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In this study, we ask how and why do Members of Parliament adopt different representational styles? Looking at MPs in four Westminster-style democracies, we identify differences between MPs and inductively explore influences on representational styles by first using participant observation to gain deep insights into the activities of a small sample of MPs and then by using semi-structured interviews from a larger sample to elucidate findings from the observations across states. Our primary focus is the method of connection between representative and citizen, as fostered by the representative while present in the constituency. Despite similar institutional and electoral contexts across countries, we find a significant variation that is influenced by both country-level and constituency-level factors. Findings suggest a continuum from highly service-oriented to highly symbolic-oriented styles, where MPs from the UK illustrate the former, and MPs from Canada illustrate the latter, though with further variation at the constituency level that is based, in part, upon both geography and demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the influence of connection detailing on the cyclic behavior of steel-concrete shear walls. To this end, experimental and numerical studies are conducted on two steel-concrete walls with identical flexural-compression diagrams but different construction methods and connection detailing. The first wall is characterized by transverse reinforcement anchored in the concrete columns along with connectors welded to the steel elements. In contrast, the second specimen incorporates transverse reinforcement directly welded to the columns and uses double the number of connectors used in the first specimen. The experimental set-up, material characteristics and construction details are described first. This is followed by a detailed account of the experimental results and observations. The experimental results are complemented with advanced Finite Element (FE) simulations to gain insight and understanding on the behavior of steel-concrete shear walls. The data presented in this paper provides valuable information for the development of mixed steel-concrete walls. A number of design improvements and practical implications are drawn from the results. It is demonstrated that the use of straight connectors between edge columns and the reinforced concrete core significantly reduces joint cracking compared to curved connectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the resizing, reshaping and connectivity of islands by examining ongoing relations between land and sea in the context of the Channel Island of Guernsey. Ideas of materiality, temporality and vertical depth are employed to explore how contemporary tides and past sea‐level change impact island–island connections, and island–mainland connections between Guernsey and France. By focusing on the littoral zone as a space of encounter between land and sea, the paper explores some of the processes that challenge the notion of an island having fixed edges, emphasising the island's shape and size as always in flux. The paper then explores how tides alternatively reveal and hide material structures such as rocks and causeways, making the underwater scape temporally visible and differently accessible as an extension of land. It enables connections to be made and remade. This is demonstrated through the example of Guernsey and the tidal island of Lihou. The paper subsequently considers these ideas in the context of Quaternary sea‐level change. The land known as Guernsey alternated between literal island surrounded by water, and a steep‐sided plateau on the Normanno‐Breton plain, coinciding with interglacials and glacials. This connection is referred to as geologic. I argue that by acknowledging Guernsey's former visible connection with France, lack of contemporary visibility in the underwater scape does not render this a disconnection. Rather, the geologic, as further evidenced in the contemporary natural and built environment of Guernsey, continues through an underwater scape. It reappears in other Channal Islands and France, demonstrating ongoing connections at a land–sea–geologic interface. The paper argues for geology as a form of vertical depth. It calls for greater consideration of the geologic in the human geographical study of islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing mathematical connections for pupils continues to be at the forefront of educational policies worldwide. One strategy suggested to support the connections pupils make is the idea of developing "coherence". Research regarding coherence has increased within mathematics education, however, the term is used widely. It therefore becomes necessary for coherence to be further conceptualised. In this systematic scoping review, five databases were searched for literature on the topic of coherence in school-based mathematics education. A total of 11,587 pieces of literature were extracted. Following further screening, 35 papers were reviewed. The findings suggest that there is limited consensus regarding the conceptualisation of coherence, leading to fragmented perceptions across the literature. This paper presents a framework for coherence based on the TIMSS curriculum model to support international comparisons of coherence and provide clarity for mathematics education researchers and school colleagues when considering which aspect of coherence they are addressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigative study explored the potential of a novel approach called the modular insulated concrete core—advanced and optimized panelized production system (MICADO) method within the realm of modular structures, focusing on its parametric development. By combining frame-supported modular systems with premanufactured panels for exterior walls, the MICADO approach allows for simultaneous installation, and has demonstrated promising prospects. This research investigated the challenges associated with assembling and connecting MICADO structures in the face of seismic and gravity loads. Through rigorous worst-case scenarios, critical load combinations were identified and analyzed. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into the design of joints in MICADO structures, ensuring their overall structural integrity and stability. These findings have the potential to benefit professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction, equipping them with effective techniques and best practices for creating resilient modular structures. Ultimately, this work seeks to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety within the domain of built environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) structural systems are characterized by the combination of timber and concrete, which are connected to transmit shear forces between the two elements. In addition, to achieve an efficient connection, the slip between the two materials should be limited. Therefore, the load-carrying capacity, the stiffness, and the failure mode of TCC connections are important for the behavior of the composite element. This work aims to investigate the influence of test conditions on TCC connections using shear tests to determine the mechanical properties of connections. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influence of the configuration of the specimens (symmetric as push-out tests or asymmetric as inclined tests), the type of interface between the timber and concrete, and the test procedure (static or cyclic load protocol) on the resulting load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and failure modes. This paper reviews experimental tests conducted on TCC shear connection specimens, using various configurations to assess the influence of the test specimen configuration, material interface, and testing protocol on the determination of the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach to the teaching process is continuously evolving. The main directions of reference are based on the integrated, modern perspective, respectively, of a single discipline, classic. Each of these has distinct benefits. The best framework is probably represented by a fusion of the two. Integrating thematic projects in science teaching at an early stage offers opportunities to develop and capitalize on multiple perspectives from different people's interpretations and diverse disciplinary approaches to a given problem or situation. An integrated approach to learning enables teachers to implement the school's core values in a natural and applied way, thereby elevating the learning experience to foster social-emotional strengths and character development. The research focused mainly on establishing the benefits of the future teacher who will be active in young education. Considering this context, research was conducted among second and third-year students from the primary and preschool education pedagogy area. The main findings that must be underlined relate to the future educator's capacity to implement the new concepts. Even if they were not beneficiaries of the current methods, they can use these successfully and see their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connections are the most vulnerable parts of a structure under fire conditions. A novel steel connection with high axial and rotational ductility has been proposed with the objective to improve the performance of steel-framed buildings in fire. Analytical model has been developed to determine the axial displacement of the top and bottom flanges of the beam end at high temperatures. A series of sub-frame models with this ductile connection have been built using Abaqus to study the influence of the characteristics of the connection part between the fin-plate part and face-plate part on the overall connection behaviour. The current critical failure mode of the ductile connection is bolt pull-out from the face-plate zone, and the tensile deformation capacity of the connection is not fully utilized. Therefore, measures to improve the bolt pull-out failure mode of the connection have been tested using the Abaqus sub-frame models, including adding a strengthening plate to the face-plate part of the connection and increasing the connection plate thickness. The simulation results show that the bearing failure of the beam web will become another critical failure mode of the connection, once the bolt pull-out failure is eliminated. To further optimize the high-temperature performance of the connection, the Abaqus steel frame models have also been used to test some measures to delay the occurrence of the beam web bearing failure, including adding strengthening plates to the part of the beam web in contact with the connection, and improving the material properties of the part of the beam web around the bolt holes at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contemporary Accounting Research is the property of Canadian Academic Accounting Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, the finite element method (FEM) was used to determine the effect of the optimal angle of the thread and double thread application among self-tapping screw (STS) design information on the improvement of the withdrawal capacity of the connection. It was modeled by reflecting the design information of an Italian STS distributed in the domestic wooden building market, and the stress distribution of the connections was compared according to the change in the thread angle. A cross laminated timber (CLT) composed of five layers was modeled as a member. The STS modeling was centered on the threaded area, and two threaded angles were applied: 90° and 95°. Additionally, the stress changes were compared when double threads located in the middle of the thread pitch in the screw pitch were applied to improve the withdrawal capacity of the connection. The domestic STSs were manufactured using four materials and two shapes. The finite element analysis and strength performance tests of the STS types indicated that the material properties, angle of the screw thread, and shape of the screw thread affect the Korean CLT withdrawal capacity.

During the period of higher education reform, there is an increasing need to identify new approaches and develop the discussed models of interaction between the university and students, employers and authorities, which makes it relevant to study the prospects of university structures from the perspective of the ecosystem approach. The purpose of this study is to determine the main characteristics of the ecosystem as a socio-economic phenomenon, the projection of which onto the higher education system gives an idea of the strategically significant directions of its development. Among the research methods, content analysis of scientific publications, methods of paired comparisons and aggregation of keywords for constructing verbal models, as well as methods of logical analysis and synthesis of information within the subject area of research were used. The work identifies the main parameters of educational ecosystems in terms of prospects for the development of higher education in modern Russian conditions. As a result, an integral definition of such a concept as “ecosystem” is given, and in relation to the higher education system, the possibility of building a network structure of a university system using innovative platforms aimed at realizing synergistic effects for all participants in the educational ecosystem being formed is shown.

The application of Topology Optimisation (TO) to help in the manufacture of metallic components in highly technological industries has increased recently. To equally benefit from TO, the construction industry must address its specific issues, such as adherence to code requirements and challenges in using cutting-edge software packages in complex joints with non-linear behaviour. To assist in such a challenge, the current study offers a methodology proposal to synthesise code and structural behaviour requirements into geometrical constraints for the optimisation problem of laminar steel parts under compression while integrating Non-linear Finite Element Analyses (NLFEA) that ensure the safety of the solution. It has been found that, for a real case-study, the initial volume of a connection's cover-plate can be decreased by up to 40% while maintaining the connection's original capacity and that a 30% volume decrease may be achieved while keeping the original plate capacity. In both cases, the plate's ultimate deformation capacity was enhanced. Evidence has been found that Linear Elastic TO may not provide safe-sided solutions for parts with an intrinsic non-linear behaviour. With the attained volume reductions, less raw materials may be consumed, assembly and transportation will be facilitated, and the goals of the sector's decarbonisation, energy intensity and sustainability will be favoured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter delineates detailed methods and tools for the visual inspection of soldered joints. It enumerates the primary types of defects and the capabilities of automatic visual and electrical inspection for their detection and highlights the use of automatic equipment for thermographic, acoustic, and X-ray inspection of soldered and microsoldered joints. The methodology for monitoring transient electrical resistance in contact connections is also examined. For automatic electrical inspection of connections, systems equipped with flying probes are used. These systems supply power and receive signals from the inspected connection on the board or component, automatically verifying functionality. The criteria for assessing the strength of soldered joints include the magnitude of the pull-off force, the durability of the joints under alternating loads, and vibration resistance. Destructive testing is employed to ascertain the mechanical and physico-mechanical properties of soldered joints. In metallographic inspection, the diffusion zone between the solder and the base metal is identified, and the quality of the soldered joint is assessed based on its width. Typical defects of soldered joints and their causes are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architecture and music have a potential to trigger similar psychological effects in people due to commonalities in artistic and structural properties. Current studies exploring the relationship between architecture and music have often focused on analyzing how music can inspire architectural design, but there have been a lack of studies exploring artistic and structural commonalities between architecture and music in such a context. Therefore, this study adopts semiotics and analogy as an interdisciplinary approach aiming to comprehensively investigate connections and commonalities between architecture and music, particularly in terms of design forms and organization patterns. Using the architecture of the Forbidden City, and the musical piece Palace Memories, as selected cases for this study, this research demonstrates how both of the cases' artistic forms can be translated into structural similarities in terms of both architecture and music. The results of this study reveal significant commonalities in forms and patterns across the fields of architecture and music for the selected cases. This study provides new perspectives for better understanding potential connections between the two fields, and how each may shed new light and provide surprising insights on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The posterior intralaminar thalamic nucleus (PIL) and peripeduncular nucleus (PP) are two adjoining structures located medioventral to the medial geniculate nucleus. The PIL-PP region plays important roles in auditory fear conditioning and in social, maternal and sexual behaviors. Previous studies often lumped the PIL and PP into single entity, and therefore it is not known if they have common and/or different brain-wide connections. In this study, we investigate brain-wide efferent and afferent projections of the PIL and PP using reliable anterograde and retrograde tracing methods. Both PIL and PP project strongly to lateral, medial and anterior basomedial amygdaloid nuclei, posteroventral striatum (putamen and external globus pallidus), amygdalostriatal transition area, zona incerta, superior and inferior colliculi, and the ectorhinal cortex. However, the PP rather than the PIL send stronger projections to the hypothalamic regions such as preoptic area/nucleus, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, and ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus. As for the afferent projections, both PIL and PP receive multimodal information from auditory (inferior colliculus, superior olivary nucleus, nucleus of lateral lemniscus, and association auditory cortex), visual (superior colliculus and ectorhinal cortex), somatosensory (gracile and cuneate nuclei), motor (external globus pallidus), and limbic (central amygdaloid nucleus, hypothalamus, and insular cortex) structures. However, the PP rather than PIL receives strong projections from the visual related structures parabigeminal nucleus and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. Additional results from Credependent viral tracing in mice have also confirmed the main results in rats. Together, the findings in this study would provide new insights into the neural circuits and functional correlation of the PIL and PP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student-staff dialogue is often emphasised as a means of improving students' engagement with assessment and feedback processes. However, focusing on dialogue alone overlooks the complexity of students' experiences and the sociomaterial contexts in which they occur. To surface the roles of the social and the material in students' experiences, we engaged pedagogies of mattering theory, and employed a rich picture (RP) approach in which students visually depicted their experiences of assessment and feedback. We anticipated that making use of a range of icons, symbols, and visual metaphors might enable participants to think about what matters in their everyday experiences, moving beyond solely human–human interactions, to highlight the significance of the objects, spaces and material elements that are involved. RPs were analysed using a form of content analysis and the following recurrent motifs were identified: Visual metaphors depicting uncertainty; emotive faces showing impacts on wellbeing; seasons, clocks and calendars depicting the pervasiveness of processes; and figures and objects depicting human and non-human elements. Based on the findings, we argue for a shift to greater embedding of meaningful relational approaches in assessment and feedback processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a Riemannian manifold (M, g) with Anosov geodesic flow, the problem of recovering a connection from the knowledge of traces of its holonomies along primitive closed geodesics is known as the holonomy inverse problem. In this paper, we prove Hölder type stability estimates for this inverse problem: locally, near generic connections; globally, for line bundles, and for vector bundles satisfying a certain low-rank assumption over negatively curved base (M, g). The proofs are based on a combination of microlocal analysis along with a new non-Abelian approximate Livšic Theorem in hyperbolic dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the increasing demands for innovations in precast systems with high seismic resistance, in this study, we introduced a novel seismic upgrading technique for roof beam-column (RBC) connections, termed the targeted seismic upgrading (TSU) method, incorporating the innovative seismic safety key (SSK) devices we developed. These devices significantly enhance seismic resilience, offering a substantial improvement over traditional pin-based RBC connections in precast structures, which are known to have limited effectiveness. Our experimental tests on half-scale models of conventional RBC connections, coupled with comprehensive refined finite element method-based nonlinear analytical studies, conclusively demonstrated the enhanced seismic retrofitting capabilities of RBC connections augmented with SSK devices. The paper delineates a technical procedure for applying the SSK, our proprietary innovation, for the targeted seismic upgrading of RBC connections within modern precast systems. Notably, the SSK-upgraded RBC connections exhibited a marked increase in safety, as evidenced by results from experimentally validated nonlinear three-dimensional micro-analytical models. The incorporated flexible design elements in the TSU method ensure its high effectiveness and general applicability for seismic upgrading of both existing and new precast industrial hall structures, offering a significant advancement in this specific seismic engineering topic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let = [ X 1 ⇉ X 0 ] be a Lie groupoid equipped with a connection, given by a smooth distribution ℋ ⊂ T X 1 transversal to the fibers of the source map. Under the assumption that the distribution ℋ is integrable, we define a version of de Rham cohomology for the pair (, ℋ) , and we study connections on principal G -bundles over (, ℋ) in terms of the associated Atiyah sequence of vector bundles. We also discuss associated constructions for differentiable stacks. Finally, we develop the corresponding Chern–Weil theory and describe characteristic classes of principal G -bundles over a pair (, ℋ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Opuntia Brava is the property of Universidad de Ciencias Pedagogicas de Las Tunas, Centro de Documentacion e Informacion Pedagogica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While bamboo's sustainability and impressive mechanical properties make it suitable for structural use, its application is hindered by challenges in connection systems. Bamboo's hollow, thin-walled nature, dimensional variations, and anisotropic properties complicate connection design. Despite numerous studies and proposed connection types, a consensus on preferred bamboo connections remains elusive. Ideal connections for raw bamboo structures should be robust, economical, practical, simple, and easy to assemble. This paper reviews 62 scientific papers from the Scopus database published between 2003 and 2024, along with additional relevant references. It identifies research gaps, recommending further studies on bamboo connections considering factors like species, harvest age, treatment type, and node location. The analysis of failure modes and long-term behavior is essential to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with bamboo connections, ensuring durability, and minimizing maintenance needs. Lastly, developing universally accepted standards and codes for bamboo and bamboo connections is crucial for enabling their widespread adoption in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the influence of connection detailing on the cyclic behavior of steel-concrete shear walls. To this end, experimental and numerical studies are conducted on two steel-concrete walls with identical flexural-compression diagrams but different construction methods and connection detailing. The first wall is characterized by transverse reinforcement anchored in the concrete columns along with connectors welded to the steel elements. In contrast, the second specimen incorporates transverse reinforcement directly welded to the columns and uses double the number of connectors used in the first specimen. The experimental set-up, material characteristics and construction details are described first. This is followed by a detailed account of the experimental results and observations. The experimental results are complemented with advanced Finite Element (FE) simulations to gain insight and understanding on the behavior of steel-concrete shear walls. The data presented in this paper provides valuable information for the development of mixed steel-concrete walls. A number of design improvements and practical implications are drawn from the results. It is demonstrated that the use of straight connectors between edge columns and the reinforced concrete core significantly reduces joint cracking compared to curved connectors.

In spite of their outstanding properties, FRP reinforcing bars still face a series of drawbacks that should be addressed to widen their applications. For example, straight FRP bars must be used because those bars suffer significant strength degradation when curved. This implies that FRP bars resist the slip nearly solely through their bond strength with concrete. In addition, helically ribbed FRP bars exhibit bond strength twice higher than sand coated bars but develop weaker bond characteristics with concrete than the steel rebar. Anchorages are thus needed to improve the bond strength but may be difficult to realize in narrow spaces like joints. Therefore, this study examines the combined use of helically ribbed FRP bars with connections like lap-splice, epoxy-filled tube, coupler or expanded ribs as mechanical anchorages. A total of 36 pullout specimens considering the types of connection as parameter are tested to investigate the eventual effectiveness of the connections in enhancing the bond behavior. The use of two expanded ribs appears to be the best option. The predictions of the bond stress-slip models of current design codes are compared to the experimental data to examine whether these models can simulate accurately the connections.

This study aims to develop a methodology for designing entrepreneurial networks based on assessing the potentials of actors, which are social and economic groups participating in entrepreneurial relations localized in the territories of the Russian Arctic. The objective is to ensure the reasoned participation of actors in network alliances. Methodological approaches and results of assessing the entrepreneurial potential of actors were previously presented, with the author developing approaches that account for the regional features of Arctic processes and allow for broad interpretation. To achieve this, the potential of various actors, or stakeholders operating in Arctic territories, is evaluated. This involves the use of indicators to integrate data in order to detail entrepreneurial properties. Among the indicators are involvement in creating business infrastructure, the scale of activity, innovative endeavors, professionalism of public organizations, and the efficiency of government administration in fostering a favorable investment climate. Other indicators include population engagement in innovation-driven processes (the degree of integration of local and scientific knowledge achieved by establishing formal and informal institutions and programs for interaction between the population and scientific communities; the degree of development of public institutions as subjects of the transfer of innovative solutions between participants in the territorial innovation system, etc.), the degree of monopolization of the territory’s economy, the presence of large venture investors, and the venture policy of corporations indicating the stage of territory development. The article’s objective is to lay theoretical foundations and methodological provisions for designing the architecture of Arctic network alliances. The focus is on ensuring maximum entrepreneurial potential, considering Arctic processes and their rapid recombination amid swift changes in the business environment. As a result, the author proposes a methodological approach to identifying actors in entrepreneurial networks and connections that support relationships between central actors. This identification is based on the target function of maximizing and restructuring entrepreneurial potential in the Arctic, whose calculation is automated through the use of the Python programming language. The article introduces the author’s version of software for generating management information for network brokers. All data for assessment and design can be obtained from official open sources, ensuring the speed of data collection and processing. Research plans involve developing provisions of a methodology focused on the meso-level of the Russian Arctic macroregion for territorial, production, and socio-economic systems with significant potential for forming relations in the innovation economy.

Abstract Bridges are an essential part of every road and transportation system, and all countries must build bridges to improve their infrastructure. Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is an innovative approach that has been noticed in recent years to facilitate and accelerate the process of building, repairing, or replacing bridges. This paper underscores the significance of ABC in bridge construction, focusing on its potential to offer speed, safety, and enhanced longevity for bridge pier. Through a comprehensive exploration of prefabricated elements and systems specific to bridge piers, insights into their applicability, advantages, and limitations are presented. A special section is dedicated to the investigation of pier connections under seismic loads. Furthermore, the review contrasts ABC with traditional construction methodologies, highlighting areas of excellence and potential improvement for ABC.

(1) Background: Considering that the specialty literature supplies only general data about the variability of the cervical branch of the facial nerve, this study aimed to determine this branch’s variation and individual peculiarities depending on the nerve branching pattern and anthropometric type of the head. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 75 hemifaces of adult formalized cadavers. Ahead of anatomical dissection, each head was measured to establish the anthropometric type, according to Franco and colleagues. The branching patterns were then distributed according to the Davis classification. (3) Results: The number of cervical branches (CB) of the facial nerve varied from one to five branches, with the following rate: 1 CB (61.3%), 2 CB (28%), 3 CB (6.7%), 4 CB (2.7%), and 5 CB (1.3%). Seven branching patterns of the facial nerve were revealed: Type I in 18.7%, Type II in 14.7%, Type III in 20%, Type IV in 14.6%, Type V in 5.3%, Type VI in 18.7%, and Type NI in 8% (bizarre types). According to the branching pattern, the mean numbers of the cervical branches were as follows: Type I—1.6 ± 1.02; Type II—1.4 ± 0.50; Type III—1.4 ± 0.50; Type IV—1.4 ± 0.67; Type V—2.0 ± 1.41; Type VI—1.8 ± 1.12; and Type-NI—1.8 ± 0.75; p = 0.599. According to the anthropometric type of the head, the mean number of CB in the mesocephalic type (MCT) was 1.5 ± 0.82, in the dolichocephalic type (DCT), 1.7 ± 0.87, and in the brachycephalic type, (BCT) 1.8 ± 1.04; p = 0.668. (4) Conclusions: The cervical branch of the facial nerve varies depending on the facial nerve branching pattern and the anthropometric type of the head. The highest degree of variation was characteristic of BCT and Type V and the lowest, of MCT and Types II, III, and IV.

ABSTRACTThe study aims to investigate the effect of social media on adolescents’ digital life quality based on the descriptive analytical approach. It includes two questionnaires about using social media and the quality of digital life. Participants (N = 192) are adolescents residing in the UAE who study in middle and high schools and range in age from 13 to 16. They come from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al-Khaimah Emirates. Findings show the significant role of social media in enhancing adolescents’ Digital Quality of Life. Findings also indicate statistically significant differences between respondents’ interests when using media applications in favour of those with scientific interests; they score the highest mean, 4.62. Also, there are statistically significant differences between the respondents when choosing their favourite means of communication; the differences favour Facebook by an arithmetic mean of 4.50, TikTok 4.39, Instagram 4.26, X 3.88, and Telegram 3.79.

The relationship between the digital economy and the situation on the labor market in the regions has been studied. The regions of the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation were grouped using the method of multidimensional cluster analysis based on a set of indicators characterizing the state of the labor market, indicators of the development of the digital economy. A hierarchical dendrogram was constructed for 14 regions of the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation. The data showed that the development of digitalization of processes in organizations had little effect on the level of employment and unemployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the characteristics of relationships in SoTL, informed by the lived experiences of the authors. We situate our discussion in literature relating to relationship-rich education and academic hospitality, and propose three features that characterize SoTL-focused relationships: acts of giving, vulnerability and trust, and service. Taken together, and drawing on existing literature, we present the notion of Relational Hospitality as a key aspect of SoTL-focused relationships. The development of this piece itself was a relational act: The authors weave through insights drawn from multiple conversations, each conversation building on shared reflections, co-creating commonalities and questions, and collaborative editing of each other's writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structural details of a hinge connection for steel girder segments were developed to improve the process of rapid and easy construction. In the connector developed in this study (referred to as the "speedBridge" hereafter), the compression load exerted on the upper flange is resisted by two bearing blocks in contact with each other, and the tensile force on the bottom flange is resisted by the hinge structure installed at the lower part of the steel girder. The structural behavior of the developed connection was investigated experimentally. It was shown that the developed connection details could develop an excellent connection plastic rotation of 5% rad without fracture. The test specimen developed initial stiffness in accordance with elementary beam theory for a supported beam. The maximum load reached 110% of the plastic moment of the beam. Finite element analysis was conducted to comprehend the load transfer path, and the results demonstrated that the hinge connection exhibited sufficient stiffness and strength, exceeding the bending capacity of the beam under tension without any signs of the failure modes considered in the design procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

(1) Background: Considering that the specialty literature supplies only general data about the variability of the cervical branch of the facial nerve, this study aimed to determine this branch's variation and individual peculiarities depending on the nerve branching pattern and anthropometric type of the head. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 75 hemifaces of adult formalized cadavers. Ahead of anatomical dissection, each head was measured to establish the anthropometric type, according to Franco and colleagues. The branching patterns were then distributed according to the Davis classification. (3) Results: The number of cervical branches (CB) of the facial nerve varied from one to five branches, with the following rate: 1 CB (61.3%), 2 CB (28%), 3 CB (6.7%), 4 CB (2.7%), and 5 CB (1.3%). Seven branching patterns of the facial nerve were revealed: Type I in 18.7%, Type II in 14.7%, Type III in 20%, Type IV in 14.6%, Type V in 5.3%, Type VI in 18.7%, and Type NI in 8% (bizarre types). According to the branching pattern, the mean numbers of the cervical branches were as follows: Type I—1.6 ± 1.02; Type II—1.4 ± 0.50; Type III—1.4 ± 0.50; Type IV—1.4 ± 0.67; Type V—2.0 ± 1.41; Type VI—1.8 ± 1.12; and Type-NI—1.8 ± 0.75; p = 0.599. According to the anthropometric type of the head, the mean number of CB in the mesocephalic type (MCT) was 1.5 ± 0.82, in the dolichocephalic type (DCT), 1.7 ± 0.87, and in the brachycephalic type, (BCT) 1.8 ± 1.04; p = 0.668. (4) Conclusions: The cervical branch of the facial nerve varies depending on the facial nerve branching pattern and the anthropometric type of the head. The highest degree of variation was characteristic of BCT and Type V and the lowest, of MCT and Types II, III, and IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Building health services and workforce that are both well supported and fit for purpose is a key consideration for improving health outcomes in rural populations. Achieving this requires an understanding of the roles and practice characteristic of each professional group, including allied health professionals. This study explores what it means to be an allied health professional practicing in rural Aotearoa New Zealand. Design: A qualitative study design was used, involving individual semi‐structured interviews with 13 rural allied health professionals in the Otago and Northland regions. The interviews explored participants journey into rural practice, their experiences working rurally, and their views on rural practice. Findings: Four main themes were derived: Identity; Connectedness; Expectations; and Providing Care. Discussion: Proud of being rural, these allied health professionals are immersed within their community, intertwining their professional and personal identities. The unique nature of this dual identity while empowering for some, can also isolate rural allied health professionals from their professional bodies and urban peers. This leads to a sense of vulnerability and feeling undervalued and invisible. In response, rural allied health professionals choose to form strong connections to their local interprofessional team and their community. The connections they forge, and the breadth of their skills cumulate to enable allied health professionals to provide dynamic and responsive health services for their rural communities. Conclusion: This study provides the first insight into experiences and perspectives of allied health professionals within rural Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite the challenges, a sense of pride is associated with practicing rurally for allied health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose that we are given a contact sub-Riemannian manifold (M, H, g) of dimension 3 such that the Reeb vector field is an infinitesimal isometry (such manifolds will be referred to as special). For a point q ∈ M denote by i ∗ (q) the Lie algebra of germs at q of infinitesimal isometries of (M, H, g). It is proved that for a generic point q ∈ M , dim i ∗ (q) can only assume the values 1, 2, 4. Moreover, dim i ∗ (q) = 4 if and only if the curvature function determined by the canonical sub-Riemannian connection is constant in a neighborhood of q. The latter case is possible if (M, H, g) is locally isometric, in a neighborhood of q, to a left-invariant sub-Riemannian structure on a 3-dimensional Lie group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, recent results regarding generalized continuum mechanics on oriented Riemannian manifolds are reviewed and summarized. The mass, the momentum and the energy conservation laws are given. Thermodynamics arising in such media is also considered as a Lagrangian manifold endowed with a Riemannian structure. Thermodynamic model of moving media takes into account deformation and stress arising in a media in motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridges are an essential part of every road and transportation system, and all countries must build bridges to improve their infrastructure. Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is an innovative approach that has been noticed in recent years to facilitate and accelerate the process of building, repairing, or replacing bridges. This paper underscores the significance of ABC in bridge construction, focusing on its potential to offer speed, safety, and enhanced longevity for bridge pier. Through a comprehensive exploration of prefabricated elements and systems specific to bridge piers, insights into their applicability, advantages, and limitations are presented. A special section is dedicated to the investigation of pier connections under seismic loads. Furthermore, the review contrasts ABC with traditional construction methodologies, highlighting areas of excellence and potential improvement for ABC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]