Current Paper Research Articles

Adherence to sleep recommendations is associated with higher satisfaction with life among Norwegian adolescents

BackgroundSleep plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of adolescents; however, inadequate sleep is frequently reported in numerous countries. This current paper aimed to describe sleep duration, factors impacting sleep, consequences of insufficient sleep and satisfaction with life in Norwegian adolescents, stratified by sex and by adherence to the 8-hour sleep recommendation, and to examine potential associations between adherence to the 8-hours sleep recommendation and satisfaction with life.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using data from the Norwegian Ungdata Survey, collected in 2021. Adolescents from five Norwegian counties were included, comprising a total of 32,161 upper secondary school students. Study variables were collected through an electronic questionnaire administered during school hours and all data are anonymous. Descriptive data of sleep patterns are presented, and linear regressions were conducted adjusting for SES, perceived stress, physical activity level, over-the-counter analgesics use, grade level and screen time.Results73% of adolescents did not adhere to the 8-hours of sleep recommendation per night, with similar results for girls and boys. 64% reported tiredness at school (minimum 1–2 days weekly) and 62% reported that screen time negatively affected their ability to sleep. 23% reported that gaming affected their sleep, with a higher prevalence in boys than girls. Satisfaction with life score was 7.0 ± 1.9 points (out of 10) for the total sample, with higher scores for boys (7.3 ± 1.8 points) than girls (6.9 ± 1.9 points). Regressions revealed a positive association with satisfaction with life (B = 0.31, 95% [0.15 to 0.48]) in adolescents adhering to sleep recommendation of 8h compared to the ones not adhering to the sleep recommendation.ConclusionsMost Norwegian adolescents fail to adhere to the 8-hours of sleep recommendation and the majority feel tired at school or during activities. More than half of adolescents reported that screen time negatively affected their ability to sleep. Adhering to the sleep recommendation was associated with higher life satisfaction. Our findings highlight the importance of sufficient sleep in adolescents, while future research is needed to examine other sleep related measures on adolescents´ satisfaction with life.

Swirl flow stability: thermodynamic analysis and experiments

AbstractThe current paper presents a theoretical analysis of swirl flow stability, both inside a tube (vortex tube) and in a free annular swirl flow. The starting concept is the study of the evolution of velocity and temperature fluctuations. Methods of non-equilibrium thermodynamics are used to describe the magnitude of fluctuations and their properties. The important role of the total enthalpy follows from a variational analysis. Moreover, the thermodynamic criterion of the stability is formulated using the total enthalpy, and compared with experiments, numerical results and classical Rayleigh theory support its applicability. It was shown that the solid body vortex is at the margin of stability, which is experimentally observed. Analogously, the potential vortex is by the thermodynamic criterion stable; however, by the Rayleigh criteria it is on the onset of stability. The classical Taylor experiment of flow between two rotating cylinders is analysed from the point of view of this criterion. These results are underlined by swirl tube experiments at the Institute of Aerospace Thermodynamics at Stuttgart University and the annular nozzle experiments performed in the Institute of Thermomechanics CAS in Prague. Both independent experiments confirm the transformation of the initial annular vortex into a stable potential-type vortex. The results of this theory can also be used to explain the exceptional stability of tropical cyclones.

The Digital Competences Necessary for the Successful Pedagogical Practice of Teachers in the Digital Age

The digital transformation of society is a reality. Technology is becoming integral to people’s daily lives and children are growing up in the digital age. The education systems have to reflect and adapt to the new digital reality to effectively engage and prepare students for the future. Teachers have to possess digital competences at a high level, meaning that they are successfully able to use digital tools and technologies in their teaching practices. Digital competences include digital literacy, experience using educational software and platforms, and the ability to seamlessly integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into the organization of educational activities. The current paper aims to study the opinion of teachers in Bulgarian schools regarding the possibilities of using digital technologies to achieve educational goals and the extent to which teachers integrate digital tools in their teaching activities. Teachers’ opinions about the need for specific digital competences are important. The results of the survey show that teachers in Bulgaria actively use digital technologies in their daily teaching activities (84.8%) in order to create and provide learning content to students and to provoke their active participation, and is a convenient tool for evaluating their students’ knowledge and skills and for providing effective feedback. The conducted research also identifies the necessary competences that teachers of the digital generation of learners need—skills and competences for developing authored electronic resources in various formats for students with different learning styles, as well as for working in online environments—individually and collaboratively with other teachers.

The Intergenerational Program Evaluation Tool: Results of a Delphi Study

ABSTRACT Intergenerational programs innovate constantly, but tools to evaluate them lag. Measures vary across programs and usually concentrate on outcomes without attending to programming dimensions that could influence results. Such features limit generalizability and comprehension of the mechanisms by which intergenerational programs achieve their objectives. Building on theory and evidence, we developed an evaluation tool for practitioners and researchers to use as a standalone evaluation tool or in conjunction with other measures. The current paper presents results of a Delphi study used to refine the Intergenerational Program Evaluation Tool (IPET) and establish its face and content validity. Results reinforce preexisting scholarship identifying the IPET as a reliable, valid tool that will help intergenerational scholars promote evidence-based practices and assess their impact on varied goals pursued through shared programming. We describe potential uses of the tool and next steps to advance its adoption through implementation research and psychometric assessment.

Electronic distance based clinical skills training development in family medicine in Namibia

Workplace-based evaluation is one of the most important, but challenging aspects of medical education. The aim was to improve the assessment of the rural community-based clinical training for undergraduate 3rd and 4th year family medicine students at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and implement a paperless process. An online module was developed on the Moodle platform to include a study guide, an electronic portfolio, and electronic resources (e-books and apps) to replace the current paper version of the logbook. We explored local resources by engaging with students and clinical trainers on how to best conduct the initial implementation. Engagement also entailed motivating students to actively participate in the implementation process. All 3rd and 4th year community-based education end service (COBES) students are now submitting proof of clinical learning electronically with the use of their phones in their online portfolio and using online resources. In addition, students in the practical family medicine module that has been introduced in the 6th year since 2023 are now also using an electronic portfolio and these assessment tools.Contribution: Overall feedback from students and supervisors indicates a positive atmosphere of learning and constructive feedback on performance from all team members, hopefully improving work-based assessments and ultimately patient care. More members of the primary health care team were involved and the carbon footprint has also been decreased.

Carotid artery calcium score: Definition, classification, application, and limits.

In the current paper, the "carotid artery calcium score" method is presented with the target to offer a metric method to quantify the amount of calcification in the carotid artery. The Volume of Interest (VOI) should be extracted and those voxels, with a Hounsfield Unit (HU) value ≥130, should be considered. The total weight value is determined by calculating the sum of the HU attenuation values of all voxels with values ≥130 HU. This value should be multiplied by the conversion factor ("or voxel size") and divided by a weighting factor, the attenuation threshold to consider a voxel as calcified (and therefore 130 HU): this equation determines the Carotid Artery Calcium Score (CACS). In order to provide the demonstration of the potential feasibility of the model, the CACS was calculated in 131 subjects (94 males; mean age 72.7years) for 235 carotid arteries (in 27 subjects, unilateral plaque was present) considered. The CACS value ranged from 0.67 to 11716. A statistically significant correlation was found (rho value = 0.663, p value = .0001) between the CACS in the right and left carotid plaques. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation between the age and the total CACS was present (rho value = 0.244, p value = .005), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of CACS by gender (p = .148). The CACS was also tested at baseline and after contrast and no statistically significant difference was found. In conclusion, this method is of easy application, and it weights at the same time the volume and the degree of calcification in a unique parameter. This method needs to be tested to verify its potential utility, similar to the coronary artery calcium score, for the risk stratification of the occurrence of cerebrovascular events of the anterior circulation. Further studies using this new diagnostic tool to determine the prognostic value of carotid calcium quantification are needed.

Factors Affecting Loneliness in Older Adults: Evidence from Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging (ACSA)

Introduction: Elderly people usually feel lonely that can have adverse health effects. The purpose of current paper is to determine the loneliness score in the elderly population of the Ardakan Cohort and the factors affecting it. Methods: This is a cross sectional study using data from the Ardakan Cohort Study on Ageing (ACSA). Loneliness was measured using a 6-item De Jong Gierveld short scales. The 11-item Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) was used to measures social support of aging. living arrangement, demographic factors and self-rated health was also collected using a checklist. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between loneliness and predictor factors. The data was analyzed with Stata software version 17 and a p-value of 0.05 was considered as a significant level. Results: Among the 5,188 participants, 48.13% were male and most of the participants were over 60 years old. Total score of loneliness was 3.27±1.45(95% CI: 3.24 to 3.31). Among covariates, age (p value=0.000), sex (p value=0.000), marital status (p value=0.046), education (p value=0.001) and economic status (p value=0.001) have significant association with loneliness score. People with good self-rated health had a lower loneliness score (p value<0.001). The score of social support has an inverse association with the score of loneliness (p value<0.001). Adults who lived with others had a higher loneliness score (p value<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, elderly people who have more social support and have better self-rated health feel less lonely.

A Theory of Alternating Paths and Blossoms from the Perspective of Minimum Length

The Micali–Vazirani (MV) algorithm for finding a maximum cardinality matching in general graphs, which was published in 1980, remains to this day the most efficient known algorithm for the problem. The current paper gives the first complete and correct proof of this algorithm. The MV algorithm resorts to finding minimum-length augmenting paths. However, such paths fail to satisfy an elementary property, called breadth first search honesty in this paper. In the absence of this property, an exponential time algorithm appears to be called for—just for finding one such path. On the other hand, the MV algorithm accomplishes this and additional tasks in linear time. The saving grace is the various “footholds” offered by the underlying structure, which the algorithm uses in order to perform its key tasks efficiently. The theory expounded in this paper elucidates this rich structure and yields a proof of correctness of the algorithm. It may also be of independent interest as a set of well-knit graph-theoretic facts. Funding: This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation [Grant CCF-2230414].

ELASTOHYDRODYNAMIC EFFECTS IN LUBRICATION OF JOURNAL BEARINGS UNDER TURBULENT CONDITIONS

The current paper is aimed to investigate the deformability effects of the bearing surface on the lubrication performance of cylindrical journal bearing with finite length under turbulent conditions. The bush is coated with a thin resilient layer with a smooth surface, the radial distortions of which are of the same order of magnitude as the film thickness. The elastohydrodynamic problem is studied under elasticity conditions in accordance with the plain strain hypothesis (Winkler model). The modified Reynolds equation is carried out on the base of the turbulent lubrication model of Hirs (bulk flow model). The partial differential equation is solved numerically by successive over-relaxation technique on a finite difference grid, considering different values of coating materials, lubricant viscosity, and journal speed. Results for the performance characteristics of the bearing are given for several selected values of Reynolds number and elasticity parameters of the soft liner on the bush.

Empowering Rehabilitation: Design and Structural Analysis of a Low-Cost 3D-Printed Smart Orthosis

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of polymer materials encompasses a wide range of applications and innovations. Polymer-based 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has gained significant attention due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and potential to revolutionize various industries. The current paper focuses on obtaining a durable low-cost rehabilitation knee orthosis. Researchers propose that the entire structure should be obtained using modern equipment within the additive manufacturing domain—3D printing. The researchers focus on determining, through a 3D analysis of the entire 3D model assembly, which parts present a high degree of stress when a kinematic simulation is developed. The entire 3D model of the orthosis starts based on the result obtained from a 3D scanning of the knee joint of a patient, providing a precise fixation, and allowing for direct personalization. Based on the results and identification of the critical parts, there will be used different materials and a combination of 3D printing strategies to validate the physical model of the entire orthosis. For the manufacturing process, the researchers use two types of low-cost fused filament fabrication (FFF), which are easy to find on the worldwide market. The motivation for manufacturing the entire assembly using 3D printing techniques is the short time in which complex shapes can be obtained, which is relevant for the present study. The main purpose of the present research is to advance orthotic technology by developing an innovative knee brace made of 3D-printed polymers that are designed to be lightweight, easy-to-use, and provide comfort and functionality to patients during the rehabilitation process.

Assessing Pipe Condition in Water Distribution Networks

The condition assessment of water distribution pipes is of utmost importance for the prioritization of rehabilitation interventions. However, the application of available methodologies for condition assessment by water utilities with limited human, technological and financial resources is becoming increasingly complex. The current paper aims at the development and application of a methodology for the prediction of the physical condition of water distribution pipes without the need for visual inspection. The methodology includes the development and application of three different algorithms (heuristic, linear regression and support vector regression). The methodology is applied to a water distribution network located in the Algarve region, Portugal. The results obtained from each algorithm are compared with a well-known performance indicator, the ratio of useful life, and present significant differences in its overall pipe condition classification. Results have demonstrated the following: the ratio of useful life tends to distribute pipe classification more equally in the three classes (i.e., good, average and unsatisfactory); the heuristic algorithm classifies most pipes as average condition; and the linear regression algorithm classifies with unsatisfactory conditions. The support vector regression algorithm stands out as the main classifier for identifying pipes in good condition when compared to other algorithms.

Topology optimization of the flat steel shear wall based on the volume constraint and strain energy assumptions under the seismic loading conditions

In structural engineering systems, shear walls are two-dimensional vertical elements designed to endure lateral forces acting in-plane, most frequently seismic and wind loads. Shear walls come in a variety of materials and are typically found in high-rise structures. Because steel shear walls are lighter, more ductile, and stronger than other concrete shear walls, they are advised for usage in steel constructions. It is important to remember that the steel shear wall has an infill plate, which can be produced in a variety of forms. The critical zones in flat steel shear walls are the joints and corners where the infill plate and frame meet. The flat infill plate can be modified to improve the strength and weight performance of the steel shear walls. One of these procedures is Topology Optimization (TO) and this method can reduce the weight and also, increase the strength against the cyclic loading sequences. In the current research paper, the TO of the infill steel plate was considered based on the two methods of volume constraint and maximization of strain energy. Four different volumes (i.e., 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) were assumed for the mentioned element in the steel shear wall. The obtained results revealed that the topology configuration of CCSSW with 90% volume constraint presented the highest seismic loading performance. The cumulated energy for this type of SSW was around 700 kJ while it was around 600 kJ for other topology optimization configurations.

Satellite Thermal Management Pump Impeller Design and Optimization

Satellite Thermal Management Pump Impeller Design and Optimization

Efficient Modified Adomian Decomposition Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations

Efficient Modified Adomian Decomposition Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations

Adolescent Digital Self-Harm Over Time: Prevalence and Perspectives

ABSTRACT Digital self-harm, the anonymous online posting, sending, or otherwise sharing of hurtful content about oneself, has not received the same amount of scholarly scrutiny as other forms of self-directed abuse. In the current paper, we analyze three independent national surveys of U.S. teens (aged 13–17, M = 14.96) in repeat cross-sectional studies conducted in 2016 (N = 4,742), 2019 (N = 4,250), and 2021 (N = 2,546) to assess the prevalence of two measures of digital self-harm. We examine demographic differences within each sample (gender, race, and sexual orientation), whether experience with cyberbullying was associated with these behaviors, and changes over time. Overall, the prevalence of digital self-harm has been increasing over time, and changes in demographic influences were observed. Implications for identifying, preventing, and responding to digital self-harm are discussed.

Construction of Fractional Pseudospectral Differentiation Matrices with Applications

Differentiation matrices are an important tool in the implementation of the spectral collocation method to solve various types of problems involving differential operators. Fractional differentiation of Jacobi orthogonal polynomials can be expressed explicitly through Jacobi–Jacobi transformations between two indexes. In the current paper, an algorithm is presented to construct a fractional differentiation matrix with a matrix representation for Riemann–Liouville, Caputo and Riesz derivatives, which makes the computation stable and efficient. Applications of the fractional differentiation matrix with the spectral collocation method to various problems, including fractional eigenvalue problems and fractional ordinary and partial differential equations, are presented to show the effectiveness of the presented method.

A Chalcolithic presence east of the Sea of Galilee: The earliest finds on Mt. Sussita

ABSTRACT The characteristics and settlement patterns of the Early–Middle Chalcolithic period (ca. 5,800– 4,700 cal bc) around the Sea of Galilee have hardly been studied so far. The regional diversity of Chalcolithic material culture and the fragmentary nature of the archaeological record hinder a broader understanding of socio-cultural processes in this area. Chalcolithic architecture and finds, excavated for the last 23 years under the Graeco-Roman city of Hippos on Mt. Sussita, provide a rare opportunity to delve into the characteristics of the Chalcolithic period east of the Sea of Galilee. The current paper presents these remains and discusses their typological traits, spatial distribution, and possible cultural attribution. The site represents one of the few non-Golan Chalcolithic occurrences in the region, and its finds suggest an Early–Middle Chalcolithic period dating.

Experimental investigation on the effects of stainless-steel mesh reinforcing layers on low-velocity impact response of hybrid thermoplastic glass fiber composites

This study aims to assess the hybridization effect on the perforation threshold of Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) in thermoplastic glass composite laminates, incorporating layers of resin-impregnated stainless-steel mesh. Reinforcing methodologies such as hybridization are recently being adopted as a practical approach to increasing the energy-absorbing capacity of polymer composites. In the current paper, a multi-step hot press lamination method has been employed to fabricate the hybrid composite laminates strengthened with stainless-steel mesh layers. Several stacking sequences, metal mesh wire sizes, orientation and position relative to the impactor have been examined under various LVI energies. It was revealed that the LVI penetration energy was increased for the thermoplastic-based composite laminates reinforced with stainless-steel mesh layers. Furthermore, the LVI penetration energy threshold was significantly influenced by the metal mesh wire size, orientation and stacking sequence. Finally, the backlight method capability was assessed to detect the after-impact interlaminar damages.

A narrative review of the effects of psychoeducation on children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents (CAA) and its treatment plan includes a multimodal approach. Psychoeducation is a potential therapeutic modality in the multimodal treatment of ADHD. Psychoeducation intervention generally consists of single or multiple sessions providing education to the recipient regarding ADHD with the aim to facilitate an informed, self‐responsible management of the disorder and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Previous reviews have highlighted the positive effects of parental psychoeducation on ADHD symptoms, behavioral problems and social skills of CAA with ADHD. However, the effects of child only and combined parental and CAA psychoeducation interventions are unclear and under investigated. In the current paper, for the first time, we review, individually, the outcomes of parent only psychoeducation, child only psychoeducation and combined parental and CAA psychoeducation across a range of domains in CAA with ADHD. The findings reveal that including psychoeducation in the treatment of ADHD may improve clinical symptoms, social skills, functioning and family relationships in CAA with ADHD.

Sensitivity of WRF-Simulated 2 m Temperature and Precipitation to Physics Options over the Loess Plateau

The current paper evaluates the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model sensitivity to five different combinations of cumulus, microphysics, radiation, and planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes over Loess Plateau for the period 2015, in terms of 2 m temperature and precipitation. The WRF configuration consists of a 10 km resolution domain nested in a coarser domain driven by European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data. The model simulated 2 m temperature and precipitation have been evaluated at daily and monthly scales with gridded observational dataset. The analysis shows that all experiments reproduce well the daily 2 m temperature, with overestimation particularly in the low-temperature range. Precipitation is less well simulated, with underestimation in all range, especially for intense rainfall. Comparing with ERA-Interim, WRF shows no clear benefit in simulating daily 2 m temperature while prominent improvement in simulating daily precipitation. WRF simulations capture the annual cycle of monthly 2 m temperature and precipitation with a warm bias and wet bias for most experiments in summer. Some reasonable configurations are identified. The “best” configuration depends on the criteria.