Specific Time Period Research Articles

Optimal Preventive Maintenance Policy for Equipment Rented under Free Leasing as a Contributor to Sustainable Development

Leasing has proven to be a business model that is perfectly suited to the circular economy. It significantly contributes to sustainable development by enabling the reuse of machinery and equipment after each lease period and by including preventive maintenance and overhauls within and between lease terms. This helps to extend the life cycle of equipment, promote value recovery, and reduce waste. This paper examines an imperfect preventive maintenance (PM) strategy applied to equipment rented under the terms of “free leasing”. In free leasing, the lessor makes the equipment available to the customer for a specified period of time without charging rent. In return, the customer is required to purchase the equipment’s consumables exclusively from the lessor. The lessor is also responsible for the maintenance of the equipment at the customer’s premises. The greater the quantity of consumables used by the customer, the more the equipment will deteriorate. Consequently, the lessor must be able to determine the most effective approach to preventive maintenance, ensuring that it aligns with the customer’s planned usage rate while maximizing profit. This work proposes a PM strategy to be adopted by the lessor during the free lease period. This strategy involves the performance of imperfect PM actions just before the start of the lease period and then periodically. Different packages of preventive actions can be applied each time, with each package having a different cost depending on the level of effectiveness in terms of rejuvenating the equipment. Minimal repairs are performed in the event of equipment failure. The decision variables are the PM period to be adopted and the maintenance efficiency level to be chosen for each preventive intervention. The objective is to determine, for a given customer with an estimated consumption rate profile of consumables, the optimal values of these decision variables so that the lessor maximizes their profit. A mathematical model is developed to express the lessor’s average profit over each lease period. A solution procedure is developed for small instances of the problem, and an Artificial Bee Colony algorithm is implemented for larger instances. A numerical example and a sensitivity analysis are presented.

Party responsiveness over time: From left-right to issue specific dimensions

Parties’ ideological responsiveness to public opinion is a key finding in the party politics literature. Leveraging the longitudinal coverage of public opinion and party position data, this research note shows that findings of left-right ideological responsiveness are limited to a specific time period. We find that since the mid-1990s, left-right shifts in public opinion are no longer significantly associated with party position changes on the same dimension. By examining over-time changes in responsiveness on more specific issue dimensions, we also uncover that at about the same time, a pattern of responsiveness on issues related to nationalism/immigration has emerged. These findings highlight the need to move beyond a focus on a single left-right dimension for studying public opinion and party behavior.

Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale among postpartum women.

Maternal parenting self-efficacy plays a critical role in facilitating positive parenting practices and successful adaption to motherhood. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (PMPS-E), as a task-specific measure, confirms its psychometric properties in cultural contexts. Compared with other tools, the advantages of the PMPS-E are as follows: (i) specific context or time period during the lifespan of a child, (ii) explicitly assess parenting self-efficacy across a diverse enough range of parenting tasks or activities during the perinatal/postnatal period and (iii) having robust psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to translate and determine the psychometric properties of the PMPS-E among Chinese postpartum women (C-PMPS-E). The cross-cultural adaptation process followed Beaton et al.'s intercultural debugging guidelines. A total of 471 women were included to establish the psychometric properties of the C-PMPS-E. Mothers were asked to complete the C-PMPS-E, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and several demographic questions. The psychometric testing of the C-PMPS-E was established through item analysis, construct validity and internal consistency reliability. Item analysis showed that the critical ratios of all items were greater than 3 between the low-score group and high-score group, and all item-total correlation coefficients were greater than 0.4. The fit indices showed that the original correlated four-factor model of C-PMPS-E was observed to be an excellent fit to the data. The PMPS-E was negatively correlated with the EPDS and GAD-7 demonstrating its discriminant validity. As expected, no significant correlation was found between PMPS-E total or subscale scores and mothers' age. In addition, statistically significant differences for parity were detected for C-PMPS-E total and subscale scores with multipara having higher scores. This was taken as further evidence of the scale known-groups discriminant validity. In terms of internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha of the C-PMPS-E total scale was 0.950, and subscales ranged from 0.76 to 0.89. Furthermore, a ROC curve analysis was conducted to establish the ability of the C-PMPS-E to distinguish between symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety. A cut-off value of 55 was identified that resulted in good specificity and fair sensitivity. The C-PMPS-E is a reliable and valid tool to assess maternal parenting self-efficacy in a Chinese context.

Postnatal nighttime light exposure and infant temperament at age 12 months: mediating role of genus Akkermansia.

The gut microbiome has been reported to be associated with nighttime light (NTL) exposure and temperament. However, the specific role of infant gut microbiome plays in NTL exposure and temperament is unclear. This study investigated the potential mediating role of infants' gut microbiome in correlations between NTL exposure and temperament. Demographic information, stool samples, and temperament scores were collected from 40 infants. Temperament was evaluated using the Infants Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R). The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Cumulative and lagged effects of NTL exposure were calculated based on residential address (NTLpoint) and a concentric 1km radius buffer zone around the address (NTL1000m), respectively. Mediation models were utilized for assessing the mediating effects of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome of infants with higher fear scores was characterized by a higher abundance of Akkermansia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a lower abundance of Bacteroides. Mediation models indicated Akkermansia played a full mediating role in associations between NTLpoint, NTL1000m and fear in specific time periods. Genus Akkermansia explained 24.46% and 33.50% of associations between fear and cumulative exposure to NTLpoint and NTL1000m, respectively. This study provides evidence for the mediating role of Akkermansia between NTL exposure and fear. However, further experimental is required to elucidate the mechanisms through which the gut microbiome mediates between NTL exposure and temperament in infants.

Are women politicians outperformed by men? The impact of gender on legislative activity in Japan

AbstractObjectivesGiven the distinct political landscape of Japan, this study aims to explore the impact of gender on the parliamentary behavior of Japanese legislators.MethodsUtilizing a self‐constructed data set covering the 44th–48th Diets (2005–2021), this study examines the individual‐level parliamentary activities of male and female legislators in Japan. Key metrics analyzed include the frequency of speeches delivered in both plenary and committee sessions, alongside the submission of memorandums to the Diet.ResultsThe findings indicate that on the whole, gender exerts only a minimal effect on parliamentary activities. However, upon closer examination of members belonging to opposition parties during specific time periods, female legislators emerge as more active in terms of questioning and memorandum submission compared to their male counterparts.ConclusionThis study unveils a noteworthy trend wherein women legislators in Japan demonstrate equal or greater engagement in parliamentary activities than their male counterparts. These findings underscore the importance of exploring gender dynamics within political systems beyond the Western sphere. Moreover, they emphasize the necessity for ongoing research into gender representation and participation within Japan's political arena.

Self-harm and aggression in women who committed a criminal offence: a scoping review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of the literature on the variables associated with self-harm and aggression in women who committed a criminal offence. Design/methodology/approach Studies were identified through online databases, namely, PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC and EBSCOhost, as well as manual searches of reference lists of the selected studies. The target population included women who committed a criminal offence and have engaged in self-harm and aggressive behaviors during their incarceration, either in correctional institutions or in forensic psychiatric settings. Findings Of the 1,178 studies identified, nine met inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted in six different countries and included data from 6360 female participants. Few studies examine self-harm and aggression in women who committed a criminal offence which speaks to the still sparse literature on this topic. This review of the association between self-harm and aggression in women offenders highlights the finding that a small group of women is often involved in both self-harm and aggression. The authors have identified possible psychological factors associated with women engaging in both self-harm and aggression. The findings also reveal a possible connection between types of aggressive behaviors and specific time periods during sentences or stays in forensic psychiatry. Practical implications The findings of this scoping review have clinical implications which may be considered by both researchers and the case management teams of women involved in both self-harm and aggression. Originality/value Despite the limited number of studies examining self-harm and aggression in women, this scoping review highlights gaps in the literature as well as notable psychological correlates of women who engage in self-harm and aggression.

A Comparative Exploration of Gender Representations in Persian Sufi Literature and Modern Literary Works

The research examines how gender is depicted in Sufi and modern Persian literature, exploring the complex factors that influence the representation of gender roles and identities throughout different historical periods. The study meticulously reviews these literary genres to identify the many perspectives on gender, acknowledging that each genre provides a distinct viewpoint through which societal values are conveyed. The investigation delves into not just literary aesthetics but also the cultural and historical conditions that have shaped the development of gender norms. This study examines how Sufi and modern Persian literature, which are deeply influenced by their specific time periods and cultural contexts, mirror and distort social perspectives on gender. Through the analysis of the progression of these depictions over time, the study sheds light on the profound transformation of gender norms and identities throughout the course of Iranian history. This inquiry enhances our comprehension of the complex relationship between literature, culture, and gender dynamics, providing significant insights into how literary works reflect and influence society's perspectives. The results of this study not only enhance academic discussions on Persian literature but also offer a subtle perspective to analyze the wider cultural weave of Iran.

Investigating the Intention of Tourists to Travel to the World Heritage Destination: The Mediating Role of Familiarity

This study investigates the intention of tourists to travel to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in India, a conservation area of natural bio-diversity that was accorded World Heritage Site status in 2014. The main constructs that have been used in the study are an image of the destination, homestay preference, destination familiarity and intention to travel. The S-O-R framework has been further used to find the tourists’ intention to travel to GHNP. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 1,020 respondents in India. The results show that path coefficients for all constructs are statistically significant. Tourists’ intention to travel is likely to be influenced by the destination image and the preference for a local homestay, which is mediated by destination familiarity. The study is not longitudinal and sheds light on respondents’ perceptions for a specific time period. Policymakers must design policies that focus on developing campaigns that promote lesser-known destinations, thus ensuring a positive destination image and enhancing destination familiarity by providing authentic information. Such a shift in tourism will foster employment in rural and less-known areas of natural beauty. Further, tourists’ preference to stay in homestay arrangements allows them to experience local hospitality.

The effect of fluoride varnish application on colour change due to paediatric drug usage in polyacid-modified composite resin: an in vitro study.

Colour stability is important in the long-term aesthetic success of restorative materials and is affected by both internal and external factors. Internal discolourations are due to the properties of the restorative materials. External discolourations can be associated with frequent consumption of food and beverages and the use of suspensions or syrups containing colourants/additives. Fluoride varnish application has an important place in preventive dentistry. The purpose of the research was to examine the protective effect of fluoride varnish application on the colour change on polyacid-modified composite resin restorative materials caused by the use of various paediatric drugs. Two hundred ten discs were prepared from polyacid-modified composite resin material and divided into two groups: flouride varnish was applied to one group and flouride varnish was not applied to the other group. The groups were further divided into seven subgroups and the samples were kept in artificial saliva, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefuroxime axetil, clarithromycin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and iron supplement drug solutions. The colour change values of the discs were measured using a spectrophotometer device before immersion in the drug solutions and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after the immersion. The obtained data were calculated and statistically evaluated using IBM SPSS V23 software. It was found that the application of fluoride varnish in the iron supplement drug group prevented the colour change of the polyacid-modified composite resins for 28 days. In the amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefuroxime axetil, and paracetamol groups, the fluoride varnish did not prevent colour change in the polyacid-modified composite resin restorative materials at the end of the 14th day. It is thought that fluoride varnish application may be beneficial as a preservative in the colour change of polyacid-modified composite resins due to the use of various paediatric drugs, and this protective feature may be effective for a specific period of time.

Academic integrity or academic misconduct? Conceptual difficulties in higher education and the potential contribution of student demographic factors

ABSTRACT Academic misconduct and academic integrity are issues of importance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Phraseologies and practices may conflate unintentional mistakes with attempts to gain illegitimate advantage, with some groups potentially at higher risk. HEIs across the United Kingdom (UK) responded to a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request, and provided data regarding their overall student demographics, the demographic details of their cases of referred and substantiated academic misconduct over a specific time period, as well as information about Turnitin. Available data were analysed with an estimated combined student population of 200,646 with an estimated 2718 students referred for academic misconduct. Analyses revealed some groups being referred out of proportion with their share of the student population, however, no significant differences were observed by demographic for substantiated cases. Most of the responding HEIs indicated Turnitin was used for both identification of misconduct and pedagogical purposes although some reported variations in use for pedagogy by department or module. Implications of the findings are considered. Limitations around available data are discussed and areas requiring more detailed consideration are identified.

Archaeological evidence of resource utilisation of walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, over the past two millennia: A systematic review protocol

The walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, is an iconic pinniped and predominant molluscivore that is well adapted to Arctic and subarctic environments. Its circumpolar distribution, large body size and ivory tusks facilitated its vital role as food, raw material (for tools and art), income, and cultural influence on many Arctic Indigenous communities for millennia. Intensification of hunting (often due to the arrival of Europeans, especially between the 16th and 19th centuries) to obtain ivory, hide, blubber and meat, resulted in diminished, sometimes extirpated, walrus populations. Zooarchaeological, artefactual and documentary evidence of walrus material has been collated at local and regional scales and is frequently focused on a specific culture or period of time. Systematic collation of this evidence across the Northern Hemisphere will provide insight into the chronology and circumpolar distribution of walrus hunting and provide a tool to document societal change in walrus resource use. Here, we lay out a systematic review protocol to collate records of archaeological walrus artefacts, tusks and bones that have been documented primarily within published literature to archive when and where (as feasible) walrus extractions occurred between 1 CE and 2000 CE. These data will be openly available for the scientific community. The resulting dataset will be the first to provide spatiotemporal information (including the recognition of knowledge gaps) regarding past walrus populations and extirpations on a circumpolar scale. Our protocol is published to ensure reproducibility and comparability in the future, and to encourage the adoption of systematic review methodology (including pre-published protocols) in archaeology.

Temporal Variation and Spatial Heterogeneity in Boarding/Alighting Patterns at Urban Railway Stations: Implications for Estimating Optimal Construction Scale—A Case Study in Seoul, South Korea

Urban railways have become a prominent mode of public transportation within cities owing to their connectivity with other modes of transport and environmental friendliness. Various policies, such as the expansion of metropolitan areas and the development of megacities, have further emphasized the pivotal role of urban railways. Consequently, more railway stations are expected to be constructed in developed cities. However, the temporal variation in boarding and alighting patterns at each railway station is often overlooked. Failing to account for this variation, specifically the differences in peak-hour concentration rates, in railway station design may cause increased conflicts among users owing to concentrated demands during specific time periods, exacerbating congestion and diminishing the appeal of the urban railway systems. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between the temporal variation in boarding and alighting patterns and the attributes (location) of railway stations in Seoul, South Korea, and analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of this correlation. Initially, the factors influencing the peak-hour concentration rates in railway stations were identified using a linear regression model. Peak hours were defined as morning and afternoon peaks and boarding and alighting were differentiated to account for the directional aspects of temporal variations in boarding and alighting patterns. The correlation between boarding and alighting patterns and the attributes of railway station influence zones was determined, and a geographically weighted regression model was estimated to analyze the spatial heterogeneity of this correlation based on railway station location. The analysis results revealed that railway stations in the southeastern and downtown areas of Seoul exhibited varying impacts of station attributes on boarding and alighting patterns even when the station attribute influence zones were identical. The contribution of this study is to evaluate the priorities of railway projects and its corresponding transportation policies. Regarding the policy goal recently announced by the Korean government, “Achieving Commute Times in 30-min range,” our finding will provide a good measure of accessibility whether it succeeds or not.

Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture—The Role of Organic Amendments

Soil degradation threatens global food security and environmental sustainability, necessitating effective soil management strategies. This review comprehensively examines the impact of organic soil amendments on soil quality and productivity across various soil types and climatic conditions. A review of significant research related to organic amendments was performed using encompassed data from online search engines for studies published up until 31 December 2023. Despite their heterogeneity and use of varying methodologies, the data were narratively synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of amendment-induced changes in the chemical and physical properties of soil and the effectiveness of restoration on soil degradation. Organic amendments, including compost, vermicompost, biochar, and pomace, are pivotal in enhancing soil quality by increasing soil organic matter content, fostering aggregate formation, and improving soil structure in the short term. They positively influence water retention capacity, pH levels, nutrient availability, and carbon sequestration. In several studies, amendment-induced changes were absent, indicating that the effects of amendments vary depending on soil texture, application rates, and cropping systems, which emphasizes the need for tailored, sustainable soil management practices. This study concludes that organic amendments are a promising option for structure improvement and organic matter accumulation. It further suggests that an approach that integrates various methods is essential in order to meet desirable soil quality and retain agricultural productivity and offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Organic amendments can improve soil ecosystem services and contribute to climate change adaptation. In the future, more attention should be directed to tillage management and soil amendment interaction, as well as their effectiveness over specific periods of time.

Synthesis of Group IIB and IVB Metal Complexes of 3‐Nitroaniline for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes

AbstractIn the current research, new metal complexes have been synthesized by using the greener synthetic approach in which 3‐Nitroaniline reacts with the elements of group‐IIB and group‐IVB. According to this method, ligand and metals were dissolved in 1,4‐dioxane and stirred at room temperature for a specific time period. The method for the preparation of metal‐base complexes is quite simple and cost‐effective. To identify the synthesized compounds various physio‐chemical analytical techniques were used such as Melting point, FT‐Raman Spectroscopy, FT‐IR Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) that provide significant data about the general structural characteristics of synthesized compounds. The percentage degradation efficiency of synthetic dyes was obtained as 57 %, 66 %, and 97 % using the synthesized compounds as photocatalysts. A statistical tool, RSM was used for the optimization of parameters (Concentration of Dye, Dose of Catalyst, and contact time).

The effect of special exercises according to the biomechanical indicators in improving the explosive power and rotational movements of gymnasts and juniors on the horse handles

The horse device with handles for men is one of the most difficult devices for players, which requires special skill and strength, specifically in rotation movements, that strength exercises, especially according to biomechanical indicators, are part of studies that focus on analyzing movement under specific mechanical conditions, which contributes to understanding the internal and external forces affecting the movement and its conditions, and the importance of research in organizing training lies in the selection of certain exercises for specific periods of time, while ensuring the achievement of the objectives of the exercise. As for the problem of the research, there is a gap between the performance of our local players compared to the world champions did not live up to the level of ambition, especially in the device of the horse handles, which requires an ideal balance between strength and skill and accurate biomechanical control in the movements of the body, so he worked on the use of strength exercises, especially according to the biomechanical indicators in improving explosive power and weighted movements and used the experimental approach in the manner of two equal groups on a sample of players (5) players and conduct the tribal test and use strength exercises, especially according to the indicators Biomechanical The application of special exercises took eight weeks, at a rate of (2) training units per week .

Menganalisis Neraca Pembayaran Sebagai Tolak Ukur Kemampuan Perekonomian Nasional dalam Menopang Transaksi - Transaksi Internasional

The Indonesian economy is currently experiencing significant growth, which can be measured through its balance of payments. The balance of payments is a systematic record of international economic transactions between the residents of a country and those of other countries over a specific period of time. The development of the balance of payments is closely related to the growth of the real, fiscal, and monetary sectors. The balance of payments can be considered an indicator of a country's economic condition because it allows a country to measure the size of the flow of funds from abroad, both incoming and outgoing. The balance of payments also serves as an important tool, as it records all economic transactions involving the exchange of goods, services, and financial assets between the residents of a country and those of other countries.

The Relevance of Illustration in Book Marketing in the 18th and 19th Centuries in Slovakia

In each era, there are distinctive features that have influenced the possibilities of promoting intangible art products in the broader context of marketing. The possibilities, methods and forms of promotion have changed and evolved over the centuries and have depended on the development of mass means of communication, as well as on new methods and forms of promotion that reflected the requirements of the target groups during a particular period of time. In the present article, we focus on brand building of the printer (i.e. the printer’s signet), on the relevance of illustration in book marketing that takes the form of an artistic reference to the content of the work (the content frontispiece) and we also focus on building the PR of the author (the frontispiece portrait). The present study deals with the period from the 18th to the 19th century and in terms of geography, it is concerned with the territory of Slovakia.

Clinker storage silos: Validation of dynamic performance through measurements and finite element simulation

The paper describes the design and application of a structural health monitoring system aimed at analysing the dynamic response of reinforced concrete silos for the storage of clinker. The in-situ dynamic measurements, supported by finite element simulations to assess the structural safety, were prompted by reports from people working in facilities near the silos in question, who complained of strong vibrations. The proposed approach combines the advantages of theoretical and operational modal analysis based on monitoring during normal use of the silos, including their emptying. The measurements were performed automatically and continuously over time, and only significant events, like shocks caused by clinker masses falling off the side walls of the silos, were saved into the remote server as the acceleration-time waveforms. They were registered with 4000 Hz frequency by piezoelectric accelerometers mounted on the bottom of the silos within the support structure. The data management system with predefined post-processing algorithms allow to extract dynamic parameters of the structure, which were then used to validate the spatial finite element model (FEM). What is worth underlying, the analysis took into account different degrees of filling of the silos, as these directly affect the dynamics of the structure. The results described hereafter were the basis for providing expertise on structural safety. The presented case study is an example of how automatic monitoring over a specified period of time can assist engineers in making rational decisions.

Interpretation of probability in structural safety – A philosophical conundrum

The term probability is essential in the domain of structural safety and yet its interpretation is, even after more than 50 years of application, still a subject of discussion. For instance, the probability of failure of structures belonging to the same cohort for a specific period of time, is often understood in a pure frequentist way as an observable average number of failure events for that period and portfolio. By contrast, the Bayesian interpretation considers probability as a degree of belief and a reflection of the state of information to the best belief or knowledge of the decision maker. In the field of structural reliability, depending on the type of decision problem, probabilities are often referred to as nominal (or notional) measures of uncertainty to emphasize that these values are conditional on a model and available observations. Probabilistic methods then serve primarily to undertake the book-keeping required to assign probabilities to different possible outcomes or decisions in consistency with models, available observations and other relevant information. This paper discusses the background of these interpretations and the degree to which correspondence between reliability calculations and observations of failures can be expected and/or achieved. Recommendations corresponding to the JCSS line of thinking will be summarized in Section 8.

Variation in Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) Guard Hair Growth Rates: Implications for Measuring Chronological Biomarkers.

Segmental analyses of hair may be useful for measuring biomarkers over several seasons to years from a single sample. To attribute hair segments to specific time periods, a known chronological marker, or a hair growth rate, is needed. We examined guard hair growth rates of captive muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. We sought to determine if a general growth rate could be applied across muskox populations, thus facilitating the use of segmental analyses for various biomarkers. We used archived samples from 16 muskoxen that had guard hairs sampled at six, 14, and 30 wk after shaving. We measured the lengths of 10 guard hairs per sample, calculated weekly and annual growth rates, and then fitted linear mixed-effects models to assess the effect of different covariates on hair growth rate. The period in which hair had been grown had a significant effect (P<0.05) on growth rate. Extrapolated annual hair growth rates were 277±40 mm/yr (weeks 0-6), 248±47 mm/yr (weeks 7-14), and 165±36 mm/yr (weeks 15-30), with an overall average rate of 210±14 mm/yr. These rates were significantly faster than those of free-ranging Greenland muskoxen-78 mm/yr as measured by stable isotope analyses-and varied intra-annually. This suggests that a universal growth rate cannot be generalized across muskox populations and time.