Analysis Approach Research Articles

Examining Gender Diversity in Local Government Elections in Nepal: A Review

In Nepal, women's involvement in politics has historically been constrained by entrenched traditional gender roles. Despite these limitations, several remarkable women have managed to rise above these constraints and become influential leaders within their communities. These instances highlight that simply implementing laws is not enough to ensure women's participation; continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure the effective enforcement of these laws. This study employed a mixed research design, incorporating both liberal and representative political science theories, alongside a descriptive and analytical approach, which proved to be particularly effective under pragmatist philosophy. In 2017 local elections, women represented 40.95 percent of the elected officials. By 2022, this figure had seen a slight increase, with women comprising 41.21 percent of all elected representatives. This progress suggests that the 2022 elections offered a valuable opportunity to enhance women's representation in politics, building on the significant achievements of 2017. This progress not only benefits political parties but also supports social justice. Many women, particularly those who have served in local government over the past four years, are eager to advance their political careers. Increasing female representation in public life is an important step toward achieving gender equality. Despite the Election Commission's efforts to address concerns about women's electoral participation, their actions have been insufficient, and political parties have exploited existing loopholes.

Exploring multifractality in African stock markets: A multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis approach

This paper investigates the multifractal behavior of the six largest African stock markets, including the Johannesburg, Casablanca, Botswana, Nigerian, Egyptian, and Regional Stock Exchanges. Despite the growing significance of these markets in the global economy, there is limited understanding of their underlying dynamics, particularly regarding their multifractal properties. This lack of knowledge raises concerns about the informational efficiency of these markets, as traditional models may not adequately capture the complexities of price movements. To achieve the goals of the study, the Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) method is applied to capture the multifractal dynamics, and shuffling and phase randomization techniques are performed to identify the sources of the multifractality of the six African stock markets. The empirical results, derived from the generalized Hurst exponents, Rényi exponents, and Singularity spectrum, show that all six stock markets display multifractal behavior, characterized by irregular and complex price movements that vary across different scales and timeframes. Additionally, the study finds that both long-term correlations and heavy-tailed distributions contribute to the observed multifractality. Long-term correlations lead to persistent price trends, challenging the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), while heavy tails increase market unpredictability by raising the likelihood of extreme events like crashes or booms. The findings have significant practical implications for stakeholders in African stock markets, enabling investors and portfolio managers to enhance risk assessment and develop effective trading strategies while helping market regulators improve efficiency and stability through appropriate policies. Financial institutions can also refine risk management frameworks to better account for extreme events.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE AEROELASTIC "PIPELINE – PRESSURE SENSOR" SYSTEM

This paper proposes mathematical models of mechanical systems "pipeline - pressure sensor" designed to control the pressure of the working medium in the combustion chambers of engines. In such systems, to mitigate the impact of vibration accelerations and high temperatures, the sensor is connected to the engine using a pipeline and is located at some distance from it. The movement of the working medium is described by linear models of fluid and gas mechanics. To describe the dynamics of an elastic sensitive element, linear models of the mechanics of a solid deformable body are used. Based on linear differential equations with partial derivatives, mathematical formulations of problems are proposed that correspond to three-dimensional models of pressure measurement systems in gas-liquid media for some pipeline cross-sectional shapes, namely, for a pipeline with a rectangular cross-section, with a section in the form of a sector and in the form of a ring. By introducing integral characteristics, the solution of problems is reduced to studying one-dimensional models. Equations have been obtained that make it possible to determine the pressure of the working medium in the combustion chamber at each moment of time by the value of deformation of the sensitive element of the sensor. Analytical and numerical-analytical methods for solving the corresponding initial-boundary value problems for systems of differential equations are proposed. In the analytical approach, the solution of the problem is reduced to solving a differential equation with a deviating argument. The numerical-analytical study of the problem is based on the application of the Galerkin method. Also, a numerical experiment was carried out and examples of calculating the deformation of the sensitive element of the sensor in the case of rigid fastening when specifying specific values of the mechanical parameters of the system are presented, also during setting the law of change in the excess pressure of the working medium in the engine.

Modeling of electromagnetic radiation using a dual four-potential representation: from dipole blade radiators to ribbon loop-like antennas

Abstract In this paper, we explore classical electromagnetic radiation using a dual four-dimensional potential Θ μ approach. Our focus is on the Planar Dipole Blade Antenna (PDBA), a system consisting of two flat perfect conductive regions on the xy-plane, separated by a gap G , with alternating potentials applied to the conductors. This method emphasizes the use of the scalar magnetic potential Ψ( r , t) and the electric vector potential Θ , which generates the electric field E ( r , t) = ∇ × Θ ( r , t) in free space. These potentials replace the standard magnetic vector potential A and the scalar electric potential Φ in our analysis. For harmonic radiation, the electromagnetic field can be expressed in terms of the electric vector potential Θ ( r , t). We derive a corresponding retarded vector potential for Θ in terms of a two-dimensional vector field W( r , t), which flows through the gap region G . This dual analytical approach yields mathematically equivalent expressions for modeling Planar Blade Antennas, analogous to those used for ribbons in the region G , simplifying the mathematical problem. In the gapless limit, this approach reduces the two-dimensional radiator (PDBA) to a one-dimensional wire-loop-like antenna, significantly simplifying the problem's dimensionality. This leads to a dual version of Jefimenko's equations for the electric field, where W behaves like a surface current in the gap region and satisfies a continuity condition. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we provide an analytical solution for a PDBA with a thin annular gap at low frequency.

The role of chinese culture and strategic orientation in enhancing competitive advantage and firm performance in Indonesian chinese family companies

Chinese culture plays an important role in shaping the dynamics of family businesses in Indonesia, especially in the context of increasingly intense business competition. This study aims to address gaps in understanding the influence of Chinese culture, including guanxi culture, Confucian inheritance, and the succession process, as well as strategic orientation, namely entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation, on firm performance, with competitive advantage as a mediating variable. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method with a data analysis approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data were collected through surveys distributed to 232 Chinese family businesses in Bekasi and DKI Jakarta. The sample was selected using a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling approach, where companies were chosen based on certain criteria, such as family structure, years of operation, and family member involvement in management. The data collection instrument consisted of structured questionnaires containing questions about corporate culture, strategic orientation, competitive advantage, and firm performance. The results of the study show that competitive advantage significantly mediates the influence of the succession process, entrepreneurial orientation, and market orientation on firm performance. However, guanxi culture and Confucian inheritance do not show a significant influence on firm performance, either directly or through competitive advantage. These findings contribute theoretically with five novel models related to the relationship between Chinese culture, strategic orientation, and firm performance in Indonesia. The implications of this study suggest that Chinese family businesses need to focus more on innovation, market adaptability, and succession management to maintain competitiveness and enhance business performance, while traditional values such as guanxi and Confucianism may require further adaptation to remain relevant in the modern business context.

Overcoming mental health challenges in higher education: a narrative review

BackgroundMental health among higher education students is a critical public health concern, with numerous studies documenting its impact on student well-being and academic performance. However, comprehensive research on the factors contributing to mental health deterioration, including barriers to seeking psychological help, remains insufficient. Gathering evidence on this topic is crucial to advancing policies, advocacy, and improving mental health services in higher education.ObjectiveThis review explores the unique challenges faced by vulnerable student groups and highlights the factors influencing student well-being and academic engagement, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also addresses barriers to accessing mental health services across various regions and provides evidence-informed recommendations for improving mental health policies and services in higher education, covering both well-researched and underexplored contexts.MethodsThis narrative review synthesizes findings from over 50 studies on mental health in higher education. A targeted search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus for studies published between 2013 and 2023. Data were analyzed through a deductive thematic content analysis approach, focusing on key predetermined themes related to student well-being, barriers to mental health services, and recommendations for policy improvements.ResultsSeveral factors influence the mental health of higher education students, with vulnerable groups—including women, minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged, international, and first-year students—experiencing higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors that impact students’ well-being and academic performance include academic pressure, financial stress, lack of social support, isolation, trauma, lack of inclusive practices, and pandemic-related stressors. Institutional barriers, inconsistent well-being measures, data-sharing issues, and regulatory limitations hinder students’ access to mental health services, while stigma and lack of trust in mental health professionals impede care.ConclusionImproving mental health strategies in higher education requires enhancing mental health services, addressing socioeconomic inequalities, improving digital literacy, standardizing services, involving youth in service design, and strengthening research and collaboration. Future research should prioritize detailed intervention reports, cost analyses, diverse data integration, and standardized indicators to improve research quality and applicability.

The Impact of the Relationship between Company Characteristics and the Audit Committee on the Quality of Financial Reports (A Field Study on a Sample of Iraqi Private Companies)

The current study primarily aimed to determine the impact of the relationship between company characteristics and the audit committee on the quality of financial reports in its various dimensions (formal, temporal, and informational content). The study also sought to identify the influence of company characteristics on the quality of financial reports across these dimensions. The audit Committee role in improving financial report quality was the first area that the survey examined; this includes looking not just where audits. The study employed a descriptive and then analytical approach to achieve the goal of answering its research question. The study population included all senior management personnel at Iraqi private businesses, responsible auditors and members of audit commissions. From a variety of industries five companies were chosen, yielding a sample of 500 possible contacts (average 100 staff / company). A random sample of 219 participants was selected using the formula that Richard Geiger came up with. Questionnaires were sent to the participants, and all the responses accepted. After analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses using SPSS software, several key findings were revealed, the most significant being: • Company characteristics significantly affect the quality of financial reports. These characteristics provide an accurate and objective depiction of the company's financial position, aiding investors in making informed investment decisions. • Iraqi companies' unique characteristics notably affect the formal dimension of financial report information, as the company's reputation and business relationships are reflected in the reports' format, influencing investors' valuation of shares. • The timeliness of financial report information is vital in attracting investors. It reflects the company's growth and continuity in the market, significantly affecting its valuation. • Company characteristics influence the content of financial reports, including financial data and accompanying disclosures, thereby providing precise information for investors. • Audit committees play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial information, enhancing trust, and reducing errors in financial reports. They also contribute to improving the organizational structure of financial information, facilitating data comparability across different periods and entities. • The results indicate that audit committees improve the accuracy of the temporal information presented, boosting the reliability of information provided to the public. Additionally, audit committees assure investors that financial data are free from material errors, positively affecting investment decisions. • The research has shown that the relationship between company characteristics and audit committees enhances the verifiability of financial reports and also builds investor confidence. However, this research finds that if committee independence and effectiveness are not sufficiently so a very close relationship between enterprises (or groups of companies) and audit committees may have undesirable effects on quickness in presenting accountings. • The findings underscore that the unique characteristics of a company directly influence the content of its financial reports, highlighting the importance of having influential audit committees to ensure the credibility of the presented information.

From viral assembly to host interaction: AFM's contributions to virology.

Viruses represent a diverse pool of obligate parasites that infect virtually every known organism, as such, their study is incredibly valuable for a range of fields including public health, medicine, agriculture, and ecology, and the development of biomedical technologies. Having evolved over millions of years, each virus has a unique and often complicated biology, that must be characterized on a case-by-case basis, even between strains of the same taxon. Owing to its nanoscale spatial resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a powerful tool for exploring virus biology, including structural features, kinetics of binding to host cell ligands, virion self-assembly, and budding behaviors. Through the availability of numerous chemistries and advances in imaging modes, AFM is able to explore the complex web of host-virus interactions and life-cycle at a single virus level, exploring features at the level of individual bonds and molecules. Due to the wide array of techniques developed and data analysis approaches available, AFM can provide information that cannot be furnished by other modalities, especially at a single virus level. Here, we highlight the unique methods and information that can be obtained through the use of AFM, demonstrating both its utility and versatility in the study of viruses. As the technology continues to rapidly evolve, AFM is likely to remain an integral part of research, providing unique and important insight into many aspects of virology.

Spatiotemporal Assessment of Water Quality and Quantity of the Kaptai Lake at Rangamati, Bangladesh - An Approach of Remote Sensing, Field Investigation and Laboratory Analysis

Monitoring water quality and quantity is essential for sustainable water resource management. This study investigates changes in the extent and water quality of Kaptai Lake using remote sensing, field measurements, and laboratory analysis. Analysis of Landsat TM/OLI images from 1989, 2000, 2010, and 2021 shows that the lake's water extent ranges from 380 km² (in 2010) to 435 km² (in 2021), with an average of 407.5 km². The extent of water decreased by approximately 3% from 1989 to 2010 and increased by about 5% from 2010 to 2021 due to changing rainfall patterns, dam operations, sedimentation, and land use changes. Seasonal variations in chlorophyll-a concentration and turbidity, analyzed using Sentinel 2B images from 2022 and 2023, indicate mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions and higher turbidity in post-monsoon. The study found that nutrient enrichment from untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and algal growth affect chlorophyll-a levels, while development activities, excessive rainfall, and sedimentation influence turbidity. Linear regression analyses show strong positive correlation between field obtained and image derived values both for chlorophyll-a (R2 0.621) and turbidity (R2 0.698). Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC and temperature have been measured in the field and hydrochemical parameters including, cations and anions have been measured by laboratory analysis to assess the contemporary water quality status. The average values for pH, EC and temperature are 7.55, 119.85 µS/cm and 22.17 °C respectively. The cationic dominance in the studied segment of the Lake is in the order of Ca2+ > Na2+ > Mg2+>K+ > Fe2+ >Mn2+. On the other hand, the anions are in the order of HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3-. All the physico-chemical parameters of the lake water fall within the Bangladesh Drinking Water Limit (BDWL) and are not linked to chlorophyll-a and turbidity variations. The findings of this study can help mitigate the deterioration of Kaptai Lake by addressing water quality and extent issues, promoting effective and sustainable lake management strategies. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 121-139

A Comparative Study on the Destinations of Graduates from Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools

China-foreign cooperation in higher education is becoming more popular due to the rapid development of globalization and information technology in China. It is now a significant method of cultivating talents with an international perspective and the ability to communicate across cultures. The question of the destinations of graduates of Sino-Foreign co-operative education programs has also become a growing concern. This paper investigates the fundamental causes by comparing and analyzing the foreign study rate, the domestic advancement rate, and the direct employment rate of the graduates of Chinese-foreign cooperative education institutions and Chinese-foreign cooperative education projects. This study adopts a blend of quantitative and qualitative approaches of case study and data analysis, collects and collates relevant data on the destinations of graduates of Chinese-foreign cooperative universities over the past few years, quantitatively analyses the data, and finally analyses in-depth the specific phenomena in conjunction with cases. This trend reflects the advantages of Sino-Foreign cooperation in providing international education resources and facilitating further studies. The Sino-Foreign co-operation mode provides students with a broader international perspective and channels for further studies, but problems such as uneven teaching quality and insufficient competitiveness in the job market still require attention.

Role of Teacher’s Feedback in Master’s Level Thesis Writing

This study explores the pivotal role of teacher’s feedback and guidance in facilitating the accomplishment of thesis writing, identifying and analyzing common benefits or challenges faced by masters level students incorporating teacher feedback into their thesis writingprocess. This study is employed based on qualitative research principles, using a narrative inquiry approach. For this, I collected the data taking unstructured interview with the three purposively selected students, involved in Masters level thesis writing from TribhuvanUniversity (TU) affiliated universities. The collected information was thematically analyzed and interpreted using inductive approach of data analysis. The findings of the study reveal that the teacher feedback on the completion of the master’s thesis assumes many-sided traits. First, it greatly enhances the students’ academic writing skills by providing them with definite and workable guidelines on improving their writing skills. These include feedback on structure, coherence, argumentation, and proper use of academic language—all prime necessities for writing a good quality thesis. Second, teacher feedback enables knowledge acquisition through social interaction. This is usually followed by feedback discussion between the teacher and the learner, whereby learners can clarify their understanding of difficult concepts or get guidelines pertaining to the research methodology or even fine-tune ideas. Such interaction not only helps in the acquisition of knowledge but also in developing critical thinking skills. Thirdly, the research showed that teacher feedback begets self-invention—a process wherein learners began to believe more in themselves, and their sense of academic identity became stronger.This is significant in the context of writing a thesis, where independent research by students is expected, and they are supposed to add original ideas in the subject area. This research finally concludes that the relationship between the teacher and the student during the thesis writing process is, in itself, one of transformation. It is not only the quality of the thesis that is affected by this bond, but it has a telling effect on the overall academic and personal growth of the student. Teachers give constructive feedback, thus influencing the waya student approaches learning, research, and writing. Indeed, the findings of this study point to the importance of the nature of the communicative relationship between the teacher and student, and it is suggested that institutions be aware of the necessity of having a context that fosters positive, supportive relationships between students and their supervisors.

Correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and severe headache or migraine: evidence from NHANES database

Objective: This study was formulated with the objective of elucidating the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the occurrence of severe headache or migraine, employing a cross-sectional analytical approach. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over two cycles involving 7,661 participants, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2001 and 2004. A weighted logistic regression method was employed to construct a relationship model between the two variables. Subgroup analysis, adjusting for confounding factors, was performed through stratified analysis to explore the association between 25(OH)D and severe headaches or migraines. Finally, a restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) was utilized to investigate the non-linear relationship between the variables. Results: A total of 7,661 participants were included in this study, with an overall prevalence of severe headaches or migraines of 1,576/7,661 (22.3%). The results from all models consistently indicated a significant negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and the risk of severe headaches or migraines (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis revealed that in the female population (odds ratios [OR]: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.991–0.998, P = 0.001), never smokers (OR: 0.991, 95% CI: 0.985–0.997, P = 0.003), and non-drinkers (OR: 0.993, 95% CI: 0.987–0.999, P = 0.022), the risk of severe headaches or migraines decreased with increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations. RCS results demonstrated a linear relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the risk of severe headaches or migraines. Conclusion: We discovered a negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and the prevalence of severe headaches or migraines, particularly in females, non-smokers, and non-hypertensive individuals. Further clinical research is necessary to confirm these findings, establish causality, and explore potential preventive and therapeutic mechanisms for migraines.

Intersecting dimensions: advanced analytical approach to school climate and injury prevention in health policy

BackgroundChild safety in schools is paramount for decision-makers globally, with a focus on ensuring children return home safely. However, the prevalent issue of injuries across educational systems demands a comprehensive investigation into their causes, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives and social dynamics, to develop effective prevention strategies. The objective of this study is to comprehensively analyze the factors contributing to school-related injuries and examine the impact of school climate on student safety. By employing advanced data analysis techniques, the research aims to develop targeted, effective strategies to enhance child safety in educational settings. This research aims to develop a multidimensional taxonomy to understand child injuries in elementary schools better, enhancing precision in decision-making.MethodsData from 363 Israeli primary schools and 10,855 school injuries attended to by MDA, the principal EMS provider, were analyzed. The study utilized a two-level taxonomy, employing clustering methodology to classify schools into distinct climate "patterns," with each pattern further delineating school injury characteristics into sub-patterns. The chosen method proved effective in revealing nuanced relationships between school injuries and climate characteristics.ResultsAnalysis revealed five school climate clusters, ranging from "good" to "bad," each exhibiting two homogeneous sub-clusters of school injuries. Schools with a "positive" climate witnessed boys predominantly experiencing head injuries during breaks, while girls often sustained limb injuries from playing in corridors. Conversely, within the "negative" climate cluster, subgroups emerged based on injury nature, whether linked to playing or falling from a height.ConclusionThe research delineates a nuanced association between school climate and injury rates, emphasizing the necessity for sophisticated analytical techniques beyond conventional methodologies. Utilizing a diverse dataset from various disciplines, the study highlights the multidimensional aspects of school health. The developed taxonomy reveals the complex dynamics within school environments, advocating for customized health policies to mitigate injuries. Critical findings prompt a reevaluation of established assumptions about the school climate-injury relationship, informing strategic policymaking. For example, it suggests collaboration to enhance school safety through targeted, gender-sensitive interventions and improvements. Integrating different data sources offers a holistic understanding crucial for effective health policy formulation in educational contexts.

Assessment of microplastic content in natural waters and sediments: sampling and sample preparation

Aquatic ecosystems are the primary reservoir for microplastics entering the environment. Assessing the content of microplastics in natural waters and sediments is a critical task necessary for evaluating the pollution levels of water bodies, identifying sources of pollution, and assessing potential risks to aquatic life. To date, there is no universal analytical approach for extracting microplastics from natural waters and sediments for subsequent identification. This review summarizes information on methods of microplastic sampling from natural waters and sediments and methods of sample preparation, including techniques for separating particles by size and density, as well as methods based on the chemical decomposition of samples to remove natural organic matter. Additionally, the classification of microplastics, as well as general information about the content of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and their potential toxicity, are described.

Constructing Conversational Meaning: Analysing Side Remarks Within Ongoing Mediated Discourse

Drawing on a discourse analytical approach and Goffman’s concept of footing, this study examines the role of side remarks in interpreter-mediated TV talk shows. While typically secondary to the main conversation, side remarks significantly influence interaction dynamics by shifting the focus toward entertainment and audience engagement. Using transcriptions from a corpus of publicly available video recordings of a Turkish talk show, the study specifically explores how shifts in footing facilitate the fluid negotiation of roles in creating a lively, participatory environment. The study has found that the host employs side remarks to cultivate a playful and informal atmosphere, often diverting attention from the primary dialogue. It has also revealed that interpreters align with the institutional party’s goals in their strategic decisions to withhold the translation of side remarks intended exclusively for audience amusement. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the guests’ awareness of the show’s dynamic structure, demonstrating their ability to adapt to side remarks without disrupting the flow of interaction.

Balancing power and growth in start-ups: an investigation of founder control, board size, and fundraising efficiency

Purpose The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the relationship between the founder’s control level over the startup and the startup’s board size on fundraising efficiency, in addition to examining how these factors are influenced by different resource combinations that the startup attracts. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 1356 firm-year observations is collected from both the startup database of Business Next Media Corp. in Taiwan and the Company Registration and Business Registration Database of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Commerce. The panel data analytic approach with fixed effect is used for hypothesis testing. Findings The founder’s shareholding negatively correlates with fundraising efficiency; such a negative relationship can be alleviated by incorporating foreign investors. The board size positively correlates with fundraising efficiency; such a positive relationship can be mitigated by the inclusion of external corporate directors. Originality/value While a conventional understanding posits that startups with diverse, multiplex and symmetrical boards can rapidly construct a diverse alliance portfolio, henceforth always being beneficial to growth, this research challenges this notion by probing the possible adverse effects of having an excessive number of outside corporate directors on a startup’s fundraising efficiency.

Impact of Earnings Management on Market Value in Light of Dividend Policy: an Econometric Study of a Sample of Saudi Stock Exchange-Listed Companies During the Period 2010–2021

This study aimed at examining the impact of earnings management on market value under a dividend policy for a sample of institutions listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange and registered in TASI during the period (2010–2021). A descriptive analytical approach and a quantitative econometric analysis using One-Step System GMM Dynamic Panel Data Model were employed. The study reported that all the institutions performed a short-term earnings management oscillating up and down by different proportions during the study period, and that there is an impact of earnings management on value market in both the absence and presence of the dividend policy. The study therefore points to the need for investors education about accounting manipulation in general and earnings management in particular as the latter has an impact on the market value of institutional shares and accordingly on their investment decisions.

Improvement of the Performance of An Industrial Wringer

Objective: To maximize the machine's availability through periodic monitoring and propose design improvements to prevent future issues. Context: Overview of the recycling process and the role of the wringer in filtering recycled plastic. Problem Statement: Description of mechanical defects affecting the wringer, including imbalance due to bearing and rotor shaft deformation. Theoretical Analysis: Root Cause Identification, Impact of Imbalance, System Modelling and Simulation Experimental Studies and Strategy: - Practical experiments validate the theoretical and numerical findings and enhance the vibration analysis approach.- Effective scheduling of interventions and repairs is based on the machine's condition, ensuring continuous monitoring through vibration analysis devices. Results and Discussion: Explanation of the proposed modification, including the specific angle adjustment, Discussion on how the adjustment would reduce rotational speed and maintain high wringing performance.

Identifying crowdfunding storytellers who deliver successful projects: a machine learning approach

Crowdfunding plays a key role in financial technology to provide individuals and enterprises with funding opportunities to establish start-ups and/or new business ventures. It is mainly used to link projects’ creators and backers, collect money and plan fundraising projects via social networks. This paper proposes a machine learning-enabled approach to analyse Kickstarter numerical and textual data and predict the successful funding and delivery of crowdfunding projects. It offers crowdfunding stakeholders benefits including creator credibility assessment, project risk reduction, and backer confidence enhancement. This research proposes a data preprocessing approach to prepare the dataset and extract the relevant features for the predictions. Besides, it trains and compares five numerical machine learning classification models and three text-mining methods to find the best-fitted numerical and textual analysis approaches. According to the results, the proposed SVM model outperforms the numerical benchmarks in terms of Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1 score, and model Training latency. Moreover, BERT gives the best results if the dataset is complex, while Word2vec works better with simple features in textual analysis.

Exploring Writer’s Block as Embodied Experience Across the Grades

Background or Context: The notion of writer’s block has been primarily conceived and explored as a breakdown in a cognitive writing process (Rose, 1984); yet, for many writers, confronting writer’s block often involves engaging the body through sensations, feelings, movement, and action. However, these considerations have not yet impacted our understanding of writer’s block in the field of literacy education. Given how attention to bodies and theories of embodiment have broadened considerations of literacies, we approach writing and writing processes (including not being able to write) as similarly embodied. Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study: Our purpose is to theorize writer’s block not only as a cognitive phenomenon, but also as an embodied one, and to offer that conceptualization for use in literacy theory, research, and practice. We ultimately argue that viewing writer’s block as an embodied phenomenon opens up possibilities for understanding writer’s block as not only restrictive, but also potentially generative, and can reframe understandings of “struggling” writers. Research Design: Drawing from our research across grades K–12, as well as our own experiences as writers, we present vignettes from elementary, middle school, high school, and adult contexts to illustrate how viewing writer’s block as embodied produces a more nuanced understanding of writers’ experiences. Moreover, because we engaged different research designs and methods for each study, we sought to “think with theory” (Jackson & Mazzei, 2012) across our work, rather than select a traditional qualitative analysis approach that might not have made visible the connections and nuances we sensed. These data and reflections are not intended to serve as complete, standalone case studies, but rather as illustrative examples to clarify our points. Conclusions or Recommendations: A more robust conception of writer’s block as something that is multidimensional (cognitive, social, cultural, affective, embodied, etc.) may allow for a fuller discussion of writing processes, as well as counter deficit assumptions of writers who appear to be “struggling,” including, in particular, Black, Indigenous, and students of color; disabled students; English learners; and other students who tend to be marginalized in official writing classroom contexts. Central to our framework are the following principles: (1) Bodies are an important medium through which writer’s block is recognized and expressed. (2) Writer’s block is socially co-constructed. (3) Writer’s block constitutes an intra-action with the human and nonhuman aspects of writing. (4) Despite appearing “stuck” or off-task, writers’ bodies are constantly charged with energy and possibility. With implications for practice and further research, this framework repositions writer’s block for students, teachers, and researchers from a deficit or remedial issue to an experience of writerly engagement, productivity, and possibility.