Stability Factor Research Articles

Factors Associated With Stability for Children in Family Foster Care: A Study of Case Files in Six Municipalities in Sweden

ABSTRACTStability is vital for the development, health and relationships of children in family foster care. Instability can lead to social and school issues, low self‐esteem and diminished trust in caregivers. This article examines the risk and protective factors for stability for these children. Data, drawn from case files in six municipalities (n = 116), combine qualitative and quantitative analyses for a comprehensive understanding. Twenty children from each municipality were selected, with 10 in stable placements (lived in one family foster home for over a year) and 10 in unstable placements (lived in at least two different family foster homes). Quantitative results highlight the importance of factors like familiar placements, a child's age at the time of placement, behavioural challenges and the number of children in the foster home. Stable placements were more common in homes with fewer children (including foster and biological children). Qualitative findings show that in some instances, breakdowns in foster care placements could not be foreseen, often arising from stressful events within the foster family's life after the child's placement. Additionally, we observed that breakdowns sometimes resulted from foster parents lacking the necessary resources to address the child's requirements, particularly in cases involving children with behavioural challenges or extensive needs.

Subaxial cervical spine fractures

Subaxial cervical spine fractures pose significant challenges for spine surgeons due to their varied nature and potential for neurological compromise. Despite C2 being the most frequently fractured level, subaxial fractures, especially at C7, constitute a substantial portion of cervical spine injuries. Incidence rates are rising, with up to 40 % involving multiple levels. Various classification systems, including AO Spine, SLIC, and CSISS, aid in treatment decisions, with SLIC showing high reliability among experienced surgeons. Surgical intervention is warranted for fractures causing persistent neurological deficits or instability. Treatment goals encompass neurologic preservation, biomechanical stability, and deformity correction, with considerations for prior surgery, degenerative stenosis, and osteoporosis. Fracture types, such as vertebral body, facet, flexion-distraction, and extension-distraction injuries, demand tailored surgical approaches. Special considerations, including comorbidities, pre-existing conditions, and vascular injuries, influence treatment strategies. A methodical approach considering neurology, stability, deformity, and patient-specific factors guides surgical planning. Despite the absence of a universal algorithm, a comprehensive understanding and individualized approach are essential for optimal management of subaxial cervical spine fractures.

DNA double-strand break-capturing nuclear envelope tubules drive DNA repair.

Current models suggest that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can move to the nuclear periphery for repair. It is unclear to what extent human DSBs display such repositioning. Here we show that the human nuclear envelope localizes to DSBs in a manner depending on DNA damage response (DDR) kinases and cytoplasmic microtubules acetylated by α-tubulin acetyltransferase-1 (ATAT1). These factors collaborate with the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex (LINC), nuclear pore complex (NPC) protein NUP153, nuclear lamina and kinesins KIF5B and KIF13B to generate DSB-capturing nuclear envelope tubules (dsbNETs). dsbNETs are partly supported by nuclear actin filaments and the circadian factor PER1 and reversed by kinesin KIFC3. Although dsbNETs promote repair and survival, they are also co-opted during poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition to restrain BRCA1-deficient breast cancer cells and are hyper-induced in cells expressing the aging-linked lamin A mutant progerin. In summary, our results advance understanding of nuclear structure-function relationships, uncover a nuclear-cytoplasmic DDR and identify dsbNETs as critical factors in genome organization and stability.

Monitoring method and application of transition process with nonstationary conditions based on stability factor partitioning and RSFA

It is common for the working conditions to change with time in actual industrial processes. However, the transition modes of complex industrial processes under different working conditions often have various degrees of dynamic nonstationarity, which makes the traditional process monitoring model based on the stationarity assumption ineffective. In this paper, a Recursive Slow Feature Analysis method based on Stability Factor Partitioning (SFP-RSFA) is proposed for fine process monitoring of transition modes under dynamic nonstationarity characteristics. First, we calculate the stability factor according to the different stationarity characteristics of the production process variables. Then, K-means clustering is carried out according to the stability factor of each variable, and the stability factor of the cluster center is mapped to the interval [0,1] as the smoothing coefficient of the exponential weighted moving average (EWMA), which is applied to each data subblock respectively to highlight the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of the monitoring data subblock. In the online monitoring stage, the monitored data are fed into the subblock recursive slow feature analysis (RSFA) monitoring model. Finally, a comprehensive statistic method is proposed to integrate the subblock monitoring statistics. The Tennessee Eastman (TE) process and actual cement clinker production process were tested and compared with existing RPCA, RCA and RSFA methods. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method in the problem of nonstationary transition mode process monitoring are verified.

Does government spending cointegrate with bank lending? Evidence from Eurozone panel data

PurposeOur purpose is the examination of the effects of fiscal policy on private lending for the Eurozone countries. The emphasis is on the identification of the time path of government spending and bank lending.Design/methodology/approachFiscal policy is a main factor of macroeconomic stability for the euro area economy. This paper, investigates the impact of government spending on bank lending. For this reason, we present a dynamic theoretical model with a perfectly competitive banking sector, estimated using panel cointegration for the Eurozone countries from 2000Q1 to 2022Q2.FindingsOur findings highlight that, in the long run, consistent management of government spending can have a beneficial multiplicative impact on bank lending for housing and business reasons. This finding is stronger in magnitude for business versus housing lending. The high level of homogeneity of our results across Eurozone countries has positive implications for a common fiscal policy in the future. Finally, authorities should know that policy adjustments are quicker in housing lending when compared to business lending.Originality/valueIn this paper, we contribute to the existing literature, concentrating on the investigation of any existence of long-run and short-run relationships between government spending and bank lending. Additionally, our analysis allows one to investigate the contribution of each Eurozone member state in the short-run and long-run model’s dynamics, providing significant outcomes for the implementation of economic policy and the need for fiscal discipline in the Eurozone.

Interplay of soil characteristics and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity in alpine wetland restoration and carbon stabilization.

Alpine wetlands are critical ecosystems for global carbon (C) cycling and climate change mitigation. Ecological restoration projects for alpine grazing wetlands are urgently needed, especially due to their critical role as carbon (C) sinks. However, the fate of the C pool in alpine wetlands after restoration from grazing remains unclear. In this study, soil samples from both grazed and restored wetlands in Zoige (near Hongyuan County, Sichuan Province, China) were collected to analyze soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), soil properties, and plant biomass. Moreover, the Tea Bag Index (TBI) was applied to assess the initial decomposition rate (k) and stabilization factor (S), providing a novel perspective on SOC dynamics. The results of this research revealed that the mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) was 1.40 times higher in restored sites compared to grazed sites, although no significant difference in particulate organic carbon (POC) was detected between the two site types. Furthermore, the increased MAOC after restoration exhibited a significant positive correlation with various parameters including S, C and N content, aboveground biomass, WSOC, AMF diversity, and NH4+. This indicates that restoration significantly increases plant primary production, litter turnover, soil characteristics, and AMF diversity, thereby enhancing the C stabilization capacity of alpine wetland soils.

Helical Content Correlations and Hydration Structures of the Folding Ensemble of the B Domain of Protein A.

The B domain of protein A (BdpA), a small three-helix bundle, folds on a time scale of a few microseconds with heterogeneous native and unfolded states. It is widely used as a model for understanding protein folding mechanisms. In this work, we use structure-based models (SBMs) and atomistic simulations to comprehensively investigate how BdpA folding is associated with the formation of its secondary structure. The energy landscape visualization method (ELViM) was used to characterize the pathways that connect the folded and unfolded states of BdpA as well as the sets of structures displaying specific ellipticity patterns. We show that the native state conformational diversity is due mainly to the conformational variability of helix I. Helices I, II, and III occur in a weakly correlated manner, with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of 0.1539 (I and II), 0.1259 (I and III), and 0.2561 (II and III). These results, therefore, suggest the highest cooperativity between helices II and III. Our results allow the clustering of partially folded structures of folding of the B domain of protein A on the basis of its secondary structure, paving the way to an understanding of environmental factors in the relative stability of the basins of the folding ensemble, which are illustrated by the structural dependency of the protein hydration structures, as computed with minimum-distance distribution functions.

Experimental and data-driven analysis for predicting nanofluid performance in improving foam stability and reducing mobility at critical micelle concentration

Application of surfactant-based foam flooding is an effective approach to reduce mobility and control early breakthrough. Despite the proper performance of surfactant-based foams in decreasing the channeling of the flooded gas and water, high pressure, high temperature, and high salinity of the reservoirs put some limitations on the foam flooding efficiency. Nanoparticles are used to improve the quality of the foams, enhance stability, and transcend the limitations. Although there are many benefits of using nanoparticles in foam flooding, their performance at surfactant critical micelle concentration (CMC) is not fully investigated and the optimum nanoparticle concentration is not specified. In this study, an experimental investigation using nanosilica with surfactants at CMC to improve the stability (half-life) and mobility reduction factor (MRF) has been conducted. Furthermore, data from the literature were collected and analyzed to evaluate the change in MRF and stability for a nanofluid-based foam at CMC. Both experimental results and literature data showed that application of nanofluid-based foam is a successful approach to develop a more stable foam with lower mobility. Nanoparticle (NP) concentration is the dominant parameter at different salinities and temperatures that affects foam flow through porous media. The range of 0.2–0.4 wt% is the optimum nanoparticle concentration to develop a strong foam with acceptable performance in controlling mobility.

A-stable spectral deferred correction method for nonlinear Allen-Cahn model

This paper presents a type of A-stable spectral deferred correction (SDC) method. The scheme is initiated by the first-order backward Euler method. We adopt the linear stabilization approach for the Allen-Cahn model to get the linear semi-implicit SDC scheme. This is done by the addition and subtraction of the linear stabilization operators that have been provided for the Allen-Cahn problem. The ranges of the stabilization factors are then given. The aim is to achieve A-stability and error estimates for the implicit part of the scheme. Finally, the semi-implicit SDC scheme coupled with the Fourier spectral method is used to simulate the Allen-Cahn problem, which is also suitable for the highly nonlinear problem. Numerical experiments are given to numerically demonstrate the high-order accuracy and the energy decay property of the scheme with A-stability parameters.

Education as a Factor of Political and Social Stabilization in the Context of Territorial Changes Following an Armed Conflict: The Case of Szczecin After World War II

Education as a Factor of Political and Social Stabilization in the Context of Territorial Changes Following an Armed Conflict: The Case of Szczecin After World War II

Social microclimates and well-being.

Emotional well-being has a known relationship with a person's direct social ties, including friendships; but do ambient social and emotional features of the local community also play a role? This work takes advantage of university students' assignment to different local networks-or "social microclimates"-to probe this question. Using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, we quantify the collective impact of individual, social network, and microclimate factors on the emotional well-being of a cohort of first-year college students. Results indicate that well-being tracks individual factors but also myriad social and microclimate factors, reflecting one's peers and social surroundings. Students who belonged to emotionally stable and tight-knit microclimates (i.e., had emotionally stable friends or resided in densely connected residence halls) reported lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction, even when controlling for factors such as personality and social network size. Although rarely discussed or acknowledged in the policies that create them, social microclimates are consequential to well-being, especially during life transitions. The effects of microclimate factors are small relative to some individual factors; however, they explain unique variance in well-being that is not directly captured by emotional stability or other individual factors. These findings are novel, but preliminary, and should be replicated in new samples and contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Stability factor prediction of multilayer slope using three-dimensional convolutional neural network based on digital twin and prior knowledge data

Stability factor prediction of multilayer slope using three-dimensional convolutional neural network based on digital twin and prior knowledge data

Food security as a factor of demographic stability of the country

Food security as a factor of demographic stability of the country

Influence of Calculation Parameters on the Slope Stability of the Historical Rasos Cemetery in Vilnius (Lithuania)

Many objects of cultural and religious importance are located on naturally or artificially shaped hills. In such cases, the stability of the slopes determines both the safety of users and the facilities themselves and thus the preservation of cultural heritage. The analysis of the slope stability requires the assessment of the soil shear strength, defined as the ratio of resistance forces to driving forces. An important issue in the slope stability analysis is the proper determination of soil mechanical parameters, including their changes due to soil moisture. This paper presents an assessment of the slope stability of the Rasos Cemetery in Vilnius (Lithuania), where, due to a partial slope sliding, some of the tombstones were destroyed by being covered with soil. An analysis of the slope stability (factor of safety) was performed for two cross-sections using six calculation schemes. In each of them, calculations were carried out for three groups of soil parameters and for four design approaches (characteristic values, DA2, DA3a, and DA3b in accordance with the geotechnical standard applicable in the European Union—Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design). For the calculation approach (DA3a) for different groups of soil parameters, the values of the slope stability factors of safety were practically below 1.0. If the value of the factor of safety is less than 1.0, the slope is unstable. In the range of values 1.0–1.3, there is a serious risk of slope instability, and only when the factor of safety value reaches above 1.3 is the slope classified as stable. The comparison of the slope stability factors obtained with different design approaches (in relation to the DA3a) shows that the most unfavorable stability factor is approximately 43% lower than the result obtained from the characteristic values, approximately 21% lower than the result obtained using the DA2 design approach, and approximately 24% lower than the result obtained using the DA3b design approach. The analytical and numerical method (GEO5) analysis showed that, regardless of the adopted calculation approach, the required slope stability factor was not obtained. The article shows that selecting the correct geological cross-section to determine the critical slope slip surface and adopting the relevant design approach is crucial for slope sustainability. Based on the analysis, a proprietary solution for the construction work was proposed, which will ensure both the full stability of the slope and the safety of all graves and consequently landslide disaster prevention.

Традиционализм как фактор политической стабильности в современном российском обществе

The article considers traditionalism as a positive factor contributing to the achievement of political stability in Russian society in the modern complex context of aggravating external threats. The object of the study is political stability as a unity of factors and consequences in modern society. Subject of the study – traditionalism as a factor of political stabilization and reintegration of Russian society in the modern context. The study of traditionalism is conducted in the unity of cultural-historical and modern socio-political aspects, due to which this phenomenon is a leading factor of political stability in society and the state, which proclaims traditional values as basic. The study of traditionalism as a factor of the political process in our country is based on the idea of the unity of socio-historical and political science knowledge, forming a single discursive space. Tradition as a multidimensional phenomenon of folk life, synthetically expresses everyday perceptions that influence the political climate in society. The relationship between tradition and innovation in the context of the development of digital technologies as the basis of the communicative process should reach a new level and become part of the practice of political legitimization.

Investigation of curcumin antioxidant efficiency on oxidation stability of biodiesel from soybean oil and beef tallow, contaminated with metals: Kinetic and storage studies

Biodiesel can be produced from different raw materials or its blends, being that the soybean oil and bovine fat blend has been gaining prominence, because it guarantees good oxidative stability. However, several factors can affect its oxidative stability, such as exposure to high temperatures or contact with metals that may be present in storage and transport tanks. Thus, for its commercialization, a minimum of 8 h of Induction Period (IP) is required by the EN 14112 standard, and to reach this oxidation stability value, it is often necessary to add antioxidants to delay the oxidative process. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant action of curcumin in commercial biodiesel produced from soybean oil (70 %) and animal fat (30 %) blend and contaminated with metals in order to evaluate parameters such as IP, stabilization factor (F), activation energy (Ea), pre-exponential factor (A), reaction rate constant (k) and samples stability during storage in an oven at 85 °C. The samples were characterized by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and by Rancimat method (oxidation stability). The results showed high efficiency of the curcumin antioxidant, monitored by absorption at 425 nm. The curcumin addition in the biodiesel sample provided IP values greater than 8 h, even when contaminated with copper. The results of the kinetic studies showed for activation energy a value of 97.22 kJ mol−1 for the sample with 2000 mg kg−1 of curcumin, and 94.28 kJ mol−1 for the sample with curcumin at the same concentration and contaminated with 2 mg kg−1 copper. Even after 14 days of storage at 85 °C, the samples biodiesel with curcumin showed IP values within the required by international legislation (EN 14112 standard), showing curcumin as a promising natural antioxidant, even when biodiesel exposed to factors that intensify oxidative degradation.

Ion-induced field screening as a dominant factor in perovskite solar cell operational stability

AbstractThe presence of mobile ions in metal halide perovskites has been shown to adversely affect the intrinsic stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the actual contribution of mobile ions to the total degradation loss compared with other factors such as trap-assisted recombination remains poorly understood. Here we reveal that mobile ion-induced internal field screening is the dominant factor in the degradation of PSCs under operational conditions. The increased field screening leads to a decrease in the steady-state efficiency, often owing to a large reduction in the current density. Instead, the efficiency at high scan speeds (>1,000 V s−1), where the ions are immobilized, is much less affected. We also show that the bulk and interface quality do not degrade upon ageing, yet the open-circuit voltage decreases owing to an increase in the mobile ion density. This work reveals the importance of ionic losses for intrinsic PSC degradation before chemical or extrinsic mechanical effects manifest.

Treatment of Multiple RT1 Gingival Recessions Using a Coronally Advanced Flap Associated with L-PRF or Subgingival Connective Tissue Graft from Maxillary Tuberosity: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

The goal of plastic periodontal surgery is to obtain complete root coverage, increasing gingival thickness (GT), a positive prognostic factor for gingival margin stability over time. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) in RT1 (GR; gingival recession with no loss of interproximal attachment) when associated with a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (tCTG) or with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes in obtaining root coverage and increasing the thickness and width of the keratinized tissue, along with aesthetic improvement, taking into account a number of patient-related outcomes. Thirty patients with two adjacent RT1 GRs (GRs with no loss of interproximal attachment) were each treated using CAF associated with tCTG (15 patients) or L-PRF. The main outcome was a GT increase; secondary outcomes were keratinized tissue width (KT), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), root coverage percentage (RC%), complete root coverage (CRC), and root coverage esthetic score (RES). Patient-reported outcomes were discomfort (D), dentine hypersensitivity (DH), patient-related esthetic score (PRES), and overall treatment satisfaction (OTS). After 12 months, clinical and patient-reported parameters did not show significant differences between groups, with the only exception being a GT gain, which was significantly greater in the CAF + tCTG group. Our results showed that both techniques were effective in treating RT1 GRs, with comparable patient-related outcomes. However, the use of tCTG produces significantly thicker tissue, covering the exposed root surface.

Influence of dowel group configuration on the stability of reinforced slopes

Introduction. Slope reinforcement with dowels is the most economical and environmentally friendly method of their stabilization. However, the lack of theoretically substantiated schemes for optimal placement of dowels in groups, confirmed by tests in various conditions, leads to inefficient, often excessive use of the material in the arrangement of engineering protection.Aim. To determine the most effective arrangement of dowels in groups with regard to the overall stability of the reinformed soil mass. To assess quantitatively the stability depending on the spacing and shape of dowels in the group.Materials and methods. A review of international and Russian literature on the problem of assessing the influence of geometric parameters of dowel and anchor groups was carried out. According to the results of the review, primary calculations with the use of numerical simulation in the PLAXIS 3D software package was carried out.Results. The available publications mainly analyze configurations of screw anchor groups, paying insufficient attention the use of dowels of cylindrical cross-section. This fact substantiates further research in this field. The conducted numerical simulation allowed the slope stability provided by five dowel group configurations to be compared. The calculation results show that the slope stability depends on the configuration and the number of dowels in the group. The difference between the stability factors for the polygonal and triangular three-row configuration was 0.072 %, with the polygonal configuration requiring three dowels less. Selection of optimal dowel placement contributes to increased landslide control efficiency and reduced costs.Conclusions. The relevance and importance of studying the effect of dowel group configuration on slope stability, emphasizing the need for more in-depth and comprehensive research in this area.

Operational performance and metal droplet formation in pulsed-shielded metal arc underwater welding

Underwater Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is highly affected by the welding depth. The arc and molten metal in contact with the surrounding environment cause operational and metallurgical challenges regarding arc stability, metal transfer, gas formation, high-cooling rates, and diffusible hydrogen uptake. The hydrostatic pressure causes losses in consumable fusion efficiency, constricts the arc, increases the number of short-circuit events, and consequently decreases the welded joint’s process quality. In the present study, the novel approach of pulsed welding current is applied to wet shielded metal arc welding and is operational characteristics are evaluated in detail. Automated welding using an arc-voltage control system was used to obtain reproducible results. For the pulse conditions, two values of pulse current combinations, taking 140 A as the mean value, were set (ΔI of 40 A and 80 A). The same pulse and base duration were chosen, giving pulsing frequencies of 2.5 Hz and 25 Hz. The voltage and current signals were acquired and the short-circuit numbers and melting rates were calculated by processing the data stability factors. As a result, it was possible to weld with lower average welding currents through pulsed-current technology. This new approach can improve the stability of the wet SMAW process and contribute to obtaining better-quality welds without any changes for the underwater welder.