Practical Means Research Articles

Health Information Repertoires of Implant Patients: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Multiple Source Use and the Role of Health-Related Motives

ABSTRACT Health information-seeking behavior can be understood as an active and purposeful acquisition of information from selected information sources. It supports patients to cope with medical and health-related uncertainties and enables them to engage in informed decision-making. To obtain health information, patients can turn to a variety of sources, such as going to a physician, exchanging information with their family, or using different Internet sources. Research showed that patients typically use multiple sources to meet their health-related information needs. To attain a holistic and differentiated picture of patients’ actual health information behavior, the current study draws on the repertoire approach. We conducted an online survey with 1,105 implant patients and performed a cluster analysis to explore their health information repertoires. To gain a deeper understanding of the practical meaning behind the repertoires, we also considered health-related information motives and socio-structural factors, as well as the implant type (dental, orthopedic, cochlear), to characterize the repertoires. The study revealed seven different health information repertoires of implant patients, varying in their combination of multiple sources used. In addition, group comparisons showed that the repertoires differ significantly regarding socio-structural factors, such as gender, age, and education, as well as implant type. Furthermore, information motives contribute significantly to the differentiation of the repertoires. The results are of high theoretical potential for communication science as well as practical use for strategic health communication.

Single and dual reference-free CUSCORE charts for detecting unknown patterned mean shifts

Most of the control charts in the literature focus on detecting constant mean shifts. In practice, dynamic and time-varying process mean shifts are prevalent in the monitoring of feedback-control and autocorrelated processes. The cumulative score (CUSCORE) charts have been proposed in the literature to detect dynamic and time-varying process shifts. One of such control charts is a reference-free CUSCORE (called RFCS-I) chart that may detect unknown patterned mean shifts effectively. In this paper, single and dual CUSCORE charts are developed to enable an efficient detection of unknown patterned mean shifts. The developed single CUSCORE chart, called the RFCS-II chart, is based on the control charting structure of the Crosier CUSUM (called CU-II) chart. Additionally, two RFCS-I charts are integrated with reflecting boundaries, while an integration of two RFCS-II charts is also made, to develop the dual RFCS-I (DRFCS-I) and dual RFCS-II (DRFCS-II) charts, respectively. In addition, the RFCS-I and RFCS-II charts are integrated to propose the mixed dual reference-free CUSCORE chart, called the MDRFCS chart. In essence, four CUSCORE charts, i.e. the RFCS-II, DRFCS-I, DRFCS-II and MDRFCS charts are suggested in this paper. The Monte Carlo simulation and a real application illustrate the superiority of these developed CUSCORE charts over their existing counterparts when detecting patterned mean shifts in terms of zero-state and steady-state relative mean indexes.

The Concept and Models of Representation

The model of representation is a theoretical framework that delineates the manner in which elected officials or political representatives are anticipated to advocate for the interests, desires, and necessities of their constituents. This study elucidates various models of representation, each presenting distinct viewpoints on the functioning of this representation. Several prominent models of representation in politics include the trustee, delegate, partisan, and political representatives. The findings indicate that there are several elements that pose challenges to the functioning of representative government. These problems include defection, corruption, and the absence of clear ideological frameworks within political parties. The study concludes by offering recommendations for increasing representative governance through practical means, including the participation of all individuals, the promotion of political equality, and the cultivation of a sense of political responsibility.

Discrete nutrient utilizations in two Bauhinia species exposed to supplemental light-emitting diode spectra and exponential fertilization

Bauhinia is a widely planted urban tree plant in tropical cities, which are frequently dwelling in a habitat exposed to inevitable streetlamp lighting. It is of practical meaning to figure out the lighting spectra that benefit nutrient utilization in corporation with a proper exponential fertilization regime. In this study, Bauhinia brachycarpa and B. variegata seedlings were cultured with exponential fertilization at the rate of 80 mg nitrogen (N) plant-1 (N-phosphorus-potassium, 10-7-9) with an unfertilized control, and both were exposed to light-emitting diode spectra of R1BG5 (13.9% red, 77.0% green, 9.2% blue), R2BG3 (26.2% red, 70.2% green, 3.5% blue), and R3BG1 (42.3% red, 57.3% green, 0.4% blue). The R3BG1 spectrum resulted in smaller growing size and dry mass but higher nutrient concentration and root water content compared to the other two spectra. Exponential fertilization increased fresh mass for two Bauhinia species but only increased dry mass in B. brachycarpa. Compared to B. variegata, B. brachycarpa was verified to have a higher capacity to accommodate exogeneous nutrient input through exponential fertilization. The R3BG1 spectrum was recommended for the illumination in streetlamps for Bauhinia because this spectrum can promote nutrient uptake without too fast rate of growth relative to other spectra with lower red-light proportions.

High‐Contrast Switching of Light Enabled by Zero Diffraction

Diffraction allows to change the direction of light. Therefore, controlling the diffraction efficiency with high contrast enables controlling the pathway of light within optical systems. However, a high contrast requires that the diffraction efficiency is tunable close to zero. Probably the most prominent example for zero diffraction in a waveguide grating is a bound state in the continuum (BIC). Herein, zero diffraction of two plane waves under symmetric incidence to a leaky symmetric waveguide grating is found. The phenomenon not only occurs at singular spectral positions but on continuous curves in the energy–momentum space. The relative phase of the two waves enables large contrast control over diffraction in a wide spectral range. The practical meaning of this finding for local switching is demonstrated. Light is trapped into a nonlinear optical waveguide and detrapped at a desired position with electric control. A switching contrast exceeding 1000 is experimentally shown.

Africatown in Guangzhou as geosemiotic assemblage: connecting multilingualism, store signs, and chronotopes

Abstract Using the social-spatial notions of geosemiotic assemblage and chronotope, this participatory ethnographic case study examines the intersection of store signs in the Africatown in Guangzhou and transnational African migrants’ meaning-making and place-making practices. Data collection is employed through a combination of traditional and participatory ethnographic methods including visual texts, interviews, and virtual field observations with fieldnotes. Findings from this study indicate the Africatown as geosemiotic assemblage, which echoes the principle in human geography that material and social environments are imbued with meanings in daily practices. The Africatown as geosemiotic assemblage is a multifaceted and dialogic process in which meanings, perceptions, multi-senses, and symbols are tied together to a locality. This study illustrates that the African migrants’ perceptions of the Africatown are mediated by both material and social environments. Specifically, African migrants are able to engage in multilingual social practices with both non-human artefacts and humans, placing great emphasis on spatiality in their reconceptualization of Africatown as more than a local African migrants’ hub. This study further demonstrates that the materials assembled in the African migrants’ milleu are historical, social, cultural, and multilingual in facilitating their reconstruction of the Africatown’s transnational space and African migrants’ identities. This study argues that a geosemiotic assemblage approach is salient in expanding current understandings of multilingual and transnational research by foregrounding materiality in meaning-making and place-making practices.

Religious Dynamics and Traditional Beliefs in the Ruwat Laut Ritual Amidst the Pandemic Crisis

This article delves into the profound meanings of religious practices and traditional beliefs within the context of the coastal community of Waymuli Village amidst the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Focusing on the Ruwat Laut ritual, this study analyzes how the interaction between traditional beliefs and the official religion, Islam, influences religious practices and the attitudes of the community in confronting global challenges. Through in-depth interviews with customary leaders, village heads, religious educators, farmers, and fishermen, the article reveals shifts in religious practices and the pandemic's impact on ritual implementation. The analysis results demonstrate transformations in traditional belief practices and community adaptations to changing circumstances, including social restrictions and ritual limitations. This article also discusses the factors influencing religious attitudes and practices during a crisis situation. The article's conclusion underscores the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of how communities uphold their beliefs and religious practices when facing modern challenges, while maintaining a balance between tradition and adaptation. This research contributes valuable insights to the study of religious diversity and community adaptation in the face of global crises.

Monitoring beam charge during FLASH irradiations

In recent years, FLASH irradiation has attracted significant interest in radiation research. Studies have shown that irradiation at ultra-high dose rates (FLASH) reduces the severity of toxicities in normal tissues compared to irradiation at conventional dose rates (CONV), as currently used in clinical practice. Most pre-clinical work is currently carried out using charged particle beams and the beam charge monitor described here is relevant to such beams. Any biological effect comparisons between FLASH and CONV irradiations rely on measurement of tissue dose. While well-established approaches can be used to monitor, in real time, the dose delivered during CONV irradiations, monitoring FLASH doses is not so straightforward. Recently the use of non-intercepting beam current transformers (BCTs) has been proposed for FLASH work. Such BCTs have been used for decades in numerous accelerator installations to monitor temporal and intensity beam profiles. In order to serve as monitoring dosimeters, the BCT output current must be integrated, using electronic circuitry or using software integration following signal digitisation. While sensitive enough for FLASH irradiation, where few intense pulses deliver the requisite dose, the inherent insensitivity of BCTs and the need for a wide detection bandwidth makes them less suitable for use during CONV “reference” irradiations. The purpose of this article is to remind the FLASH community of a different mode of BCT operation: direct monitoring of charge, rather than current, achieved by loading the BCT capacitively rather than resistively. The resulting resonant operation achieves very high sensitivities, enabling straightforward monitoring of output during both CONV and FLASH regimes. Historically, such inductive charge monitors have been used for single pulse work; however, a straightforward circuit modification allows selective resonance damping when repetitive pulsing is used, as during FLASH and CONV irradiations. Practical means of achieving this are presented, as are construction and signal processing details. Finally, results are presented showing the beneficial behaviour of the BCT versus an (Advanced Markus) ionisation chamber for measurements over a dose rate range, from <0.1 Gys−1 to >3 kGys−1.

PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVALS AND FAIRS: SHOWCASING NEW IDEAS IN PHOTOGRAPHY

This article assumes that photographic festivals and fairs can play a role in articulating and promoting new ideas in photography. As exhibition spaces, these public events guide and showcase new trends, perspectives and practices in the art of photography. They not only permit exhibiting the variety of photographic art forms, innovative ideas and the most cutting-edge practices, but also serve as a catalyst that stimulates the ongoing evolution of photography in a socio-cultural setting. Firstly, using specific examples of photo festivals and photo fairs, the article examines how they can showcase and guide new ideas in photography. It further explores how they reflect and foster innovation in photographic artistic thought by demonstrating recent trends in photography, capturing new socio-cultural tendencies, and reinterpreting iconic works. Furthermore, the article investigates how these photography exhibition spaces enable communication and exchanges between artists, curators, and viewers. Festivals and fairs present both the author and the viewer with new ways of understanding the art of photography and offer them new experience. The role of the viewer changes from passive to active: now, by participating in the discussion of the artwork, reflecting on it, the viewer becomes a catalyst for innovation. Finally, photo festivals and fairs have led to a transformation in the ways of viewing and creating, and changed the roles of viewer, artist and curator. Through innovative ways of exhibiting, such as virtual reality or multimedia technologies, they have stimulated the development of ways of viewing and understanding photography artworks. Hence, in this article, we delve into photography festivals and fairs as a sort of window through which we can observe the emergence, evolution, and propagation of new concepts, artforms, and practices of photography. At the same time, they foster innovative ideas and play a key role in the development of means of visual artistic expression and photographic practice. The objective of this study is to provide scholars, practitioners, and photography enthusiasts with a deeper understanding of photographic festivals and fairs and to shed light on how this medium can be used to develop and innovate the art of photography. Hopefully, this article will provide a new perspective and understanding of photography research and practice and contribute to the further development of the art of photography in the 21st century.

Death is the cause of my predicament: A cross-cultural study of death-related personal names in Nigeria

This article explores the motivations, beliefs, and attitudes toward death-related names in some onomastic traditions in Nigeria: Ibibio, Igbo (south-east), and Owe (mid-west). The study is anchored theoretically on the ethnopragmatic framework which accounts for the locally interpretable meaning of discourse practices in terms of values and beliefs within particular cultural contexts. Drawing on ethnographic qualitative data sourced through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, I argue that death-related names are based on varied cultural scripts that communicate many nuances of meaning grounded in lived experiences of name-givers. The article concludes that death-related names have cultural semantics that are shared cross-linguistically: to acknowledge the inevitability and unpredictability of death; to admit the existence of superior forces that control the affairs of human beings and to question the temporality of life. These names, therefore, serve as consolatory sites for the expression of grief, tension, and the rebuilding of identity.

Calibrated Design of High Strength Composite Columns

AbstractWhat does the general design method, described in EN 1994‐1‐1, mean in practice for the construction industry? Even though this method requires additional efforts, it provides improved design accuracy. High strength and high slenderness concrete filled steel tube composite columns with a solid steel core inside have undoubtable benefits. However, application of such columns requires the use of a general method of design and special knowledge not fully covered by Eurocodes.In order to utilize the general design method for ATLANT® Strong composite columns, Peikko has conducted an extensive development program. During the program, multiple tests were conducted on materials and the columns itself. The test results were used to calibrate models of Finite Element Analysis (ABAQUS), which allowed to investigate the behaviour of those columns even more extensively. Eventually, the general design method was implemented and calibrated, allowing reliable and optimized design.The paper contains an overview of ATLANT® Strong composite columns behaviour, the extensive testing program and calibration process to reach the optimal design of such columns. Additionally practical specifics, challenges and benefits are discussed.

Product design innovation based on the functional characteristics of the eight-masted windmill

To catch and research the functional characteristics of the eight-masted vertical windmill and its automatic readjustment of sail angle in the Lixia River area of northern Jiangsu Province, to permit this intangible cultural heritage a new practical meaning in modern tourism through the innovative design of the sail structure of the eight-masted windmill, and to come up with a portable folding windmill product suitable for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Firstly, we spell out the history of the eight-masted windmill and its “trotting horse lamp” structure through literature research and draw the working principle of the eight-masted windmill in operation, and combine the eight-masted windmill with power generation device by converting wind energy into electricity. The design direction was to design a lightweight, breeze start, and stable power output windmill generator; secondly, the sketch of the windmill main shaft structure and scheme were selected, and the integrated form of the fan blade and the mast was selected as the sketch scheme; finally, the model experiment of the prototype of the folding scheme was conducted, and the absolute pressure difference between blades was analyzed by hydrodynamics to determine that the windmill can be used to generate electricity. After verifying its feasibility, the portable folding generator was modeled in 3D by MCAD, and make a physical model of the generator was made in a reduced scale of 1:2.5. Through the innovative design of the eight-masted windmill, it is made to serve the production life of modern society.

Two Simple Experiments Using FFT with Digital Devices in the Introductory Physics Laboratory

We propose two experiments suited for high school and/or undergraduate physics laboratory which are aimed at the discovery of the practical meaning and utility of the FFT analysis as a mathematical and graphical instrument. They intend to discriminate different periodic signals in various situations, ranging from basic, demonstrative measurements to very complex, real-research experiments. In our proposal, inexpensive digital instruments can be used, with surprisingly accurate results.

Probabilistic Amplitude Shaping and Nonlinearity Tolerance: Analysis and Sequence Selection Method

Probabilistic amplitude shaping (PAS) is a practical means to achieve a shaping gain in optical fiber communication. However, PAS and shaping in general also affect the signal-dependent generation of nonlinear interference. This provides an opportunity for nonlinearity mitigation through PAS, which is also referred to as a nonlinear shaping gain. In this paper, we introduce a linear lowpass filter model that relates transmitted symbol-energy sequences and nonlinear distortion experienced in an optical fiber channel. Based on this model, we conduct a nonlinearity analysis of PAS with respect to shaping blocklength and mapping strategy. Our model explains results and relationships found in literature and can be used as a design tool for PAS with improved nonlinearity tolerance. We use the model to introduce a new metric for PAS with sequence selection. We perform simulations of selection-based PAS with various amplitude shapers and mapping strategies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new metric in different optical fiber system scenarios.

Modeling the dynamics of information propagation in the temporal and spatial environment

In this paper, we try to establish a non-smooth susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) rumor propagation model based on time and space dimensions. First of all, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Secondly, we divide the system into two parts and discuss the existence of equilibrium points for each of them. For the left part, we define R 0 to study the relationship between R 0 and the existence of equilibrium points. For the right part, we classify many different cases by discussing the coefficients of the equilibrium point equation. Then, on this basis, we perform a bifurcation analysis of the non-spatial system and find conditions that lead to the existence of saddle-node bifurcation. Further, we consider the effect of diffusion. We specifically analyze the stability of equilibrium points. In addition, we analyze the Turing instability and Hopf bifurcation occurring at some equilibrium points. According to the Lyapunov number, we also determine the direction of the bifurcation. When I = I c , we discuss conditions for the existence of discontinuous Hopf bifurcation. Finally, through numerical simulations and combined with the practical meaning of the parameters, we prove the correctness of the previous theoretical theorem.

코로나 이후 시대 시간관의 사회적 의미와 관광 분야에서의 지방구술사 연구로의 적용을 위한 탐색적 연구

Purpose This study aims to analyze the time perspective of members of society in the post-COVID-19 era and how it changed their attitudes and behaviors and explore the meaning of tourism in the consumption of time resources with the function and role of local oral history study.
 Methods The contents of the literature on the social composition process of time and its meaning were reviewed and analyzed to explore the possibility of developing local tourism resources based on local oral history. The historical meaning of time-related research was examined as an exploratory research before conducting tourism research based on local oral history. Some implications were suggested on how this social philosophical discussion in terms of humanities and social science could be applied to developing local resources in tourism, an applied science.
 Results Local oral history study on local history and culture based on a new time perspective in postmodern society helps reflect on the forming and reconstructing of various cultural boundaries in the production and consumption of the local community. As the expansion of tourism based on various local oral histories helps tourists to combine one-dimensional regression to the past, reflection on the present, and imagination of the future, local oral history is given the broad sense of tourism resource development that mitigates cultural boundaries in the post-COVID-19 era.
 Conclusion The reflection on local history that helps newly remember the characteristics of a region through local oral history helps develop convergence tourism which newly emerges in the production and consumption of the local community culture. Also, local oral history has important theoretical and practical social meanings as it is considered as a new type of alternative tourism to people and promotes an active reconstruction of human behavior.

Forensic support for the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) in a pre-trial investigation

The activity of the investigator at the initial stage of the pretrial investigation is a single, interdependent system of procedural actions aimed at identifying, recording, extracting and researching traces of a criminal offense, determining the further direction of the next stage of the investigation. The investigation of criminal offenses requires modern, latest, practical means based on comprehensive scientific and praxeological studies with the use of digital technologies when conducting investigative (search) actions.
 The practical use of unmanned aerial vehicles has grown dramatically over the past two decades, which has made them quite an effective tool in various spheres of social activity and has led to a significant amount of scientific developments. Law enforcement activities are no exception. Such technologies have become an everyday and integral part of our society, which is associated with rapid technological development, computerization, mobility, safety, ease, reliability, affordability and economic benefit. Despite these attractive advantages, UAVs are characterized by operational limitations due to several critical issues in terms of flight autonomy, trajectory planning, battery life, flight time, and payload capacity.
 Attention is drawn in detail to the fact that unmanned aerial vehicles are a promising tool for investigating the place of the commission of a criminal offense. In today’s conditions, its use in forensics, practical activities of law enforcement agencies on a permanent basis is very relevant. It is noted that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in law enforcement agencies and in forensics, in particular, can bring it to a new level of development. Such an aircraft will serve as a chain of interaction between the investigator and the expert forensic center and the scene of the crime.
 Thus, the main goal of this study is to provide practical recommendations for forensic support for the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) in pretrial investigation. The stated provisions and practical recommendations in the article are relevant in the context of the use of modern technologies by practical workers.

Pension provision in Ukraine: current problems and the experience of some EU States

The purpose of the article is to identify the problems faced by the pension system of Ukraine and to study the European experience to overcome them. Research results. The levels of pension provision in Ukraine were determined. The analysis of the current state of pension provision was carried out, and the primary problems affecting it were identified. Draft laws on the introduction of accumulative pension provision were considered, which should solve the issue of the deficit of the Pension Fund budget. Practical meaning. The positive experience of the implementation of pension reforms in some European countries, their stages and features were studied. Value/originality. The ways to overcome certain problems related to the introduction of accumulative pension provision in our country were proposed.

Implementation of AI in international law and administrative law (in the context of human rights protection)

The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibility of introducing artificial intelligence into the rules of international and administrative law in the context of ensuring human rights, in particular through the activities of public administration bodies and the consideration of administrative cases. Research results. The article outlines the problems of the international legal definition of artificial intelligence using the examples of resolutions of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Code of Ethics of transnational corporations and legal instruments of individual States. Practical meaning. The authors analyze the state of international legal regulation and the possibility of using AI, provided that human rights are respected at the national level, including in the activities of bodies authorized to consider cases of administrative offenses, implementation of electronic justice in administrative and procedural court practice. Value/originality. Scientific proposals regarding the relevance of the international legal definition of the concept of artificial intelligence, the problems of observing human rights in its application both at the international and national level, in particular, the use of its opportunities in justice for the purpose of more effective consideration of cases, and at the same time reducing the burden on judicial systems are formulated, ability to conduct legal proceedings using AI is analyzed.

On the Role of Court Interpreter

While the past research work was focused on the abstract concepts of the judicial (legal) system and the role of court interpreter in it, in this short article we give the exact answer why the role of court interpreter is important to us with respect to the situation on relativism of social constructionism and the practical meaning of the main question. The definition of the term “financial risks” is also given with respect to the changing role of court interpreter between his main role and role of the lawyer when representing the interests of the participants in the legal system during the time period of approbation of the court law deal.