Local Forces Research Articles

In/secure childhoods: Children and conflict in Kashmir

This paper focuses on art productions by children participating in an art-based wellbeing intervention project in Kashmir. Drawing on feminist security studies, we conducted narrative analysis to explore how children represent in/security. The locations of in/security were the environment, the body, and the socio-political realm. Children articulated nuanced and complex representations of the natural and social world, influenced by local and global forces, and created their own meanings and practices of in/security.

Analysis of low-carbon rice farming behavior and its influencing factors in farmers under the distributed cognition perspective—empirical study based on 2,173 farmers in Jiangxi Province

IntroductionRice production is the core component of the food security strategy in China, but it is also a major source of methane and nitrous oxide. Promoting low-carbon rice farming (LCRF) to increase the carbon sink, decrease carbon emissions, and achieve low-carbon, high-yield production is an inevitable “win-win” choice for achieving “double carbon” targets and guaranteeing national food security. This study contributes to the advancement of research on farmers’ adoption decisions and fills gaps in LCRF’s technical research on farmers’ decision-making behavior. The results also provide a basis for formulating policies to encourage LCRF and protect cultivated land.MethodsThis study conducted field research on 2,173 farming households in Jiangxi Province, a traditional agricultural province in China, and examined the effects of personal forces, local forces, and cultural forces on LCRF adoption behavior by introducing the distributed cognition theoretical framework based on a status quo analysis and employing the multivariate ordinal logistic model.Results and discussionThe results of the study showed that: 1) the overall acceptance of LCRF behavior is currently not very high. In the 2173 questionnaires, the mean number of LCRF behavior items accepted by farmers was 3.10 items; 153 farmers did not adopt any LCRF behavior, and only 77 farmers adopted all LCRF behaviors. Most farmers (n = 535) adopted three LCRF behaviors. 2) In distributed cognition affecting LCRF behavior, acceptance was primarily affected by cultural forces, followed by local forces, while the effects of personal forces were limited. Therefore, it is recommended that training and promotion should be increased, policy subsidies should be increased, the land market should be improved, and LCRF demonstrations should be carried out to increase the acceptance of LCRF behavior among rice farmers.

Local impedance and contact force guidance to predict successful cavotricuspid isthmus ablation with a zero-fluoroscopy approach.

A new technology capable of monitoring local impedance (LI) and contact force (CF) has recently been developed. At the same time, there is growing concern regarding catheter ablation performed under fluoroscopy guidance, due to its harmful effects for both patients and practitioners. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of zero-fluoroscopy cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation monitoring LI drop and CF as well as to elucidate if these parameters can predict successful radiofrequency (RF) applications in CTI ablation. We conducted a prospective observational study recruiting 50 consecutive patients who underwent CTI ablation. A zero-fluoroscopy approach guided by the combination of LI drop and CF was performed. In each RF application, CF and LI drop were monitored. A 6-month follow-up visit was scheduled to assess recurrences. A total of 767 first-pass RF applications were evaluated in 50 patients. First-pass effective RF applications were associated with greater LI drops: absolute LI drops (30.05 ± 6.23 Ω vs. 25.01 ± 5.95 Ω), p = 0.004) and relative LI drops (-23.3 ± 4.9% vs. -18.3 ± 5.6%, p = 0.0005). RF applications with a CF between 5 and 15 grams achieved a higher LI drop compared to those with a CF below 5 grams (29.4 ± 8.76 Ω vs. 24.8 ± 8.18 Ω, p < 0.0003). However, there were no significant differences in LI drop between RF applications with a CF between 5 and 15 grams and those with a CF beyond 15 grams (29.4 ± 8.76 Ω vs. 31.2 ± 9.81 Ω, p = 0.19). CF by itself, without considering LI drop, did not predict effective RF applications (12.3 ± 7.54 g vs. 11.18 ± 5.18 g, p = 0.545). Successful CTI ablation guided by a zero-fluoroscopy approach was achieved in all patients. Only one patient experienced a recurrence during the 6-month follow-up. LI drop (absolute and relative values) appears to be a good predictor of successful RF applications to achieve CTI conduction block. The optimal CF to achieve a good LI drop is between 5 and 15 g. A zero-fluoroscopy approach guided by LI and CF was feasible, effective, and safe.

Force modeling of vertical surface grinding considering wheel-workpiece contact geometry

Vertical surface grinding (VSG) is an effective method that can adapt to multiple machining tasks, including stock removal machining to get high productivity and finish machining to obtain high-quality surfaces. Force prediction can reveal some mechanisms in the VSG process, conducing to the improved machining quality and efficiency. This paper aims to develop a novel analytical force model considering the actual wheel-workpiece contact geometry (WWCG). In the modeling process, the cup grinding wheel was divided into many micro-cutting layers along the wheel axis, and the expressions of geometrical-kinematic parameters were derived to characterize the material removal at different positions of the primary grinding zone (PGZ). A single-grain grinding force model was proposed based on chip formation and plastic pile-up mechanisms from an energy perspective. Based on the analysis of multiple-grain interactions at each micro-cutting layer, equations of the local and total grinding forces in the VSG process were then derived by synthesizing the single-grain forces. Findings show that the developed model could accurately predict the magnitudes of total grinding forces and provide the distributions of local grinding forces. The WWCG variation could significantly affect the grinding forces by altering the material removal rate of different micro-cutting layers. This work provides a new method for predicting grinding forces and theoretical guidance for optimizing machining parameters and tailoring the edge profiles of cup grinding wheels to adapt to specific machining tasks.

Interannual Sea Level Variability along the U.S. East Coast during the Satellite Altimetry Era: Local versus Remote Forcing

Abstract The contributions of local and remote forcings to the interannual sea level anomalies (SLAs) along the U.S. East Coast (USEC) during the satellite altimetry era from 1993 to 2019 are quantified with analytical models assisted by statistical methods. The local forcings from alongshore wind stress, sea level pressure via inverted barometer (IB) effect, and river discharges together explain 47%, 60.4%, and 66.8% of coastal sea level variance in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), and Gulf of Maine (GOM), respectively, with river discharges having the minimum contribution. Over a longer period of 1960–2019, the contribution of local forcings reduces significantly, with the IB effect having the minimum contribution. The remote forcings associated with open-ocean signals from the east and from the northern boundary at the Scotian coast together with the Gulf Stream (GS) variability explain 45.7%, 28.5%, and 37.7% of coastal sea level variance in the SAB, MAB, and GOM, respectively, playing a role comparable to that of local forcings in the SAB. The open-ocean sea level signals from 35° to 38°N strongly influence coastal SLAs in the SAB. The coastal SLAs in the SAB are also affected by the upstream GS strength (28°–36°N) and basin-scale wind stress curl anomaly, which is linked to the meridional shift in the downstream GS (74°–68°W). Remote forcings from the subpolar North Atlantic and wind stress curl from the Grand Banks to the Scotian coast influence coastal SLAs in the GOM and MAB via the northern boundary of the USEC at the Scotian coast.

Tuneable hydrogel patterns in pillarless microfluidic devices.

Organ-on-chip (OOC) technology has recently emerged as a powerful tool to mimic physiological or pathophysiological conditions through cell culture in microfluidic devices. One of its main goals is bypassing animal testing and encouraging more personalized medicine. The recent incorporation of hydrogels as 3D scaffolds into microfluidic devices has changed biomedical research since they provide a biomimetic extracellular matrix to recreate tissue architectures. However, this technology presents some drawbacks such as the necessity for physical structures as pillars to confine these hydrogels, as well as the difficulty in reaching different shapes and patterns to create convoluted gradients or more realistic biological structures. In addition, pillars can also interfere with the fluid flow, altering the local shear forces and, therefore, modifying the mechanical environment in the OOC model. In this work, we present a methodology based on a plasma surface treatment that allows building cell culture chambers with abutment-free patterns capable of producing precise shear stress distributions. Therefore, pillarless devices with arbitrary geometries are needed to obtain more versatile, reliable, and biomimetic experimental models. Through computational simulation studies, these shear stress changes are demonstrated in different designed and fabricated geometries. To prove the versatility of this new technique, a blood-brain barrier model has been recreated, achieving an uninterrupted endothelial barrier that emulates part of the neurovascular network of the brain. Finally, we developed a new technology that could avoid the limitations mentioned above, allowing the development of biomimetic OOC models with complex and adaptable geometries, with cell-to-cell contact if required, and where fluid flow and shear stress conditions could be controlled.

Metal-ring interactions in group 2 ansa-metallocenes: assessed with the local vibrational mode theory.

Ansa-metallocenes, a vital class of organometallic compounds, have attracted significant attention due to their diverse structural motifs and their pivotal roles in catalysis and materials science. We investigated 37 distinct group 2 ansa-metallocenes at the B3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP level of theory. Utilizing local mode force constants derived from our local vibrational mode theory, including a special force constant directly targeting the metal-ring interaction, we could unveil latent structural differences between solvated and non-solvated metallocenophanes and the influence of the solvent on complex stability and structure. We could quantify the intrinsic strength of the metal-cyclopentadienyl (M-Cp) bonds and the influence of the bridging motifs on the stiffness of the Cp-M-Cp angles, another determinant of complex stability. LMA was complemented by the analysis of electronic density, utilizing the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), which confirmed both the impact of solvent coordination on the strength of the M-Cp bond(s) and the influence of the bridging motif on the Cp-M-Cp angles. The specific effect of the ansa-motif on the M-Cp interaction was further elucidated by a comparison with linear/bent metallocene structures. In summary, our results identify the local mode analysis as an efficient tool for unraveling the intricate molecular properties of ansa-metallocenes and their unique structural features.

Flow tweezing of anisotropic magnetic microrobots in a dynamic magnetic trap for active retention and localized flow sensing.

Controlled manipulation of microscale robotic devices in complex fluidic networks is critical for various applications in biomedical endovascular sensing, lab-on-chip biochemical assays, and environmental monitoring. However, achieving controlled transport and active retention of microscale robots with flow sensing capability has proven to be challenging. Here, we report the dynamic tweezing of an anisotropic magnetic microrobot in a rotating magnetic trap for active retention and localized flow sensing under confined fluidic conditions. We reveal a series of unconventional motion modes and the dynamics of the microrobot transporting in a confined fluidic flow, which manifest themselves as transitions from on-trap centre rolling to large-area revolution and off-trap centre rolling with varying rotating frequencies. By retaining the robot within the magnetic trap and its motion modulated by the field frequency, the off-centre rolling of the microrobot endows it with crucial localized flow sensing capabilities, including flow rate and flow direction determination. The magnetic microrobot serves as a mobile platform for measuring the flow profile along a curved channel, mimicking a blood vessel. Our findings unlock a new strategy to determine the local magnetic tweezing force profile and flow conditions in arbitrary flow channels, revealing strong potential for microfluidics, chemical reactors, and in vivo endovascular flow measurement.

Shear flow as a tool to distinguish microscopic activities of molecular machines in a chromatin loop.

Several types of molecular machines move along biopolymers like chromatin. However, the details about the microscopic activity of these machines and how to distinguish their modes of action are not well understood. We propose that the activity of such machines can be classified by studying looped chromatin under shear flow. Our simulations show that a chromatin-like polymer with two types of activities-constant (type-I) or local curvature-dependent tangential forces (type-II)-exhibits very different behavior under shear flow. We show that one can distinguish both activities by measuring the nature of a globule-to-extended coil transition, tank treading, and tumbling dynamics.

Numerical simulation of bulk superconductor during pulsed field magnetization based on multi-field coupled analysis

High-temperature bulk superconductors are widely used in various superconducting devices due to their high critical current density, which enables them to trap high magnetic fields. However, the critical current density of bulk superconductors is influenced by magnetic field, temperature and stress, and both increase of stress and temperature can lead to a decrease in the critical current density. And the influence of magnetic field, current, stress are interactional. In this paper, the multi-field coupled analysis is employed to investigate the electromagnetic and mechanical behavior on bulk superconductor during pulsed field magnetization. The simulation results were compared with the present experimental results. The results showed a good agreement between the simulation and experimental results, further validating the reliability of the numerical simulation method. The magnetic field, current, temperature, and stress distribution and variation within the bulk sample during the pulsed magnetization process were calculated and analyzed. Additionally, the influence of the central crack and edge crack in the bulk superconductor was investigated. The results indicate that the region near the crack experiences a variation in current flow direction, resulting in local temperature rise and significant electromagnetic forces. The tip of the crack exhibits stress concentration, leading to a decrease in critical current density. Bulk supercondutor with edge crack case exhibits greater stress concentration compared to those with central crack case. The impact of crack length on maximum stress was analyzed, revealing that as the crack length increases, both the maximum hoop stress and radial stress within the bulk sample rise.

CILJEVI ODRŽIVOG RAZVOJA I KORIŠTENJE PRISTUPA ŽIVOTNOG CIKLUSA U PROVEDBI SOCIJALNE ZAŠTITE OBITELJI U KRIZNIM SITUACIJAMA

The Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter: SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to end poverty, ensure social inclusion, and protect the environment. Leading social protection programs anchored in Croatia’s policy framework represent an important strategy that has the potential to reduce poverty and inequality and protect people from the risks they face. In addition, social protection aims to promote the development of human capital and support economic growth, which are important measures of the SDGs. However, a narrow conceptualization of poverty without taking into account the dynamics of poverty across the life course and local forces poses a challenge for implementation. The presented case study from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the literature, provide support for examining the challenges in the implementation of social protection programs and their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals in crisis situations in society, especially in the domain of family protection. This concept and life cycle approach are important for the formulation, design, and implementation of social protection in achieving the SDGs. The approach is based on an understanding of the life cycle that recognizes the specific challenges, risks, and shocks that individuals face throughout their lives. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the need to build and prepare social protection systems to deal with shocks and vulnerabilities relevant to the SDGs, using a life cycle approach as a guiding framework.

Evaluating the forces involved in bubble management in DMEK surgery: mathematical and computational model with clinical implications.

To model postoperative forces involved in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissue adherence and bubble management, including the impact of surface tension on graft support, with a view towards clinical applications. Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, and James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom. Mathematical modelling and computer simulation. Theoretical modelling of biphasic flow and interaction of gas, liquid and tissue within the anterior chamber for static horizontal scenario A (adherent DMEK with mobile bubble) and dynamic vertical scenario B (release of bubble due to pupil block following DMEK). The model assumed incompressibility for both fluids within realistically achievable pressure ranges. Cahn-Hilliard Navier-Stokes equations were discretised through the application of the Finite Element Method. Mathematical modelling and computer simulation showed bubble size, corneal curvature and force intensity influences surface tension support for DMEK tissue in scenario A. Scenario B demonstrated complex, uneven distribution of surface pressure on the DMEK graft during uncontrolled bubble release. Uneven pressure concentration can cause local tissue warping, with air/fluid displacement via capillary waves generated on the fluid-air interface adversely impacting DMEK support. We have quantitatively and qualitatively modelled the forces involved in DMEK adherence in normal circumstances. We have shown releasing air/gas can abruptly reduce DMEK tissue support via generation of large pressure gradients at the liquid/bubble/graft interfaces, creating negative local forces. Surgeons should consider these principles to reduce DMEK graft dislocation rates via optimised bubble size to graft size, longer acting bubble support and avoiding rapid decompression where possible.

Local force constants and charges of the nitrosyl ligand in photoinduced NO linkage isomers in a prototypical ruthenium nitrosyl complex.

Photoinduced linkage isomers (PLI) of the NO ligand in transition-metal nitrosyl compounds can be identified by vibrational spectroscopy due to the large shifts of the (NO) stretching vibration. We present a detailed experimental and theoretical study of the prototypical compound K2[RuCl5NO], where (NO) shifts by ≈150 cm-1 when going from the N-bound (κN) ground state (GS) to the oxygen-bound (κO) metastable linkage isomer MS1, and by ≈360 cm-1 when going to the side-on (κ2N,O) metastable linkage isomer MS2. We show that the experimentally observed N-O stretching modes of the GS, MS1, and MS2 exhibit strong coupling with the Ru-N and Ru-O stretching modes, which can be decoupled using the local mode vibrational theory formalism. From the resulting decoupled pure two-atomic harmonic oscillators the local force constants are determined, which all follow the same quadratic behavior on the wavenumber. A Bader charge analysis shows that the total charge on the NO ligand is not correlated to the observed frequency shift of (NO).

ELASTIC-PLASTIC DEFORMATION OF STEEL-CONCRETE BEAMS WITH LOCAL CRUMPLING DURING THREE-POINT BENDING

The study presents the results of experimental modeling of elastoplastic deformation of bent massive concrete filled steel tube beams under three-point bending. It has been shown that local deformations and local crushing in such structures have a significant impact on their behavior. The applicability of the theory of bending of a hollow steel beam according to the Bernoulli model is analyzed. A comparison has been made of the bearing capacity and stress-strain state of hollow steel tubes (according to the Bernoulli model and the results of experiments) and concrete filled steel tube beams, and the contribution of the concrete core to the bending resistance during elastoplastic deformation has been quantitatively assessed. The actual load-bearing capacity of a hollow pipe during three-point bending does not exceed 50% of the calculated theoretically determined one, which indicates the impossibility of using the classical bending model when designing systems of this kind. In this case, the concrete filled steel tube beam not only ensures the full functioning of the metal during the deformation process, preventing its disruption, but also provides some increase in load-bearing capacity due to the inclusion of a compressed zone in the concrete work. The increase in the load-bearing capacity of a beam due to the introduction of a concrete core can reach 70%. Despite their significant weight, bendable tube-concrete rods can be recommended in conditions of a complex stress-strain state, in which, in addition to transverse bending loads, significant longitudinal forces arise, as well as local force factors that contribute to the occurrence of local crushing deformations, since, unlike a thin-walled hollow tube, concrete the core significantly prevents these effects. Based on the results of the study, the potential effectiveness of flexible tube-concrete elements for a number of structures was proven.

북한강유역권에 나타난 새로운 유형의 철기문화와 위만조선(衛滿朝鮮)

As the early iron age drew to a close, a new type of iron culture emerged in the Bukhan River basin, centered on the Daeseong-ri and Daljeon-ri sites in Gapyeong and the recently excavated Geumnam-ri in Namyangju. This is a combination of a new forged iron culture centered on “forged weapons” and the cast iron culture of the early iron age represented by rectangular cast iron parts and cast iron forges. This iron culture has long been regarded as a transplantation of the advanced Han iron culture after the establishment of the Lelang Commandery. However, this new type of iron culture does not introduce typical Han ironwork. In other words, the iron culture that appeared in the Bukhan River basin was based on the Gojoseon iron culture, which centered on cast iron. Moreover, it was the combination of forging technology introduced in Northeast Asia around the time of the Qin-Han dynasty that coincided with the transition to&#x0D; forged iron. Based on these characteristics, it is more reasonable to assume that the power that was able to form the new iron culture was Wiman Joseon, which was able to acquire Han military wealth in addition to the Gojoseon tradition. It is believed that the new iron culture established by Wiman Joseon first reached the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, especially the Bukhan River basin. This was because these local forces were either the most external forces directly influenced by Wiman Joseon or were closely involved in Wiman Joseon's ironware distribution network. In other words, the close influence from the "center" was the first factor that led to the development of a more advanced iron culture in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula that was different&#x0D; from the early iron culture of the previous period. However, this geopolitical proximity to the “center” may have paradoxically contributed to the lack of succession of the introduced iron culture within the community. Political and economic stimuli from outside, such as the establishment of the Lelang Commandery, contributed to the absence of iron and other archaeological elements in the Bukhan River basin for a considerable period of time. This is evidenced by the disappearance of most archaeological elements, including iron, in the period between the fall of the Wiman Joseon Dynasty and the establishment of the Lelang Commandery.

A Holistic Review of MSME Entrepreneurship in Indonesia: The Role of Innovation, Sustainability, and the Impact of Digital Transformation

This study conducts a comprehensive examination of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, focusing on their role in the economy, challenges in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. With over 97% of the local labor force employed by MSMEs, their significance is undeniable. However, obstacles, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, include a financing gap, innovation difficulties, and limited resources hindering digitalization. The research, based on a sample of 250 MSMEs, utilizes Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to reveal the positive and significant impact of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation on MSME entrepreneurship. Practical implications suggest prioritizing innovation, integrating sustainable practices, and recognizing the importance of digitalization for MSMEs' success, with broader implications for socio-economic and environmental goals.

Workforce localisation in the resort sector of the Maldives

The resort sector of the Maldives has played a vital role in the development of the Maldives, influencing the economy, culture, environment, society, and governance. The resort sector is predominantly staffed by expatriates, with many workers employed. Therefore, achieving the proper equilibrium between local and expatriate forces with a priority on developing local employment opportunities is vital. Creating relevant and proactive policies and action plans to build human capital is essential. This study aims to evaluate the current challenges concerned with workforce localisation in the resort sector of the Maldives. This research adopts an exploratory case study approach with the target population being the managers and human resource managers of resorts in the Maldives. The sample population was selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured, open-ended interviews with twelve participants. The interviews were transcribed and coded, and themes were generated using content analysis. The overarching themes indicate the need for national-level strategies and collective effort from the industry, the regulatory authorities, and educational institutions. The key findings suggest conflicting opinions on striking a balance between expatriate and local workers. The challenge lies in attracting the required workforce from the local population, leading to a reliance on expatriates. The lack of local skills, experience and qualifications adds to the burden of local recruitment. However, findings indicate that areas and roles in the resort sector can be easily localised, thus benefiting the local population. Currently, the government and the resort sector facilitate local development by aiming to close the linguistic proficiency gap, internships, and graduate management programs. The research findings highlight the importance of creating job value, combatting misconceptions and stereotyping, cultivating a work-oriented mindset, and having an inclusive policy paving part-time employment for students. Furthermore, career counselling, real-world learning experiences and training facilities are integral to the success of workforce localisation in the Maldives.

From the Ghetto to Auschwitz and Back – Transgenerational Trauma

A city in present-day Romania with a multicultural, multiethnic and multiconfessional history, Oradea (Nagyvarad, Grosswardein, Varadino, Magnum Varadinum) has had from its very foundation an entirely distinct geopolitical reality, its century-long existence being marked by a wide variety and continuous differentiation, which penetrate deeply into every aspect of everyday community life. The Jewish community, actively present since the 18th century, carved out a place for itself and represented a hub of Jewish emancipation in the episcopal city, which was often a battleground for the hegemonic local forces, the reformed Transylvanian ones, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. After a long and relatively peaceful period of Romanian rule (1918–1940), following the Second World War the population of Oradea was shaken by racial laws issued first by the Romanian authority and afterwards by the Horthyst occupying forces (1940–1944) in Northern Transylvania, which concentrated Jews for deportation in the second biggest ghetto in Eastern Europe after Budapest. The demography of Oradea showed the loss of one third of its residents. Out of nearly 30,000 inhabitants, barely 2000 survivors returned, and the transgenerational trauma sent its echoes through time to the fourth generation, that of today’s teenagers. Their grandparents and great-grandparents, returned from deportation, had to go through another trauma and persecution, with the communists’ coming to power in 1948 and soon afterwards, that of the ‚red antisemitism’. The ways this trauma passed down across generations and deepened during communist totalitarianism, its masks during the postcommunit period, as well as the means of limiting and combating it are the ramifications of the topic which was examined not only theoretically, but by concrete examples of original case studies based on face-to-face interviews and microhistorical accounts received from the descendants of concentration camp suvivors. To these we shall add several examples from post Shoah memoirs of Oradea survivors and their descendants.

Is proprioception affected in those with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders? A cross-sectional study exploring joint position sense and force sense of the jaw

BackgroundProprioception is an important component of normal jaw function, although to date it is unknown if and how proprioception is affected in those with intra-articular temporomandibular disorders (IA-TMDs). This challenges effective management of this subgroup. ObjectivesDetermine whether differences in local joint position sense and force sense exist between individuals with IA-TMD and those without a jaw problem. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodSixty age and sex matched participants were recruited (n = 30 IA-TMD, n = 30 healthy controls). Temporomandibular joint position sense was tested to one target (50% of maximal mouth opening) using a ruler. Temporomandibular force sense was tested to two targets (50% and 70% of maximal molar pain-free bite force) using a bite sensor. Constant, absolute and variable errors were calculated for each outcome and compared between groups using p-values and 95% confidence intervals for effect size (d). ResultsSignificantly greater degrees of constant, absolute and variable error were seen for force sense testing at the 50% target (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups for joint position sense, or for constant or variable force sense error at the 70% target (p > 0.05). Despite this, all joint position sense and force sense measures demonstrated possible clinical significance (upper limits 95% CI d ≥ 0.5). ConclusionsForce sense, particularly at lower levels, appears impaired in those with IA-TMD. Joint position sense and force sense at higher levels appear less affected, although may still be important to consider in the management of IA-TMD in some patients.

The Pattern of Utilizing Local Community Wisdom to Support Tourism in Berastagi

Although Berastagi has the allure of night tourism, the city is also known as a culinary center, thanks to the presence of the Pasar Kaget. However, previous research has not extensively addressed the aspects of night tourism and the utilization of local wisdom. This research aims to identify night activities in Berastagi based on the pattern of utilizing local wisdom. The two main theories underlying this research are night tourism and local wisdom. The intended pattern of utilization is a roadmap for how night tourism can be better developed. The theory of night tourism identifies 4 main component patterns: economic, social, environmental, and the night atmosphere. Meanwhile, local wisdom emphasizes the first pattern, which is the value of trust, and the second, which is the cultural life that grows within the community. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, with data obtained through interviews and field observations. The research results show that the Berastagi community has felt the economic impact of night tourism, and integrating Karo culture into night tourism can enhance business opportunities and economic growth. Although there is negative public perception of night tourism, the Karo customary institution in Berastagi plays a role as a local force in safeguarding social aspects during these activities. To enhance night tourism in Berastagi, improvements are needed, such as the concentration of night tourism areas and the incorporation of traditional Karo tribal ornaments. By making Karo culinary and culture the distinctive identity, the city of Berastagi can build a unique night atmosphere, providing a different experience between night and day tourism.