuniverse living experience hope surfaced as envisioning possibilities with sureness-unsureness arising with opportunities-restrictions. The ingenuous proclamation of hope, together with the aspiring Parse scholars’ chosen artform, is declared as a theoretical statement at the level of the humanbecoming paradigm is imaging the originating of enabling-limiting. The contributions of aspiring Parse scholars offer opportunities to advance nursing knowledge of the universal humanuniverse living experience hope.
Image representation of vibration signals and its application on fault diagnosis of rotating machinery with convolutional neural network: A benchmark study
Authors: Yuan Jiuhai , Zhang Qing , Zhang Jianqun , Qin Xianrong , Sun Yuantao
Published: October 2024

Intelligent fault diagnosis methods on the basis of two-dimensional (2D) image representation of vibration signals (IRVS) and the convolutional neural network (CNN) have been extensively applied in rotating machinery. However, as a large number of IRVS methods are being used, their performance has not been fairly and comprehensively evaluated, which leads to difficulties for researchers to make choices. To address this issue, this paper conducted a benchmark study aimed at comparing the comprehensive performance of different IRVS methods, including computation time, fault diagnosis accuracy, and noise resistance performance. Firstly, the IRVS methods and the fault diagnosis method combining IRVS and CNN were summarized. Then, the general process of the IRVS-CNN method was proposed. Finally, 17 types of IRVS methods were selected, and the performance of the IRVS method was compared based on three datasets and two classic CNN models. The results indicate that the computing time taken to generate 2D images using unthresholded recurrence plot (UTRP), and frequency-domain unthresholded recurrence plot (FDUTRP) methods is relatively longer. The vast majority of frequency-domain methods and time-frequency domain methods can achieve or approach a high accuracy rate in all experiments, demonstrating their outstanding performance. Frequency-domain color vibration image (FDCVI), FDUTRP, and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) have good noise resistance. These results provide a reference for future researchers in selecting IRVS methods.
Studies on surface roughness and axial thrust force of drilled holes in Mg-Zn-Ca bio-medical alloy
Authors: Kannan Sathish , P Hariharasakthisudhan , Logesh K , Varatharajulu M , Thomas KK , Pervaiz Salman
Published: October 2024

Mg-Zn-Ca alloy is a promising candidate for orthopaedic implants such as bone plates and screws, as it has a similar mechanical strength and elastic modulus to bone, and it degrades in the body without causing toxicity or inflammation. Drilling studies are necessary to optimize the drilling process parameters, to evaluate the machinability and surface integrity of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy, and to ensure the effective and efficient drilling for various applications in the medical and engineering fields. The present experimental study emphasizes the influence of Ca content, biofriendly coolants and their combined effect with standard drill bits on the surface quality and axial thrust force in the drilling operation of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy. The drilling parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, standard tools, bio-compatible coolants were optimized with respect to the amount of Ca in the Mg-Zn alloy. The axial thrust force and average surface roughness of drilled holes were considered as response of the experiments. The drilled surfaces were measured for average surface roughness in the transverse direction along the centre path of the drilled hole and a qualitative analysis was also carried out using advanced confocal microscope. The results revealed that the cutting speed among continuous factors significantly influenced the axial thrust force and average surface roughness. The effect of categorical factors was assessed using a regression based ranking method. The results of statistical analysis revealed that high speed steel, and vegetable oil offered improved surface quality, whereas the coconut oil showed low axial thrust force. The liquid nitrogen showed high value of axial thrust force and average surface roughness due to the brittleness induced by cryogenic coolant before drilling operation.
Electronic brake system-based hierarchical motion control of commercial vehicle for autonomous obstacle avoidance
Authors: Li Zhonghao , Wang Junnian , Wang Xinzhi , Shi Qiujun , Wang Yuncheng , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2024

As a high-level autonomous driving technology, efficient and safe automatic obstacle avoidance on highway is one of the critical and ongoing topics that requires in-depth research for commercial vehicles. Electronic control air pressure brake system, owing to its fast response and active braking ability, is an effective active-chassis technology to function path tracking and stability control in such condition. Yaw motion stability control problem of autonomous driving commercial vehicle based on active braking control with electronic air brake system for automatic obstacle avoidance is investigated. First, a hierarchical yaw motion dynamics control architecture is introduced after vehicle and brake system modeling. The quintic polynomial curve-based trajectory planning method and a Model Predictive Control based trajectory tracking control strategy are formulated. Second, to evade the possible stability losing issue in this circumstance, Cubature Kalman Filter (CKF) is utilized to estimate the vehicle motion states, and a fuzzy PID control-based differential brake stability control strategy is designed for the electronic brake system composed of front-and-rear two sets of dual-channel pressure regulator and ABS solenoid valve. Finally, the proposed hierarchical yaw stability control strategy for a commercial vehicle in typical obstacle avoidance conditions is comparatively verified based on the joint simulation tools. After the yaw stability control, the peak value of the lateral displacement error of trajectory tracking can be reduced by 44.7%. The yaw stability control strategy based on fuzzy PID control can reduce the yaw rate by 46%–57% and the sideslip angle by 60%–73% under different conditions. The results show that the proposed control strategy can effectively improve the yaw stability of the vehicle while avoiding obstacles at high speed.
Design optimization of automotive carbon fiber composite material floor laminate based on PSO-BFO algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Pengfei , Xu Wenchao , Wei Weizhen , Cai Kefang
Published: October 2024

In response to the current challenges of low precision and efficiency in the optimization of composite material layups, the insufficient lightweight of automotive body floors, and the high cost of carbon fiber composites, this study introduces an optimized design method for carbon fiber composite flooring layups. Based on implicit parametric technology, a hybrid PSO-BFO (Particle Swarm Optimization-Bacterial Foraging Optimization) algorithm is employed. This approach achieves an integrated optimization of materials, processes, and structures, thereby balancing and reducing costs. The SFE-CONCEPT is utilized to establish an implicit parameterization model for the body floor, which is validated through experiments and finite element simulation analysis. Concept design and modeling of the carbon fiber composite material floor laminate are performed. Continuous variable optimization is employed to determine the thickness, tile shape, and number of layers for the front, middle, and rear floors. A continuous variable discretization rounding strategy is used to obtain the discrete layer numbers for each laminate orientation of the composite material floor. The continuous fiber lamination strategy is applied to create different shared lamination regions. The PSO-BFO hybrid optimization method is proposed to optimize the lamination sequence as a multi-objective optimization, addressing the challenges of discrete lamination sequence, explosive combinations, and multiple variables in the optimization design of carbon fiber composite material floor laminates. The optimization results demonstrate improvements of 34.4% in floor quality M, 6.0% in static bending stiffness BS, and 5.3% in lightweight coefficient QLX using the proposed PSO-BFO method. PSO-BFO and PSO-GA (Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm) methods are more capable of obtaining global optimal solutions for complex optimization problems than single optimization algorithms. Still, the results obtained by the PSO-BFO method are more balanced.
Performance analysis and optimization of a vehicular LT-PEMFC for maximum power density and efficiency based on NSGA-II algorithm
Authors: Gu Yongming , Ma Zheshu , Guo Qilin , Wang Yuting
Published: October 2024

Based on finite temporal thermodynamics (FTT), a model for a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (LT-PEMFC) is created. The link between the LT-PEMFC’s output power density and efficiency was determined using the aforementioned model. The experimental results confirm the algorithm model’s accuracy. Investigations are also conducted into how the design and operating parameters affect the LT-PEMFC’s output outcomes. Moreover, the NSGA-II technique is used to maximize the power density and efficiency of the LT-PEMFC for multi-objective optimization. The experiment outcomes demonstrate that the optimized LT-PEMFC model performs better at output. The related powertrain design scheme for the various output performances of Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is provided by LT-PEMFC optimization. It is demonstrated by the study of simulation data that the optimized LT-PEMFC achieves reduced hydrogen consumption and higher FCV efficiency.
CFD analysis of the erosion wear through 90° bend of different area ratio at high slurry concentration
Authors: Baghel Yatish Kumar , Patel Vivek Kumar
Published: October 2024

Using the commercial computational fluid dynamics package ANSYS FLUENT, the behaviour of slurry erosion wear at 90° pipe bends was studied with varied area ratios (AR = 1–2). In this investigation, two influencing parameters have also been selected, such as slurry flow velocity (4−10 m/s) and the low to high slurry concentration of the fly ash (2.5%–40% by volume). To make a slurry, fly ash particles (150 µm) were mixed with water. Euler–Lagrange was used to forecast slurry erosion wear accurately. Simulations of the slurry flow within the bend pipeline were conducted with the help of a standard k-ɛ turbulence model and a two-way coupling approach. The findings of the simulation were validated against the existing research to ensure their accuracy. The study observed that the average erosion rate was directly proportional to the flow velocity and solid concentration of the slurry, while the average erosion rate was inversely proportional to the AR at all flow parameters. The findings indicate that the minimum and maximum erosion wear are found in AR = 2 and AR = 1, respectively. In the case of AR = 2, the average erosion rate is reduced by an average of 5.47 and 2.5 times at given flow parameters (slurry velocity and solid concentration) as compared to the AR = 1 and 1.5, respectively.
Constructions of “female autism” in professional practices: A Foucauldian discourse analysis
Authors: Moore Isobel , Morgan Gareth , Howard Chris
Published: October 2024

The rapid rise of literature concerned with “female autism” warrants critical analysis due to its implications for women and girls and understandings of neurodiversity. We sought to explore these implications, as well as broader institutional and ideological ramifications, through examining how female autism is constructed in professional practices. A Foucauldian discourse analysis was undertaken of descriptions of female autism in reports and resources provided by UK-based clinicians. Female autism was framed in these texts as an advance in medical–scientific knowledge and gender equality, its identification in women and girls argued to be crucial to their personal flourishing. However, attending to the power dynamics at play, a more complicated story developed, whereby the construction of female autism extends the reach of the “expert gaze” through expanding the category of autism while reproducing patriarchal norms and reinforcing hegemonic, binary understandings of gender. Interpretive in nature, our analysis intends a troubling of female autism, with the aim of encouraging critical feminist theoretical engagement as well as reflective clinical practice.
Chinese investment in Central and Eastern Europe: Studying the evolution of industrial relations after the takeover of a Slovenian company
Authors: Bembič Branko
Published: October 2024

The article studies the approach Chinese investors apply to industrial relations at the company level in Central and Eastern Europe. The takeover of a home appliances producer in Slovenia by a Chinese state-owned enterprise and the trajectory of company-level industrial relations are analysed. Adopting a political economy approach, we examine the role played by market-related factors (especially FDI motivation), institutional context, trade union power resources and the Chinese state as an investor. The study contributes in two ways. First, it shows the inadequacy of market-based explanations as host institutions and actors modify transfer outcomes, blurring the ideal types, such as the ‘latecomer’ model and its apparent CEE counterpart. Second, the strategic interests of Chinese SOEs may unwillingly empower local actors struggling to influence transfer outcomes.
Demystifying multilingual LIS journals in Scopus: Languages, coverage, metrics, and implications
Authors: Kim Eungi
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the languages, countries, geographic distribution, and commonly used journal metrics of multilingual Library and Information Science (LIS) journals indexed in Scopus. The Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) portal was used as a proxy for Scopus-indexed LIS journals. Through examination of the homepages of 249 LIS journals listed in SJR, 42 multilingual LIS journals were identified. For this study, multilingual journals were defined as those publishing in a combination of English and other languages. The findings revealed that although English-only journals have historically dominated the field, a significant number of multilingual journals have been indexed in Scopus over the past two decades. The 42 identified multilingual journals span 25 countries and encompass 18 languages, reflecting a diverse linguistic landscape in LIS scholarship. Notably, 67% are Open Access (OA) and affiliated with major publishers, including university presses. Spain and Brazil emerge as key players, accounting for 27% of all identified multilingual journals, highlighting the importance of their regional languages in LIS scholarship. However, the study also uncovered disparities in journal metrics and rankings, with multilingual journals consistently scoring lower than their English-only counterparts. Despite efforts to include regional and local journals in major databases, these results underscore the persistent challenges multilingual publications face in achieving and maintaining Scopus indexing.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Management of Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Retrospective, Current, and Future Perspective
Authors: Qimudesiren  , Yin Wenjie , Wang Yuhong , Qing Guo , Bao Jinhua , Chaomurilige  , Chen Shana , Qian Liren
Published: October 2024

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disorder that affects hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), primarily occurring in the elderly population. Lower-risk MDS is characterized by a decrease in blood cells, whereas higher-risk MDS is associated with an increased risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Currently, the treatment of MDS is still unsatisfactory, although demethylating agents, azacitidine (AZA), and decitabine (Dec) have been successfully used to treat MDS and improve survival rates. However, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment for MDS patients, effectively increasing patient survival and quality of life. Nevertheless, treatment-related toxicity, graft-versus-host disease, infectious complications, and relapse are still major post-transplant issues. In this review, through a retrospective analysis of past and present HSCT for the treatment of MDS, we provide insights for the future.
An Empirical Study on Indian Economy Over COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: D. L. Shanthi , G. Bhavya , N. Ashwini
Published: October 2024

The infectious disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a human pathogen and contributed to a pandemic around the world. According to the reports released as of February 2021, around 103 million confirmed cases and 2,247,917 deaths are registered. The pandemic of COVID-19, or coronavirus, has exposed several global system vulnerabilities. Even after having all the abilities to handle hazards, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 isolated every one of us from others. COVID-19 has caused the Indian economy to experience considerable disruption. The current pandemic of the coronavirus may lead to a permanent loss of 4 per cent of real Indian gross domestic product (GDP). Some key sectors such as tourism and aviation, telecommunication, automobiles and transport are negatively impacted. The other sectors such as e-learning, e-retail, logistics, pharmaceuticals and so on benefit from COVID-19. The present research is intended to study the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 in different industries, taking into account data of a secondary type. The survey also concludes with the initiatives, schemes and market effects for five important sectors using various relevant statistical instruments and techniques for analysis and conclusion.
Informal Credits in India’s Agriculture Sector: Debt Incidence, Size and Distribution across Major Farm-size Groups
Authors: Basumatary Rupon , Kalita Simi , Bharadwaj Himakshi
Published: October 2024

Until recently, studies on agricultural finance in India mostly focus on farmers’ access to formal credits, thereby largely sidelining their informal borrowings. This study makes an effort to present an analysis of farmers’ informal debts and their distribution across the major farm-size groups in India. The study uses unit-level data from the 77th round ‘Situation Assessment Survey (SAS)’ of agricultural households conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), Government of India (GOI), during January–December, 2019. Data were collected for the reference period of July 2018–June 2019. We use descriptive statistics and multivariate regression procedures for analysis.

Results show that about one-half of the borrowers continue to depend on informal credit sources—partially or fully. Informal sources also account for about one-third of the total debt of the agricultural households. Informal debt incidence (IDI) and informal debt share (IDS) are found to be higher among the smallholders. Our findings are imperative of policy measures to improve the current state of the antecedents of formal credit access to benefit the otherwise high default risk and credit-rationed smallholders. Future studies may focus on formal credit rationing, informal credit terms and repayment burden of the agricultural households in India.
Research on extreme value estimations and dynamic coefficients of wheel load for high-speed railway based on generalized Pareto distribution theory
Authors: Jie Guo , Rongshan Yang
Published: October 2024

The design value of wheel load is one of the key design parameters for high-speed railway ballastless track structure, which essentially belongs to the extreme estimation of wheel load. Based on the generalized Pareto distribution theory, this article carries on the research on the extreme value estimations of wheel load excited by whole wavelength range irregularity, which provides a basis for the design of ballastless track structure. When using automatic threshold selection method, sample declustering can improve the independence between data. The shape parameter screening method is proposed for the extreme value estimations of wheel load, and the corresponding sample size and shape parameter range for each cluster are determined. A reasonable sample size is determined, and the mean of the extreme estimations of wheel load is used as the final extreme estimation of wheel load. The dynamic coefficients that match the design life of the ballastless track structure are obtained.