bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitude, and Food Safety Practices among Street Food Vendors at a Metropolitan District in Ghana: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nortey Abraham Norman , Amu Hubert , Senu Ebenezer , Effah Alfred
Published: March 2024

Background. Street food is a vital component of cities and towns in developing countries. However, food poisoning has been associated with inadequate knowledge of food safety practices and inappropriate food handling. We examined the knowledge, attitude, and practices of street food sellers in the Takoradi Submetropolis, Ghana, on food safety and hygienic practice. Method. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 406 street food vendors were recruited based on a simple random sampling technique from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana, using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed with the chi-square test and binary logistic regression using Stata (version 16) software. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results. The level of knowledge was low among 70.4% of the food vendors, and 51% had negative attitudes towards food safety and hygiene. Food hygiene practices were also poor among 52.3% of the participants. The predictors of low knowledge level were senior high (aOR=0.37, 95% CI (0.19-0.70), p=0.002) and junior high education (aOR=0.52, 95% CI (0.27-0.99), p=0.047). Having senior high education (aOR=0.37, 95% CI (0.17-0.82), p=0.014), prior training on food safety and hygiene (aOR=0.50, 95% CI (0.29-0.84), p=0.010), and having high level of knowledge (aOR=0.33, 95% CI (0.20-0.54), p=0.001) were associated with lower likelihood of negative attitude towards food safety and hygiene. Moreover, having junior high education (aOR=6.20, 95% CI (2.78-13.87), p=0.001), high level of knowledge (aOR=4.70, 95% CI (2.77-7.98), p=0.001), and positive attitude towards food safety and hygiene (aOR=1.76, 95% CI (1.08-2.87), p=0.023) were associated higher odds of good food practice. Conclusion. Knowledge and attitude regarding food safety and hygienic practices was poor among street food vendors. Future initiatives should focus on establishing training programs for food vendors within the metropolitan assembly to improve their knowledge on food safety and hygienic practices.
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Risk Factors for Newcastle Disease Virus among Chickens in a Tanzania Live Bird Market
Authors: Tsaxra John B. , Gallardo Rodrigo A. , Abolnik Celia , Chengula Augustino A. , Msoffe Peter L. M. , Muhairwa Amandus P. , Phiri Thandeka , Mushi James R. , Chouicha Nadira , Mollel Esther L. , Zhou Huaijun , Kelly Terra R.
Published: March 2024

Village poultry plays a vital role in providing essential nutrition and income for rural communities in Africa. In this context, poultry are often traded through live bird markets (LBMs), which serve as central trading hubs where producers connect with traders and consumers, facilitating the flow of poultry products along the value chain. While they serve as important trading hubs, these markets create an environment where avian pathogens, like Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus, can easily emerge and spread. Improving our understanding of the epidemiology of NDV in LBMs is important for assessing disease risks and identifying factors that contribute to its persistence. Local chickens at the Mawenzi LBM in Morogoro municipality were surveyed for NDV presence, its temporal and spatial distribution, and risk factors for NDV infection. Twenty‐three percent of 659 local chickens sampled over a 1‐year period were positive for NDV based on PCR. Increased odds of NDV infection were identified in chickens that had been in the market for 2 or more days prior to sampling and during the period extending from August through October. Four significant spatiotemporal clusters of NDV‐positive chickens encompassing 13 villages were detected between August and October 2020, illustrating geographic hotspots of infection when NDV was most prevalent. Similar to the other LBMs, this market had enclosures with high densities of birds of mixed species, limited biosecurity, and the presence of birds with observable illness. Bird traders who source the chickens from the villages, described long transit times in mixed enclosures with limited sanitation practices and without consideration of sick birds or vaccination status prior to arriving at the LBM. This study highlights the need to invest in improvements to infrastructure and biosecurity for LBMs as well as training opportunities for increasing traders’ knowledge on hygiene and sanitation practices, animal welfare, and poultry biosecurity measures.
Time‐Series Forecasting of a Typical PWR Undergoing Large Break LOCA
Authors: Kaminski Michal , Diab Aya
Published: March 2024

In this work, a machine learning (ML) metamodel is developed for the time‐series forecasting of a typical nuclear power plant response undergoing a loss of coolant accident (LOCA). The plant model of choice is based on the APR1400 nuclear reactor. The key systems and components of APR1400 relevant to the investigated scenario are modelled using the thermal‐hydraulic code, RELAP5/MOD3.4, following the description published in the design control document. The model is tested under a spectrum of initial and boundary conditions via propagation of key uncertain parameters (UPs) which are derived from the phenomena identification and ranking table (PIRT). This is achieved by loosely coupling RELAP5/MOD3.4 with the statistical tool, Dakota. The most probable nuclear power plant (NPP) response was calculated using the best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) approach. Next, the database generated from the NPP system response was used as an input for the ML model. The NPP system response was represented by peak cladding temperature (PCT), safety injection system (SIT), mass flow rate, reactor power, and primary system pressure. In this research, two regression models were tested with reasonably good performance, namely, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) and the long short‐term memory (LSTM).
Evaluation of the Inductive Coupling between Coplanar Concentric Coils in the Presence of the Ground
Authors: Parise Mauro
Published: March 2024

An analytical approach is presented that allows deriving an exact series-form representation for the flux linkage between two physically large concentric circular coils located on a lossy soil. The expression comes from a three-step analytical procedure. First, the integral expression for the flux linkage is converted into a double integral consisting of a finite and a semi-infinite integral. Next, the semi-infinite integral is recognized to be a well-known tabulated Sommerfeld integral, which may be analytically evaluated straightforwardly. Finally, applying Lommel’s expansion allows rewriting the remaining finite integral as a sum of elementary integrals amenable to analytical evaluation. As a result, the flux linkage between the two coils is given as a sum of spherical Hankel functions of the wavenumber in the air and in the ground, multiplied by a coefficient depending on the geometrical dimensions of the coils. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed formulation is tested by comparing its outcomes with those generated by numerical integration of the complete integral representation for the flux linkage and with the results provided by previous analytical approaches to the same problem. It is found that the use of the derived expression for the inductance makes it possible to obtain significant time savings as compared to numerical quadrature schemes.
Outer Retinopathies Associated with COVID-19 Infection: Case Reports and Review of Literature
Authors: Zaheer Naima , Tallouzi Mohammad O. , Kumar N. Ajith , Sreekantam Sreekanth
Published: March 2024

Background. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease with profound health implications. It can affect any part of the body with variable severity. Various ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease have been documented. Case Presentations. We reported three cases of outer retinopathies associated with COVID-19 infection. All three patients were young females. The first two patients presented within days of COVID-19 infection with complaints of black spots in the eyes. Multimodal retinal imaging showed lesions consistent with acute macular neuroretinopathy. Lesions were bilateral in the first patient and unilateral in the second one. Our third patient presented with blurred vision in one eye, 3 months after a suspected COVID-19 infection. Retinal imaging showed outer retinopathy. Our patients’ vision was good and maintained during the follow-up. All three were monitored on observation only, and symptoms and lesions improved with time. Conclusion. In conclusion, COVID-19-related thromboinflammatory response can result in localized vascular inflammation and hypoperfusion in any of the retinal capillary plexuses or choriocapillaris resulting in ischemia of the corresponding retinal or choroidal layers.
Quantifying Soil Erosion in Drought-Impacted Central Odisha, India, through Geospatial Mapping with RUSLE
Authors: Dandapat Asit Kumar , Panda Prafulla Kumar , Sankalp Sovan , Jothimani Muralitharan
Published: March 2024

Soil degradation in Odisha poses a significant conservation concern for the local environment. The present research focused on a region in central Odisha State, India, affected by drought conditions. Several models have emerged to assess soil loss, with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) standing out as the most suitable option. The erosion computation process entails utilizing the digital elevation model (DEM), Landsat-9 imagery, and soil data from several sources accessible in different forms and scales. The present analysis took into account various elements, namely, crop management factor (C), practice management factor (P), slope length factor (LS), steepness factor of the slope (S), and rainfall factor (R). Multiplying these factors yielded the average rate of soil erosion. Areas with a high slope length factor, such as those in Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nuapada, have a high erosion rate. The study reveals that 57% of the land in the study area experiences very low to moderate soil erosion at a rate of 2–10 tons per hectare per year, while 43% faces moderately to very severe erosion at a rate of 10–25 tons per hectare per year. Erosion hotspots, covering 32,205 square kilometers, are mainly identified in agricultural and forested hilly areas where slopes exceed 10°, such as those in Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nuapada, which have a high erosion rate. These districts are especially vulnerable to soil loss and resulting climate action (Sustainable Development Goals-13) because of frequent and severe rainfall, shifting agricultural practices, a thin surface soil covering, natural erosion, and barren hills. The research emphasizes the urgent need for implementing conservation and management measures to protect high-risk areas from further degradation. In conclusion, the study underscores the effectiveness of the RUSLE-GIS model in conducting quantitative and spatial assessments of soil erosion on a river watershed scale. The model is deemed crucial in formulating conservation strategies to address the identified erosion issues in the tropical highlands of the area.
Fatty Acid and Sterol Profiles of Commonly Available Street Foods in Sri Lanka: Comparison to Other Countries in the Asian Region
Authors: Dassanayake Ruwini , Somasiri Sudarshana , Mahanama Kariyawasam , Premakumara Sirimal
Published: March 2024

Informal sector foods are considered a vector of unhealthy fatty acids linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCD). This study is aimed at investigating the hazardous and nutritional fatty acids and sterols in commonly consumed ready-to-eat (RTE) street foods (n=108) in Sri Lanka using modified and validated AOAC and AOCS test methods. Significant variations (p<0.05) were detected in fatty acid composition among different foods. A comparatively higher fat content (>17.5 g/100 g) was observed in 95% of pastry samples, while 51.5% of total foods exceeded the national threshold limit (8 g/100 g) for children. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) was higher than 1.5 g/100 g in 93% of food. SFA was more predominant than polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in all foods. The most prominent SFA was palmitic acid. Oleic acid was the major unsaturated fatty acid. Total trans fatty acids detected in all foods were in the range of 0.12-1.60 g/100 g. The PUFA/SFA ratios of all analysed street foods (0.16-0.28) were less than the recommended PUFA/SFA ratio of ≥0.4. Omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratios of all food were 18 : 1-24 : 1, which is higher than the WHO-recommended ratio of 4 : 1-5 : 1. Mean atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices were 0.80-1.63 and 1.47-2.76, respectively. The essential fatty acids of α-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid were less than the required nutritional intake. The most prominent phytosterol is the β-sitosterol in all foods, and total phytosterols were 3.29-136.65 mg/serving. Cholesterol was in the range of 0.36 to 256.85 mg/serving. These results suggest that consumption of these selected street foods may aid in increasing the risks of NCDs in consumers, and findings emphasise the urgency of improving the nutritional quality of street foods by continuously monitoring and regulating the present culinary practices. This study is the first to report a comprehensive fatty acid composition, including sterols, in RTE foods.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Triterpenoids Isolated from Endemic Euphorbia arbuscula Stem Latex
Authors: Al-Ansi Zainab , Masaoud Mohammed , Hussein Khaled , Moharram Bushra , Al-Madhagi Wafa M.
Published: March 2024

This research study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of stem latex extracts from the endemic medicinal plant Euphorbia arbuscula found on Socotra Island, Yemen. The study aimed to assess the potential medicinal and veterinary uses of this plant, representing the first evaluation of its properties. The stem latex was extracted using ethanol, and the resulting oil underwent analysis using GC-MS to identify eight compounds. In addition, chromatographic techniques were employed to isolate two triterpenoids, lanosterol and lupeol, from the stem latex. The structures of these compounds were confirmed using IR, MS, and NMR techniques. The antibacterial activity of the extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated against three bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method, revealing only weak antibacterial effects. The study also investigated the antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay, where the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest activity with an IC50 value of ±13.55 µg/mL, followed by the chloroform extract with an IC50 of ±21.87 µg/mL. These findings emphasize the potential of Euphorbia arbuscula in the development of new medicines, particularly due to its notable antioxidant activity. The research methodology employed a scientifically rigorous approach, utilizing a comprehensive range of analytical techniques. However, further investigation is required to fully assess the plant’s potential as a therapeutic agent.
On the Impact of Flexibility on Demand‐Side Management: Understanding the Need for Consumer‐Oriented Demand Response Programs
Authors: Cortez Vitor , Rabelo Ricardo , Carvalho Arthur , Floris Alessandro , Pilloni Virginia
Published: March 2024

While demand response programs inherently depend on consumer acceptance in order to be successful, consumer behavior is often overlooked when designing such programs. This paper addresses the impact of consumer flexibility in terms of appliance use on the success of a demand response program, measured through the overall grid stability assessed by the demand’s peak‐to‐average ratio. We employ a bootstrapping approach to simulate energy communities from real‐life consumer data and implement a state‐of‐the‐art demand response system. Results suggest that higher consumer flexibility under real‐time energy tariffs implies higher degrees of grid stability, with real‐time pricing decreasing the average peak‐to‐average ratio by 4.6% compared to time‐of‐use tariff and with highly flexible consumers showing a 23% lower peak‐to‐average ratio than regular consumers on average. Yet, it is possible for higher flexibility to be detrimental to grid stability by increasing the peak‐to‐average ratio under a time‐of‐use tariff. This result highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between different factors that influence energy consumer behavior, a research stream that has been under investigated thus far.
The Detection of Explosive Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) Using Optical Microcavity
Authors: Shen Yao , Wang Kai , Guo Bai-En , Wang Min
Published: March 2024

Optical microcavity, which is based on light-matter interaction, has the advantage of high sensitivity as a sensor. It has been widely used in the security, medicine, and environment fields these years. Detection of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale is one of the practical usages of optical microcavity. In this paper, we focus on a ultra-high-quality factor optical microcavity of whispering gallery mode (WGM) to detect the explosive of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX). To demonstrate the high sensitivity of the method, we detect the solution at different concentrations. Different types of optical microcavities are suitable for the detection of different matters. Considering the effects of the results and the simplicity of operation, we use silica microspheres chiefly. This is the first time to detect the explosive using highly sensitive optical microcavity. The detection of pure explosives will be helpful for establishing the database of the explosives.
From Social Minority to Children’s Rights in Colombia
Authors: Carreño Manosalva Clara Inés
Published: March 2024

This article reviews the institutional concepts associated with child protection in Bogota, Colombia, from the 16th century to the present, and studies how these concepts merged with the neoliberal discourse at the beginning of the 21st century in the care practices that are carried out. The article shows how state institutions in charge of child protection base their activities on ideological representations that involve techniques of control, surveillance and punishment of domestic units, which are presented as dysfunctional insofar as the children are seen as vulnerable. The article concludes that this exercise perpetuates social and spatial segregation in the city to legitimise the governance of child care. Ethnographic work carried out in the period between 2012 and 2017 in the Centro Único de Recepción de Niños (Unique Child Reception Centre) in Bogotá, is taken as a point of reference for the analysis.
Mitigation of effects of heat and humidity at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games equestrian events
Authors: Foreman J.H.
Published: March 2024

The physiological challenge of Tokyo 2020, the XXXII Olympic Summer Games held in July-August 2021, was adaptation to training and competing in the subtropical summer weather conditions. Dressage, Eventing, and Jumping horses (n = 248) arrived at 05:00-06:30 h on six European and two Australian overnight chartered flights 8-to-10 days prior to beginning competition. All horses were housed at Japan Racing Association Equestrian Park in Bagi Koen. Eventing Cross Country was held an hour’s drive away at Sea Forest. All stables and conveyances were air-conditioned. Cooling stations were available at both venues and consisted of tall arched tents with large containers of water chilled to ≤15 °C, cooling/misting fans, and rubberised flooring for traction safety. Training hours began at 06:00 h daily with a mandatory mid-day break between 11:00 and 15:00-16:00 h when arenas were re-opened until 22:00. Daytime temperatures ranged 28.8-36.8 °C and peak humidity remained high throughout the Games (58-97%). There were no heat-related illnesses in horses observed by clinic veterinarians who were present at all training and competition rings whenever horses were exercising. Individual horses received elective intravenous fluids (10 litre minimum) on arrival in Japan, after cross country, and/or before departure. Reported ailments included post-transport pneumonia, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, orthopaedic injury, laceration, impaction colic, acute piroplasmosis, and laminitis. A persistent brisk westerly wind began nightly around 17:00 h, making evening competition sessions cooler than daytime training sessions. It was concluded that safe competitions were held despite persistently elevated subtropical ambient heat and humidity conditions.
How China’s Supreme People’s Court Supports the Development of Foreign-Related Rule of Law
Authors: Finder Susan
Published: March 2024

This article provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of the role of the Supreme People’s Court (spc) in the Xi Jinping era, examining functions little explored in scholarship. It explains how and why the spc supports national strategies, focusing on the development of “foreign-related rule of law” through multiple “active” functions. It explores that work in the context of strengthened Communist Party leadership of the courts and other legal institutions. The article examines the spc’s functions of “policy-making,” “law-making,” case hearing, and coordinating and cooperating with central Party and state institutions and how they are used to support the development of “foreign-related rule of law.” The discussion of those functions also illustrates the impact of strengthened Communist Party leadership. The Politburo’s 2023 collective study session on foreign-related rule of law signals that the spc’s foreign-related judicial expertise as exercised through its multiple functions is crucially important to the Party leadership. The article illustrates one aspect of the unique role of the spc as China’s highest court in its dynamic political-legal system and the way in which it supports evolving national strategies and the implementation of fundamental policies.
The Rise of Data and ai in Parliamentary Proceedings – The Norwegian Parliament, Stortinget
Authors: Wahl Tanja
Published: March 2024

In 2019 the administration of the Norwegian Parliament designed and adopted a strategic goal for digitization: The Parliament shall exchange, process, publish and preserve parliamentary information digitally and efficiently, with good quality. One outcome of this effort was the project “StorSak”. This project aims to implement an information system which handles document production and parliamentary proceedings in a coherent digital value-chain. One of the investment areas in the StorSak project is exploring the use of machine learning (ml) and artificial intelligence (ai). The project quickly singled out metadata handling as an area of interest, and the categorization of documents and proceedings using theme wording.
Developing Integrated STEM Teacher Identity Using Guided Curation of K-12 Engineering Activities
Authors: Galanti Terrie M. , Holincheck Nancy
Published: March 2024

This qualitative study examines how guided curation develops practicing teachers’ task perception as a dimension of integrated STEM teacher identity. Task perception is defined as teachers’ beliefs about their roles and responsibilities as integrated STEM educators. Analysis of teachers’ (n = 22) guided curation assignments from a graduate STEM education course revealed how teachers perceived their roles and responsibilities as integrated STEM educators and potential challenges to integrating STEM. These beliefs included the importance of centering the engineering design process, encouraging collaborative problem solving, providing productive mistake-making opportunities, and connecting mathematics and engineering. Teacher educators’ adaptation of a freely available STEM lesson specification tool scaffolded the collection and analysis of curriculum resources. This adaptation was instrumental in developing task perception. Implications for building elementary teachers’ capacity to implement and sustain innovative integrated STEM instruction are offered.
Linking Sustainability and STEAM Education in Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Carranza Pablo , Kanobel María Cristina , Tejera Mathias , Lavicza Zsolt
Published: March 2024

This article presents design-based research to explore the potential of integrating STEAM education and the Sustainable Development Goals into a project-based learning experience to address the lack of access to water in Argentine Patagonia. The study, which was conducted at a rural school in the region of Patagonia, with 13-year-old students, focused on designing, constructing, and installing a solar-powered irrigation system. The article discusses benefits of combining project-based learning, mathematical modelling, and outdoor STEAM education to provide students with an engaging and comprehensive learning experience in STEM subjects. The authors highlight the need to restructure the school organisation to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to address real-life problems. It also emphasises the importance of contextual restrictions and how they can be used as didactic variables to motivate the use of rationality in problem-solving. Experience reports provide insights into STEAM-based education’s potential to foster students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Examining Patterns and Predictors of ADHD Teens’ Skill-Learning Trajectories During Enhanced FOrward Concentration and Attention Learning (FOCAL+) Training
Authors: Epstein Jeffery N. , Garner Annie A. , Kiefer Adam W. , Peugh James , Tamm Leanne , Lynch James D. , MacPherson Ryan P. , Simon John O. , Fisher Donald L.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Examine patterns and predictors of skill learning during multisession Enhanced FOrward Concentration and Attention Learning (FOCAL+) training.

Background

FOCAL+ teaches teens to reduce the duration of off-road glances using real-time error learning. In a randomized controlled trial, teens with ADHD received five sessions of FOCAL+ training and demonstrated significant reductions in extended glances (>2-s) away from the roadway (i.e., long-glances) and a 40% reduced risk of a crash/near-crash event. Teens’ improvement in limiting long-glances as assessed after each FOCAL+ training session has not been examined.

Method

Licensed teen (ages 16–19) drivers with ADHD ( n = 152) were randomly assigned to five sessions of either FOCAL+ or modified standard driver training. Teens completed driving simulation assessments at baseline, after each training session, and 1 month and 6 months posttraining. Naturalistic driving was monitored for one year.

Results

FOCAL+ training produced a 53% maximal reduction in long-glances during postsession simulated driving. The number of sessions needed to achieve maximum performance varied across participants. However, after five FOCAL+ training sessions, number of long-glances was comparable irrespective of when teens achieved their maximum performance. The magnitude of reduction in long-glances predicted levels of long-glances during simulated driving at 1 month and 6 months posttraining but not naturalistic driving outcomes. FOCAL+ training provided the most benefit during training to teens who were younger and had less driving experience.

Conclusion

FOCAL+ training significantly reduces long-glances beginning at the 1st training session.

Application

Providing five FOCAL+ training sessions early on during teen driving may maximize benefit.
“I’d Rather Be Broke Than Harmed”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of People Engaged in Commercial Sex Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pfeffer Rebecca , Barrick Kelle , Galvan Terri , Marfori Fleur Monnet , Williams Shannon A.
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

People involved in commercial sex work during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those compelled to sell sex, faced multiple challenges to their safety and well-being. We explored, in real time, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people involved in commercial sex work and the broader commercial sex industry.

Methods:

Using a participatory action research approach, we interviewed 159 English- and Spanish-speaking adults who had engaged in commercial sex work under the direction of a third party in Sacramento County, California, within the past 5 years (approximately 2017-2022). As part of a larger study, our interview protocol included 1 question about the COVID-19 pandemic: “Has COVID-19 changed anything about your experience with sex work?” We transcribed and analyzed interviews using QSR-NVivo, a qualitative coding software.

Results:

Participants described the effects of increased isolation, decreased demand, difficulty accessing social services, fear of contracting COVID-19, difficulty in following public health guidance on social distancing and wearing face masks, and how the pandemic resulted in some people entering or exiting commercial sex work. Most participants were familiar with recommended public health safety measures, but lack of agency and financial need limited their ability to comply with all recommendations. A lack of access to social services added stress to those most in need of emergency housing or substance use treatment and left them vulnerable to continued abuse.

Conclusions:

Stress and financial insecurity generally increased among people involved in commercial sex work during the pandemic, and no efforts were made to understand and mitigate the hardships that this population faced. Future research should address how to maintain social service availability during times of public health emergencies and other crises.
The Persistence of Hierarchy: Paradoxes of Dominance in Nepal and Beyond
Authors: Gellner David N.
Published: March 2024

MN Srinivas’ concept of ‘the dominant caste’ has rightly been highly influential. The forms that dominance takes have changed a good deal since his day, but inequality and hierarchy have persisted. Modern ideological justifications of dominance are frequently at variance with those of former times, leading to plenty of paradoxes. These paradoxes are illustrated with examples from Nepal, but their application is much wider. Thanks to Nepal’s different political history, the Nepali case can very usefully be contrasted with India and other parts of South Asia to highlight how, and in which contexts, hierarchy as a value persists even when equality is written into numerous constitutional provisions and laws.
An Examination of Differences in Detected Versus Undetected Child-to-Parent Violence in Spanish Justice and Community Youth Samples
Authors: Cano-Lozano M. Carmen , León Samuel P. , Contreras Lourdes
Published: March 2024

The number of crimes related to child-to-parent violence (CPV) has increased in recent years. Most cases are undetected. This is the first study to compare CPV-justice involved youth (CPV-JI/detected CPV) and CPV non-justice involved youth (CPV non-JI/undetected CPV), with the aim of examining differences in risk factors and pattern of violence. The sample included 306 Spanish youth (229 males, 77 females) aged 14 to 19 years: 83 CPV-JI, 105 CPV non-JI, and 115 non-CPV. The results show a worse individual, family, and social profile in CPV-JI youth compared with CPV non-JI youth, and in the latter compared with non-CPV youth. Undetected aggressors were more similar to detected aggressors than to non-aggressors. In addition, CPV-JI youth had higher scores in CPV-Q than CPV non-JI youth. The CPV-Q score that best classified detected versus undetected aggressors is 16 to 17 points, proving to be a useful instrument in classifying different types of CPV aggressors.
Differences in Cultural Dimensions Between South Korean Officers and Conscripts: A Topic Modeling Approach
Authors: Kim Insoo , Jo Wonkwang
Published: March 2024

Excessive restrictions on individual rights, such as a ban on smartphone use and strict hair regulations, are a major concern among conscripts in South Korea. However, officers often adopt a lukewarm attitude toward their grievances. This study examines whether officers and conscripts have different standards of what is acceptable in the military. Theoretically and empirically, there are systemic differences in how officers and conscripts perform daily tasks; however, we do not have a detailed and systematic account of these differences. Therefore, we collected 23,987 responses to an open question regarding the disappointing aspects of military life and conducted a deductive descriptive study. A topic modeling analysis was used to identify 40 topics and categorize them into three clusters: respect for people, innovation, and sense of duty. The data analysis revealed that officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and conscripts had different priorities regarding what the military must do. Officers and NCOs prioritized innovation over respect for people, but the opposite was true for conscripts. These findings have theoretical and methodological implications for exploring military subcultures.
The precarious lives and survival strategies of unaccompanied Afghan youth in Türkiye
Authors: Bulgurcuoğlu Sultan Ebru , Atasü-Topcuoğlu Reyhan
Published: March 2024

Unaccompanied children who do not or cannot access the child protection system in Türkiye often become engaged in child labor and find themselves living in precarity. This paper highlights narratives of survival within their culturally-assumed transition to manhood based on empirical research on the life experiences of 12 unaccompanied, male Afghan youth who came to Türkiye as unaccompanied children. These narratives reflect patriarchal culture, particularly the Taliban’s extreme manifestations of patriarchy, both in a context of war and violence. Unaccompanied Afghan children migrate for survival and, after dangerous journeys, live as irregular migrants. Their daily life is marked by (1) fear of police and deportation, (2) child labor, (3) long and challenging work routines, (4) lack of leisure time, schooling, adult protection or support and (5) lack of social security. As a result, they develop survival strategies to manage their precarious lives. Their narratives share commonalities focusing on the conditionalities of constructing manhood.
Modeling and Control of a Novel Variable Stiffness Three DoFs Wrist
Authors: Milazzo Giuseppe , Catalano Manuel G. , Bicchi Antonio , Grioli Giorgio
Published: March 2024

This study introduces an innovative design for a Variable Stiffness 3 Degrees of Freedom actuated wrist capable of actively and continuously adjusting its overall stiffness by modulating the active length of non-linear elastic elements. This modulation is akin to human muscular cocontraction and is achieved using only four motors. The mechanical configuration employed results in a compact and lightweight device with anthropomorphic characteristics, making it potentially suitable for applications such as prosthetics and humanoid robotics. This design aims to enhance performance in dynamic tasks, improve task adaptability, and ensure safety during interactions with both people and objects. The paper details the first hardware implementation of the proposed design, providing insights into the theoretical model, mechanical and electronic components, as well as the control architecture. System performance is assessed using a motion capture system. The results demonstrate that the prototype offers a broad range of motion ([55, −45]° for flexion/extension, ±48° for radial/ulnar deviation, and ±180° for pronation/supination) while having the capability to triple its stiffness. Furthermore, following proper calibration, the wrist posture can be reconstructed through multivariate linear regression using rotational encoders and the forward kinematic model. This reconstruction achieves an average Root Mean Square Error of 6.6°, with an R2 value of 0.93.
Jakarta: Taking the field seriously
Authors:   The Jakarta Collective, Colven Emma , Nowak Samuel , Anguelov Dimitar , Irawaty Dian , Sheppard Eric , Leitner Helga
Published: March 2024

We respond as the Jakarta Collective to Prathiwi Putri’s constructive critique of Leitner and Sheppard’s research on Jakarta’s kampungs, to make visible the broader cluster of scholarship surrounding their research. Deploying six binaries, postcolonialism versus neoliberalism, non-capitalism versus capitalism, agency versus structure, displacement versus dispossession, and individual versus collective action, Putri suggests that Leitner and Sheppard stress the former while neglecting the latter. By taking the field seriously, we argue that the research of the Collective approaches these dialectically, teasing out their complex interrelations. Changes in Jakarta’s kampungs reflect its hybrid more-than-capitalist political economy, at the intersection of US and Chinese influence. The displacement of kampungs and kampung residents’ practices subsidize capitalism but they also contest its norms. Residents’ agency is significant; some gain but others lose, they act individually but also collectively. Highlighting more-than-capitalist practices opens up possibilities for alternative futures rather than simply documenting capitalist hegemony.
The impact of eating disorders on idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Wallentin Therese , Linnet Jakob , Lichtenstein Mia B , Hansen Nadja S , Korsbæk Johanne J , Høgedal Lisbeth , Hagen Snorre M , Molander Laleh D , Jensen Rigmor H , Beier Dagmar
Published: March 2024

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) occurs more frequently in obese females of childbearing age. A link between eating disorders and poor outcome has been suggested but remains unproven.

Methods

This prospective field study at two tertiary headache centers included patients with clinically suspected IIH after standardized diagnostic work-up. Eating disorders were evaluated using validated questionnaires (EDQs). Primary outcome was the impact of eating disorders on IIH severity and outcome, secondary outcome was the prevalence and type of eating disorders in IIH compared to controls.

Results

We screened 326 patients; 143 patients replied to the EDQs and were classified as ‘IIH’ or ‘non-IIH’ patients. The demographic profile of EDQ-respondents and non-respondents was similar. Presence of an eating disorder did not impact IIH severity (lumbar puncture opening pressure (p = 0.63), perimetric mean deviation (p = 0.18), papilledema (Frisén grad 1–3; p = 0.53)) nor IIH outcome (optic nerve atrophy (p = 0.6), impaired visual fields (p = 0.18)). Moreover, we found no differences in the prevalence and type of eating disorders when comparing IIH with non-IIH patients (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

Eating disorders did not affect IIH severity or outcome. We found the same prevalence and distribution pattern of eating disorders in IIH and non-IIH patients advocating against a direct link between IIH and eating disorders.
Studying Edema Formation After Release of the Infraspinatus Muscle as an Experimental Model of Rotator Cuff Lesions in Sheep: A Histological Analysis
Authors: von Rechenberg Brigitte , Gehrke Rieke S. , Klein Karina , Kronen Peter , Darwiche Salim , Zbinden Jeanni , Wieser Karl , Lädermann Alexandre
Published: March 2024

Background:

Muscle edema formation and inflammatory processes are early manifestations of acute rotator cuff lesions in sheep. Histological analysis of affected muscles revealed edema formation, inflammatory changes, and muscle tissue disruption in MRs.

Hypothesis:

Edema contributes to inflammatory reactions and early muscle fiber degeneration before the onset of fatty infiltration.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Osteotomy of the greater tuberosity, including the insertion of the infraspinatus tendon, was performed on 14 sheep. These experimental animal models were divided into 2 groups: a nontrauma group with surgical muscle release alone (7 sheep) and a trauma group with standardized application of additional trauma to the musculotendinous unit (7 sheep). Excisional biopsy specimens of the infraspinatus muscle were taken at 0, 3, and 4 weeks.

Results:

Edema formation was histologically demonstrated in both groups and peaked at 3 weeks. At 3 weeks, signs of muscle fiber degeneration were observed. At 4 weeks, ingrowth of loose alveolar and fibrotic tissue between fibers was detected. Fatty tissue was absent. The diameter of muscle fibers increased in both groups, albeit to a lesser degree in the trauma group, and practically normalized at 4 weeks. Immunohistology revealed an increase in macrophage types 1 and 2, as well as inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells.

Conclusion:

Early muscle edema and concomitant inflammation precede muscle fiber degeneration and fibrosis. Edema formation results from tendon release alone and is only slightly intensified by additional trauma.

Clinical Relevance:

This study illustrates that early edema formation and inflammation elicit muscle fiber degeneration that precedes fatty infiltration. Should this phenomenon be applicable to human traumatic rotator cuff tears, then surgery should be performed as soon as possible, ideally within the first 21 days after injury.
Dementia Caregiver Experiences: Insights From a Telephone-Based Support Program
Authors: Thai Glory H. , Rivette Sheran , Sharman JoAnn , Epps Fayron , Masoud Sara
Published: March 2024

Dementia caregivers face daunting challenges as both the oldest subpopulation of those providing unpaid care and the most at risk of adverse health outcomes as a result of their role, including depression, anxiety, and increased mortality. To better understand the experiences and needs of dementia caregivers, a qualitative content analysis was conducted of secondary data extracted from call logs ( N = 569) recorded by a provider-initiated, telephone-based support program. Experiences identified from the call logs were coded, categorized, and ranked to determine the most prevalent dementia caregiving-related experiences. Features of the program, particularly the semi-structured call format and directionality of calls, helped to uniquely capture common experiences of family caregivers and their day-to-day concerns. Findings from this analysis reflect the high prevalence of caregiver mental and emotional health-related concerns. This analysis supports the development of interventions that align with the experiences of dementia caregivers.
Achieving Organizationality in Large-Scale Crises: A Comparative Case Study on the Communicative Constitution of Spontaneous Volunteer Collectives
Authors: Carius Christine , Graw Jan , Schultz Carsten
Published: March 2024

Many large-scale crises require rapid responses from spontaneous volunteers (SVs). The more effective the way in which volunteers develop organizationality, the better they are able to coordinate individual activities, and the better they can cope with demands imposed by a disaster. However, we currently know too little about how SV collectives emerge and develop organizationality in the context of crises. We, therefore, explore organizationality’s emerging phases and determinants by grounding our study on the “communication constitutes organizations” research stream, that is, the four flows (4 F) model. In our qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews, as well as (social) media data from five large-scale crises in Germany, we identify the role of space, symbols, and support (3 S), and their effects as enablers of legitimacy and collective identity. By complementing the 4 F model, we contribute to “communication constitutes organizations” research and draw implications for managing loose SV collectives in practice.
Mechanical properties of an energy-efficient straw-filled honeycomb plate with cement-based skins under a hammer impact test
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Liu Yalan , Guo Zhensheng , Zhu Nanxing , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

To promote the application of a new type of bionic energy-efficient sandwich plate with light weight and high strength in the construction field, a drop hammer impact test was adopted to determine the impact mechanical properties and influencing mechanism of fiber reinforced cement-based energy-efficient honeycomb plates with different core fillers (shredded straw and glass beads). The results show that compared with unfilled honeycomb plates (CHP), the contact force–time curves of energy-efficient plates have an obvious secondary peak, and the size of the damaged area on the back side of the upper skin is significantly reduced. Additionally, the presence of fillers in the energy-efficient plates provide a certain constraint on the deformation of honeycomb walls and skins, and slightly increase the size of the secondary peak. Furthermore, this study qualitatively reveals the influence mechanisms of the flexural stiffness of the sandwich plates, the morphology of damaged skins and fillers, the deformation pattern of the honeycomb core. The results provide a reference for subsequent research on the influence of different fillers on sandwich plates.
Effects of bubble content on the rotor behavior and characteristics of hydraulic pumps used for automatic transmissions
Authors: Yanada Hideki , Kojima Ryo , Terashima Haruka , Yokoyama Hiroshi , Nishikawara Masahito
Published: March 2024

In automatic transmissions, hydraulic oil in the oil sump is strongly agitated by gears during operation; thus, the oil is mixed with great amounts of air. Air-mixed oil is sucked and discharged by a hydraulic pump to shift the gears. Although air bubbles mixed in the oil may affect the behavior of the rotors, driving torque, and discharge flow rate, they have hardly been measured. In this study, we measure them using a balanced vane pump and a gerotor pump used for automatic transmissions under varying air bubble contents and operating conditions. The experimental results revealed that the inclusion of air bubbles in the oil somewhat influenced the rotor behavior of both test pumps but it did not seem to increase the contact between the rotor and the surrounding stationary parts. Furthermore, as the bubble content increased, friction torque decreased to some degree, while discharge flow rate decreased to a great degree. This work proposed a new friction torque model, in which bubble content is included as a parameter, and the proposed model demonstrated relatively good agreement with the measured friction torque characteristics. The results also revealed that the rotor behavior and friction torque characteristic were mainly affected by bubble content and less so by bubble size.